As heard in the office...Corporate Lingo

GE pays no Federal Taxes for 2010 - What about you?

Most people find the fact that one of the largest corporation in the U.S. is paying no corporate income tax unbelievable and frustrating.  Does it make you wonder if there is more that you can do to pay less?  Here is an interesting article that talks about how to do just that!  I can tell you that not all of the information is 100% accurate...(for example, they use the example of a $150,000 income and then talk about some deductions which are actually phased out at that income level)... but, it still makes for an interesting read.  If you really feel ambitious, read some of the over 2000 comments for more entertainment!

Job Scam

Sometimes you can recognize a scam when you see it.  Like a job offering you $100,000, work from home, make your own hours!  I assure you, you probably have to buy something and then you have to build your own client base.

Other times, however, they are not quite so easy to recognize.  A recent job offer on Craigslist showed a job for someone to pack boxes and run company errands for a little over $10 per hour.  Seems reasonable and legitimate.  It wasn't, here's why...

Upon responding to this listing, the applicant is sent an email such as this:

"Thank your for your interest in this position. We currently have both full time and part time positions, with 4 more slots available. The more common tasks would be lifting , loading, packing boxes, unloading pallets, and similiar tasks.

On your extra time, or on slower days, you would be running company errands and purchasing supplies with the company credit card. Therefore, we require you, per company policy, to get a recent credit score. which we will keep on file along with a copy of your drivers license, so please have a copy of that as well. Get it here below: 
**Website information deleted, for your safety**

If for some reason you have terrible credit, we will discuss that in the interview. When you have all the neccesary documents, please email me with ONLY your phone number and a best time to reach you, then we will schedule an interview. Do not email any documents as it may have your personal information and we will only accept it in person.

If for some reason you are no longer interested in this position, please let me know so I can continue on with the hiring process. Have a good day."


Does it seem legitimate to you?

Sometimes job listings contain obvious language issues, indicating a foreign element, seems to be a recurring theme to be wary of (many instances of asking for your banking information for direct deposit, only to have your account drained or used for illegal activity.)

Here there are only a few minor spelling mistakes, some that may not be obvious even to good spellers, so nothing that would be an immediate concern.

The thing that struck me is that there is no indication of what company this is for.  It is a local ad, indicating a location in the city.  Yet, no mention of the company in the response email, kind of suspicious.  But yet, you feel because you are going to be meeting in person, everything is fine right?

So, a person would prepare and click the link.  The link brings you to a very professional looking website which helps you access all three of your credit scores for free! We've all heard of this, no reason not to do it, right?  You are required to bring your credit score information in when you meet them, because you will be using their credit card for errands.  Makes sense.

Guess what!?  The information that you enter.... Name, address, social security number.... it isn't going to a legitimate source!  It is going to be used against you - to steal your identity!  There is no job!

It is sad to think that in this economy, scams are being built around job openings, but they are!  Beware!

How Smart Are You?

How smart are you?  I've dared to think that I'm rather intelligent from time to time.  Then I found this website!  The "seekers" or submitters of challenges offer thousands of dollars if you can solve their problems.  Sounds great!!  Well, I couldn't dream of being a solver....  why, you ask?  I can't even understand the problem, much less come up with a solution!  So, if you are a smart scientific-type go and try to win! To check the innocentive website out, click here.

Some bad things to say at work and in general:

There are some words and phrases people frequently utter, without realizing they’re making themselves sound noncommittal, undependable or untrustworthy. It's a really good idea to limit use of these words and find alternatives. Forbes wrote a more in depth article about the relevance of this pertaining to work, however I believe their points are well taken for all situations.

1. “Try” – Even if you don’t mean it, when you say you’ll try to do something, others will think you’re just paying lip service and have no intention of getting it done.
2. “I’ll get back to you” – People often use this phrase to buy some time, and never actually get back to the person they say it to. To avoid giving that impression, specify the day and time when you’ll touch base.
3. “We’ll see” – This is most often used as a way to avoid confrontation or having to say “no.” Instead, just be honest.
4. “I guess … ” – It’s a common phrase people often tack on to the beginning of their thoughts. But it can also give off the impression you aren’t really sure of what you’re talking about.
5. “If” – People use this as a way to shift blame — for example, by saying something like, “If Bob finishes his part, then I can do my part.” It’s better to avoid the “if” and assume a successful outcome.

I believe all of these statements are vague and don't do the communicator justice.  

FREE Licensed Software Programs!!!

What could be better than free?
Trust me, this is not a fluke or a virus-filled site!  I've used it a few times and it's fabulous.
Each day, they offer a different program for free!  The goal is to get the word out about the program. 
Giveawayoftheday has a link that says "Proceed to download page" right below the description of the day's product.  Once you click on that, you get all the REAL information.  Then you can decide if it's for you!  Listed are really, really helpful reviews, key features, system requirements, etc.  It will also tell you the regular retail price and the file size.
One thing that I would caution, however, that I was not originally aware... The terms of use in the read me files require that it is downloaded, installed and registered before the deal expires!
Personally, I have downloaded a really fabulous photography add-on and an organizing program.  I don't like to download too many things that are going to bog-down my computer, so I am picky.  I can truly say that these are fabulous!! And... How can they not be worth the price?  Can you say... ZERO!!!
What a great way to go shopping without spending money...  Enjoy this link!

Definition of Mania - My blog name

I have a confession. When I named this blog, I didn’t really realize what the definition of mania was. It fits though; let me explain.

I thought that mania would be all-encompassing, like lots and lots of topics. This is still true. Because I love so very much about this world and all the things it encompasses, I want to discuss everything and anything!

ma•ni•a
[mey-nee-uh, meyn-yuh]

–noun
1. excessive excitement or enthusiasm; craze: ex. The country has a mania for soccer.
2. Psychiatry . manic disorder.
–noun
1. an ancient Roman goddess of the dead.

a combining form of mania (megalomania); extended to mean “enthusiasm, often of an extreme and transient nature,” for that specified by the initial element (bibliomania).


I am a bit crazy, so it fits! I get overly excited about many things. I get really excited and passionate about things that I really enjoy doing, like art! I get excessively enthusiastic about my career and devoting huge blocks of time to accomplishing those goals! I also give raving crazed outbursts of opinion to everyone around me! You haven’t seen this on this blog yet, but my family and friends know that I am quite opinionated and vocal! I want to share these things with you. I have been told that this is not a good idea. For the sake of my career and such… “they” feel that I should not use this blog as a soapbox. I have written blog entries and not posted them. I want to share my feelings. This is the fight that I am waging with myself. I thought that I would let you know that I think about you, my reader, and I think that I want to share. So… I will probably be writing… writing about my local school system, current congressional issues, touchy parenting issues, and things that may be considered to controversial for some of the people that care about me. I hope that you will look at these things that I share with you as a woman gone a little mad for the few minutes while I am typing and then assume that I really am normal once I vent. Whatever normal is… if there is such a thing. Maybe I should look that word up too! Stay tuned!

Oh, and the goddess part of the defination... oh yes, that's me!!  But not of the dead...  Goddess of the very excited living!

Another Daily Deal! *PROMOTIONS*

As you know, I love these daily deal things!!  Well, here's one that you can't miss if you have a business, non-profit, website, blog, or anything else that you would like to promote!   You need to check out this daily deal type website! They offer a promotional product deal a day, but it is always limited and quickly sold out, so you have to keep checking back! You can also sign up for their advance notification and get emailed one hour in advance of the promotion being posted.  Enjoy!

Intent of Blog

I seriously am not sure I should be doing this!  I am busy already, however I do intend to share some knowledge, opinion, and fun with you!  My thoughts are not to keep this blog to one subject like a lot of people do....  My writings will be hugely varied!  To give you a quick overview of my current intentions: 
The typical:  Home life, family, relationships, parenting, health... 
The passions:  Photography, travel, art, interior design, scrapbooking, crafts, home remedies, recipes, books, upcycling, jewelry, accessories, organization, yoga and meditation... 
The necessities of my career:  Accounting, management, business, careers, money.... 
The future:  Government, politics, green issues, heritage...
I will probably stay away from that last group of ideas until I have a great group of followers, then I will offend some later!  Hopefully not, but it's bound to happen and I hope you will love me so much that you look beyond it!