Friday, October 31, 2008
Tattoos at Work: Keep 'em Covered
Where are you thinking of getting that tattoo? Think twice about getting it in a conspicuous place if you want to stay gainfully employed. Read more.
Interviewing for a Job? Think About This.
Here's an article that provides a helpful list of things to keep in mind while you're interviewing for what could be your next job.
Are you a Communifaker?
What is "communifaking"? Chances are, if you have a cell phone, you've been guilty of it at one time or another. Read more.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Squeezing a Workout into Your Workday
Feel like there's never enough time in a day to exercise? Here's an article with tips on how you can fit a workout into your workday.
No Raise? Ask for Perks Instead.
Not expecting a raise this year, huh? Well, if you've got the ear of someone in the firm who can make things happen, consider suggesting the doling out of perks in lieu of more money. This article from CNN will give you some ideas.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Autumn Brings Train Delays: Why?
You'd expect train delays to happen more often during snowy winters. But why does it seem that train service begins slowing months before that first snowfall -- like in autumn?
There's a reason you may never have thought of. If you're a curious sort of commuter, you'll read this.
There's a reason you may never have thought of. If you're a curious sort of commuter, you'll read this.
Everybody's Cutting Back
Are you bummed out because you've had to start bringing your lunch more often to save a few bucks? Feeling deprived because you've had to slice your Starbucks budget in half?
Maybe it'll make you feel better to know that everybody's doing it. Check out this article in the Wall Street Journal's Market Watch.
Maybe it'll make you feel better to know that everybody's doing it. Check out this article in the Wall Street Journal's Market Watch.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Have Happier Mornings!: Our Fave AM Gadgets
A Just A Sec Exclusive!
The first hour after you wake could set the tone for your entire day. So why not make your mornings as cheerful as possible? Here are our favorite gadgets for starting the day off right and putting smiles on our faces.
You Rule: The "Good Morning, Madam" Alarm Clock
It looks charming enough, but wait 'til you hear it. This alarm clock will make you feel like a million bucks from the very second you wake.
When the alarm rings, first you'll hear a subtle, delightful fade-in of birds chirping, followed by the voice of your personal butler. Each morning he'll wake you with a different message (the clock holds about 150!). We enjoyed hearing that Vogue magazine wanted our advice because of our remarkable style; that Victoria Beckham was at the front door, begging us to make a fifteen-minute appearance at her party, for which she'd give us a sportscar. This is a clock that'll make any gal feel like Beyonce, J-Lo, Madonna or Queen Elizabeth.
It also has a lovely night time feature, too. Just before bed, if you press the tiny rosette button on the front of the clock, your butler will lull you to sleep by reciting a relaxation meditation. And no kidding -- it really does chill you out, big time.
The "Good Morning, Madam" clock is made of wood with a handsome black lacquer finish, and the face is protected behind glass. At night, press a single button and a tiny light helps you see the time. It works reliably, runs on 3 AA batteries, and costs about $89. You can also purchase a "Good Morning, Sir" clock for your favorite prince.
For more information, visit Voco.
Breakfast Gets Cute: The Pop Art Toaster
Why settle for boring toast when you can have toast that smiles at you? Or smirks and says "Bite Me"?
We really got a kick out of the Pop Art Toaster. It makes fun designs on your toast using metal stencil plates that slip easily into the toast openings. The Lusso Chrome version comes with four designs: a smiling sun, hearts, a birthday cake, and "BITE ME".
It works easily enough -- the design plates slide right in and out. On the practical side, the toaster works reliably and has nice features. It allows you to adjust your bread's toasty-ness to one of 7 levels with a simple dial. It even has a "Frozen" button to defrost items straight out of the freezer (yum! think frozen toaster pastries!) and a "Reheat" feature that quickly re-warms your bread. There's also a slide-out crumb tray for easy clean-up. And we love the toaster's plump, curvy retro appearance.
The one wish we have for the Pop Art Toaster is this: if only there was a way to store the design stencils with the toaster. Maybe in the next version, you guys can include a pocket or a slide-out compartment where we can keep the plates close, but out of the way.
Still, we love the Pop Art toaster -- a stellar little kitchen goody we think every toast-lover should have. And at $39.98, it makes an affordable gift, even to yourself. To find out where you can get your own, go to www.poparttoaster.com.
Start Chill, Stay Chill: The Digital Zen Alarm Clock
Does it seem like you're constantly aggravated? Have you been told you need to chill out? That rude buzzing of your alarm clock is jarring -- what a way to launch a tense day! Instead, why not wake to tranquility and a sense of peace? The Digital Zen Alarm Clock by Now & Zen will make you feel serene and grounded right from the start.
This pretty little wooden box opens to a digital clock and houses a slim metal rod. When the alarm goes off, the rod emits a Tibetan bell-style chime that gives a gentle urge to wake. About 4 minutes after the first chime, another is heard. The chimes increase in frequency over the course of ten minutes.
The Digital Zen Alarm Clock was tested by two volunteer secretaries, who both agreed on the soothing quality of the chimes. "It wakes you, but it's so nice," Lisa said. Jeanne agreed, "I felt like I was waking up with the same kind of relaxation I feel when I fall asleep during a massage. I was alert, but it was like being whispered to, not yelled out or shaken to get out of bed."
Besides its alarm function, this clock has some other really nice features. You can program it to chime once on the hour, which the brochure suggests is a "mindfulness chime". If you meditate, you'll especially appreciate the countdown timer mode, which allows you to set the chime to go off after a certain period of time. The same progressive chimes that wake you in the morning will pleasantly nudge you out of a meditation.
The Digital Zen Alarm Clock runs on electricity and comes with a typical power supply to plug into your wall outlet. Its housing is available in three wood tones and sells for $109.95 -- a small price to pay for serenity.
To see the entire range of Now & Zen products, visit their web site.
Yummy in Your Tummy: Amy's Hot Cereal Bowls
When you wake up to a chilly morning, you might be tempted to pass on those healthy cereals in their cold, cold bowls of milk and just grab a cup of hot coffee. But then you'd be cheating yourself of nutrition and the delight of a yummy breakfast. Don't do it! Have one of Amy's new Hot Cereal Bowls instead!
Mmmmm, we love these! We were already fans of Amy's delicious, organic, no-prep frozen meals and soups, but we were really excited to try these. We sampled Amy's Multi-Grain and Rolled Oats Hot Cereal Bowls, and we had a hard time picking a favorite. What struck us most was how perfectly done these cereals turned out. Straight out of the microwave, they exemplified the ideal blend of textures -- hearty and creamy, not watery and bland. No guesswork! They were also more flavorful than instant oatmeal from the packet. We were delightfully surprised by the obvious difference. Amy's tasted less chemical and phony. They were rich, satisfying, seemed like home-made. One of our testers, Monica, said "This tastes like the kind of oatmeal you'd get in a gourmet bed and breakfast." Bingo!
So don't skimp in the morning. Make your tummy warm, happy and healthy. It's quick and easy, and inexpensive -- bowls are only about $2.29 each! What would you spend at that vendor truck, hmmmmm? Amy's Hot Cereal Bowls give you plenty to smile about, especially on their nutrition labels. Read them at www.amys.com!
The first hour after you wake could set the tone for your entire day. So why not make your mornings as cheerful as possible? Here are our favorite gadgets for starting the day off right and putting smiles on our faces.
You Rule: The "Good Morning, Madam" Alarm Clock
It looks charming enough, but wait 'til you hear it. This alarm clock will make you feel like a million bucks from the very second you wake.
When the alarm rings, first you'll hear a subtle, delightful fade-in of birds chirping, followed by the voice of your personal butler. Each morning he'll wake you with a different message (the clock holds about 150!). We enjoyed hearing that Vogue magazine wanted our advice because of our remarkable style; that Victoria Beckham was at the front door, begging us to make a fifteen-minute appearance at her party, for which she'd give us a sportscar. This is a clock that'll make any gal feel like Beyonce, J-Lo, Madonna or Queen Elizabeth.
It also has a lovely night time feature, too. Just before bed, if you press the tiny rosette button on the front of the clock, your butler will lull you to sleep by reciting a relaxation meditation. And no kidding -- it really does chill you out, big time.
The "Good Morning, Madam" clock is made of wood with a handsome black lacquer finish, and the face is protected behind glass. At night, press a single button and a tiny light helps you see the time. It works reliably, runs on 3 AA batteries, and costs about $89. You can also purchase a "Good Morning, Sir" clock for your favorite prince.
For more information, visit Voco.
Breakfast Gets Cute: The Pop Art Toaster
Why settle for boring toast when you can have toast that smiles at you? Or smirks and says "Bite Me"?
We really got a kick out of the Pop Art Toaster. It makes fun designs on your toast using metal stencil plates that slip easily into the toast openings. The Lusso Chrome version comes with four designs: a smiling sun, hearts, a birthday cake, and "BITE ME".
It works easily enough -- the design plates slide right in and out. On the practical side, the toaster works reliably and has nice features. It allows you to adjust your bread's toasty-ness to one of 7 levels with a simple dial. It even has a "Frozen" button to defrost items straight out of the freezer (yum! think frozen toaster pastries!) and a "Reheat" feature that quickly re-warms your bread. There's also a slide-out crumb tray for easy clean-up. And we love the toaster's plump, curvy retro appearance.
The one wish we have for the Pop Art Toaster is this: if only there was a way to store the design stencils with the toaster. Maybe in the next version, you guys can include a pocket or a slide-out compartment where we can keep the plates close, but out of the way.
Still, we love the Pop Art toaster -- a stellar little kitchen goody we think every toast-lover should have. And at $39.98, it makes an affordable gift, even to yourself. To find out where you can get your own, go to www.poparttoaster.com.
Start Chill, Stay Chill: The Digital Zen Alarm Clock
Does it seem like you're constantly aggravated? Have you been told you need to chill out? That rude buzzing of your alarm clock is jarring -- what a way to launch a tense day! Instead, why not wake to tranquility and a sense of peace? The Digital Zen Alarm Clock by Now & Zen will make you feel serene and grounded right from the start.
This pretty little wooden box opens to a digital clock and houses a slim metal rod. When the alarm goes off, the rod emits a Tibetan bell-style chime that gives a gentle urge to wake. About 4 minutes after the first chime, another is heard. The chimes increase in frequency over the course of ten minutes.
The Digital Zen Alarm Clock was tested by two volunteer secretaries, who both agreed on the soothing quality of the chimes. "It wakes you, but it's so nice," Lisa said. Jeanne agreed, "I felt like I was waking up with the same kind of relaxation I feel when I fall asleep during a massage. I was alert, but it was like being whispered to, not yelled out or shaken to get out of bed."
Besides its alarm function, this clock has some other really nice features. You can program it to chime once on the hour, which the brochure suggests is a "mindfulness chime". If you meditate, you'll especially appreciate the countdown timer mode, which allows you to set the chime to go off after a certain period of time. The same progressive chimes that wake you in the morning will pleasantly nudge you out of a meditation.
The Digital Zen Alarm Clock runs on electricity and comes with a typical power supply to plug into your wall outlet. Its housing is available in three wood tones and sells for $109.95 -- a small price to pay for serenity.
To see the entire range of Now & Zen products, visit their web site.
Yummy in Your Tummy: Amy's Hot Cereal Bowls
When you wake up to a chilly morning, you might be tempted to pass on those healthy cereals in their cold, cold bowls of milk and just grab a cup of hot coffee. But then you'd be cheating yourself of nutrition and the delight of a yummy breakfast. Don't do it! Have one of Amy's new Hot Cereal Bowls instead!
Mmmmm, we love these! We were already fans of Amy's delicious, organic, no-prep frozen meals and soups, but we were really excited to try these. We sampled Amy's Multi-Grain and Rolled Oats Hot Cereal Bowls, and we had a hard time picking a favorite. What struck us most was how perfectly done these cereals turned out. Straight out of the microwave, they exemplified the ideal blend of textures -- hearty and creamy, not watery and bland. No guesswork! They were also more flavorful than instant oatmeal from the packet. We were delightfully surprised by the obvious difference. Amy's tasted less chemical and phony. They were rich, satisfying, seemed like home-made. One of our testers, Monica, said "This tastes like the kind of oatmeal you'd get in a gourmet bed and breakfast." Bingo!
So don't skimp in the morning. Make your tummy warm, happy and healthy. It's quick and easy, and inexpensive -- bowls are only about $2.29 each! What would you spend at that vendor truck, hmmmmm? Amy's Hot Cereal Bowls give you plenty to smile about, especially on their nutrition labels. Read them at www.amys.com!
401k Losses: Can You Sue Your Employer?
If you receive stock or stock options as part of your 401k/pension, do you have a legal claim against your employer when the value of the stock plunges?
Find out in the New York Times.
Find out in the New York Times.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Personal Secretaries: You're Worthless
This blogger is of the opinion that modern technology has taken the place of secretaries. Furthermore, in light of the "attitude problem" some of us suffer from, he thinks perhaps bosses should be asked why they still have secretaries.
What do you think? Are you useless to your boss?
What do you think? Are you useless to your boss?
Drive to Work from Jersey? Buy "Emissions Credits"
Feel bad about your car's carbon emissions? Drivers who commute by car between New York and New Jersey can assuage their guilt by buying "emissions credits" from the Port Authority.
Find out more about it in the New York Times.
Find out more about it in the New York Times.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
A Thanksgiving Twist: Shape Up & Give Back
Americans gain the most weight at the end of the year, kicking off with Thanksgiving, and inevitably followed by the mass New Year's Resolution to take it off.
This year, Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp offers a different approach. Get a head start on upping your fitness level with a 3-week workout challenge: The Turkey Day Countdown, November 1-22. Through a partnership with the Food Bank For New York City, you'll be helping those in need, too. Upon completion of the Turkey Day Countdown, each participant resolves to raise a minimum of $50 through sponsorships to help fund meals on Thanksgiving.
Learn more here.
This year, Brooklyn Bridge Boot Camp offers a different approach. Get a head start on upping your fitness level with a 3-week workout challenge: The Turkey Day Countdown, November 1-22. Through a partnership with the Food Bank For New York City, you'll be helping those in need, too. Upon completion of the Turkey Day Countdown, each participant resolves to raise a minimum of $50 through sponsorships to help fund meals on Thanksgiving.
Learn more here.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Will Microblogging at Work Make You More Productive?
In this New York Times article, a writer looks at microblogging services like Yammer and Twitter, and explores whether or not they might be useful at work.
When You See Your Soulmate on the Subway
Ever lock eyes with the perfect stranger on the train, only to have them disappear before you could ever muster a "hello"? Internet ad focusing on these kinds of "missed connections" are becoming wildly popular. Find out more about them on CNN.com.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Crappiest Brooklyn Subway Stations: Will They Get Help?
It's hard to believe that the Jay St./Borough Hall and 4th Ave./9th St. subway stops in Brooklyn were once among the nicer destinations in the subway system. Now, they're two of its skankiest.
Does the MTA plan on doing anything about it? Read more.
Does the MTA plan on doing anything about it? Read more.
How 'bout 5 Lanes on the Tappan Zee?
For years, commuters have talked about a simple solution to easing morning rush hour traffic on the Tappan Zee -- and finally, the New York State Thruway Authority is giving it some serious thought. Rather than having four Westchester-bound lanes open at rush hour, why not scoot the barrier over just a tad, and create five?
Westchester commuters, read all about it here.
Westchester commuters, read all about it here.
Monday, October 20, 2008
One Less Worry: Your Bra.
A Just A Sec Exclusive!
Here at JAS, we discovered a bra we really like: Warner's "Elements of BlissWire" underwire bra. One of our real-secretary reviewers, Lori from downtown, had this to say:
"This (Elements of Blisswire bra from Warner's) is very comfortable. It doesn't pinch or poke anywhere. The cups are especially comfortable. First of all, they're very soft. Secondly, they're lightly padded so they give your bust a nice, smooth shape."
Does Lori usually wear padded bras?
"No," she said. "I usually wear sports bras. But this bra took years off my physique because of the way it lifts. It gives good support and it molds your boobs, makes them perky and youthful. But the cups are soft. It isn't completely obvious that you're wearing molded cups every minute of the day. These are just so soft and light, I don't feel like I'm wearing one of those old-fashioned boulder-holders."
Warner's describes the Elements of BlissWire bra as having "light contour cups" offering "great shaping without show-through, an a soft lining adds up to complete comfort."
The "great shaping without show-through" jibes with something else Lori told us: "Because it's lightly padded, it gives you headlight protection for when it's cold. For people who don't like having headlights, this is a great bra."
Lori said the straps were thin but still supportive and not flimsy. "They're sturdy and springy," she described. She also added she wasn't aware of the underwire -- which makes sense, since Warner's says "the underwire casing features three layers of fabric for increased softness."
Lori says she'll continue to wear sports bras frequently because she goes to the gym five days a week, but she said of the Elements of Blisswire bra, "This has become my 'nice bra', the bra I wear when I'm dressing up and want to look especially nice, because I love the way it makes me look."
But YOU could enjoy the flattery and comfort of the Elements of BlissWire bra every day of the week, because at a suggested retail price of $32.00, it's an affordable luxury.
To view the Warner's collection of bras and find a store near you, visit www.warners.com.
Here at JAS, we discovered a bra we really like: Warner's "Elements of BlissWire" underwire bra. One of our real-secretary reviewers, Lori from downtown, had this to say:
"This (Elements of Blisswire bra from Warner's) is very comfortable. It doesn't pinch or poke anywhere. The cups are especially comfortable. First of all, they're very soft. Secondly, they're lightly padded so they give your bust a nice, smooth shape."
Does Lori usually wear padded bras?
"No," she said. "I usually wear sports bras. But this bra took years off my physique because of the way it lifts. It gives good support and it molds your boobs, makes them perky and youthful. But the cups are soft. It isn't completely obvious that you're wearing molded cups every minute of the day. These are just so soft and light, I don't feel like I'm wearing one of those old-fashioned boulder-holders."
Warner's describes the Elements of BlissWire bra as having "light contour cups" offering "great shaping without show-through, an a soft lining adds up to complete comfort."
The "great shaping without show-through" jibes with something else Lori told us: "Because it's lightly padded, it gives you headlight protection for when it's cold. For people who don't like having headlights, this is a great bra."
Lori said the straps were thin but still supportive and not flimsy. "They're sturdy and springy," she described. She also added she wasn't aware of the underwire -- which makes sense, since Warner's says "the underwire casing features three layers of fabric for increased softness."
Lori says she'll continue to wear sports bras frequently because she goes to the gym five days a week, but she said of the Elements of Blisswire bra, "This has become my 'nice bra', the bra I wear when I'm dressing up and want to look especially nice, because I love the way it makes me look."
But YOU could enjoy the flattery and comfort of the Elements of BlissWire bra every day of the week, because at a suggested retail price of $32.00, it's an affordable luxury.
To view the Warner's collection of bras and find a store near you, visit www.warners.com.
Growing Movement: Bringing Babies to Work
Employers instituting programs which allow parents to bring their infants to work is a movement growing in popularity. Read more here.
"9 to 5" The Musical Coming to Broadway 4/09
What secretary doesn't love the '80s big-screen comedy "9 to 5" starring Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton and Jane Fonda? Now a musical version of "9 to 5" is coming to Broadway. Learn more here.
Friday, October 17, 2008
WIN!! A Just A Sec "Package o' Perks"!
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 October 19, 2008. A random winner will be chosen and notified by e-mail shortly after the deadline.
Good luck!
Making Work a Healthier Place to Be: Solid Tips
Our environment has a direct link to our lives. And think about it: we spend 40 (maybe more) hours at our jobs every week. It makes sense that your workplace should contribute to your health and longevity.
Is that even possible?, you snort. Well, Dr. Mao here has some suggestions you may not have thought of before.
Is that even possible?, you snort. Well, Dr. Mao here has some suggestions you may not have thought of before.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
It's "Open Enrollment" Time -- Get the Most from Your Benefits
Fall means crunchy leaves, chilly temperatures and aisles of Halloween candy in Duane Reade. But it also means "open enrollment" time in millions of American workplaces -- that annual period when employees can make changes to their employee benefit selections for the coming year.
MetLife is offering some solid tips and advice to help people make the most of their employee benefit choices this year. Find out more here.
MetLife is offering some solid tips and advice to help people make the most of their employee benefit choices this year. Find out more here.
New Hudson River Rail Tunnel: It's Coming
NJ Transit awarded a contract Wednesday for the final design of a new Hudson River rail tunnel, keeping the $7.6 billion project on track for a groundbreaking next year.
The project, known as Access to the Region's Core or ARC, will give commuters from Orange and Rockland counties in New York a one-seat ride to Midtown when it opens in 2017.
Read more.
The project, known as Access to the Region's Core or ARC, will give commuters from Orange and Rockland counties in New York a one-seat ride to Midtown when it opens in 2017.
Read more.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Are you Cheating on Him with...your Computer?
According to a new survey, the average woman spends nearly triple the amount of time daily with her computer than she spends with her significant other.
And the significant others are noticing, too. Read more.
And the significant others are noticing, too. Read more.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Commuter Sneakers for Fall -- For a Comfier Rush Hour
A Just A Sec Exclusive!
If you work in an office with an old-fashioned dress code and they still make you wear your big girl shoes, chances are you’ve got that separate pair of “commuting shoes” for hot-footing around Manhattan and up and down subway staircases. With fall finally here, it’s time to get out of those flip-flops and into something more substantial.
Once again, we charged some real New York secretaries with the task of testing comfort footwear on their daily commutes. Here’s what they had to say about four vastly different styles of sneakers:
For “Problem Feet”: A Classic White Sneaker
Marianne is a legal secretary who calls herself “Big Foot”. “My feet are like boats,” she laughs. “I wear a size 11 and my feet are wide, too. I have a lot of problems with them. Shoes just don’t fit me right most of the time, so my feet usually hurt by the time I get to work or get home.” In fact, Marianne didn’t think she’d be a good candidate to do a shoe review for us, because she says, “No shoes feel good to me. Besides, I have to wear big chunky insoles and that just makes shoes even tighter.”
But Marianne agreed to wear P.W. Minor’s Performance Walker for Women, a classic white lace-up sneaker made with a leather-like EVA outsole. P.W. Minor is known for having extensive sizes and widths. They design their shoes with deep toe boxes and extra depth.
So what did Marianne think? “Oh my, these shoes are wonderful. It’s like wearing two pillows,” she said. “There’s plenty of room inside for my foot, and they’re lined with this soft, cushy material that feels just wonderful against my feet. I tell ya, it’s actually more comfortable having these shoes on than it is going barefoot.”
How did they hold up during the commute? “Huge difference. My feet don’t hurt like they used to. These shoes are very stable. I feel like they hold on to my feet, secure but softly.” Not surprising, because these sneakers are designed with special features to maximize arch support, promote midfoot stability and soften impact.
And it sounds like Marianne will be enjoying them for a long time to come. “These aren’t flimsy shoes, by any means,” she added. “I feel like these will last me a lifetime. You can see that they’re very well-made.”
But how easy was it to keep those white-white-white shoes clean? “I had a couple of scuffs on them and to be honest I just took whatever soap was in the dispenser at work with a wet paper towel and they just rubbed right off. I’m actually kind of surprised they still look so new, because I’ve been wearing them all over the place for three weeks.”
P.W. Minor’s Performance Walker for Women retails for approximately $82, but shop around for the best deal. Find your nearest dealer at www.pwminor.com.
Good Enough to Eat.
Heather takes two trains to work, and then walks eleven blocks. “I’m not one of the lucky ones who walks right out of the station and into work,” she told us. She wore the Core Strength XT cross-trainer by Ryka to and from work for a week and gave us her opinion.
“If my feet were a mouth, these shoes would be the ice cream,” she expressed (rather uniquely, we thought). “Unbelievably comfortable. The thing I noticed right away was they’re so lightweight. My old sneakers feel like they weigh ten pounds each by comparison now. The Rykas were light, but I didn’t lose anything comfort-wise.” We can probably attribute Heather’s comfort to the dual-piece Nitracel Cushioning Cartridge at the forefoot and heel, with balanced flex grooves. The lightweight quality is helped by the “air mesh” material that makes up most of the upper.
“This material is great,” Heather said of the air mesh. “It has some stretch to it, and it obviously weighs nothing. So it fits my foot like a glove, but without being so obviously there, you know what I mean? These shoes support your foot without punishing you and letting you know every five seconds, ‘Hi, we’re your sneakers, and we’re here!’”
As to their appearance, Heather said the Rykas were “way cute. Really, really cute. I love the shiny purple-y part on the side.”
The Core Strength XT sneaker by Ryka goes for $70. Visit www.ryka.com.
No Fuss: A Sporty Slip-On
Kim tried two pairs of shoes by Comfortview Active. Comfortview Active footwear is generally marketed to plus size women via mail order catalogs and the internet.
The first pair Kim tried was a sporty slip-on sneaker called “Maxie”. “These cute little shoes gave me no problems at all. I know that’s not much of a review, but believe me, that’s saying a lot. I buy so many shoes and after I wear them once or twice, there’s always something wrong with them. The fit is wrong, they hurt in one place or another. Sometimes they slip off my foot, whatever. So then it ends up being too late to return them and I’m stuck with yet another pair of bum shoes I won’t wear again.”
But not so for Comfortview’s “Maxie”. “I wore these and the first day, no problems. Just comfy. Easy to walk in. I’ve been wearing them for two weeks straight – still no problems.” “I also like that they’re easy to get on and off,” she added. “When I get to work and want to change shoes, I don’t have to do any unlacing or unbuckling, none of that. I just slip my feet out of them, and slip my feet into my heels under the desk. Very easy.”
The Maxie slip-on sport shoe is made of leather and mesh with elastic straps sewn across the top of the shoe. They have a cushioned insole and rubber soles.
“I don’t know if this insole is made of special fabric or something, but I noticed these shoes don’t smell yet. It’s kind of gross, but the insoles of my shoes usually smell a little by now. These don’t.”
'Nuff said. Buy Comfortview Active’s “Maxie” at www.onestopplus.com for $39.99.
When Cute Matters.
Here’s the other pair Kim tried by Comfortview Active: The “Delta” Mary Jane. This style has a lightweight rubber-type sole, an adjustable strap with Velcro-type adhesive, and a fun quilted suede look. To us, the Delta just says “autumn”.
Unfortunately, Kim didn’t like the fit. “The part of the shoe that scoops down in front is cutting right into my foot,” she complained. “It’s like they made it too low. There needs to be more room for my foot.” She was surprised by this. “Well, they sell these shoes to plus size women, right? Well, fat women usually have fat feet. You’d have to have really slim, bony little feet for these shoes not to hurt. Look, I’m bulging right out of this shoe!” She showed us, and it’s true – her foot was actually thicker than the space inside the shoe. If she’d continued to wear them, she probably would’ve have a crescent-shaped rub or crease in the top of her foot.
“I really can’t speak for how they wear otherwise, because they just fit so poorly across the top of my foot, I couldn’t wear them on the street. I mean, they really hurt.” We can tell you that the Delta has a similar sole and insole to the “Maxie” shoe reviewed above, which Kim liked.
If you have a slender foot and tend to have good experiences with Mary Jane-type shoes cut open low in the front like this, you may love the Delta. It’s sweetly seasonal but, at least in Kim’s case, not the best bet for commuting comfort.
You can find Comfortview Active’s “Delta” at www.onestopplus.com for $39.99.
If you work in an office with an old-fashioned dress code and they still make you wear your big girl shoes, chances are you’ve got that separate pair of “commuting shoes” for hot-footing around Manhattan and up and down subway staircases. With fall finally here, it’s time to get out of those flip-flops and into something more substantial.
Once again, we charged some real New York secretaries with the task of testing comfort footwear on their daily commutes. Here’s what they had to say about four vastly different styles of sneakers:
For “Problem Feet”: A Classic White Sneaker
Marianne is a legal secretary who calls herself “Big Foot”. “My feet are like boats,” she laughs. “I wear a size 11 and my feet are wide, too. I have a lot of problems with them. Shoes just don’t fit me right most of the time, so my feet usually hurt by the time I get to work or get home.” In fact, Marianne didn’t think she’d be a good candidate to do a shoe review for us, because she says, “No shoes feel good to me. Besides, I have to wear big chunky insoles and that just makes shoes even tighter.”
But Marianne agreed to wear P.W. Minor’s Performance Walker for Women, a classic white lace-up sneaker made with a leather-like EVA outsole. P.W. Minor is known for having extensive sizes and widths. They design their shoes with deep toe boxes and extra depth.
So what did Marianne think? “Oh my, these shoes are wonderful. It’s like wearing two pillows,” she said. “There’s plenty of room inside for my foot, and they’re lined with this soft, cushy material that feels just wonderful against my feet. I tell ya, it’s actually more comfortable having these shoes on than it is going barefoot.”
How did they hold up during the commute? “Huge difference. My feet don’t hurt like they used to. These shoes are very stable. I feel like they hold on to my feet, secure but softly.” Not surprising, because these sneakers are designed with special features to maximize arch support, promote midfoot stability and soften impact.
And it sounds like Marianne will be enjoying them for a long time to come. “These aren’t flimsy shoes, by any means,” she added. “I feel like these will last me a lifetime. You can see that they’re very well-made.”
But how easy was it to keep those white-white-white shoes clean? “I had a couple of scuffs on them and to be honest I just took whatever soap was in the dispenser at work with a wet paper towel and they just rubbed right off. I’m actually kind of surprised they still look so new, because I’ve been wearing them all over the place for three weeks.”
P.W. Minor’s Performance Walker for Women retails for approximately $82, but shop around for the best deal. Find your nearest dealer at www.pwminor.com.
Good Enough to Eat.
Heather takes two trains to work, and then walks eleven blocks. “I’m not one of the lucky ones who walks right out of the station and into work,” she told us. She wore the Core Strength XT cross-trainer by Ryka to and from work for a week and gave us her opinion.
“If my feet were a mouth, these shoes would be the ice cream,” she expressed (rather uniquely, we thought). “Unbelievably comfortable. The thing I noticed right away was they’re so lightweight. My old sneakers feel like they weigh ten pounds each by comparison now. The Rykas were light, but I didn’t lose anything comfort-wise.” We can probably attribute Heather’s comfort to the dual-piece Nitracel Cushioning Cartridge at the forefoot and heel, with balanced flex grooves. The lightweight quality is helped by the “air mesh” material that makes up most of the upper.
“This material is great,” Heather said of the air mesh. “It has some stretch to it, and it obviously weighs nothing. So it fits my foot like a glove, but without being so obviously there, you know what I mean? These shoes support your foot without punishing you and letting you know every five seconds, ‘Hi, we’re your sneakers, and we’re here!’”
As to their appearance, Heather said the Rykas were “way cute. Really, really cute. I love the shiny purple-y part on the side.”
The Core Strength XT sneaker by Ryka goes for $70. Visit www.ryka.com.
No Fuss: A Sporty Slip-On
Kim tried two pairs of shoes by Comfortview Active. Comfortview Active footwear is generally marketed to plus size women via mail order catalogs and the internet.
The first pair Kim tried was a sporty slip-on sneaker called “Maxie”. “These cute little shoes gave me no problems at all. I know that’s not much of a review, but believe me, that’s saying a lot. I buy so many shoes and after I wear them once or twice, there’s always something wrong with them. The fit is wrong, they hurt in one place or another. Sometimes they slip off my foot, whatever. So then it ends up being too late to return them and I’m stuck with yet another pair of bum shoes I won’t wear again.”
But not so for Comfortview’s “Maxie”. “I wore these and the first day, no problems. Just comfy. Easy to walk in. I’ve been wearing them for two weeks straight – still no problems.” “I also like that they’re easy to get on and off,” she added. “When I get to work and want to change shoes, I don’t have to do any unlacing or unbuckling, none of that. I just slip my feet out of them, and slip my feet into my heels under the desk. Very easy.”
The Maxie slip-on sport shoe is made of leather and mesh with elastic straps sewn across the top of the shoe. They have a cushioned insole and rubber soles.
“I don’t know if this insole is made of special fabric or something, but I noticed these shoes don’t smell yet. It’s kind of gross, but the insoles of my shoes usually smell a little by now. These don’t.”
'Nuff said. Buy Comfortview Active’s “Maxie” at www.onestopplus.com for $39.99.
When Cute Matters.
Here’s the other pair Kim tried by Comfortview Active: The “Delta” Mary Jane. This style has a lightweight rubber-type sole, an adjustable strap with Velcro-type adhesive, and a fun quilted suede look. To us, the Delta just says “autumn”.
Unfortunately, Kim didn’t like the fit. “The part of the shoe that scoops down in front is cutting right into my foot,” she complained. “It’s like they made it too low. There needs to be more room for my foot.” She was surprised by this. “Well, they sell these shoes to plus size women, right? Well, fat women usually have fat feet. You’d have to have really slim, bony little feet for these shoes not to hurt. Look, I’m bulging right out of this shoe!” She showed us, and it’s true – her foot was actually thicker than the space inside the shoe. If she’d continued to wear them, she probably would’ve have a crescent-shaped rub or crease in the top of her foot.
“I really can’t speak for how they wear otherwise, because they just fit so poorly across the top of my foot, I couldn’t wear them on the street. I mean, they really hurt.” We can tell you that the Delta has a similar sole and insole to the “Maxie” shoe reviewed above, which Kim liked.
If you have a slender foot and tend to have good experiences with Mary Jane-type shoes cut open low in the front like this, you may love the Delta. It’s sweetly seasonal but, at least in Kim’s case, not the best bet for commuting comfort.
You can find Comfortview Active’s “Delta” at www.onestopplus.com for $39.99.
Legal Secretaries: Compare Yourselves! SALARY & BENEFITS SURVEY!
Are you a legal secretary working in New York City?
Wouldn't you like to know how your position compares to other legal secretaries around town?
Wish you knew what other secretaries were earning? What kind of benefits they were getting?
Knowledge is power. EMPOWER yourself! Go here to fill out our CONFIDENTIAL survey -- and tell your legal secretary friends to do the same. We'll publish the results in the not-too-distant future right here on Just A Sec.
When attorneys are considering which firm to join, they have resources to help them compare compensation and benefits at different firms. Why shouldn't YOU? You're a professional, too!
Help us help you -- fill out the survey TODAY!
YOU can save $1000 by Black Friday
Wouldn't it be nice to have $1000 to spend on holiday shopping, just in time for those Black Friday sales? Here's an article with solid tips on how you can do just that.
4-Day Work Week Gaining Popularity in NYC
The four-day work week continues to gain popularity in the U.S., for a variety of reasons. But now it seems to be catching on in NYC. Find out more in Crain's.
Chit-Chat in the Ladie's Room: Bad Idea
Do you chat with your co-workers from your stall in the restroom? Do you use your cell phone while you're on the pot? There are a number of reasons why casual conversation in the bathroom at work is a bad idea. Find out more here.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
True Tales of Big Boss Spy Cameras
We read an article on CNNMoney about the newest wave of spy cameras used by bosses to record their employees' actions. Although none of the real-life examples in the article took place in offices, it still gave us a creepy feeling to know that a) these camera systems are so cheap, b) that our employers can monitor us from their laptops at any time, even from home, and c) that the day could be coming when we're all being videotaped every hour of the day at work.
Would you be comfortable knowing your every move was being recorded during the workday? Talk to us.
Learn more about how bosses use this technology here.
Would you be comfortable knowing your every move was being recorded during the workday? Talk to us.
Learn more about how bosses use this technology here.
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Don't Let Those New Fall Shoes HURT!
It happens every year. Your feet get used to the freedom of summer footwear -- stretching out and relaxing in breezy open sandals and strappy heels. Ahhhh.
Then summer ends -- and as much as you love those fabulous fall boots and shoes, your feet protest. You try stuffing them into those closed leathery spaces again, but they won't go without a fight. Blisters, callouses -- breaking in is hard to do.
But at JAS, we discovered some products from Dr. Scholl's for Her that we'll never live without again.
Dr. Scholl's For Her Miracle Shield
This little stick should be in your handbag at all times. Basically, it's lube for your feet. All those pesky little places where your shoes tend to rub -- and those places are different on everyone -- can be relieved on-the-spot. Think of it: the back of your ankle against crisp unbroken leather, that one unforgiving bunyon -- RELIEF! Miracle Shield works almost like a glue stick -- just glide it on your foot and it creates an invisible barrier between your skin and shoes, instantly protecting them from rubbing. Hey, we tried this stuff, and it works like a dream. It's very light -- not thick and gloppy -- and makes an immediate difference.
Miracle Shield retails for about $6.99 -- but this kind of relief is priceless.
Dr. Scholl's For Her Rub Relief Strips
You know EXACTLY where the trouble will be -- so you're on the case before the shoes are on your feet. Rub Relief Strips come in a purse-size tape dispenser with built-in cutter. Just pull out the Rub Relief "tape" to the exact length you need, press the yellow button to cut, pull off the white strip to reveal the adhesive, and stick your custom-made Rub Relief Strip inside your shoe. The strip is made of cushiony foam that prevents blisters from rubbing. It's also perforated down the middle, so you can separate it to create skinny strips if you need them. This is especially handy for cushioning the inside of a strap. We were delighted to find that the strips stayed in place -- unlike some products we've used that tended to "roll up" and become useless halfway through the day. We also liked the way the strips felt against our feet -- soft and smooth. The tape-like dispenser is pure genius.
Rub Relief Strips cost about $7.49.
For more information, visit www.drscholls.com.
Then summer ends -- and as much as you love those fabulous fall boots and shoes, your feet protest. You try stuffing them into those closed leathery spaces again, but they won't go without a fight. Blisters, callouses -- breaking in is hard to do.
But at JAS, we discovered some products from Dr. Scholl's for Her that we'll never live without again.
Dr. Scholl's For Her Miracle Shield
This little stick should be in your handbag at all times. Basically, it's lube for your feet. All those pesky little places where your shoes tend to rub -- and those places are different on everyone -- can be relieved on-the-spot. Think of it: the back of your ankle against crisp unbroken leather, that one unforgiving bunyon -- RELIEF! Miracle Shield works almost like a glue stick -- just glide it on your foot and it creates an invisible barrier between your skin and shoes, instantly protecting them from rubbing. Hey, we tried this stuff, and it works like a dream. It's very light -- not thick and gloppy -- and makes an immediate difference.
Miracle Shield retails for about $6.99 -- but this kind of relief is priceless.
Dr. Scholl's For Her Rub Relief Strips
You know EXACTLY where the trouble will be -- so you're on the case before the shoes are on your feet. Rub Relief Strips come in a purse-size tape dispenser with built-in cutter. Just pull out the Rub Relief "tape" to the exact length you need, press the yellow button to cut, pull off the white strip to reveal the adhesive, and stick your custom-made Rub Relief Strip inside your shoe. The strip is made of cushiony foam that prevents blisters from rubbing. It's also perforated down the middle, so you can separate it to create skinny strips if you need them. This is especially handy for cushioning the inside of a strap. We were delighted to find that the strips stayed in place -- unlike some products we've used that tended to "roll up" and become useless halfway through the day. We also liked the way the strips felt against our feet -- soft and smooth. The tape-like dispenser is pure genius.
Rub Relief Strips cost about $7.49.
For more information, visit www.drscholls.com.
In the Subway: Calorie Counts
Your subway commute is about to become a ride inside a calorie counting book.
The New York City Health Department is expanding its healthy-eating campaign with a series of subway ads that provide calorie counts for several items found on typical fast food menus. The campaign encourages adults to limit their calorie intake to 2,000 daily.
Read more at WCBS.
The New York City Health Department is expanding its healthy-eating campaign with a series of subway ads that provide calorie counts for several items found on typical fast food menus. The campaign encourages adults to limit their calorie intake to 2,000 daily.
Read more at WCBS.
Fake-o Terrorist Arrested for Stunt at Lincoln Tunnel
A New Jersey dude was arrested yesterday for making terrorist threats. Last week he caused traffic problems and general heebie-jeebies when he and another man glued plastic bottles to the median divider on NJ Route 495 leading into the Lincoln Tunnel. They've pulled the prank several times. Read more.
Generation Y: The Worst Secretaries in the Office?
A new study suggests that workers under 29 -- known as "Generation Y" -- are the worst performers in the workplace. Only one other age group faired as poorly. Read more at Business Week.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Annie Chun Makes Brown Bag Lunches Exciting
Like most people, you're probably looking for ways to cut expenses. Eating lunch out five days a week is one thing you can reign in -- but really, how excited can you get about brown-bagging? Crusty leftovers from dinner two nights ago; boring lunchmeats slapped between two slices of bread. Not particularly inspiring, especially when you work in a city that's full of delicious food choices from around the globe.
Ah, but brown-bag lunches don't have to be so bleak! If you're a fan of dining out Asian-style, you'll really appreciate Annie Chun's yummy meals that you can pack and eat, and they don't require refrigeration! They're restaurant-quality dishes at brown-bag prices. Best of all, Annie Chun's products are 100% natural, free of all preservatives and MSG.
At JAS, our absolute favorite Annie Chun's meal is the Teriyaki Noodle Express. Annie Chun makes a whole series of Noodle Express meals, including Thai Peanut, Thai Curry and Chinese Chow Mein varieties. We've tried most of them, and we're addicted. These are outrageously good noodles.
Noodle Express meals are like gourmet versions of the ramen noodles you're used to eating from a cup or a crinkly bag. The "gourmet" difference is in the noodles themselves. Annie Chun's noodles are not hard and dried. They're soft, ready-to-eat, vacuum-sealed noodles. There's no guesswork here. You don't have to think about how long to leave the noodles steeping in hot water to get the texture you like. Annie Chun's noodles are already done when you pull them out of the packet. Their texture is PERFECT -- not overly-done or soppy, and not underdone and crunchy. They honestly rival the best of restaurant-prepared Asian noodles. To finish the dish, just add the scrumptious Asian sauce and freeze-dried veggie flakes from the meal kit, heat, and eat!
Soup fans will also enjoy Annie Chun's Soup Bowls, in tasty varieties like Korean Kimchi, Thai Tom Yum, and Miso. Each one is like dining in your favorite funky Asian eatery, but for much less money.
We've also tried Annie Chun's Sushi Wraps, which are essentially "make your own sushi kits", including shelf-stable rice and seaweed wraps. These are a great idea for party hostesses with a creative culinary bent. You can create your own unique sushi rolls for guests -- the wraps and rice are already done for you -- just roll in your favorite ingredients.
However, if you're shopping strictly for easy at-work meals, we recommend that you pass on the Sushi Wraps, because seaweed wraps and rice are all you get. You'd need to spend time shopping for the extra ingredients, preparing and chopping them as necessary, and then rolling & wrapping the sushi to get a really satisfying meal.
You can find Annie Chun's goodies at your supermarket. Noodle Express meals and Soup Bowls go for about $3.49 each; Sushi Wraps run about $3.89. But hey, if you order 12-packs through Annie Chun's website, you can save a lot of dough! For example, you'll save $7.20 by buying a dozen Noodle Express kits. Hey, these are respectable savings! Go Annie Chun!
To shop online, go to www.anniechun.com.
Ah, but brown-bag lunches don't have to be so bleak! If you're a fan of dining out Asian-style, you'll really appreciate Annie Chun's yummy meals that you can pack and eat, and they don't require refrigeration! They're restaurant-quality dishes at brown-bag prices. Best of all, Annie Chun's products are 100% natural, free of all preservatives and MSG.
At JAS, our absolute favorite Annie Chun's meal is the Teriyaki Noodle Express. Annie Chun makes a whole series of Noodle Express meals, including Thai Peanut, Thai Curry and Chinese Chow Mein varieties. We've tried most of them, and we're addicted. These are outrageously good noodles.
Noodle Express meals are like gourmet versions of the ramen noodles you're used to eating from a cup or a crinkly bag. The "gourmet" difference is in the noodles themselves. Annie Chun's noodles are not hard and dried. They're soft, ready-to-eat, vacuum-sealed noodles. There's no guesswork here. You don't have to think about how long to leave the noodles steeping in hot water to get the texture you like. Annie Chun's noodles are already done when you pull them out of the packet. Their texture is PERFECT -- not overly-done or soppy, and not underdone and crunchy. They honestly rival the best of restaurant-prepared Asian noodles. To finish the dish, just add the scrumptious Asian sauce and freeze-dried veggie flakes from the meal kit, heat, and eat!
Soup fans will also enjoy Annie Chun's Soup Bowls, in tasty varieties like Korean Kimchi, Thai Tom Yum, and Miso. Each one is like dining in your favorite funky Asian eatery, but for much less money.
We've also tried Annie Chun's Sushi Wraps, which are essentially "make your own sushi kits", including shelf-stable rice and seaweed wraps. These are a great idea for party hostesses with a creative culinary bent. You can create your own unique sushi rolls for guests -- the wraps and rice are already done for you -- just roll in your favorite ingredients.
However, if you're shopping strictly for easy at-work meals, we recommend that you pass on the Sushi Wraps, because seaweed wraps and rice are all you get. You'd need to spend time shopping for the extra ingredients, preparing and chopping them as necessary, and then rolling & wrapping the sushi to get a really satisfying meal.
You can find Annie Chun's goodies at your supermarket. Noodle Express meals and Soup Bowls go for about $3.49 each; Sushi Wraps run about $3.89. But hey, if you order 12-packs through Annie Chun's website, you can save a lot of dough! For example, you'll save $7.20 by buying a dozen Noodle Express kits. Hey, these are respectable savings! Go Annie Chun!
To shop online, go to www.anniechun.com.
Men in the Office Act Like Cavemen for a Reason
The way they posture themselves. The way they "guard their turf". Even the way they ostracize anybody who doesn't agree with them. These often petty male behaviors, as observed up-close in the wilds of the American workplace, have been hard-wired into guys' heads by their caveman ancestors. Or so says an Australian researcher named Jeffrey Braithwaite.
Now you can call your boss a prehistoric moron and be talkin' straight science. Read more.
Now you can call your boss a prehistoric moron and be talkin' straight science. Read more.
Friday, October 3, 2008
Vesey St. May Be Off-Limits for Years
The city is finalizing plans to close Vesey Street between Church Street and West Broadway — possibly for several years — to accommodate the next phase of WTC construction.
The duration of the closure is being discussed by the Port Authority and the city's Department of Transportation. It could last for up to five years.
Read more.
The duration of the closure is being discussed by the Port Authority and the city's Department of Transportation. It could last for up to five years.
Read more.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Work Faster!: Keyboard Shortcuts in Word
We're big fans of keyboard shortcuts. If you've never used them before, or only used one or two, how 'bout giving a new shortcut a try today? Get to know these shortcuts and we promise, working in those Microsoft Word documents will feel a little less like drudgery.
What is a shortcut? It's a combination of keys on your computer keyboard that you press at the same time to make something happen. Try these:
"Oops, I didn't mean to do that." Want to undo what you just did? Press CTRL + Z.
Make selected text bold with CTRL + B
Make selected text italicized with CTRL + I
Underline selected text with CTRL + U
Want to make the font size smaller? Press CTRL + SHIFT + < and each time you do, your selected text will get smaller and smaller.
Want to make the font size bigger? Press CTRL + SHIFT + > and each time you do, your selected text will get bigger and bigger.
To copy selected text, press CTRL + C
To paste the text you just copied someplace else in a document, put your cursor where you want to insert the text and press CTRL + V
To close the document you're in, press CTRL + W
Here's another idea: print this page, then cut out the key below and tape it to the side of your monitor. Here ya go:
Undo -- CTRL + Z
Bold -- CTRL + B
Italics -- CTRL + I
Underline -- CTRL + U
Font smaller -- CTRL + SHIFT + <
Font bigger -- CTRL + SHIFT + >
Copy -- CTRL + C
Paste -- CTRL + V
Close -- CTRL + W
www.justasecnyc.blogspot.com
What is a shortcut? It's a combination of keys on your computer keyboard that you press at the same time to make something happen. Try these:
"Oops, I didn't mean to do that." Want to undo what you just did? Press CTRL + Z.
Make selected text bold with CTRL + B
Make selected text italicized with CTRL + I
Underline selected text with CTRL + U
Want to make the font size smaller? Press CTRL + SHIFT + < and each time you do, your selected text will get smaller and smaller.
Want to make the font size bigger? Press CTRL + SHIFT + > and each time you do, your selected text will get bigger and bigger.
To copy selected text, press CTRL + C
To paste the text you just copied someplace else in a document, put your cursor where you want to insert the text and press CTRL + V
To close the document you're in, press CTRL + W
Here's another idea: print this page, then cut out the key below and tape it to the side of your monitor. Here ya go:
Undo -- CTRL + Z
Bold -- CTRL + B
Italics -- CTRL + I
Underline -- CTRL + U
Font smaller -- CTRL + SHIFT + <
Font bigger -- CTRL + SHIFT + >
Copy -- CTRL + C
Paste -- CTRL + V
Close -- CTRL + W
www.justasecnyc.blogspot.com
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Post Your Resume, Get Spammed
A Just A Sec Exclusive!
When you post your resume on well-know job sites, you may or may not get a job – but you’ll definitely get spammed.
We noticed after we posted our resumes on job sites, we’d get in-boxes full of spam. And some of the dumbest spam we’ve ever seen, too.
Were the job sites really the source of our spam? And if so, which sites? Who was the worst spammer? We decided to get an answer.
We set up a fake resume for a secretary named “Justine” on Monster, Hot Jobs and Career Builder. We made Justine a secretary with very little experience, and we littered her resume with typos. In other words, she wasn’t likely to attract many legitimate job offers. We also set up three separate e-mail accounts corresponding with the three sites, and monitored them for two weeks.
Here’s what we learned.
Career Builder: The MOST Spam.
We received 6 different items of pure spam within two weeks. The first spam e-mail arrived within 24 hours of posting Justine’s resume.
Our favorite:
- From “Roger Smith”: “I am the Chief Executive Officer of National Income Life. I recently found your resume online and wanted to get in touch with you. We are expanding our sales force…we believe you have the potential to be an excellent match.”
Me? Justine?! You wanted to get in touch with lil’ ol’ ME? And…and you believe in my potential? Shucks, I oughta misspell secrtary and unvistity on every resume I post! Who knew I was such a hot property?
Oh, and there was this one:
“GREETINGS, I AM SSG LAPEINE WITH THE US ARMY…We are currently searching for people to fill over 150 different career field IN THE ARMY. You must be willing to join the United States Army to get one of these career field.”
Considering who our president is, we’re not surprised by the atrocious grammar. But wow, you should see the list of exciting careers you can train for in the army! Just one question: does your health insurance kick in before or after you get your head blown off in Baghdad?
Hot Jobs: The FASTEST Spam.
Hot Jobs comes in a close second for the most spam, with 5 items within two weeks. However, they had the fastest delivery. We got our first spam e-mail within just 12 hours of posting Justine’s resume.
Our favorites:
- Subject line “An Electrician Apprentice job is now open.”
- Subject line “Interested in working as an Architect?”
Justine has no job experience or education that would indicate she’d be even remotely interested in these careers. Sure, it’s possible she harbors some secret desire to be an architect with an electrical background, but chances are these e-mails are just going to be annoyances for most people.
Monster: The Least & Slowest Spam.
Monster delivered 2 items of spam within two weeks. And they took four days to send us the first one. But still – they spammed us.
Our favorite:
From “Sabrina Lloyd”: “…I am a State Director for National Income Life. I saw your resume on the internet and felt that I should contact you immediately. Our company currently has openings for several outstanding individuals like you.”
Individuals like me, Justine? The incompetent secretary with next-to-zero experience and the lowest grade point average one can have and still graduate from community college? I am so hot, I’m sizzlin’!
If we monitored the e-mail accounts longer, we’d probably see the amount of spam multiply, as the spammers sold our e-mail addresses to still more spammers.
The lesson here? If you’re going to post your resume on a job site, set up a free e-mail account somewhere and use it only for responses from that site. It’ll still be a pain to browse through all the junk mail for any legitimate inquiries, but at least you’ll keep the spam out of any existing e-mail accounts you care about.
And maybe you can send a complaint letter to Monster, Hot Jobs or Career Builder and tell them what you think about them passing your e-mail address on to skeevy companies who treat you like a moron.
Maybe these will help:
Mr. Richard Castellini
Vice President of Consumer Marketing
CareerBuilder
200 N. LaSalle St
Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
Main Number: (773) 527-3600
Toll Free: (800) 638-4212
Jerry Yang, CEO
Hot Jobs -- Yahoo! Inc.
701 First Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
Tel: (408) 349-3300
Fax: (408) 349-3301
Mr. Sal Iannuzzi
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Monster Worldwide, Inc.
622 Third Avenue, 39th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Phone: (212) 351-7000
Fax: (646) 658-0541
(Note: We did not count e-mails from the job sites themselves as spam.)
Woman Treadmills at Her Desk
A Missouri woman works all day standing up, and walks on a treadmill behind her desk, too. What's the gadget that helps her do it?
Read her story here.
Read her story here.
Spa Week is Back! Discounted Services Galore!
From October 13th -- 19th, hundreds of spas throughout NYC will be offering premier services for just $50 each. That means massages, facials, body scrubs, and even medi-spa services like chemical peels, laser and vein treatments.
Learn more at www.spaweek.org.
Learn more at www.spaweek.org.
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