tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61761609581715935232024-03-18T22:46:17.189-07:00CarameldeSo smooth it melts in your mouth. That is the way life can be. Most of the time we have to take the bitter with the sweet. When the two meld together it makes a unique Caramelde that causes us to pause and muse.
Caramelde is my place for musing, ranting, gushing and sometimes just pouring my heart out. Take a ride with me,laugh with me, cry with me, get angry with me or just shake your head at the things I do.ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-39829011943176914972015-07-06T00:13:00.000-07:002015-07-06T00:13:51.594-07:00Cultural Ponderings: Has 'Bougie' Been Down Graded?<span class="content1"><i>**This is a post I wrote a while ago but never published I don't think I finished it but I needed to test out blog post pagination so here is that cultural pondering I had about a couple of years ago. If you like it, "Yay!" If not, that is okay. This was pretty much just a stream of conscious musing anyway**</i> </span><br />
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<span class="content1">A week or so ago I read a post from one of my favorite blogs, <a href="http://verysmartbrothas.com/" target="_blank">Very Smart Brothas</a> titled "<a href="http://verysmartbrothas.com/shit-bougie-black-girls-say/" target="_blank">Sh!t Bougie Black Girls Say</a>". This amusing post was later followed by the YouTube skit of a similar name (video located at end of the post). While very amusing, the post left my best friend and I with a realization -- Bougie has been down graded.</span><br />
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A Bourgeoisie Overview</span></h2>
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Now back in my college years in the 19__'s, the black bourgeoisie -- or as they often called bougie or bourgie -- were the African-Americans who were middle-class, had at least a four-year college education and worked within Corporate America behind a desk and computer. They had expensive, not extravagant taste, but were commonly known to try and "keep up with the Joneses". There were two types of black bourgeoisie, the old and the new.<br />
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The old black bourgeoisie actually came from money. They had a traceable lineage that connected them to their wealth. They were upper-class and upper middle-class African-Americans who either lived on or had vacation homes in Martha's Vineyard, Southern estates and some even came from families that once owned slaves. These blacks were either (traditional) Ivy League educated or attended one of the Black Ivy colleges -- Morehouse, Howard, Hampton, Fisk, Tuskegee and Spelman. They often did not need to "keep up with the Joneses" because they were The Joneses!<br />
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The new bourgeoisie did not come from a family of wealth. They came from middle-middle and lower-middle class (working class) families. However, these African-Americans often excelled in school academically and sometimes athletically and attended either an Ivy League or Black Ivy school. One thing that was important with the new bourgeoisie was establishing a network. This is where belonging to a Black Greek fraternity or sorority comes into importance. The Black Greek organizations became a nouveau-lineage for the new bourgeoisie. <br />
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<span class="content2" style="display: none;">Black Bougie Girls</span></h2>
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When it came to African-American females who were classified as bougie, think about Robin Givens -- aka the bougie girl's patron saint -- in Boomerang. (Side note: It seems as if a lot of things in modern black culture can be linked to either Boomerang or Coming to America. I don't know, maybe it's just me) I mention a character Robin Givens played in a movie, however, she kind of was a bougie girl outside of her roles as well. She was the bougie girl that most are stereotyped as being: Neuveau-riche black women who were stuck up with two expressions -- the almost duck face (to show smugness) and the Elvis snarl (when they looked down on someone or something). Granted, some were exactly like this but a good deal were not.<br />
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These women drove luxury cars, had boyfriends that were "on the rise" (had potential of becoming a pro-athlete, doctor, lawyer or were headed for Wall Street) and they were headed for high profile careers as well. They lived in upscale apartments or condos. Style-wise the hair was either long -- natural or weave -- or cut in a sophisticated short style. Makeup was never overly done, just enough to enhance and camouflage. Clothes were the latest fashions from top designers. The bougie stores of choice included designer boutiques, Neiman Marcus, Saks, Lord & Taylor (it was the spot back in the day) and Nordstrom. Quite frankly the cheapest retailer they would frequent was Macy's and on occasion, a discount shop that sold vintage items -- when vintage was en vogue. Their choice of water -- yes there was a choice of water -- changes with whatever brand is the trend. Perrier had its day, as did Evian and Voss. Fine wines were the alcoholic drinks of choice, however a martini, fine scotch or bourbon were also acceptable for specific occassions.<br />
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Proper pronunciation of words, good diction and having a well-rounded vocabulary (which included a few urban slang words) were the oral trademarks of the bougie black female. Bougie females were knowledgeable about a lot of things, not experts, but just enough to contribute to conversation. They had good posture and were skilled at walking in heels. These females still exist and live the lifestyle they always have. However, I think the bougie female has been down graded or more appropriately mistaken for a new breed of black woman.<br />
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Are These Females Really Bougie or Something Else?</span></h2>
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<span class="content3" style="display: none;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdurROHQgQBYbvSSblFBpHT1DIt3azKNs3Vzi5leExa2W-_lSFWAfXKr5Nbf2VptobzaYerkrc7j868GZdOBer7YyQSdP3l1OJ367yRr_hDaAYAhMARLqNXCh_3opS_rEi4WmyNxKE993S/s1600/Valentine%2527s+Night+Makeup+-+8-MOTION.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdurROHQgQBYbvSSblFBpHT1DIt3azKNs3Vzi5leExa2W-_lSFWAfXKr5Nbf2VptobzaYerkrc7j868GZdOBer7YyQSdP3l1OJ367yRr_hDaAYAhMARLqNXCh_3opS_rEi4WmyNxKE993S/s320/Valentine%2527s+Night+Makeup+-+8-MOTION.gif" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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In the blog post from Very Smart Brothas they listed certain things that Bougie black girls say. The list includes:<br />
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<ol><span class="content3" style="display: none;">
<li>Inquiring if a potential date or boyfriend has a passport</li>
<li>Denying they are bougie</li>
<li>Having a favorite Thai restuarant</li>
<li>A love for Target</li>
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While the list was funny some things on it made me do a double take. I can understand the love for Thai food. Honestly each decade or so a new cultural cuisine becomes the "it thing". Yes because of the stigma within the black community (being bougie is not a compliment) the new bougies deny that they are and the old bougies don't even acknowledge the label --which is a good thing. I understand asking about a passport because you can't even fly to and from the Caribbean without one. The thing that stood out to me was the love for Target. Target! Ummm...really?<br />
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I am not bougie -- no that is not denial, I honestly do not fit a majority of the characteristics -- but I will admit that I have bougie tendencies. While I do love recommending Target for those who want designer names that fit their budgets, I am not a frequent customer. I probably should be, though. I know that even if I, who just has bougie tendencies won't go crazy over Target, a real bourgeoisie won't be impressed by the store. This is not to say that they do not like cheap chic, I haven't come across too many people rich, middle-class or poor who does not enjoy a good sale. However, it depends on where that sale is. A bougie black female will be ecstatic over purchasing a standard Jason Wu handbag for $45.95 at Nordstrom during a clearance sale rather than spending $40.00, regular price for a Jason Wu for Target handbag. Don't get mad. Just hear me out on this.<br />
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<i>*Placing designer hat on*</i></h2>
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A designer's ready-to-wear collection features items made from quality fabrics that are constructed to be durable and fit the sizes they were made for (based off their measurement chart). You will see 97 percent strait/even stitching, very little yarn slubs in the fabric, facings, interfacings, underlining, lining and quality notions (buttons, zippers, embellishment, thread, etc).<br />
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Designer lines made for a discount retailer like Target will be made to fit the sizes based off the collection size chart, however the quality of materials used is reduced. Chances are the fabric is not very tightly woven which means it could tear more easily than a comparable item from the designer's ready-to-wear collection. The notions used will be of a lower quality, meaning thread probably will break easily, buttons may be of a cheap plastic or metal. The garments won't have as much inner construction details like facings, underlining, interfacings and probably won't be lined.<br />
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Why have I gone into so much detail about the difference between ready-to-wear and Target-wear, because bougie females know the difference. If a girl you think is bougie has many of the tendencies but her style markings, education, and brand recognition do not jive, then chances are she is not. Do not mistake tendencies for the real thing. Some of the females I know have the same tendencies and are mistakenly called bougie as a result. Don't get it twisted we don't have bougie checkbooks and we can get quite ignant (yes, that's right) with your behind if you take us there.<br />
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So if a woman is budget shopping at a mass retailer and not a department store, but has a bougie attitude, that is all she has is the attitude. She is not bougie. She might get there one day. Babydoll, she aint there yet.<br />
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ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-15057128190405331282012-05-18T08:17:00.000-07:002012-05-18T08:17:20.419-07:00Part-Time Job Opportunity in San Francisco Area<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026FEKX0/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&tag=shawnattem-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0026FEKX0" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ws.assoc-amazon.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&Format=_SL260_&ASIN=B0026FEKX0&MarketPlace=US&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&tag=shawnattem-20&ServiceVersion=20070822" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=shawnattem-20&l=as2&o=1&a=B0026FEKX0" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I received an email yesterday from an organic skin care company called Pangea Organics. They are looking for someone to be their Brand Ambassador/Natural Beauty Advisor. Details are as follows:</span><br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
Pangea Organics, a certified organic skincare line, currently seeks a Brand Ambassador<br />
/ Natural Beauty Advisor to represent our brand for six weeks (June 11 - July 22)<br />
in San Francisco, CA.<br />
<br />
We are seeking an outgoing individual with skincare knowledge who is smart, responsible,<br />
and motivated to represent & demonstrate the Visia(TM) Complexion Analysis in one<br />
Whole Foods Market location in Potrero Hill. This part-time position will support<br />
a passion for delivering legendary customer service to the store and its shoppers.<br />
<br />
<u>Duties include but are not limited to:</u><br />
<br />
* Demonstrate the Visia(TM) Complexion Analysis and provide product recommendations<br />
* Educate shoppers about the Visia(TM) skin care reports and recommend Pangea Organics<br />
skin care products based on individual results and skin challenges<br />
* Perform mini-facials and/or hand facials<br />
* Conduct Product Sampling/Demonstrations<br />
* Educate store personnel and consumers on the Pangea Organics Brand<br />
* Responsible for maintaining a timely and accurate schedule<br />
* Report Daily Activity to appropriate personnel<br />
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<u>Requirements:</u><br />
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* Licensed esthetician (preferred but not required)<br />
* Strong sales skills<br />
* Experience in natural skin care<br />
* Strong oral and written communication skills<br />
* High level of follow-up, availability and responsiveness<br />
* Positive, contagious sprit and energy<br />
* High level of organizational skills<br />
* Time management skills<br />
* Collaborative team member passionate to learn and teach<br />
* Self-Motivated<br />
<br />
20 hours per week for a period of 6 weeks <b>(June 11 - July 22)</b> are required. This<br />
position is as an independent contractor and not as an employee for Pangea Organics<br />
or Whole Foods Market.<br />
<br />
To be considered for this exciting opportunity send your resume to:<br />
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<a href="mailto:hr@pangeaorganics.com" target="_blank">hr@pangeaorganics.com</a> with "NBA - San Francisco" in the Subject Line.<br />
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Please NO phone calls and NO walk-ins.</h4>
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
So if you qualify and need some part-time or want to further your career in the beauty industry this may be the position for you! </div>
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<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=shawnattem-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=B001R4CLE6" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-33764344635685539162011-12-17T09:42:00.000-08:002011-12-17T09:42:52.002-08:00Fighting the Bigoted Fight: The Florida Family Association « Barefoot Scribbles<a href="http://thebarefoot.wordpress.com/2011/12/17/fighting-the-bigotted-fight-the-florida-family-association/">Fighting the Bigoted Fight: The Florida Family Association « Barefoot Scribbles</a>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-77657875922114925612011-08-08T21:02:00.000-07:002011-08-08T21:02:20.679-07:00Survey: How Much Does a Company's Ethics Influence Our Purchasing Decisions?<b><i>This is an anonymous survey. No personal information will be collected unless you provide it in one of the free form responses.</i></b><br />
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</script></div>Create your <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/">free online surveys</a> with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.</div>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-9460345668005400922011-01-29T09:37:00.000-08:002011-01-29T09:37:18.173-08:00SJP's Fashion News Updates: My Afro Hair and Herbal Essences Dangerously Straight Pin Straight Shampoo and Conditioner<a href="http://sjpfashion.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-afro-hair-and-herbal-essences.html">SJP's Fashion News Updates: My Afro Hair and Herbal Essences Dangerously Straight Pin Straight Shampoo and Conditioner</a>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-54595106171400073382011-01-15T09:16:00.000-08:002011-01-15T09:16:26.378-08:00Cash Your Checks<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Malcolm-Martin-Luther-Historic-Handshake/dp/B0027YJ7ZG?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Malcolm X Martin Luther King Poster Historic Handshake" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B0027YJ7ZG&tag=caramelmd-77" /></a><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001YZWAM6" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0027YJ7ZG" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><span style="font-size: small;">When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men, yes, black men as well as white men, would be guaranteed the "unalienable Rights" of "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note, insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check, a check which has come back marked "insufficient funds."</span></span></i></div><div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><i style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. And so, we've come to cash this check, a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.</i> - <span style="font-size: x-small;">Martin Luther King Jr. Excerpt from his 1963 speech "I Have A Dream"</span></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Martin-Luther-King-Jr-People/dp/B001EQ9YG0?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Martin Luther King, Jr.: Right People Art Poster Print, 16x16" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B001EQ9YG0&tag=caramelmd-77" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a name='more'></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Life is a struggle. In these times life is hard for most Americans, especially financially. <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001EQ9YG0" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />However, what are we doing to make sure that we continue to get paid?</span></span></span></div><div align="left" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I am not talking about that bank note or direct deposit many look forward to. I am referring to your payment of freedom, justice and opportunity. We have all been sent checks that many of us have allowed to expire. Now that treasury is close to running dry so these checks are no longer as plentiful as they once were. Fewer Americans are taking advantage of these checks when they do come their way. Unfortunately, I see this most within my own race.</span></div><div align="left" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div align="left" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">While we may not be aware of every check that has landed into our hands, there are some that are crucial to our survival in this country and in this world. Here are a few of the checks I cashed.</span></div><div align="left" style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><ul style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><li><span style="font-size: small;">High school diploma</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Registered voter</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">Exercising my right to vote</span></li>
<li>College degree</li>
<li>Served jury duty</li>
<li>Remaining a free citizen of the United State of American so I can continue to cash my checks that allow me to take part in justice (jury duty), protect my freedoms (exercising my right to vote) and travel freely (having a valid U.S. Passport) around the world knowing that my actions even in a small way reflect people's opinion about my country.</li>
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</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These are a few of the checks I have cashed and I continue to cash my freedom check, by not being incarcerated. I don't want to lose my freedom or my checks. While I may complain about jury duty, I thank God for it. It means I get to take part in making sure justice is served. While sometimes the polls can be cumbersome, I thank God that I still have the right to vote. While the flow of information coming in from various sources can be overwhelming I thank God that I cashed my check for education so I can process this information and make informed decisions in my life.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">These few checks I have cashed give me the opportunity to survive in this country and in this world. These checks help me to find new, legal ways to earn a living. These checks allow for me to pass along the blessings I have been gifted. I want to continue to receive and cash all of the checks that have and those that will come into my life. However, I can not do that if throw away my freedom.</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Enjoy the freedoms you have, cash those checks when they come your way and teach the ones who come after you to do the same. Many have lost their lives so that we have this opportunity. Don't be any number that has wasted it.</span>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-20097793059521781802010-11-06T17:34:00.000-07:002010-11-06T17:34:23.544-07:00Thinking of Writing More Content for Examiner<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=caramelmd-77&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1589501608&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>I haven't written anything for <a href="http://www.examiner.com/">Examiner</a> in a while because I have been busy with blogging, AC from Yahoo!, Seed and my private clients. I feel a series building up within me about prescription drug abuse. I know this year there have been numerous drug bust of this kind and I am quite it will continue.<br />
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I am stuck right now of how I will approach the subject though. There is so much research to do with it and I definitely need to get the facts in order concerning the clinical, legal and street logistics of it all. *Sigh*<br />
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It will come together.ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-20995246246936671932010-10-20T07:33:00.000-07:002010-10-20T07:33:02.650-07:00McNeil and Johnson & Johnson Need to Make a Change - Quickly<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tylenol.com/images/tylenol/product_recall/tylenol_8hr_50ct.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tylenol.com/images/tylenol/product_recall/tylenol_8hr_50ct.gif" /></a></div>Over the last year three major Tylenol recalls occurred due to "trace amounts" of the chemical 2,4,6-tribromoanisole. This chemical, also known as TBA causes the musty or moldy smell contaminating the Tylenol lots that have been recalled over the past year. To learn more about TBA and research about the chemical read: <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2536205/tylenol_arthritis_pain_100_count_with.html">Tylenol Arthritis Pain 100 Count with EZ-Open Cap Recalled Nationwide. </a><br />
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<a href="http://www.tylenol.com/images/tylenol/product_recall/tylenol_8hr_upc.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tylenol.com/images/tylenol/product_recall/tylenol_8hr_upc.gif" /></a>This week J&J recalled one lot of <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5913858/recall_alert_tylenol_8hour_caplet_50.html?cat=71">Tylenol 8-Hour Caplets 50 Count</a> for the same musty/moldy odor caused by TBA. The TBA contamination stems from the packing material used during storage and shipping of Tylenol products. J&J knew about this contamination back in 2008, yet failed to report the complaints until 2009. Earlier this year the Food and Drug Administration issued J&J a warning because of this non-disclosure. While the symptoms consumers are experiencing are rated as "mild", J&J had over two years to get their act together and use different packaging materials for shipping and storage.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Childrens-Benadryl-Liquid-Allergy-Relief/dp/B000VS99VM?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Children's Benadryl Liquid Allergy Relief - NEW Larger Size (8 Fl Oz X 2)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B000VS99VM&tag=caramelmd-77" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000VS99VM" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />This is not the only recall J&J has had within a year's timeframe. Besides three separate <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5913858/recall_alert_tylenol_8hour_caplet_50.html?cat=71">Tylenol recalls</a> due to TBA, the biggest recall in history occurred this April when over 40 types of children's medication was recalled included children's Tylenol, Motrin and Benadryl. Other recalls include two hip/pelvic replacement parts, a type of Acuvue contact lens sold in Asia and Europe and test strips for one of J&J's glucose meters. I am seriously thinking J&J needs to enact stiffer quality control measures on all of their products. I really do not wish to hear about having to cut costs because J&J found the "extra" money to hire a company to perform a <a href="http://www.boston.com/business/healthcare/articles/2010/10/01/jj_fda_take_blame_for_phantom_recall/">phantom recall</a> a few months ago to save face. <br />
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So J&J are you going to make changing to improve the quality of your products or will you continue to put your global consumers at risk?<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5913858/recall_alert_tylenol_8hour_caplet_50.html?cat=71">Read More About the Latest Tylenol Recall >>></a></div>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-22627048440404452172010-09-24T10:13:00.000-07:002010-09-24T10:13:53.667-07:00Have You Met Amy Faatz?<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Quill-Ink-Set/dp/0765598671?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Quill & Ink Set" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0765598671&tag=caramelmd-77" /></a><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/796002/amy_faatz.html"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B00427XMKW" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B001B08PR8" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0765598671" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />Amy</a> joined Associated Content from Yahoo! May of this year and has written on a wide variety of subjects. Check her out! For those of you who enjoy reading those Snapple facts, check out her article <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5815884/snapple_fact_1_is_it_fact_or_fiction.html?cat=53">Snapple Fact#1: Is it Fact or Fiction.</a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><a name='more'></a><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=caramelmd-77&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0880885823&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=caramelmd-77&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0767922654&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe> <iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=caramelmd-77&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=B0001CU1BK&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-6376954995795322782010-09-19T19:46:00.000-07:002010-09-19T19:48:34.287-07:00Calling all Celebrity Writers - SEED Wants Your Resume<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Angelina: An Unauthorized Biography" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=031255561X&tag=caramelmd-77" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wanna write bios of celebs like Angelina Jolie?</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Angelina-Unauthorized-Biography-Andrew-Morton/dp/031255561X?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=031255561X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />I was looking for assignments on <a href="http://www.seed.com/">Seed</a> today and found one seeking <a href="http://www.seed.com/claim/article/15349/">Celebrity Biographers and Featured Writers for PopEater</a>.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The assignment on Seed reads as follows: </span><a href="http://www.seed.com/claim/article/15349/" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Due September 23, 2010 10:00am EDT</b></a><br />
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<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.popeater.com/">PopEater</a> is looking for <b>celebrity biography</b> and <b>hot topic writers</b>!<br />
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We need some superstar writers to produce comprehensive biographies and features (rundowns of scandals, relationships, careers, etc.) about their favorite stars. Tone should be light and humorous where warranted but not overly negative/berating.<br />
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A good model of a <a href="http://www.popeater.com/">PopEater</a> Bio/Hot Topics page is this one for Angelina Jolie. Click on 'Read Her Bio' at the top to see her full biography and click on 'Hot Topics' to see features about her: <a href="http://www.popeater.com/celebrities/angelina-jolie">http://www.popeater.com/celebrities/angelina-jolie</a><br />
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If you are referring to an event covered on a news Web site or in a magazine, please include the source you are referring to.<br />
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<i>Bios should be 500-700 words. Hot Topics 300-500</i><br />
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<b>Send resumes and clips to celebritywriters@aol.com</b></div>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-39985881184652364672010-09-06T15:05:00.000-07:002010-09-06T15:05:38.937-07:00Blue Zone Living: Something My Culture has Forsaken<a href="http://www.amazon.com/People-Getting-Older-Decorative-Pillows/dp/B002VSA97S?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Set of 2 "People Are Like Wine" Getting Older Decorative Throw Pillows 9" x 12"" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=B002VSA97S&tag=caramelmd-77" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002VSA97S" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />Today I was introduced to a concept called <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5677548/how_to_live_longer_and_healthier_create.html?cat=5">Blue Zone</a> by <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/122114/jaipi_sixbear.html">Jaipi Sixbear</a>. She highlighted 9 lifestyle principles that I realized my African-American culture used to live by 7 out of 9 of these principles. The people of my great-parents generation would live to see at least 90-years of age while the generations after were lucky to see 70, sometimes even 50.<br />
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I won't go into detail about these principles because I feel everyone should read this article the follow-up pieces. Once you read it, you may be surprised to find that this was the lifestyle lived by family or culture only a few generations back. Little by little I want to integrate these principles into my life so I can regain my health and maintain it. I don't know how far I will take it (being honest because I get distracted) but I will try.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Family-Reunion-Planning-Kit-Dummies/dp/0764553992?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Family Reunion Planning Kit for Dummies" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0764553992&tag=caramelmd-77" /></a>I will mention one of the principles here because it is very important and I feel America as a whole has <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0764553992" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />forgotten this: Family. I am not just referring to our immediate family, but our 1st, 2nd, 3rd , 4th cousins and beyond. During the summertime parks would be filled as families had their annual family reunions. This is would be something I would all summer long during the weekend. Now I only ever hear of a handful of these gatherings anymore. I am ashamed to admit that my family has dropped the ball on this family event as well. When I was younger I didn't want to be around a bunch of my older family members because I was a bit of brat, lol. Now that I am in my 30's I see how important such events are. Familes uniting together and working together as a single unit is something we all need to get back to.<br />
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Now I am done with that little tidbit. Go and read <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/122114/jaipi_sixbear.html">Jaipi's articles</a> related to the <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5677548/how_to_live_longer_and_healthier_create.html?cat=5">Blue Zone life</a> and start integrating it into your daily living.ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-78205206796854879452010-08-31T18:27:00.000-07:002010-08-31T18:27:23.846-07:00Another Day, Another DollarRight now I am having a torrid love affair with <a href="http://www.seed.com/">Seed</a>. I am snatching up some pretty easy <b>assignments</b> that are being purchased and they take me no more than 15 minutes each to write, proof and submit. I have mu last <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/357960/shawnte_pierce.html">Shopping and Fashion FC</a> <b>assignment</b> to write tonight. I am just stuck between two ideas that I may end up combining or doing one for AC and the other for <i>*plug time*</i> <a href="http://sjpfashion.blogspot.com/">SJP Fashion News Updates</a>.<br />
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While I decide I wanted to share a cute and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCXZgcSs954">funny Youtube video</a> some <b>freelance writer</b> buddies of mine posted on Facebook today. It is hilarious and I have been singing it proudly all day driving people batty! So I hope you guys enjoy this song as much as I do. If you ♥ it, sing it at the top of your lungs so the world, maybe the neighborhood, will hear you!<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nCXZgcSs954?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nCXZgcSs954?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-5834217419104032722010-08-26T19:58:00.000-07:002010-08-26T19:58:19.486-07:00Unemployed? SEED Needs Your Story<a href="http://www.seed.com/">Seed.com</a> is looking for stories from unemployed individuals. The pay is $50.00. If your story is accepted you will be paid the $50.00 and have your story published on <a href="http://jobs.aol.com/">AOL Jobs</a>.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"> <i>ASSIGNMENT NAME: My Unemployed Life<br />
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<b>Site: AOL Jobs</b></i></span> <i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<b>Reporting needed:</b></span> <span style="font-size: small;"> No, requesting personal stories. However, please back up claims with examples and statistics. For example, if you claim “DC has the highest unemployment rate…” back it up with figures.<br />
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<b>Writing format and style:</b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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o Please be opinionated, informal, playful, succinct and conversational (imagine you are telling your story to a group of people at a social gathering).</span><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
o Avoid superlatives. Instead of describing something as "wonderful / horrible" paint a picture of the "wonderful / horrible" situation with details (in other words "show" don't "tell"). </span></i> <br />
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For full details, signup at Seed.com and claim<a href="http://www.seed.com/claim/article/14717/"> this assignment</a> which ends September 9, 2010 12:00am, EDTShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-22712626103780758512010-08-08T16:23:00.000-07:002010-08-08T16:23:08.129-07:00New Freelance Writers Page!<span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Starting-Your-Career-Freelance-Writer/dp/158115304X?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="Starting Your Career As a Freelance Writer" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=158115304X&tag=caramelmd-77" /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Associated-Press-Stylebook-Briefing-Media/dp/0465012620?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="The Associated Press Stylebook 2009 (Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law)" src="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?MarketPlace=US&ServiceVersion=20070822&ID=AsinImage&WS=1&Format=_SL160_&ASIN=0465012620&tag=caramelmd-77" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=158115304X" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />I just added a <a href="http://caramelde.blogspot.com/p/freelance-writers-page.html">new page to Caramelde</a> for freelance writer business websites and freelance writing resource <img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=bil&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0465012620" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" />sites. If you know of any resource sites you'd like added just provide the link in the comments section and it will be reviewed (I need to make sure it is not a scam site). Also, if you are a freelance writer with a freelance writing business website, send me the name, link and your slogan (if available) and I will add it to the page.</span></div>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-2238469297517537282010-07-31T17:31:00.000-07:002010-07-31T17:32:55.528-07:00UNEMPLOYMENT AT IT'S WORST - EL CENTRO, CA<iframe align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=caramelmd-77&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=1558494154&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="align: left; height: 245px; padding-right: 10px; padding-top: 5px; width: 131px;"></iframe>U.S. News & World Report's Rob Silverblatt reported on an American city in dire straits - El Centro, CA. El Centro has the country's worst <a href="http://www.amazon.com/iJobless-50-ways-Survive-Unemployment/dp/0976342332?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">unemployment</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0976342332" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important; padding: 0px !important;" width="1" /> at 27.6%. This city is a staggering 18.1% higher than the national average of 9.5%! Read the whole story by Rob Silverblatt <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/usnews/americasworstjobmarketwhat276unemploymentlookslike;_ylt=AusharloU8OSx6q3_XhQbdm9IxIF;_ylu=X3oDMTRiMGxlbWtmBGFzc2V0A3VzbmV3cy8yMDEwMDczMC9hbWVyaWNhc3dvcnN0am9ibWFya2V0d2hhdDI3NnVuZW1wbG95bWVudGxvb2tzbGlrZQRjY29kZQNtb3N0cG9wdWxhcgRjcG9zAzEEcG9zAzEEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yaWVzBHNsawNhbWVyaWNhMzlzd28-">here</a>.<br />
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</div>Some of us are trying to carve out a niche for ourselves in the midst of economic turmoil and also help one another out. Learn how others are trying to cope with the U.S. economy as it is by checking out <a href="http://caramelde.blogspot.com/p/pay-it-forward-for-freelance-writers.html">Paying it Forward for Freelancer Writers</a> and <a href="http://caramelde.blogspot.com/p/freelancers-bringing-awareness-to.html">Freelancers Bringing Awareness to America's Economic Plight</a>.ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-45179822733618050382010-07-31T11:04:00.000-07:002010-07-31T11:04:39.593-07:00ShawnTe’s AVON eParty « Sunshine and RainThe grand opening of my AVON eStore is underway. Check this out for more info, <a href="http://sjpierce.wordpress.com/2010/07/31/shawntes-avon-eparty/">ShawnTe’s AVON eParty « Sunshine and Rain</a>.ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-67179073270065660412010-07-20T20:37:00.000-07:002010-07-20T20:37:46.223-07:00The AC Community: More Than a "Content Mill"<a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/5604306/the_associated_content_model_for_success.html?cat=9">The Associated Content Model for Success </a><br /><br />Associated Content is more than just a "content mill", it is a community of writers with generous spirits who are willing to help one another and anyone else out when we can. Kudos to Kyla <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Matton</span> for letting the world know that, for all intent and purposes, "we are more than the sum of parts."ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-53123799492972273632010-07-17T19:39:00.000-07:002010-07-17T19:39:15.325-07:00Bringing Awareness So We May Help One Another<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many <a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/">Associated Content</a> contributors have agreed to help one another and others during these trying economic times. Some agreed to write articles while other, like myself have agreed to post to our blogs to promote and increase awareness. There are three pages to this blog, the main blog and two others. The other two pages contain links to AC contributors and their work. Please take a little time to visit these two pages and play a role in the giving by investing a few minutes of your time and read.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/36/Earth.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Image: (c) 2010 Brandonc via Wikimedia Commons</span></span></div>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-18770231789051775122010-07-12T14:39:00.000-07:002010-07-12T14:39:06.162-07:00I'm Back Into the Swing of Things!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO9TgtgEb3IlYGGRRepAS7Ys4WjfNPl_JQXSNf2jnj82GTNZ7uP4ED_Ueq47wtUpmlvKNDizORp7VX5bFynqRQErUm7iqwo_MsMfWno9bCLcINM4_1cK48rgSwp1yS_4nO4YX1hw7K3zM/s1600/Fight+the+Power.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSO9TgtgEb3IlYGGRRepAS7Ys4WjfNPl_JQXSNf2jnj82GTNZ7uP4ED_Ueq47wtUpmlvKNDizORp7VX5bFynqRQErUm7iqwo_MsMfWno9bCLcINM4_1cK48rgSwp1yS_4nO4YX1hw7K3zM/s320/Fight+the+Power.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">A couple of days ago I wrote about my anxiety concerning writing for a certain place. I submitted my first article to them yesterday and it was approved today without being sent back to me. I handled it the way I said I would by first writing it the way I would any other article. I'm going to continue to do this from now on. Now I have 8 more articles to write today and two more blog posts to send out.</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">God is good, He is in control and I am loving it! Thanks to all who prayed for me! </div><div style="color: purple; font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-88823211852746314672010-07-10T20:48:00.000-07:002010-07-10T20:48:16.968-07:00Did the Credit Card Act of 2009 Drop the Ball on APR Increases?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfzLBqAxrBnJY09V-3mJvgrY5SoiF12kcw4ljhe8TfD338KEmeryUlq-MYUTZqb54AIcKPS7pDr3zKoXonq-fdkX3vm0A6NQhCDXLyQM3sfl2Ui2NAQeXqANUoa5ue_GEj-t-PeyZMMFf/s1600/4+associations+fr+presentationresources+-+net.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfzLBqAxrBnJY09V-3mJvgrY5SoiF12kcw4ljhe8TfD338KEmeryUlq-MYUTZqb54AIcKPS7pDr3zKoXonq-fdkX3vm0A6NQhCDXLyQM3sfl2Ui2NAQeXqANUoa5ue_GEj-t-PeyZMMFf/s320/4+associations+fr+presentationresources+-+net.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Months before the Credit Card Act of 2009 went into full effect this year, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skinny-Credit-Cards-Master-Card/dp/0981893546?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">credit card</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=0981893546" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> companies hiked the APR on millions of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Genuine-Leather-Zippered-Credit-Wallet/dp/B000Z40X5S?ie=UTF8&tag=caramelmd-77&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">cardholders</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=caramelmd-77&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B000Z40X5S" style="border: medium none ! important; margin: 0px ! important; padding: 0px ! important;" width="1" /> across the country. Now credit card companies can still raise cardholder's APR pretty much at will but it will only affect the future balance on the account, leaving the previous balance under the old APR. A small victory for cardholders, but it doesn't feel like much of a regulation in the long run.<br />
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<h1 id="artTitle"><a href="http://www.brighthub.com/money/personal-finance/articles/77075.aspx"><span style="font-size: small;">Credit Card APR Increases; Did the Credit Card Act of 2009 Make a Difference?</span></a></h1>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-65871022356779111462010-07-10T19:11:00.000-07:002010-07-10T19:11:12.727-07:00WORK ANXIETY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfKcSTlHGpIxgj_YFXV_AMW4eLiKGN10BV3-OusloMqRa67_AUuVhNmZJBbSRE0N59zFlfthcGxZl5x3_lFvrtLQCXnVHlr2kElW_JzcMWInjFaYuw__isoydozdRCF2HpR4qWZyYOgCJ/s1600/distilled+water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfKcSTlHGpIxgj_YFXV_AMW4eLiKGN10BV3-OusloMqRa67_AUuVhNmZJBbSRE0N59zFlfthcGxZl5x3_lFvrtLQCXnVHlr2kElW_JzcMWInjFaYuw__isoydozdRCF2HpR4qWZyYOgCJ/s320/distilled+water.jpg" /></a></div>Most people who have any type of work related anxiety typically have a 9 to 5 job at a brick and mortar establishment. However, a freelancer can have work related anxiety as well. I am experiencing it. <br />
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One of the places I freelance for pays ok, but the good part is they pay often. However, they expect a lot and the policies are so inconsistent that you can not be confident that each item you submit will be approved for payment. The people reviewing the work each have their own views about what your content should be and impose those views in their edits. As a result, I feel like it is a crap shoot for approval when I submit content.<br />
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This is why a feel axnious each time I attempt to write for this place. This month I really need to get over and get to writing for them because bills need to be paid dammit! Maybe admitting this anxiety will help me get it together. Or maybe I should create another strategy for dealing with this place. Let's see how writing the articles the same manner I would for any other client and then tweaking it for this specific client works? <br />
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Experiment is on. Pray for me all.<br />
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Geesh!<br />
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ETA: I don't edit my blog posts they are just raw how I feel at the moment, though I will spell check.ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-66511857606797376842010-02-25T05:40:00.000-08:002010-02-25T05:56:05.299-08:00The Winter Storm That Could?For the last few days the National Weather Service has reported of another <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-31530-New-Castle--Cecil-County-Examiner~y2010m2d24-Third-major-snowstorm-to-hit-Northern-Maryland-and-Delaware-this-month-from-February-24--26-2010">major winter storm</a> set to hit the Mid-Atlantic region Wednesday through Friday with today, Thursday seeing the brunt of it. Residents of Cecil County Maryland and New Castle County Delaware are waiting for this snow. Weather maps show the area covered in a pretty blue color that signifies snow in the area. I have to tell ya folks, this girl has only seen a few flurries so far.<br /><br />Weather the snow falls or not is not a big deal for me personally. I have to admit this winter has been quite profitable for me. Each time a <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-31530-New-Castle--Cecil-County-Examiner~y2010m2d23-Winter-storm-watch-for-Cecil-County-and-New-Castle-County">winter storm watch</a> or warning is issued for the area I write about it and publish it. I rake in revenue fairly quickly on account of it. I have to wonder... is this storm trying to make a <a href="http://www.examiner.com/x-31530-New-Castle--Cecil-County-Examiner~y2010m2d5-Winter-storm-prompts-Markell-and-OMalley-to-issue-States-of-Emergency-in-Delaware-and-Maryland">significant snowfall</a> only to find out the temperatures may be a little too warm for it? <br /><br />Right now it is 35 degrees in Elkton, Maryland with very fine precipitation falling. Some times a few flakes fall, but mostly just the liquid stuff. I have a funny image in my head of the snow being the Little Engine That Could, churning along saying, "I think I can! I think I can!" Dropping it's frosty pellets only to have them melt before they hit the ground. Poor little winter storm that could(n't).ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-49575792838934727972010-02-22T08:14:00.000-08:002010-02-22T08:31:55.417-08:00I Want My Spring Chicken Back!I hear people joke about not being a spring chicken anymore as they get older. This statement is true because as we get older, it seems things that were effortless in our teens and twenties require more energy in our thirties and beyond. However, I always had energy for dancing, even being a large woman, I could at least last three songs before I got seriously winded. <br /><br />This weekend I had an eighties moment listening to David Bowie's "Modern Love" that changed the status quo...<br /><br />As soon as I heard the song I couldn't help myself, I had to get up and dance. Half-way into the song I could no longer sing along with it! My breathing became labored and I was feeling tired. I kept dancing though I was thinking, "Girl, you better shape up!"ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-68832928904720737732009-12-29T17:05:00.001-08:002009-12-29T17:05:50.572-08:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI2MjEzNTAxNTk*NiZwdD*xMjYyMTM1MTA2NjUzJnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1kZjJkYzViODljMjc*MzJlODM5ODMzYzRkODFiZDU4OCZvZj*w.gif" /><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2536205/tylenol_arthritis_pain_100_count_with.html"><b>Tylenol Arthritis Pain 100 Count with EZ-Open Cap Recalled Nationwide</b></a><br>Tylenol extends the recall of their Tylenol Arthritis Pain 100 count EZ-Open Cap caplets to include all lots under UPC# 0045-0838-21 after new evidence has shown that the chemical 2,4,6-tribromoanisole is the cause for the contamination.<br><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2536205/tylenol_arthritis_pain_100_count_with.html">Read More</a>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6176160958171593523.post-46366582599558359912009-11-23T15:49:00.001-08:002009-11-23T15:49:27.045-08:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1OTAxOTk1OTM3NSZwdD*xMjU5MDIwMTM4NjA5JnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1kZjJkYzViODljMjc*MzJlODM5ODMzYzRkODFiZDU4OCZvZj*w.gif" /><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2413334/best_of_associated_content_christmas.html"><b>Best of Associated Content: Christmas Card and Holiday Card Exchange Ideas</b></a><br>Christmas homemade card and holiday card ideas from AC's Stacy Hensley, Pam Thomas, CJ Mathis, Maryanne Smith, Daniella Nicole, Susi Frock, Jenn C., Angie Marcum, Shawbelt, Linda Louise Johnson, Sheri Fresonke Harper, Elizabeth Valentine, ShawnTe Pierce.<br><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2413334/best_of_associated_content_christmas.html">Read More</a>ShawnTe Piercehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05388079244985338854noreply@blogger.com0