The 1099 economy: Why would I give you a salary?

We live in an Airbnb, Uber, Avon economy.

To workers of a certain age, mostly Baby Boomers, the traditional 9-5 job with security, benefits, and structure is gone. Many people have entered the world of the "entrepreneur," whether or not they were ready or realized the harsh challenges.

Companies are willing to give what they call "the opportunity." Or, as one employer said, I'm going to give you an office (at a monthly rate), access to a copier, and a support staff (also at a monthly rate). Benefits are included, but as a self-employed business person, you pay all the costs, along with all the FICA taxes. He concluded: "Why would I give you a salary?"

READ THIS FASCINATING ARTICLE

Guest blogger: A refugee's story to warm your heart

Jim Keady, l, is an activist friend. He's also the guy who stood up to Chris Christie and was told to "Shut up and sit down," by Big Boy, who now wants to bar Syrian refugees from New Jersey. Jim's story about Nasir, 16, will melt your heart. Also: Jim just lost a race for State Assemblyman. This is how he reacts to a tough loss.

This is Nasir. He is a refugee from Afghanistan. He is 16, alone, and just made the treacherous journey from Turkey to Lesvos, Greece.

After he landed, I helped to get him settled at the camp along the shore and made sure he had dry clothes. I then accompanied him with two other volunteers to the transit camp where he will sleep tonight. We talked for a bit while sitting by a fire as he warmed himself. I learned that his father teaches English and his mother is a housewife. Some might ask, "Why didn't his parents come with him?" I am purely speculating here, but they may only have had enough money to get him out. The smugglers can charge $1,500+ just for the boat ride from Turkey and most likely he had to pass through Iran, Iraq, and possibly Pakistan on the way. (I know this was a possible route from speaking with other refugees tonight.) Think about having to make that decision as a parent. Consider how many parents (understandably) get upset when their kids are heading off to college and they aren't going to "see their babies" every day. Now, imagine you are sending your son off across four war-torn countries with the hope that he makes it to Europe and can start a new life.

Nasir was terrified. I did my best to calm him down and I promised him that I would accompany him to the transit camp and that he would be reunited with the men he made the journey with. There are special protocols for unaccompanied minors, so he was separated from them for a short time. My heart was breaking for him when we arrived at the transit camp. It can look really intimidating with its high fences and bright fluorescent lights - more like a prison camp than a welcoming locale, but I assume the UNHCR (the UN refugee agency) has their reasons for this standard layout. He kept looking up at the high fence and looking around for the other men. I kept reassuring him that he was going to be ok. That I would stay with him and that the guys at the transit camp were nice guys and would help him.

When the other men finally showed up, the smile that shot across his face was priceless. Once he saw them, his guard came down. He had a little bit of home with him. He said, quietly, "thank you Jim." Then we hugged and we took this picture. I gave him my business card and told him that as soon as he gets a phone, I want to hear from him. I hope he writes me.

Peace, JWK

Patrick Smith, LGBT Rights Activist Joins Us Saturday

LISTEN HERE!

Patrick Smith, Mr. International Leather and gay rights activist joins us this Saturday!

Good Communication Counts...Everywhere

I once worked for William Safire, the late language columnist for the New York Times (and in his own words, vituperative, conservative political commentator).

I believe I agreed with exactly one of his opinions, (that lotteries represent regressive taxation, burdening those least able to afford them). Nothing else.

While those of us who reported to him were terrified of making the mistake that would wind up in his weekly column, he actually had only a few simple rules. Among them, go ahead and use split infinitives. (What's wrong with "to boldly go where no man has gone before?")

Just be clear, he told us. Learn a little about misplaced modifiers, consistency, and avoid jargon at all costs. And don't use cliches. We're not writing the King's English...we want to be clear for important reasons. Miscommunication can cause misunderstanding, conflict, errors, and in general is bad for business, government, and everyday living.

I fear social media will be the death of clear communication. It does matter whether you use two, too, or to. Or there, their, and they're. Or incomprehensible jargon and acronyms. Why does it matter? Because down the line we'll be isolated in confusion and frustration.

Here's a look at how poor language can impact (NO--"creeping nounism") damage businesses.

READ HERE.

Sexy and Smart and for A Thousand Moms

Patrick Smith has taken his smarts, his great looks, and his title of International Mr. Leather on a mission. He is investigating and promoting LGBT/Q rights around the world. Recently, Patrick, who received his title this summer, visited Uganda and Ukraine, two areas of particular danger for the worldwide LGBT/Q community. His insightful, lucid reports make for compelling reading.

Patrick will headline a special podcast for A Thousand Moms: Building Community Support for LGBT/Q Youth in Foster/Adoptive Care. Tune in on Saturday, December 5 at 5:15 EST. We look forward to hearing his views on sex-affirmation and the need for global awareness of gay rights.

READ MORE ABOUT PATRICK SMITH HERE

Dan Ingram: A New York Icon

Dan Ingram on WABC radio was the voice of summer, and all other seasons, in New York City during the 60s. He returned for another decade in the early 90s on WCBS-FM. His wit, fast-paced humor, and uncanny ability to talk right up to the lyrics entertained me and millions. He brought us the "Word of the Day," the "Honor Group of the Day," and non-stop laughs and great music. Ingram was part of what made New York special. He worked with other legends such as Cousin Brucie (still working on Sirius), Ron Lundy, Dandy Dan Daniel, Harry Harrison, Chuck Leonard and more. A golden age of radio it was. Mr. Ingram lives in retirement in Florida. Thanks for the great memories.

WATCH AND HEAR DAN INGRAM HERE.

Kill the Gays, USA style. Yep.

Slipping under the radar was this weekend's religious revival meeting in Iowa. Basically, the theme was Kill All Gay People. With the most effective methods discussed. Attending? Three of your Republican candidates. This is so horrific a development. And it will have immediate impacts on our at-risk youth and adults.

Wander over to www.AThousandMoms.Org. We tried and have failed to get the word out.

I want to thank our supporters, in particular Fr. Richard Marchand of the Church of the Ascension, Staten Island.

READ ARTICLE HERE