It’s no secret that millions of Americans are without jobs. It’s no secret that 13.1 % of residents in the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater area are unemployed. Since it is difficult to find a well paying job during these hard economic times, people are starting to turn their shoulder on the idea of working up a company ladder and instead, work for themselves. According to the US census, there are about 10.4 million self-employed workers in the United States which is a 300,000 person increase since 2001.
Hillsborough County had one of the highest self-employment rate increases in the country. According to the census, the amount of people who worked at non-employer establishments in Hillsborough County jumped up 8.3 percent from 2004 to 2005. Out of the nearly 1,180,000 residents in Hillsborough County, approximately 59,000 of them were self-employed as of 2008, according to city-data.com.
There are many reasons that can explain why people are stepping away from big companies to work for themselves. One example could be the older generation of professionals that are fired daily because their salary is too big. In a company’s eyes, why pay the old guy a fat pay check when we can get a brand new college graduate and pay him close to nothing? Once that ‘old guy’ is fired, he’ll have to search for a new job and probably settle for a significantly reduced pay cut. Why bother? This is why many people start their own business and use the skills they’ve gained over their career to make a legitimate amount of income. Whether they do freelance work or open up their own company, self-employment is becoming a popular trend this day in age. In some cases, people who start their own business and find success may be better off as opposed to working for a big corporation.
25 year old Cameron Fulks, a part-time University of Tampa student and full-time self-employee, realized that working a part time job for a bar-and-club promotion company wouldn’t pay off his bills and support the life style he lives. In 2008, Fulks decided to leave his part-time job and start his own promotion company. “Starting Edge Entertainment was one of the best things I’ve ever done. I make great money, I don’t have to report to anyone, and I love my work,” said Fulks.
Working for yourself and starting your own business isn’t an easy thing to do. In many cases, people fail and end up in a worst place then where they started. Some call it an investment; others will call it a gamble. Some have found great success with starting their own business and other have not. The only thing certain these days is that if you don’t pay taxes, you’re going to jail.
Showing posts with label Westerlind. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Westerlind. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Monday, March 22, 2010
A Giant Leap Towards a Healthy America
On Sunday, March 21, the House passed the health care bill that has created sincere animosity between Democrats and Republicans. For the most part, Republicans have strong views against the passing of this bill for reasons that are somewhat reasonable, but mostly ignorant. They feel that American will be losing billions of dollars through taxes during a time that is already ridden with significant debt, which may be partly true. What they don’t seem to understand is that millions of Americans are suffering each year financially, physically, and mentally because they cannot afford health care. Reality and statistics show that some Americans simply don’t have the same opportunities as others which can lead them to working jobs that don’t provide a health plan. Should these Americans suffer by the price of death? Absolutely not, but unfortunately that is what’s happening every day.
I have seen firsthand how the health system works and how ‘accommodating’ hospitals can be if a person doesn’t have health insurance. Hospitals will treat patients initially regardless if they’re covered or not, but will turn their shoulders on them later if they can’t provide a means of payment. If someone can’t afford their medications that will keep them alive, then who’s to blame? The answer is Ms. Liberty and the naysayers in congress that feel a public health care plan is a ‘bad idea.’
One of the arguments against health care reform is that doctors will be losing money from their salary. Does this complaint not seem similar to the ones that were voiced by the Wall-Street CEO’s when they were crying about their salary bonuses? This case is obviously on a lesser scale but seriously, people need to be less materialistic and start looking out for their countrymen. We hear stories every day about children dying in their hospital beds because they are uninsured. If people took a deeper look at this issue, they would certainly be less naïve and have a little more sympathy for their neighbors.
The bill passed on Sunday was a significant victory for the American people. According to the New York Times, Democratic Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina said, “This is the civil rights act of the 21st century.” I couldn’t agree more with his statement. New doors are about to be open for millions of Americans. Not only will this health care reform provide us with a healthier America, but it will give us a more productive America. No longer will citizens have to work just to pay off their hospital and prescription bills. No longer will families worry about their children being denied an organ transplant. Better days are upon us, it is time to embrace change.
I have seen firsthand how the health system works and how ‘accommodating’ hospitals can be if a person doesn’t have health insurance. Hospitals will treat patients initially regardless if they’re covered or not, but will turn their shoulders on them later if they can’t provide a means of payment. If someone can’t afford their medications that will keep them alive, then who’s to blame? The answer is Ms. Liberty and the naysayers in congress that feel a public health care plan is a ‘bad idea.’
One of the arguments against health care reform is that doctors will be losing money from their salary. Does this complaint not seem similar to the ones that were voiced by the Wall-Street CEO’s when they were crying about their salary bonuses? This case is obviously on a lesser scale but seriously, people need to be less materialistic and start looking out for their countrymen. We hear stories every day about children dying in their hospital beds because they are uninsured. If people took a deeper look at this issue, they would certainly be less naïve and have a little more sympathy for their neighbors.
The bill passed on Sunday was a significant victory for the American people. According to the New York Times, Democratic Representative James E. Clyburn of South Carolina said, “This is the civil rights act of the 21st century.” I couldn’t agree more with his statement. New doors are about to be open for millions of Americans. Not only will this health care reform provide us with a healthier America, but it will give us a more productive America. No longer will citizens have to work just to pay off their hospital and prescription bills. No longer will families worry about their children being denied an organ transplant. Better days are upon us, it is time to embrace change.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Corey Smith: The Future of Country
An emerging star in the country music world may be destined for a great future. Corey Smith’s music has captured the hearts and minds of young college fans across the country. His laid back attitude and call-it-how-he-sees-it mentality has become a popular trend in the country oriented music crowd. His sold-out shows are proof that this man is destined for a great career as a country-singing artist.
Though it may be a bit early to say, but perhaps Corey Smith will be the new face of country music. This could turn into a “Lady-Gaga” effect, as I’d like to call it, where one moment an artist is unknown then the next they are the face of their music genre. On the other hand, he may just be another country musician with pretty decent music, who knows?
If one thing is certain, it’s that the fans have spoken and they want more Corey Smith! His new album, “Keeping Up With The Joneses,” took several months to make, according to Yes Weekly, and consists of some of his best songs. His ambition and eagerness to mature as a musician may very well lead him to the path of success with his millions of fans following.
Though it may be a bit early to say, but perhaps Corey Smith will be the new face of country music. This could turn into a “Lady-Gaga” effect, as I’d like to call it, where one moment an artist is unknown then the next they are the face of their music genre. On the other hand, he may just be another country musician with pretty decent music, who knows?
If one thing is certain, it’s that the fans have spoken and they want more Corey Smith! His new album, “Keeping Up With The Joneses,” took several months to make, according to Yes Weekly, and consists of some of his best songs. His ambition and eagerness to mature as a musician may very well lead him to the path of success with his millions of fans following.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Improper Sentence For Hit and Run Offenders
Tragedies are an inevitable part of life that most people will encounter, even if the tragedy didn’t affect them directly. There is often little we can do to prevent devastating tragedies from occurring, the only thing we can do is pray that we see as few as possible in our lifetime. On Saturday, November 21 2009, the University of Tampa faced a tragedy that affected hundreds of students. Erik Nicoletti, a University of Tampa junior, was struck by a vehicle and killed on an early Saturday morning, a morning that will never be forgotten. The only thing worse than a preventable tragedy is seeing the person responsible not getting the proper punishment they deserve.
The Florida Senate’s bill, 0210: Relating to Leaving the Scene/Crash/Death or Personal Injuries [CPSC], discusses the penalties and actions that must take place if an incident, such as the one that happened to Nicoletti, ever occurs. Under this bill, a driver who is convicted of fleeing the scene of a crime that results in a death will face up to 10 years in prison. Call me crazy but a 10 year sentence doesn’t seem justifiable given the horrid nature of the crime. If a person takes a life while driving and continues to drive away as their victim lies on the pavement bloody and hopeless, they should face a much longer sentence.
Legislation needs to reconsider the improper sentencing that goes with this tragic crime. 10 years doesn’t compensate for a life that will never be seen again. 10 years won’t take away the agony that the families of these victims face day-to-day knowing that their loved ones will never return. 10 years is a pathetic sentence for a crime that has the potential to affect hundreds if not thousands of lives.
It will be disappointing if this bill is passed, and the sentence time isn’t increased for those who flee the scene of a crime that results in a lost life. Legislation needs to realize the number of life’s that are affected by a single death and come up with a more realistic punishment for these offenders. Perhaps they would see things differently if they all had the chance to sit down with a family member or close friend of an innocent victim like Nicoletti, then maybe they will see the pain inflicted and come up with a better punishment.
The Florida Senate’s bill, 0210: Relating to Leaving the Scene/Crash/Death or Personal Injuries [CPSC], discusses the penalties and actions that must take place if an incident, such as the one that happened to Nicoletti, ever occurs. Under this bill, a driver who is convicted of fleeing the scene of a crime that results in a death will face up to 10 years in prison. Call me crazy but a 10 year sentence doesn’t seem justifiable given the horrid nature of the crime. If a person takes a life while driving and continues to drive away as their victim lies on the pavement bloody and hopeless, they should face a much longer sentence.
Legislation needs to reconsider the improper sentencing that goes with this tragic crime. 10 years doesn’t compensate for a life that will never be seen again. 10 years won’t take away the agony that the families of these victims face day-to-day knowing that their loved ones will never return. 10 years is a pathetic sentence for a crime that has the potential to affect hundreds if not thousands of lives.
It will be disappointing if this bill is passed, and the sentence time isn’t increased for those who flee the scene of a crime that results in a lost life. Legislation needs to realize the number of life’s that are affected by a single death and come up with a more realistic punishment for these offenders. Perhaps they would see things differently if they all had the chance to sit down with a family member or close friend of an innocent victim like Nicoletti, then maybe they will see the pain inflicted and come up with a better punishment.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Bulletin Boards, Here to Stay
Between social media networks and emailing, the number of ways to relay a message is vast thanks to technology. The one message-relaying vehicle that college students still find affective on campuses is bulletin boards.
Every day on college campuses all across America, thousands if not hundreds of thousands of flyers and posters are posted on bulletin boards. Why is this basic means of communication still so affective? The answer is accessibility.
“I walk past bulletin boards everyday and always see stuff posted on them. It’s hard to miss,” said Brittany Baron, a junior at the University of Tampa.
Bulletin boards are everywhere around the University of Tampa campus. Most students walk past dozens everyday on their way to class or their dorms. What do students look at while they’re waiting for the elevator? What do students look at when they walk into the computer labs? Bulletin boards.
Most college students spend hours upon hours each day doing their work, research, and site browsing making it easy to access email and social media networks. Email and Facebook are currently the two most popular ways people communicate with each other using words. They are easy to use, fast, and free.
Social media networks have become the dominating trend among Americans young and old. On sites such as Facebook, people can create groups and communicate with others about specific interests, beliefs, professions, and hobbies. This has become a very effective way of delivering messages to specific demographics. The problem with Facebook is that everyone may not view the message and the right people may not even get it.
“I love Facebook, but I usually delete messages if they’re not from my friends,” said Alexa Albanese, a University of Tampa sophomore.
Bulletin boards don’t discriminate. Everyone on a campus will more than likely walk past a bulletin board every day and may find something new and interesting to them.
Emailing has become a very useful communication tool. One of the most common ways college universities and their organizations deliver messages is through emails. The funny thing is, many of the important messages that are sent through emails are posted on bulletin boards.
Not everyone thinks bulletin boards are an effective way to deliver a message.
“I have never read a flyer on a bulletin board I think,” said Nicole Caouette, a junior at the University of Tampa.
For some people, bulletin boards are simply a thing-of-the-past. Caouette added that she receives her messages through emails and Facebook on a regular basis. Many college students may agree with Caouette. Who has the time to stop and read every flyer and poster on a bulletin board?
It all depends on the person. Some may see a graphic or certain phrase that catches their attention which will lead them to read a message. Others will walk past a bulletin board day after day even if the message posted is very important to them. That’s just reality. If there is one thing that’s certain, it’s that bulletin boards are still useful and they are here to stay.
Every day on college campuses all across America, thousands if not hundreds of thousands of flyers and posters are posted on bulletin boards. Why is this basic means of communication still so affective? The answer is accessibility.
“I walk past bulletin boards everyday and always see stuff posted on them. It’s hard to miss,” said Brittany Baron, a junior at the University of Tampa.
Bulletin boards are everywhere around the University of Tampa campus. Most students walk past dozens everyday on their way to class or their dorms. What do students look at while they’re waiting for the elevator? What do students look at when they walk into the computer labs? Bulletin boards.
Most college students spend hours upon hours each day doing their work, research, and site browsing making it easy to access email and social media networks. Email and Facebook are currently the two most popular ways people communicate with each other using words. They are easy to use, fast, and free.
Social media networks have become the dominating trend among Americans young and old. On sites such as Facebook, people can create groups and communicate with others about specific interests, beliefs, professions, and hobbies. This has become a very effective way of delivering messages to specific demographics. The problem with Facebook is that everyone may not view the message and the right people may not even get it.
“I love Facebook, but I usually delete messages if they’re not from my friends,” said Alexa Albanese, a University of Tampa sophomore.
Bulletin boards don’t discriminate. Everyone on a campus will more than likely walk past a bulletin board every day and may find something new and interesting to them.
Emailing has become a very useful communication tool. One of the most common ways college universities and their organizations deliver messages is through emails. The funny thing is, many of the important messages that are sent through emails are posted on bulletin boards.
Not everyone thinks bulletin boards are an effective way to deliver a message.
“I have never read a flyer on a bulletin board I think,” said Nicole Caouette, a junior at the University of Tampa.
For some people, bulletin boards are simply a thing-of-the-past. Caouette added that she receives her messages through emails and Facebook on a regular basis. Many college students may agree with Caouette. Who has the time to stop and read every flyer and poster on a bulletin board?
It all depends on the person. Some may see a graphic or certain phrase that catches their attention which will lead them to read a message. Others will walk past a bulletin board day after day even if the message posted is very important to them. That’s just reality. If there is one thing that’s certain, it’s that bulletin boards are still useful and they are here to stay.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Do College Students Care About "The Tonight Show?"
The Jay Leno-Conan O’Brien feud has left many people with their eyebrows raised, especially NBC. In 2004, NBC made the decision to turn “The Tonight Show” over to Conan O’Brien starting in 2009. For many people, this was a significant change considering Leno has been the show’s host for 17 years (Gabler, 2010). The real question that has to be asked, which pertains to the specific topic of this matter, is do college students even care?
Let’s talk quickly about why Conan O’Brien was removed as the host of “The Tonight Show.” The biggest and most obvious reason O’Brien was paid off by NBC to leave “The Tonight Show” was because he wasn’t pulling the same high ratings that Leno was pulling when he was on the show. In NBC’s mind, O’Brien was the perfect predecessor to Leno because he was the new, cool-kid-on-the-block that would attract an audience in the 18-34 demographic--which is NBC’s target demographic. Unfortunately for O’Brien, his ratings as “The Tonight Show” host were much lower than what NBC expected, which led to O’Brien leaving “The Tonight Show” with $45 million (Gabler, 2010).
Now we will go back to the question at stake; do college student’s care? “I haven’t heard much about the feud and I could honestly care less. I watch ESPN and 24, that’s it,” said John Fitzsimmons, a University of Tampa student. Another response about this issue was, “I thought only old people watched ‘The Tonight Show.’ I’ll ask my grandmother what she thinks then get back to you,” said Charlie Simone, also a University of Tampa student.
The college consensus shows that students could actually care less about what’s going on between Leno, O’Brien, and NBC. Late night comedy shows aren’t appealing to the younger generation as much as they did when Leno took over “The Tonight Show” 17 years ago. If this is true, this may pose a significant problem for NBC and its affiliates. If O’Brien, a likeable witty icon, couldn’t carry the show on his shoulders, who can? The obvious answer to that question is Jay Leno, but Leno isn’t going to be around forever. The reality of the matter is that NBC will have to figure out what the younger generations are attracted to and strike before another network does.
Works Cited:
Gabler, Neal. "Jay Leno triumps over what's cool." The Los Angeles Times 23 Jan. 2010: n. pag. Losangelestimes.com. Web. 24 Jan. 2010.
Let’s talk quickly about why Conan O’Brien was removed as the host of “The Tonight Show.” The biggest and most obvious reason O’Brien was paid off by NBC to leave “The Tonight Show” was because he wasn’t pulling the same high ratings that Leno was pulling when he was on the show. In NBC’s mind, O’Brien was the perfect predecessor to Leno because he was the new, cool-kid-on-the-block that would attract an audience in the 18-34 demographic--which is NBC’s target demographic. Unfortunately for O’Brien, his ratings as “The Tonight Show” host were much lower than what NBC expected, which led to O’Brien leaving “The Tonight Show” with $45 million (Gabler, 2010).
Now we will go back to the question at stake; do college student’s care? “I haven’t heard much about the feud and I could honestly care less. I watch ESPN and 24, that’s it,” said John Fitzsimmons, a University of Tampa student. Another response about this issue was, “I thought only old people watched ‘The Tonight Show.’ I’ll ask my grandmother what she thinks then get back to you,” said Charlie Simone, also a University of Tampa student.
The college consensus shows that students could actually care less about what’s going on between Leno, O’Brien, and NBC. Late night comedy shows aren’t appealing to the younger generation as much as they did when Leno took over “The Tonight Show” 17 years ago. If this is true, this may pose a significant problem for NBC and its affiliates. If O’Brien, a likeable witty icon, couldn’t carry the show on his shoulders, who can? The obvious answer to that question is Jay Leno, but Leno isn’t going to be around forever. The reality of the matter is that NBC will have to figure out what the younger generations are attracted to and strike before another network does.
Works Cited:
Gabler, Neal. "Jay Leno triumps over what's cool." The Los Angeles Times 23 Jan. 2010: n. pag. Losangelestimes.com. Web. 24 Jan. 2010.
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