Woolworths closing for good.

I thought Woolworths was closed permanently. I was flabbergasted to learn that Woolworth's stores are currently in the UK. After reading the article posted on http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/22/europe/london.php, Woolworths announced that after unsuccessfully trying to find a buyer, it has to close its 807 stores leaving 27,000 people unemployed. The article also discusses Woolworths closing in the United States in 2001. But get this, they reinvented themselves as Footlocker! So long, Woolworths!

Govenor Rod Blagojevich corrupt?

It was an unpleasant surprise this morning to watch the news. Rod Blagojevich was arrested for trying to sell the Senate seat. He was quoted to have said that he needed ....around $300,000. This is unbeleiveable! I don't think he would ruin his career on such a dumb statement. Let me hear from you! Do you believe that the Govenor is that corrupt and stupid?

Suicide witnessed on the internet

My sympathy goes to the family of this young man who decided to take his own life while on the internet. A Bipolar college student decided to commit suicide on the internet while other internet users watched. Apparently, this 19 year-old reached an emotional low and wanted to end his life. The college student took a handful of pills and everyone watching via internet thought it was fake. Some of them were convincing him to take the pills. I think this could have been prevented had someone intervened that was watching via the internet. Do you think that there should be a law that in the event of an emergency viewers should be responsible for reporting such incidents? Why or Why not?

Racial Slur on receipt

I am totally flabbergasted about this report that was emailed to me. Apparently, a receipt with a racial slur printed on it was listed a reason for a return at a Kansas City store named "Journey's". Yeah, I know it is difficult to believe. But, watch this report and see for yourself. Outrageous!

> http://www.kmbc.com/video/17768384/index.html

Are you frugal?

I want to know tips you may want to share for surviving this bad economy. There has always been a must have in our family--beans, pasta, sugar, flour, eggs, cornmeal. With these ingredients you can always have your belly full. In addition, we clip coupons. What are your frugal tips?

Paid online survey information

Look at this new website for paid surveys. This site was recommended by a reputable source. The website is www.your2cents.com. Personally, I don't have any direct experience working with them, however, I will because I joined today! You should too! Supposedly, this company pays $1-$5 per survey. As always, I will keep you posted on other reputable paid online survey sites.

Yes we Can!

Congratualtions to President-elect Barack Obama! With overwhelming support from the youth, he cruised to victory! This election was not about an african-american president. It was about who was the best candidate and who could make the best decisions for our Country. Now let's truly become united as a country, with support and prayers for our next President Barack Obama!

Great Place to Visit on Halloween

On Halloween day, our family visited Navy Pier in Chicago. We had a great time! Among the crowd of ghouls and gobblins were Polyesian fire dancers, vampires on stilts, and a haunted house. Of course there was the Ferris Wheel, and other rides to enjoy. A great selection of restaurants for all. To top it off, there was fireworks! Great time had by all attendees! Next time plan to be at Navy Pier. P.S.: Christmas is a great time to visit Navy Pier too! I am looking forward

Legitmate work at home job

Need a little more information about making legitmate earnings at home? Then might I suggest working for a call center. You can apply for a position at Alpine Access at (http://www.alpineaccess.com/ ). There will be a pre-screening, then a test to take, they also have computer and equipment requirements. Afterwards, a background check is required. Alpine pays $9.00 per hour. Visit their website to get more information. Visit my website in the future, I will give information on other legimate work at home opportunities when you visit my website again.

American Consumer Opinion actually sends you a check for completing surveys. I have been a member for years and I love it! It's not like other online survey websites that only promises sweepstakes or gifts, every time you complete a survey. ACOP pays you cash, if you qualify for the survey. Just to clarify, clients of ACOP need people to survey that fit a certain criteria. For example, the client might request, an african american, making $30,000-$40,000 a year in the Detroit area. If you fall under that category, they will send you an email requesting you to complete the survey. ACOP will ask a few questions, then will notify you via email if you were selected to complete the survey. If you do qualify, you will be contacted to complete the survey. The questions are easy and you just have to give your honest opinion. How easy is that to make a few bucks? On average, I have been paid $4-$10 for completing 15-30 minute surveys. You do the math. Not bad! Sign-up! It's worth it!

Mind your manners

What happened to our manners? People are rude these days! Why can't we say "Excuse me" as we squeezed through narrow openings between people. What about saying "Thank you" when someone opens the door for you! Are we that stressed about our daily lives that we can't say "Thanks!" What do you think?

Making a few extra bucks.

These economic times require creative ways to earn money. Have you heard of being a "Mystery Shopper"? A Mystery shopper visits various restaurants, hotels, etc., to evaluate customer service. Thereafter, they must complete a report about the experience. Good deal. If you are going to these establishments anyway, why not earn money doing so. Granted you won't become a millionaire, however, $6-$10 for a report isn't bad. Sometimes they even pay for transportation costs. What about focus groups? I love them! All you have to do is give your honest opinion about a product or subject and earn $50-$200-CASH! Wow! Okay, I have non-believers check out www.focusgroups.com for a list of focus groups in your city. However, there are some restrictions. There are certain industries that can't partake in the focus studies-generally those in the advertising fields, or those who are in the field of the groups focus. If you have other money making suggestions, Keep me posted!

Should teachers receive higher salaries?

I can go on and on about educational issues. Do you think that teachers should have a monetary increase? Why or why not? Before you answer, think about the fact that in Illinois teachers have to take three tests in order to become certified. 1. Basic skills test 2. Content Area Test 3. APT test (test professional knowledge) Take into consideration that these tests can take up to five hours to complete. Is there another profession that requires this many tests? Moreover, teachers have six hours of sleep or less a day. It appears that a teacher's schedule has less working hours, however, it isn't less work. Sometimes teachers work beyond the required time regularly. There is much planning, research, revision in developing lessons for the upcoming weeks. Especially first year teachers that are trying to figure a feasible system that would make their teaching experience better. Some beginning teachers don't last five years! Ask yourselves why? Just like other professions, teachers would like to have an above average living for their accomplishments. What's wrong with that? Please let me know how you feel!

Venting about Unemployed Teachers

Isn't it ironic that there are claims for the need of new teachers, but there are too many qualified teachers that are unemployed? Oh-I'm not just writing about in Illinois, but the U.S. I read an article of another teacher venting her frustrations about being an unemployed teacher in New York. Even though there was an uncanny "Need for Teachers". This teacher and other teachers she knew were experiencing the same frustrations that I have in Illinois. How could this be happening in another state? If there is a need, why aren't they hiring? If you are a teacher or know of a teacher with the same concerns, please vent now!