Category Archives: ~ my 2cents …

internship programs … a change needed in 2014?


        by McKenna Grant, USA TODAY
  11:13 a.m. EDT October 23, 2013

The magazine publisher will no longer offer students an internship program starting in 2014.

Internship programs have proven to be a touchy subject for magazine publishing giant Condé Nast in the last few years, but that will not be the case beginning next year.

Condé Nast – one of the nation’s largest magazine publishers and home to Vogue, Vanity Fair and Glamour – is stripping its internship program all together starting in 2014, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

The discontinuation comes after two lawsuits, filed by former interns, who claimed the media company failed to pay them minimum wage at their internships in 2009 and 2010.

The former interns — Lauren Ballinger (W ) and Matthew Leib (The New Yorker) — claimed in their suit they were paid less than $1 an hour. The case is still pending.

Other media companies, such as Hearst Corporation, have faced similar scrutiny regarding internship programs — long hours and insufficient payment.

In Feb. 2012, a former Harper’s Bazaar intern, Xuedan Wang, sued Hearst saying the company breached overtime and minimum wage laws.

Gawker and Fox Searchlight have also been sued for similar reasons.

All current Conde Nast interns will remain with the company through to their prearranged terms, according to WWD.

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Do you have an internship story to share ?

In 2013, I saw an article asking if unpaid internships were possibly illegal. Well, I will say that the internship of today has gone from work in the industry you were interested in to work on the cheap by college students then work on the cheap with college credit only or maybe some pay. The fact is, some businesses use interns instead of paying an adult out of college a living wage and while I have know idea how long this has been going on, it is happening more frequently than parents probably are aware of. The idea that companies are choosing to add to our jobless by sidestepping possible living wages to folks who want to work not just cost effective for them it is not hard to understand and sad.

On October 30, 2013 I posted the following …

I spent some time looking for the old story in Conde Nast about ending internships and why on their website, but found nothing. I have/had a subscription to subsidiaries of the magazine and still deciding if it is time to move on … not that ending my free access will make an impact. This intern story is not new and while it is old news, the rules keep changing. I have experience as an intern and as someone who had a few interns work for me. In my opinion, it is possible the whole idea of what an intern does, why and salary requirement needs a major makeover.  In the old days, interns actually were assigned to positions that gave them a taste of what their field or degree of choice was like and when those options dried up the disbursement of internships became tied to money, 19 credit hours and or what the department or company needed. I believe internships are important. The fact is, and unfortunately, they have definitely become a way of getting part-time or fulltime work wages for what seemingly looks like on the cheap and students are very lucky if it is tied into your degrees. I know that some of our interns were ok with filing, data entry and answering phones because they had plenty of exams, a lot of reading while others were going into the service industry on some level. The lack of training or experience in their specific area of choice was not a big deal while getting credit; it also was a break from 20credit qtrs. or more and with lunch …well, when they actually allowed themselves to eat lunch and do some homework

I also feel getting students to work on the cheap, allowing them to believe they would not only be performing duties in their field of choice then find out something different when they get to the office is unacceptable. It is not only a problem for their credit hours, but most students are unable to opt out easily to go work somewhere else, top that off with the possibility of long work hours and little or no pay, it’s just wrong.

… PointCounterPoint

in solidarity … 2014


Wethepeople

just another rant

If you believe in moving into the 21st Century, believe in health care being accessible to all , if you believe it is a right not a privilege or that the overhaul to health care is long overdue; then you are on the right side of history.  keepabortionlegalHowever, members of Congress are portraying the ACA as a law for the poor though most parents with kids in college would say they are not poor or rich and having their children covered until 26 is a relief. The law is not perfect, but Medicare PartD is still here far from perfect, lest we talk about that Donut Hole that has hurt our seniors in ways Congress refuses to deal with, it goes without saying that hearing the donut hole will stay in place until 2020 is sad.George Mason University

I would like members of Congress to tell voters why they are against the idea that 32mil more people will have access to a health care system that will need more doctors, PA, and those great nurses who we usually see when we feel bad. Think about it, what does it take to run a Hospital?

Our myhealthcareisnotdebateablecurrent workforce cannot possibly handle that many new customers and will need to hire more folks from the so-called bottom up for the grounds, parking lots, security, maintenance, janitors, gardeners to receptionists, and more.

ACAThe Affordable Care Act has been batted abused trashed and voted against by the GOP over 40 times. The odd thing leading up to each vote, is that the facts did not seem to get into the way of Congress nor did they care that #ACA is the law of the land. Republicans chose to call it a bill, deny it has helped adults with pre-existing conditions, seniors and parents with kids under 26. It is beyond offensive that these votes not only cost Americans money to hold but a law that has been challenged and SCOTUS upheld actually seems like a travesty of our democracy then Rep.TedCruz decided to take $24 Billion out of the House of Representatives to make some sort of point against the Affordable Care Act. I do not know about you but I wonder where is the $24Billion outrage, the demand for more explanations about who is going to pay it back. Americans should be demanding the GOP give up whatever they have planned to cover that $24BillionGOPShutdown.

I ask voters, if you are concerned at all about the $24Billion 17day RepTedCruz waged on us why stay silent.Npelosiwomenshc  I hope folks wonder who will ultimately pay for it and why the media conveniently keeps bypassing all questions about the shutdown. I want answers from Rep.TedCruz and he should be forced to take responsibility and most Americans should demand that any deals coming from the GOP be reconciled against that $24Billion 17 day #ACA shutdown.

keepfamilieshealthy I cannot begin to list the impact of 32million more people added to the new health care system, but it is obvious that the Affordable Care Act is also a jobs creator.

In Solidarity … we must get off the sidelines and fight back

freedom paved with struggle


The World is watching … a repost

World

While the fight for Democracy breaks out all over the World, we are seeing the marches the violence against protesters who have had enough. We also see a World in transition, a few men, dictators who want to hold tight onto their empires ruling regardless of how many of their own call for Sovereignty while others want  21st Century living are killed.  Now, we have to include Governors, Mayors and Police Officers using excessive force who are supposedly hired take an oath to serve and protect.  However, there seems to be a growing movement of citizens who have begun to question and challenge dictators and clerics who have ruled with iron fists and have engaged in outdated ancient practices for centuries. Who knew Americans would need to question leaders of cities states and counties or be enduring policing that appeared in the days before people of color were legally given civil/humane rights.  It is important that the people never forget American history and to always remember there is strength in numbers.

Always remember strength in numbers

It is so hard to understand, believe, accept, or fathom that we are in the 21st Century, yet, there are people on the Continent of Africa dying at the hands of their own … in the what is called the Arab World for wanting to be heard, for wanting to be participants in their own futures and yes, this is not new. There are mothers with children, older men women and students coming out in droves protesting to tell these dictators/clerics it is time for a change. In a desperate move to control the truth, dictators have tried to cut off all connections to the outside world or insist and expect them to believe that the U.S. is at fault, meddling in the process of change, which they claim should happen slowly. When Protesters did not leave, most if not all these tyrants offered up some concessions to the people like crumbs while trying to divert responsibility until their patience ran out; replaced with tantrums, threats, crackdown, using extreme force, and death to those who refuse to obey. It is my hope that while the people rise up against these despots and we watch in horror, they know the efforts will help the next generation though the backlash seems hardly worth the effort in the moment. I wonder if anyone has had or even allowed himself or herself a chance to stop and consider what personal freedom would mean for them and their families. If they feel they deserve to be happy let alone an opportunity, a change from the old ancient ways to a life with the freedom to speak, better wages, human rights, to actually be a participant in the process of life. Then stop to think of how we Americans have issues with our leaders use the 1st Amendment and realize that the militarization of our police departments are quite possibly taught in the realization that our country is becoming more brown …that brown and black men are the enemy at large while we had the first person of colour in the White House the fear or fear mongering reached ugly levels …

We all know that the demand to be heard these days is great and how amazing it is to see people on two different continents with similar reactions by those who control, who truly are working for an agenda that is one of great self-interest. This seemingly symbiotic thing going on, though we are worlds apart is one that must be met without fear of evil to get the change needed and wanted. The big difference is … for them it means that any action toward independence or right to speak is not only a risk to life and family but the fear of authority may not be an option in many cases knowing the inevitability of death, for Americans, freedom to be is or used to be the possibility of death, though the last few cases of men and women of color dying by the use of extreme force has caused great concern

The journey toward freedom is sometimes paved with danger

Washington State Legislators and Boeing need to DUMP ALEC –


 

a repost from 12/2012 ~~

 

Given the havoc we all know the American Legislative Exchange Council has created on so many levels effecting our past and present; we all know that we need to make sure companies DUMP ALEC for a better Future. If Coca-Cola, Kraft and Pepsi-Co among others can … so can our State Representatives and Senators.

John Nichols wrote in an April article …  Don’t Just Pressure ALEC’s Sponsors, Name and Shame ALEC Legislators    – a good read

Below is a list of some Washington Legislators with & without associations with ALEC …

Demand that they sever their ties to ALEC Now !

Washington State Representatives  …

— Representative Jan Angel, 26th District, Port Orchard, Republican

Committees: Education, Transportation, Rules and Local Government.

Representative Matt Shea, 4th District, Spokane Valley, Republican   – Front office states they absolutely support ALEC

Committees: Labor & Workforce Development, Judiciary,Transportation and Leadership

Representative Charles R. Ross, 14th District, parts of Yakima County, Republican

Committees: Public Safety and Elections Task Force Member

Representative Barbara Bailey , 10th District, Island County and portions of Skagit and Snohomish counties, including the cities of La Conner, Oak Harbor, and Stanwood, Republican

Committees: Health and Human Services Task Force Member

Representative Joe Schmick, 9th District, Colfax, Republican – Front office states that Rep.Schmick feels the info RE:ALEC is not accurate

Committees: Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Member

Representative Kevin Parker, 6th District, Spokane, Republican

Education Task Force Member

Representative Mike Armstrong, 12th District, Chelan and Wenatchee, Republican

Committees: Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force and Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Member

Representative Bill Hinkle, 13th District, Cle Elum, Republican   — Retiring

Committees: Health Care and Wellness, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Ways and Means

Washington State Senators …  

Washington State Constituents appreciate and respect legislators who have made the choice to DUMP ALEC

did you know … the LaRouche movement


just another rant …

I am sure that attitudes about the LaRouche movement is different among left of center folks out there. I admit my attitude is for and about left of center actions that will help my family yours and possibly effect others that have like minded actions … ones that create change for the better like: clean air water environment living for the 21st Century that is inclusive … extremists on the right or the left are tough to accept when the goal or mission is only for a select few to reap the benefits … that is just wrong in my opinion. Anyway, a little information about their movement is below and contrary to what they say I just cannot believe they consider themselves apart of the Democratic Party

Lyndon LaRouche, who is, well, a fringe political cult leader of sorts.  LaRouche is a left-wing Marxist-turned-right-wing conspiracy theorist, and believes in off-the-wall policies like space colonization, a quarantine for everyone with AIDS, and opposition to abortion and gay rights. And LaRouche, himself a former perennial presidential candidate, has been accused of espousing fascist, racist and anti-Semitic views.  As the late Manning Marable once said, “LaRouche appeals to fear, hatred and ignorance. He seeks to exploit and exacerbate the anxieties and frustrations of Americans by offering an array of scapegoats and enemies: Jews, Zionists, international bankers, blacks, labor unions-much the way Hitler did in Germany.” Not running for political office these days, LaRouche, 91 years old, has his minions on the ballot—people such as Kesha Rogers.  Like other LaRouche supporters, Rogers has compared President Obama to Hitler, complete with the mustache, and likened Obamacare to the policies of Nazi Germany. And she wants to impeach him, too.

Resources: UK Progressives … the grio … state- election.info … Rogers official website

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The LaRouche movement opposed the UN sanctions against Iraq in 1991 and the Gulf War in 1991.[13] Supporters formed the “Committee to Save the Children in Iraq”.[14] LaRouche blamed the sanctions and war on “Israeli-controlled Moslem fundamentalist groups” and the “Ariel Sharon-dominated government of Israel” whose policies were “dictated by Kissinger and company, through the Hollinger Corporation, which has taken over The Jerusalem Post for that purpose.”[15] Left-wing anti-war groups were divided over the LaRouche movement’s involvement.[16]

In 2000, the Democratic Senatorial nominee in Wyoming, Mel Logan, was a LaRouche follower;[17] the Republican incumbent, Craig Thomas, won in a 76%–23% landslide. In 2001, a “national citizen-candidates’ movement” was created, advancing candidates for a number of elective offices across the country.

In 2006, LaRouche Youth Movement activist and Los Angeles County Democratic Central Committee member Cody Jones was honored as “Democrat of the Year” for the 43rd Assembly District of California, by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party.[18][better source needed] At the April 2007 California State Democratic Convention, LYM activist Quincy O’Neal was elected vice-chairman of the California State Democratic Black Caucus,[19][better source needed] and Wynneal Innocentes was elected corresponding secretary of the Filipino Caucus.[20][better source needed]

In November 2007, Mark Fairchild returned to Illinois to promote legislation authored by LaRouche, called the “Homeowners and Bank Protection Act of 2007”, establishing a moratorium on home foreclosures and establishing a new federal agency to oversee all federal and state banks. He also promoted LaRouche’s plan to build a high-speed railroad to connect Russia and the United States, including a tunnel under the Bering Strait.[7][21]

In 2009, a volunteer table in Mattituck, NY had a picture of Obama with a “drawn-in Hitler moustache” and “a picture of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi with Frankenstein-style bolts in her head.”[22] In Seattle in 2011 (?), an image of Obama with a “Hitler moustache” angered some. Police were called in regarding a LaRouche opponent telling a LaRouche volunteer “Look at me again and I’m going to punch your face.” In another case, during the prior month, “the same officer was called to investigated an incident in which a man threatened to rip down several political signs displayed by LaRouche supporters.” “Police investigated the incident as malicious harassment — the state’s hate-crime law.”[23] At one widely reported event, Congressman Barney Frank referred to the posters as “vile, contemptible nonsense.”[24]

LaRouche supporters, Homer Alaska, May 2012

In March 2010, LaRouche Youth leader Kesha Rogers won the Democratic congressional primary in Houston, Texas’ 22nd District.[25] The following day, a spokeswoman for the Texas Democratic Party stated that “La Rouche members are not Democrats. I guarantee her campaign will not receive a single dollar from anyone on our staff.”[26] In June 2012, Rogers won the Democratic congressional primary for a second time.[27]

In March 2014, Rogers received 22% of the vote in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary, placing her into a runoff election with David M. Alameel.[28]

Resource: wiki

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In May David M. Alameel won the runoff by 72% against LaRouche candidate Rogers and will need help from the Democratic Party with his bid to unseat Cornyn ~~ Nativegrl77