Monthly Archives: January 2012
recent reads: @crampell on economics for NYT (new york times)
Articles by Catherine Rampell (@crampell) for New York Times and other publications.
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/author/catherine-rampell/
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/catherine_rampell/index.html
Growth Accelerates, but U.S. Has Lots of Ground to Make Up
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/28/business/economy/us-economy-grows-at-modest-2-8-percent-rate.html?ref=catherinerampell
Why Do I Care?
Canada and the USA holds close relations. I like to think that our friendly relationship remains though evidence proves otherwise. A few questions to ask revolve around the interest rate – whether it should remain at zero and encourage loans, mortgages (dependent on the average income of American families and their ability to make payments) – among other things. Should the American government be focusing on encouraging young people to go back to school with bursaries and affordable student loans? It could be a solution to the lack of jobs. Students-turned-entrepreneurs is a growing trend and it helps with developing their professional portfolio along with providing real-world experience for students – something that is lacking even here in Canada today, I’ve noticed. In short, it makes sense that much upgrades in human capital on the world population required. We can’t have all big companies/corporations sourcing talent in talent because of flexibility (more on this below). Not only is that absurd but what about this wasted talent here in the West? We need jobs, we need venture capitalists, we need risk-takers willing to dive in the dark waters. Who’s first?
How the U.S. Lost Out on iPhone Work
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/22/business/apple-america-and-a-squeezed-middle-class.html?ref=catherinerampell
Why Do I Care?
As mentioned above, our economy relies on the effective use of resources aka labour. Wasted labour is highly inefficient and definitely preventable, with strategic planning and then some. Sure, college grads are a suitable candidate for a job position but does that mean you must lay off the senior staff? Part-time work is great for seniors who prefer greater flexibility in scheduling and work hours and equally satisfying for new grads entering the work force. Win-win situation. What’s better? The part-time senior staff member mentors and guides the new-in-the-company trainee. You can benefit with such relationship. There’s more work involved with finding the perfect balance in a relationship in order to make it work. In addition, bonding between individuals also play a role. If no mutual feelings exist, move on.
Why Students Leave the Engineering Track
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/20/why-students-leave-the-engineering-track/?ref=catherinerampell
Why Do I Care?
Couldn’t exactly agree with all the points raised in this article as I do spend a fair amount of my week studying. Though not as productive as I can be due to study habits and length of time it takes to actually comprehend a concept or phrase from a Powerpoint. I have a few engineering friends and yes, the course load is tough, but it does pay off, well at least in their minds. These friends of mine do have a life and they spend a great deal of time on personal interests, so I don’t know if that says something about their productive studying habits or not but I do realize the declining quality of college courses. It’s not that we (students) don’t want to learn more, exercise our newfound knowledge but our professors (or most of them at least) are not providing the incentive and resources for us to do so outside the classroom setting. You can only learn so much within the four walls of a lecture hall or tutorial classroom (smaller classroom setting for deeper discussions and flying arguments based on value judgments over facts). Is the education system in Canada lacking? Well, one thing is definite: grade inflation. The exponentially growing number of international students (double the tuition costs becomes incentive for post-secondary institutes to accept and charge fees to their accounts) and the fact that education is on its path to privatization. In a sense, one can say the economy is improving and we will soon head into a ‘boom’ period and college degrees will no longer become the norm. Rather, students will head straight into the labour force to make a quick penny until the economy slows and then as cyclic as the cycle has always been: colleges will be brimming with students and staff. No surprises there.
Do College Grads Earn Less Now Than 40 Years Ago?
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/12/do-college-grads-earn-less-now-than-40-years-ago/?ref=catherinerampell
Why Do I Care?
True statement. Inflation, outrageous tuition fees, and degrading quality of college education.
Getting a Degree: Less Rigor, More Value
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/11/getting-a-degree-less-rigor-more-value/?ref=catherinerampell
Why Do I Care?
Not true. Hard work comes in many forms. I, for one, enjoy reading blogs for outside information to support what I learn in class. Working in retail also helps me understand what I learn. Applying our knowledge is key to Gen Y population.
Want a Job? Go to College, and Don’t Major in Architecture
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/01/05/want-a-job-go-to-college-and-dont-major-in-architecture/?ref=catherinerampell
Why Do I Care?
My friend Kendra works at her mom’s architecture firm part-time and I’ve heard a few things about expansions and new projects. Architecture is in no means going downhill. It’s just the demand at the moment. If you are passionate about design and architecture, don’t let one article change your mind. It takes guts to follow your dreams, do it.
Instead of Work, Younger Women Head to School
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/29/business/young-women-go-back-to-school-instead-of-work.html?ref=catherinerampell
Why do I Care?
Basic economic principle at play. Boom periods = more working adults and students. Recession periods = more studying, upgrading and job search. This article serves as a benchmark of our current economic state. Why are more women working than men? Is it the sector that they enter that highlights this fact or is it their youthful age?
Unwanted Homes, Unwanted Workers
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/unwanted-homes-unwanted-workers/?ref=catherinerampell
Why Do I Care?
Agree with the last point in this article 100%. Job growth is number one. And no, I do not mean labour, menial work that pays minimum wage. Putting our brains to work, stimulate creativity, innovation, and a new generation of ‘green’ and not greenwashed products is an economy and society I long to see and live within. Please, let this be soon.
More on Labor Force Dropouts
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/07/more-on-labor-force-dropouts/?ref=catherinerampell
Why Do I Care?
I’m actually taking a class on Labour Economics this very semester in school. Not surprising as this entire post dedicated (hardly my intention) to the labour force – mostly focusing on the USA as the NYT (New York Times) is an American publication. So, from this article I learned that the labour force is declining. Women becoming breadwinners but an equal proportion of men and women leaving the workforce due to discouraging results from their endless job searches. Been there, done that. It’s affecting many around the globe and in Europe, I can’t even begin to comprehend the chaos happening over there. I’ve followed some feeds on Twitter but the economic jargon I’m not familiar to yet has me muddled. Might post a few articles on that soon as I get to reading about it.
Employed Women, Dropping Out of the Labor Force
http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/06/employed-women-dropping-out-of-the-labor-force/?ref=catherinerampell
Why Do I Care?
Last article for tonight, I promise. First, I’d like to swing off topic for a second and discuss something that’s been bugging me. Is there a general reason that explains why women are more often more insecure in business than men in the workplace. Men stick up for one another. Women stab each other behind their backs. You see it on TV, you read about it on the paper. It’s not classy at all and I can’t see how anyone benefits. Work together, drop value judgments and bring intrinsic value into relationships, professional and otherwise.
Anyways, so this article claims that women are dropping out of the labour market like fleas most likely due to layoffs. Mom-preneurs has gained momentum and with the numbers to prove it. I love the idea that moms can stay closer to home, work on projects they are passionate about and happy working on. They put their children above all else (when necessary) and maintain a steady income, too.
@Jenny WongYVR
tried and true: Nutiva Organic Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil
For 80 uses of @nutiva organic extra-virgin coconut oil (much better than I can sum up) click HERE!
my uses of coconut oil:
1. body moisturizer post-shower
2. makeup remover
3. cooking pancakes on weekends
@JennyWongYVR
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recent reads: @blackpressmedia
Various articles written by Esther Tung for The Peak SFU (the-peak.ca, @PeakSFU) and my views.
Burned Interns
http://www.the-peak.ca/2011/11/burned-interns/
Why Do I Care?
I, for one, am willing to accept an unpaid internship gig if I feel that the mentor/employer and I share similar values, business ethics and the potential to learn and experience activities outside my comfort zone exists. I am definitely looking into accepting more freelance writing opportunities, from online and print publications, and perhaps even contribute to online magazines. TIP: Begin your search with small, local companies.
PS: for another perspective on unpaid internship opportunities, read this blog post by Danielle Laporte.
B.C. Correctional Officers Experience “Abnormal Working Conditions”
Why Do I Care?
Sensitive topic among Vancouverites and one that not only reverts back to the economic conditions of our country but also requires serious attention. Some factors that decision makers should be considering are: how did things get this way and what is our biggest concern. Do we want to isolate people with criminal offenses from society or do we want to give them a second chance to start fresh? Do currently institutionalized citizens have an incentive to change for the better? Sure, more correctional officers can be hired, but the rate at which do-wrongers are going into a cell are only to increase during recessions. Low opportunity costs and difficulty in finding jobs play a major role in this.
The TOM’s Footprint: Is “One for One” Really the Answer?
http://www.the-peak.ca/2011/09/the-toms-footprint-is-one-for-one-really-the-answer/
Why Do I Care?
I admit it took the TOM’s brand of footwear’s entrance into the local fashion scene that allowed me to embrace the idea of social entrepreneurship. It was totally new to me and then…it was everywhere! Companies supporting charities were viral with videos on YouTube to support their causes and soon, university students and marketers adopted similar ideas in their projects. What I found fascinating about this article is this: people lie. Maybe it does cost TOM’s $4 to make a pair of shoes and then they retail it somewhere between $40 – $60? No thanks, I opt for better quality than a pair of shoes that last 6 months (I see similarities with Aldo Shoes (aldoshoes.com) here….)
Jenny Wong
For more worthy reads, follow me on Twitter: @JennyYVR
#vancouver events: @jennywongyvr Lunar New Year Feast 2012
To date this is the first time I’ve shot photos and uploaded them on this blog.
Highlights of the Lunar New Year Festivities & Feast that took place at my house for 2012 minus the traditional snacks/cakes that had been long gone.
How did you celebrate Lunar New Year?
Jenny Wong
For more food talk, follow me on Twitter: @JennyWongYVR
#vancouver events: 2nd Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival (2012): French Made Baking
2nd Vancouver Hot Chocolate Festival (2012): French Made Baking (frenchmadebaking.com)
Today was my first visit to French Made Baking (frenchmadebaking.com) on Kingsway and Broadway. Earlier this week Erin Ireland (itstodiefor.ca, @erin_ireland) – mother of the It’s to Die For Banana Bread we love (twitter.com/itstodie4) – tweeted about the baked in-house almond croissants and I had to get to trying them! And today, I did. With my little brother.
Since we were in the area, just outside Mount Pleasant Community Center (vancouver.ca/parks/cc/mtpleasant), it was an adventure worth walking in the pouring rain for. At first I didn’t know where to begin looking for signs with the words: French Made Baking. But we passed a sign with the words: Hot Chocolate Festival and I swiftly turned my heels. Wait a minute, I thought, what store is this hosting the Hot Chocolate Festival. I looked up and my heart began beating faster than ever. Wow, we were standing right outside French Made Baking and almost walked past it without knowing.
We spent a good few seconds peering through the glass and then I informed my brother of the situation and he was insisting on Tim Hortons across the street.
After we had a browse around the tiny space. A table for customers, pretty colourful display of Parisian macarons (Parisian macarons supposedly a food trend of 2012: HERE) and baked goods.
So we made our order and had to save trying the macarons for next time as I’m expected a delicious Lunar New Year feast later tonight!
We ended up choosing the Hot Chocolate ‘flavour of the day’: the Vanilla Chestnut White Chocolate. That’s definitely a flavour combination I never tried and stoked to experience. Sure, I had water chestnuts as a snack or finger food and served with lamb but in a hot beverage, this is a first! Upon first sip you can taste the flavour of chestnuts as you swallow and the distinct sweetness of vanilla and white chocolate. What surprised me was that the chestnut flavour was present, did not dominant but didn’t fade with each additional sip. You could always tell it’s there. It was a wonderfully made drink.
We also picked up one of the few remaining almond croissants waiting for someone to come along and devour. Almonds inside and out. A generous layer of thinly sliced almonds of great quality and freshness over the croissant and the oozing, sweet, custard almond filling inside the croissant was just amazing. My sweet tooth satisfied before the day has really began.
PS: Found out that this new-in-town shop wants to start offering plain croissants among other flavours very soon!
Jenny Wong
For my food adventures, follow me on Twitter: @JennyYVR.
Tried and True: @FerroCosmetics Ultimate Mineral Foundation and Eye Candy Eye Shadow
i first tried the @ferrocosmetics ultimate mineral foundation in palest honey when i should’ve gotten the honey creme shade for asian skin tones (yellow undertone).
but as for the eye candy eye shadow, i wear it wet as a liner. though when the ratio of water to powder is off, the liner doesn’t go on as smooth.
@JennyWongYVR
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Spring 2012 Side Project: Knitting the Wool and the Gang Zion Lion Hat Kit
Wool and the Gang (woolandthegang.com) Zion Lion Hat Kit in Sherpa Blue from Lynn Steven Boutique (lynnsteven.com) in Gastown, Vancouver
This morning right before heading up the mountain to SFU Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC, Canada for class, I popped by Lynn Steven Boutique in Gastown (225 Carall Street, Vancouver, Canada lynnsteven.com) to pick up a knitting kit by the one and only: Wool and the Gang (woolandthegang.com) based in New York.
I didn’t even know Lynn Steven carried the Wool and the Gang kits until yesterday evening when I was browsing their online store. Suddenly, my eye caught an image of something that looked vaguely familiar. It was the WATG logo and it was on sale! Score.
While I was at the boutique and speaking to Nicole Durnin, the owner, I found out that the boutique will be carrying a nail polish line made in Vancouver, Canada. How cool is that? Fingers crossed this line of nail polish will be sans toxic chemicals and any horrid scents. Fresh and clean scents are virtuous and so hard to come by in the beauty/nail industry.
So, anyway. After I left the boutique around noon, I walked back to Waterfront Skytrain Station and hopped on the skytrain on route to campus. I began opening the bag to see what was inside and all that good stuff. It was a rather large bag about the size of a brown bag recycled grocery bag you see in cartoons on TV.
Inside this large bag with Wool and the Gang‘s signature logo on front with the details of the product and contents of the bag, I saw the 15mm wooden needles that basically sealed the deal. I’ve knitted (or begun) a few projects before but because of problems I encountered with needle size and tension, it came to a halt.
Now that I’ve got my hands on the thickest needles I’ve ever seen, the idea of starting yet another knitting project became that much more interesting. Seriously, if you haven’t tried knitting before, it’s fun but sometimes stressful and always a laughing matter (yes, laughing at your own silly mistakes is acceptable).
My siblings and I co-created a scarf and it ended up so tight and boring that our grandmother took it apart and made a beret for herself with it. My grandma knits a lot and she wears her own creations thus making it so intriguing to see what she’s working on and of course, they always brings about an honest around-the-dinnertable laugh. Some of her creations with the sewing machine and outfits could make me burst into tears. Colour and patterns. Oh, she is such a fashionista. Wise, elderly fashionista(s) are the best kind.
Which reminds me of a story…I met an elderly woman a few months back and we got started talking about fashion. We were both staring at a Joe Fresh wool dress (if you can even call it that) of which I nicknamed ‘wormy’ to my coworkers. If you saw it, you’d understand. Though it is unflattering, it makes a good closet piece (just hanging there). She continues reliving memories of her past aka her teenage years and offers styling tips which I thought were quite fresh and alluring. Apparently, she would be dressed to the nines on a school day and wear just about anything that makes her feel as great as she looked. I was quite envious of her to have such a frivolous lifestyle. It kind of made me think…why do people enter the fashion industry to begin with? What are their motives, goals, and intentions…?
Starting this week(end), I’ll be watching video tutorials on Wool and the Gang’s website and hopefully start on my latest side project.
Updates will happen periodically.
To shop for WATG‘s ready-to-wear collection, yarn, and/or kits visit their website: woolandthegang.com and if you’re up for more woolly inspiration (even if you don’t like to knit) visit their blog: woolandthegang.tumblr.com. They are also on Twitter: @woolandthegang.
One last thing before I sign off for the day, I don’t know if it flew out of my envelope of written instructions that came in the huge WATG kit but the knitter’s sewing needle that supposedly comes with this kit has gone missing. If I can easily substitute this with a regular sewing needle then it’s not a problem but I’m not so sure as the yarn (Crazy Sexy Wool produced by the Wool and the Gang team) is quite thick. Love the Sherpa Blue colour though.
Jenny Wong
For updates on the progress of my knitting projects and this Spring 2011 project, follow me on Twitter: @JennyYVR
tried and true: Julie Apple Tag-a-Long Clutch
