Not Your Grandma's Rummage Sale

There's no rapture quite like unearthing a barely broken-in pair of Sorel hiking boots for $30 (and yes, they're also the right size, so no need to stuff socks in the toes). And the bliss that comes with locating a favorite pair of Rider's comfort fit jeans the company no longer makes is beyond compare; you smile with suppressed giddiness as they swing happily on the hanger, while your eyes are drawn to the dangling tag that reads "$5."

"Nearly New" to "Well-Worn"
The "gently used" quality of vintage and secondhand clothes punctuates the value of thrift shopping: while there is always the potential to come home empty-handed, that mad anticipation of what prized possessions may await makes the hunt as thrilling as the find. Sure, there's a big difference between junk stores and potential treasure troves, but don't be too quick to write off the smaller, independent shops just because they don't have as much eye appeal; since many people avoid these little gems in favor of more popular names, the inventory is not nearly as picked over.

Unleash Your Inner Philanthropist
Scoring some of your best threads is only one benefit of shopping thrift stores, because the money you spend supports many different charitable organizations from animals and abuse victims to feeding the hungry and housing the homeless. Some non-profit groups rely solely upon selling donated goods as the financial lifeline that keeps them operating, so remember to ask for a tax receipt when you contribute to your local resale shop.

Teach Your Children Well
We all strive to impart our kids with a sense of social responsibility, yet they're constantly bombarded with conflicting outside influences that can counteract our efforts. Introducing them to the world of recycled apparel not only gives the opportunity to budget without compromise, but it also broadens their worldview. Supporting thrift and secondhand shops with consumer dollar power is a surefire way to spark community spirit while giving a good turn to local groups doing good. And who knows -- teens may even want to volunteer their time behind the counter after finding out they get benefits like a great discount and first dibs on incoming merchandise. :)

Find a shop near you with the National Thrift Store Directory, and arm yourself with 12 how-to tips to make your shopping excursion more successful.

When's the Right Time to Get Another?

Few life events are more painful than losing a pet. Companion animals bring so much fun and joy to our lives that no matter when they pass on, it's always too early. Some people cannot endure the emotional void left by a departed pet and immediately adopt another, but others have a difficult time processing the grief; the idea of experiencing such intense feelings again, along with other concerns, may keep them from investing their emotions in another.

Part of the Solution
Setting aside emotional pain for the greater good is a challenge many people face when deciding whether to get another pet. It's almost impossible to avoid the mass media marketing campaigns showcasing all the homeless animals waiting for adoptive families. Reducing this excessive population by just one may not make a big difference in a statistical sense, but it absolutely will make one to the life you save and help you deal with the pain by focusing your energy on the well-being of another companion.

Learning to Rebound

If your kids are reeling from the loss just as much as you are, this may be a perfect time to teach them how to process their emotions in a positive way. Let everyone mourn the animal's absence. Encourage talk about happy times together. Help them understand that getting another companion is not meant to replace their beloved family member. All this can take time to achieve, because each person deals with grief in his or her own way. Once the whole family is comfortable with the idea, have a group discussion to decide when to bring in a new pet.

Cost

The expense of having a companion animal can be quite high with an unexpected illness or accident. While pet insurance may be a good safeguard against some health issues, Consumer Reports says it generally costs more than it pays. The death of a pet can cause significant financial strain when vet care is required, which makes it difficult to ignore the reality of getting another pet right away. You may just need some time before you're ready to take on the costs of another pet.

Grieving of Other Family Pets

Companion animals who have established strong bonds with other family pets can express grief over the loss of those buddies. While the extra attention you give during this time helps a heartbroken animal feel more comforted, he still may display mournful behavior as lethargy, loss of appetite and whining. He may even search the house and yard for days after his friend is gone. While you may not be ready to add another companion animal to the family, doing so can help ease the pain of those fur kids who are also bereaved.

Originally written for and published by eHow

Is it Best to Feed Your Dog Once or Twice a Day?

Feeding their dogs two meals each day is commonplace for some pet parents, while others opt for once daily. Deciding what's ideal for your dog depends on a few different factors, including his overall health, how old he is and certain environ-mental considerations.

Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)
Dogs who consistently eat just one meal a day are twice as likely to experience gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) as those fed half their daily intake in two separate meals. Also known as "bloat," this life-threatening condition occurs when air becomes trapped in the stomach, causing it to distend and twist, inevitably cutting off blood circulation back to the heart. Dogs have mere hours to receive emergency surgery before the abdominal distress claims their lives. Those most prone to food-related bloat are deep-chested breeds such as the Irish setter, Great Dane, Saint Bernard, standard poodle, German shepherd, dachshund and boxer.

Age
Your dog's age can dictate the frequency he should be fed each day. A general rule of thumb is for adults -- no matter the breed -- to eat two separate meals spaced between eight and 12 hours apart. Elderly dogs and puppies, however, require vastly different feeding schedules. Puppies do best with three or four smaller meals throughout the day to maintain their constant growth cycles, whereas older dogs often regulate their own dietary needs by eating two meals some days and only one on others.

Time of Year
Environmental factors such as extreme heat and cold can influence your dog's daily energy needs. Canines might struggle to regulate appropriate body temperature when not getting a more consistent food supply; the ASPCA recommends fueling with twice-daily meals to help keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Be sure to consult your veterinarian when considering any modification to your dog's food type or amount.

Free-Feeding
Letting your dog regulate his own consumption by leaving food out all the time may seem like a good solution, but this free-feeding approach isn't a good idea if he treats it as a 24/7 buffet. Some dogs are perfectly fine when given the constant presence of food and tend to graze throughout the day, consuming small amounts when the urge strikes. However, others who are particularly food-motivated have no self-restraint and may immediately consume whatever amount is placed in their bowls, which can lead to digestive distress, obesity and other health complications.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Chris Amaral/Photodisc/Getty Images

Whose Life is Worth More?

If given a split second to decide which people are rescued from a 2-car collision where an explosion is imminent, it's likely you'll grab those nearest your reach. But what if one vehicle is shuttling a global leader, popular celebrity or wealthy businessman, while the other holds several college freshmen? Would you grapple with your conscience about whether one life holds more value from a "greater good" standpoint?

Are You Better Than Me?
Utility requires society to act on the benefit of the majority; while siding with the greater good is not necessarily best for all, it is alleged to be the most equitable under general circumstances. Utilitarians will argue against the claim their social philosophy is merely totalitarianism in disguise, being there is simply no way to satisfy 100% of any group. By appeasing the majority, more people are served at the minority's expense, an unfortunate situation that often leaves the same individuals to adapt to –- or be detrimentally impacted by -- the greater good.

The main tenet of utility, according to Brue et al, is rational self-interest rather than selfishness, because "increasing one's own wage, rent, interest, or profit normally requires identifying and satisfying somebody else's wants," such as when parents pay their children's college tuition. Another way to understand this is by examining the meaning of altruism, which by today's standards has transformed into a philanthropic definition from its origin of perpetuating the species. This biological reality is easily demonstrated by how a bee stings an intruder, ultimately forfeiting its own life to protect the queen and hive.

Because society is fundamentally based upon performance and profit, it's not difficult to perceive utility as an opposing force to our altruistic nature. So many contemporary societies still endure incredible poverty, disease and homelessness despite global resources fully capable of feeding, clothing, educating, housing and medicating the suffering masses.

That Pesky Moral Compass

Warren Quinn, author of "Actions, Intentions, and Consequences: The Doctrine of Doing and Allowing," notes how the cloud of dispute swirling around this sociopolitical disgrace can quickly spin out of control when emotions override the greater good. Ask yourself what you'd do if you were in the following hypothetical scenario.

Engineer Bill is faced with the most difficult decision of his life: does he avert the runaway trolley to save little Sarah who is caught on the tracks at the expense of 100 passengers headed for certain death if he switches tracks? Or does he spare those hundred people in exchange for one little girl's life? Utility compels Engineer Bill to save the passengers by forfeiting Sarah, yet this does not relieve him from struggling with his battered moral compass. Harming someone is inevitable in this situation, but the question is whether making the least damaging choice is always the best decision.

Clearly, the vast opposition between utilitarianism and ordinary morality creates a disturbing issue within Engineer Bill that forces him choose between the value of different lives. But as Wendler duly points out, "our attitudes in this regard are based on a rational cost/benefit analysis. To that extent, these attitudes do not provide an ethical argument" for exposing some people to certain risks for the benefit of others. Nemo Taylor provides a lasting reminder when faced with the choice between social mandate and ordinary morality: "Don't do the right thing out of some bland sense of duty or obligation. Do it because you recognize it's the only way to truly be happy and content with your own life."

Bird photo by Greg Kowalczewski
Pyramid graphic by Gilbert Alter-Gilbert

Clicking the "Unfriend" Button in Real Life

If you're familiar with the phrase "emotional vampires," you likely strive to keep these people at arm's length; surrounding yourself with those who suck the life force out of you is the quickest way to catch the "disease." As we saw in a previous post (Are You Eeyore or Pooh?), there's absolutely no effort needed to be a Debbie Downer, but we nearly kill ourselves tripping over mental road signs that remind us to emit only positive vibes. So what possible benefit is there in willingly sucking the discharge from other people's emotional exhaust pipe?

Relationships are fluid; many of the people who cross your path are not meant to stay there. There's no unspoken rule that says you must accommodate every acquaintance, friend, spouse or business associate for the rest of your life, yet so many of us feel a gnawing obligation to put up with ill-fitting relationships for fear of being less than a good friend/business partner/family member. Instead your integrity suffers when you fail to be a friend to yourself first.

And yes, you are absolutely allowed to emotionally emancipate yourself from parents, siblings, aunts, uncles or anyone else in your clan who drags you through the gutter. Why should they receive special treatment simply because you share a genetic disposition? In fact, sometimes that's actually the best reason *to* break away.

It matters not if they're family, friends or coworkers; if you're a magnet for drama queens, boors, martyrs, attention seekers, criticizers and hypochondriacs, it's time to make some changes. But how do you expunge someone from your life without feelings getting hurt in the process? Well, you can't. But you can take steps that help the individual save face and you escape guilt. Therese Borchard's You Deplete Me: 10 Steps to End a Toxic Relationship is a snappy, somewhat snarky but completely engaging summation of who, what, when, why and how to purge an unhealthy relationship.

Long-Term Effects of Dogs Eating Chocolate

Chocolate toxicity, which can provoke lifelong consequences in dogs, can plague a 150-pound Saint Bernard just the same as a 5-pound Chihuahua. Canines aren't meant to ingest caffeine or theobromine, the two primary ingredients of chocolate that wreak havoc upon their systems. These toxins, along with the richness of such additional ingredients as nougat and cocoa butter, typically begin with intestinal distress and can ultimately lead to pancreatitis.

From Bad to Worse
Long-term effects of canine chocolate toxicity occur when your dog, whose system cannot withstand the overstimulation caused by caffeine and theobromine, responds to this distressing combination with heart arrhythmias, considerable confusion and agitation, and seizures; death is also possible. Specifically, the pancreas -- an organ that creates digestive enzymes to help food break down and move through the system -- has trouble regulating chocolate's rich properties. When dogs ingest enough chocolate, the digestive process is disrupted to the point where they may vomit, stop eating, have diarrhea or experience abdominal pain associated with inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis. Permanent pancreatic damage typically leads to a long-term diabetic condition.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.
Photo credit: Brand X Pictures/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

Telltale Behaviors Your Dog Needs His Anal Glands Expressed

What some vets declare to be quite useless and utterly unpleasant, canine anal sacs can be the bane of many a dog's life, as well as his family's. When working properly, these tiny glandular pouches -- found just beyond the opening of your dog's bottom -- capture a foul-smelling substance that is typically excreted along with his fecal matter; however, they can become impacted and quite uncomfortable for your dog, who communicates this distress in a number of different ways.

Behavioral Indicators
If your dog has ever boot scooted across the floor, it's likely he's alerting you to his impacted anal sacs. While an occasional back end drag can just be to satisfy an itch, repeated scoots indicate his anal gland discomfort. Constant licking under his tail is another sign that it's time to empty those sacs, a quick procedure you can have your vet perform or learn to do yourself. An irritated rear end may swell and make it difficult for your dog to sit, which he'll demonstrate by attempting to but not actually sit. Just the smell alone, especially with the presence of a bloody discharge, is enough indication the sacs need to be drained.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.
Photo credit: Chris Amaral/Photodisc/Getty Images

Improving Workplace Productivity With Physical Fitness

Coffee and energy drinks may help get the brain cells firing, but they're mostly a quick, temporary fix. Staying mentally sharp in the work-place is an ongoing challenge for many who reach for these artificial stimulants; however, employees can gain greater clarity by engaging body and mind. Implementing a regular physical fitness routine -- even for as little as 15 minutes each day -- can create a synergistic payoff for the fuzzy-brained worker.

Body-Mind Connection
Whether you're a long-distance trekker who regularly experiences runner's high or someone whose elevated mental outlook comes from boogying to the radio, you're following the same path toward greater productivity in the workplace. Job output reflects variables that, when out of balance, get in the way of giving your all. Myriad studies have illustrated the clear connection between exercise and better mood, a more tolerant attitude and higher collaborative tendencies, all of which play an integral role in your personal productivity.

Timing Is Everything
Reducing stress and improving productivity are as easy as stepping out of the office for an early afternoon bike ride or spending 30 minutes of your lunch hour limbering and toning in yoga class. Using noontime to engage in physical activity is not just a pleasurable experience but also one that handsomely rewards you. Forbes notes how midday exercise is especially invigorating when thought processes slip into low gear; breaking up the workday with a simple yet steady exercise program spikes energy and productivity throughout the afternoon.

Strength in Numbers
The idea of low to moderate exercise during the workday may really appeal to you, but lack of motivation might threaten to zap your enthusiasm. Since some of your co-workers likely feel the same way, the solution is to gather a group with similar objectives and unapologetically use one another for inspiration. Peer pressure alone, according to the Brookings Institution, is enough to drive you toward your goals.

Physiology Behind Productivity
Brain boost occurs at a cellular level where mitochondria -- known as the "power plant" component -- create the energy chemical called ATP. Mitochondria reproduce when you exercise, which in turn generates additional ATP, a domino effect that not only enables you to physically maintain your workout routine but also heightens mental capacity and productivity.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: David Woolley/Digital Vision/Getty Images

Modern Theories on Workplace Ethics

To live within a given society is to conform to the ethical components dictated by its governing culture. This same philosophy applies to the organizational environment, whereby workplace ethics is an ever-evolving entity that can be evaluated from a number of theoretical dichotomies.

Norms
Cultural values dictate workplace ethics and encourage staff to behave in certain ways. Adhering to these corporate social norms provides a structured path for people to follow; without this man-made construct, companies would have greater difficulty maintaining a socially and psychologically healthy environment. Breaking social norms, such as eating another employee's refrigerated food or undermining a fellow staffer's performance, indicates overstepping very specific guidelines that mandate certain behavioral expectations within that particular workplace.

Utilitarianism
In its raw form, utilitarianism might seem to uphold everyone's best interest, but in reality it benefits a greater number of workers while compelling the rest to adapt to majority rule. Since it is highly unlikely to appease everyone in any given workplace, the utility theory serves to satisfy needs of the many over the few, and may even be construed as a form of Darwin's survival of the fittest.

Deontology
The intrinsic value of good will — behavior that is not dependent upon an outcome to justify its occurrence — is the basis of deontological theory. This Kantian perspective applies to workplace ethics by highlighting man's need to reap a perceived value for doing what's considered a social and moral obligation. For example, an employee helps a coworker reach an important deadline without expecting recognition for his efforts.

Egoism
In stark contrast to deontology, egoism gives people permission to consider only what benefits their personal needs. This theory can create a hotbed of contempt in the workplace due to its lack of social responsibility — being aware of the impact your actions have upon the workplace as a whole. Ethical egoists believe that no reasoning can overrule what is otherwise the moral and righteous actions all human beings are expected to uphold.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media
Photo credit: Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images

Just Cause for Turning Down a Job Interview While on Unemployment

Obtaining unemployment benefits may be a standard next step to bridging the financial gap when you're jobless through no fault of your own, but those subsidized paychecks are not automatically tendered without some serious effort on your part. Unemployment compensation is granted to those job seekers who, once deemed "able and available" for suitable work, do not turn down an interview for any job without "good cause."

Proving "Able and Available"
Being able and available means you possess marketable skills. While it's not your responsibility to identify available jobs, you do have to demonstrate there is a market for your specific experience. For example, creating matchstick animals may be an entertaining talent, but there is no demand for it within the labor sector. Able and available also speaks to your physical capacity to actually carry out the work, as well as having a dependable means of transportation to get to and from the job.

Imposing Job Restrictions
Job seekers are allowed to establish certain boundaries when it comes to the type of jobs they'll accept and still be considered able and available. Health issues, for instance, can dictate whether a position is suitable where there is heavy lifting or unhealthful environmental factors, such as allergens. You may also cite lack of transportation as the reason for only seeking jobs within walking distance, but the onus is on you to demonstrate reasonable attempts to rectify the situation prior to requesting a restriction.

Suitable Work
Suitable work is determined by courts and unemployment compensation referees after considering various factors of your specific situation. These can include work experience and training; proximity of home to job; why and how long job seeker is out of work; plausibility of securing a job close to home in skilled profession; previous wages; job market climate; normal occupational pay rate; and residence permanency.

With and Without "Good Cause"
Refusing a job for "good cause" may include a mismatch of skills to position; physical inability to complete required tasks of that particular job; conflict between religious beliefs and job requirements; lack of transportation; and inability to secure quality childcare during work hours. You must make reasonable effort to rectify the latter two before refusing a job. Suitable jobs refused without good cause can cost job seekers their unemployment compensation when, for example, full-time employment is offered yet only part-time is wanted or vice versa, and refusing to accept a lower pay rate than previously earned.

Photo Credit: Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Proper Dress for a Bartender Interview

The job interview process, which can be tricky to maneuver under the best of circum-stances, begins the moment you walk through the door. Because tending bar is often considered a casual position, applicants can make the mistake of wearing attire that's too informal or too extravagant. Dress the part by choosing appropriate clothes that make the right impression, and you'll set the tone for a more successful interview.

Follow the Example
Establishments make it pretty simple to dress appropriately for a bartender interview. On a day other than when you're scheduled to meet the hiring manager, visit as a patron and learn from what you see. If employees wear a uniform, simulate it as best as you can with similar colors and styles. Establishments that let their bartenders choose their own attire based upon general guidelines (such as T-shirts and jeans or shorts and tank tops) are too casual to copy for the interview but do give you a bit more leeway to assemble an appropriate look. Smart casual is a good guideline to use, similar to an outfit you'd wear to dine with a colleague or in-laws.

Women
Black pants are a standard in the bar industry, so you won't go wrong with this choice. However, choose a style that's more form-fitting with a proper hem and remember to press them. Avoid low-riders; they cross the line between casual and unsuitable. Interject a bit of your personality by choosing a top color other than white; not only will you make more of an impression than other applicants who stay with the standard, but you'll also demonstrate a certain flair that employers value in this particular position. Be sure to choose a full-length blouse that does not show your midriff or cleavage; aim for subtlety over seduction. Flat, black, closed-toed shoes finish the look.

Men
Black pressed pants work as well for the guys as they do for the gals, but men should stick with more muted shirt colors like white, gray, blue or subtle pinstripes. Refrain from choosing a collar that's either too wide or too skinny and be sure the shirt is not so loose-fitting that it hangs over your belt when tucked. A tie is optional if the establishment's dress code is unknown but should be worn if it is part of the existing uniform. Choose flat, black, unadorned shoes to complete the look.

Accessories and Details
Inappropriate attire can throw the interview before the first question is ever asked, so it's important to pay attention to the details. First and foremost, always cover tattoos and remove piercings other than subtle earrings. Women's jewelry should be subdued and sparse, such as a simple necklace and short-hanging earrings. Health hazards are many behind the bar, and employers may consider hanging bangles an accident waiting to happen. Proper grooming is a critical component for making a good physical impression, so be sure your fingernails are manicured or just trimmed and clean. Men's hair, both facial and on the head, should be short and neat, while women's hair is best in an up style or down but not hanging in the face. Use a very light hand when applying perfume or after shave.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Identifying a Micromanager

The way a boss manages his staff can make the difference between empowered, motivated employees and demoralized, intimidated workers.

Good Manager
Effective bosses lead with a firm but empowering hand. They give employees the necessary project details, then leave them to their own abilities with minimal supervision. At the same time, good managers are easily accessible for consultation and suggestions when staffers request it.

Micromanager
Micromanagers have difficultly delegating even the smallest projects without constantly having to oversee progress. This can result in frustrated employees who lack confidence in their abilities. Micromanagers often ignore the big picture to focus upon little or insignificant details. They may rescind an assigned project after finding one mistake, and require every aspect of the decision-making process be run past them first.

Effects On Productivity
While being detail-oriented and hands-on are two important characteristics of a good boss, these traits can quickly become detrimental to productivity when taken to an extreme. For example, supervisors who assign projects to highly competent employees and then hover over them every step of the way create unnecessary tension, stymie employee morale and interfere with project outcome.

Working With A Micromanager
When circumstances prevent you from escaping the clutches of a micromanager, "Forbes" offers suggestions for mitigating the negative impact. Identify trigger situations that cause the behavior and anticipate what's needed to lessen the controlling response. Empathize with a boss who may also be under the thumb of a micromanager. Be the ever-present and reliable role model, and encourage change by unceremoniously demonstrating how well an empowering approach works. In some cases, bosses don't realize they are micromanaging productivity into the ground, so a gentle, nonconfrontational chat may be all that's needed to move things in the right direction.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Show Your Employer You Can Be a Supervisor

While some people are content to remain in their positions without aspirations of moving up the corporate ladder, others use their cur-rent job as a springboard to the next level. Getting there, however, takes considerable effort on the employee's part to demonstrate how and why he's a better candidate for promotion than anyone else in the office. This quest for advancement means stepping out of your comfort zone and embracing the tenets of change.

~ Let your boss know you want to advance in the company and have him evaluate your performance. Ask for an honest assessment of your performance and find out which additional skill sets you need in order to move up. You should also ask about the company's goals and strategic initiatives so you'll know the best way to align your performance with future corporate aspirations.

~ Take on more responsibility beyond the scope of your current job. Volunteer to help colleagues with their projects, and step up to accept some of the tasks no one else wants to handle. Show initiative and the desire to learn by grabbing tasks before they're designated to you.

~ Become a sponge for knowledge. Develop relationships with and ask questions of different colleagues and department heads. This will demonstrate your desire to learn about the entire operation and provide valuable insight into the company as a whole. In addition, stay abreast of industry news and changes.

~ Learn your boss's routine, his primary goals and what makes him tick. The best way to do this is observe him in action, ask questions from time to time when he's not too busy, and pick the brain of colleagues who work directly with him. Cultivate his trust by following through on all workplace commitments. Be consistent, dependable and ambitious.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

How Workplace Temperature Impacts Productivity

If you've ever had an ongoing thermostat battle with a colleague or been forced to outfit yourself depending upon the boss's fluctuating comfort zone, then you've experienced the frustrations associated with workplace temperature issues. However, this constant climate conflict becomes more than a pesky annoyance when it impacts overall productivity.

Hot Versus Cold
When the brain is preoccupied with monitoring body temperature, it's easy to see why workplace productivity can suffer. The optimal temperature range for the greatest output at work is between 69.8 degrees and 71.6 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a 2006 study by the Helsinki University of Technology. A 2004 Cornell University study found workers who struggle to stay warm make more mistakes, which in turn can lead to a 10 percent spike in hourly labor costs. A 9-degree boost in office temperature -- from 68 degrees to 77 degrees Fahrenheit -- significantly improved worker performance. Typing mistakes decreased 44 percent, while overall keying output yielded a 150 percent increase. In contrast, an overly heated workplace can leave employees fatigued, irritable and struggling to concentrate.

Penny Wise, Dollar Foolish
It's important to keep heating and air conditioning costs within a specific range to meet operational budgets, but sometimes the meager savings made in one area can be exponentially lost in another, more important area. Bosses who control the thermostat by keeping it low in winter and high in summer can ultimately cost themselves more in reduced staff productivity. According to a 2009 CareerBuilder study, one-third of more than 4,000 workers surveyed cited temperature as a primary workplace issue.

Gender Fluctuation
The battle of the sexes often takes place near the workplace thermostat, a dispute that's physiological rather than sociological. Due to their greater muscle mass, men usually get hot more quickly than women. At the same time, women have a greater number of constricted vessels that keep blood near the skin's surface. This is partly due to the female body's biological tendency to pool blood around the core organs, which draws it away from the extremities and leaves women with the constant need to warm up their cold hands and feet.

OSHA Recommendations
There are no specific OSHA guidelines or regulations that pertain to a work environment's climate. However, the agency does address the subject in its technical handbook by suggesting temperatures stay within the range of 68 to 76 degrees Fahrenheit, and that humidity not dip below 20 percent or rise above 60 percent.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Job Interview Etiquette

Before you even say a word, prospective employers are sizing you up and making mental notes about your suitability for their business. While standing apart from the crowd of applicants can be a good thing in many ways, interviews are an aspect of the job-seeking process where you want to demonstrate unparalleled professional etiquette.


Be Timely
Applicants who are punctual (or no more than 10 minutes early) and appropriately dressed for the position are already ahead of the game. Running in late and spending the first few critical moments explaining why you couldn't arrive on time may significantly lessen your chance to make a good first impression. Plan your route the day before, and include some extra time for factors such as potential traffic snares, parking and reaching the office floor.

Keep It Professional
A number of nonverbal cues throughout an interview can sabotage even the most qualified applicant. Greeting the interviewer with a smile, firm handshake and eye contact shows your unspoken communication skills. Physical poise can demonstrate a polished, confident air, so be mindful of your body language. In addition to sitting and standing up straight, keep your arms and legs uncrossed so you don't appear uncomfortable or guarded; women should cross their ankles, while men align feet and knees with their shoulders. Remember to completely turn off your cell phone rather than leave it on vibrate, which can often still be heard. And deposit your gum before entering the interview.

Limit the Chat
The open-ended nature of many interview questions, which allows you to offer more than a simple yes or no answer, is your opportunity to engage in brief, targeted conversation. While this approach encourages a greater free flow of thoughts and opinions, it can also lead to being overly chatty. Take a deep breath before answering the question to help calm nerves and keep your response on task.

Show Appreciation
Thanking the interviewer for his time is an after-the-fact gesture that brings the whole process full circle. Sending a thank-you note not only demonstrates a professional courtesy that's appropriate at any job level, but it also gives you the opportunity to include another attribute or detail that was not discussed in the interview. This simple step may not seem to hold much sway when it comes to landing the job, but acting on this final measure can distinguish you from other applicants by reinforcing a positive impression. Whether it's best to send a thank-you by postal mail or email is debated by etiquette specialists.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Disadvantages of Professionalism

It may be hard to imagine how professional-ism is a disadvantage in any capacity, but there are times when adhering to such high standards can work against an intended objective. While the tenets of professionalism -- which include behavior, integrity and accountability -- remain intact, the stringency associated with such a demanding combination may need some adjustment in order to realize a more positive outcome. The key is to remember that professionalism does not always equate to quality standards.


The Price of Professionalism
Maintaining professional standards is a costly venture when, for example, companies are compelled to provide their workers with continuing education to maintain the desired level of professionalism. Moreover, recruiting new talent may cost the company more in its ongoing quest to uphold such a strict standard; hiring an established professional can be a smarter financial decision than molding a newcomer.

Undue Tension
Leniency allows for certain situations to be addressed more suitably for the circumstances; adhering to a strict professional policy for the sake of compliance can create tension where it doesn't have to exist. Whether mandated to follow rigid dress codes, interpersonal relations or decorum, employees may feel so constrained by such stringency that the work environment becomes staid and dispiriting.

Tempered Talent
The steadfast attributes typically associated with professionalism can restrict environments that have a more creative atmosphere. The greater ingenuity and inspiration required in the workplace, the less need for unnatural restrictions in order to cultivate creativity. Advertising companies, for example, do well to employ a more casual, free-flowing approach to their professional standards, one that still emphasizes appropriate business behavior, integrity and accountability but with more flexibility.

Subjectivity
The notion of professionalism means different things to different people, which may lead one department's policy to significantly deviate from another. This lack of consistency can create an undercurrent of confusion and mixed signals when employees within the same company are not outfitted with a corresponding standard. Moreover, efforts to maintain a specific level of professionalism via micromanaging can stymie employee ingenuity and overall productivity.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.

Consequences of Work & Life Imbalance

Sustaining balance is an essential component of a harmonious existence; if you're too heavily weighted by work responsibility, both your personal and professional lives stand to suffer the consequences. Overcompensating in either direction creates internal struggle to appease the demands that work and life impose, leaving you distressed and without the fortitude to effectively sustain either one.


Symptoms
The throes of work/life disproportion manifest themselves in a number of recognizable ways: tardiness, excessive absenteeism and disability claims are but a few indicators that point toward imbalance. Other signs not always recognized as fallout from this disparity, according to the American Psychological Association, include headaches, lack of concentration and irritability. The University of Warwick says Americans are especially plagued by work and life imbalance, a reality that often segues into stress and safety issues.

Loss of Personal Time
Research proves that people consistently work more and recreate less: Time spent in the office has increased 15 percent over the past 20 years as leisure has declined 33 percent, according to the Productivity Institute.

Angst and Burnout
Sometimes staff is cut to little more than a skeleton crew while workloads remain heavy, creating stress, anxiety and pressure for those expected to carry the burden. Job satisfaction becomes a considerable issue as the remaining workers fall further and further behind in their ability to foster work-life balance. The University of Warwick notes a 40-year downward trend of job dissatisfaction in American workers, a reality that continues to compromise efforts toward achieving work and life harmony.

Absenteeism
The ebb and flow of prioritizing work tasks with familial responsibilities can become overwhelming when one or the other consistently demands greater preference; juggling these obligations requires sacrifice and compromise. Employees who fall into the absenteeism trap as a way to find balance are, according to the Work Life Balance Centre and Coventry University, experiencing weakening organizational commitment by skipping work. Respondents of the 2008-2009 Worklife Balance Survey reported being absent an average of 9 days during that period, five days more than just the previous year.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media.

Minimalism vs. Frugality

If you've recently reduced the amount of stuff around the house because you felt an overwhelm-ing urge to declutter your life, consider yourself on the path toward minimalism. If, on the other hand, your spouse thinks it's OK to chow down at a hotel breakfast bar even when not a paying guest, then you can be pretty sure frugality is at play.

Less is More
Minimalists are inspired by the need to simplify their lives, sparsely outfitting both their physical and mental spaces with just what they need rather than what they want. People who have amassed material things throughout their lives can ultimately become overwhelmed by the psychological, emotional and financial weight of such possessions. The chaos that accompanies having too much stuff is a critical component of this changing mindset; things that at one time brought great pride and joy are now just one, large albatross of consumerism. Removing the physical clutter, says author Leo Babauta in "The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life," relieves the mind and streamlines the desire to have quality over quantity.

Financial Prudence
Those who embrace frugality are keen on pinching pennies. While this behavior is often associated with being cheap, it may also be because finances are tight and scrimping is the only option. For example, frugal folks tend to use the same paper towel a few times before tossing it out, or shop at thrift stores to the exclusion of retailers. Some even go dumpster diving, physically entering merchants' outside trash bins to retrieve food and other items that cannot be sold even though they are still usable.

Creativity or Cheating?
Determining the point at which frugality slips from creative financing to compromised character is not too difficult a task. For example, it's considered socially acceptable to take unused soaps, shampoo and lotion from your hotel room before checking out, but if you can't resist the urge to graze the supply cart while housekeeping is cleaning another guest's suite, you're taking frugality too far.

Minimizing Down to Nothing
While the essence of minimalism is to live with less in order to appreciate life more, some people reduce their possessions to the point of having little other than daily necessities. They restrict themselves from what's perceived as wasteful or extravagant consumption, even though it may bring pleasure. For example, living quarters may be downsized to a salvaged van or an apartment that boasts a mere 175 square feet. Some, like Andrew Hyde, who blogged about the turns his life took after walking away from everything he owned, see it as an adventure -- a test of individual meddle -- to reduce the bulk of consumerism to a few dozen portable possessions.

Originally written for and published by Demand Media

Breaking Up the Workday

Engaging in any activity without a break, whether enjoyable or laborious, makes it difficult for the mind and body to relax and regain balance. This is particularly true in the workplace, where stress can be constant and relief options minimal. Establishing a dedicated area where employees enjoy some downtime during the workday is a strategic move that can reap many positive benefits for the company and workers alike.


Increased Productivity
The basic principle of a staff breakroom -- which is "often the most undervalued, underappreciated room in the workplace" -- is for employees to temporarily disengage from the steady stream of daily tasks. It only takes a brief respite in this work-free zone for people to relax and recharge, a combination that brings with it a greater level of productivity, job satisfaction and general health.


Socializing
The chance to step away from work-related issues lends itself to a more social atmosphere. People who gather in the office breakroom have an opportunity to catch up on coworkers' family news or shoot the breeze about current events. Talking shop is also an option that can be a challenge to avoid, yet its presence still adds to the relationship-building aspect of workplace cohesion.


Important Qualities
The office water cooler has long been a focal point when people needed a quick break, yet its typical placement in the middle of the office didn't allow for any downtime away from all the activity. The metamorphosis into a separate room calls for several key components beyond a simple sofa for designing a comfortable and inspiring space. A break room should have kitchen-type appliances, including a refrigerator, coffee maker and microwave; food and drink, such as coffee, tea and healthy snacks; paper products, including disposable cups, plates, eating utensils, as well as shelves for reusable mugs and dishes; entertainment -- a television and reading material, such as local newspaper, trade and general magazines; and some cleaning supplies, including dish soap, sponges and paper towels.


Utopia
Some companies have elevated the concept of workplace break rooms to such a level that employees almost feel as though they've been treated to a spa day during their lunch hour. From mood lighting to nature sounds, plants to distilled drinking water, and cushioned floor pads to massage recliners, a growing trend is to create an oasis where people can refresh with meditation, short naps or light exercise. Another way to unwind and de-stress is to play games. A 2001 article in "USA Today" pointed out how pool tables, air hockey, darts and other interactive games can add a greater physical element to sideline stress and help employees regain focus.


Photo credit: Ryan McVay/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Article originally written for and published by Demand Media

Whose Life is Worth More?

If given a split second to decide which people are rescued from a 2-car accident where an explosion is imminent, it's likely you'll grab those closest to your reach. But what if one vehicle is shuttling a global leader, popular celebrity or wealthy businessman, while the other has several college freshmen? Does one life hold more value from a "greater good" standpoint and deserve to be saved over the others?

Are You Better Than Me?
Utility requires society to act on the benefit of the majority; while siding with the greater good is not necessarily best for all, it is alleged to be the most equitable under general circumstances. Utilitarians will argue against the claim their social philosophy is merely totalitarianism in disguise, being there is simply no way to satisfy 100% of any group. By appeasing the majority, more people are served at the minority's expense, an unfortunate situation that often leaves the same individuals to adapt to –- or be detrimentally impacted by -- the greater good.

The main tenet of utility, according to Brue et al, is rational self-interest rather than selfishness, because "increasing one's own wage, rent, interest, or profit normally requires identifying and satisfying somebody else's wants," such as when parents pay their children's college tuition. Another way to understand this is by examining the meaning of altruism, which by today's standards has transformed into a philanthropic definition from its origin of perpetuating the species. This biological reality is easily demonstrated by how a bee stings an intruder, ultimately forfeiting its own life to protect the queen and hive.

Because society is fundamentally based upon performance and profit, it's not difficult to perceive utility as an opposing force to our altruistic nature. So many contemporary societies still endure incredible poverty, disease and homelessness despite global resources fully capable of feeding, clothing, educating, housing and medicating the suffering masses.


That Pesky Moral Compass

Warren Quinn, author of "Actions, Intentions, and Consequences: The Doctrine of Doing and Allowing," notes how the cloud of dispute swirling around this sociopolitical disgrace can quickly spin out of control when emotions override the greater good. Ask yourself what you'd do if you were in the following hypothetical scenario.

Engineer Bill is faced with the most difficult decision of his life: does he avert the runaway trolley to save little Sarah who is caught on the tracks at the expense of 100 passengers headed for certain death if he switches tracks? Or does he spare those hundred people in exchange for one little girl's life? Utility compels Engineer Bill to save the passengers by forfeiting Sarah, yet this does not relieve him from struggling with his battered moral compass. Harming someone is inevitable in this situation, but the question is whether making the least damaging choice is always the best decision.

Clearly, the vast opposition between utilitarianism and ordinary morality creates a disturbing issue within Engineer Bill that forces him choose between the value of different lives. But as Wendler duly points out, "our attitudes in this regard are based on a rational cost/benefit analysis. To that extent, these attitudes do not provide an ethical argument" for exposing some people to certain risks for the benefit of others. Nemo Taylor provides a lasting reminder when faced with the choice between social mandate and ordinary morality: "Don't do the right thing out of some bland sense of duty or obligation. Do it because you recognize it's the only way to truly be happy and content with your own life."


Bird photo by Greg Kowalczewski
Pyramid graphic by Gilbert Alter-Gilbert