Mind Yo Business!

Why?

2011-07-28T11:51:00.000-07:00

Let's just say that Kat Von D has taken boyfriend tattoos to a whole new level. Too bad they broke up.

Slap ya Mama, Punch ya Daddy!

2010-11-03T21:34:00.000-07:00

Many Moons Ago

2010-10-28T21:55:00.000-07:00

I decided to start this blog many moons ago because I like to write. I was also going through an extended quarterlife crises so I needed somewhere to vent about my career frustrations. Unfortunately, I lacked the courage and strength to actually write about those. Instead, I ventured out into the world of career advice. All the salt in the world or what is required to make a human my size bloat couldn't make it less bland. My own blood couldn't bring themselves to reading it. Hell I won't even go back to previous posts because let's face it, if I hated my job I obviously wasn't the one to tell anyone how to do anything right about their career or a prospective career.

Now that I've left that place called the concrete jungle and found a happier place, I still envy those who can live the life of a starving artist because my heart and soul craves the finer things. I love things that gleam in a dim light like diamonds, and I love smooth durable fabrics like leather, and I think high quality plastic surgery is God's gift to man! He made some of us imperfect so that plastic surgeons can provide for their families and I'm totally okay with that. I just wish I had the cold hard cash in $1.00 bills so I can stack them high and hand them to the secretary/biller before I get my nose chiseled like a European goddess model. And that's all I've got to say about that!

Vinesh

2010-10-18T23:53:00.000-07:00

I used to tell people that my parent's gave me a difficult name to spite me. It was a joke. They were probably pleased with their choice. I'm not sure if they were aware of the scrutiny and torment I would experience in my life because of it.

At some point I realized it would be best if I gave myself a typical nick name. It worked out well from middle school to high school. I was over doing that by the time I went to college it was back to my given name again. It was easier for people to adapt by then but I had to change it back to the typical nick name after I graduated so that I could actually get a job. I'm not saying I was discriminated against but I'm not exactly sure if it was a coincidence that I received responses only after I changed my name.

Fast forward many years later and someone told me she wanted to call me by my given name. I really do appreciate her for that, I truly do. Then she asked me how my name is pronounced and she came up with a combination of the nick name (Vanessa) and the given name(Benafsha) which resulted in "Vinesh." I thought I heard it all but this was truly the most creative and original.

For Sale Dell Large Leather Carrying Case

2010-10-08T19:18:00.001-07:00

I'm selling this item on Ebay (Item number:250708558387). It is a Dell D-Series Laptop Case in black leather.

We gon' find you...homeboy!

2010-08-06T00:37:00.000-07:00

It's amazing how one can find silver lining around the cloud. This video is from the news somewhere in Alabama. Anyway, it starts out sad and scary but towards the end the way the guy acts is hilarious.

The best of both worlds...

2010-07-11T19:09:00.000-07:00

Think about this. If you had a spork in your silverware set, then you'd have the best of both worlds and more room in your silverware drawer.

Funniest shit I've seen in a long time

2010-04-21T19:52:00.000-07:00

This is awesome!

I was walking to my car in the school parking lot and saw this car with a note on it. I almost died of laughter. When I'm at home, I have to deal with worse parking and have always dreamed of writing a note like this. I'm so happy!

FYI-This is how people park in my complex:

Cold Turkey

2010-03-29T19:46:00.001-07:00

Someone in my community quit smoking cold turkey. I'm kind of mad because if I knew this kid, I would take the cigs and sell it to someone at school. Don't judge me.

Under Your Kitchen Sink

2010-03-29T19:39:00.000-07:00

So my husband and I were just strolling down 2nd Street in Belmont Shore when we came across this unique store front. Tons of Clorox, Tide, and other cleaner bottles were used to display seeing glasses and sunglasses for all to see. It was definitely an eye catcher to say the least.

Why I watch TMZ

2010-03-11T18:30:00.000-08:00

Correction. I will watch TMZ if I do happen to stumble on it when I'm flipping through the channels. It's only for the sake of hearing the closing credits. I make fun of my sister when she uses "big" words because of this clip. Please watch and enjoy.

Not that I've had any barbeque lately but...

2010-02-12T20:08:00.000-08:00

I realized today that I enjoy having country music playing in the background when I'm enjoying a steak or chicken. It's especially nice when I'm at a restaurant and the staff stops in their trails to bust out some line dancing moves.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner!

2010-02-10T21:49:00.000-08:00

In the recent years I've noticed that Valentine's Day is not just celebrated between couples but some people choose to share the love with friends and/or family. Regardless of who you plan to spend it with this year, check out these affordable and gift ideas from the Huffington Post "Top Ten Valentine's Day Gifts that Give Back." Some examples are Fair Trade Chocolate, Something Pink (proceeds go to breast cancer), flowers via ASPCA, etc. Cute ideas that you don't have to limit to Valentine's Day purchases. They can be given as a gift for birthdays, graduations,etc.

Chuck, Chuck, Bo-Buck

2010-01-25T23:22:00.000-08:00

Check out this promo for next week's episode of NBC's Chuck. My cousin is playing the character "Manoosh."

You can check out his other videos here

Love this song!

2010-01-19T23:00:00.000-08:00

The Lyrics

Don't put your head on my shoulder
Sink me in a river of tears
This could be the best place yet
But you must overcome your fears

Chorus 1:
In time it could have been so much more
The time is precious i know
In time it could have been so much more
The time has nothing to show

Chorus 2:
Because time won't give me time
And time makes lovers feel
Like they've got something real
But you and me we know
They've got nothing but time
And time won't give me time
Won't give me time

Don't make me feel any colder
Time is like a clock in my heart
Touch we touch was the heat too much
I felt i lost you from the start

My Fellow Capricorn

2010-01-05T21:06:00.000-08:00

*photo: topnews.in

I'm so proud to say that Mr. Vern "Minnie Me" Troyer is a fellow Capricorn. He is so awesome that VH1 should totally give him his own dating show. It's just the next big thing/train wreck waiting to happen to cable TV.

Snookie VS. Lil' Kim

2010-01-03T21:21:00.000-08:00

Snookie/Snooks/Snickaaz, MTV's Jersey Shore and Vet Tech

Lil' Kim, Rapper

I am convinced they have the same plastic surgeon.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-02T23:32:00.001-08:00

Hope you all had a safe and fun New Years Eve!

This tasty little morsel you see is a sweet little treat from the Italian Tomato (inside Mitsuwa Marketplace Costa Mesa,CA). Can you believe flan was hiding under all this fruit? I think it's the new love in my life. What a dream come true.

So Many Hobbies, So Little Time

2009-12-21T21:00:00.000-08:00

After I graduated college, I suddenly had so much time on my hands and didn't know what to do with it. I made some failed attempts at going to the gym regularly and eventually decided to take up a new hobby. It all boiled down to learning crochet. I have a great aunt who used to crochet bath mits for us and I would watch her in fascination. She really made it look so easy but I couldn't figure it out on my own so I picked up an instruction book from Wal-Mart. According to the book, I should learn how to crochet in 10 to 20 min. It took more like 10-20 hours!! I'm still an amateur but hey, at least I try. My friend recently had a baby and I committed to making her a blanket. Somehow due to false starts and refining my strategy as to how I was going to go about making this blanket, I ended up with three blankets! My favorite part about hand made blankets are the little mistakes here and there, it's extra special.

It's That Time of Year Again: 10 Cheap Gift Suggestions

2009-12-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

Yes the Holiday Season is here. This is the first time in years that I've been a full time student with no job. Even though I'm not buying anyone presents this year due to my budget, I still thought about what I could possibly get for my close friends if I were to get something on the cheap. We even talked about this during class today among each other.

Here are some ideas for those of you who are also feeling the squeeze:

1. Bake cookies from scratch and put them in holiday tins(from Big Lots, Target, or Wal-mart).

2. $5-10 Popcorn tins from Wal-Mart for the whole office or whole family.

3. To do list pads from $1 section at Target, with a pen.

4. Child's artwork framed ( www.betterbudgeting.com)

5. Teacup (with infuser and lid) $6 at Cost Plus World Market- (I bought this for my boss and the CFO with a can of flavored tea from Starbucks last year. It was a big hit.)

6. There's nothing better than receiving a hand crafted gift. Learn to crochet or knit. You can make a scarf easily, quickly, and it takes very little yarn. Buy it by the pound at Wal-Mart, Michael's, or Joann Fabric, it's usually about $7.

7. Home baked bread with recipe (www.betterbudgeting.com)

8. Pretty jar filled with candy. Cheap jars can be found at Wal-mart, Cost Plus, or Ikea. (www.betterbudgeting.com)

9. Calendar (99c store, Wal-Mart)

10. Bottle of sparkling cider (www.betterbudgeting.com)

My favorite stores to find bargains:

1. Wal-Mart
2. 99c Store's Only
3. Dollar Tree
4. Big Lots
5. TJ Maxx
6. Marshalls
7. Target (check the $1 baskets at the entrance, or you can find clearance items at the end of each isle)
8. Ikea
9. Cost Plus World Market

An Oldie But A Goodie...

2009-12-02T22:14:00.000-08:00

Smokey Robinson was not from my time but he did happen to catch my eye during my preschool years when he made a guest star appearance on Sesame Street. This is old school Smokey singing "Really Gotta Hold on Me" to the letter "U" of the alphabet.

Enjoy!

Portion Control

2009-11-29T00:20:00.000-08:00

I went to my mother in law's house for Thanksgiving this year and I had one of the best TG dinners ever. The food turned out amazing but what stood out to me the most is the portion controlled stuffin' muffins. They were baked in a muffin pan. Yum!

The Best Yet Most Disturbing Taxicab Confession

2009-11-22T00:00:00.000-08:00

I had HBO On Demand about 4 years ago and decided to have marathons of Taxicab Confessions. This show can be shocking, disturbing, funny, sometimes sad, but never fails to be entertaining. If you haven't heard of the show, it's basically a reality show with taxicab drivers picking up unsuspecting people (in cities like NY and Vegas) to provoke them into very personal conversations. Many of these conversations cover topics like sex, sexuality, relationships, etc. For some reason, this video in particular always stood out to me. It's about a transgender or drag queen who literally cut her way through Chicago. This taping was actually recorded in Las Vegas.

Beauticious So Delicious

2009-11-21T18:42:00.000-08:00

So if you know me, I don't have to mention that I've left the corporate life for Cosmetology school. This is not an identity crisis lol. I have always wanted to do Cosmetology and never had the guts to actually go for it. Money was another factor because alot of the private programs out there are more expensive than what I paid to get my bachelors degree. I was lucky enough to move to the OC where they have programs that are significantly cheaper than going to Marinello or any of those other private schools. The other plus side is that it's close to my house and they have a 100% state board passing rate. If you want to know more about the actual school and the process of enrolling, please feel free to ask.

My cousin Alina suggested that I create a new blog dedicated to my experience so I did. Check it out and please feel free to let me know what you think.

http://beauticioussodelicious.com/

The Killer Octopus

2009-11-21T13:25:00.000-08:00

My brother-in-law is funny as hell. He just started a blog. If you don't check it out, you will hate yourself eventually.

http://thekilleroctopus.blogspot.com/

Fried Chicken

2009-11-18T20:38:00.001-08:00

My eyes want to see it.
My nose wants to smell it.
My mouth wants to taste it.
My hands want to touch it.
What should I do?

Positive

2009-11-07T09:41:00.001-08:00

It's a challenge to stay positive these days especially considering unemployment is at 10%, lunatics are shooting people, the media shoving Swine Flu/H1N1 fears in our faces constantly, the wars, etc.

My life is pretty good and I find myself getting irritated, annoyed, and sometimes depressed and I think it's totally normal for any of us to feel those emotions. Today I wrote down the things that upset me in general and it felt like a big release. I also crochet which helps. Everyone has issues we just need to be mature, rational, and just cope with it. I hope everyone I know has found positive ways to deal with their negative feelings or thoughts :)

Kirstey Alley a genius?

2009-11-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

Did you know that Kirstey Alley used to be a housekeeper? She has some great tips on cleaning products, for example she uses cheap vodka to clean her house. Apparently it has no scent, it disinfects, and it makes things shiny. She also claims that it's cheaper than buying cleaning products.

She's a genius!!

Think about it "swig, swig, wipe!" If you do decide to try it, please let me know what you think. (Please contact me the next day AFTER you've had your menudo.)

I Blog, and then you get an email

2009-10-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Dear Benofeno dot blogspot readers on my email list,

For the last time, I know you get a fucking email because I put you on the email list myself. My FAVORITE is when you point out grammatical and spelling errors I make when I ask what you think about my post. I'm referring to the content you fuck.

LOVE,

benofeno at gmail dot com

P.S.)Since I've had this blog, I've had about 5-10 hits. Keep 'em coming and thanks for the support!

No Treats for me this year...

2009-10-29T23:35:00.000-07:00

Most of my FB friends know that I went to the dentist today and found out I have cavities. How? Because I was arrogant enough to think that people should give a damn and announced it on my status comments. It was impulsive of me and I apologize for having you go through that. Like Homa says, "Most people avoid the dentist."

My dentist walks in and he's wearing baby blue scrubs in a dental clinic. I've never seen that before so I thought it was pretty funny. I sent a text to my sister to announce it. I mean some things are meant to be shared. Then he asks me how my name is pronounced. The next question is "Are you Persian?" It's a good guess and I was surprised to be asked that by a white dude. It was even better when he told me that he had a Persian girlfriend once who told him that her parents already set her up with a guy to get married to. Apparently he didn't take her seriously and a few years down the line she says to him "OK I'm ready to get married now" then she followed with "...but not to you."

OK a little too personal, right? It gets better...

Yea so I also know that he is going to be 44 in a week and umm he still owes $200k in student loans and that's why his accountant who he saw last week told him he can't go to law school.

I'm going back to him next week for two more fillings and because he actually laughs at my jokes.

The Brady Bunch

2009-10-19T00:07:00.000-07:00

We all loved it when Jan/what's her face Brady threw a tantrum and yelled "MARSHA!! MARSHA!! MARSHA" in a jealous rage. Some might say she was convincing and possibly the best actor on the show. Personally, I think Mike Brady should win the prize for best actor because he actually had me convinced that he was straight all those years. Thank God for TV Land marathons!

FREE COLLEGE CLASSES?!?!

2009-10-07T23:29:00.000-07:00

I am going to start Cosmetology school in a couple of weeks and thought it would be a good idea to look up instructional videos on YouTube. Much to my surprise, I didn't just find amateur home video's of students practicing how to do the classic bob haircut! Actually I didn't even get to look up any video's because I got distracted by links on the homepage about classes and videos from top universities across the nation. That's right, if you're curious about learning you don't have to be a grade A student,a genius, or fly across the country to tour MIT or Harvard to name a few.

I just discovered this a few minutes ago. Check out the link yourself and feel free to let me know what you think. Yes, it's free.

http://www.youtube.com/edu

LA Traffic

2009-09-24T23:24:00.001-07:00

I used to sit in this traffic for 2 1/2 years going to and from work. I'm glad it's over and I survived!

This is how I feel...

2009-09-24T01:35:00.000-07:00

So I've had diarhea for the past two days and it's not cool. The only thing that could remotely be cool about it would be losing weight as a result. Didn't happen.

I did feel a little nastalgic and decided to share this oldie but goodie with you guys. Remember the movie Parenthood? Well let me help you jog your memory or entice you to watch it if you haven't done so.

Diarhea song from Parenthood movie

When you think your friends are joking

but your pants are brown and soaking:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

Now you think you're feeling better

but you keep on getting wetter:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

When your stomach starts a rollin'

and you're cleaning out your colon:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

When your stomach really hurts,

and you know that it’s the squirts:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

When your chillin’ with your daughter

and you feel the poopoo water:

Diarrhea, diarhea.

When you're foecally obsessed

and it splatters on your chest:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

When you’re in a Pontiac

and brown comes down your crack:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

When you’re sitting in your Chevy

and you feel something heavy:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

When you’re rummaging in the attic

and your ass goes automatic:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

When your bowels are paranoid

and you just busted a 'roid:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

When you’re lounging by the pool

and your ass begins to drool:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

When you smell just like a hog

and you make a liquid log:

Diarrhea, diarrhea.

see also: http://diarrheasong.blogspot
OR http://thespasmingcolon.blogspot.com/2008/02/diarrha-song.html

Potato Skins.............

2009-09-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

Every now and again I do some stupid shit and usually learn from my mistakes.
I decided to share this one with you in hopes that you would learn not to do what I did. So recently, I was peeling potatoes and ignored the little voice in my head that told me not to shove the potato skins down the drain. Low and behold, the sink was clogged and I called my man to my rescue. I love how the safety goggles add that dramatic touch.

Side note: After some struggles, we both learned that you have to put the sink stopper on one of the drains whilst plunging the other. If you don't you will push the sewage from one drain to the other like vomit.

Punky Power!

2009-09-01T16:45:00.000-07:00

OMG she's sill alive and kicking! Apparently Soleil Moon Frye aka Punky Brewster quite active on Twitter and managed to get 1 million people to "friend" her. In return, she made this video to torture them. It is so bad that I'm actually embarassed for her.

By the way, can you believe she's 33?!?!

For some reason, I can't embed the video, but you can see it by copy and pasting this url to your browser.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2082412

Just in case one of your homboys gets shot

2009-09-01T16:31:00.000-07:00

Check out my man Dave at SW Suits in Carson.

L.A. Candy

2009-09-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

As a teen I tuned into MTV to check out the latest music videos. As an adult, I had the shameful addiction to the reality show The Hills starring Lauren Conrad. That no talent, no storyline show had me hooked from the get go mostly because every episode ended with really great cliff-hangers. I mean who ever writes for the show and/or came up with the concept, is an absolute genious. I mean these people really don't know how to act and they are complete dim-wits. Anyway, I found out that the star of the show (or former star) Lauren Conrad has a best selling fiction novel L.A. Candy. I read the front flap and realized there's no way in hell this girl wrote this. It sounds so brushed up and professionally written. I can't believe this shit! haha.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0061767581/ref=s9_al_bw_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=right-blog-0&pf_rd_r=1WFFPQQK1PRC3CGD9K1C&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=489538371&pf_rd_i=549028#

I Can Only Give It A Try....

2009-08-29T01:55:00.000-07:00

Ever since I graduated college five years ago, my composition and grammar has officially gone to shit. I'm so glad I'm going back to school soon. I mean, I'm not doing anything academic or anything but maybe I'll have to fill out paperwork or something that will force me to write something. UGH I need to lose weight and facial hair without pain and suffering. It's really not realistic but hey I'll give it a shot.

How to work out from home

2009-08-26T22:59:00.000-07:00

If you're contemplating cancelling your gym membership to cut some unecessary costs, it may not be a bad idea. Check out this video I found on how to work out from home. You'll need a baby and a toddler to do these fat burning moves.

HOW TO WORK OUT FROM HOME - watch more funny videos

God's Gift to All Women....

2009-08-25T21:13:00.000-07:00

You guys have to see this video it's absolutely genious.

Bobby Bottleservice talks to all the sexy internet ladies - watch more funny videos

A Typical Day in the Life

2009-08-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

I was upset after leaving the mall because J-Lo (my ass) conveniently has grown much larger 5 days before my sisters big Bachelorette/Bridal Shower parties and I couldn't find anything that didn't make me look like a video ho. Ok that's not really why I was upset. I mean I was but I forgot all about that after my unpleasant I encounter with Mrs. Nip-Tuck at the Slutty Club Ho store at the Westside Pavillion.

So according to this Non-Persian, Non-Afghan worker at the slutty club ho store with head to toe nip-tucks, I don't "look" Afghan. I mean did she picture a Burqa girl? Of course she didn't have a response when I asked her what an Afghan looks like. She was too busy trying to get my husband to buy this no good swap meet over priced dress talking about "Oh you're Malaysian? Well that's such a coincidence my HAIR EXTENSIONS are from Malaysia!" My husband is suffering from what he calls "follicle death" so he wasn't convinced about her judgement on quality. She continued her rant about the rats nest on her head "....it's the strongest hair I've ever had, I paid $250 just for the hair and it's so worth it." Yes, this is the conversation he was subjected to while I was in the fitting room trying on the video ho dresses.

Needless to say, we left the store with no club dress. I still have nothing to wear and I'm on a crash diet for the rest of the week. This means that starting today, I will stop eating solids after 6pm. Ya, I know that's not exactly original but hey, I'm desperate and I need to look right this Saturday.

Neck-ser-sizing.......

2009-07-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

I thought I saw it all until I came across this commercial on TV. Turns out that there is actually a neck exercise machine on the market for people who have big saggy necks. Trouble is that you have to hold the device in place with your hands when using it which mean's you can't lift your free weights whilst working your neck out. Just don't get why anyone would even buy this thing considering if your neck is fat, you are probably on the heavy side yourself, right?

https://www.buynecklineslimmer.com/?mid=552766

WARNING

2009-07-26T02:33:00.000-07:00

Flixster - Share Movies

Why do I have a big belly?

2009-07-25T17:00:00.001-07:00

Sometimes when I'm on the web, I like to google random questions like "why do I have a big belly?" I clicked on the first result and it directed me to Yahoo! Answers. It's a pretty cool forum where you can basically ask any question, and hopefully someone random will eventually answer. By the way, the answer to the question"Why do I have a big belly?" is : Maybe from all the pizza, chips, and trips to visit the Burger King.

I guess I can agree with that one.

My next question is "Why do I have such a big ass?"

Quick and Easy Exit Strategy...

2009-07-25T16:52:00.000-07:00

I appreciate and am absolutely fascinated by laxatives. There are so many over the counter ones in liquid and pill form. Heck there is even a tea you can drink! I've taken a few in my day and the best method so far is definitely drinking coffee because it tastes yummy and it has quick delivery. I've been told by my Dr. friend that it actually causes constipation but I guess it gives me the opposite effect.

Die Fruit Fly Die!

2009-07-25T16:47:00.001-07:00

When it comes to having insects my policy has always been: You can come over, but you can't spend the night, and umm stay away from my sight. Unfortunately, we have fruit flies that have definitely overstayed their welcome. After consulting with the Orkin man who frequents my workplace I learned cheap, eco-friendly ways to get rid of these suckers. Check out this website that gives instructions in more details.

http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Fruit-Flies

Take Prince's advice...

2009-06-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

According to Prince, you have to live life to the fullest and enjoy it while it lasts. If anyone tries to get in your way, just go crazy. I agree with him, how about you?

Let's go Crazy-Prince

Dearly beloved
We are gathered here today
2 get through this thing called life

Electric word lifeIt means forever and that's a mighty long time
But i'm here 2 tell u
There's something else
The afterworld

A world of never ending happiness
U can always see the sun, day or night

So when u call up that shrink in beverly hills
U know the one - dr everything'll be alright
Instead of asking him how much of your time is left
Ask him how much of your mind, baby'cuz in this life

Things are much harder than in the afterworld
In this life
You're on your own

And if de-elevator tries 2 bring u down
Go crazy - punch a higher floor

If u don't like the world you're living in
Take a look around u
At least u got friends

U see i called my old lady
4 a friendly word
She picked up the phone
Dropped it on the floor(sex, sex) is all i heard

Are we gonna let de-elevator
Bring us down
Oh, no let's go!

Let's go crazy
Let's get nuts
Let's look 4 the purple banana
'til they put us in the truck, let's go!

We're all excited
But we don't know why
Maybe it's cuz
We're all gonna die

And when we do (when we do)
What's it all 4 (what's it all 4)
U better live now
Before the grim reaper come knocking on your door

Tell me, are we gonna let de-elevator bring us down
Oh, no let's go!

Let's go crazy
Let's get nuts
Look 4 the purple banana
'til they put us in the truck,

let's go!C'mon baby
Let's get nuts
Yeah
Crazy

Let's go crazy

Are we gonna let de-elevator bring us down
Oh, no let's go!
Go crazy

I said let's go crazy (go crazy)
Let's go, let's go
Go
Let's go

Dr. everything'll be alright
Will make everything go wrong
Pills and thrills and dafodills will kill
Hang tough children

He's coming
He's coming
Coming

Take me away!

Your Last Resort

2009-06-10T22:15:00.000-07:00

Here is an article from the Wall Street Journal about people who are so desperate to find a job that they removed achievements, and/or college degrees from their resume so employers find them more desirable. I mean the last thing they need is for some ambitious kid to come along and jump ship after working for just a few months.

http://finance.yahoo.com/career-work/article/107119/The-New-Resume-Dumb-and-Dumber

If you're struggling to find a new job. Consider dumming down your resume as a last resort. Any job is better than no job, right?

Don't be boring...

2009-05-13T19:18:00.001-07:00

Check out this article I discovered in Yahoo! covering seven boring topics to avoid at parties.

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/sex/user-post-7-topics-to-avoid-if-you-dont-want-to-be-a-bore-453819/

Hate is Such a Strong Word

2009-04-21T21:40:00.000-07:00

And the word miserable may fit you better. Ever hated your job? Has it gotten to the point that you wish you were laid off despite the state of the economy? Well, fret you not because you're definitely not alone. Please read further to learn about the top 3 signs of a miserable job. Hopefully this will validate your misery and you won't feel guilty about hating your job when so many people don't even have one right now.

1. Anonymity-The feeling that employees get when they realize that their manager has little interest in them a human being and that they know little about their lives, their aspirations and their interests.

2. Irrelevance- When employees cannot see how their job makes a difference in the lives of others. Every employee needs to know that the work they do impacts someone’s life--a customer, a co-worker, even a supervisor--in one way or another.

3. Immeasurement- the inability of employees to assess for themselves their contribution or success. Employees who have no means of measuring how well they are doing on a given day or in a given week, must rely on the subjective opinions of others, usually their managers’, to gauge their progress or contribution

The Best Things in Life are Free!

2009-04-13T19:05:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone! You know I'm a sucker for a good deal especially when the going price is free.
Click on the link below:

http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/slideshows/slideshow_pop.html?nm=freebies_2008

Entry Level is H-E Double Hockey Sticks!

2009-04-07T00:12:00.000-07:00

One of my near and dear blog followers suggested that I give some advice to my entry-level audience.

The ideal situation for any college graduate is to have a job waiting for them or possibly the prospect of being sought after. Most of us are not fortunate to have a network of people who can hook us up with a job in the field and industry we want to be in. I have some first hand experience of the ultimate lows in trying to survive in the cold, cruel concrete jungle we call work since I didn’t have the opportunity to inherit a job from my parents and I didn’t have any friends or family who could get me a job in the field I was interested in. Oh, and I didn’t have any money so desperation and drive helped me keep my head above water and pay off some credit card debt along the way.

Here is some tough love advice from me to you…

For Starters

You need to build experience so it is important to stack up on internships while you are still in school (the best ones seem to be the unpaid ones) to really get experience in your industry or field. This step is important for many reasons, which includes, getting a realistic view of what the pros and cons are in that field or industry first hand. You should aim to do this so that you can gain your own perspective and not read it out of some career catalog or book. Also, if you do a good job, there may be job prospects for you as a result. You can also use your internships as an opportunity to build contacts in your professional network. If you want a career in a certain field bad enough, I guess you would be willing to look past or deal with the negative.

Don’t flip burgers!

Unless you are planning on franchising the Burger King down the block, don’t waste your time working in retail, restaurants, or fast food. You are worth more than that the minute you set foot in college (don’t let this go to your head though). If you really need money to sustain yourself financially, you should go for paid internships only even if the pay sucks. Trust me, this will pay off in the end.

-Interview tip: Don’t be afraid to ask if you will have an opportunity to be hired full time upon graduation.

No internships under your belt or job experience?

The biggest mistake I’ve noticed, is the perception of deserving more or being overqualified for your entry-level position. This is where you have to step off your high horse and look at the big picture. What can you really offer the company you are working for? You may be a smart person, but they need more than that. If you are reading this and realize that you are arrogant and elitist, you still have some alternative options. You can to start your own company, go back to school, or just deal with your current job get the tenure and skills that you need. No pain no gain. If you woke up this morning and realized your boss does not really care that you graduated from college, you’re probably right. Many companies list “college degree” as a requirement or preference for clerical and administrative masked as “entry-level” jobs because it’s the only way that they can legally discriminate against you in an effort to decrease the number of applicants. That is not an assumption.

Meet Dick

2009-03-30T23:21:00.000-07:00

Dick Bolles that is. For those of you who are not familiar with Dick Bolles, he is the author of What Color Is Your Parachute?

What Color Is Your Parachute? 2008: A Practical Manual for Job-hunters and Career-Changers

I let someone borrow my copy of this book, which was an older version many years ago, and I seriously feel lost ever since. If you haven’t heard of this book you probably did not need it or something. I think that everyone should have a copy.

Keep in mind, this book is not one of those pseudo Tony Robbins books on the clearance shelf. Not that I think Tony Robbins is b.s. but I think some writers and motivational speakers try to be like him and they suck. Trust me, I have bought those books and I should have known better when they were on sale for $6.00 at the bookstore.

Anyway, to give you an idea about what this book can do for you.

Use this book to prepare for an interview.
This book is seriously like a career bible. It will give you the pointers and guidance so that you can take the right path on your interview, have the right attitude, exude confidence, and give the right answers so that you can land that job.

Use the career finding tools.
The most unique section in this book is where you can list interests, lifestyle preferences, skills, which will narrow down what career path may suit those requirements and/or needs that you have or think that you have. I consider this part career therapy.

It’s like you might have all these thoughts in your mind but the method in which Dick Bolles designed the activity really organizes all your thoughts and ideas about how you visualize your future life and career.

For example, someone may think they want to work for a non-profit but also have a 5 series BMW in the stars. Is that possible? Well I’m thinking it is not likely but depends on your education level and what YOU really want to do for a job.

Use this book if you are thinking of changing careers.
The sad part about career changers that I have met, including myself is that most of us spend our lives fooling ourselves into following a career path that we know is shit but to be practical, stable, recession proof (what ever that means) we stay. This really sucks but does not have to be the end. I know you’re miserable but before you quit your job read this section in the book.

Considering an MBA?

2009-03-22T22:20:00.001-07:00

Read this article first. You may want to wait for schools to revamp and revive their curriculum so that you can be ready to take that executive job by storm.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/business/15school.html?pagewanted=2

THE ULTIMATE REFERENCE WEBSITE!!!!

2009-03-22T20:35:00.000-07:00

You can go to this website to get latest news headlines, about what the top 100 U.S. newspapers are, or would like to know the number of war casualties in Afganistan and/or Iraq. The best part is that the designer of this webpage managed to fit all the links on the homepage. I think this is so cool that I recommend that you book mark it as a favorite for sure. I also don't think it would be a bad idea to set it up as your homepage.

http://www.refdesk.com/

For Analytics (Scientific Analysis) professionals

2009-03-20T23:18:00.000-07:00

What is analytics? Analytics = Scientific Analysis.

Most of the research I do is general and not specific to certain markets or niche fields so I turned to my Super Nerd of Analytics Correspondent, Ihsan Salleh for his input.

With the economy being so volatile, especially for those in data-oriented fields (scientists, engineers, other geeks that do math or applied math) it is important to keep these things in mind (some may be obvious).

1) We all know you're a nerd and don't expect you to be friendly but DO build and maintain a strong network of contacts in your field.

Social network for Analytics professionals: AnalyticBridge.com

2) It is also crucial for you to keep up with the pace of changes and stay on the cutting edge of what's new.

Don't know how to? Well maybe the people you meet in your network can let you know. Work on your social skills, and yes this means you should brush your teeth and take a shower regularly, which means every day.

Don't have friends? Here are some links to do the research online for you homebodies out there:

Analytics:
http://www.analyticsmagazine.com/

Operations Research and Management Science Today:
http://www.lionhrtpub.com/ORMS.shtml

Information Management:
http://www.information-management.com/

Intelligent Enterprise:
http://www.intelligententerprise.com/

3) Don't have a job or need a new one? Try these links and hope for the best. I'll have my fingers crossed for you ;).

Job search engines for analytics professionals:
http://www.analyticrecruiting.com/list_category.asp
http://www.icrunchdata.com/
http://www.numericjobs.com/

More job search engines:
http://www.dice.com/
http://www.socaltech.com/company.php
http://www.simplyhired.com/
http://www.careerjet.com/

Make it Quick and Dirty with a side of fries!

2009-03-20T20:31:00.000-07:00

Do you ever have writers block at the worst times or are you ever just too busy to write an articulate letter to someone important?

Wouldn't it be great if you had a "quick and dirty" way of getting it done? I'm thinking a book with pre-written business letters AND a CD with templates of over 100 letters that you could just copy and paste onto word or your email? Doesn’t that sound fantastic? OK so guess what? This book already exists and I found it!

Business Letters for Busy People by John A. Carey $20.00

Check it out people!

2009-03-19T23:53:00.000-07:00

Here are some good websites for career researching:
www.jobhuntersbible.com

Want to know what the employees think of their companies?
go to www.jobvent.com

If you live in the OC here is a directory of companies registered with the OC Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.destinationirvine.com/show/all

If you live in LA here is a directory of companies registered with the LA Chamber of Commerce:
http://members.lachamber.com/sbaweb/members/advancedsearch.asp

Wonder what a CEO's Resume looks like?
http://edugree.com/job-prep/resume-help/ceo-presidents-resume-example

2009-03-19T23:47:00.000-07:00

Thank you for visiting my blog!

I have been almost obsessed with career research and learning about everything from finding companies, motivation, and finding the "right" career since I went through my quarterlife crises a few years ago. Since then, I have had the opportunity to have some great experiences, opportunities, and some learning opportunities that have helped me grow as a person and in my career. Along this path, I also happened to find some great books and websites that I really want to share with everyone I know (if they don't get too bored).

So far, I haven't figured out some things like how people manage to work for the same company for many MANY years. I'm working on that as soon as I find the right job:).