Is it possible to live in a world where you can read your daily hometown newspaper while simultaneously receiving Twitter updates to your Blackberry?
All signs are pointing to no.
The one that hits closest to home for me is the announcement that The Flint Journal, in Flint, Michigan is going from a seven day a week daily newspaper, to a three day a week paper, with offsite printing. Not only has my dad been reading The Flint Journal everyday since he was a teenager, but my mom worked there for 30 years, working her way up to become the first female Classified Sales Manager the paper had seen, before retiring about two years ago. My mom spent all of her working years since the age of 18 at that paper, poured her heart and soul into it, and even played a large role in the papers re-design six years ago. She made the decision to accept a buy-out in 2008, unlike many of her colleagues who are being laid off or taking massive pay-cuts after today's news.
I truly believe the downfall of daily newspapers has been inevitable for a while now. I don't think the poor state of the economy did much to influence this, other than making it happen sooner, rather than a few more years down the road. It's only logic: Why would people pay for something they can get for free in a matter of seconds? And that's just what The Flint Journal and other daily papers are encouraging their readers to do. Go to Mlive.com and get the news. People are spending time on social networking sites and interacting with their news. You can not only read an article online, but leave a comment and participate in a discussion with hundreds and sometimes thousands of other readers with opinions. You can get news from around the world, as it's happening, not affected by deadlines, press times and available reporters. You can get everything you need and twenty blog posts to go along with it.
The failing of daily newspapers makes perfect sense...but seeing my dad belly-up to the computer after work just isn't the same as seeing him kicked-back in the La-Z-Boy with the good old Flint Journal and a cup of coffee.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Marc Jacobs Sunglasses and March Madness=Spring is here!
I have worn my FAVORITE Marc Jacobs sunglasses the past 5 days. There are 74 basketball games at one time and, to me, that means it's officially spring. No weatherman or grocery-store small-talker needs to tell me twice. Here's why I know...
1. I almost got killed by a psycho biker on the lakefront path while taking a liesurely jog today.
2. Three words: MARC JACOBS SUNGLASSES.
3. I am in last place in just about every NCAA tournament bracket I'm in. (Guess I need another idea for making millions).
4. I actually want to venture out to experience nightlife again. Coming out of hibernation is a great thing.
5. I listened to Country music for nearly my entire drive from Michigan to Chicago last night. You might want to make fun of me. But really, how can Kenny Chesney not bring about beautiful thoughts of fruity drinks and sun-tanned toes?
6.Bf Eric is wearing his gorgeous bright blue Lacoste polo...same color as his eyes. So glad it's back in his wardrobe rotation.
What are your "now it's really spring" moments?
1. I almost got killed by a psycho biker on the lakefront path while taking a liesurely jog today.
2. Three words: MARC JACOBS SUNGLASSES.
3. I am in last place in just about every NCAA tournament bracket I'm in. (Guess I need another idea for making millions).
4. I actually want to venture out to experience nightlife again. Coming out of hibernation is a great thing.
5. I listened to Country music for nearly my entire drive from Michigan to Chicago last night. You might want to make fun of me. But really, how can Kenny Chesney not bring about beautiful thoughts of fruity drinks and sun-tanned toes?
6.Bf Eric is wearing his gorgeous bright blue Lacoste polo...same color as his eyes. So glad it's back in his wardrobe rotation.
What are your "now it's really spring" moments?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
FAT TUESDAY...and what I'm giving up for lent.
I'm done with fat. I had a fat week and a fat weekend. I was totally over "fat" (starting yesterday) so my Fat Tuesday wasn't fat at all. I had a good 60 minute cardio and strength workout, small portions, lots of veggies, lots of protein, and a delicious apple. I'm in a great mindset to do some big things for lent. I contemplated giving up cheese...of course, every good Catholic girl should be able to give up cheese for 40 days and 40 nights. I thought about chocolate...but I don't eat much chocolate and it wouldn't be much of a struggle. So, with a few hours left to decide, here's what I'm thinking I could do to sacrifice for five weeks and five days.
1. NO RED MEAT...You have to give it up on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during lent, this way I don't have to think about it, or clog my arteries.
2. NO CHOCOLATE...This will wipe out some desert options, always a good thing with a couple of vacations coming up!
3. NO ALCOHOL except WINE...If I want a drink it has to be wine, and limited to 2 glasses.
4. 6-A-WEEK Workouts...I often do this, but I want to put it in writing.
5. I am going to share ONE GENUINE COMPLIMENT with someone each day. It has to be meaningful, and it can't be "I like your sweater." LAME.
And since I'm home in Michigan and discussing these things with my parents:
My dad is going to stop eating out of the cereal box at night...it's an annoying habit and now that I'm spending more time at home, that will be a welcomed change.
My mom is going to read from The Bible each day during lent.
Do you give up things, even if you aren't Catholic? What have you decided to live without for the next 40 days? I'm rooting for us all!
1. NO RED MEAT...You have to give it up on Ash Wednesday and every Friday during lent, this way I don't have to think about it, or clog my arteries.
2. NO CHOCOLATE...This will wipe out some desert options, always a good thing with a couple of vacations coming up!
3. NO ALCOHOL except WINE...If I want a drink it has to be wine, and limited to 2 glasses.
4. 6-A-WEEK Workouts...I often do this, but I want to put it in writing.
5. I am going to share ONE GENUINE COMPLIMENT with someone each day. It has to be meaningful, and it can't be "I like your sweater." LAME.
And since I'm home in Michigan and discussing these things with my parents:
My dad is going to stop eating out of the cereal box at night...it's an annoying habit and now that I'm spending more time at home, that will be a welcomed change.
My mom is going to read from The Bible each day during lent.
Do you give up things, even if you aren't Catholic? What have you decided to live without for the next 40 days? I'm rooting for us all!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
What makes you feel lucky?
No matter what is going on with the economy, lay-offs or toxic peanut butter...we all have things to be grateful for. Things that make you feel just plain lucky. If I wanted to I could probably whine and moan about money, cancer, eating too much Valentine's Day chocolate for an entire week, or a HORRIBLE "boss" who uses verbal abuse to cover for her own lack of brain power...but there's no point. I am a lucky girl.
Full disclosure: I am unaware of how long this list will turn out to be.
Here are some of the things that make me feel luckiest.
1. My family. I have a perfect and supportive mom, hilarious and involved dad, and a caring and brilliant younger brother. Not too mention loving grandparents, aunts and uncles more like friends, and cousins who are great like siblings.
2. I have best friends from elementary, middle and high school, college friends and new ones here in Chicago. I love each and every one of them very much and I'm so proud of all that everyone is accomplishing. (Doctor, Teachers, Chemist, PR, Investment Banking, HR....talented group!)
3. I have a workout obsession-yes this is very lucky!
4. My roomates make me giggle uncontrollably sometimes.
5. My boyfriend is the most caring, loving, reliable, thoughtful, helpful, entertaining, neat-freak of a person I have ever encountered. Woohooo.
6. I don't have fat ankles.
7. I can write good e-mail. Can be sweet or very very nasty, but well-written, either way.
8. I have learned the value of family, happiness and living life with every ounce of your heart...no matter what! I feel bad for people who don't realize the power of living life this way until it's too late.
9. My daydreams. They are powerful and very realistic. I can go from munching on a string cheese to laying on a white sand beach with a pina colada or buying a Gucci purse without a care in the world within a second. The mind is a powerful tool.
10. I live within a block from Jamba Juice, Panera Bread, PotBelly, Walgreen's, GNC, a grocery store, the bus that takes me to the gym, three sushi places, Border's, T.J. Maxx, Noodle's and Co., and a movie theater. How's that for location, location, location?
11. My comfortable bed. Not only do I get to sleep in it...but these days I get to do my work from it too.
12. My "everything will be ok" attitude. If I didn't have it...I might be insane by now.
13. My mom's lasagna, pancakes, chicken and dumplings, pumpkin pie....could go on all day.
14. Eric's mom owns a hair salon and teaches classes at a gym. Free cuts and colors and workouts. FREE. Enough said.
That's enough for now. Please share...what makes you feel lucky? List just one thing or 30. I'd love to know!
Full disclosure: I am unaware of how long this list will turn out to be.
Here are some of the things that make me feel luckiest.
1. My family. I have a perfect and supportive mom, hilarious and involved dad, and a caring and brilliant younger brother. Not too mention loving grandparents, aunts and uncles more like friends, and cousins who are great like siblings.
2. I have best friends from elementary, middle and high school, college friends and new ones here in Chicago. I love each and every one of them very much and I'm so proud of all that everyone is accomplishing. (Doctor, Teachers, Chemist, PR, Investment Banking, HR....talented group!)
3. I have a workout obsession-yes this is very lucky!
4. My roomates make me giggle uncontrollably sometimes.
5. My boyfriend is the most caring, loving, reliable, thoughtful, helpful, entertaining, neat-freak of a person I have ever encountered. Woohooo.
6. I don't have fat ankles.
7. I can write good e-mail. Can be sweet or very very nasty, but well-written, either way.
8. I have learned the value of family, happiness and living life with every ounce of your heart...no matter what! I feel bad for people who don't realize the power of living life this way until it's too late.
9. My daydreams. They are powerful and very realistic. I can go from munching on a string cheese to laying on a white sand beach with a pina colada or buying a Gucci purse without a care in the world within a second. The mind is a powerful tool.
10. I live within a block from Jamba Juice, Panera Bread, PotBelly, Walgreen's, GNC, a grocery store, the bus that takes me to the gym, three sushi places, Border's, T.J. Maxx, Noodle's and Co., and a movie theater. How's that for location, location, location?
11. My comfortable bed. Not only do I get to sleep in it...but these days I get to do my work from it too.
12. My "everything will be ok" attitude. If I didn't have it...I might be insane by now.
13. My mom's lasagna, pancakes, chicken and dumplings, pumpkin pie....could go on all day.
14. Eric's mom owns a hair salon and teaches classes at a gym. Free cuts and colors and workouts. FREE. Enough said.
That's enough for now. Please share...what makes you feel lucky? List just one thing or 30. I'd love to know!
I'm addicted to a pair of unflattering pants
They are part legging, part sweatpant, part spandex. Their only saving grace is their color: black. Well, they are black except for the shiny gold lettering across the butt that reads: "LOVE PINK". They are tight in all the wrong places, but can become rather baggy, depending on how many times I wear them before they see the washing machine.
True confession: I wear them at least once a day. It's not my fault though. I don't have much reason to get dressed up these days unless 1. It's the one day a week I actually have to go to the office or 2. I'm going out for a night on the town-which can't happen that often anymore because of number 1. (Employed one day a week, plus writing from home=no funds to take my butt out of the leggings to go out and treat myself to a nice dinner and a few drinks).
It's not that I haven't tried to wear other things. I've tried my gray Old Navy sweats. Too roomy. My pink and white plaid pajama pants. Too frumpy. Black yoga pants. Not comfy. Just a robe. Too daring. Jeans. Too constricting. No matter what I do, I always put on the black "LOVE PINK" wonders before settling in to do my writing, job searching, Facebooking, Oprah watching, wine drinking...you name it, I wear them.
I dig them out of the bottom of the dirty clothes if need be. I am going home for the weekend this Friday and I've already designated my special pants as my "comfy for the ride home" pants, my "pj" pants, my "after shower until I get dressed pants," and my "oh well no need to get dressed now, we aren't going anywhere pants."
Don't judge me until you've sat an hour in these pants, MY pants. I can't believe I almost didn't buy them that fateful after work shopping day at Victoria's Secret.
What's your one article of clothing you just can't give up on? An old t-shirt? A nasty pair of socks? (Another confession: I have a pink/melon colored scarf I have convinced myself goes with ANYTHING!...It doesn't.)
True confession: I wear them at least once a day. It's not my fault though. I don't have much reason to get dressed up these days unless 1. It's the one day a week I actually have to go to the office or 2. I'm going out for a night on the town-which can't happen that often anymore because of number 1. (Employed one day a week, plus writing from home=no funds to take my butt out of the leggings to go out and treat myself to a nice dinner and a few drinks).
It's not that I haven't tried to wear other things. I've tried my gray Old Navy sweats. Too roomy. My pink and white plaid pajama pants. Too frumpy. Black yoga pants. Not comfy. Just a robe. Too daring. Jeans. Too constricting. No matter what I do, I always put on the black "LOVE PINK" wonders before settling in to do my writing, job searching, Facebooking, Oprah watching, wine drinking...you name it, I wear them.
I dig them out of the bottom of the dirty clothes if need be. I am going home for the weekend this Friday and I've already designated my special pants as my "comfy for the ride home" pants, my "pj" pants, my "after shower until I get dressed pants," and my "oh well no need to get dressed now, we aren't going anywhere pants."
Don't judge me until you've sat an hour in these pants, MY pants. I can't believe I almost didn't buy them that fateful after work shopping day at Victoria's Secret.
What's your one article of clothing you just can't give up on? An old t-shirt? A nasty pair of socks? (Another confession: I have a pink/melon colored scarf I have convinced myself goes with ANYTHING!...It doesn't.)
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