I applaud the National Environment Agency's initiative to collect public feedback on the smoking ban. Extending the ban, though, may exacerbate the problem for non-smokers.
As it is already difficult to enforce the current ban, an extension alone would overload environment officers, resulting in little or even negative impact on the ground.
Reducing the number of places to smoke would lead to a concentration of smokers and second-hand smoke in those places. And despite past extensions of the ban, it has become more difficult to avoid second-hand smoke.
A new approach, to provide alternatives for smokers, is needed. Most smokers will not readily give up the habit, and we need to recognise that smoking is an addiction, not a lifestyle choice.
If we want to protect citizens, I propose there should be smoking rooms in all buildings (like those in Changi Airport). Non-smokers are freed from the health risks of second-hand smoke while the policy debates continue.
There should be mandatory air purifiers in public flats and private apartments whose residents are smokers (verified against insurance declarations), to protect children and neighbours.
Wantonly discarded cigarette butts in non-smoking areas should be tested for DNA/fingerprints, to ease the load on enforcement officers trying to capture culprits in the act.
Errant smokers would then receive a fine via mail for breaching non-smoking and/or littering laws. We may even see cleaner streets.
For now, the key is to help instil more responsibility among existing smokers. People have the right to smoke only if it does not affect others. And we should continue to educate and help those ready to quit. The most important proposal I have come across was that to deny access to tobacco to those born since 2000. This would plug the leaking boat and make the smoking problem more manageable.
While the long-term objective of achieving a smoke-free Singapore is clear, the imperative now is to protect non-smokers. Then fight to extend the ban.
2011年12月18日星期日
2011年12月13日星期二
Beijing Pollution at “Crisis Level”
No one who has visited Beijing recently will be surprised to learn that pollution in the capital has been so bad that the air quality monitoring system used by the U.S. Embassy here has described the pollution as being off the scale.
It’s little wonder that a city official has reportedly just described the air quality as having reached “crisis level.”
On the morning of December 5, I thought it was snowing when I first looked out my window. The smog was so dense that I couldn’t even see the restaurant that’s only about 50 meters from my house.
I checked the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau’s reading. Data from the bureau for between 8 pm on December 4 and 8 am the next morning showed the pollution reading was 150 to 170, which equates to Level 3 on the bureau’s rating system. Level 3 is designated as “slight pollution” that will cause “some irritation amongst healthy people.”
So I checked with other media sources, and found that most were instead using air monitoring data from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. The data was shocking.
The index used by the U.S. Embassy measures particles under 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) compared with the between 2.5 and 10 micrometers used in China’s official readings. According to the U.S. index, at 7 pm on December 4, the concentration of fine particles in Beijing was 552. The maximum value on their scale is 500, meaning Beijing’s air quality was so poor that it was described as “beyond index.”
The city’s deteriorating air quality (this was the second time in about a month that Beijing’s pollution levels had exceeded the U.S. index) has prompted considerable frustration among many Chinese, and pressure is growing to include the PM2.5 data as the U.S. Embassy does.
Disappointingly, the bureau is resisting such pressure, despite the fact that informing the public would allow people to be more aware of the health risks and take necessary precautions. Following a series of days of heavy smog, a growing number of people have been buying masks and air purifiers. A friend who works at an electrical store told me that sales of air purifiers had recently jumped 200 percent on the usual number for this time of year.
The Environment Ministry is clearly aware of the problem, and says it has been seeking the public’s view on whether to include the finer particles in its readings. Unsurprisingly, a worried public does indeed appear to want the PM2.5 measure to be included in the standard air quality monitoring system.
Still, don’t expect a change anytime soon – the ministry says that it is listening, but that it needs time to discuss and evaluate the issue.
It’s little wonder that a city official has reportedly just described the air quality as having reached “crisis level.”
On the morning of December 5, I thought it was snowing when I first looked out my window. The smog was so dense that I couldn’t even see the restaurant that’s only about 50 meters from my house.
I checked the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau’s reading. Data from the bureau for between 8 pm on December 4 and 8 am the next morning showed the pollution reading was 150 to 170, which equates to Level 3 on the bureau’s rating system. Level 3 is designated as “slight pollution” that will cause “some irritation amongst healthy people.”
So I checked with other media sources, and found that most were instead using air monitoring data from the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. The data was shocking.
The index used by the U.S. Embassy measures particles under 2.5 micrometers (PM2.5) compared with the between 2.5 and 10 micrometers used in China’s official readings. According to the U.S. index, at 7 pm on December 4, the concentration of fine particles in Beijing was 552. The maximum value on their scale is 500, meaning Beijing’s air quality was so poor that it was described as “beyond index.”
The city’s deteriorating air quality (this was the second time in about a month that Beijing’s pollution levels had exceeded the U.S. index) has prompted considerable frustration among many Chinese, and pressure is growing to include the PM2.5 data as the U.S. Embassy does.
Disappointingly, the bureau is resisting such pressure, despite the fact that informing the public would allow people to be more aware of the health risks and take necessary precautions. Following a series of days of heavy smog, a growing number of people have been buying masks and air purifiers. A friend who works at an electrical store told me that sales of air purifiers had recently jumped 200 percent on the usual number for this time of year.
The Environment Ministry is clearly aware of the problem, and says it has been seeking the public’s view on whether to include the finer particles in its readings. Unsurprisingly, a worried public does indeed appear to want the PM2.5 measure to be included in the standard air quality monitoring system.
Still, don’t expect a change anytime soon – the ministry says that it is listening, but that it needs time to discuss and evaluate the issue.
2011年11月24日星期四
Cyrus Mistry and the $5 bn brand consumers cannot avoid
Can you remember the last time you watched a programme on TV for a couple of hours and did not see a commercial for any Tata brand?
Today, it’s difficult for an average consumer to avoid a Tata brand in his or her normal consumption pattern. For air-conditioners, water coolers, water dispensers and water purifiers, there’s Voltas. In cars, you have the Indica, Indigo, Manza, Sumo and, of course, the Nano. In beverages, you have Tata Café, Tata Tea, Tetley Tea and Himalaya water. In entertainment, you have Tata Sky services. In the hotel business, you have the Taj, Vivanta and Ginger. In jewellery, there’s Tanishq. In watches, you have Titan and the brand extension, Titan Eye, for spectacles. In retail, there’s Westside, Landmark, Croma and Tashi. In telecom, Tata Indicom and Tata DoCoMo are major players.
“I think the world over realisation has dawned that as economies develop and consumers have more spending power, people don’t buy products, they buy a promise. A brand is nothing but a way of expressing a promise.
“Today, the Tatas represent assurance, reliability, a sense of nationalism, value for money, and such other attributes that have been built over several decades. Irrespective of the product you are making, those are the attributes you would like to be known for, whether it is through a wrist watch, a piece of software or a car. It is for this reason that the Tata name goes well with a diversity of products — from tea and salt to an Indica car, software development and steel,” Gopalakrishnan had said in the same interview.
What does all this mean for Cyrus Mistry? “He also spoke about how the Tata brand has evolved over the years. From $300 million in 1998 it has gone and become a $.5 billion brand. They are also expecting this number to double by the end of 2011-12 when they do the next assessment of the brand valuation,” moneycontrol reported.
The adjectives that one didn’t see before Ratan Tata took charge as chairman in 1981 are adjectives that very easily come to mind now — aggressive, vibrant, exciting, multinational, risk-taking.
It’s in the businesses and geographies that Ratan Tata has led the group into in the past decade that makes us think differently about what the Tata brand represents. In the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover, for example, the ‘value-for-money’ tag that the Tata brand name has stood for is pushed into the background, but world-class and multinational come to the fore.
“Tata Motors on Wednesday announced its entry into the international luxury car market with some style as the company snapped up two of Britain’s most famous names in automobile manufacturing, Jaguar and Land Rover, in a $2.3 billion deal with Ford, their American owners. “Ford says Tata to Jaguar” declared a front-page headline in a British newspaper as the country woke up to the loss of a bit of its motoring history in a classic case of the empire striking back,” The Hindu had gushed.
The Corus buy instantly made Tata a risk-taker — and a global player.
“The Tata Group is celebrating its acquisition of the Anglo-Dutch steel firm Corus, and the catapulting of Tata Steel into world steel’s big-five status . It should. The $11 billion deal is a marker in the ground….But Tata-Corus is the largest out of India, and is done by a private sector entity of its own volition, away from the shadow of state influence. For these reasons, it bears noticing,” said Harvard Business School’s Working Knowledge.
When this commercial — We also make steel — was made, there weren’t many products in the Tata stable which were consumer-facing and exciting, save for Titan watches. What else did Tata make? They made salt, soap (Tata OK, for example), airconditioners , tea, trucks, and they ran hotels under the Taj umbrella. Except for the Taj, which had a few properties abroad, most of their consumer-facing brands were India focused, and, with the exception of Titan, and, to an extent, Voltas, hardly exciting.
Now, there’s a launch or an acquisition every few months. And every brand that is launched or bought has to pay royalty to Tata Sons for the use of ‘the group mark and logo’ thanks to the Brand Equity and Business Promotion Agreement, which is signed by Tata Sons and individual group companies.
That’s an addition to the bottom-line of Tata Sons even as there’s appreciation in the brand valuation.
The brand has become so much more than it was when Ratan Tata ‘inherited’ it. In addition to Tata standing for assurance, reliability, a sense of nationalism, value for money and similar attributes before Ratan Tata took over, attributes like exciting, vibrant, diversified, international, aggressive and risk-taking have been added —together handing Cyrus Mistry a $5.5 billion brand to manage.
Thankfully, there’s one attribute that Mistry has which should be of immense help to him as Ratan Tata hands over the baton. It’s an adjective that none associates with the Tatas – young.
“My only regret is that I am not 20 years younger because I think India’s going through a very exciting period in its history,” Ratan Tata had said earlier this year in an interview with CNN.
Today, it’s difficult for an average consumer to avoid a Tata brand in his or her normal consumption pattern. For air-conditioners, water coolers, water dispensers and water purifiers, there’s Voltas. In cars, you have the Indica, Indigo, Manza, Sumo and, of course, the Nano. In beverages, you have Tata Café, Tata Tea, Tetley Tea and Himalaya water. In entertainment, you have Tata Sky services. In the hotel business, you have the Taj, Vivanta and Ginger. In jewellery, there’s Tanishq. In watches, you have Titan and the brand extension, Titan Eye, for spectacles. In retail, there’s Westside, Landmark, Croma and Tashi. In telecom, Tata Indicom and Tata DoCoMo are major players.
“I think the world over realisation has dawned that as economies develop and consumers have more spending power, people don’t buy products, they buy a promise. A brand is nothing but a way of expressing a promise.
“Today, the Tatas represent assurance, reliability, a sense of nationalism, value for money, and such other attributes that have been built over several decades. Irrespective of the product you are making, those are the attributes you would like to be known for, whether it is through a wrist watch, a piece of software or a car. It is for this reason that the Tata name goes well with a diversity of products — from tea and salt to an Indica car, software development and steel,” Gopalakrishnan had said in the same interview.
What does all this mean for Cyrus Mistry? “He also spoke about how the Tata brand has evolved over the years. From $300 million in 1998 it has gone and become a $.5 billion brand. They are also expecting this number to double by the end of 2011-12 when they do the next assessment of the brand valuation,” moneycontrol reported.
The adjectives that one didn’t see before Ratan Tata took charge as chairman in 1981 are adjectives that very easily come to mind now — aggressive, vibrant, exciting, multinational, risk-taking.
It’s in the businesses and geographies that Ratan Tata has led the group into in the past decade that makes us think differently about what the Tata brand represents. In the acquisition of Jaguar Land Rover, for example, the ‘value-for-money’ tag that the Tata brand name has stood for is pushed into the background, but world-class and multinational come to the fore.
“Tata Motors on Wednesday announced its entry into the international luxury car market with some style as the company snapped up two of Britain’s most famous names in automobile manufacturing, Jaguar and Land Rover, in a $2.3 billion deal with Ford, their American owners. “Ford says Tata to Jaguar” declared a front-page headline in a British newspaper as the country woke up to the loss of a bit of its motoring history in a classic case of the empire striking back,” The Hindu had gushed.
The Corus buy instantly made Tata a risk-taker — and a global player.
“The Tata Group is celebrating its acquisition of the Anglo-Dutch steel firm Corus, and the catapulting of Tata Steel into world steel’s big-five status . It should. The $11 billion deal is a marker in the ground….But Tata-Corus is the largest out of India, and is done by a private sector entity of its own volition, away from the shadow of state influence. For these reasons, it bears noticing,” said Harvard Business School’s Working Knowledge.
When this commercial — We also make steel — was made, there weren’t many products in the Tata stable which were consumer-facing and exciting, save for Titan watches. What else did Tata make? They made salt, soap (Tata OK, for example), airconditioners , tea, trucks, and they ran hotels under the Taj umbrella. Except for the Taj, which had a few properties abroad, most of their consumer-facing brands were India focused, and, with the exception of Titan, and, to an extent, Voltas, hardly exciting.
Now, there’s a launch or an acquisition every few months. And every brand that is launched or bought has to pay royalty to Tata Sons for the use of ‘the group mark and logo’ thanks to the Brand Equity and Business Promotion Agreement, which is signed by Tata Sons and individual group companies.
That’s an addition to the bottom-line of Tata Sons even as there’s appreciation in the brand valuation.
The brand has become so much more than it was when Ratan Tata ‘inherited’ it. In addition to Tata standing for assurance, reliability, a sense of nationalism, value for money and similar attributes before Ratan Tata took over, attributes like exciting, vibrant, diversified, international, aggressive and risk-taking have been added —together handing Cyrus Mistry a $5.5 billion brand to manage.
Thankfully, there’s one attribute that Mistry has which should be of immense help to him as Ratan Tata hands over the baton. It’s an adjective that none associates with the Tatas – young.
“My only regret is that I am not 20 years younger because I think India’s going through a very exciting period in its history,” Ratan Tata had said earlier this year in an interview with CNN.
2011年10月20日星期四
Sharp Firms Up Appliance Leadership
Sharp, the country's leading distributor of washing machines, firms up its market dominance in washing machine and refrigerators with higher market shares by 2013 in line with the Japanese company’s overall thrust to increase its overseas presence rather than its domestic base.
Naotaka Ohtsuka, Sharp Philippines group deputy general manager for health and environment systems, divulged this as the local unit marked its 30th year and 100 years for Sharp Corp.
Ohtsuka said the company aims to make its overseas markets contribute 50 percent of its total business. At present, Japan sales contribute the bulk of 60 percent of total. Asean accounts for 25 percent of its total overseas business.
Ohtsuka said the company aims to cement its market share for washer and twin tub washing machines to 30 percent in 2013 from 26 percent market share for 2010 fiscal year.
For the refrigerator market, the company aims to capture 22 percent market from 14 percent in the 2010 fiscal year. These growth projections would mean the company would have cemented its number one position in these sectors by 2013. For airconditioners, the company expects to gain 12 percent market share by 2013 to be the country’s top three in this product line.
Sharp will be introducing hole less tub, which technology would prevent the formation of black moulds that could attach to clothes.
The company has also a strong presence in the CRT television series although its LCD and LED TV series are expected to grow stronger than the vanishing CRT line.
To mark its centennial celebration, Sharp vows to continue introducing innovative products that would address environmental and health issues.
Already, its appliances are incorporated with plasmacluster ion technology that suppresses harmful airborne elements to promote a clean indoor environment. These are found in Sharp air purifiers, ion generators, air-conditioners and refrigerators.
Sharp’s new UV2A technology in its Quattron LCD TV also does its part in creating a more power efficient TV, the fast that it is the first in the industry to have the proprietary RGB+Y technology, which means it can easily handle advanced picture quality and maximum color precision that only Sharp can provide.
Sharp’s poly-crystalline silicon solar panels are now in use at a CEPALCO operated farm in Cagayan, the first solar farm in the country.
The PSC panels and the newer thin-film panels are widely utilized in other parts of the world for navigational systems, satellites, skyscrapers and other commercial applications.
Naotaka Ohtsuka, Sharp Philippines group deputy general manager for health and environment systems, divulged this as the local unit marked its 30th year and 100 years for Sharp Corp.
Ohtsuka said the company aims to make its overseas markets contribute 50 percent of its total business. At present, Japan sales contribute the bulk of 60 percent of total. Asean accounts for 25 percent of its total overseas business.
Ohtsuka said the company aims to cement its market share for washer and twin tub washing machines to 30 percent in 2013 from 26 percent market share for 2010 fiscal year.
For the refrigerator market, the company aims to capture 22 percent market from 14 percent in the 2010 fiscal year. These growth projections would mean the company would have cemented its number one position in these sectors by 2013. For airconditioners, the company expects to gain 12 percent market share by 2013 to be the country’s top three in this product line.
Sharp will be introducing hole less tub, which technology would prevent the formation of black moulds that could attach to clothes.
The company has also a strong presence in the CRT television series although its LCD and LED TV series are expected to grow stronger than the vanishing CRT line.
To mark its centennial celebration, Sharp vows to continue introducing innovative products that would address environmental and health issues.
Already, its appliances are incorporated with plasmacluster ion technology that suppresses harmful airborne elements to promote a clean indoor environment. These are found in Sharp air purifiers, ion generators, air-conditioners and refrigerators.
Sharp’s new UV2A technology in its Quattron LCD TV also does its part in creating a more power efficient TV, the fast that it is the first in the industry to have the proprietary RGB+Y technology, which means it can easily handle advanced picture quality and maximum color precision that only Sharp can provide.
Sharp’s poly-crystalline silicon solar panels are now in use at a CEPALCO operated farm in Cagayan, the first solar farm in the country.
The PSC panels and the newer thin-film panels are widely utilized in other parts of the world for navigational systems, satellites, skyscrapers and other commercial applications.
2011年10月12日星期三
Some eco-friendly winter survival tips
The winter season is right around the corner, soon to usher in cold temperatures, snow and ice for many people across the country. There are plenty of people who revel in the idea of frolicking over snow-capped hills, but many others hope winter passes them by rather quickly.
Much of the focus each winter is on staying warm and surviving this often harsh season at whatever the cost. But there are ways to survive winter while helping the environment.
Lighting: Thanks to daylight savings time, many areas of the country experience nightfall around 5 p.m. during the winter months. That means people are more likely to turn on artificial lighting to illuminate homes and surroundings. The International Dark-Sky Association says that artificial lights can waste energy and confuse nocturnal animals. If you must use nighttime lighting, select a lowwattage bulb and point it downward. Motion sensor lights save energy and also will turn on intermittently, not enough to disturb animals.
Reconsider winter traction techniques. Before you throw down chemical ice melt products, think about safer alternatives. Regular table salt will melt ice and may not be as harmful to the surrounding environment. Sand can offer improved traction when scattered on walkways and it's nontoxic.
Select a real tree. When holiday decorating, choose a real tree. These trees are harvested from tree farms that replenish stock as soon as trees are felled. They can be recycled into mulch, and real trees are also biodegradable.
Keep houseplants thriving. Houseplants serve as natural air deodorizers and provide fresh oxygen inside of a home. The EPA and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Considering most people spend the majority of their time indoors when the weather is cold, breathing poor air can result in illness. Houseplants are an all-natural way to filter out offensive air without relying on powered air purifiers or chemical air fresheners.
Weatherproof the home. Do yourself - and the environment - a favor by weatherproofing your home. Add a storm door, check weather-stripping or caulking for drafts, seal entry points for cable, phone and water lines with foam insulation, and also be sure attic and other spaces of the home are thoroughly insulated. This will keep from wasting energy on heating, which is harmful to your budget and the environment.
Don't warm up the car. Many cars can do a cold-start and get on the road without the need for idling in the driveway. Instead of wasting gasoline and pouring engine emissions into the air unnecessarily, just get in and drive. If you're sensitive to a cold car, try to park it in the garage during the winter.
Carpool. Individuals who used to bike or walk to work when it was nice outside may be tempted to take the car when it's cold. Maximize energy savings by carpooling with like-minded individuals.
Invite people over. Instead of turning up the heat when the indoor temperature drops, invite friends and family for an impromptu party. Research indicates that each guest is the equivalent of a 175-watt heater! Not only will you have fun, you'll feel toasty, too.
Surviving the winter in an environmentally friendly way really isn't that difficult when you employ some simple strategies.
Much of the focus each winter is on staying warm and surviving this often harsh season at whatever the cost. But there are ways to survive winter while helping the environment.
Lighting: Thanks to daylight savings time, many areas of the country experience nightfall around 5 p.m. during the winter months. That means people are more likely to turn on artificial lighting to illuminate homes and surroundings. The International Dark-Sky Association says that artificial lights can waste energy and confuse nocturnal animals. If you must use nighttime lighting, select a lowwattage bulb and point it downward. Motion sensor lights save energy and also will turn on intermittently, not enough to disturb animals.
Reconsider winter traction techniques. Before you throw down chemical ice melt products, think about safer alternatives. Regular table salt will melt ice and may not be as harmful to the surrounding environment. Sand can offer improved traction when scattered on walkways and it's nontoxic.
Select a real tree. When holiday decorating, choose a real tree. These trees are harvested from tree farms that replenish stock as soon as trees are felled. They can be recycled into mulch, and real trees are also biodegradable.
Keep houseplants thriving. Houseplants serve as natural air deodorizers and provide fresh oxygen inside of a home. The EPA and its Science Advisory Board have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Considering most people spend the majority of their time indoors when the weather is cold, breathing poor air can result in illness. Houseplants are an all-natural way to filter out offensive air without relying on powered air purifiers or chemical air fresheners.
Weatherproof the home. Do yourself - and the environment - a favor by weatherproofing your home. Add a storm door, check weather-stripping or caulking for drafts, seal entry points for cable, phone and water lines with foam insulation, and also be sure attic and other spaces of the home are thoroughly insulated. This will keep from wasting energy on heating, which is harmful to your budget and the environment.
Don't warm up the car. Many cars can do a cold-start and get on the road without the need for idling in the driveway. Instead of wasting gasoline and pouring engine emissions into the air unnecessarily, just get in and drive. If you're sensitive to a cold car, try to park it in the garage during the winter.
Carpool. Individuals who used to bike or walk to work when it was nice outside may be tempted to take the car when it's cold. Maximize energy savings by carpooling with like-minded individuals.
Invite people over. Instead of turning up the heat when the indoor temperature drops, invite friends and family for an impromptu party. Research indicates that each guest is the equivalent of a 175-watt heater! Not only will you have fun, you'll feel toasty, too.
Surviving the winter in an environmentally friendly way really isn't that difficult when you employ some simple strategies.
2011年9月5日星期一
Demand green features from your builder
When you buy a new house, before it’s built, you get to choose from the variety of styles and floor plans the builder offers, as well as options and upgrades on details and finishes. Depending on the builder, sometimes the options and choices of upgrades are very limited. Most times, those options are limited to finishes. Rarely do they offer green upgrades, or upgrades on what matters most: what’s behind the walls.
A lot of builders and building companies have model homes, or even a design centre you can visit to help you decide on the finishes and upgrades you might want to add. What’s on display is always finishes. It’s never the insulation, the drywall or tile underlayment. You’ll never see air purifiers on display or added as an extra appliance.
Energy Star appliances are standard now with new homes, and they are built to minimum code standards with regard to construction, building envelope, insulation.
But what about green upgrades?
Some leading green builders offer features such as solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) and solar hot-water pre-heating rough-ins for those who want that option. And lots are coming on board with low/no VOC paints, and maybe some bamboo flooring. But that’s about it, I’m sad to say.
That’s all driven by consumer demand. Builders will build what sells, so it’s up to you to demand upgrades that will really increase the value of your home.
What do homebuyers think is important when they invest in their new homes?
Everyone is concerned about indoor air quality, and the effects of mould and allergens on their families’ health. But how many people are even aware of the upgrades they can have that will improve that indoor air quality? The type of insulation you choose, the type of cabinets and flooring, all contribute to the indoor air quality. What about adding an air-purifying system or premium HEPA filtration to your HVAC?
Some people will advise you to choose your upgrades based on future resale of your home. That’s fine, but who’s to say a brushed nickel faucet will still be fashionable when your home goes on the market? Will cherry cabinets be in, or will painted wood? Is your money better spent on a granite countertop or on a properly insulated basement and attic?
A finished basement is a popular one. But for me, this is one of the real traps of a “builder upgrade.” Guaranteed: If you opt for this upgrade, you will have a basement finished to minimum code. That’s all that’s required. And that will be a complete waste of your money — in either a short time or a slightly longer time — when you need to tear everything out because it’s tainted with mould.
Conventional wisdom says that spending your upgrade money on kitchen and bathrooms will repay you. But I say that every penny you invest in an upgrade that improves your home’s efficiency will repay you, too.
I say, when your budget is limited — and whose isn’t? — spend your upgrade money on the places you can’t get to later: behind the walls. You can always upgrade a standard finish to something pricier later, if you want to. But you can’t easily change your insulation or the underlayment beneath your tiles or replace your standard drywall with mould-resistant.
A lot of builders and building companies have model homes, or even a design centre you can visit to help you decide on the finishes and upgrades you might want to add. What’s on display is always finishes. It’s never the insulation, the drywall or tile underlayment. You’ll never see air purifiers on display or added as an extra appliance.
Energy Star appliances are standard now with new homes, and they are built to minimum code standards with regard to construction, building envelope, insulation.
But what about green upgrades?
Some leading green builders offer features such as solar rooftop photovoltaic (PV) and solar hot-water pre-heating rough-ins for those who want that option. And lots are coming on board with low/no VOC paints, and maybe some bamboo flooring. But that’s about it, I’m sad to say.
That’s all driven by consumer demand. Builders will build what sells, so it’s up to you to demand upgrades that will really increase the value of your home.
What do homebuyers think is important when they invest in their new homes?
Everyone is concerned about indoor air quality, and the effects of mould and allergens on their families’ health. But how many people are even aware of the upgrades they can have that will improve that indoor air quality? The type of insulation you choose, the type of cabinets and flooring, all contribute to the indoor air quality. What about adding an air-purifying system or premium HEPA filtration to your HVAC?
Some people will advise you to choose your upgrades based on future resale of your home. That’s fine, but who’s to say a brushed nickel faucet will still be fashionable when your home goes on the market? Will cherry cabinets be in, or will painted wood? Is your money better spent on a granite countertop or on a properly insulated basement and attic?
A finished basement is a popular one. But for me, this is one of the real traps of a “builder upgrade.” Guaranteed: If you opt for this upgrade, you will have a basement finished to minimum code. That’s all that’s required. And that will be a complete waste of your money — in either a short time or a slightly longer time — when you need to tear everything out because it’s tainted with mould.
Conventional wisdom says that spending your upgrade money on kitchen and bathrooms will repay you. But I say that every penny you invest in an upgrade that improves your home’s efficiency will repay you, too.
I say, when your budget is limited — and whose isn’t? — spend your upgrade money on the places you can’t get to later: behind the walls. You can always upgrade a standard finish to something pricier later, if you want to. But you can’t easily change your insulation or the underlayment beneath your tiles or replace your standard drywall with mould-resistant.
2011年6月12日星期日
Best Things to Do for Your Body NOW
You probably already know that going for a swim within 30 minutes of chowing down on a sandwich isn’t going to cause you to cramp up and sink helplessly to the bottom of the pool. But there’s plenty more lame summertime advice that you might still believe. We set the record straight.
MYTH: Peeing on a jellyfish sting will ease the pain.
Though it may sound convenient–if also totally gross!–urine hasn’t been proven to curb the hurt. What has: vinegar. “Its acidity is believed to inactivate the stingers and diminish the pain,” says Stanford University School of Medicine emergency-medicine doctor Paul Auerbach, M.D., author of Medicine for the Outdoors. Soak a paper towel in household white vinegar and hold it on the wound for about 30 minutes. Afterward, use an OTC hydrocortisone cream to quell any itching. (If, however, you start to feel dizzy or nauseated or develop any kind of rash, you may be having an allergic reaction and should get yourself to a doctor right away, says Auerbach.)
3 Pain Management Tricks
MYTH: Going in and out of air-conditioned buildings can make you sick.
If you feel congested or start sniffling, it’s likely due to summer allergies, says pulmonologist Neil Schachter, M.D., author of The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds and Flu.
“People who have allergies–even small sensitivities–may be affected when moving from a clean-air environment into one that’s full of Mother Nature’s irritants,” he says. If your symptoms are on overdrive, try staying inside on very hot, humid days, when outdoor allergens are at their most potent. And keep your home dust- and mold-free by cleaning your AC filter every month or by investing in a HEPA air purifier that nixes 99 percent of airborne contaminants.
MYTH: The safest place to be during a lightning storm is in a car because it has rubber tires.
You’ll be safe in a car, but not because of the rubber tires, says John Jensenius, a lightning-safety specialist for the National Weather Service. The car’s frame is like a metal cage–if struck, lightning will flow around its outside.
(Metal is a good conductor of electricity; rubber is not.) If you’re driving in a storm, don’t touch metal door handles or the radio, which is wired to the outside antenna.
MYTH: Flip-flops are kind to your feet.
“Most flip-flops don’t have adequate arch support, cushioning, or shock absorption,” says Manhattan-based foot doctor Jacqueline Sutera, D.P.M. Wearing them all summer, every summer could lead to pinched foot nerves, heel pain, tendinitis, and strained arches. If you can’t quit flops entirely, buy ones that have at least a three-quarter-inch semi-cushioned sole and built-in arch support. Even better, go for a strappy sandal; simple thongs force your toes into an unhealthy clenched position when you walk, encouraging hammertoe growth. Or try cute, beachy wedges (three inches high or less), which offer more support in just about every foot area and help distribute your body weight more evenly.
MYTH: A dip in the pool can do double duty as a shower.
Consider this: Most people don’t rinse off before they go swimming. “Chemicals in personal-care products, sweat, and makeup can interfere with chlorine, making it much less effective,” says Michele Hlavsa, R.N., M.P.H., of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program. The result? Public pools in particular are often swimming with nasties such as cryptosporidium, which can bring on diarrhea, ear infections, and skin rashes. Showering after a dip can wash bacteria off your skin and cut your risk of getting sick. Use soap–a quick hose-off may not be enough.
MYTH: Peeing on a jellyfish sting will ease the pain.
Though it may sound convenient–if also totally gross!–urine hasn’t been proven to curb the hurt. What has: vinegar. “Its acidity is believed to inactivate the stingers and diminish the pain,” says Stanford University School of Medicine emergency-medicine doctor Paul Auerbach, M.D., author of Medicine for the Outdoors. Soak a paper towel in household white vinegar and hold it on the wound for about 30 minutes. Afterward, use an OTC hydrocortisone cream to quell any itching. (If, however, you start to feel dizzy or nauseated or develop any kind of rash, you may be having an allergic reaction and should get yourself to a doctor right away, says Auerbach.)
3 Pain Management Tricks
MYTH: Going in and out of air-conditioned buildings can make you sick.
If you feel congested or start sniffling, it’s likely due to summer allergies, says pulmonologist Neil Schachter, M.D., author of The Good Doctor’s Guide to Colds and Flu.
“People who have allergies–even small sensitivities–may be affected when moving from a clean-air environment into one that’s full of Mother Nature’s irritants,” he says. If your symptoms are on overdrive, try staying inside on very hot, humid days, when outdoor allergens are at their most potent. And keep your home dust- and mold-free by cleaning your AC filter every month or by investing in a HEPA air purifier that nixes 99 percent of airborne contaminants.
MYTH: The safest place to be during a lightning storm is in a car because it has rubber tires.
You’ll be safe in a car, but not because of the rubber tires, says John Jensenius, a lightning-safety specialist for the National Weather Service. The car’s frame is like a metal cage–if struck, lightning will flow around its outside.
(Metal is a good conductor of electricity; rubber is not.) If you’re driving in a storm, don’t touch metal door handles or the radio, which is wired to the outside antenna.
MYTH: Flip-flops are kind to your feet.
“Most flip-flops don’t have adequate arch support, cushioning, or shock absorption,” says Manhattan-based foot doctor Jacqueline Sutera, D.P.M. Wearing them all summer, every summer could lead to pinched foot nerves, heel pain, tendinitis, and strained arches. If you can’t quit flops entirely, buy ones that have at least a three-quarter-inch semi-cushioned sole and built-in arch support. Even better, go for a strappy sandal; simple thongs force your toes into an unhealthy clenched position when you walk, encouraging hammertoe growth. Or try cute, beachy wedges (three inches high or less), which offer more support in just about every foot area and help distribute your body weight more evenly.
MYTH: A dip in the pool can do double duty as a shower.
Consider this: Most people don’t rinse off before they go swimming. “Chemicals in personal-care products, sweat, and makeup can interfere with chlorine, making it much less effective,” says Michele Hlavsa, R.N., M.P.H., of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program. The result? Public pools in particular are often swimming with nasties such as cryptosporidium, which can bring on diarrhea, ear infections, and skin rashes. Showering after a dip can wash bacteria off your skin and cut your risk of getting sick. Use soap–a quick hose-off may not be enough.
2011年4月1日星期五
How to Avoid an Allergy Attack
The weather's warming, blooms are bursting – and you couldn't be more miserable. Find out how to stop sniffling and sneezing this allergy season…
It starts with a runny nose, watery eyes and a tickle in the back of your throat. At its worst, you may feel as if you'll never stop sneezing.
If this happens every year, you have seasonal allergic rhinitis – otherwise known as hay fever.
It strikes when plants release pollen, usually in spring. When you breathe it in, your immune system thinks it's being attacked, so it releases chemicals called histamines to fight the invaders. Instead, you wind up sneezy, watery and itchy.
More than 50 million Americans have some type of allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). If you're one of them, here's how to stay healthy when pollen count is high:
Allergy Attack Risk Factors
The severity of allergy symptoms depends on season, weather and even your menstrual cycle. Being aware of these factors can help avoid attacks, experts say. Consider:
Time of year: Generally, pollen season lasts from February or March through October. The farther south you live, the earlier pollen – and allergy – season hits, according to the AAAAI.
In warmer places, it can be year-round.
Ragweed, the plant that causes the strongest seasonal symptoms, is most active at the end of summer – so that's the worst time for nature hikes.
The weather: Shifts in climate can trigger allergies, says Gary Rachelefsky, M.D., professor of allergy and immunology at the Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).
"Changes in barometric pressure – a drop in humidity and hot air – can worsen symptoms," he says. "Even moving in and out of air-conditioned rooms can aggravate someone who is sensitive."
Windy days can be the worst, says Vincent Tubiolo, M.D., an allergy specialist in Santa Barbara, Calif. Breezes carry pollen through the air that you breathe.
Rain washes away some pollen, and may improve things temporarily, he adds. But don't be complacent; shortly after a rain shower, pollen count rises even higher than before.
Your time of the month: Believe it or not, allergy symptoms can be linked to your monthly cycle.
"Rising and falling hormone levels can affect allergies," Rachelefsky says.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can help when symptoms arise, he adds. Write down when this happens, so you can predict when to avoid outside activity in the future.
Pregnant or trying to conceive? Many over-the-counter allergy relief medications are safe to take – but consult your doctor first, Rachelefsky cautions.
Other substances: If environmental allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold bother you, they could also worsen your seasonal pollen symptoms, says allergist Anne K. Ellis, M.D., director of the Environmental Exposure Unit at Kingston General Hospital in Ontario, Canada.
This phenomenon is called "priming." Your body's defenses are already lowered, so it's harder to fight off new seasonal allergies.
Eliminating or minimizing exposure to these substances helps reduce the risk of an allergy attack. If you're allergic to pet dander, for example, don't let "Mr. Tinkles" sleep with you. If dust mites are a problem, clean frequently and use allergy-proof bedding.
It starts with a runny nose, watery eyes and a tickle in the back of your throat. At its worst, you may feel as if you'll never stop sneezing.
If this happens every year, you have seasonal allergic rhinitis – otherwise known as hay fever.
It strikes when plants release pollen, usually in spring. When you breathe it in, your immune system thinks it's being attacked, so it releases chemicals called histamines to fight the invaders. Instead, you wind up sneezy, watery and itchy.
More than 50 million Americans have some type of allergy, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI). If you're one of them, here's how to stay healthy when pollen count is high:
Allergy Attack Risk Factors
The severity of allergy symptoms depends on season, weather and even your menstrual cycle. Being aware of these factors can help avoid attacks, experts say. Consider:
Time of year: Generally, pollen season lasts from February or March through October. The farther south you live, the earlier pollen – and allergy – season hits, according to the AAAAI.
In warmer places, it can be year-round.
Ragweed, the plant that causes the strongest seasonal symptoms, is most active at the end of summer – so that's the worst time for nature hikes.
The weather: Shifts in climate can trigger allergies, says Gary Rachelefsky, M.D., professor of allergy and immunology at the Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA).
"Changes in barometric pressure – a drop in humidity and hot air – can worsen symptoms," he says. "Even moving in and out of air-conditioned rooms can aggravate someone who is sensitive."
Windy days can be the worst, says Vincent Tubiolo, M.D., an allergy specialist in Santa Barbara, Calif. Breezes carry pollen through the air that you breathe.
Rain washes away some pollen, and may improve things temporarily, he adds. But don't be complacent; shortly after a rain shower, pollen count rises even higher than before.
Your time of the month: Believe it or not, allergy symptoms can be linked to your monthly cycle.
"Rising and falling hormone levels can affect allergies," Rachelefsky says.
Over-the-counter allergy medications can help when symptoms arise, he adds. Write down when this happens, so you can predict when to avoid outside activity in the future.
Pregnant or trying to conceive? Many over-the-counter allergy relief medications are safe to take – but consult your doctor first, Rachelefsky cautions.
Other substances: If environmental allergens such as dust mites, pet dander and mold bother you, they could also worsen your seasonal pollen symptoms, says allergist Anne K. Ellis, M.D., director of the Environmental Exposure Unit at Kingston General Hospital in Ontario, Canada.
This phenomenon is called "priming." Your body's defenses are already lowered, so it's harder to fight off new seasonal allergies.
Eliminating or minimizing exposure to these substances helps reduce the risk of an allergy attack. If you're allergic to pet dander, for example, don't let "Mr. Tinkles" sleep with you. If dust mites are a problem, clean frequently and use allergy-proof bedding.
2011年3月30日星期三
It's Time for the Entire County to be Tidied Up
This year's Columbia-wide cleanup event proved to be a shining example of people getting together to better their community, organizers say.
And in about two weeks, residents around Howard County will be asked to use 20 minutes of their day for tidying up the areas in which they live and work.
Twenty minutes might not seem like much, but county government staff believe that little bit of time can go a long way.
"We can all do a little bit," said Joshua Feldmark, director of the county's office of environmental sustainability. "These 20 minutes are meant to sort of bolster some of the other cleanup programs that we have. If everyone cleans up what’s right around them, that’s the best way to get folks involved."
This will be the second year for the county's "20-Minute Cleanup," which is scheduled for Thursday, April 14.
Last year, more than 1,000 residents went outside and gathered trash.
"Springtime is sort of a perfect time," Feldmark said. "We're coming out of winter, and the early spring rain just flushes all this trash out into the open. This is a good time to take a moment and clean this place up."
County staff suggest that people look around their offices, schools and neighborhoods. Any trash that is gathered will only be collected during the regular garbage pick-up time. They also recommend people recycle as much as possible.
And in about two weeks, residents around Howard County will be asked to use 20 minutes of their day for tidying up the areas in which they live and work.
Twenty minutes might not seem like much, but county government staff believe that little bit of time can go a long way.
"We can all do a little bit," said Joshua Feldmark, director of the county's office of environmental sustainability. "These 20 minutes are meant to sort of bolster some of the other cleanup programs that we have. If everyone cleans up what’s right around them, that’s the best way to get folks involved."
This will be the second year for the county's "20-Minute Cleanup," which is scheduled for Thursday, April 14.
Last year, more than 1,000 residents went outside and gathered trash.
"Springtime is sort of a perfect time," Feldmark said. "We're coming out of winter, and the early spring rain just flushes all this trash out into the open. This is a good time to take a moment and clean this place up."
County staff suggest that people look around their offices, schools and neighborhoods. Any trash that is gathered will only be collected during the regular garbage pick-up time. They also recommend people recycle as much as possible.
2011年3月27日星期日
Rural market is more sensitive to brands
My predecessor MB Shin has been a great leader and has created incredible benchmarks for us in LG India. I look forward to adding to that legacy and taking the company to newer heights. I will work on enhancing our position as the premium brand in the market. Hence, we will focus on investing in R&D to create products with smart technology and stylish design. We will also be investing Rs 800 crores this year to ramp up our manufacturing.
The mobile business has been a weak point for LG Electronics both globally and in India. What will be your strategy to strengthen the mobile vertical? Currently what is the contribution of India's mobile business to the overall global mobile segment at LG Corp? Is their any renewed target for India keeping in mind the 3G services?
We have launched products like Optimus 2 X 3D phone in the Consumer Electronics Show and Mobile World Congress. The response has been very good till now. Our focus is now going to be smart phones. In India we are planning to launch six smart phone brands on Optimus platform in 2011. Also we are planning to set up a new production line for the product next year at our greenfield facility in Pune. Already we have 12 models of 3G in our present line up and will be launching 16 more 3G models this year.
Do you see the entry-level barrier coming down in the smart phone categories?
Our Optimus One is a perfect example for the same — Android 2.2 at Rs 12,000 is the perfect choice for smart phone users. Optimus One is one of the best selling model for LG in both global and India markets.
India, as your first managing director KR Kim says, India is not one country but it is like 29 countries in one.
India is a vast country and it is fascinating to see its vast geography and how the dialects of people change after every 100 kilometres. I will be travelling across the country to understand the culture and meet our trade partners. It is critical to understand consumers. I will be meeting trade partners and consumers to understand the environment and strategise for the company accordingly.
In 2010, LGEIL conducted research of the rural and urban markets, based on which it was supposed to come out with a new doctrine… Can you share key findings?
Rural market is more sensitive to brands. It looks for reliability more than urban market and for this, they are ready to pay more. We have a rural insight team in place to understand the needs and demands of the rural customers. It has completed its first round of survey and preparing for the second round. These findings will certainly help us in customising the product according to the requirements of the rural customers. We would then narrow down to one or two critical features on the basis of the survey findings, which will go into our products and marketed with the right communication.
Which are the new product categories LG in getting into this year?
India is a key market for LG and we are certainly looking forward for the best of flagship products across categories. We started the year with more than 51new models of air conditioners in January. Now, we will focus on our home entertainment segment and new products under home appliances as well. Our lineup for flat panel display, in terms of technology, looks promising this year. Globally, we have started launching the new 3D models and the response is overwhelming enough for us to replicate in India. We will focus on smart TV and 3D TV this year. For LG, 2011 is all about smart products including smart TV.
In your previous role, you were responsible for the company's growing revenues and building LG Business Solutions Company as a leading supplier. to businesses. Do we see you repeating the same in India?
We have been successful in consumer business and the enterprise segment is also promising. We have an entire range of computing products, security surveillance equipments, projectors, digital signage solutions and other appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, air purifiers and air conditioners customised for small and medium businesses.
You are in close competition with Samsung and in certain segments, they are ahead of you as in LCD and they also intend to beat LG in other segments such as washing machine, air-conditioners and refrigerators. How do you see the competition and what will be your strategy?
LG is already the market leader in various categories and the sale of premium products is growing much faster than that of entry-level products. We are targeting 100 per cent growth in our flat panel display business over this year.
With a growing economy and increase in disposable incomes, we are optimistic that there will be huge demand for smart appliances as consumers are looking for products enhancing their lifestyle.
The mobile business has been a weak point for LG Electronics both globally and in India. What will be your strategy to strengthen the mobile vertical? Currently what is the contribution of India's mobile business to the overall global mobile segment at LG Corp? Is their any renewed target for India keeping in mind the 3G services?
We have launched products like Optimus 2 X 3D phone in the Consumer Electronics Show and Mobile World Congress. The response has been very good till now. Our focus is now going to be smart phones. In India we are planning to launch six smart phone brands on Optimus platform in 2011. Also we are planning to set up a new production line for the product next year at our greenfield facility in Pune. Already we have 12 models of 3G in our present line up and will be launching 16 more 3G models this year.
Do you see the entry-level barrier coming down in the smart phone categories?
Our Optimus One is a perfect example for the same — Android 2.2 at Rs 12,000 is the perfect choice for smart phone users. Optimus One is one of the best selling model for LG in both global and India markets.
India, as your first managing director KR Kim says, India is not one country but it is like 29 countries in one.
India is a vast country and it is fascinating to see its vast geography and how the dialects of people change after every 100 kilometres. I will be travelling across the country to understand the culture and meet our trade partners. It is critical to understand consumers. I will be meeting trade partners and consumers to understand the environment and strategise for the company accordingly.
In 2010, LGEIL conducted research of the rural and urban markets, based on which it was supposed to come out with a new doctrine… Can you share key findings?
Rural market is more sensitive to brands. It looks for reliability more than urban market and for this, they are ready to pay more. We have a rural insight team in place to understand the needs and demands of the rural customers. It has completed its first round of survey and preparing for the second round. These findings will certainly help us in customising the product according to the requirements of the rural customers. We would then narrow down to one or two critical features on the basis of the survey findings, which will go into our products and marketed with the right communication.
Which are the new product categories LG in getting into this year?
India is a key market for LG and we are certainly looking forward for the best of flagship products across categories. We started the year with more than 51new models of air conditioners in January. Now, we will focus on our home entertainment segment and new products under home appliances as well. Our lineup for flat panel display, in terms of technology, looks promising this year. Globally, we have started launching the new 3D models and the response is overwhelming enough for us to replicate in India. We will focus on smart TV and 3D TV this year. For LG, 2011 is all about smart products including smart TV.
In your previous role, you were responsible for the company's growing revenues and building LG Business Solutions Company as a leading supplier. to businesses. Do we see you repeating the same in India?
We have been successful in consumer business and the enterprise segment is also promising. We have an entire range of computing products, security surveillance equipments, projectors, digital signage solutions and other appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, air purifiers and air conditioners customised for small and medium businesses.
You are in close competition with Samsung and in certain segments, they are ahead of you as in LCD and they also intend to beat LG in other segments such as washing machine, air-conditioners and refrigerators. How do you see the competition and what will be your strategy?
LG is already the market leader in various categories and the sale of premium products is growing much faster than that of entry-level products. We are targeting 100 per cent growth in our flat panel display business over this year.
With a growing economy and increase in disposable incomes, we are optimistic that there will be huge demand for smart appliances as consumers are looking for products enhancing their lifestyle.
2011年3月22日星期二
Going In-House and the Effect on Work/Life Balance
I remember when I was in high school, and dreamed of being elected president of a particular organization.
I assumed that if I won, my life would be irrevocably changed for the better. Food would taste better, my studies would be easier, and the air itself would be clearer. Well, I did win, but very little changed. Food tasted the same, school was still challenging, and the air was clearer, but only because my stepmother bought an air purifier.
Fast forward 18 years, and I was a senior associate at an Am Law 25 firm. Nothing summed up the job like the fact that I was completely thrilled when I left the office at 9 p.m. Because I often worked until 1 a.m., leaving with even a fraction of the day left felt like slipping out early.
My girlfriend at the time told me my perspective was, to be diplomatic, rather warped, and, agreeing with her, I decided to look for a better work/life balance. At this point, life as an in-house attorney beckoned.
Now, this was not going to be an easy transition.
Big Law associates everywhere covet the opportunity to go in-house. While you do take a significant pay cut, you are often much happier with your lot in life because many in-house lawyers usually leave work between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day, and rarely work on the weekends.
Also, being employed by a major corporation means a host of non-cash compensation and generous benefits that are rarely offered at law firms, such as stock options, stock-based bonuses, pensions, on-site gyms and commissaries, tuition reimbursement, business education, and superior health insurance.
For these reasons, it's quite common for hundreds of people to apply for only one such highly attractive in-house position, and I assume it's even worse now coming off the recent economic crisis. Luckily, a former client called and mentioned that they were hiring. We seemed to be a good match, and after a long round of interviews, I accepted their offer.
What was it like? Well, I would separate the experience into two different areas: (1) quality of life, and (2) quality of practicing law.
I assumed that if I won, my life would be irrevocably changed for the better. Food would taste better, my studies would be easier, and the air itself would be clearer. Well, I did win, but very little changed. Food tasted the same, school was still challenging, and the air was clearer, but only because my stepmother bought an air purifier.
Fast forward 18 years, and I was a senior associate at an Am Law 25 firm. Nothing summed up the job like the fact that I was completely thrilled when I left the office at 9 p.m. Because I often worked until 1 a.m., leaving with even a fraction of the day left felt like slipping out early.
My girlfriend at the time told me my perspective was, to be diplomatic, rather warped, and, agreeing with her, I decided to look for a better work/life balance. At this point, life as an in-house attorney beckoned.
Now, this was not going to be an easy transition.
Big Law associates everywhere covet the opportunity to go in-house. While you do take a significant pay cut, you are often much happier with your lot in life because many in-house lawyers usually leave work between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day, and rarely work on the weekends.
Also, being employed by a major corporation means a host of non-cash compensation and generous benefits that are rarely offered at law firms, such as stock options, stock-based bonuses, pensions, on-site gyms and commissaries, tuition reimbursement, business education, and superior health insurance.
For these reasons, it's quite common for hundreds of people to apply for only one such highly attractive in-house position, and I assume it's even worse now coming off the recent economic crisis. Luckily, a former client called and mentioned that they were hiring. We seemed to be a good match, and after a long round of interviews, I accepted their offer.
What was it like? Well, I would separate the experience into two different areas: (1) quality of life, and (2) quality of practicing law.
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