http://www.thestar.com

http://www.globeandmail.com

http://www.hrreporter.com

In addition to my keeping up with the news, I often clip out articles that I find interesting and keep a 'clippings file'. 

I have included a few of the summaries and comments of some of my favourites to view.

“Drivers on phones”

Summary

This article stresses the negative affects of the lack of communication, thus stressing that communication on the road among drivers is very important in order to reduce car accidents.

I am sure we have all been a witness to people on cell phones!  This article talks about just that.  It is alarming to realize that cell phone users are just as likely to be in an accident as someone who might be drunk.  This was proven through studies conducted by Dr. David Strayer, psychologist from the University of Utah where a few people were brought in and purposely made drunk.  Using a cell phone while driving is dangerous and distractive for the driver while their reactions are slower and objects around of the car are less visible.  A few of the distractions as noted from this article include:

• Events, objects, or people outside the car
• Other passengers such as a crying child
• A moving object such as a bee
• Adjusting the radio or CD player

The article went on to provide further examples from video cameras such as a woman looking away to dial a number on her cell phone just when a toddler scooted onto a residential road on a tricycle. 

Comments

I am glad this article was in the paper and those studies were conducted.  It is difficult to make people realize just how dangerous driving while using a cell phone can be. 

Ø     They distract other drivers by either going too slow, or not being alert for instance while changing lanes.

Ø     The driver must be vigilant at all times otherwise they themselves, or someone near them could loose their life.  It is not worth talking on a cell phone while driving and losing one's life. 

Ø     I suggest that whatever the call is about – it can wait.  If a driver receives a call while driving, all they need to say is “I am on the road, I will call you right back”. 

Mcgran, Kevin. "Drivers on Phones." The Toronto Star

4 October, 2005  A16

“Unhappy workers need a career check-up”

Summary

“Unhappy workers” effectively communicates the importance of matching skills to employment in order to be content in one’s current employment. 

This article provided the stunning numbers from a survey done by Workopolis stating that out of approximately 10,000 Canadians, 17 per cent dread going to work and 32 per cent feel their job is just a means to earn a living.  Some felt their job did not offer many opportunities for advancement or failed to expose them to new experiences.  The article suggested that prospective employees should find out what makes them happy before entering the job, such as positions, responsibilities or type of environment.  For those currently employed, the article suggested speaking to their managers about new challenges in their jobs.  In terms of communications, this job is career related.

Comments

This is an eye-opening survey done by Workopolis showing those who are unhappy in their jobs that they are not alone. 

Ø     It is important to find a job that one will not dread going to everyday. 

Ø     Most of a person’s time out of the day is spent at work. 

Ø     If no interest is taken in the job, I feel the job will not be performed to its fullest potential and expectations.  It will only be done half hazardly. 

Ø     It may start to affect a person’s physical well being and feelings of regret and negativity could start to interfere with everyday life. 

  "Unhappy worker need a career check-up."  HrReporter 6 September, 2005

<http://hrreporter.com/loginarea/members/viewing.asp?ArticleNo=3954>.

“New world of blogs helps with your money”

Summary

The “new world of blogs” communicates the affects among ordinary people helping each other with their financial situations.  They keep in touch and communicate through websites on the Internet. 

This article stresses that ordinary people, meaning other than bank economists and brokerage-firm analysts are the real experts that can help us with our finances.  The article brings our attention to ‘blogs’ which posts comments including people’s advice and information.  These blogs have been posted from ordinary people who have had success in the ‘real world”.  People can learn the hints and techniques of becoming successful. The blog sites include Mymoneyblog.com and ConsumerismCommentary.com according to an article in The Wall Street Journal. 

Comments

I decided to write an e-mail to the author of this article because I really enjoyed reading this article. 

Ø     I very much agreed that people who have had success in the “real world” can share their thoughts, talk about their ups and downs, failures, successes and most of all, how to increase one’s networth. 

Ø     As I learned from marketing class, word-of-mouth travels fast and is an effective way to get the message out. 

Ø     Blogs create a simpler, faster and inexpensive way to get advice on your finances simply by visiting a site, posting your messaging, and possibly making contacts along the way.

    Roseman, Ellen. "New world of blogs helps with your money." The Toronto Star  14 September 2005, F2