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

WIN: A 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.

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!

$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.

Cold, Wet City -- Warm, Dry Feet!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!



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



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?



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!



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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It's a "Secret Santa" Gift Extravaganza!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!



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



"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



"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



"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



"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



"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



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



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



"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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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 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!

Is a Cover Letter with a Resume Necessary?

Believe it or not, sometimes a cover letter with your resume isn't necessary. But some of you should most definitely include one.

Do you need that letter? Find out here.

Leaving Work Early Today? Extra Buses & Trains for You!

New Jersey Transit is offering "early getaway" bus and rail service today for those of you leaving work early for the Thanksgiving holiday.

They will also be running extra trains on Thanksgiving Day to accommodate those attending Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

On Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year, additional trains will operate to New York and enhanced bus service will be offered to shopping centers throughout New Jersey.

For more information, go to www.njtransit.com.

Confronting a Workplace Saboteur

"I work with someone who agrees with action items in meetings, but she consistently sabotages them later. What can I do?"

Sound familiar? Is someone you work with, and maybe depend on, constantly backpedaling? Is she consistently going above or around you?

Get some good advice here.

401K Matching Contribution Eliminated? READ THIS.

If your employer has announced that they're suspending their matching contribution to your 401K, you'd be wise to update your resume and get it circulating. Cuts to 401K matches are a huge red flag. Find out why here.

Pledge Yourself to Workplace Serenity

We can't control what's happening in the office -- layoffs, co-workers acting like jerks, bosses being unreasonable -- but we can control how we react. And that could make a world of difference

Read some words of wisdom from Deepak Chopra here.

At Work, Avoid the "Personal Implosion"

Work can make you feel so overwhelmed, so freaked out, that you feel like a building about to collapse in on itself.

Here's an article that reminds us of some common-sense ways to avoid getting to that miserable place.

Law Firms Laying Off Legal Secretaries

Buchanan Ingersoll, Duane Morris, Ballard Spahr Andrews & Ingersoll, Reed Smith, Blank Rome, Dechert.

Who's laying off secretaries? And is it because of the economy, or are they reporting other reasons?

Read about these firms now at Law.com.

Snap Out of It!: How to Wake Up at Work

You're at work, and you're exhausted. You've still got hours before you can go home and crawl back into bed. You need to wake up and get productive, and fast.

So scream. Pull your hair. Flirt. Annoy someone.

These tactics, and more, will snap you out of your fatigue. Read more!

Secretaries: No Such Thing as a Promotion?

What kind of career track is there for a secretary/administrative assistant? Is there really anywhere you can go from here?

This New York Times article adds to the discussion.

A Broken Parking Meter. What Should You Do?

You really need that parking spot -- but the parking meter is broken. What are you supposed to do?

Learn more.

Prices are Dropping -- Everywhere Except NYC

Plummeting energy costs triggered a big drop in consumer prices in the New York area last month - the biggest four-week decrease in 53 years.

But within New York City, the price of just about everything has gone up since last year.

What's going on?

Read more in the Daily News.

Tips for Cheap, Diplomatic Gift-Giving in the Office

A little goes a long way. We know a secretary who routinely gives a little something to everyone in the office who helps her throughout the year -- the maintenance guys, the crew in the copy center, the IT dudes who fix her computer every time it freezes. And they remember it. When she asks for something, they respond in a flash.

You can do the same, even when money's tight. Here are some tips for spreading cheer without emptying your bank account.

Subway Riders Urged to Speak Up on Cuts

Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer and four civic groups handed out leaflets to morning rush-hour subway riders on Wednesday, urging them to speak up about threatened subway maintenance and service cuts.

Read more in the Epoch Times.

A "Commuter Tax" for Non-New Yorkers?

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has once again raised the specter of trying to impose a so-called commuter tax on the wages of anyone who works in the Big Apple but doesn't reside there.

Here, Connecticut weighs in on that plan.

Avoid Drunken Disasters at Holiday Parties

When people drink at holiday parties, sometimes it can lead to disastrous actions everyone will regret later. (Use your imagination.)

Here's an article that will help you head off trouble before it becomes tragedy.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

We've seen flurries already in our area. This might be a good time to review some winter driving safety tips. Take it from the people who know upstate.

Changes to Family and Medical Leave Act

The U.S. Department of Labor released the final regulations under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), clarifying employer and employee rights under the law. Find out what's new here.

Unwind After Work: Secretaries Get Help Relaxing

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

When you get home in the evening, it's important to leave the work day completely behind you. You'll be back in the office soon enough!

But maybe you're the type of person who gets so keyed up, there's hardly enough time in the evening to get unwound, before you have to wake up and do it all over again.

You need to invest in your personal relaxation! Here at Just A Sec, we asked our team of volunteer reviewers (all real New York secretaries, like you) to recommend three items that helped them chill out after work. (Sure, booze made the top of the list -- but that would've been too obvious.) Maybe you'll treat yourself to one or more of our secretaries' picks featured below. You deserve it!

Cuddle Up With The Slanket



"Oh my god, as soon as I put this thing on, I fall asleep right on the couch," Heather said. "It's the best thing ever!"

Heather is raving about the Slanket -- a big, cozy fleece blanket with sleeves. How many times have you put your feet up on the ottoman and draped a throw over your legs, only to feel left out in the cold (literally) from the waist up? You don't want to completely cover your arms -- you need them free to peel a clementine, surf the web, or hold the remote.

But the Slanket lets you curl up on the couch, get snuggly warm, and still keep your arms free. You slip your arms into the sleeves from the front and pull the Slanket up over your shoulders. It's stays loose but warm around your neck -- nothing tight or binding. The sleeves are big and loose, too. There are no fasteners, no buttons or snaps. The Slanket hangs comfortably loose over the rest of your body, yet it hangs securely enough on the body to let you get up, walk to the kitchen and back without the Slanket falling off.

And it's generously sized, too -- 60" x 95". So if you get annoyed by blankets and afghans that leave your feet out in the chill, you won't be disappointed by the Slanket. It covers you completely.

The Slanket is incredibly soft, made of 100% polyester microfibers. We put it through the washing machine and dryer twice and it held up beautifully, didn't shrink or develop ratty looking pills. It stayed like new.

The Slanket comes in a wide array of pretty colors and costs $44.95. It's nice for gift-giving too, and comes in a tidy plastic zipper pouch which can be used to store your Slanket. Buy yours at www.theslanket.com.


Soothing Neck Wrap by The Happy Company: The Spa in Your Living Room



It seems simple enough, and you may have seen similar products before -- but have you actually tried one? If not, get it right the first time and get a Soothing Neck Wrap from The Happy Company. They make the best wrap of its kind that we've ever tried.

What is it? Imagine a roughly C-shaped pillow covered in the most heavenly soft fabric you can imagine. It's worn around your neck, like a puffy collar. It's not as lightweight as a bed pillow might be; it's a bit firmer and weightier. And this is a good thing -- because when it rests on your neck and shoulders, it provides just enough pressure to soothe away built-up tensions, like a massage therapist applying gentle pressure.

And the Soothing Neck Wrap is deliciously WARM. The neck wrap pops into the microwave for ONE MINUTE. This is just enough time to warm up the flax seed/plush stuffing. This unique combination of internal ingredients holds and releases heat gently and gradually, melting away pain and tightness.

The Happy Company has also placed a removeable scent sachet inside its Soothing Neck Wrap, containing a subtle fragrant mix of chamomile, lavender and clove -- three scents known for their relaxing qualities. The microwave heat helps activate and release these scents. But if you'd prefer a scent-free experience, just zip open the wrap and remove the sachet.

The outer cover is machine washable and comes in three cozy colors. Best of all, this relaxation super-tool costs less than $20! Get your lovin' care at The Happy Company.


Happy's Head Trip: An Orgasm for Your Scalp



The Happy Company makes us happy again with it's handy Head Trip gadget. And ohhhh, what a gadget it is. The package it comes in says, "It's hard to believe something so simple can feel so good", and wow, nothing could be truer.

Although you can use the Head Trip on yourself, it feels better when you get someone else to use it on you -- so call in those favors from your kids or your partner. It's easy for them to use, and it's nearly impossible for them to get it wrong. Even your four-year-old can use the Head Trip on you in a way that will turn you into a puddle of melted butter.

It's the most unusual -- but most incredible -- head massager we've ever tried. It's got a wooden handle and a bunch of bendable copper "fingers" that you pull apart to form a vague helmet shape. Each finger has a small nob on the end. The Head Trip is lowered onto your head, cradling your cranium, its fingers tickling your scalp.

"I swear, this thing releases some kind of chemical in your body," Angela said after trying the Head Trip. "There's something about the way it touches your head that makes you shiver, in a good way, and then you just go limp. What are those brain chemicals they call the 'feel-good' chemicals? I don't remember, but I'm telling you, it releases those. Lots of them. And it makes you fall asleep."

The effect of the Head Trip is not easy to describe, but Angela did a pretty good job. We encourage you to just take a leap and try it. You won't be disappointed. And for well under $20, it costs just a little for so much pleasure. Happy's Head Trip folds up flat and comes with a handy storage pouch, too. Get one at The Happy Company and be amazed!

Flexible Spending Accounts: Age Limit for Day Care

If you're using your flexible spending dollars for child care and your child is older, you should know that these funds can only be used for care of a child age 13 or younger.

So, if your kid will be turning 14 within the next year, you'll want clarification on when he or she officially becomes ineligible -- it'll impact how much of those use-them-or-lose-them dollars you set aside. Get some help here.

MTA Riders: Facing Less Services, for Higher Fares?

Commuters may be paying more cash for fewer rides next year if the MTA can't climb out of its growing budget hole. Read more at the New York Post.

Reduce Stress During Tough Financial Times

MetLife offers up some tips for reducing personal stress during times of economic turbulence. It's a short read, and it's worth it. Check it out.

VIDEO: Crazy Contraption Made from Office Supplies

And you thought you were so clever when you made that paper clip necklace! Watch this.

Results of Big Metro-North Survey Are In.

Metro-North conducted a $2 million study in the origins and destinations of its riders. Learn the results here.

8 Ways to Lose Weight at the Office

Did you know that you're less likely to reach for a snack that's in the left-hand drawer of your desk, than goodies stashed to your right?

Healthy & Fit offers some unique tips for promoting weight loss while you're at work. Read more.

What if Your Health Insurer Won't Pay?

What if health insurance refuses to pay when you're sick or hurt? The smartest tactic might be to get a "medical billing advocate" in your corner. Paid medical billing advocates negotiate with healthcare providers and insurance companies to lower consumers' medical bills.

Learn more at U.S. News and World Report.

Fascinating E-mail Facts

Did you know that it takes an average of 64 seconds to recover your train of thought after interruption by e-mail? That means, people who check their e-mail every five minutes waste 8 1/2 hours a week figuring out what they were doing moments before.

Yep. And there's more where that came from.

Connecticut Commuters: Get Your Flu Shot

On Thursday at train stations along the Metro-North Railroad line from Greenwich to Stratford, commuters will be able to get a flu inoculation on their way home from work.

Get details here.

Rockland Bus Commuters: More Parking for You

Rockland County plans to lease 100 parking spaces at the Nanuet Mall to provide relief to bus commuters facing overcrowding at nearby lots.

When's it happening? Find out here.

Patron Saint of Secretaries: Pray Away that Workday from Hell.

Next time something at work has you frazzled, vexed or anxious, you could try praying to the patron saint of secretaries for relief. And if she's away from her desk (making copies, no doubt), no problem! Because secretaries have TWO patron saints! WAY, it's true!

Who are they? Find out here.

South Amboy-NYC Ferry to Return 2009

Commuter ferry service between South Amboy, New Jersey and Manhattan is likely to return during the summer of 2009. Learn more in the Sentinel.

5 Ways to Get an Energy Boost at Work

Need a pick-me-up? Here are five things you can do at work to give yourself the energy boost you need to keep going 'til 5:30.

Keep the Holiday Spirit at Work -- Even in a Crappy Economy

So you may already be thinking, this isn't going to be the merriest of holiday seasons at my job. In a disaster of an economy, companies are skipping the annual party and holding back bonuses. You might already be doing the math on how you're going to fill your family's stockings.

But be of better cheer, Scrooge! This article from U.S. News & World Report lists five at-work holiday downers, with solid tips on how you can overcome and get your jollies.

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 November 28, 2008. A random winner will be chosen and notified by e-mail shortly after the deadline.

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

Good luck!

What are you doing here? GO VOTE!

Looking for polling locations for NYC? Go here.

Do You Sit Next to a Drama Queen?

"I work closely with a young woman who is a complete drama queen. Every day, without fail, she has to tell me about some new issue in her life. She is constantly on the phone with her children or extended family. This is driving me crazy."

Sound familiar? Find out what advice this harried worker was given in the Sun-Sentinel; it might be useful to you, too.

Remember Your Vitamins, Feel Spunky!

A Just A Sec Exclusive!

The MedCenter System is a life-changer.



We all know how much better we function when we don't skip our supplements -- or for that matter, our Prozac.

Taken regularly, vitamins and other nutritional supplements can make us calmer and more alert, our nails less brittle, our PMS less dramatic -- we can even pee more easily. Ah, but the tricky word here is regularly. With all the things you have to do in the morning, who can remember to take all those pills? And some supplements work best when taken more than once in a day. Yeah, like you're gonna remember twice, or even three times a day.

Ohhhh, but you will.

This review marks a rare occasion at Just A Sec -- the honoring of a product with the Sec-Tacular Seal!



Regular readers of Just A Sec know that few products or services get the Sec-Tacular Seal designation -- only the ones that knock our socks off -- the absolute can't-misses and must-haves.

The MedCenter System is truly Sec-Tacular!

Here's how it works.

You organize your pills into their own daily pill box, which has the date marked on both ends. There are four individual compartments in each box, so you can store up to four separate doses in a single day.

Since the MedCenter System gives you 31 individual pill boxes, you can sort your pills for an entire month in advance. We loved this feature, because ordinary seven-day pill organizers force you to re-sort your pills every week -- what a drag!

Next, there's the talking alarm. Your organizer comes with a digital alarm clock which shows date, time, and day of the week. It can be programmed to remind you to take your pills up to four times a day.

For example, if you never want to forget to take your vitamins before work, you might program the talking alarm for 6:00 AM, when a cheerful voice will say, "Good morning! Please take your morning pills for the 15th," followed by a series of beeps. The alarm is loud enough to hear in another room, and there's an "extra loud" setting which can be heard from an entirely separate floor of the house.

The alarm will repeat itself several times, then become silent for several minutes before trying again. To let the alarm know you've taken your pills (in other words, to shut it up), press the "Alarm Acknowledged" button.

The happy pill lady will never let you forget to take those drugs or vitamins -- which adds up to a healthier lifestyle for you.

If you have a supplement that needs to be taken in the morning and evening, you might program a separate alarm to go off at 8:00 PM. (Remember, you can program up to four alarms per day.)

The talking alarm is portable, so you can take it with you to work to remind you to take an afternoon pill. Just lift the clock off the organizer base and pop it in your bag.

The main organizer base has a platform where you can set the current day's pill box. There's also a slot for each pill box for the month. One end of each pill box is red, the other green; this comes in handy in a number of ways. If you need to know when you're officially done with your pills for the day, you can flip the box over in the organizer so its red end is showing. Boxes showing green-end-up would still contain pills to take.

However, one of our volunteer testers used this color-coding feature differently. When filling the boxes for the month, she didn't always have all the pills she needed. She turned all the full boxes over to show green, indicating they were complete. A box showing red meant there were still some pills missing. This way, she knew visually when the "full days" were coming to an end and she needed to get to the vitamin store.

Two secretaries gave the MedCenter System a test drive. Both of these secretaries -- Laura and Barbara -- reported having trouble remembering to take supplements.

"This thing really kicked me in the butt," Laura said. "I took my vitamins more regularly than I ever did before. There's just no way to forget. Especially in the evening with my fish oil pills. Even at times when I was doing better with the vitamins, I could never remember to take those fish oil pills at night, too. I swear, I took them every single night with this thing. I heard the lady's voice out in the kitchen and I went out there and I took them! I've been so good!"

"I love this thing," Barbara told us. "I take medication too and not always, but once in a while I forget. I couldn't forget anything with (the MedCenter System)."

Barbara added, "I have an elderly mother and I'm going to get one of these for her. It's great for older people who have trouble remembering, especially when they have so many pills to take for this and that."

The MedCenter System can make a concrete, immediate difference in your health and wellbeing, and for that reason, it's well worth the $69.95 price tag. Get yours at MedCenter Systems.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your Employee Rights: Time Off to Vote?

Is your employer required to give you time off to vote?

Find out in this state-by-state directory.

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!

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.