Religious values are perhaps the thing people hold closest to their hearts and they are generally unwavering. Many people also believe that our religious beliefs and exercise of those beliefs are under attack. Continue reading “Religious Freedom in Georgia”
Author: chrismtwo
Every day I try to learn and experience new things. The infinite wonder of the universe provides endless opportunity for adventures. My favorite thing is to enjoy these adventures with friends, and to share my stories with others.
At the very core, all people are storytellers. Whether it is a full length motion picture or a chat over a cup of coffee, most of what makes up the human experience is the communication of ideas. For this reason, I am always looking for opportunities to write. I would like to share what I've seen with as many people as possible.
Crisis in Ukraine
Civil unrest in the Ukraine took a turn towards violence last week. As crowds swelled in Kiev’s Independence Square, nearly 100 protestors were gunned by government security forces and countless more were injured. Since November 2013, Ukrainians have been rising up in opposition to what they believe to be an oppressive government that would rather align itself with Russia, rather than with the European Union and the West. Continue reading “Crisis in Ukraine”
What Does Organic Really Mean?
The USDA has a very specific legal definition of what you need to have in order to call a food “organic.” While it does require minimalizing pollutants, pesticides, and “off-farm” products, the existence of some pollutant “residues” is permitted. Organic animal products must be free of antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic crops must not have “fertilizers with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering or ionizing radiation.” The food must be free of “most” conventional pesticides, and the farm must be inspected by a Government-approved certifier. Continue reading “What Does Organic Really Mean?”
Broccoli or Bambi
People with vegetarian or vegan diets are generally healthier than the average omnivore. However, this is not to say that eating meat is bad for you in and of itself. In reality, the problem is that the average diet is disproportionate to the nutritional needs of the body, and vegans and vegetarians are more health conscious than the average person. Continue reading “Broccoli or Bambi”
Animals Are Used for More than Food
When you run into someone covered in tattoos who is telling you that eating a cheeseburger is murder, take it with a grain of salt. Most tattoo inks, especially black and green, contain animal byproducts. Starbrite ink offers vegan friendly ink alternatives to traditional ink, but some inks that claim to be vegan are not. Make sure you read all the ingredients before an ironic tattoo follows you to the grave. Continue reading “Animals Are Used for More than Food”
The Unemployment Picture: What does 8.1 % really mean?
There is more to the jobs picture in America than just the unemployment rate. This number is based on the amount of people currently seeking work. It does not reflect people who have dropped out of the workforce or people who are taking jobs below their level of skill. It does not show which jobs are being filled, who is creating jobs and how many. It also does not reflect the rate of turnover, new hires vs. people leaving companies. Continue reading “The Unemployment Picture: What does 8.1 % really mean?”
Out of College and Unemployed: Unemployment at the beginning of a career
You worked hard for the past four years. You worked two jobs and took out a few hundred thousand in loans. You finally got your college degree and are ready for the world. But the job tree isn’t giving and you find yourself sitting on your couch, in a daze, wondering where you went wrong. Continue reading “Out of College and Unemployed: Unemployment at the beginning of a career”
How am I Going to Feed My Kids? Unemployment in the middle of a career
You just got the news. “We’re sorry, but we’ve been forced to make some cuts lately and…” You’re sitting in traffic and wondering what you’re going to tell your spouse. How are you going to pay the mortgage, buy groceries, keep up with car payments…? What about your children? Continue reading “How am I Going to Feed My Kids? Unemployment in the middle of a career”
Historic Unemployment in America: How the current unemployment picture compares
This is the longest that the U.S. has had unemployment over 8% in the post WWII era. We are past three years and three months. The previous record was two years 3 months, between November 1981 and January 1984. Furthermore, this is only the seventh time unemployment has topped 6.5% in that time period. The longest duration that unemployment has stayed above that mark was seven years, from 1980-87. We are currently approaching four years above that mark. Continue reading “Historic Unemployment in America: How the current unemployment picture compares”
Get a Job, Hippie
The Georgia Department of Labor (GDOL) has recently been publicizing a law which would allow unemployment insurance to be revoked for those who fail or refuse to take a drug test while looking for work. The GDOL is asking employers to anonymously report such instances. Before benefits are revoked, however, the GDOL is required to conduct an investigation of the failed drug test. Continue reading “Get a Job, Hippie”
Ronin Pen 