USPS keeps rural post offices open, cuts hours

WASHINGTON -- The United States Postal Service stayed the sword hanging over thousands of rural post offices, opting instead to cut opening hours in a bid to stem devastating financial losses.

The USPS estimates that the plan will save $500 million a year once it is fully implemented in 2014. A previous proposal to close down more than 3,000 rural post offices completely would have saved $200 million a year.

Under the proposal outlined Wednesday, 13,167 post offices will open for between two and six hours a day. A spokeswoman for the USPS said no post offices will be forced to close, although communities could choose closure and switch to home delivery.

"We've listened to our customers in rural America and we’ve heard them loud and clear -- they want to keep their Post Office open," Postmaster General Patrick R. Donahoe said in a statement. "We believe today's announcement will serve our customers' needs and allow us to achieve real savings to help the Postal Service return to long-term financial stability."


Five Jobs Where Women and Men Have Equal Earning Power

Research from the Institute for Women’s Policy Research (IWPR) shows that if the gender wage gap continues to close as slowly as it has over the last 50 years, it will take until 2056 for women’s earnings to equal men’s.     
 

"The labor market has changed dramatically during the last few decades"

“The labor market has changed dramatically during the last few decades,” says Heidi Hartmann, IWPR president. “Women’s labor force participation has shot up and women are receiving college degrees and graduate degrees at faster rates than men -- yet the gender wage gap is improving very slowly.”

Solar Installers Offer Deals, Gaining Converts

Jay Nuzzi, a New Jersey state trooper, had put off installing solar panels on his home here for years, deterred by the $70,000 it could cost. Then on a trip to Home Depot, he stumbled across a booth for Roof Diagnostics, which offered him a solar system at a price he couldn’t refuse: free.

McDonald's April Sales Trail Estimates as U.S. Gains Slow

McDonald's Corp., the world's largest restaurant chain, said sales at stores open at least 13 months rose 3.3 percent worldwide last month, trailing analysts' estimates, as U.S. sales growth decelerated.

 

Analysts projected a gain of 4.3 percent, the average of 13 estimates compiled by Consensus Metrix. Sales in the U.S. advanced 3.3 percent, the slowest gain in 11 months, the Oak Brook, Illinois-based company said today in a statement. Analysts estimated an increase of 5.2 percent.

Spread the Word About "The Employment Blog Network!"

Employers save $422 billion if they dump health coverage. Will they?

Facebook's Advertising Business Is A Mess

Why Hiding Money From Your Spouse Has Gotten a Lot Harder

Thanks to technology, hidden marital assets may be just a few clicks away

ADP estimates businesses added only 119,000 jobs in April

Seeking Employment: Online vs. Walk-In - You Decide What's Best For You!

by Miriam G. Aw

Seeking Employment Today is a Far Cry Away From Yesteryear!

There is no disputing that seeking employment in your specific choice of field can be a difficult chore.  After all, it is the 21st Century, and much of how things were done in the 20th Century looking for employment has become obsolete . . . to a certain degree.

It has always been the contention that "It's Who You Know" as opposed to "Not What You Know" that baffles the minds of many, who are seeking 'the' job. 

Why should anyone be penalized for not knowing anyone, or the right person, who is responsible for hiring individuals at a particular company?

Filling out an online application is a major part of the employment seeking process these days.  For the most part, it can be a blessing, and a curse, depending on your outlook.

However, it is the responsibility of the online applicant to follow-up on every submitted online application with due diligence by checking their email, and/or learning more about the person(s) who heads the department or division of the company.

I remember a time when I made a complete nuisance of myself when I was seeking employment at a particular company.  I made it my business to have my face and name noticed as often as I could without being labeled as a stalker.  It worked! 

However, it is seemingly apparent that such a method is no longer tolerated, or acceptable, if you believe what so-called experts have to say about this form of getting noticed and hired.  Such a practice was done in the 70s, 80s, and 90s.  Somehow after Year 2001 . . . you know, after the horrific attack on U.S. soil (9-11), the determinate nature of seeking employment were treated as acts of terrorism that has ultimately gave way for many employers to cease from interviewing prospective employees face-to-face, and instead, have folks fill out online applications.

Was this an alarmist outcry that helped to change the job seeking process throughout America in the 21st Century?  It has indeed made job searching more intricate and hopeless in the eyes of many Americans.

Unfortunately, there is a seeming problem with many applicants who believe that if you have a name that is not considered 'American,' their online applications are ignored, or simply do not transmit in some form, or fashion, thus kicking them out of the system.



Currently, I'm looking into this alleged act of bias.

The good news is that there are a host of companies today, who've gotten away from their fear for 'face-to-face' interviews, and are resuming 'face-to-face' interviews - choosing that right candidate for the job.  A bold move such as this will indeed bolster employment hires at a much larger rate giving hope to every individual seeking a job.

It is also time to eradicate the practice of many small businesses who hire only their frat brothers, or sorority sisters, lodge members, congregation members, neighbors, immediate relatives, and so forth, and start hiring people who CAN do the job well, and not for the aforementioned reasons.

This foul practice of "Who You Know" versus "What You Know" must come to a halt, if we are to build as a nation who really give a damn about the unemployment crises that face us today.

Now, does this sentiment apply to anyone who believes in sharing information to others whom they know about job hires at their place of employment?  Of course not.  There is a difference between hiring someone whom you're related to because of [blood] kinship, or because of a damn pledge you have taken while in college versus sharing information about job openings where you work, and leaving it up to that person to sell him, or her, self to the employer to get that job position!

A huge difference!

Granted, a lot of people who I know got burned by recommending someone else to work at the same workplace, and ultimately, such a recommendation turned soured.  Such a thing can leave a bad taste in the mouth of the person who do not mind telling others about job openings at their work place.

It is the sole responsibility of the individual who was told of a job opening to help make that person who referred you look good in the eyes of the employer.  He or she did not have to tell anyone about such openings.  The least that anyone can do is to do the best job possible, so that job permanency is inevitable.  And it's one of the best "Thank you" one can ever give to a person who'd pulled their coat-tail about the job.

Are there any statistics that I can present to you based on what I've just said here?  I'm sure that there are . . . somewhere in the cyber-sphere.  But I like to speak about what I know, and express the sentiments of the myriad of people whom I come across on a regular basis about seeking employment, whether it's online, or walk-in.

I hope that each and every one of you will take the time to seek employment with an open mind, heart, and in good spirit.  It is a journey worth taking, and keep in mind that it is your responsibility to make things happen 'your way' the best way possible in a positive way. 

Sometimes you have to do what your gut tells you to do, and not become robotic in your thinking.

Take chances.  Keep a positive outlook.  Stay diligent.  Be resourceful.  Keep the faith.  And give it all you got to get that spot!

M.

Copyright 2012.  All rights reserved.

22 seek interim presidency of S.C. State

The search for an interim president for South Carolina State University moved forward on Friday when the 16-member screening committee met to consider 22 applicants for the position.

The committee is made up of representatives from the board of trustees, the cabinet, the faculty and staff, alumni and students.

Acting Board Chairman John Corbitt asked the committee to come up with the top six candidates.
“The board wants three candidates to interview in person,” he said. “I am requesting that we identify the top six people in case somebody has dropped out,” he said.

Criteria:

The following criteria may be considered in South Carolina University’s search for an interim president:

1. Former/sitting president; or individual with extensive higher education administrative experience
2. Earned doctorate from a nationally recognized accredited institution
3. Experience in business, fiscal and budgetary management
4. Comprehensive experience in academia with an understanding of shared governance
5. Distinguished record of published articles in peer-reviewed journals
6. Demonstrated leadership in relationship building toward fundraising (planned giving and endowments)
7. Knowledgeable of SACS requirements and other accrediting bodies
8. Experienced visionary leader with tangible performance results
9. An appreciation of S.C. State’s distinctive culture and values, its special niche in higher education and an understanding of the mission of an 1890/research institution
10. Proven record in increasing student enrollment, retention and graduation rates
11. Effective listening and team-building skills
12. Ability to interact with a diverse group of constituents (board, faculty, staff, students, parents, community, alumni, state and federal governments, corporate executives and all other stakeholders)
13. Passionate about the university’s environment and commitment to a top-rated, healthy and safe educational experience

Boeing creates opportunities locally

As the North Charleston Boeing facility rolled out its long-awaited 787 Dreamliner Friday, local economic development and government officials said the ripple effects could be felt here.
“It is a special day for the entire state,” Orangeburg County Development Commission Executive Director Gregg Robinson said. “It is a sign to the world that products like the Dreamliner, a state-of-the-art aviation product, can be made right here and that it can be done on time and under budget.”

The aircraft is the first completed at the $750 million plant that opened last year. Robinson said he expects to see more activity from Boeing suppliers now that the first plane has been built.

“Now you are really going to see some of the new opportunities coming to South Carolina,” Robinson said.
Robinson expressed his confidence that the Orangeburg County area will be a significant player in aerospace.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for I-95 and the entire region as a whole for us to capture a number of tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers,” he said.

In Orangeburg County, Zeus Industries is a Boeing supplier.

Read more: http://thetandd.com/business/boeing-creates-opportunities-locally/article_f779eb5a-90e3-11e1-b79a-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1tL10GhC0

Happy Bless New Year To All of You!

written by Miriam G. Aw

It's now Year 2012, a number #5 year that depicts freedom of movement, partaking in joyful events, exercising patience by avoiding hasty and impulsive use of words and actions, but equally important, this is the year to think and act "outside-the box" when it comes to seeking employment, starting a business, or revamping your existing business model in order to generate lucrative income!

Granted, most folks will read this and believe that what I say has no validity, nor reason, due to the many decades of hype portrayed in mainstream media that seemingly dictates what you should, or should not do based on what so-called experts in their field of expertise have to say about what to wear, eat, or relationships, just to mention a few.

For far too long, our society have been duped into believing mainstream media reports about the economy, and how it continues to either decline, or rebound, despite what we think or believe what's really going on - especially since it is us who are feeling the brunt of the country's economic woes.

There are statistics being thrown at us left and right with adamant tones that are design to make us believe that whatever is being said regarding anything that affect us, as a whole, should be taken as 'gospel.'  But you and I know that we need to have honesty in reporting.  

How many times have you learned about pertinent information that is beneficial for us to know at a later time when such information was available for us to get at an earlier time?  Especially when such information was already revealed by a so-called friend, relative, congregant member, neighbor, etc., but somehow you got it through 'the grapevine.'  

If no one else told you, please allow me to share with you on what I've been observing for at least 7 to 10 years, and what I've just learned about last week.  

If you are seeking employment, or if you are interested in attending medical school, for example, it will behoove you to check outside the U.S.A., for employment and/or schooling.

Yes, the opportunities of employment and schooling are out there for you to partake in, whether you are single or married with, or without children!


Last Monday (day after Christmas), I met a nice young man in the hospital emergency room.  My husband took ill, and this lovely fella took my husband's EKG.  As always, and at the risk of sounding bias because I love seeing young people, especially young black males, working in the medical profession in any capacity, I asked him which school did he graduate from, and whether if he aspired to go higher in the medical profession.

Come to find out that this young man, whose name is Germaine, attended and graduated from South Carolina State University, which is located in Orangeburg, S.C., and he further his education in Aruba!  Yes child, Aruba!  Well, I was taken back a bit when he went on more about how much he learned, and that there myriad of schools that provide great education, but only if you are up to the task of really wanting to learn without being spoon-fed everything like some spoil rich kid!

In other words, you have to work for what you want, and ask questions if you don't know the answers by using your God-given common sense.  And besides, who cannot learn anything in an environment that provides great weather every step of the way?!?

Out of curiosity, I asked him if he happen to convince, or at best, inform other youngsters who are in his peer group about attending medical school, or any other type of school in Aruba, or in any other part of the Caribbean, and much to my surprise, his answer astounded me, to say the least.

He stated that the majority of the people whom he shared his information with did not express any interest of doing the same, yet they continue to struggle with schools that they are unhappy with as a result of their teachers not giving enough 'instruction' on their class courses, and their extreme displeasure on the cost of books needed for their courses.

Unfortunately, paying through the nose for college books is a normal complaint.  And if you are receiving a grant, most of your grant money goes to paying for the books and tuition, thus leaving practically nothing else for the remaining semester to use for much needed things (i.e., food, gas, apartment, etc.).

Although I cannot provide hard evidence of statistical data for your reading pleasure, I assure you that what I say here is a national problem . . . well, at least that is the problem here in the State of South Carolina.

Personally, it would behoove every young male and female to get their four-year degree at their local, regional, or national college/university, and then further their field of interest in the Caribbean, or some other country that offers superlative education.  There are a host of great schools that offer a lot giving more bang to your buck.  After all, this is a GLOBAL world, and no longer can any of us afford to remain isolated, or ignorant, to facts.

In fact, you can learn a lot about other countries, and what they can offer you by watching one of my favorite programs "House Hunter International," which is a HGTV program (Channel 229 on Directv).  On this program, you will see how so many Americans left their home state, and home town, to live abroad to become gainfully employed, and/or attend school.  


Also, Google Search "Caribbean Medical Schools," where you will find a list of schools in this part of the world.  You must do your research.  No one else can do it for you.  Take the initiative, and start anew, or renew what you already know.


And if you decide that leaving the States is not your cup-of-tea, then you need to prepare yourself to undergo a major overhaul in your priorities regarding employment, school, money, family, comfortability, and so forth, that will allow you the freedom to enjoy life the way you want it.


With that said, may you have a Happy Bless New Year 2012, and may all of you aspirations are fulfilled, and your dreams realized with good spirits.

Peace & Blessings,

Miriam
BCD21CGN