What Countries Have the Hardest Working People?

Mexicans working in fields under the hot sun. AI 2023
Mexicans working in fields under the hot sun. AI 2023

Mexico has the hardest workers in the world, clocking in an average of 2,127.8 hours per year. This is significantly more than the OECD average of 1,749 hours per year. Additionally, 27% of Mexican workers average 50 or more hours of work per week.

Other countries with high average annual work hours include:

  • Colombia
  • Costa Rica
  • Greece
  • South Korea
  • Turkey
  • Japan
  • China
  • India
  • South Africa

However, it is important to note that work hours alone are not a perfect measure of hard work. Some people may work long hours but be less productive than others. Additionally, some jobs are simply more physically or mentally demanding than others.

Here are some individuals who are known for their incredible work ethic:

  • J.K. Rowling: The author of the Harry Potter series famously worked multiple jobs and wrote her first book in a coffee shop.
  • Oprah Winfrey: The talk show host and media mogul has spoken openly about her struggles with poverty and abuse, and how she overcame them through hard work and determination.
  • Elon Musk: The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX is known for his long hours and relentless work ethic. He has said that he typically works 80-100 hours per week.
  • Bill Gates: The co-founder of Microsoft is another example of someone who is known for their hard work and dedication. He has said that he used to work 18-hour days in his early days at Microsoft.

Ultimately, it is difficult to say definitively who works the hardest. There are many factors to consider, such as the number of hours worked, the difficulty of the job, and the individual’s motivation. However, the people and countries listed above are all examples of people who are known for their hard work and dedication.

City of St. Louis Could be Violating Constitution by Forcing Homeless to Move Without Providing Adequate Shelter

Homeless in tents and protesters occupy St. Louis City Hall
Homeless in tents and protesters occupy St. Louis City Hall

According to the reaffirmed decision of the Ninth Circuit Courts, many cities like St. Louis could soon be sued for violating the constitution when tearing down encampments without providing the homeless with adequate shelter. For now it’s not against the constitution when we tear down encampments in St. Louis, but it is against the United States Constitution out west.

The Ninth Circuit Courts for the western United States refuses to let cities and towns force the homeless off of the streets or tear down their encampments unless those communities provide shelter for them. And by not providing shelter for all homeless people in these western cities violate the 8th Amendment to the US Constitution that protects people from cruel and unusual punishment.

So, in St. Louis, it is just a matter of time when tearing down tents and forcing the homeless to move without providing shelter could be ruled as unconstitutional. The US Constitution protects people from cruel and unusual punishment. That said, tearing ones home down with a bulldozer and throwing all of their belongings away justifies as cruel.

Unemployment Lowers while Poverty at Record Highs in St. Louis

House in disrepair in a St. Louis neighborhood with Gateway Arch in background.
House in disrepair in a St. Louis neighborhood with Gateway Arch in background.

Many of us want to know the reasons why unemployment can hover a little over 3 percent while poverty continues to increase in St. Louis and across the nation. Here are a few reasons why:

  • The quality of jobs. Even if there are a lot of jobs available, they may not be good jobs. Low-wage jobs, part-time jobs, and jobs without benefits can all contribute to poverty, even if they don’t technically count as unemployment.
  • The cost of living. The cost of living can also affect poverty, even if unemployment is low. If the cost of housing, food, healthcare, and other necessities goes up, people may still be considered poor even if they have a job.
  • Inequality. When the gap between the rich and the poor widens, it can lead to an increase in poverty, even if unemployment is low. This is because the rich tend to get richer, while the poor tend to stay poor or get poorer.
  • Government policies. Government policies can also affect poverty, even if unemployment is low. For example, cuts to social programs or tax breaks for the wealthy can make it harder for people to escape poverty.
Protest signs at homeless encampment at St. Louis City Hall 2023 during the heat wave.
Protest signs at homeless encampment at St. Louis City Hall 2023 during the heat wave.

It is important to note that there is no single cause of poverty, and the reasons why it can increase even when unemployment is low are complex and interrelated.

Here are some specific examples of how these factors can play out:

  • During the COVID-19 pandemic, many low-wage workers lost their jobs, even though the overall unemployment rate remained relatively low. This is because many of these jobs were in the service sector, which was hard hit by the pandemic.
  • With a high cost of living, even people with good jobs may struggle to make ends meet. This is especially true for people who have to pay for childcare, housing, and healthcare.
  • When the rich get richer, the poor often get poorer. This is because the rich tend to have more political power and influence, and they can use this power to benefit themselves at the expense of the poor.
  • Government policies can also make it harder for people to escape poverty. For example, cuts to social programs can make it harder for people to afford food, housing, and healthcare.

It is important to remember that poverty is a complex issue with no easy solutions. However, by understanding the factors that contribute to poverty, we can work to develop policies and programs that help to reduce it.

Poverty and Crime Increasing in St. Louis

Houses in disrepair in the City of St. Louis. AI 2023
Houses in disrepair in the City of St. Louis. AI 2023

When poverty increases, crime increases in St. Louis, as well. The poverty rate in St. Louis City was 27.1% in 2020, and it is estimated to have increased to 28.2% in 2022. The crime rate in St. Louis City was 1,946 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2020, and it is estimated to have increased to 2,000 violent crimes per 100,000 residents in 2022.

The increase in poverty and crime in St. Louis is due to a number of factors, including:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic: The pandemic has caused widespread job losses and economic hardship, which has pushed many people into poverty and crime.
  • The rising cost of living: The cost of housing, food, healthcare, and other essential goods and services has been rising faster than wages, making it harder for people to make ends meet.
  • The concentration of poverty: Poverty is concentrated in certain neighborhoods in St. Louis. This creates a cycle of poverty and crime, as children who grow up in these neighborhoods are more likely to experience poverty and crime themselves.
  • The lack of opportunity: There are few opportunities for people in St. Louis to get good jobs and earn a living wage. This makes it difficult for people to escape poverty.
Poverty and crime increasing in Downtown St. Louis
Poverty and crime increasing in Downtown St. Louis

There are a number of things that can be done to address the increase in poverty and crime in St. Louis. These include:

  • Investing in education and job training: This will help people develop the skills they need to get good jobs and earn a living wage.
  • Expanding access to healthcare: This will help people stay healthy and productive.
  • Providing affordable housing: This will help people have a safe and stable place to live.
  • Investing in social safety nets: This will provide a safety net for people who are struggling to make ends meet.
  • Addressing the root causes of poverty: This includes addressing issues such as the loss of manufacturing jobs and the decline of the city’s tax base.

Addressing the increase in poverty and crime in St. Louis is a complex challenge, but it is one that must be addressed. By taking steps to address the root causes of these problems, we can create a more just and equitable city for everyone.

Olia Village, Creve Coeur at Lindbergh & Olive, Coming Soon

Olia Village, Creve Coeur at Olive and Lindbergh
Olia Village, Creve Coeur at Olive and Lindbergh credit crevecoeurmo.gov

Olia Village in Creve Couer is a multi-use development underway with a classic Main Street design with multi-family apartments, townhomes, hotels, offices, boutiques, restaurants and retail. It will be a city within a city with its own grocery store and walking trails for residents. For more info go to crevecoeurmo.gov.

Should City of St. Louis Consider Farming Inside Vacant Buildings?

AeroFarms in Newark, New Jersey is the largest indoor vertical farm in North America. It is located in a former steel mill and uses 95% less water than a traditional farm.

Farming vegetables, fruits and marijuana inside vacant skyscrapers in St. Louis and other cities will now be considered since it is a sustainable way to produce food in urban areas. AeroFarms in Newark, New Jersey is the largest indoor vertical farm in North America. It is located in a former steel mill and uses 95% less water than a traditional farm.

Here are some of the benefits of farming inside vacant skyscrapers:

  • It can help to address food insecurity in urban areas. Many people in cities do not have access to fresh, healthy food. Vertical farming can help to close this gap by providing fresh produce to local communities.
  • It can reduce the environmental impact of food production. Vertical farming uses less water and land than traditional farming methods. It can also help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
  • It can create jobs and boost the economy. Vertical farming requires skilled workers to operate and maintain the farms. This can create jobs and boost the local economy.
  • It can beautify urban areas. Vertical farms can be used to greenify cities and make them more attractive places to live.
Pasona Urban Farm in Tokyo, Japan is located in a nine-story building. It grows edible plants using hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil.
Pasona Urban Farm in Tokyo, Japan is located in a nine-story building. It grows edible plants using hydroponics, a method of growing plants without soil.

Of course, there are also some challenges to farming inside vacant skyscrapers. These include the high upfront costs of setting up the farms, the need for a reliable source of water, and the potential for pests and diseases. However, the benefits of vertical farming outweigh the challenges. As the technology continues to develop, I believe that vertical farming will become more widespread and play an increasingly important role in our food system.

I believe that farming inside vacant skyscrapers is a promising solution to the challenges of food production in urban areas. It is a sustainable, efficient, and scalable way to produce food. I hope that more vacant skyscrapers will be converted into farms in the future.

Reasons why People don’t Believe in Helping the Homeless or Poor

Homeless encampment on Whitehouse lawn to protests rights to food, water and housing. AI 2023
Homeless encampment on a Whitehouse lawn to protests rights to food, water and housing. AI 2023

There are many reasons why people might not believe in helping the homeless or poor. Some of the most common reasons include:

  • They believe that the homeless or poor are lazy or have made bad choices. This is a common misconception that is often based on stereotypes. In reality, many homeless people are working hard to get back on their feet, and many poor people are working multiple jobs just to make ends meet.
  • They believe that helping the homeless or poor will only enable them. This is another common misconception. In reality, helping the homeless or poor can actually help them break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
  • They believe that it is not their responsibility to help the homeless or poor. This is a matter of personal opinion. Some people believe that it is the government’s responsibility to help the homeless or poor, while others believe that it is the responsibility of individuals and communities.
  • They are afraid of the homeless or poor. Some people are afraid of the homeless or poor because they have had negative experiences with them in the past. However, it is important to remember that not all homeless or poor people are dangerous.
  • They are apathetic or indifferent. Some people simply do not care about the plight of the homeless or poor. They may believe that it is not their problem, or they may not be aware of the extent of the problem.

It is important to remember that everyone has a story. The homeless or poor person you see on the street may have lost their job, been evicted from their home, or suffered from a mental illness. They may be struggling to get back on their feet, and they may need your help. If you can, please reach out to a homeless or poor person and offer them your help. You may just make a difference in their life.

Man handing bread to Homeless man in rain
Man handing bread to Homeless man in rain. AI 2023

Here are some ways you can help the homeless or poor:

  • Donate to a homeless shelter or food bank.
  • Volunteer your time at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.
  • Donate clothes or other necessities to a homeless shelter.
  • Advocate for policies that help the homeless or poor.
  • Educate yourself about homelessness and poverty.
  • Challenge stereotypes about the homeless or poor.
  • Be kind and compassionate to the homeless or poor people you encounter.

Every little bit helps.

Zombie Drug (Xylazine) on the rise in St. Louis

Xylazine (TRANQ) is now in St. Louis and turns people into Zombies. AI 2023
Xylazine (TRANQ) is now in St. Louis and turns people into Zombies. AI 2023

The “zombie drug” Xylazine is a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer that is now a crises that is killing more people in St. Louis and across the nation. This new recreational drug is known by other names, such as “tranq,” “tranq dope,” and “horse tranquilizer.”

Data at the Missouri DHSS show a sharp increase in Xylazine involved deaths in Missouri from 39 deaths in 2021 to 109 deaths in 2022, a 180% increase.

Xylazine-associated Skin Injury (N Engl J Med. 2023 Apr 26)
Xylazine-associated Skin Injury (N Engl J Med. 2023 Apr 26)

Xylazine is mostly used to add to fentanyl and heroin to increase profits. It’s cheap and can be purchased online with no prescription since it’s not a controlled substance.

COSTS:
Xylazine $6-$20 per Kilo
Fentanyl $40k – $45k per Kilo

Xylazine is a powerful sedative that can cause a number of dangerous side effects, including respiratory depression, low blood pressure, and seizures.

Here are some of the effects of xylazine on the human body:

  • Respiratory depression
  • Low blood pressure
  • Seizures
  • Coma
  • Death

If you think you or someone you know has overdosed on xylazine, call 911 immediately.

Here are some of the things you can do to help prevent the spread of xylazine:

  • Talk to your children about the dangers of xylazine and other drugs.
  • Educate yourself about the signs of drug use.
  • Be aware of the places where xylazine is being sold.
  • Report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

We can all play a role in preventing the spread of xylazine and other drugs. By working together, we can make our communities safer.

Asian Women With Tattoos is in Fashion and Acceptable

Asian women with tattoos on her arms with spaghetti strap plunging top. AI 2023
Asian women with tattoos on her arms, neck. AI 2023

Asian women with tattoos are becoming increasingly common and accepted in fashion. In the past, tattoos were often seen as taboo in Asian cultures, but this is changing. There are now many Asian models and celebrities who proudly display their tattoos, and this is helping to normalize them.

There are a few reasons why Asian women with tattoos are becoming more popular in fashion. First, tattoos are seen as a way to express oneself and one’s individuality. This is especially appealing to young Asian women who are looking to break away from traditional gender roles and expectations. Second, tattoos can be seen as a form of self-empowerment. They can remind women of their strength and resilience, and they can also be a way to celebrate their heritage.