Experiences

Being a Professional

Being a professional is about more than just having a job or a title; it’s about embodying a set of values and behaviors that reflect a commitment to excellence, ethics, and responsibility in one’s chosen field. Professionals strive to make a positive impact, both in their work and in their interactions with others.

  1. Expertise and Competence: Professionals have a deep understanding of their field and possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and qualifications to perform their job effectively. They continuously seek opportunities for learning and improvement to stay up-to-date in their field.
  2. Ethical Behavior: Professionals adhere to a strict code of ethics or a set of professional standards that govern their behavior. This includes honesty, integrity, and a commitment to doing what is right even when faced with difficult decisions.
  3. Responsibility and Accountability: Professionals take responsibility for their actions and decisions. They understand the consequences of their work and are willing to be held accountable for their performance.
  4. Reliability: Being reliable is a crucial aspect of professionalism. Professionals meet deadlines, fulfill commitments, and can be counted on to deliver high-quality work consistently.
  5. Respect and Courtesy: Professionals treat others with respect and courtesy, regardless of their position or status. They maintain positive and productive relationships with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders.
  6. Effective Communication: Professionals are skilled communicators. They can convey their ideas clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally. They listen actively and respond thoughtfully to the concerns and needs of others.
  7. Adaptability: Professionals are open to change and are willing to adapt to new circumstances and challenges. They embrace innovation and seek opportunities for growth and development.
  8. Dress and Appearance: Depending on the field, professionals often dress in a manner that is appropriate for their workplace and reflects a certain level of professionalism. This may involve adhering to a dress code or wearing attire that conveys competence and respect.
  9. Continuous Improvement: Professionals are committed to lifelong learning and self-improvement. They actively seek out opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge, whether through formal education, training, or self-study.
  10. Dedication and Work Ethic: Being a professional often involves a strong work ethic and a dedication to one’s job or career. Professionals are willing to put in the effort required to achieve their goals and excel in their chosen field.
  11. Teamwork and Collaboration: Many professionals work in teams or collaborate with others to achieve common goals. Being a team player and effectively collaborating with colleagues is an important aspect of professionalism.
  12. Leadership: In some cases, professionals may be in leadership positions. Effective leadership involves inspiring and guiding others, setting a positive example, and making decisions that benefit the organization and its stakeholders.

Sixty Miles of Backwoods Freedom (from 2004)

When is the last time, you just grabbed your camera, filled up your tank, and drove, with few parameters? The only limitations where I wasn’t going to go farther then 60 miles or so round trip, and had a rough idea of going through Rensselaerville SF and Partridge Run.

Well, I tried that on Tuesday. It was kind of a way to escape. I got some really nice pictures, and saw some interesting things along the trip.

First off, was the triangle I came upon. I actually went to triangle intersections β€”they are interesting to photograph, and get a look at them close up. A triangle is a beautiful shape, I must say.

The Road

Then it was west. Big open roads, cruising away. Stop for a shot at Johnnie Cake Road in Rensselaerville, with a picture of a barn and the Catskills in the background.

Scutt Road

I turned down the road, and drove down it, the hills and all. Stopped at the end, and got another picture of the Catskills, facing down 357 (or one of those 350-399 Renselearville Alb County Roads ;). A farm field, with a trailer, bailing equipment, and a bunch of junk in the center. An interesting view, to say the least.

Then it was to the other triangle. No, I don’t remember what the name of these corners are β€”does it really matter? I drive past a farm, with a freshly painted sign advertising their holstein cows. Far better, then the rusty, ugly farm signs that tend to dot the roads.

I have to mention the beauty of the bright blue sky, on the green grass. There is something so nice about spring. And being out where it’s open. And not having a plan.

Catskills from Cheese Hill

Winding down Cheese Hill Road, was interesting. Some interesting views of the valley, and the rolling hills. I stopped to get a picture of the turkey that was on the road, set my parking brake, and reached out with my camera. By then, the turkey was gone.

Is corporate greed to blame? : NPR

Grocery price inflation: Is corporate greed to blame? : NPR

NPR crunched financial disclosures by a dozen of the largest grocery-item makers and sellers, including Walmart, Pepsi, Oreo-maker Mondelez and Procter & Gamble, which makes Pampers and Bounty.

The idea was to track changes not in the sheer dollar amount, which rides the waves of our shopping sprees, but in the percentage of money that stays in corporate coffers after a sale. Economists and accountants use different metrics for this. The gross profit margin is one of them — the portion that companies keep after paying just the direct costs to make or stock their goods.

Companies' financial disclosures cover global operations, meaning lots of variety in costs and prices. But for almost all companies that NPR analyzed, between 2018 and 2023 the margins either declined or grew less than 1%.