Down, But Not Out

Regrettably, The Pensive Proofreader is on an enforced hiatus while my laptop is being serviced.  Meanwhile, I'm writing my blogs out in longhand, so I'll have lots of new material to share once I'm up and running again.  Stay tuned.  I will be back!

Happy Thanksgiving

As part of my ongoing mission to help the homeless, I made the trek yesterday to a local food pantry to donate a few sacks of groceries.  Granted, it was a small offering, but I'm hopeful that my next donation will be bigger.  And the next donation won't be next Thanksgiving.  My goal is to eventually donate on a once-monthly basis, contingent on my financial circumstances.  But I promise to do my best.

As you segue into the start of the holiday season, please take the time to remember the less fortunate.  If you're willing but unable to donate to a food pantry, simply send your silent but loving good wishes their way.  Pause for a few minutes to give gratitude for the warm bed you sleep in, the scrumptious feast you'll dig into, the roof over your head or the good health I hope you enjoy.  If you're employed, appreciate the opportunity to work and for a regular income.  And if you're searching for a job, hang in there.  Just remember -- your new career may be only days away.  You never know.  Please carry that hope in your heart.  It's so important.

Happy Thanksgiving from The Pensive Proofreader!

P.S. -- If you're able to donate, please consider the links to the right of this page.  Thank you.

Better Late Than Never -- Part II

Just wanted to blog a very brief postscript today.  Yesterday, I learned from a surprise connection that the daughter of my now-deceased former co-worker, Lenny, recently gave birth to a baby girl.  So, while Lenny didn't get to experience firsthand the joys of grandparenthood, I'm positively thrilled for Lenny's wife, a first-time grandma who I just know will spoil this special newborn girl absolutely rotten!

And it's so good to know that a part of Lenny will continue to live on -- the next link in his amazing chain.

Write On!

Because my time is limited and there is much I need to accomplish today, I've decided to write a quick blog about writing a blog... or a term paper... or an article... or whatever else.  By nature, I'm a perfectionist, and as I write, I'm constantly in edit mode.  Producing quality, error-free copy is important, so I'm anxious to uncover how I write, why I write, and what steps I take to produce copy which I'm proud to pass onto my readership.

Writing has always been relatively painless for me.  For the most part, I scribe with ease and enjoy all that goes along with it, particularly the research aspects.  But for others, it's a much different story.  Less gifted writers often struggle with the task and tend to produce copy in need of organization, strength of voice, a dictionary or grammatical guidance.  The good news for the less gifted is process writing -- a five-step procedure which involves 1.) brainstorming/pre-writing; 2.) composing a rough draft; 3.) revising that rough draft; 4.) editing as a precursor to producing the perfect copy; and 5.) finally publishing that finished product. 

As a writer, I've rarely had to rely upon the process writing model in its proper form, although I do use some version of it as I write.  I certainly brainstorm before beginning a blog, and God knows I'm constantly editing and revising prior to clicking the "Publish Post" button here on Blogspot.  I'm not much of a rough draft person, though.  I'd rather just write and revise as I go along, which has been my preferred method for decades.  As an elementary school student mastering the process of writing, I could never see the point in writing a rough draft and then rewriting the entire piece over in an attempt to right the first go-round.  It seemed pointless.  So I'm a huge fan of editing and revising my first attempt, which will eventually become my final masterpiece.  However, complete overhauls and I are not friends.

Perhaps I should consider embracing the complete overhaul.  It could be helpful, and I'm sure it would give my copy fabulous wings with which to fly.  But I remain reluctant, viewing its absence as wise time-management on my part.  Interestingly enough, in some fashion, I probably have performed extensive, Joan Rivers-style plastic surgery on my writing, but just the same, I remain in deep denial over the probable existence of any rough draft spawned from either my pen or my keyboard.  So the rough draft continues to receive the cold shoulder treatment and probably will as I continue to write on.

Better Late Than Never

I really need to stop the random Google searches on names from the past.  Sometimes, you're better off not knowing what's become of old friends, long-lost neighbors, and former co-workers.  I found this out the hard way when -- partly out of curiosity and strictly out of boredom -- I recently Google'd the name of a former colleague with whom I'd lost touch a few years ago.  I hadn't seen Lenny since 2008 when he was laid off from the proofreading job in which he took fierce pride.  After the layoff, we kept in occasional touch, primarily by swapping holiday cards.  Last I'd heard, Lenny had been diagnosed with cancer, probably about two years ago, but I'd been told by another former co-worker that, for the most part, he was holding his own.  A health supplements enthusiast and a feisty former Brooklynite, Lenny was the ultimate survivor, so I just knew he could spit in the face of cancer.  He wasn't going anywhere.  He'd be fine.  That's what I thought, anyway...

But cancer spit back and Lenny passed away last December at the age of 74.  Having lost touch with the one former colleague closest to Lenny, I remained unaware of his passing until today when I randomly Google'd his name for an update.  I didn't expect to find much of anything when I initially keyed his name into the search engine, but there was his obituary right before my eyes.  And what followed was an incredible sadness... followed by a rash of respect and admiration.  The Lenny I knew was a solid proofreader who always showed up to work on time, ready to tackle the day with determination as well as whatever job was placed before him.  A cantankerous curmudgeon through and through, he was always primed for battle with any publisher, typesetter or graphic designer who dared disagree with his professional assessments.  Clutching his ballpoint pen, Lenny boldly confronted any number of colleagues, and when things didn't go his way, he simply dismissed it all with a decidedly declarative "To hell with it!"  No standard red proofreader's marker was ever found on Lenny's spotless desk.  He couldn't be bothered, so he stuck with his black ballpoint pen with a vengeance.  Occasionally, he clashed with management, and while I didn't always agree with his stance on certain departmental issues, I had to admire his unabashed zeal in stating his case, as well as the unmistakable pride he took in his proofreading -- a profession he continued in until his early 70s.

But Lenny was so much more than just a proofreader.  He was also a devoted husband and loving parent.  He frequently spoke with love, affection, and fatherly concern about his grown children, who were clearly an integral part of his life.  As for his better half, it just so happened that Lenny and his wife had the good fortune to work at the same firm (albeit in separate departments), so they commuted to work together, took their lunch at the same time, and drove home in each other's company.  Some spouses might have found it tiresome to see so much of their partner during the day, but Lenny's first priority was his wife and his wife's first priority was Lenny, so too much togetherness was never an issue for this loving couple who married in 1958 and would stay together until the final day of Lenny's life in 2010. 

When I first began writing this blog entry,  I was initially experiencing some remorse over Googling Lenny's name and learning of his fate in such a removed, behind-the-keyboard manner.  But in retrospect, I'm glad I took the time for a keyword search.  Granted, it's nearly a year after Lenny's passing, but as the old saying goes, better late than never, so it's time for a tribute to this very deserving man.  So, I'm grateful that that Google search has given me an opportunity to reflect on the life of this fine, feisty gentleman.  It's allowed me to express written appreciation for a person who was once an important part of my life.  It's also given me the chance to continue to value those who remain part of my living cast of characters.  And it's finally time for a very fond farewell...

Love you, Lenny, and I'll never forget you.  Ever.

A Gentle Decline

Today I received a rejection letter from a hiring company, and surprisingly, I'm thrilled about it.  It's not because I don't want the job.  Quite the opposite, actually.  But I'm pleased that management took the time to thank me for my interest in the position with a polite and friendly email -- an increasingly rare practice these days.  But as impressed as I am, it makes me wonder why good manners are no longer in vogue in the business world.  Could it be that Corporate America has forgotten what really should be amongst the best business practices?

As it happens, big business actually can't be faulted for its seemingly faulty memory.  The lack of rejection letters from hiring organizations is simply a sign of the times borne out of the current unemployment crisis.  Theoretically, larger organizations should have the manpower and the budget to expedite rejection responses, but conscious of costs, even corporate giants are cutting back.  The majority of small to midsized firms cannot even consider the expense, so job-seekers are often left hanging due to these new normal economic restraints. 

A plethora of issues exists behind the lack of rejection letters, ranging from understaffed organizations and overwhelmed talent acquisition departments besieged with legions of resumes to the costs associated with sending these often meaningless missives.  These days, the reality is that corporate staffers simply cannot keep up with the volume of responses to job listings, resulting in the rejection letter becoming a casualty of the unemployment crisis.  Making matters worse, staff cuts and hiring freezes have resulted in a lack of manpower necessary to accomplish the task of expediting rejection responses, so again, the rejection letter falls victim to the many wrinkles in the job market.  And then there's the economic angle to consider.  Most organizations are not budgeted to expedite mass rejections letters.  Putting it into perspective, if a hiring company receives 300 resumes in response to a single help wanted listing, realistically speaking, the hiring company is not going to spend approximately $130 (at the first-class rate) on the cost of postage alone to send out scores of rejection letters -- never mind the expense of envelopes, paper, et cetera.  It just isn't economically feasible, so many organizations have done away with this practice, and probably wisely so, considering current economic conditions.

Fortunately, electronic mail has proven itself to be a cost-effective method of getting the rejection message across.  However, the major knock on email is the manpower which must be utilized to expedite rejection messages.  With so many personnel cutbacks in the workplace, most firms simply cannot assign workers to this task, which is time-consuming and admittedly benign.  Perhaps an intern could be pressed into service, but most talent acquisition departments are unlikely to entrust this more or less confidential duty to a college student who, technically, isn't an employee.  

So, for all the resumes I've sent out -- and this number is probably nearing the 150 mark by now -- this is actually the first rejection response I've received.  Granted, it's via email but I think we all agree that electronic media is a perfectly acceptable mode of communication.  Snail mail, of course, is a thing of the past, and I certainly don't fault firms for slashing their postage stamp budgets during this time of economic uncertainty.  Regardless of the method of expedition, I appreciate the outreach, as well as knowing where my application stands, even though an interview isn't the end result. 

When in Doubt, Send a Hallmark

Hallmark recently unveiled a new line of greeting cards targeted at soothing the unemployment woes of recently displaced workers.  Yes, that's right.  When your dad, neighbor or best buddy loses his/her job, you can send some much-needed cheer, courtesy of the cardmakers who supposedly care.  Categorized under the company's "Loss of Job" section, as found at your local stationery store, sympathetic shoppers can choose from up to eight different selections of recession- and layoff-themed cards (http://www.hallmark.com/occasion/encouragement/loss-of-job).

 

Creative soul I am, even I could not make this stuff up.  Giving Hallmark the extreme benefit of the doubt for a very brief moment, I'm tempted to say that this new card line is possibly well-intentioned and probably harmless.  After all, isn't sending a greeting card with a kindly note a genuine show of support for the unfortunate?  Hallmark does have a card for every occasion -- or so it seems -- so why draw the line at job loss?  Maybe it's me, but somehow a handwritten letter with one's own sentiments seems more sincere. 

Personally, I suspect that this marketing ploy has less to do with compassion for the currently unemployed and more to do with attempting to boost sales.  Call me a cynic, but I can't believe big business has a big heart.  It's may be a good thing for Hallmark employees as this latest line may very well keep some copywriters, graphic designers, printers, et cetera, off the unemployment line, as card sales have declined of late.  And it's probably a good thing for Hallmark as this latest card line will surely generate some revenue.  All indications point toward the line's success, so perhaps Hallmark does have a winner here.

While I'm not at all certain that I'd welcome an influx of job loss-related greeting cards in my mailbox, others may be thrilled to receive them.  According to an online article published by a Colorado-based NBC affiliate, Lost Your Job, There's a Card for That (http://www.9news.com/money/221309/344/Lost-your-job-Theres-a-card-for-that), job loss greetings may actually cheer and inspire recipients.  Just ask jobless outreach worker, Michelle Crowthers of Work One, who believes that receiving such a card in the mailbox may actually motivate a displaced worker.  "Getting a card like that and somebody caring is fabulous," said Crowthers.  "At least someone's caring enough to, you know, get a card and say 'I'm thinking of you.'"

Rest in Peace, Andy Rooney

Less than a month ago, I posted here on The Pensive Proofreader what essentially became a tribute to veteran broadcaster, Andy Rooney, formerly of CBS's 60 Minutes.  My reasons for posting on this topic had less to do with Mr. Rooney's professional accomplishments and more to do with the current crop of broadcasters, many of whom lack the academic background and journalistic zeal which Mr. Rooney certainly possessed.  Generally speaking, I disdain pretty on-air faces which have failed to pay their dues, and felt that Mr. Rooney, an old school journalist, was considerably more deserving of any accolades I could give.  But while I have the utmost respect for Mr. Rooney's storied career in broadcasting, I was far from a fan.  Occasionally, I caught his segments on 60 Minutes, but never made it a particular point to sit down and watch.

Perhaps I should have sat down and tuned in more often.  Quite possibly, I might have learned something from Mr. Rooney, whose career was occasionally checkered with comments which he may or may not have regretted.  For these remarks, he was properly taken to task and was seemingly contrite.  Of course, no one knows exactly what was in Mr. Rooney's heart or in his head, but I'd like to think he knew to do the right thing.  So if I'd paid more attention to his work on 60 Minutes, perhaps I would've taken away how to gracefully emerge from a hailstorm of controversy, as he did.  I might have discovered the sheer joy of straightforwardness.  Or maybe I would've gained greater insight into the mindset of a man who'd lived through the Great Depression, had seen combat in World War II, and who helped shaped broadcast journalism into what it is today.  Love him or hate him, Andy Rooney was a man of myriad musings, a gifted writer, and a proud American.  And for this, I salute him.

Rest in peace, Andy Rooney (1919-2011).

Humanity, Humility, and a Helping Hand

For varied and personal reasons, I made a personal vow nearly two years ago to help the homeless as well as children with cleft palate.  It's a vow I've recently renewed, despite being unemployed at present time.  Regardless of my personal and/or financial circumstances, the bottom line is that the need for action still remains on behalf of those who need assistance the most.  So I'm back on board with my vow, hoping to extend a helping hand in whatever way I can.

                                   

But how?  Since I'm living on a limited budget these days, I cannot contribute as much financially as I normally would.  This is not to say that I won't make the occasional modest cash donation.  In any event, my thoughts have turned to creative ways in which I can help without reaching too far into my wallet.  So for starters, I've decided to utilize this blog as a springboard, along with other social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, et cetera.).  The purpose of today's entry is simply to raise awareness of my personal mission.  For readers who'd like to contribute to these causes, obviously I'd be forever grateful, and I've included a few links to the right of this blog under the banner of Homeless Outreach / Cleft Palate Relief Effort -- but that's as far as I'll go with any financial appeals.  There's nothing I despise more than constant hit-ups for cash-for-causes, so I refuse to be that annoying person.

Of course, cash will carry only so far, so I also want to be physically proactive with my mission.  The obvious outlet is to volunteer at the local thrift shop where my mother hangs her hat three days a week for several hours at a clip.  The thrift shop serves the under-served in my community as well as those experiencing financial difficulties who are in need of clothing or small household items at discounted rates.  I've been toying with the idea of volunteering for the past couple of months now, so I may very well make it a reality. 

The reason why I decided to revive this mission was because it recently occurred to me that I've been writing a lot lately about the unemployment situation, job search tips, and other assorted miscellaneous subject matter.  While these topics are interesting and relevant to many, the fact still remains that it's Pensive Proofreader-centered and all about me, my job search, and the occasional random observation -- which may not necessarily be a good thing.  I'd like to think my ego is a healthy one, but there are times when it's necessary for a quick status/reality check and this is one of those times.  Yes, I need a job, but then again, so do millions of unemployed  people.  I am not unique.  Quite the opposite, actually.  I have the same need(s) as many others.  What I am is actually quite fortunate -- a fact which I tend to forget at times.  I live in a home which is heated in the winter and cool in the summer.  There's food on the table.  There's clean water in which to bathe and wash dishes.  So far, I've been able to meet my financial obligations despite being out of work.  So I really am blessed.  But the fact remains that others are not as fortunate.  So if I can help them, I will.  This is not just a blog entry.  It's a vow.

Before drawing the curtain on today's entry, I wanted to include the Facebook status that a friend posted this morning as it's timely and relevant.  It's also a good reminder, not just to the unemployed masses, but to all people that it's crucial to stay motivated even when it seems as if circumstances are conspiring against you.  I hope this passage speaks to you as it did me, and as you read it, please remember the less fortunate, many of whom have completely lost hope.  Even though you may feel discouraged for whatever reason, please keep moving in their honor. 

When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high,
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint in the clouds of doubt,
And you never can tell how close you are,
It might be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst that you must not quit. 

                                             -- Author Unknown

A Possible Plan B

During this unfortunate lapse of employment, I've thought about volunteering in my local community. I've also considered joining the Peace Corps, and I'd rather far rather be a freelancer than a freeloader.  But what about pursuing an internship?

It's not as if I haven't interned in the past.  As a college graduate, my first foray into the professional world was as an intern in the news department of a local adult contemporary radio station.  It was your standard issue internship: early morning, unpaid, and not particularly glamorous.  I assisted my supervisor/mentor by phoning local police and fire departments at precisely 5 a.m. to determine if any newsworthy stories had occurred during the wee hours of the morning.  I also arranged for election result returns with local school districts. I clipped news of the odd from local papers for potential on-air usage, monitored the Associated Press wire with a vengeance, and performed with a smile any other clerical chores that the rest of the regular, full-time staff refused to touch.

While I'm not altogether certain I'd be willing to intern again as I really need health benefits and a decent enough paycheck to foot the bills, the notion of displaced workers tackling internships at what usually is the mid-level trajectory of their careers isn't too far-fetched.  According to Maggie Galehouse's 2009 article in the Houston Chronicle, Here's a Plan B for the Unemployed: Try Internship First (http://www.chron.com/life/article/Here-s-a-Plan-B-for-unemployed-try-internship-1747123.php), an internship may actually be an ideal scenario for laid-off employees who want to explore new career options while keeping their skills fresh and relevant.  It's a professional trend which is continuing to grow and is reaching a range of personnel, from the recent college graduate to the seasoned worker.  Internships aren't just for displaced employees either.  They're also a sensible idea for homemakers or caregivers who've been away from the workplace for awhile or for those who want to test the realistic waters of a supposed dream career.

Laura Casey, scribe for the Chicago Tribune, concurs that mid-career internships can come in handy, especially for displaced workers desperately in need of a new professional direction.  In her October 2011 article, Mid-Career Job-Seekers Turn to Internships, Volunteer Positions (http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2011-10-24/business/ct-biz-1024-midcareer-interns-20111024_1_internships-career-change-midcareer-professionals), Casey cites the case of Jagpal Mandaher, an experienced commercial aviator who found himself out of a job when the travel industry slumped shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.  Mandaher kept his cool, remained practical, and tackled a ten-month paid internship at Sensitel Inc. with a vengeance, eventually landing a full-time position with the firm in their finance department.  In the end, the internship proved to be an invaluable experience for Mandaher, who interned in several departments at the Sensitel organization before finding the right professional fit.  "I actually learned a lot," he said.  "The internship helped me realize I felt more comfortable in a financial analyst role than I would've felt in accounting."

While Mandaher's internship experience proved to be a positive one, there is a downside to interning.  While an internship can consist of invaluable, practical experience which may very well give a displaced worker a much-needed inside track to a regular, full-time position, there are no guarantees of permanent employment once the internship concludes.  Regrettably, interns are expendable, and for the displaced worker who overextends himself/herself with effort during an internship, it's a gamble which may or may not pay off.  No health benefits are offered -- an absolute necessity for some.  And in some cases, interning can even jeopardize unemployment benefits.  As the Laura Casey article points out, displaced workers receiving unemployment insurance must always be ready, willing, and able to accept traditional employment, so if the internship impedes that availability, it could be an issue.  For-profit organizations could also find themselves in hot water for not extending a training wage, an act which could result in having to pay interns minimum wage in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938.

But for those who are willing to take the risk and ready to roll up their sleeves at an internship, it could very well be an ideal short-term solution to their unemployment woes.  And it could possibly result in a job offer.  It's a risk, but could be a worthwhile one, so it only seems appropriate to quote our friends at the New York State Lottery here by saying, "Hey, you never know."

Text Message Madness

I don't speak Spanish.  But if I did, I probably wouldn't be going through this latest saga, which all started with a series of Spanish-language text messages on my cell phone. 

In the past six months or so, I have been receiving Spanish-language texts.  It's not a constant stream, but nor is it a trickle.  As I have unlimited text message capability as part of my cell phone plan, it really hasn't been much of an issue.  It's admittedly annoying, but since it isn't costing me anything extra, it's really not a big deal.  I usually text a polite response to the sender, informing him/her that their message has been missent, hit the delete button on my phone, and let it go at that.  However, the last few times I've responded, my missent message spiel has failed to make an impression on my audience.  From what I can gather from my limited high school-level Spanish, my responses are not always taken seriously and I usually receive a laughter-laden reply.  It seems "LOL!" really is a universal turn of phrase.  The end result is that I usually have to pick up the phone and directly set the Doubting Thomases straight.  This is not at all difficult as once my not-so-dulcet tones are heard on the other end of the line, it's very obvious that I'm an English-language speaker through and through. 

I have two prevailing theories on the reason why I'm receiving these text messages.  I'm under the impression that the intended recipient is a young Latina woman who either has horrific handwriting which is difficult for contacts to decipher or she's deliberately giving out the wrong number to would-be suitors.  I draw these conclusions due to the seemingly romantic nature of most of these text messages and based on the fact that whenever I've had to touch base with text-senders, the majority of people I've spoken with (or attempted to speak with) are male.  (So perhaps my Spanish isn't quite as bad as I'd originally thought.)  In any event, I've concluded it's most likely a case of poor penmanship as the odds of the same wrong number being given out on multiple occasions are probably pretty slim.  But you never know.

So, today I received yet another Spanish-language text message.  I have no clue concerning the content, nor do I care to check it out on Google Translate.  As per my standard practice, I gave the sender a heads-up and considered the matter settled until I began playing around with the account option on my trusty pay-as-you-go cell phone.  I noticed that a fifteen-cent deduction had been taken off my tab which immediately set off a red flag as I pay a monthly flat rate for telephone service with unlimited texting.  I immediately emailed my cellular provider to dispute the charge as I should not be forced to pay for the missent text message of a total stranger -- no less a total stranger who speaks a language foreign to me.  I am still waiting to hear back from my provider, but in the interim, I did a little a detective work and determined that the number the text message was sent from originated from -- of all places -- China.  So, in addition to receiving Spanish-language text messages at my location somewhere in the New York Tri-State area, I am now receiving Spanish-language text messages originating from China -- or at least from a telephone number of a cell phone originally purchased in China.  Go figure.

Happy Hour?

I recently applied for a position at a marketing communications firm, not quite five-years-old, which specializes in vehicular marketing.  I'm sure you've seen this type of drive-by advertising by now -- trucks with side panels which continuously shift to reveal changing ads.  According to the company's website, they operate on an eight-second principle, meaning that their ads transition every eight seconds as they believe it's plenty of time for the message to sink in, and it's also as much time as they believe people want to spend looking at an advertisement.

 

Since this firm has been in business for a few years now, I'll assume they know their business and I won't question their advertising wisdom.  Far be it from me to assess the advertising interest or the attention span of the average American consumer.  However, what I do question is the reply I recently received from this firm via email in response to my resume.  It goes a little something like this:

Applicant,

Thank you very much for responding to Company X's ad.  I apologize for our delayed response but we’re currently sifting through hundreds of resumes due to the enthusiastic response.  In the meantime, we'll be hosting a meet-and-greet event.  We’re hoping that you and any of your friends, family, co-workers or anyone else that is interested in learning more about our organization will be able to make it.  For more details on the event, please click on the link below.  Thanks again for submitting your application.  We hope to meet you soon.

Best regards,

Company X

Now don't get me wrong.  I appreciate the response and I appreciate the attempt at candidate outreach, even though it is en masse and apparently we're allowed to bring our moms, the neighbors, and the cashier at the bank.  The more the merrier, I suppose.  As it happens, I've probably applied to at least fifty jobs -- or more -- by now, and have heard back from a grand total of four.  So I applaud their efforts with the wildest of enthusiasm.  I really do.  But what I'm a bit concerned about isn't the meet-and-greet approach.  It's the location.  You see, the the meet-and-greet is being held in a bar.  That's right, a drinking establishment. 

I'm certainly not against drinking establishments.  I've found myself in a few over the years.  What I object to, however, is the context.  Holding a meet-and-greet in a bar during evening hours for management to ostensibly size up potential job candidates does not seem to be particularly fair or especially professional to my way of thinking.  Why hold what should be a serious event in an environment potentially conducive to out-of-control behavior?  I can understand a wine-and-cheese gathering in the conference room of a respectable hotel or conference center between the hours of 6pm to 8pm.  This makes for a professional and dignified atmosphere.  But a meet-and-greet at a bar on a weeknight where hard liquor will be served which concludes at 10pm is not my idea of the best business practices.  Do some of these people not have to get up and go to work the next morning?  Perhaps not.

Of course, not every person who attends such an event in such an establishment is a reckless party person.  Most will enjoy a simple glass of wine, a little conversation, and call it a night.  But for those job-seeking souls who aren't quite as genteel, it could be an issue -- not to mention a pox on them during an event which could potentially lead to an interview -- or even a job.  This seems a bit unfair on several levels.  En masse meets-and-greets of this type attract a range of people, some of whom may be alcoholics or recovering alcoholics.  Some may abstain altogether as part of their lifestyle.  There is nothing teetotalers like less than having to attend events in drinking establishments.  It's a thoroughly uncomfortable experience for them, plus it leads to an evening of multiple repeats of the same inquiry: "Why aren't you drinking?"  This is an off-limits question if ever there was one and it's a query no job-seeker should have to respond to during an allegedly career-oriented event.

Clearly, this meet-and-greet is not my cup of tea, so I'll be abstaining entirely from this event.  I realize that networking opportunities are just that -- a chance to get out and meet people with job market connections.  And since it isn't easy connecting with hiring managers, I probably should just go for it.  But the truth is, I wouldn't feel comfortable, nor professional.  So while I thank Company X for the invitation, and I certainly do, it's just not happening.

2+2=5

The Pensive Proofreader is really on a roll where confessions are concerned.  The latest?  I can't do math.  Then again, nor can many of my fellow journalism majors.  The good news is that I have the basics down pat.  It's the more complex stuff which confounds me.  Simple addition and subtraction is not an issue.  I can also multiply and divide with ease.  When I have a few dollars in my pocket, I enjoy counting it.  But after that, it's all downhill.  I've crashed and burned with algebra, geometry makes me twitch, and calculus does not even remotely exist in my universe.  And so goes my relationship with mathematics.

I have a much better relationship with journalism, which is why I majored in the subject in college.  Since elementary school, I've always had an aptitude for writing and knew that I would eventually parlay that ability into a career.  Throughout my school years, I was the school newspaper scribe, the literary geek, and the go-to student for help on English assignments.  When my mother was pursuing her own Bachelor's degree in Education, I used to proofread her term papers as a third-grader.  So journalism has always been my passion and my pen and notebook (now replaced by my laptop) my best friend.

As for math, I know I have a bad attitude.  I know I need to change my ways.  I should embrace mathematics -- or at least make the attempt.  After all, where would advanced civilization be without mathematics?  It's a lifeline for aviation, engineering, architecture, and accounting -- just to name a few fields.  Mathematics walks hand in hand with science, and as a result, plays a major role in gifting us with astronomy, physics, chemistry, and more.  It provides us with a means of quantifying the tangible, and allows us to group, deconstruct, split and increase.  Mathematics gives us the opportunity to construct buildings and railroads.  Because of math, we can study the stars and galaxies.  So why am I clearly in need of an attitude adjustment when it comes to math?

Perhaps biology is to blame.  Thinking my math-phobia might have something to do with the side of the brain I utilize most, I went to Google, my trusty go-to search engine.  Perhaps a little research on the subject would uncover my mathematical reticence.  I'm a creative person by nature, so rules, parameters, and boundaries are usually the enemy for me -- unless we're talking the rules of grammar, spelling or punctuation here.  (Naturally, I have no issue adhering to the logical parameters of the grammar rules, but that's another story for another day.)  Unfortunately, I got caught on my cyber-journey in the silky by-products of the spinnerets of the world wide web.  Turns out, there's a host of contradictory articles on the subject as there's quite the online debate as to which side of the brain belongs in the creative camp and which side of the brain belongs in the land of logic and quantitative reasoning.  Needless to say, I am currently back at square one with no mysteries solved -- just yet.

Since the brain thing didn't pan out, I decide to glean wisdom from a seemingly sage fellow blogger, Edward J. Delaney, who comes to us free of left-side/right-side theories concerning that which is contained within our respective craniums.  Rather than speculating on the bad hand biological science may or may not have dealt some of us when it comes to calculating, Mr. Delaney's 2008 entry, Why So Many Journalism Majors? (http://edwardjdelaney.blogspot.com/2008/12/why-so-many-journalism-majors.html), focuses instead on the growing number of college students signing up for a four-year tour of duty in journalism, a figure which really doesn't mesh well with the number of available jobs in the field.  Mr. Delaney speculates that perhaps part of the reason why there are so many matriculates to the major could be due to our shared mathematical ineptitude.  But because a person isn't gifted in math, is this really a valid enough reason to major in journalism? 

Mr. Delaney doesn't think so, and while I'm slightly digressing on the subject of mathematics here for a very brief moment, I have to agree with him for any number of reasons.  As he wisely points out, the onslaught of students joining the journalism throng is rooted less in an interest to seek out the truth through investigative newswriting and reporting and rooted more in narcissistic opportunity.  A lack of mathematical ability doesn't even remotely play a role as journalism has either gone to people's heads or has just plain gone Hollywood -- and not for the better.  Explains Delaney, "[The] numbers of journalism students grow, a number heightened by the influx of people who seem most interested in blogging as a way of posting (and boasting) about yourself, rather than about any real intellectual inquiry or desire to learn about the human condition; I see a generation who were inspired to journalism not by Woodward and Bernstein but by the “Sex and the City” girl sitting crosslegged on her bed writing about her romantic life, or the girls on “The Hills” working in “journalism” by going to Teen Vogue parties."

Ouch.  While I've always been proud of my journalistic accomplishments, Delaney's comments nearly inspire me to brush up on my mathematical skills.  Well, almost.  Now if I only had the interest and ability...

T'is the Season

I'm slightly blue today over the job search.  The classified ads haven't been particularly promising, my phone hasn't exactly been ringing off the hook, and the only emails I've received recently are from friends, family, and spammers.  Hiring managers haven't been touching base lately.  Despite everything, I continue to respond to the few applicable classified ads I've come across, in hopes that the telephone will ring or the email inbox will fill. 

I'm a bit bereft, but I'm also filled with optimism over the upcoming holiday season.  Granted, Santa can't bring me a career in his sleigh, but according to an online article on cnn.com, Best Time to get a Job (http://money.cnn.com/2009/12/04/news/economy/job_seasons/), December is, interestingly enough, one of the best times to find work during the year.  And we're not talking seasonal employment here.  As CNN scribe, Jessica Dickler, sensibly points out, different companies have different busy periods.  Some organizations may have quite a lot going on at the end of the year -- undeniably welcome news for late-autumn and early-winter job-seekers -- and may need to fill positions.  Other organizations may still have a few dollars kicking around in their hiring budgets and may need an extra set of hands by year's end, which means opportunity could very possibly present itself in December.  Often, hiring managers are operating at a more relaxed pace by year's end, and possibly in the spirit of the holiday season, may be willing to extend a job offer simply if the need exists and the right candidate presents his/herself at the right time.

The holiday season also provides yet another outlet for job-seekers looking for work in late autumn or early winter via networking.  Many corporations hold events or parties at year's end, which provides an opportunity for candidates to introduce themselves to hiring managers on a friendly, less formal basis.  While I'm hardly a party person, job-seekers who are would probably do well to ask employed friends if it's at all possible to accommodate them to a company's holiday party or other social event.  Again, while this approach really isn't for me, it may work well for others, and I certainly wouldn't discourage a job-seeker who's interested in going this route.  It could work.  You never know.

This is why it's critical for job candidates to remain on high alert post-Thanksgiving.  Many job-seekers put the career hunt on hold at the end of the year, assuming that it's a slow time of year and companies won't be hiring.  But sometimes this period of quiet can prove itself to be the solution -- not the problem -- as there tends to be less competition, which means a greater chance that the phone will ring or the inbox will fill as hiring managers may be interesting in touching base during the holiday season.

All Caps Madness

I have a confession to make.  I print in all caps.  It's a terrible habit for someone with my academic and professional background to have, not to mention it's a direct violation of the sensible rules of punctuation.  Yet I continue to persist in this style of scribing.  I certainly would never type in all caps for fear of offending the recipient(s) with what could be considered an angry or hostile tone in an email or letter.  However, this concern does not carry over to handwritten missives.  So why the distinction between the two?  And why do I continue to write in all caps knowing that it's incorrect to do so?

The short, simple response is that I just don't have answers.  Stylistically, I guess I'm guilty of attempting to emulate the printing of my late father, who possessed some background in drafting, tirelessly served in an electrical engineering capacity for close to forty years prior to his retirement.  His printing was perfect -- extraordinarily neat, extremely organized, and just plain effortless.  His brother -- a former civil engineer -- possessed nearly identical printing, so either their scribing abilities ran in their family, it's an engineering/drafting thing or perhaps it's a combination of both.  In any event, the reality is that I'm not nearly as blessed in my own printing capabilities, and my all caps style -- though legible -- is not nearly as polished as my father's or uncle's printing.  So why am I bothering?

On rare occasions when I actually do adhere to the traditional rules of style, my printing isn't awful.  It's easy enough to decipher, and is -- to my eye, anyway -- far from chicken scratch.  But it isn't close to copperplate and it seems to lack an identity.  It's not pretty, it isn't messy, but it doesn't seem to stand out much stylistically.  So perhaps the issue is one of handwriting identity.  It's possible that my all caps printing is an attempt to distinguish my handwriting from others.  But it still begs the question as to why I'm continuing to break punctuation's rules of proprietary when, of all people, I should know better. Call me a rebel, if you will.

The handwriting identity issue, however, is an interesting one to ponder and I've now come to realize that there may be a method to my all caps madness after all.  I'm making a statement with my handwriting and I didn't even know it.  But it really is all about personal branding.  It's about conveying messages through handwriting which express care and concern.  When a scribe takes the time to painstakingly print nicely, neatly, and orderly on any given document as opposed to just scribbling in rapid-fire fashion to get whatever message across, it says something about the person behind the print.  Our handwriting is who we are as well as the message we convey, so if we take pride in ourselves, it follows that we should take pride in that which we write by hand. 

I recently went on a job interview for a proofreading position.  It was a rare opportunity as regular, full-time proofreading jobs are few and far between, not to mention that the hiring company was located a very brief car ride away.  During the interview, I submitted to a proofreading test, which usually isn't an issue for me.  The test certainly seemed straightforward enough, but I later learned that my final score, while certainly respectable, could've been even better.  This, in turn, caused me to wonder if perhaps my all caps scribing style had something to do with the scoring.  I know I've been guilty of this sin in the past at my previous proofreading jobs.  After all, what right do I have as a proofreader to indicate that a capitalized letter needs to be converted to a lower-case -- or vice versa -- if my own printing defies the basic rules of the English language?  In such situations, it has to be confusing for the typesetter or graphic artist charged with making corrections to any document I pass along, so going forward, I have vowed to follow the standard rules of spelling, grammar, and punctuation in a professional setting for everyone's sake -- especially my own.  But on my own time, it's all about me and my handwriting brand.

A Very Vegan Journey

In my Blogspot bio, I note that I'm a vegetarian, attempting to go vegan.  Since I haven't discussed veganism very much at all, I've decided to give it the blog treatment by way of a not-so-brief exegesis.

I'm actually a longtime vegetarian (30-plus years), having been raised as an herbivore since childhood.  My mother had been an on and off vegetarian throughout her early childhood and teenage years.  As a young adult, she was a meat-eater, but once she was married and had small children to raise, she shifted her thinking to a health and wellness approach.  As a result, my brother and I have both been raised as vegetarians.  Growing up, we were fortunate to be surrounded by other families following the same dietary philosophy as the pastor of our church and his family were also vegetarians, in addition to a handful of other church members.  So we certainly weren't alone, and I don't even think it was coincidental that we were in like company.  Vegetarianism is not a trend confined to the random follower.  It is a lifestyle choice rooted in concern for one's health and wellbeing, which really is a universal.  As a result, vegetarianism (and veganism) has gained momentum amongst the health-conscious -- momentum which has only increased as people continue to educate themselves about the importance of diet.  For ourselves, it was good to be surrounded with this kind of support and it certainly made us less conspicuous.  As a result, any teasing or nosy questions weren't much of an issue.  There is nothing a person following a particular dietary philosophy likes less than having to justify the food on his/her plate, so when you're surrounded by folks who share your dietary beliefs -- or those who respect your food choices -- odds are you won't be questioned. 

As an adult, I've been fortunate to acquire friends who are either vegetarian, partially vegetarian, occasionally vegetarian or just plain health conscientious.  I also have very understanding carnivorous friends who would never dream of questioning my diet.  And nor would I question theirs as I firmly believe that friends should respect friends and their personal choices.  Prior to being laid off from my job, I worked directly with a woman who identified as vegetarian and as an animal lover, although she wasn't quite as adherent.  She would recoil in horror if another co-worker brought up a barbecue they'd attended over the weekend or would rail against people who did not support her personal mission of feeding feral cats.  Yet, by her own admission, if she was served a meat dish at a carnivorous dinner party, she would not turn it down because she did not want to put the host(s) through any trouble.  So although our dietary approaches differed, I did not -- and do not -- judge her.   

In 2007, I was single and quite selective in terms of the opposite sex.  My original criteria for a soulmate had less to do with diet and more to do with the three traits of intelligence, compassion, and compatibility.  As it happened, I was fortunate to find all three -- and so much more -- after the recently acquired boyfriend of a good friend of mine suggested I meet an old college friend of his.  I was somewhat reluctant about a get-together, although I did agree to an email exchange and we began to communicate online.  Cautious and a bit bashful, I remained on the fence for a couple of months until I learned that the friend in question was also a vegetarian, at which point I decided that I simply had to meet him.  And when we finally did get together (at a vegetarian restaurant, of course), I learned that not only did he share my dietary philosophy, his brother was a vegetarian as well.  And so, the trend of being surrounded by my own kind continued.

Last year, my boyfriend and his brother transitioned from vegetarianism to veganism.  It wasn't a difficult decision as they are both firmly committed to their health as well as to animal rights.  I stayed in the vegetarian camp for whatever reason, but have recently started on my very own vegan journey.  Health and wellness remains at the forefront of my dietary mission, although I certainly support the cause of animal rights.  As was the case with my favorite set of brothers, the transition hasn't been especially challenging for me.  True, I've had to part ways with dairy, so this means no more milk, eggs, Carvel ice cream or goodies from my local bakery.  But the majority of the cooking I do is either vegan to begin with or can be very easily veganized, so it's really not an issue.  As for my health, I've never felt better -- plus I recently lost nearly forty pounds, so something must be working in my favor. 

For me, my dietary choices are just that -- a personal decision which I would never foist upon others.  Obviously, I would be positively thrilled if society would collectively move toward healthier and gentler dietary decisions, but again, I don't judge anyone for the decisions they make, nor would I want anyone questioning me for the same reason.  It's all about mutual respect.  You probably won't find me at a protest rally on the subject (or related matters to the subject) because I'm a believer in unseen crusades, not public displays -- although I certainly support those who do rally as it is their right to do so.  I'm all in favor of anyone who passionately stands up for their beliefs or who lends a voice for those who cannot speak.  Advocacy is so important.  But it just isn't for me.  I've found that by simply being the person I am and living as I always do, I make a far greater impression on the curious. 

I've tried to pinpoint a famous quote to sum up my feelings on the subject, and while there are many great words on vegetarianism, veganism, animal rights and such, the quote below really spoke to me.  I hope it'll reach you as well.

"I've found without question that the best way to lead others to a more plant-based diet is by example - to lead with your fork, not your mouth."  ~Bernie Wilke, quoted in Joanne Stepaniak, The Vegan Sourcebook, 1998

Fare Thee Well, Andy Rooney

I've been writing a lot recently about unemployment and the job search, so I thought I'd briefly switch gears and discuss an aspect of journalism which certainly deserves attention -- broadcast journalism.  As a college graduate back in 1995, my first professional foray into journalism was actually an internship in the news department of a local radio station, so needless to say, this is a subject very close to my heart.  And with the recent retirement of veteran broadcaster, Andy Rooney, from CBS's 60 Minutes, it's both a timely and relevant topic. 

Reading Mr. Rooney's biography online, it boasts an array of impressive journalistic accomplishments in addition to a distinguished career in the U.S. Army.  Mr. Rooney, a graduate of Colgate University, began his career in journalism in 1942 at the military newspaper, Stars and Stripes.  In 1949, he was hired by CBS as a writer for Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts, a long-running radio and television variety program.  He moved on later to The Garry Moore Show, which eventually achieved hit status.  It was at this time that Rooney began writing with a public affairs focus, eventually joining The Twentieth Century, an informative news program where he focused on the television essay niche that would become his professional trademark.  This eventually led him to 60 Minutes, a program he joined in 1978 and stayed with until the autumn of 2011. 

For all his accomplishments -- and Rooney has many respectable ones -- his career was not without its fair share of controversy.  Rooney may very well have been a product of his upbringing, stuck in a time warp or perhaps he was just plain disagreeable, but he spoke his mind and his straightforwardness apparently resonated with many in the viewing audience.  His unabashed lack of political correctness -- on any number of occasions -- eventually led to a three-month suspension without pay in 1990, numerous public outcries against his 60 Minutes segments, and a series of apologies/retractions from both CBS and Rooney himself.  But Rooney did it his way.  And even though his mindset may have caused upset to some, he stuck with his methodology throughout his tenure, parlaying it into one of the longest-running careers in professional broadcast journalism.  For better or worse, he remained a fixture for over 33 years at 60 Minutes, providing a voice for the disgruntled, whether the matter was mundane, mass or myriad.  For this and so much more, he undoubtedly deserves the respect of all journalists -- no questions asked and no comments uttered.

In the wake of Rooney's departure, it is interesting to assess the cast of characters now dominating the broadcast landscape.  There will never be another Rooney, but there will always be eager, inquisitive journalists determined to make their mark in print, on television or radio airwaves or online.  As long as there's a story to tell -- and there always will be -- the future of journalism is assured.  The question now becomes who will fill Andy Rooney's shoes, and if the shoes should fit, is it at all possible for the wearer to sport these shoes with the same passion and aplomb as their bushy-browed predecessor, Andy Rooney?

Break Time -- Part II

I vowed yesterday to take a break from the job search.  The initial game plan was just to relax, concentrate on home-based projects, and enjoy the day in its fullest.

I lied. 

Well, I didn't exactly lie.  I did do some laundry.  I went to the boardwalk for my usual pensive constitutional.  I donated a few bags to the thrift shop.  And I tried very hard to disconnect from the high-tech gadgetry that generally rules my day.  My intentions were sincere and my resolve started out strong.  Unfortunately, it didn't last as I found myself falling into my all-too-familiar daily pattern of constantly checking email/voicemail, scanning the online classified listings, and sending out resumes.  So the question now becomes why I'm unable to disconnect, no matter how hard I try.  Could I actually be addicted to trying to find a job?

It's an intriguing question, so I did a quick Google search on "job search compulsion".  I came up empty, so I figured it was just me.  Then I inserted "addiction" in place of "compulsion" and... voila!  Misery really does love company and apparently I've got plenty of it as job search addiction is not at all an uncommon phenomenon.  It seems there are many amongst the unemployed masses who are chained to their laptops, glued to online job-search boards, and waiting desperately for the phone to ring or an email to come in with an invitation to interview or -- better yet -- a job offer.

But according to AOL's Liz Lynch, spending too much quality time on online job boards may very well be a waste of time.  In her 2010 article, Is Addiction to Job Boards Killing Your Job Search? (http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2010/01/28/job-boards-killing-your-job-search/), Lynch makes the point that the return on resumes expedited through online job board channels is actually very low.  She cites the case of one desperate candidate who apparently submitted over 650 resumes online, only to receive roughly ten interviews in return.  Lynch is correct in her assertion that this may not necessarily be the most effective use of time and energy.  However, what she doesn't take into account -- or at least doesn't document in her article -- is which kinds of jobs the aforementioned candidate applied to during the search.  Did the candidate apply only to positions for which they're qualified?  Did the candidate apply to just anything simply to have something to show for at the labor department or was the candidate merely trying to get their resume in the hands of a hiring manager?  At the aforementioned ten interviews, what was the outcome?  Did the candidate possess good interviewing skills?  Did he/she dress appropriately for these interviews?  And what about the candidate's personality?  Are there any quirks or traits that may have discouraged the hiring manager from offering the candidate the position? 

These are fair questions, and as much as they make me question the candidate's judgment and motivation behind sending out so many resumes and not receiving a decent return for the time and effort spent, the article itself also makes me question the judgment and  motivation of Lynch and her editor.  Granted, Lynch's professional niche is social networking, a strategy which she highly recommends employing during the job hunt.  However, the reality is that some job-seekers have very limited professional connections.  They may be young, inexperienced, shy and socially isolated or they may be trying to break into a field for the very first time and simply lack connections.  So as invaluable as social networking may be, it may not work for everyone. 

I am considerably more impressed with Andrew Rosen's article for U.S. News and World Report, How to Fend Off Job Search Addiction (http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2010/11/16/how-to-fend-off-job-search-addiction).  Advice is always nice and Rosen has plenty, all rooted in common sense too.  Granted, Rosen's article is targeted more toward job-seekers who are already working, but there's a lot the unemployed can take away from this article.  He lists four warning signs of addiction, only two of which I meet, so I guess I'm not too far gone after all.  I am guilty of warning sign #1 (repetition) as I ceaselessly scan job boards all throughout the day and compulsively check email and voicemail.  Rosen's advice?  Reserve a chunk of the day (or a chunk every few days) for job-searching and stick with it.  Can't argue with this.

I am equally guilty of warning sign #3 (forgetfulness) as I've lost track of the number of positions I've applied for, not to mention the names of the hiring companies -- if I knew the names at all.  Rosen recommends applying for fewer positions and putting your heart and soul into sending tailored and compelling cover letters, which definitely seems sensible.  However, I do know better than to apply for positions for which I'm not qualified (warning sign #2), and I wouldn't dream of searching for a job in the wee hours of the morning (warning sign #4) since I like my sleep far too much.  But Rosen's article is a good reminder to job-seekers that there is such a thing as taking a job search too far.  So I'm going to tone it down a notch -- I think.  Or at least I'm going to try.

When Bad Copyediting Happens to Bad Copyeditors

I recently received this very appropriate forward via email which definitely seems worth sharing with this audience, although this is more the work of slip-shoddy copyediting rather than poor proofreading:

Proofreading is a dying art, wouldn't  you say? 
Man Kills Self Before Shooting Wife and Daughter  This one I caught in the SGV Tribune the other day and called the Editorial Room and asked who wrote this.  It took two or three readings before the editor realized that what he was reading was impossible!!!  They put in a correction the next day.     I just couldn't help but sending this along. Too funny.  

Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says    Ya think?  ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers          Now that's taking things a bit far!    ----------------------------------------------------------- 

Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over          What a guy!     ---------------------------------------------------------------  

Miners Refuse to Work after Death   No-good-for-nothing' lazy so-and-so's!  ---------------------- --------------------------------   

Juvenile Court to Try Shooting Defendant   See if that works any better than a fair trial!   ----------------------------------------------------------  

War Dims Hope for Peace    I can see where it might have that effect!   ----------------------------------------------------------------  

 If Strike Isn't Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile     Ya think?!  -----------------------------------------------------------------------  

Cold Wave Linked to Temperatures         Who would have thought!   ---------------------------------------------------------------- 

Enfield (  London ) Couple Slain; Police Suspect Homicide  

They may be on to something!  ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

Red Tape Holds Up New Bridges         You mean there's something stronger than duct tape? 
 ---------------------------------------------------------- 

Man Struck By Lightning: Faces  BatteryCharge        He probably IS the battery charge!  ----------------------------------------------  

New Study of Obesity Looks for Larger Test Group   Weren't they fat enough?!  -----------------------------------------------  

Astronaut Takes Blame for Gas in Spacecraft   That's what he gets for eating those beans!    -------------------------------------------------

Kids Make Nutritious Snacks          Do they taste like chicken? **************************************** 

   Local   High School Dropouts Cut in Half          Chainsaw Massacre all over again!   *************************************************** 

Hospitals are Sued by 7 Foot Doctors          Boy, are they tall!  *******************************************   

And the winner is....   Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead    
     Did I read that right?