Walk for Farm Animals a Success!

Today, George, Walter, and I walked in Ithaca's Walk for Farm Animals. By all accounts, it was a success. The weather was cool with a perfect, sunny sky. We had over 40 participants, up from around 20 last year. Lots of car drivers who passed our flock honked in support of our efforts. Plus, we had a great time.

Many Farm Sanctuary staff were in attendance, including the indomitable and sweet Michelle and the articulate and inspiring Matt. A large contingent of IC students from the Ithaca College Vegetarian Community were also there, bringing great energy and enthusiasm to the event.

Thank you all who sponsored me in the Walk. This is an important fundraiser for the Farm, and funds go to their critical work educating, rescuing, and advocating for farm animals. If you did not get a chance to submit your donation, never fear. My fundraising site will be live for another month...visit firstgiving to show your support!

View all of our photos here.

Meg Hutchinson - Seeing Stars

George and I saw Meg Hutchinson play in Syracuse earlier this evening. A great concert!

Walk for Farm Animals 2008 - Update

I'm only 31% ($155) away from my goal of raising $500 for the wonderful critters at the Farm Sanctuary. Please help me help the animals! Sponsor me today by visiting http://www.firstgiving.com/aimeedarsellis.

Mean People Wear Fur

After writing my post on Zappos yesterday, I was informed that they sell fur in their online store. How disappointing! I like the shop, but I think I will avoid purchasing from them until they pledge to be fur free.

Zappos Sells Fur Action Alert

Money for Nothing

Recently, I was visiting the blog "Clearly, You're New Here" where I found a post about Zappos, the online shoe juggernaut. I like Zappos because they make it easy to search for vegan shoes, but also because they pay for shipping--even on returns, which makes the prospect of buying shoes online less risky.

Harvard Business Publishing Blogger Bill Taylor interviewed Tony Hsieh, CEO of Zappos, and learned about their Offer. New employees, after a month of working at the company (at full pay) are offered their month's work pay plus $1,000 to quit. Because jobs at the high-growth company are demanding and the atmosphere is chaotic, if gratifying, the logic is that employees who don't fit with the culture or who are not committed to the organization will take the money and run. The $1,000 is less expensive than the long-term costs of having an employee on the staff who fit poorly with the organization.

When I worked with Dr. Tsui, we primarily wrote about fit, and it is true that poor fit, on any number of dimensions, can provide negative consquences for the organization or work group, including low morale, decreased productivity, higher turnover intentions, and greater job dissatisfaction. However, ensuring fit can also weed out individuals who may have demographic differences (e.g., race, age, gender, religion).

Zappos' policy is an interesting one, though, and a bold move to ensure the positive elements of fit for the organization.

HB Publishing Interview

Hidden Meaning of "Aimee"

What Aimee Means

You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's Your Name's Hidden Meaning?