Allanah Canalija

Why Going to School in Pajamas is Right For You

October 24, 2012 by Allanah Canalija

College typically encompasses some of the best years in a young person’s life: why the dorms, the shared bathrooms, the terrible food, the overpriced books, the exorbitant tuition, the parties, the hangovers. Ah, what a time. Who doesn’t remember the joys of being a ninth year senior? But, this is not for everyone. Are you thinking about going to college but feel like you don’t have the time? Or maybe you’re trying to earn a specialized degree that isn’t offered in your area? Or you already have a job and want to earn a better paying position with an advanced degree? Today, the advancement of online technology makes going to college as simple as waking up and turning on your computer. Here are some of the benefits:

1. Sleep Until 3pm and Never Miss Class (and wear pajamas to school when you do)

Is waking up a problem for you? Do you hate mornings with a passion? Maybe you’re a club promoter at night or in a band? Well, forget ever having to wake up at dawn to snooze through music theory 101 ever again!

Taking classes online is great for people with alternative schedules that are not able to go to class during normal daytime hours. Most classes are easily downloaded or streamed so you can watch them whenever it is convenient for you and even wear pajamas in school! [Read more…] about Why Going to School in Pajamas is Right For You

Day Traders: American Stereotypes that Inspire Stupidity

October 22, 2012 by Allanah Canalija

There’s a whole lot of hubbub in the media about the outside world’s perceptions of America. There’s a narrative that Americans are portrayed as greedy, arrogant and nosey, and a great fuss is made over public opinion. It is true that all eyes are on America, but that is because we produce so much media and we broadcast our ideas all over the world. That opens the US up to a lot more criticism, but foreign policy is not a matter of popularity contests. For every Parisian who has a strong opinion about the American health care system, there are handfuls of people in the developing world that are taking a crack at success inspired by our free market capitalism and what they learn from our cultural output. Sometimes it doesn’t work out so well.

High Stakes Gamblers: Day Traders

Picture it! Maybe someone Michael Douglas-esque, sitting poolside drinking a mojito. He’s tan. He has designer sunglasses. Suddenly he’s roused from his rest by his smartphone beeping. It’s not just any beep. It’s the “Good One.” Sitting up quickly–almost startled–he peeks from under his shades eagerly to confirm. He turns to the stranger across from him and says, “You need a drink buddy? I just made another half-million! It’s so good to be a day trader!”

There’s nothing playful about “playing the stock market.” Those bets placed are best educated bets, and the “game” is rigged to respond to real world events! No one should dare attempt to make a career out of trading on the stock market with only the resume of a card shark. However, our films and media which portray the sun-kissed, jet-setting trader, encourage the idea that the American Dream is to make money and do nothing. In 2004, a Nigerian man on trial for fleecing an elderly UK couple with a rarely effective email scam reportedly defended his actions by simply stating, “I wanted to get rich with computers like a powerful New York day trader.”

Cut Throats and Bootleggers

There’s a much more sinister scenario as well. [Read more…] about Day Traders: American Stereotypes that Inspire Stupidity

Five Reasons to Become a Travel Nurse

September 24, 2012 by Allanah Canalija

Travel Nurse –

According to Wikipedia– Travel nursing is a nursing assignment concept that developed in response to the nursing shortage. This industry supplies nurses who travel to work in temporary nursing positions, mostly in hospitals.

Studies indicate that nursing needs will outpace the supply of nursing staff in the United States by over 250,000 registered nurses within the next twelve years. As a quarter of working RNs near retirement age, health care facilities are seeking creative ways to provide quality patient care. According to Industry Analysts, one way hospitals are filling nursing spots is by hiring traveling nurses. In fact, these on-the-go RNs make up approximately 20,000 current working nurses. Experts expect this trend to grow, due in part to great benefits for traveling nurses.

Make More Money

According to Industry Analysts, travel nurses make more than equivalent RNs in permanent staff positions. Average hourly wages for traveling nurses range from approximately $22 to over $35. In addition to hourly pay, nurses may also be compensated in the form of housing, reimbursement for travel costs and standard employment benefits like health insurance and retirement plans.

Make Your Own Schedule

In many cases, travel nurses have more say regarding their schedule. They are not subject to mandatory shifts or overtime that are often forced upon permanent hospital staff. They can also provide preferences to their agency regarding how much and when they want to work. As with any nursing job, long hours and late nights may be required, but a travel nurse at least has a voice in these decisions.

Work Across America

Travel nurses can choose from numerous areas, working near beaches, mountains or big cities. The program can be a great way to see the country, gain new experiences and have adventures. Some nurses time their work with the seasons, hitting snowy mountains and ski areas during the winter, beach towns during the summer and rural areas for beautiful fall months.

Get Varied Experience

Working in so many places will help [Read more…] about Five Reasons to Become a Travel Nurse