nVerse

People Work Harder in Times Of Recession…BUT

The alliteratively titled article “Painful Productivity Pickup Promises Payoff” in the WSJ yesterday, forecasts that the Labor Department will report an annualized 7% gain in business productivity for the 4th quarter and yet a rise in the unemployment rate to over 10% in December.
ooooook.

See, this number is almost triple the average 2.5% growth from 2000 to 2008 AND last year the 2nd and 3rd quarters saw a 6.9% gain and a 8.1% gain, respectively.  So we see here some form of a productivity paradox - where despite the workforce level declining, output is increasing - in times of recession where people are freaked out about losing their jobs and companies are squeezing as much productivity as they can out of their workforce (to protect their bottom lines), people apparently become more efficient workers.

Ok, this is not that new.

But what does this mean in real terms?  Are people lazier in good times?  Is there a natural propensity to slack off at the job when getting canned isn’t a risk?  Will this lead to burn out?  Will this have a permanent impact on wage-to-expected output?

Methinks a likely outcome is that when prosperity is restored and the unemployment rate declines, the folks on the front line that are squeezing out this extra bit of output today may expect higher wages or look for greener pastures.  The smart money is on Monster.com or CareerBuilder … then again, this paradox may continue for a while…perhaps it is best to invest in a stamp or comic book collection.

[wsj article]

Lion Versus 42 Midgets…28 Dead, the others Mutiliated

First of all, note that there is such a thing as the Cambodian Midget Fighting League (aka the CMFL).

mmmkay.

Back in 2005, a fan of the CMFL was apparently very disappointed about the midgets’ recent performance and challenged Mr. Yang Sihamoni, the guy who runs the CMFL, that a single lion could beat his entire cadre of 42 smaller-sized fighters.

Not one to backdown from such a challenge, Mr Sihamoni  accepted.  As he likes to say, his midgets will “… take on anything; man, beast, or machine.”

So a sold-out fight was on!  And with the blessing of the Camboidan government which received 50% of the ticket sales.  A Panthera Leo, otherwise known as an African Lion, was brought into Kâmpóng Chhnãng where it all went down.

After just 12 minutes, 28 of the midgets were dead and the rest were horribly mutilated with “broken bones and lost limbs.”

[CORRECTION] SO it has been brought to my attention that the original news story that this post was based on is actually a hoax- .. an excellent example of good internet forgery made to look like the real-deal thing from BBC - Sooooo - hats off to the guy that came up with it!  it’s truly entertaining and was well executed.  And now, for something even better: jolly little folk!]

[original source: Deet]

[correcting source:  Stevun McCipro]

Big Az Meatloaf

And while the topic is still fresh about Big Az products, I would like to bring another pre-packaged Big Az Meat product to your attention - Ladies and gentlemen, may i present to you, the Big Az Meatloaf Sandwich!

The best part?

is that this deliciousness is served WITH catsup!   not ketchup, but catsup!  mmm!

Big Az Burger Anyone?

ooooh … Tough choice!

Do i reach for the “DOUBLE BEEF STACKER” or the “BIG AZ” burger???

…both are such delicious examples of prepackaged- good-for-you-beef-products

But really, “Big az???”  Is that describing the product or what it does to you?  Truly, an awful name.

The double beef stacker burger does have a new package - but same great taste, it is 40 cents cheaper than the $2.89 beef charbroil BigAz…

These may _just_ be a delicious choice to serve at your superbowl party.  And in case you too were wondering when & what time the superbowl kickoff is, you can go here.

Disturbingly Descriptive Name for Teas

These herbal teas are “Herbal Stimulant Laxative” teas…you know, to get things moving.

I don’t know which one is more appealing, the image conjuring, “Chocolate Smooth Move” or “Get Regular.”

[source: the Ginger Midget]