xxxx	30/15 NOW free download Until a short time ago, the minimum wage hadn't been increased in almost a decade. It is now at a bit below $6 an hour, but how can anyone survive on that with the cost of everything today? Now is the time to raise it to $15 an hour - and not in increments of ten cents each year for the next hundred years. While we're at it, it is also time for a thirty hour - yes 30 - workweek since even forty hours per week only results in health problems and very little productivity. In 1933, the Senate approved a bill for a thirty-hour workweek and the House was set to do the same but FDR didn't like the idea. Now is the time to pass it, even if it is almost 75 years late. Both suggestions will result in benefits to those who struggle in our society while at the same time increase company profits. Just like drugs, there will be side effects, but these will be good ones that we can live with. You can read about all this in Swiatek's 2007 book, This Page Intentionally Left Blank - Just like the Paychecks of the Workers, published September 2007 I used up all my sick days, so I called in dead The Labor Movement - "The folks who brought you the weekend." Everyone could use more Fridays
Aventine Press xxISBN: 1-59330-500-1 xxx$13.95
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"After reading this fact and humor filled book I finally feel that I am not the only person in the world who isn't a workaholic willing (and able) to work 10 to 12 hrs a day 7 days a week to get ahead or keep ahead in today's work environment. This book contains a lot of insight into just how easily we could maintain life style and work standards on a 30 hr work week with a higher minimum wage. Fun to read!" August 4, 2008, C. Kontak, Central NY		"Swiatek will have you fuming at the gross injustice of the huge gap between people at the top and those who actually do the work, but he'll also have you laughing at the same time as he relates the challenges in the business world. This is a book that can improve the lives of workers - and improve the moral standing of the American economy." Jim Hightower, author of Swim against the Current: Even a Dead Fish can go with the Flow
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Imaginative and Funny, 9/5/08 - Diane Alexander This book tells the truth about America today in a folksy, entertaining style. Swiatek exposes all the ways in which middle-class people are getting the short end of the stick, with an emphasis on our mind-numbing and health- devastating world of work. Politics are also fair game for Swiatek's sarcastic humor. "This Page Intentionally Left Blank" is angry, funny, and sometimes depressing, but always enjoyable.		K. Brown I have been a fan of Mr. Swiatek's books for years. I first noticed an ad for "For Seeing Eye Dogs Only" in the pages of Mother Jones Magazine, picked up the book, and have kept up with his work ever since. Swiatek pulls no punches with "This Page Intentionally Left Blank", but I would expect nothing less from this author. I recommend getting this book along with his other works.
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Swiatek Uses Straight Talk to Unravel Tangled Web of Injustice, E. C. Jackson, Gaithersburg, MD, July 28, 2008 An insightful and thought provoking viewpoint on the inequities of wages and wealth distribution in this country. Swiatek provides common sense and practical solutions for individuals and the Government to many of the economic and social ills facing us today. This Page Intentionally Left Blank provides many reasonable and workable solutions for private citizens and should be required reading for all members of the U.S. Congress.
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The Need for Change, Barbara Urban, Williamsville, New York Do we need to do something about our economy? Can a family survive on one paycheck? Are our citizens overworked and underpaid? If you answered "yes" to any of the above questions , put down everything you are reading and focus on the ideas put forth in Robert Swiatek's book dealing with a realistic look at the problems of the working class as he offers ideas to improve the lives of these workers. I found this book to be the "Perfect" gift. I purchased it for a former student who now teaches in a suburban school district and finds it necessary to work three jobs. But, I warned him! Swiatek weaves humor into his writing as he gives us a sense of hope for improvement in the business world. His ideas make you scrutinize just what is going on in our economy. It's a "must-read" and a page-turner, showing us that things need to change.
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"Swiatek shows an incredible awareness of the reality affecting those in the working force. He is a master of the obvious which many do not want to admit. Like the Prophets of Old, he points out the real situation which cries out for change. Obviously he is bucking 'The System' albeit with humor, but if Management does not reflect upon his analysis, there will unfortunately be no change and the pay checks will continue to be left intentionally blank." Fr. Nicholas Swiatek, OFM Conv., Johnstown, PA
Perhaps even the 30-hour workweek is too long. Check out this book on the right and the link below. Too much information - ignore it xxxxxxx x
Michelle Singletary	x	Smart ways to work
the story of stuff		Living Wage Campaign
April Fools Day, 2008 - my dream	x	email etiquette
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		Order now xpress release xxxsample

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	xxxx	I had the pleasure of seeing this flick on Tuesday, May 19, 2009. It relates to my book in two ways. First, it's about immigration, and second, it's about work. Walter travels to New York City to give a presentation on a paper he had something to do with - although not much. On visiting his apartment there, he encounters two unexpected visitors. Tarek is from Syria and he loves to play the Djembe, while his girlfriend, Zaineb, who creates fine craftwork to sell, is from Senegal. Tarek convinces Walter to try his hand at the Djembe and soon the latter is doing fine, but soon his tutor is unjustly hauled off to a detention center. Walter makes every effort to visit his new friend and while at his apartment, Tarek's mother, Mouna, unexpectedly pays Walter a visit. Walter's life changes and the movie ends on a triumphant note, even if viewers were hoping for better things. The movie is about change, being in an unfulfilling job and living life to the fullest. It is also about music and a teacher who becomes a student. Richard Jenkins, who plays Walter, played the drums in his youth, while Haaz Sleiman, in the role of Tarek, was struggling to play the Djembe, but is convincing in his role of the teacher. The cover of the DVD says that The Visitor is "One of the best reviewed films of the year," but I think it is one of the best films of the year, and beyond that. Thank you, Thomas.
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Feedback - Page down for words about the book from my friend Paul in Kenya

Gee! I just read your selection from this book and I think I might be one of those two employees! My co-worker retired last January and I was told I would "cover" her job for 3-4 months until they filled it. I am still "covering" her job and now it is end of the Fiscal Year (which is why she retired saying she did not think she could make it through another one. In addition we had another co-worker die unexpectedly in late August and our TSgt was PCSd with a date of 30 Sep. so has been pretty much useless for the last month with house-hunting trips and household goods shipments. So our office of 6 is down to 3. Even though I am a government employee, I have a boss who is a workaholic and puts in 12 hour days and expects the rest of us to "want" to. She actually thinks it is fun! Of course we do get paid overtime or get comp. time - but I would much rather just not be working more than 40 hours a week. In addition we are socked with CRA instead of a real budget to start the new Fiscal Year so that adds layers of tracking to the whole mess. The only thing keeping me going is knowing this is my last end of fiscal year. I will be retiring Feb 1, 2008 and there is no way anyone is changing my mind about that. Of course in the mean time I will be expected to train someone on my job and my retired coworkers job! I am glad I am able to retire and get out of this rat race. I feel sorry for the young people who are expected to work such long hours just to compete or keep their jobs. Anyway, I ordered 4 books. Cathy xxxxx			xxxxxxxx	The following excerpt is from the Winter 2009 issue of YES! Magazine, a publication that I highly recommend.
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Other books you may want to read about this very same problem. In 2007, I met John and in 2006, Barbara.
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Take Back Your Time John DeGraaf, editor		The Missing Class Katherine Newman & Victor Tan Chen		Bait and Switch Barbara Ehrenreich		Nickel and Dimed Barbara Ehrenreich		Married to the Job Ilene Philipson
www.timeday.org		my comments can		www.unitedprofessionals.org
		be found below

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the bookxxx	the movie		The Pursuit of Happyness see below find "Gardner"		Matewan		Brooklyn Lobster		Barbarians at the Gate
Annabelle Gurwitch's documentaryxxxmore
All that Heaven Allows	Holiday (1938)		Margaret's Museum		Pay It Forward

more books and movies

WHY VACATION MATTERS (AND WHY THE UNITED STATES NEEDS A VACATION LAW) By John de Graaf It was a story I hadn't expected. Last February, my flight home from Florida to Seattle was cancelled. I found out early in the morning that I wouldn't be able to fly till noon the next day. Not wanting to spend thirty hours in an airport, I found a motel room nearby that would allow me to check in early. At the desk, the soft-spoken, middle-aged clerk asked how I was. "Not so good," I replied. "My flight was just cancelled and I can't go home until tomorrow. And how are you?" "Well, I'm not so good either," she replied. "My vacation was just cancelled-for the seventh year in a row." What's up with this, I wanted to know. She explained that she'd been working at there for twelve years and her contract called for two weeks of paid vacation a year. For the first five years, she'd been able to take them. But then the motel had cut staff and every year since then they'd told her they had no replacement and couldn't let her go. Instead, they gave her two extra weeks of pay. "I can use the money," she explained with a sigh. "After all, I'm working as a motel clerk and I'm a single mom. But I need the time even more. I'm going nuts, but I can't quit this job. I've got a son who's starting college next fall and no other options." She told me she was Native American and used to spend her two weeks off going to powwows with her friends. It meant a lot to her - the camaraderie, the cultural identity, the fun of dancing. But now she was only able to attend an occasional powwow, for just a day. She said all this with a certain resignation and considerable inner strength. There were no tears and her voice didn't crack. But I suspect she was aching inside. I wondered just how many stories like this occur everyday in the country one writer has called "No Vacation Nation." July 8, 2008 - update	xxxxxxmore movies that deal with the issue of work xxx xxx Click Cast Away xLocal Hero xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
	A few comments from the author's high school geometry teacher xxxxxThe author has a knack for finding the right example to make a point, evidence of a lot of thought before putting fingers to keyboard. The personal, conversational tone makes some of the subject matter easier to continue reading fully awake. This book is no sleeping pill. xxxxxWhat he says about a reasonable workweek makes sense, but is so contrary to the prevalent corporate mindset that I suspect what'll happen is that some thirty years or so from now someone will bemoan that his words weren't taken to heart by the people who could have and should have made the reasonable changes. xxxxxHe's right: slavery was never abolished in this country, simply redirected. Now, in true democratic fashion, even non-Blacks can share in the experience. xxxxxI don't go to garage sales because I don't know where I'd put a garage if I bought one. xxxxxThe financial spreadsheet is a good idea, and the formula instructions seem to be clear and simple. What is said about the Peter Principle is true, and much too often so. xxxxxThis may not be of any consolation to the writer, but I find consolation in knowing that someone with his expertise gets frustrated by the behavior/misbehavior of computers. xxxxxThe question is asked, "If there are so many religious people, why is there so much social injustice in the world?" I know several people whose answer is, "It's precisely because there are so many religious people." xxxxxI totally agree with what is said about health care and I wish he had written, and I had read, some thirty years ago the chapter, Where did I find the time? xxxxxI like the e-mail rules and the response from General Motors to Bill Gates' comparison of the computer industry to the auto industry. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxStan Cieslar, Buffalo, NY

If you think that $15 an hour is unreasonable, check out this page!
That's the good news, but there's also bad from Sunday, November 18th to its right.

There are a few jobs offered here that pay a bit more than the minimum wage.

xxxxxxxxxxMy Roxio adventures - I don't wish this on anyone xxxxxIn 2006, I bought a digital camera and a year later I bought some software with the intent of creating some DVDs of photos. My intent was to add captions to some of the pictures as well as some music - a rather simple effort. In August my sister Pat and Lou Cipolla were married and I took a few photos. Before the celebration was over I figured that I would put the pictures on my web site - you're welcome to view them - and I thought I could make DVDs for those there that day. xxxxxI installed the software to do this and created the first DVD, including the names of individuals in some photos, according to the Roxio screens. A menu resulted as well, but not exactly what I wanted. When trying to add the music, I got a small screen asking me to "get approval," which I clicked on. The result was the message, "protected." I can figure out a work-a-round - one of the things I despise with today's software - for the menu screen and the captions, but I really wanted music. I'm not sure how to do that. I went to the Roxio web site and you can ask Rox Ann, but when I explained what I need, I inadvertently mispelled one of the words, which proceeded to be almost an obscenity. I sent the message anyway before I realized the error and her reply was, "cool." I should have known - she's a blond! There appears to be no way to phone anyone and regular email doesn't seem to work either. In addition some of the photos are unviewable, so I'm not sure if I even want to keep this software. Burning it would pollute the environment. xxxxxI have a few other options. I have software for creating CDs and DVDs, called Nero. I tried to use that but somehow there were a few difficulties creating the photo DVD, but you can create a CD of photos that most DVD units will play. That I tried and it worked on my PC DVD player, but without the music and I could only see one photo using the DVD player with my television. I don't think I want to fiddle around with burning using Nero! xxxxxI emailed a friend for some advice and am waiting for it. I may go online and try to find some software, use it free for a month and see if it works. As you can tell it appears that most of this software doesn't seem to work too well and there's no support to speak of. The help that is available is as useful as the Congress.
The space below really is blank.

more from The Buffalo News - Sunday December 9, 2007

As we say goodbye to 2007 and welcome in 2008

		2008 With the new year come resolutions that too often are not followed, and I almost failed on the first day of the year. I had logged off my PC at supper-time when I realized I didn't do fifteen minutes of writing - one of my New Year resolutions. I got back on, wrote and thought of a sure-fire way to not have this occur again. I began reading Nader, Crusader, Spoiler, Icon by Justin Martin and in the book comes this information. In 1968, the New Party was founded since the other two were doing too much partying and not much else - they certaining weren't serving the people. A few years later the New Party held a confab in Albuquerque, New Mexico at which time there was a call to abolish the CIA - not a bad idea - and institute a 30-hour workweek at 40-hours pay. 30/15 doesn't seem all that far fetched after all!
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		I added a few comments in December 2006 about my book - even before publication - on the United Professionals web site. Unfortunately you won't be able to see them.
		Here are the responses to what I wrote.x
For some time now I have heard numerous excuses from retired people insofar as certain activites go. The reason for not getting to an event or getting there late was because they had to work. It's a bit of an annoyance to me when it all boils down to individuals being so obsessed with money that a few hours off is out of the question for them. My last supervisor when I was a consultant at Blue Cross in the city of Rchester told us that family came first, and then work. I mentioned this advice in one of my books and wish people would take it to heart. At the same time, I also put forth the belief that by not reporting to work, you'll give someone else a chance to make a few dollars. This especially applies if you are retired or semi-retired. I think you know what I'm getting at here. I'll probably get some flack from this, but as Jim Hightower said the the beginning of one of his books, "What's the sense of writing if you can't tee someone off?" Actually he used some stronger language, and I think you know what he said.		xSunday, February 3, 2008 If you read the book that this page is all about, you know how much I hate shopping at supermarkets as well as my feelings about working on Sunday. Nevertheless, I figured I need not drive my car Monday by stopping in to the bank as well as Aldi's right after Mass this day. If you've never heard of Aldi's, this is a plug and you can click on the name above. The prices are great but you have to bag your own fruit and vegetables. When I checked out, I mentioned my time working in the supermarket long ago and that I hated working that day, She replied that she hates it too. Apparently, we need to restore Sunday as a day of rest.
March 4, 2008 Last night I saw a great movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, featuring Will Smith and his son, Jaden. It fits quite well and I have included information on it at the beginning of the page. Based on the life on a great individual, Chris Gardner, his story will entertain as well as inspire you. By all means see the movie and read the book of the same name, which I hope to do soon. Both embody what people are up against in this fast-paced, work-addicted, crazy world. It also illustrates the fact that one person can indeed make a difference. Thanks, Will, Thandie, Chris, Jaden and Gabriele.xx

The book tackles a very serious subject - WORK - in a humorous way. This style is not common with such literary work, but it is essential as it not only lets the writer communicate his message in a light way, but it also enables the reader to enjoy the book. Although the book is set in the United States, the issues discussed are very relevant in Africa, specifically my country, Kenya. Some of the topics that impressed me most owing to the way they have been discussed in their relation to work are found in these chapter titles: Minimum in every sense of the word, Make sure they have health insurance, Show me where the money went, Work can kill you and Can he run again? This last one is closely tied in to what is happening in Kenya at the moment. Recently I met my long time friend who had just graduated from a medical school as a doctor assistant (clinical officer.) He informed me that he had secured a job in a private hospital but he was contemplating quitting since the pay was not commensurate with the workload and his training. I was surprised and advised him not to do so because getting a job in Kenya right now is unthinkable as the government put a freeze on employment for five years while at the same time hiring individuals who are past retirement age on contracts. I mentioned to him that a half a loaf is better than none. However, he argued that he couldn't continue despite having not even worked for four months, saying he can't sacrifice his life and time for money that he himself couldn't enjoy. I had nothing more to say and agreed with him after having read this wonderful book. Paul Odhiambo - Kenya Thanks for sending me This Page Intentionally Left Blank. I am looking forward to reading it. It may be Christmas before it slows down so I can take time to read it. School has been very busy. Too many people retired last year and no one was hired to replace 14 people. I guess this is how companies save money. - Wanda in PA	xxx	David Brancaccio, formerly host and senior editor of Marketplace, is the host of NOW on PBS. You can see it on Friday evening, although the time may vary, depending on where you live. In the early part of March 2008, I finished his book, Squandering Aimlessly and I recommend it very much. It relates to the The Church of Stop Spending, which I was thinking of joining. That's not a bad creed, and you can't do that completely, but each of us needs to separate want from need. Much of what David gets into should to be taken to heart and it relates quite well to my book. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

	xxx	In early 2008, I finished reading The Missing Class: Portraits of the Near Poor in America by Katherine S. Newman and Victor Tan Chen. It may not have the laughs of my book, but it should be read by everyone since no one is left unaffected by what is going on today. The book has much to add about the plight of a specific group of workers - namely, what used to be the Middle Class, which has vanished from our society. Today there are two classes of people: the super rich and the rest of us. The latter are mad up of the poor, the missing class and those doing a bit better, but each is one event away from disaster. Cancer, loss of a job or foreclosure on a mortgage could lead to really tough times, and those are only a few scenarios. The Missing Class deals with many of those issues and offers some solutions. I mentioned the book at a social justice committee meeting last night at St. Joseph Church in Buffalo - as well as This Page Intentionally Left Blank - and I really hope that people get and read both books. x
		3 signs that you have a miserable job You have to raise your hand to use the rest room You're have to work on the 31th of every month You have to give two weeks notice if you die