Good co-workers are like staple removers: they’re incredibly useful and, once you’ve experienced one, you can’t imagine ever going without. Take Bourke Accounting for example. If you were to step into Bourke’s breakroom, you’d be amazed at the amount of information going back and forth. Having relationship issues? There’s a co-worker to encourage you not to set fire to the offender’s car. Not sure if you should sign up for the company’s insurance plan? There’s someone to examine the ins and outs of the program with you (and also to remind you of the importance of health insurance). A good co-worker offers more than a Google search could ever dream of.
What usually makes co-worker advice the best kind is that the advice giver is a relatively objective participant. While the person (presumably) likes you, s/he doesn’t have the bias one would expect from an intimate friend or family member; the co-worker wants the best for you but doesn’t view you through rose-colored glasses. Because of this distinction, the counsel is generally based on logic and not emotion.
It could be argued that an innate desire for sound, logical advice led to the birth of the advice column. In 1690, The Athenian Mercury was the first newspaper to publish such a column and it was an instant and surprising success. It started with a group of fellas answering questions from readers about spirituality, careers and even the shape of animal poop (Wikipedia.org). By 1722, the concept had become so popular that even Benjamin Franklin was offering advice under the identity of “Mrs. Silence Dogood,” a witty, minister’s widow (USHistory.org). By the early 20th century, advice columns had left animal poop behind to delve into interpersonal personal relationships and etiquette. It’s probably not shocking that this evolution was caused by women and the cash they brought along with them.
At this point, the lives of women were changing. All of a sudden, women were educated, voting and working. When advertisers and publishers noticed that women were also reading publications that included these columns, well, it was a no-brainer to saturate the market with advice (Medium.com). These columns gave women a place where, unlike in other aspects of their lives, they “called the shots and controlled the conversation” (Medium.com). In an interesting turn, these columns also reflected and perhaps contributed to changing social norms and morals. For example, in 1942, a reader condemned career women and wondered how homemakers could protect their marriages from employed “homewreckers.” Columnist Dorothy Dix was quick to defend working women as simply trying to support themselves and instead blamed any “office flirtation squarely at the door of the male boss” (Medium.com).
Besides encouraging tentative steps towards equality between the sexes, these columns also advocated sexual tolerance. In the 1960s, Pauline Phillips of “Dear Abby” fame was vocal concerning her beliefs regarding gay people. When a reader wondered what to do about her lesbian daughter, Phillips responded that the only thing to do was “accept her as she is and let her know it” (Medium.com). Phillips long lamented that the sole dysfunction of gay people was the stigma placed upon them by an ignorant society (Medium.com).
Advice columns give us a chance to anonymously ask potentially embarrassing questions. In addition, these columns prove that we’re not alone out here by showing that there are plenty of citizens going through similar situations. In short, advice columns are evidence that we’re all in the same boat and help is available.
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are good at giving advice. Whether you have a quick withholding question or queries regarding the implications of a messy divorce, Bourke Accounting experts have the answer. Much like the best advice columnists, Bourke Accounting pros want you to have the best life possible and they’re willing to help you achieve that.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
It’s not that I’m rebelling. It’s that I’m just trying to find another way. – Edie Sedgwick
I’ve mentioned before that Bourke Accounting encourages employees to make our workspaces our own. I’ve also said that my favorite decoration is the Edie Sedgwick print over my desk. For most people, Edie’s beauty was her only memorable attribute; contrary to popular belief, however, beauty is neither a personality trait nor is it a talent. While Edie was no doubt beautiful, she was a tragic iconoclast whose influence can still be seen today.
Edie Sedgwick came from old money and old madness. Hers was a prominent family tracing back to early America; one ancestor, William Ellery, even signed the Declaration of Independence (Factinate.com). In addition, two of her brothers committed suicide, her mother suffered with a “nervous condition” and her father was a sociopathic philanderer. Perhaps as a preview to all of the men who would later exploit Edie, she alleged that her father had tried to “seduce” her at the age of seven (an accusation he never vehemently denied). Not surprisingly, Edie was the frequent guest of mental institutions in order to combat depression and eating disorders.
At 21, Edie’s grandmother gifted her with a trust equal to $648,343 in today’s money and Edie landed in New York City (Factinate.com). Upon her arrival, Edie began modeling, appearing in Time, Vanity Fair and Vogue (where she was named “It Girl” of 1965). Holding court with the wealthy, artists and designers, Edie is considered the first celebrity to have been “famous for being famous” (Salutsimone.com). It was at Tennessee Williams’ birthday party that Edie was introduced to Andy Warhol.
Andy Warhol was an “artist” best known for bringing visual art to the masses through his depictions of Campbell’s Soup cans. He was also a shameless self-promoter with a talent for finding damaged people and exploiting them. After appearing in one of his subpar movies, Andy would convince unhinged people that they were “superstars,” debase them and then discard them. Andy even had a body count: Jackie Curtis (OD), Andrea Feldman (suicide), Nico (OD), among many others. Side note: when he tried his cute game with Valerie Solanas, she retaliated by shooting him. This incident is further proof that we should be nice to each other.
Edie and Andy spent the next year together, with Edie appearing in many of his (pitiful excuses for) films. Edie showcased a vulnerability and comedic timing that, despite these nonsensical movies, showed that, with a better mentor, she may have been able to become a serious artist. As it was, Edie was thrown out of Warhol World when she expressed an interest in pursuing legitimate acting with manager Albert Grossman (he was also Bob Dylan’s manager. Dylan and Edie were having an affair, but he broke her heart).
Eventually and in distress, Edie returned to her parents’ estate. There, she was exploited for the last time by director David Weisman and his film Ciao! Manhattan. A very strung out Edie slurred though this superiorly stupid film, based not-so-loosely on her life, lost her mind and went to rehab. There, she met a man who actually cared for her. Edie married Michael Post and four months later, at the age of 28, she was dead from a barbiturate overdose. Suicide or accident, it was a sad waste.
Edie Sedgwick was the girl who had everything but a reason to live. Her contributions to fashion and style are still evident every year at Fashion Week. Edie really was the “Poor Little Rich Girl” who could have improved the world if only she had a little more time and a few more good people.
Come to Bourke Accounting and visit my Edie print. While Bourke Accounting experts can’t regale you with Sedgwick anecdotes, they can ensure that you’re always in compliance. If you’re looking for a mentor who will hold your best interests above all things, a Bourke Accounting pro is your only option.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
On my first day at Bourke Accounting, Bill asked if I’d rather be called “Susan” or “Sue.” I’ve never liked either name, but since only nuns and angry people call me “Susan,” I’m Sue. At the end of the day, it’s just a name and I don’t really care (“Susie” is and always will be provocation for mild violence, however).
Generally, what we call a thing isn’t very important. A name isn’t important, that is, until the people decide it is. Take, for example, Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. T or C was originally named Hot Spring in 1916 because, well, there’s a lot of hot springs (WorldAtlas.com). Then, in 1950, Ralph Edwards told the audience listening to his Truth or Consequences radio quiz show that he’d “air this show from a town that would change its name to match the name of the program” (WorldAtlas.com). Applications were sent, Hot Spring was chosen and all of the residents voted to change their town’s name (WorldAtlas.com). I think Ralph Edwards was sort of like the mean kid who dares the friendless kid to eat a bug and then tells everyone how gross he is. But that’s just me.
This sort of commercialized degradation worked out for T or C, though. Edwards came back every year for the next 50 to help the town celebrate “Fiesta.” This is a, still occurring, weekend long festival that features bands, food, karaoke, shows and tours (SierraCountyNewMexico.info). From the pictures, it looks like fun.
As we’ve seen in recent weeks, names are on the minds of a lot of Americans. For instance, people are fighting to rid cities of things named after Christopher Columbus. This makes sense, as history tells us that Columbus was responsible for the mutilation and enslavement of thousands of human beings. I have no problem with changing names that still hurt a battered country. I do, however, wonder if some people are paying attention to the alternate names they are considering.
Look at Columbus, OH. Change.org has a petition with more that 117,000 signatures to rename the city “Flavortown” (ABC6OnYourSide.com) to honor reality cooking show star and Columbus native, Guy Fieri. A few problems with this: Fieri moved from Ohio when he was just a kid, he doesn’t visit often (ABC6OnYourSide.com) and “Flavortown” is the stupidest, most pandering, cheapening advertisement disguised as a wannabe town name ever. Oh, and Guy Fieri has been accused of sexism, racism, homophobia and anti-Semitism (Soyummy.com). So, yeah, there’s that.
If Columbus residents want to change the name of their home, more power to them. I don’t think a reality star who is allegedly against everyone is the best choice, though. Who would be a better Columbus native to name the city after? Hmm…maybe Granville T. Woods, the first African American mechanical and electrical engineer who held over 50 patents (OnlyinyourState.com)? Oh, no, I guess renaming your city after some bleached blond from cable television will really make it pop.
Your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer will call you anything you like. Bourke Accounting believes in respecting the individual while providing the best service possible. And don’t worry, you’ll always be able to find Bourke Accounting under “B” – we will never change our name to “Pepsi-Cola Refreshing Accounting.”
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
None of my Bourke Accounting co-workers were homeschooled. Maybe our parents weren’t very innovative, but we all gained our educations using the regular channels of school and college. In fact, throughout my entire life, I’ve only known one homeschooled person.
Some parents cite that, in what appears to be an increasingly violent society, they can keep their children better protected by homeschooling. There are also parents who believe that secular teaching contradicts their religious faiths. Some extol the virtues of devoting undivided time and attention to the education of their children on a one-on-one basis.
My homeschooled friend is one of the smartest people I know. There was a curriculum provided by the school district and frequent testing was required. Scholastically, this woman outshines me in every subject. However, she is also painfully socially awkward and dangerously naïve. Academically, the homeschooling worked very well. Socially? Eh, maybe not so much.
While I have a few doubts about homeschooling, there’s another type of education that I really question: Unschooling. Unschooling is the practice of “letting the learner choose what, when, how and where they learn” (Theglobeandmail.com). Not clear enough? Okay, what about this: unschooling is the “idea that children can direct their own learning…without the rigid structures of formal education” (Healthline.com). Basically, unschooling is letting little Johnny decide what, if anything, he feels like doing today. The premise is, that through the process of living life, these kids learn (Psychologytoday.com).
Unschooling falls under the umbrella of homeschooling and is legal in all states (Unschoolingmom2mom.com). However, the rules are different for every state; some states require testing, some don’t. If parents don’t test, how can they be sure that their kids are learning anything? According to Naturalchild.org, simply by using “direct observation,” the parents can tell. Naturalchild.org suggests that it’s okay if a child can’t read by age 12 – “there is no need to speed up or measure this process.” If the kids never learn to read, that’s all right, too, since they learned the subjects that inspired passion within them!
There haven’t been many long-term studies done on the effectiveness of “unschooling,” but there has been some limited research. One study showed that “unschooled children scored lower for academic ability” (Universityaffairs.ca) than homeschooled kids utilizing a more traditional curriculum. I think it’s great that kids can study what interests them, but there has to be room for the boring subjects, too. Also, I wonder about the wisdom of allowing a child to dictate what s/he will learn. When I was a kid, I wanted to be a panther – I don’t think I was in any position to tell my mom that I just wasn’t going to learn multiplication because it wasn’t exciting.
I also wonder how these kids will be able to assimilate into the working world; they have never experienced deadlines, schedules or completing dull tasks. Unschooler parents could argue that school is nothing but a training ground for a future in the workforce and, to an extent, that’s fair. But. Unless the kid has a really big trust fund, that training is going to come in really handy (if the kid ever wants to move out, that is).
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers weren’t unschooled. But our Bourke Accounting experts appreciate that there are many ways to learn and they are always eager to hip the uninitiated to the world of accounting. While our Bourke Accounting pros may have mastered their craft in the old-fashioned way, they never stop learning. I guess it just worked out that numbers happened to be their passion.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Oh, come on! Political unrest, protesting in the streets, The Plague, unemployment, Depression-like economics and now, now, we have killer bees? Okay, I’m done, thanks, but no thanks, I QUIT and I’m going back to 2019. You guys call me when you have 2020 sorted out.
I first became aware of Asian giant hornets (AKA Vespa mandarinia, AKA Murder Hornets, AKA What in the Actual [censored] is Going On Here) through a friend’s text. This is the same friend who tried to convince me that 5G is responsible for Covid and all government officials have been replaced by lizard people from outer space. Soooo, I took his story with more than one grain of salt.
I am terribly unhappy to say that not every conspiracy theory is just a theory. In 2019, the Washington State Department of Agriculture “verified two sightings of Asian giant hornets” (Livescience.com). Okay, big deal – so someone saw two hornets…and? And I think Mother Nature is mad at us.
These aren’t just any hornets, oh, no. These hornets are like if someone decided to combine Murder, Inc., The Crips and The Hell’s Angels all together just to see what would happen. First off, they’re big. The Queens can “grow to be 2 inches…while female workers and males [are] about 1 to 1.5 inches” (Livescience.com). Also, the ladies sting. One person equated the sting to getting a hot nail driven through his leg (Livescience.com). And just to keep it interesting, hornets have smooth stingers, so they can sting and sting until they get bored.
With most bees, wasps and hornets, if a human doesn’t provoke them, a human will be all right. That might just be the case with Vespa mandarinia. However, in 2013, after swarms of hornets attacked in China, they had a body count: 42 people dead and 1,600 injured” (Business.insider.com). I’m not really getting a gentle giant vibe from these guys.
Besides the damage that these psychos can do to humans, the Vespa man is even worse to bees. Bees are important to our world; they are pollinators, they make honey, they are integral to our ecosystem. A killer hornet stalks a single bee and follows it to the beehive. The hornet marks the hive with pheromones and calls in the crew. What happens next is pure carnage: “within a few hours, a…honey bee colony of 30,000 to 50,000 is slaughtered by a group of 15 to 30 hornets” (Livescience.com).” Decapitation, dismemberment, Texas Chainsaw Massacre levels of brutality. The hornets even chew up the baby bee larvae into a paste to feed to their own kids (Livescience.com).
Our European honey bees have brought a paper airplane to an atomic bomb fight. However, Japanese honey bees have evolved to the point where they have some defense. When one of the Japanese bees clocks a Murder Hornet, she calls her crew and it gets weird: these bees swarm the hornet and create a ball around it. Then, they vibrate “their flight muscles to generate heat [until] temperatures build to 116 degrees Fahrenheit” (Livescience.com), killing the hornet. The bees are A-OK.
Washington State is encouraging residents to take photos if they believe they’re looking at a Vespa man (Businessinsider.com), but at this point, we don’t know how many we have or how to stop them. How did they get here? One idea is that they came over with cargo. The other theory is that someone deliberately released them. As destructive as people can be, I’m sort of leaning towards the latter.
The groundskeepers at the Bourke Accounting office run a tight ship – we have no hives of any kind. Just like a Bourke Accounting expert, our maintenance people hold your protection as the priority. And even if we are swarmed by aggressive Murder hornets, at least you can rest assured that your financial interests are as well protected by a Bourke Accounting specialist as a Japanese honey bee protecting her hive.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
My Bourke Accounting co-workers can attest to how easy-going Receptionist Phil and I are. We are breaths of fresh air; we are cheerful, helpful and all-around joys to interact with. Yes, Phil and I are amazing.
But now, I can no longer hold my tongue. I cannot avoid speaking about the travesty that has been visited upon our hard-working and loyal heads. On April 22 of this very year Phil and I were not once – not once, mind! – wished a Happy Administrative Professionals Day. There. I know how shocking this is, but it had to be addressed. I don’t want to tarnish your opinion of Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers, but I really thought you ought to know.
No matter what you want to call us – admin, secretary, receptionist – we are the backbone of every corporation. We are on the frontline, both in person and telephonically. Admins are the guardians against chaos; we are the barrier between savagery and civilization. We are the Champions of All Things File Folder Related.
Our people have a rich and vibrant history. For example, the word “secretary” comes from the Medieval Latin “secretarius,” loosely meaning “person entrusted with secrets” (Etymonline.com). Even our title is indicative of our dedication to our craft. Do you think Phil and I would ever share what we’ve learned about clients? Absolutely not! To do so would bring dishonor!
How long have secretaries existed? No one really knows. We are constant and ageless, like the moon. It is only known that we “existed prior to the establishment of the Roman Empire” (Blog. Advancedresources.com). Take that computer code writers. In addition, in the 15th and 16th centuries, secretaries were considered of “an elevated status and held prominent positions” (Blog.advancedresources.com). Remember that the next time you want to refer to the professional at your doctor’s office as “that girl behind the counter.”
And secretaries don’t just simply answer phones and inform you that “Mr. Wilson is here to see you.” At this stage in the game, we are creating PowerPoint presentations (I’m not, but that’s irrelevant), performing human resources duties, making sure that supplies are procured and that bills are paid. If not for secretaries, entire offices complexes would sink into despair and disrepair and then some more despair. If you weren’t greeted by an administrative professional at your next appointment, you would be floating in a sea of confusion with no idea where to go or how to contact the person you were planning on seeing. We are sophistication and progress made human.
I suppose, with everything going on, I can’t really fault my Bourke Accounting colleagues for neglecting to wish Phil and I a Happy Administrative Professionals Day; secretaries are patient and forgiving, after all. But next time you see an admin, make sure that you thank her/him for protecting society from uncertainty.
While your Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are wonderful, your Bourke Accounting receptionists are just as hardworking and dedicated. Bourke Accounting is a well-oiled machine with the single-minded goal of providing you with the best and most courteous service you could ever expect. And to my fellow unsung admin heroes out there: Happy Belated Administrative Professionals Day!
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
My Fellow Geminis: Now is the time to stand up for our rights and for our dignity. For too long we have been marginalized, insulted and abused. We are the black sheep of the astrological world and it is only because the rest of the Zodiac is jealous of us. We are beautiful, intelligent, adaptable – WE ARE THE ONLY SIGN THAT MATTERS!
I first became aware that some miscreants don’t like Geminis about 20 years ago while on a date. We shared good conversation, compatibility in interests and like mindedness in tipping (always tip too much, never too little). Walking through Washington Square Park, he asked my sign. I told him. He said, “Oooh, nooo,” shook my hand and walked away. I never heard from him again.
Recently, this wound was reopened by Bill, my fearless leader and employer at Bourke Accounting. After mentioning that I am a Gemini, Bill snorted, rolled his eyes and remarked: Well, that explains a lot. Mr. Lentini, unless you mean that explains why I am so awesome, I’m afraid that I don’t follow.
Geminis are naturally inquisitive. We want to know the full story, so don’t bother trying to placate us with subtlety or outright lies when we ask a question. We are not interested in the Safe for Grandma explanation regarding your arrest – we need to know everything. Do we, at times, ask indelicate questions? Yes, yes, we do. However, we are so charming that we will sooth any hurt feelings by the time we part.
In addition, just like we Geminis expect the truth from you lower Zodiac denizens, we will tell you the truth, too. We are capable of putting a positive spin on it (we are really good with phrasing), but you always know where you stand with a Twin. Since we are also a very passionate air sign, if you make us angry enough, we come up with very cutting, imaginative and effective insults. But don’t worry, we’ll forget that we cast dispersions upon your lineage within a half hour.
In an article designed to mistreat our people, Vice.com suggests that Geminis are “liars, cheats and thieves.” Vice.com accuses us of being flighty and two-faced with a love for “pulling a fast one” (Vice.com). Vice delights to inform us that Kanye West and that person who put his signature on our stimulus checks are both Geminis. However, dear Vice, you neglected to mention that Anne Frank, Bob Dylan, the Marquis de Sade, Prince, Marilyn Monroe and Walt Whitman are also of the wonderful world of The Gemini.
Twins, our time has come! We are as gentle as a spring breeze and as powerful as a hurricane. Let us unite and take over the universe in the name of all things Gemini! No more shall we accept the slings and arrows of our less evolved Zodiacal brethren!
Sadly, your humble narrator is the only Gemini in residence at Bourke Accounting, but please don’t hold that against your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper or tax preparer. It is not their fault that they were born under a weaker sign. No matter the astrological shortcomings our Bourke Accounting specialists are victim to, they are still the most knowledgeable and service-oriented financial geniuses in the world. The stars don’t need to align for you to receive the upmost in advice, just drop off your paperwork and allow the magic to happen.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
My co-workers at Bourke Accounting like plants. Bookkeepers Christina and Mary have brightly colored flowering things on their desks (I have no idea what they are). It’s weird, but most Bourke Accounting professionals tend to some sort of garden or window box at their homes. We’re not talking about New York Botanical Garden set-ups, but my colleagues like to grow things.
It seemed like an odd coincidence that the majority of Bourke Accounting workers enjoy playing in the dirt. So, I started wondering if there was a correlation between my co-workers’ occupations and their love for gardening. Is this their meticulous nature made tangible? Is this just a matter of gratification upon watching Invasion of The Body Snatchers sorts of plants flower from tiny seeds?
Or is there something more at play here?
Turns out, there is something definitely more at play here.
Researchers have isolated a bacterium in dirt, Mycobacterium Vaccae, that might “enable a ‘stress vaccine’ to exist” (Sciencealert.com) someday. The bacterium, which is thought to “regulate our immune system and suppress inappropriate inflammation” (Sciencealert.com) is believed to have been common in our ancestors. However, since humans have gradually moved away from agricultural activities in favor of office work, we seem to be missing this certain something (Sciencealert.com).
Scientists have found evidence that “breathing in, playing in and digging in dirt” (QZ.com) is good for us. For example, a study on Bavarian kids who helped farm and take care of animals were shown to have better immune systems and “lower rates of asthma and allergies” (QZ.com) than their non-farmish counterparts. In addition, when testing on rats with M. Vaccae, scientists have discovered that the treated rats performed better in maze tests and were in better moods (no, I don’t know how one would judge a rat’s mood) (QZ.com).
During my rebellious years, my grandfather visited for two weeks every summer. He would wake me up at 6 AM to pick blueberries, plant flowers and weed. No matter how sullen or tired I was, by the end of these marathon gardening sessions, I always felt great. Yes, it was cool to spend time with my grandfather, but there was also something special about getting dirt underneath my fingernails and clocking the progress of the flowers we were growing. I always thought I felt good because I got off my lazy butt and helped to create something beautiful and alive; now I wonder how much M. Vaccae had to do with my good feelings.
In an increasingly plastic world filled with plastic things, I believe we should spend some time playing in the dirt. While taking care of fragile and lovely things, breathing in fresh air and communing with nature, we might be taking care of ourselves, too. Oh, nooooo, my hippie is showing again.
Your Bourke Accounting bookkeeper and tax preparer can give you gardening tips. And, just like our Bourke Accounting experts can help your garden grow, they can also help your financial future blossom (cheesy, but it had to be done). A Bourke Accounting pro has the knowledge, strength and sensitivity to walk with you through every step and help you through the rough patches.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See you soon!
Written by Sue H.
Driving home from Bourke Accounting, I saw a maintenance crew. There was a guy standing at the edge of the road with a sign that read “Slow.” I watched as a few motorists came within inches of clipping him. His face remained passive and he didn’t step back; I wasn’t sure that he was even aware of how close he had come to peril. I gave him a wide birth and a cheerful wave. His expressionless apathy made me think that the Department of Public Works might be ground zero for the zombie apocalypse.
According to Ziprecruiter.com, the average salary of a Louisville Public Works employee is around $31,195. When you consider that workers must contend with both the elements and crazy drivers, it seems a bit light. So, I started thinking about other really rough jobs.
1) Telemarketers. A lot of us have worked telemarketing, which is why we don’t do it now. I understand that telemarketers are annoying – they tell you that the warranty on your Cadillac is about to expire (you’ve never owned one), they tell you that you won that sweepstakes you entered (you’ve never entered one). Telemarketers call during the worst times and don’t take no for an answer. However, these people, according to Indeed.com earn, on average, $13.98 an hour and are treated to the upmost in vile language and abuse. I don’t care how irritating an unsolicited call is, there is still a breathing human on the other end of the line – let’s at least show our quick digit dialing friends a modicum of respect.
2) Roadkill Removal Specialist. This job is exactly as stated. These are the tireless people who clear the road after one of our furry pals has gone, via Michelin, to the great beyond. Much like road construction workers, these people have to deal with weather and distracted drivers. They also have to deal with biohazard, stench and insects. According to Jobmonkey.com, it can be a lucrative occupation if one is paid per animal (about $72,000 a year). However, generally the hourly rate is around $15.00. Sorry, but that wouldn’t remotely pay for the around the clock therapy that I’d require.
3) Resurrection Men. Back in the long-ago, medical students needed to learn the inner workings of fellow humans. Because most of Europe only allowed dissection of murderers who had been put to death, there was quite a demand for fresh bodies. Resurrection Men, or body snatchers, filled this niche nicely (Wikepedia.org) by obligingly digging up the dead for study. While it wasn’t legal, the authorities didn’t press serious charges if a Resurrection Man was discovered, as they believed that young doctors had to learn somehow (Owlcation.com). However, if a family member caught one of these fellas, the Resurrection Man could easily become the specimen.
I could never work in the above job fields; office work has made me soft and I’m all right with that. I don’t have the thick skin to handle telephonic abuse and I would suffer dehydration from crying if I had to clean up dead Thumpers every day. I think that we should take a second to commend the people in our world who are doing the tough jobs (we should probably leave out the Resurrection Men, though).
Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers have a tough job, too. Sometimes Bourke Accounting experts have to be the bearer of bad news. At times, Bourke Accounting pros must decline a client’s dubious request. Through it all, our Bourke Accounting specialists offer the utmost in professionalism and skill. Basically, if Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers were digging up bodies, every Med student in the world would be set for life. Um, but maybe we should just let Bourke pros stay in the office.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See You Soon!
Written by Sue H.
I never thought I’d say this, but I miss Bill’s Bourke Book Club. Ever since the current situation started up, our book club meetings have been adjourned. While it’s true that Bill’s choices are on the self-help side of the spectrum, the books include a lot of naughty words and some vaguely sexual language. Basically, I can relate to the books because they read like a drunken conversation you’d have with a smart stranger at a house you’ll never find again.
Because my parents were culturally and artistically permissive, my book and music selections were never restricted. In short, I didn’t feel the need to rebel (not in that arena, anyway). As a result of my upbringing, the concept of censorship was alien to me. When I found out what “censorship” meant, I was appalled and confused. This isn’t genius psychology, but even I knew that if you tell someone not to do a specific something, the forbidden activity becomes more attractive.
For example, in 1989, 2 Live Crew’s third record, As Nasty as They Wanna Be, was released. Later that year, it was banned. After that, it went Double Platinum. It was not a good record, and yet, it became 2 Live Crew’s best seller. So, if it wasn’t good, how could it have been so popular? The simple answer is that a prohibited apple tastes so much sweeter – even if one must endure bad cadence, a lack of rhythm, cheap samples and playground lyrics.
The most glaring problem with censorship is that it is purely subjective. Take, for instance, The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger. I read this book when I was 12 and I didn’t feel very traumatized when I was finished. I enjoyed it very much. However, this book, written in 1951, has been banned as recently as 2009 and was listed in the top ten most frequently banned books in schools and libraries, according to the American Library Association (Blogs.bl.uk). While it is a story about a sad, disenfranchised and lost young man, one sticking point was that Holden Caulfield liked to swear. We’re not talking about pure gutter language, but Holden did enjoy a GD here and there.
The biggest problem that censors had with this book was the fact that Holden Caulfield was an intelligent, well-to-do young man, attending an elite boarding school and yet, he still wasn’t happy. Holden’s parents cared little about his mental well-being and seemed more concerned about what the neighbors would say about his “erratic” behavior. When Holden’s brother passed away, his parents were more interested in attending parties than assisting their son to process the loss of his brother.
Basically, this book was banned because it was an indictment against distant and cold parenting. Also, Holden’s nihilistic viewpoint was scary in a time of economic advancement, happy kids and the end of war. What did these kids have to be upset about? This book was banned because it showed that treating kids like another new car or appliance was going to cause problems later.
No, I don’t like censorship. When reading something that I don’t agree with, I still enjoy that people have the right to air an opinion. If we live in an echo chamber that merely repeats our own ideas, we don’t grow. And if we’re not growing, well, then, I think we know what happens.
Your Bourke Accounting bookkeepers and tax preparers are not big on censorship. If you don’t agree with what your Bourke Accounting pro is doing, they want to hear your ideas. Bourke Accounting experts don’t want you to follow blindly because they happen to sit on the other side of the desk. Your opinion is welcomed and needed. We’re here to grow and change – what works for one might not work for you. We want you to be comfortable enough to speak your mind.
Come see us any time. Our number is 502-451-8773 and don’t forget to visit our website at www.bourkeaccounting.com. See You Soon!
Written by Sue H.