Why are you sorry?

Hello women! This one is for you!

The New York Times recently published an article titled Why Women Apologize and Should Stop.

How many of you find yourselves apologizing for asking for what you have earned, paid for and deserve? Has it ever crossed your mind that your are using the word 'sorry' as a buffer? Has it become a reflex?

Sloane Crosley, the author, believes that sorry has become a clutch and we couldn't agree more!

Below is an excerpt of the article:

"EVERYONE knows what dirt tastes like. Last week, I ordered a salad at a restaurant and found myself crunching on a shoddily washed leaf. I took a few more sandy bites before explaining the situation to my waiter, apologizing and asking to see the menu once again.

When my second-choice dish arrived, 20 minutes later, it was blanketed in bacon. I don’t eat meat, a dietary restriction for which I was “very sorry.” By the time a plate of edible food appeared, my fork had been a casualty of the confusion. Unable to catch the waiter’s eye, I walked to the kitchen, where I apologized to a busboy.

For so many women, myself included, apologies are inexorably linked with our conception of politeness. Somehow, as we grew into adults, “sorry” became an entry point to basic affirmative sentences."

So what do you say women?! Join us while we stop being sorry!

OREOS!

It can be a bit overwhelming to actually try every flavor that Nabisco has to offer when it comes to Oreos. Just recently they released the news that they will be selling a new cookie; Oreo Thins.  (Not sure why anyone would want a thinner Oreo???)

In a homage to the greatness that are Oreos, we did a little experiment at the office to see who liked which flavor the best. Here were their options:

• Triple Double Oreo
• Berry Oreo
• Key Lime Pie Graham Cracker Oreo
• Mint Oreo

And here are the results: 

Just a few notes!

• The Triple Double only had about half as many cookies as the other packages because they were stacked! Still worth it though!
• Most of us thought the Berry tasted like cough syrup. We're not sure what happened to Cindy, Sam and Anthony. However, these are people that like Rosemary Popcorn and 7 Nut and Seed Butter.
• Mint is obviously the favorite! GO MINT!
• Mauro was definitely the odd one out. To his defense, he only tried the Key Lime!

We hope we've inspired you to explore and expand your Oreo palate! Let us know which one is your favorite!!

Interview Mistakes: What NOT To Do

Two weeks ago, we interviewed a few of our works to find out what was the most challenging interview question they were ever asked. Today, we are going to talk about a few embarrassing interview experience. Think of it as a 'what not to do at an interview' piece!

The article was written by Chelsea Fagan and recall the experience of multiple women and their failed interviews. Here are a few.

“One of my first real job interviews was at a hip record company in Manhattan where everyone dressed in jeans, T-shirts, and other 'cool guy' attire. I showed up for my interview wearing Olivia Benson-style slacks, and I felt like a complete lose. Luckily, they worked in my favor, so I have ended up wearing them to basically every interview since.” - Stephanie G.; got the job

“They asked me what my worst quality was, and I said I was lazy. Don’t ask me what I was thinking.” - Kelly D.; did not get the job.

“I have a lot of nervous tics that tend to come out in professional situations more than any other stressful environment, probably because they feel so proper and serious. But my worst reaction to stress is that I’ll produce a lot of saliva and either have to swallow a ton, or slightly drool without realizing it. So in my most recent interview, I spent the entire 10 minutes swallowing every three seconds; at one point, I even launched spittle at the hiring manager when I laughed at her joke. I assume I came off like Robert Durst in The Jinx.” - Carla A.; did not get the job.

There are SO many more; they really are a good guide of what not to do during an interview. Now, it's your turn; name your most embarrassing moment during an interview.

Terrifying Questions

The topic of questions asked during an interview came up in our office this week. Not only what questions, but the questions that gave us the most trouble or shock. With this, we became inspired to bring to you (drum roll please)...

  THE TOP EIGHT CRAZY DIFFICULT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS! 

Brought to you the staff at A Royal Flush.

 

If you were to let out your anger in the office, in which way would it be?

-Mike

If you were a tree, which tree would you be and why?  

-Samantha

Do you believe that people with connections have a greater chance at being hired? 

-Christina

What are your weaknesses? 

-Judy

Why did you leave your last job? 

-Joe

Where do you see yourself in five years? 

-Cindy

Tell us about a time when you were faced with conflict. How did you handle it? 

-Brenda

What would you do if you can do anything in the world? 

-Sheryl

But enough from US! We want to hear from YOU! Comment below and tell us the craziest question you've been asked at an interview!

The streets of Philadephia

On May 31, 2015, Philadelphia Magazine publish an article where the dilemma of the 'filthy' streets of Philly are address. Malcolm Burnley, in a very funny way, explained his concern to Philadelphia Magazine Readers. He begins by painting a picture of all the garbage left behind after the snow finally melted away.

In his investigation as to why the streets are so dirty, he found the following facts.

• 240 crews are out daily cleaning up
• 1,000 homes are hit by each crew
• 675,000 tons of trash and recycling is collected annually

Click here to see the full article; we're sure you'll be shocked!

Spice up the Office!

For anyone who works in an office, it can get a bit boring after a while. And with the stress of busy season, no matter what time of the year, a little stress reliever is nice to have around. According to lifehack.org, there are 10 ways to make the office environment fun.

1. Bring the outdoors in
2. Make it home-y!
3. Take advantage of your break
4. Hire an amazing architect
5. Open up the seating plan
6. Play room anyone?
7. Where's the oxygen?
8. Foster Creativity
9. Mix it up!
10. Can we say party?

If you want to read the full article, you can find it here → → → click here

If you have any other suggestions, feel free to subscribe and leave a comment below! Don't forget to enjoy your workday and make it fun!  

Memorial Day History

Memorial Day has been celebrated, in some way shape or form, since 1866, in an effort to commemorate fallen soldiers. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, the Grand Army of the Republic the head of an organization of Union veterans, established Decoration Day on May 5,1868. This was a "time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers."

The first  large celebration of this holiday was held at the Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from D.C. the following is a quote from the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

"The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Less. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns."

The beautiful description of the first grand celebration ignites a patriotism that all Americans should have. How will you pay respect to the fallen soldiers this year?

Finals Week!

We know how stressful this week can be for all of you, so we want to help! Below you'll find memes that you will relate to 100%.  Scroll on and enjoy.

Changes in our Land

When we look at our world today, all we see around us are roads and buildings, docks and bridges. Can you bring yourself to look at our land from a different perspective. It is evident that what our land looks like today is nothing to what it was before Europeans settled. Though there is no exact way to know what the land would look like, the professionals at Harvard Forest have given us an idea of what it may have looked like. 

1. Pre-Settlement Forest
2. An Early Settler Clears a Homestead
3. Height of Forest Clearing and Agriculture
4. Farm Abandonment
5. "Old-Field" White Pine Forest on Abandoned Farmland
6. "Old-Field" White Pine is Succeeded by Hardwoods
7. A Vigorously Growing Forest of Hardwoods
8. The Modern Forest Landscape

It is evident that the change took place upon settlement and the way the Europeans adapted to the new land. If you are interested in more information, the Harvard Forest website explains the distinctions in the changes throughout the year.

Global Warming

Global warming is an issue that has become very apparent through out the past years. This is such an upcoming issue that even our previous Vice President, Al Gore, has dedicated a lot of time to the issue. Bellow you will find  a quick video, featuring Gore, on the topic.

Now that you've watch the video, we want to know what you think about global warming. Leave your comments below!

Do you feel like an impostor?

Do you ever feel like you are lying to everyone around you at work, school or even home? It may be very possible that you are suffering from the impostor syndrome. But no fear! Inc.com has developed 13 ways to fight against it and realize that you are as amazing as you think you are.

1. Focus on the present
2. List what you don't know
3. Surround yourself with smart people
4. Break down big problems
5. Accept that no one knows everything
6. Admit your issue
7. Really hear compliments
8. Don't attribute your successes to luck
9. Change your vocabulary
10. Keep a journal
11. Stop believing in perfection
12. Recognize humility as a strength
13. Accept help

Inc.com goes into further detail for each tip. If you are interested in them, click here.

Please let us know if this was helpful or if you have any other tips!

Don't be Blue this Winter

With all the snow we've been getting, there is no doubt that finding something fun to do is getting harder. Luckily for you, we have a few things you can do to get out of this cold funk!

• Make sure to take your Vitamin C. You don’t want to get sick this season; make sure you stock up on orange juice and vitamin C tabs.
• Work on your resolutions. Remember that goal you set for yourself on New Year’s? This is the perfect time to work, or start working, toward them.
• Treat Yourself. Having something to look forward to can lift your mood and let’s be honest, you work hard, you deserve it.
•  Relax. Like I said, you work really hard between work, family and friends. You owe it to yourself to relax. Remember, it’s okay to say ‘no’.
• Enjoy the season. I know that it’s cold, but use all the snow to your advantage. Go sledding, skiing or snowboarding. Don’t know how? Get lessons!

If you have any other ideas, please leave them in the comments below!

Give thanks for the Shovel!

For those of us on the east, it is no secret that the shovel has a very special meaning to us. Could you imagine moving all three feet of snow we’ve gotten in the past few weeks? And although we use this wonderful tool to get snow out of the way that was not what it was originally created for.

We first see the shovel in Neolithic times, or better said the New Stone Age, when a large animal’s shoulder blade was used as a crude shovel. But it wasn’t until the late 19^th and early 20^th century that shoveling was looked upon as a science by scientific managers such as Frederick Winslow Taylor. Taylor saw the potential that the shovel had for the industrial era, and so, he studied the most efficient ways to use the shovel.

If you are looking for someone to thank for the miraculous invention of this life changing tool, I would give thanks to those in the New Stone Age, but also to Taylor. When other managers looked away from the potential the shovel had, Taylor focused on and made the world see how much easier it would be to move things around, including the three feet of snow in your driveway.

Valentine' Day's Origins

Valentine's Day is only a week from tomorrow. We spend so much time getting ready for this day; from buying presents, to making plans, a lot of effort is put into this one day a year to show that special someone that you love them. But where did this holiday come from?

The History Channel's website does an amazing job of telling us. Keep reading to see their article on the History  of Valentine's Day.

THE LEGEND OF ST. VALENTINE

The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. But who was Saint Valentine, The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.

Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France

ORIGINS OF VALENTINE’S DAY: A PAGAN FESTIVAL IN FEBRUAry

While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial–which probably occurred around A.D. 270–others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus.

To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen woman. These matches often ended in marriage.

VALENTINE’S DAY: A DAY OF ROMANCE

Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity and but was outlawed—as it was deemed “un-Christian”–at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance.

Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at theBattle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that KingHenry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois.

TYPICAL VALENTINE’S DAY GREETINGS

In addition to the United States, Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine’s Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one’s feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine’s Day greetings.

Americans probably began exchanging hand-made valentines in the early 1700s. In the 1840s, Esther A. Howland began selling the first mass-produced valentines in America. Howland, known as the “Mother of the Valentine,” made elaborate creations with real lace, ribbons and colorful pictures known as “scrap.” Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 1 billion Valentine’s Day cards are sent each year, making Valentine’s Day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year. (An estimated 2.6 billion cards are sent for Christmas.) Women purchase approximately 85 percent of all valentines.

Well that's all! If you would like to go to the website that has this amazing article, click here!