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Who knew that liquified difluoroethane, trifluoroethane, or tetrafluoroethane would create an at-work nightmare.  In laymans terms, I'm talking about canned air.  And the co-worker directly next to me is obsessed with it.10am - Pssss2pm - Psssssss4pm - PsssssssssCome on, lady! You're not a computer technician, photographer, or stereo enthusiast.  And your keyboard can't be dirty, can it?  Are you an addict?Gas dusters are one of the many inhalants that can be abused.  In fact, some office supply stores will ask for your ID to make sure you are 18 years or older.The sad part is, my salary suffers because of the Air Addicts' habit.  Cans sell for about two bucks a pop.  At the rate she's going, that's a big-ticket item!Here are a few canned air fun facts:- The canisters release zero moisture- 99% of brands are "ozone safe"- Canned air is banned from airplanes- You can get frostbite from spraying it on yourself- It can help remove car dents- … [Read more...] about Workplace Torture – Attacked by Canned Air

You're already frazzled.  You've checked six times to make sure you ripped the tags off those new pants.  It's your first day at a new job.  Shaking hands and remembering names is as difficult as it will get today.  For some reason, every boss in the universe has to make sure you meet everyone on Day One.The reason I bring this up is because I normally appreciate a boss who thinks "out of the box" and tries something out of the mainstream.  Except when it's the King of Awkward.A newbie joined our department yesterday and here's what she was subjected to.  The Big Bossman pulled a move I'd never experienced.  He asked the whole department (about 10 of us) to come into his office.  Already sitting there was the rookie.  We rolled up on her like we were straight out of Compton.  We formed a semi-circle and trapped her against the wall.The King of Awkward then went around and introduced us (hardly in the most flattering terms) one … [Read more...] about Awkward Alert: New Employee Introductions

You self-important suckers! According to a recent Associated Press-Ipsos poll, one in five people brought a laptop along on their recent vacation. Aside from incessantly checking MySpace for new friend requests, you were checking in at the office too. Shame on you!The reasons cited for “checking in” were:- It’s expected of me- I might miss important information- I enjoy being “in-the-know”  Wow – I’m soooo impressed Mister Laptop on the Beach guy. You deserve your own “Real Men of Genius” Budweiser ad. 19% of folks said they worked on their vacation even though they were technically off. Don’t tell me a Blackberry is not the world’s smallest albatross.The poll also states that white men are the worst culprits when it comes to working on their vacation. Idiots. Women, were more likely to read a book. At least Oprah’s Book Club is good for something.The sad part is is that America already gets the least amount … [Read more...] about Only Fools Work While On Vacation

This might be a very personal question but I have to ask anyway.What percentage of your total household income do you spend on housing?I'm talking about your mortgage payment and taxes.You see, I've been hunting for a house for what feels like forever.  And I've heard all of the cliches: "you'll find a way to make it work," "bite off more then you can chew," "they'll never be a right time," etc.  And I'm not saying that that's bad advice.  But I am who I am, and I'm a fan of empirical data. Eventually, I'll pull the trigger on a real estate deal, but before I do, I need your input!  Many people say that you should not spent more then 25% of your salary on housing.  Others say don't exceed 40%.  I'm in New York, and I ain't going anywhere... at least not right now.I'm bored with all of those "How Much House Can You Afford" calculators.  There's nothing like real info from real people.So, if you can shed some … [Read more...] about What % of Your Salary on Housing?

Just in case you've been living under a rock - or have a limited interest in baseball - here's the 10-second version of the controversy surrounding baseball this week.New York Yankees' third baseman Alex Rodriguez was running the bases.  There was a pop fly. As he passed the player who was waiting to catch the ball, he yelled, "Ahhhh!"  The player dropped the ball.  The Toronto Blue Jays were mad.  Screaming mad.Some players have called it "Bush league" - saying it was a play out of an eight-year-old little league game.  Others have said that A-Rod was desperate for a Yankee win and was doing anything he could to help.Now I pose this question to everyone: Would you want a "screamer" on your team?  Someone, who isn't necessarily cheating, but is willing to do what it takes to get your team "a win." In the business world, people are desperate to meet quotas, make sales and hit targets.  And sometimes, you have to … [Read more...] about Would YOU Hire A-Rod?