debatable

When going through a multitude of tough moments in life, big decisions, and overall bad luck what does one do? detach themselves from life aka the book. lets see what happens.

1 comment September 26, 2008

What Business Casual Really Means

As more of my peers and acquaintances find themselves out of college and ready to begin that wondrous moment in life where classes end and 8-5 workdays begin, a prevalent problem has developed among the masses.  One may think that finding that first, perfect job straight out of undergrad is the biggest concern generation y has, but sadly this is not the case. A deeper, greater problem is pervasive within this age group, often causing many to go through their savings and even kiddy trusts in order to try to quell the utter cognitive dissonance they feel. This problem has been prevalent for years and the different ideologies surrounding have only grown and grown. Yes, ladies and gentlemen the phenomenon that I am referring to is the ever daunting idea of “business casual.”

Although it may appear that this issue does not pose a great problem, the belief of what these two simple words really mean have changed from coast to coast, industry to industry. Furthermore, it has even become a more common practice to place intense value on what an individual wears during the interview process and even during evaluations upon employment! In order to better understand this ever-growing conundrum, it is first important to analyze what “business casual” means nation-wide.  

The general definition (as stated on Monster.com) reads as follows: “In general, business casual means dressing professionally, looking relaxed yet neat and pulled together.” Such a vague definition to explain the exact way one must wear at a location in which they spend the majority of their time! Furthermore, different parts of the country have distinct viewpoints of what exactly this type of dress code is. Having grown up in Silicon Valley, it initially became clear to me that “business casual” refers to jeans, collared/button shirts, and flip flops. From Cisco to Google, this is the “relaxed yet professional” dress code imposed by companies state-wide. The east coast, on the other hand, has a completely different definition of what business casual. Washington, D.C. my current home, stresses dress pants with an array of collared shirts and even casual jackets, coupled with patent flats (for women) or loafers for men. As one travels even further east to New York, individuals are often forced to dress in suits, with a much greater restriction of color. Clearly, those on Wall Street are not avid watchers of project runway!

From a monetary standpoint, it must seem much more financially feasible to be imprisoned within a suit 5 days a week instead of jeans and sports jackets. Well, quite on the contrary! Suits, especially those of the ever popular color of black, dark gray, or even pinstripe run almost a grand a pop. Furthermore, tailoring is often required, in addition to the bi-weekly visits to the over-priced dry-cleaners. So financially speaking, the cost of business casual grows exponentially going west to east! Therefore, it is quite obvious the dilemma recent graduates face. In order to appear professional, fashionable, and discreetly noticeable, many are spending an obscene fortune on their post-college wardrobes. Often, many believe that a specific tie, or headband accessory is the make-it-or-break-it addition of their career.

So, what is a young professional to do? Rebel from these standards and come to work in sweats, protesting that it is not the outfit that makes a successful employee, but their hard work? Of course not! The true solution is honest, simple, and financially freeing: M-a-r-s-h-al-l-s. Learn it, live it, LOVE IT.

Add a comment September 15, 2008

What it really takes to win a Moon-man

The VMA’s took over the radio waves last Sunday, and the majority of the 23 and under population tuned in to watch. Endorsements for the awards began months in advance, with commercials featuring various celebrities and the newly announced host, Russell Brand. Several weeks before the show, the performers were announced and many became enthralled as to what Christina Aguilera or Rihanna would put together for the greatly anticipated event.

It also became a well-known tabloid fact that Britney Spears would once again be opening the show. After last year’s awkward performance, many wondered what exactly the pop-star would put together. In the previous sizzle, Spears was dressed in torn tights, a diamond encrusted bikini, and did not even hide the fact that she was lip synching and did not know the steps to her own dance. Already have committed social suicide, many could only hope that she would not further embarrass herself on national television.

The vixen has been in the tabloids since the tender age of 16, but recently the stories that developed included rehab stays, forced hospitalizations, and battles with the police over custody of her sons. After her apparent meltdown on national tv, many wondered if Ms. Britney Spears would ever be able to regain her composure and become a sensational hit again.

After her father was given full control of her estate and life, it seemed like Spears was truly having a turnaround. She started working out, ditched the starbucks sugar-infused drinks, and even got more realistic and natural looking extensions put in place. Although her father did force her to sell the multitude of cars she acquired and used to drive her children around illegally in, he also helped her gain more custody and time with her sons.

½ way through this wondrous make-over, it was announced that Britney Spears was nominated for 3 moon-men at the VMA awards. A veteran of the awards, Spears has bedazzled audiences in the past with crazy dance moves done practically in the nude and seductive serenades with a python. Despite her wondrous capabilities of a performer, Spears has never won any of the moon men she was previously nominated for.

Yet, at the 2008 awards, she appeared live on stage to open out the show, composed, sober, and not drugged out in a wonderful and flattering gown. Furthermore, she took 3 moon men home!

So what does this entire story tell you? That despite hardships, despite hitting rock bottom more than once on national television, despite losing one’s family, reputation, and overall desire to be a success, it is possible for one to rebound and become a great success and person? HELL NO! Ladies and gentleman, children of all ages: the only way to become a success is by going nuts, being committed twice, and shaving one’s head. Good luck children of the millennium: you have some tough shoes to fill.

1 comment September 11, 2008

High School Drama never looked this good

Yesterday was the long-awaited premier of “Gossip Girl,” the dramaliscious show that became a long-standing success just after one season of being broadcasted. As an individual who has only seen several episodes as re-runs, the season premier has truly made me become an addict.

First, my enjoyment of this show will probably make me appear quite vain and superficial, as I am completely enamored by the beautiful clothing and accessories used. Per example, my favorite accessory was the patent bright blue Chanel bag that Serena had while strolling in the Hamptons. My second favorite pieces were dresses worn by Serena and Blair during the white party-absolutely stunning!

Secondly, I have to be completely honest; these 16-year old heiresses have truly opened up my eyes to what a “True” high school experience apparently is. I believe I must give a bit of background this particular viewpoint. First, it is important to note that I am a prep school child. I have been in the world of uniforms and knee socks since the tender age of 10. I attended “Harker Academy” later known as “The Harker School” from 5^th grade to 12^th grade. Even more important, I technically never attended junior high or high school. The correct term given to such institutions where uniforms thrive and parents compete on who has the more expensive car is “middle school” and “upper school.”

The most drama that ever encapsulated our lives revolved around the diminishing length of girls’ jumpers and skirts. Drugs, promiscuity; this was only common among a few select individuals. Jealousy never ensued around who was stealing whose boyfriend; instead, individuals worried if they were going to win the latest math competition or what their score on the SAT was. And of course, like all of my peers, my days were filled with calculus problems, softball practice, and wondering which blazer to wear with my trousers. Yes, an extremely mundane existence in comparison to the lives of these prince and princesses of New York City.

Therefore, this show has shown me what life was like for…everyone else. In other words, the college drama that has followed many of us for the last 4 years apparently thrived in a high school setting as well! In many ways, I am glad I by-passed it; g-d knows how much therapy I would have needed and how many psychiatrists I would have had on speed-dial. (Yet on the reversal, maybe I would have had a much more interesting college essay…)

Add a comment September 2, 2008

baby mama drama

Republican candidate DRAMA

this is why I am officially moving back to Russia and embracing communism. 

Both daughter and mama have DRAMA.

Add a comment September 1, 2008