The Best Is Yet To Come!

Wordless Wednesday: Merry Christmas!

Caffeine Substitute: Cafix All Natural Instant Beverage

In my last post about caffeine substitutes or coffee alternatives, I gave a positive review of Kaffree Roma. I had purchased several brands, and I have tried all but one. Next up in my reviewing of substitutes for coffee is Cafix All Natural Instant Beverage.

My 50th Post!

(By photostock)

Chicory As An Alternative To Coffee: Natural Touch Kaffree Roma Review

Chicory has been shown to be a great alternative to coffee. For those of us who want to drink coffee, but can no longer. chicory may work. I believe I have found a few alternatives. All of them contain chicory.

Reading Round Up Week of 11/28/11

To all my U.S. readers, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. I hope you didn't get trampled on Black Friday, and are shopping with ease on this Cyber Monday. Every one from other parts of the world, I hope you had a great weekend, too!

What Gives, Fox?!

Lactose Intolerant & Miss Yogurt? Try Greek Yogurt

TV Shows Still On My List

This TV season has been keeping me glued to my set. I have several favorites, and a couple of iffy ones. Yes, The New Girl is iffy on my list. Don't be shocked. Even though it's only three episodes in, my favorite character is Winston. The adorkable Zooey Deschanel has not won me over. I decided to watch it online, and just stick with Ringer. So what are my faves? Watch out I will spoil some things.

Reading Round Up Week of 10/28/11

One of my jobs as a social media advocate is to read a lot of blogs. I also stumble and have RSS feeds so I've decided to post about the ones that meant a lot to me on a weekly (keep your fingers crossed) basis.

I Noticed This Too! Is Natural Hair Finally In?

Makes No Sense! Frenemy Series Part Three

 renjith krishnan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Herman Cain, I Choose You!

(Imageby b9)

I didn't watch the debate, or any of them. I was hoping that Sarah Palin would run, because with the thousands of political ads coming soon on the horizon, her extremely laughable blurbs would have been a joy to endure. Sadly, she only has reality TV in her sights.

McDonald's Is Doing Us In!

I'm minding my own yesterday when I saw an article that said the young people of India were choosing McDonald's to eat, and were getting fat. People of India hear my plea: don't be like us!

Free $2 MP3 Credit From Amazon!

Yesterday I learned that Amazon was offering $2 MP3 credit. They also offered this over the summer, so it's legitimate. I've already used up mine. Here's how to get yours.

Fall TV Season - Premiere Week

Let me start off with the biggies (at least to this blog). Did you enjoy The New Girl? Are you anxiously waiting to see how the cast change will affect the new show? Did you like it? Do you think Morris will add or detract? I have a clip (yes, spoilers) after the jump.

Quotes, Quotes, And More Quotes

So I'm on StumbleUpon, stumbling across the Internet. And what I find is I like a lot of humorous things and quotes. I have such a huge thing for quotes.

2011 TV Season Is Upon Us!

So . . .

Did you see Ringer? I did. I missed the premiere of Parenthood and Up All Night, thanks to falling asleep early both nights. Despite seeing ads for Parenthood, I wasn't expecting it to air this week. I guess I should have paid attention. Well, the premiere is up on hulu so I watched it. Poor Alex. More after the jump including spoilers!

Caffeine Substitutes: Yogi Ginseng Tea & Teecino-Coffee Alternative

As I stated in a previous post, I am on the lookout for alternatives to my need for caffeine and love of coffee. Caffeine is detrimental to my health, but I love coffee and green tea. 

Store Loyalty or Why Even Walmart Can't Count On Me

I remember in the 1980s there were cola wars and burger wars. While these type of wars still do exist, I just cannot see being loyal over an entire lifetime happening these days. If those days are not done, they are close to being over.

In my twenties, I would go to Target before I went anywhere else. Nowadays, I follow the sale. If I know that I can get something cheaper at Walmart or Dollar General, I go there.

And even Walmart is not the end all to be all store. I went this week for a cut watermelon deal, but it must be only at a supercenter because cut watermelon wasn't to be found at this particular store. Their personal-sized watermelons were going for $3.48. I found one at a local farmer's stand for $3.

Even my other low-priced store, Meijer, is sometimes forgotten when there are bargains to be had elsewhere. Meijer has had peaches and plums on sale since June. The price has held steady at $1 a pound, but it was cheaper. Next summer, I won't be buying my peaches and plums from Meijer. Meijer has nice-sized fruit, probably the biggest anywhere, but it wasn't the sweetest. Imagine my surprise, when this small peach, bought a local farmer's stand for $1.29 per pound, was the sweetest I've had all summer. I can't wait to taste the watermelon! I guess I'll be supporting my local farmer! And I have two to choose from all summer and fall long! Let's not forget Farmers Markets, too!

The brands aren't loyal to the customers so customers are no longer loyal to brands or stores. Price is one of the factors, but it's not the only one. Sometimes it's location, and customer service. Sometimes it's political reasons. Shocking, but true. I was a huge fan of Target, but I've since stopped buying clothes from there, and followed that with electronics and video games, and now food.

With the economy not sure if it wants to rebound or tank further, I have to watch my dollars. And doing that means letting go of brand or store loyalty. I cannot afford it. It saddens me a little, but getting a great price cheers me right back up.

Healthiness Is The Way To Go!

I love coffee. I love chocolate. There are very few cakes I will pass on. The way to get me to do anything is to offer food, and most assuredly, cake or a pastry. You want brownie points with me, feed me! You want me to sing your praises, feed me and give me money!

Don't Waste Time! aka Using The Internet To Your Advantage

"There is a certain elegance in wasting time. Any fool can waste money, but when you waste time you waste what is priceless."  -- Maugham, W. Somerset. Ashenden: Or the British Agent.

Logitech LX 710: I Can't Stand You!

Have you ever had to deal with something that was a pathetic piece of crap, but you continued using it because you couldn't afford to replace it? That is how I feel about the Logitech LX 710. It is a  wireless keyboard and mouse combo. I absolutely abhor them.

Declawing and L'oven Fresh Bread Have My Knickers In A Twist!

Watching my local news today, and they air a story about a man who adopted two cute kittens. Newsworthy, no? This man was asked if he was going to have them declawed, and he said no. In the trial agreement, it stated there was to be no declawing. He did it anyway. The organization took them away.

The New Girl: Cast Change?

So, world, how are you liking The New Girl? Do you think Damon Wayans, Jr. should have broke his contract on Happy Endings and stayed? Do you like the word "adorkable?"

I cannot tell you how many times I have been bombarded with upcoming promos for the new TV season. Probably equal to you, if you watch TV. I have no sound card, so my old but hangin' in there analog TV has been on blast for most of the day. Well, yesterday, I watched a promo for The New Girl, which I decided was cute and quirky so it's on my list to watch this season, anyway, I noticed at the end that the African American who is usually there had been replaced. Shocked, I was.

Just Ignore Me. Nothing to See Here.

Did You Know Eating Healthy Costs More Than Junk Food?

Really this should be a surprise to no one, except perhaps those who don't shop for themselves. And it astounds me this is going on. Now at least there are reports that back this phenomenon.

Matt Damon, Wow! And Other Random Things

I was watching a clip yesterday where Matt Damon took on a reporter and cameraman at the Save Our Schools rally in Washington, D.C. All I can say is I think Reason TV should have sent a better reporter. It's not that I don't agree with their ideology (because I don't but I will defend their right to exist), it's just she was unable to get herself out of the hole she buried herself in. And the cameraman, well, he would have had a good point if he had left out the percentage.

If I Give You Money, It's Not Free!

I decided that in the midst of my redecorating, I would finally get my free eight cups of Jif To Go.

Free Sample Series: More Free Stuff!

I have decided to make it a series. Maybe once a week or twice a month, I will talk about what I have received. I've gotten quite a bit of stuff over the past two years. See this post for more info. This past week, I got these goodies: Honey Nut Cheerios and Miracle Whip.

True Frenemy Series: Part Two- Really, No, Really?!

I get some of the reasons. I do. But you are actually part of the problem. No, you really are.

Random Entertainment Post

So I have seen commercials for a bunch of the new shows coming this fall. I think this summer I have watched mostly four channels: NBC, CBS, Fox, and the CW. Now for the CW, I usually watch Supernatural and Smallville. But I also am watching the usual evening fare of The Simpsons, and How I Met Your Mother. What am I looking forward to for the fall? The Big Bang Theory in syndication on my CW affiliate. I was happy because it's on my CW affiliate and not on the other local stations.

Amazing Kid!

I think I do pretty well taking care of myself. I choose fruit over candy. I choose nuts over chips. I exercise for 45 minutes three times a week. I might not be losing weight, but I'm definitely maintaining and I am not gaining.

When I was ten, I think my focus was on summer, getting some jelly shoes, spending my summer in Mississippi and not Houston, where I was. At ten, I focused on making sure my rival never got better grades than I. I had my crush on an eighth grader. But I most certainly was not thinking about what this boy was doing.

Little C.J. is my hero. He is doing things most kids his age and mine aren't even thinking of. Go kid!

Read more here.

and Happy 93rd birthday to Nelson Mandela. Another of my heroes.

Boyz N The Hood Memories

Earlier this week, I read an article at The Root about the film Boyz N 'The Hood. It basically updated me on what the cast has been up to since the film's release. We all know what Larr, er, Laurence Fishburne, Ice Cube, Regina King, Morris Chestnut, Angela Bassett and Cuba Gooding, Jr. have been up to. If you don't might I suggest you check out IMDB? But it covers a few of the others in the cast. I was shocked that two of the cast members had died. Wow. Read up on it here.

It is funny how that time has flown by. My friends and I had an extremely eventful night 20 years ago. We saw the movie at a midnight showing, which we had not planned on seeing so late, but it was out of our hands. In addition to the movie, we encountered guns and chaos. All five of us are very blessed to be alive, and it most definitely was a night three of us will never forget. I sent a text letting them know Boyz N The Hood came out 20 years ago, and the three of us recalled all of our events. All I have to say is McDonald's and Bob Evans, and we are right there again, cracking up.

Do you remember what you did when you saw Boyz N The Hood?

Why, Netflix, Why?!

I ended my Netflix account two weeks ago. I had the unlimited one-dvd mailed a month and the unlimited streaming. As most Netflix users would tell you, the streaming was offered for free along with the mailing. This will not be so come September 1st.

Are Emails and Phone Calls Out-Dated?

I remember when emailing was brand new. I got started in 1997, but it had been around a decent time before then. For the first couple of years, it was pretty quiet. I emailed at work between co-workers and bosses. I remember when learning how to email using MS Outlook, during class, after we set up our accounts, my classmates and I tuned out the teacher and emailed each other. I had also included a co-worker through bcc, and she told me she got over 50 emails in that hour I was in class.

By 1999, old friends had email addresses and current friends were also given work email addresses, and it was on and poppin.' I bombarded people with emails, and I got slammed with forwards. Also in the 1990s, I found out about this place called the Internet, and began to use it for work, too. Funny how most companies won't allow its usage anymore.

About 2001, I basically told everybody I would not forward any forwards, and the amount of email I received dropped by 50%. If you received an email from me, it was personal or work-related. To this day, I still cannot stand forwards. I am getting them now by text; I hate them. I digress. I've read a lot of people feel the same way. According to my local Fox affiliate, it's dead. I figure it is still going strong at companies, but as for personal, no. And I've read conflicting reports, but all reports point to the way people use email has changed. For the younger generation, there is Facebook, Twitter, and text messaging. I find myself still doing both. I text a lot, but with certain friends, I email. And I don't think that is going to change for me.

My hate relationship with the phone goes back to my childhood. One friend was able to get me on the phone talking, but I prefer you send me a text or an email. Otherwise, I did not answer. I screened calls. I don't anymore because no one calls me. Don't pity me. I want it that way. Only my job calls, and that is how I want it. Send me a text. According to the New York Times, people feel the same way. Sometimes you just don't want to be disturbed. I will listen to any messages left. But a lot of people do not leave messages. That says to me, you really did not want anything other than to say hi. Texting makes things easier, especially if you are just meeting up with friends, or want to chat but do not want to have a long conversation. Sometimes you just do not have time for that but you want to feel connected and you don't want the other person to think you are ignoring them. You could be, but they don't need to know that. Quick and to the point is the way to go.

I Love Free Stuff!

Well, what is better than a low price? Free Stuff! I read an article about 18 months ago about cutting back expenses. The writer had decided that she could not bear with not being able to purchase makeup, so she searched for free stuff. And boy, did she find it. I checked out all of the websites she found. I don't remember any of them.

On my own, I found Sample A Day. I began clicking websites and submitting my address. Six to eight weeks later, I had my first sample. So far, I've gotten free Emergen-C packets, Purex, Yogi Tea, lots of hair shampoo and conditioner, Smuckers Snak'n Waffles and a bunch of coupons. Someone in my household got a holiday card that I got for free and it shipped free, thanks to a tip from Mama Cheaps.

Don't get me wrong, there are a bunch of misses. I'm still waiting on a T-shirt from Bacardi. And yo, Ellen, where's my free cat food from Halo? And since I don't have Facebook, I miss out on a lot. But it is still worth it.

Just last week I got two free MP3s thanks to a code for $2. And Amazon has a ton of free music on its website. I don't have a Kindle, but thanks to the e-reader, I have over a dozen free e-books. And I am not talking free chapters, I am talking full-sized books. The minus is my public domain collection is much larger than my new fiction, but I do have a decent amount of still alive authors in my repertoire. Not to be outdone, Sony's e-reader also allows me to read books on the computer, and offers a decent selection of public domain and new authors. As a matter of fact, if it wasn't for free books for GRE prep, I would not have been able to impress the Kaplan interviewer with how much I knew about the company. It was not enough for me to get the job, but I think I gave a pretty decent overview.

I have gotten very little free food. And surprisingly enough, Target and Walmart have a free samples section, and that has garnered me several jewels, including Cheetos. And just today I signed up for Panera Bread's new card, and I have to pick up my card and then get a free pastry.

I've joined several websites for free stuff, and what I have learned is they all have basically the same offerings. When I went on a major search for birthday freebies, I found some decent pickings, but few panned out. Cold Stone Creamery used to give away a free creation, but they stopped that this year. A lot of them are now buy one get one free. That's not really a bargain.

I love free stuff, and the two places I've linked above have a a great amount, but again, they usually say the same thing. If you know of any places that offer free stuff, let me know.

7/12/11 UPDATE: Okay, so I was trying to see if Google had added this blog yet, and I hit the motherlode: Hey Its Free!  Yeah, um, they have a different set of samples, it seems. While there is some overlapping, Hey It's Free finds a decent amount that makes them stand out and I am not talking the local deals they find. Check 'em out, yo!

Jon Stewart For President!

About a month ago, I was having a conversation about Jon Stewart with an acquaintance. I basically said that he is a comedian, and yet I find him more credible than most news reporters, left or right. I watched in amusement as Fox News condemned the Obamas for having rapper Common for dinner at the White House. I think it was Poetry night or something. Really, Fox Channel, Common? One of the most tamest rappers out nowadays? I could understand Lil' Wayne. I could understand Ice-T. I can even understand Chuck D. But Common? I digress.

When Stewart and O'Reilly had their debate, Stewart pointed out that a lot of recent presidents, the Republicans included, had invited artists to the White House who had made songs condemning governmental policies and questionable acts, and Stewart basically told the Fox Channel that they were all morons. Truthfully, there were other points to be made, but O'Reilly went after Common's lyrics, so Stewart pulled out the big guns, and called the man a hypocrite, well, without using the word hypocrite. If Stewart and his research department could get that information then so could O'Reilly and his research department. And I know some people wonder why he chose that angle. Because it's the best way to incite its viewers.

Another part of my conversation was to remind my acquaintance that just because he and I know that Common is not some thuggish ruggish rapper, mainstream America does not. They only know what they hear in the news. The Fox News Channel is guilty of perpetuating myths, lies, and inciting its viewers to spread misinformation. Why? Ratings.

Jon Stewart, bless his heart, repeatedly punches holes in all of their tomfoolery. I believe the man spends 40 minutes of his show on the idiocy that reigns supreme over at Fox. And Fox loves to have him on debating with his anchors and hosts. Why? Ratings. Stewart's followers follow him everywhere so Fox shows' ratings go up. His own show consistently thrashes his news competition. He's a comedian.

Stewart was recently interviewed by Chris Wallace. He basically reiterated my thoughts to my acquaintance. "I’m given credibility in this world because of the disappointment the public has in what the news media does." He's a comedian. I cannot reiterate that enough. I should be able to find credible news on CNN or MSNBC if not Fox. But all of them seem to have one thing on their minds: ratings. And instead of doing the research, I get lies and half-truths. My local news is no different. The amount of nonsensical drudge I get from them is astounding. Instead of just the facts, I have reporters hounding politicians and local business owners, while not telling me anything; and doctors handing me doom and gloom about every malady they can think of, but yet I already know. Why? Ratings. Even the weather forecasts miss the mark. What happened to objectivity? Edward Murrow would be turning over in his grave if he saw the shenanigans going on.

If this country wants to continue its trend of letting the inmates run the asylum, then by golly, I nominate Jon Stewart for President. And do not get me started on the public. It seems people like to be misinformed, and certain channels want to keep it that way. Instead of attention being on Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his wife's questionable associations, it's on former congressman Weiner and his inability to understand what it means to be in public service. And speaking of him, it brings me back to Stewart and his presidential run. He knows how to shuck and jive like the rest of them. Since he and Weiner are friends, he did not go on the attack like he typically does, and that is pretty much how I see the presidency. Hard on some things, soft on others. I'm ending this now, but I just want you to watch the video of the Chis Wallace - Jon Stewart interview.




Laters.

Update: June 28, 2011: He was right!
Here's The Proof

First Ever Entertainment Post!

Sigh. I am about to be vague for a few moments, and only two people I know will have any idea of what I am referring to. I have a gig. I have to come up with something and others follow through with it. I could do the something myself, but I preferred to be the gate keeper. And until yesterday, everything was peachy. The person who followed through, in my opinion, did a poor job. So you get this blog because this is how I would do it.

A the Typist Picks the Summer Movies You Should See (And She Won't)

Back in the day, when a movie came out, I saw it. The summer of 1991, I saw every number one movie, if not the Friday of its release, then that Saturday. I was a film connoisseur. My friends and I would get together and go. Sometime in the mid-1990s, I lost that crew of friends and I stopped going to all the movies. By 2001, I no longer saw first-run movies. The last movie I saw in a movie theater was Blades of Glory with Will Ferrell and the kid who played Napoleon Dynamite. I say all that to say you can take what I recommend with a grain of salt, but at least my list is up-to-date.

Summer 2011 movies has a lot going for them. There has to be a movie for everyone being released this summer. (Every report on summer movies must say that line.) As I watch through the trailers and also see what my fellow journalists have written, I have come up with my list of movies I believe you should see. Me? I am not paying that price for a movie. I can wait until it comes on broadcast TV.

1. Thor

If you have not done so, please head to the theaters to Thor. I saw a clip where Thor was in the emergency room, and he basically beat up everyone he came in contact with and they were trying to help him. My non-listening friend enjoyed it so much, he wanted to take me to see it. Here's the trailer:

2. X-Men: First Class

Yes, I have heard the reviews, but I have actually heard from non-critics that it did not disappoint. I think if you are an X-Men fan, you should see it.  Everyone else, if you are unfamiliar with comics and the films, don't. Be like me, and wait until it's released on DVD.

3. Transformers: Dark of the Moon

It looks intriguing. I really enjoyed the first one, and the second one was okay, so yeah, go see it. Plus, it has Shia LeBeouf. And cars that transform and proceed to destroy one another. And it has Optimus Prime. And Bumblebee.

(I may actually pay the price for this one).

4. Horrible Bosses

Every workers' fantasy. That right there would be a good reason to see it. And the clips are funny. It also has Jason Bateman.

6. Smurfs

I won't lie. This is a nostalgia pick. But a good one to drag all the godkids (or in your case, the kids). Of course, I won't. That would be too costly. And what if they mess up my beloved characters like M. Night Shyamalan messed up The Last Airbender. Seriously, M. Night, who is Ung?! Okay. Let's not get started on that. That is for another post and I am not calmed down enough to write a coherent post, so not yet. Feh. Judge for yourself.

Honorable Mentions - Bad Teacher with Cameron Diaz looks interesting. It has both Justin Timberlake and Jason Segel.
Cars 2 gives the kids something to watch. If I were to take my three youngest godkids, they would be happy and I would get brownie points.
Cowboys & Aliens has a stellar cast, and most of the time, Harrison Ford delivers.

And that is how you cover summer movies. You mention movies that are released in the summer. At the earliest, May. Never April.

My Sentiments Exactly!

I know it's gearing up. After all, there was a debate a couple of nights ago. I am just not looking forward to the 2012 Presidential elections. I am just not. Each side will do its best to bury the other side. The only somewhat good thing to come out of a Republican in the White House will be the Tea Party people will calm down and shut up. Yeah, I know they won't but it could happen.

With Donald Trump leading the way, I knew we would be in for a lousy 17 months. He sensibly bowed out. I like to think it is because he knew he would lose, but who knows what went through his head. And the next person soon filled his void. I knew she was coming. She had been quiet for a little while. But I just knew she would soon rear her head. And now, Sarah Palin is putting on the full strip-tease.

Of course, polls show she doesn't have a snowball's chance of winning, but common sense aint common. Then she has a pizza date with Donald Trump. At first, I thought she's working her way back. Then emails from the past come out. But you know what? Let her come out. And by golly, Palin run!

Yep, let the grizzly run if she wants to. And please Republican party, make her your choice. Please guarantee a second term for Obama by choosing Palin. McClain and his cronies made the erroneous choice of choosing her as his v.p. running mate thinking she equaled Hilary Clinton (Really? No, really?!), so I'm sure the Elephants will think she can beat him just because the Tea Party likes her. (Yes, I know the Republican Party are trying to distance themselves from that group, but they have consistently showed lapses of judgment in the past so if the Tea Party runs hot again, the Republicans will surely hitch their bandwagon to them again).

While I am just not ready for the sordid race to come, I feel just like stopthemadness over at Angry Black Lady Chronicles. I am just a bit more polite about my dislike. stopthemadness' point about Sarah Palin and her ilk, however, is just on point. And it saddens me. I cannot help but think "how the mighty has fallen." Not Sarah mind you. She's never been mighty to me. She is the main reason I voted for Obama, despite my misgivings.

I would end on the saying "common sense would say" but I've found that it's not common. How about the inmates are running the asylum?! Yeah, that works.

Laters.

Got Nuthin' But Luv 4 Ya, Baby! Yeah, whatevah.

Last week, my friend gave me a gift card to Target for my birthday. I was thrilled, because I loved Target. In the 1990s, Target was my go-to for everything. My friend and I would go in to buy lotion, and come out with lotion, deodorant, snacks, toilet tissue, and whatever else we found on sale or thought a bargain.

My money situation is unbelievably tight, and I went to Target with the hopes of getting some snacks for my "work" lunches. I got some much needed toiletries, too. But as I walked the aisles filled with food, certain items caught my eye, but they were too expensive. I found some things on sale, and was absolutely shocked that I had spent most of my gift card. I think I got four items.

What happened to Target? Over the years, while I did not make a lot of impulse purchases, Target was still thought of fondly. I cannot say I feel the same now. Just two-three years ago, I thought their Haagen-Daazs ice cream was priced decently, so I figure the change must be recently. Although at the same time, I vowed to stop buying clothes there. I am not huge, but hello, the clothes did not fit properly even when I went up a size! I live where people will drive for miles for the bargain, and if I wasn't conserving gas, and it wasn't a gift card, I would have driven to Walmart.

It saddens me, but I will probably only shop for things on sale (and never clothes!) at Target from now on. It's still in my Top Ten of favorite places to shop, if only for sentimental reasons. But it has dropped way out of the Top Five. And no, Walmart is not number one. Walmart has iffy practices, and as long as no one in my area can't beat their prices, I will have to shop there. But if I was a middle class girl, no, I would probably still shop there, because I need to be an heiress (so not gonna happen) to change my frugal ways.

P.S. Friends, family, gift cards from Walmart or Meijer or dollar stores, please.

Really Great Lip Moisturizer!

For years, I have struggled with keeping my lips moisturized. And as usual, I used Chapstick, among many other choices.  It frustrated me to no end to have cracked lips that would split and bleed. When I started wearing lipstick, it changed nothing. I would have to put on some moisturizer before the lipstick.

I've tried mostly everything. I found shea butter and cocoa butter worked, but those moisturizers only gained prominence this century. I gained a lot of success using Avon products. Chapstick helped, too. But each lasted for a short while; at the most, six or seven hours.

I switched to Vaseline, and that helped tremendously, but last fall, Rite Aid had a sale. Several brands of lip moisturizers were on sale, including Chapstick and Nivea. Since I was extremely familiar with Chapstick, I purchased a brand named LipSyl.

I tried the LipSyl that night. It tingled almost to the point of burning. That worried me, but I had only paid $1 so I was not that upset, plus I had a drawer full of product that had not worked. I had another lip product that burned every time I put it on, but not as badly. The tingling faded after about ten seconds. When I woke up the next day, however, my lips were still feeling moisturized. I did not put the LipSyl to a full test, but it had been more than seven hours and one eaten breakfast before I needed more moisturizer. I sit here today with moisturized lips after applying more than ten hours ago. After the first application going that well, I hightailed it back to Rite Aid since the sale was still on. Sadly, all that was left were the Chapstick. I went to another Rite Aid. I bought two plus the Nivea. I left one, feeling generous.

The only downside to LipSyl is I can not use it as a prep for my lipstick. But it helps in other ways so I'm not all that upset. LipSyl works. It lasts long. And definitely worth the price and I am talking full price. I give it a 4 out of five. LipSyl Official Website

Since Many Of Us Are Still Here

I am not going to discuss May 21st. At least not here. This is a random posting. I read an article of how Americans do not take vacations or long vacations, and that is correct. At one job, I took a total of eight days off, and two of those were sick days. I had worked 15 months there. They gave me six days my first year, and I had two weeks the next year, but I just did not take all of those days. They already had issues covering me for lunch and breaks, I can only imagine what would have happened if I took off one week.

Now on another job, I had five weeks' paid time off. I always disappeared in the month of December. So, did everybody else in my department. I miss that industry. I don't think federally-mandated paid time off will work here. While most places offer a week or two, they frown when it's used or it becomes troublesome to work around. However, people need it and it helps them deal with job stress and also all-around stress, but it won't happen in my lifetime. And if it did, I'll probably be retired.

I hope to write at least ten posts this month, and I only got four to go. See? Random.

Read People!

I typically don't like to write about politics, but I've done that on here. I also don't want to talk or debate about religion, either. But the madness that this Camping fellow is spouting just upsets me. All of this is just foolishness.

You are going to have to Google everything yourself because I am not going to give him any more hits. Harold Camping is a pain, but you know what really vexes my spirit? His followers. I find that people will believe just about anything. There are several key events that must be fulfilled that have not been completed. Then there's Jesus saying that "No man knows the day or hour." (Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32) Seriously, how do you miss that? This could all be avoided if they would just read their bible. Read it from Genesis to Revelation. Oh, and it is not Revelations. Just Revelation. Don't even get me started on that misspelling.

I can understand that a bible verse might hold different meanings for each individual, but how do you dismiss that?! Trying to predict the end times has been going on since Christ left, so if it happens tomorrow, it happens. And I most certainly will be very upset if I don't go. Despite how much his followers vex my spirit, I am concerned about them. Some have given up all of their worldly possessions (Camping has not, by the way). They have cut off contact with their loved ones. If they are all here on May 22nd, I am praying for them and will continue to do so. Because that is faith-shattering news.  I would delve much more deeply, but this is supposed to be a simple blog to discuss reviews and products and some news. I will leave my proselytizing for my other blog.

True Frenemy! Part One

Is it just me? It's seems that places of employment are behaving like a frenemy. For some odd reason, you hang around this person, but both of you are cruel and hateful to each other. Not a healthy situation.

I read a news report that the EEOC is looking into discrimination against the unemployed. I have never seen the employment ad that stated "the unemployed need not apply." I don't want to see that ever. But if some company has done that, then why? You are not a part of the solution, but a part of the problem. People used to joke back in the day that the job situation was bleak. And when I say back in the day, I mean the 1980s and 1990s. I have never seen a more bleak situation than what I see now, and it's not funny. And if you think I'm kidding, I've found articles because I really could not believe this was happening:

Discrimination Against the Unemployed?
Disturbing Job Ads: 'The Unemployed Will Not Be Considered'
New Bill Bans Discrimination Against Unemployed

In addition to businesses laying off people left and right, and the government having to bailout the auto industry and banks, there are companies allegedly discriminating against the unemployed. As I continue to seek a more permanent position, I've understood that most places hire the unemployed first. And now was not the time to job hop, but if this is going on, then what is a worker to do? Company loyalty is probably at a very low point, but instead of raising morale and creating loyal workers, companies are antagonizing its workforce.

I spoke yesterday with an employee who was doing managerial work, but no pay increase. I saw management's side, in that they needed another level of management but could not afford to pay any extra, but I also saw her side because to the naked eye there was no real benefit to doing her job. And she was not the only one. I have held this conversation or something like it with a lot of people. Having been in that position on both sides, I knew what it felt like to have no hope on a dead-end job, and what happens when you reward someone for hard work. There are times when these things just don't make sense. Doesn't happy workers mean higher productivity? Maybe it really is just me.

I feel this is going to be a series, because this is not the only thing going on in this companies vs. workers fight.

But Is It Necessary?

I will probably go a little more in depth about products and not just give reviews and such. This post is not about a certain product or a certain company or organization. I just have been perplexed about a phenomenon that has probably been going on since before I was born, but I have only recently had to deal with it.

Like a lot of people, there are times when I choose to purchase a product via the phone. I call and place my order and after I place my order, I am asked about several other items. Most times, I say no, but there are times I will say yes. My first gripe about purchasing over the phone or by catalog/Internet, why is the quality so bad? I was so surprised about the satin, silks and other fabric of my Victoria's Secret purchase that I never purchased from there again. I just could not fathom how satin and silk could be bad. I still can't wrap my mind around it. But what got me is how many "new" items the customer service rep would try and push off on me. I patiently (though my patience did grow thinner by the second) would say no, and then hurriedly got off the phone. I had experienced my first upsells. I was not amused.

It was not until I became that customer service rep that I realized that most companies were disconnected from their customers. If I hate upselling, then there are others like me. As the customer service rep, I found I was not alone. I do wonder how many people dislike upsells, but I cannot provide a figure. As of today, May 15th, I shill for no one. But tomorrow may not be the case.

No matter how many calls I got, I always had to spend a large amount of minutes talking through the upsells. I understand the additional products, but when we got to the excess stuff, both I and my customer were ready for it to be over. And herein lies the disconnect: if 90% of my customers hated the upsells, then why continue them? Are they really pulling in that much profit? And knowing that the customer is annoyed and frustrated, why continue pushing? I could not stop, unless the customer threatened to cancel the whole order. And then there was the wordplay. I would very carefully read it, not for the company's sake, but for the customer, because the wordplay would change, and your no should have been a yes. Is it necessary? No. Well, it is necessary for the company to stay in business, but at what cost?

I often thought the best way around it was to order online. This view did not change until a few months ago. I usually like to do a post-mortem on assignments, jobs, basically any work I did. I just want to know where my strengths and weaknesses are. So, when I went over this, I realized that if I did make a purchase from an infomercial or catalog, I would listen to the upsells. I do it not for the company but for their worker. Most are working from home, and a lot of times the money they make is by the minute and very little. And I still have all of my mental wits about me, and I also have the ability to ask questions (in these instances, never be afraid to ask them to repeat everything they just said), so I can sit there and let them say what they need to make the sell. I came to love that phone call when I worked. I wasn't the best at that style of customer service, so it would take me 30 minutes to get through the call. I was new to the style, and I wanted to take my time so everything was understood. The company I worked for, did everything in 30-minute shifts. So that one phone call most often covered my whole shift when I could only get a half-hour. And that meant a lot to me. If it meant that much to me, it would mean the same to someone else, especially in these times. So, I'll sit through your upsells. You can thank me later. I will still order online, but when the fancy tickles me, I will sit through a phone call. I haven't done that much lately because my wants rarely outweigh my needs.

Social Networking Allure

There are many times when I sincerely wonder about my age. And there are days that I don't. Now, I can waste time like everyone else, and just wander across the Internet for hours. But you won't see me land on any of the most popular places.

When I wander for hours, I feel like I'm really young because according to society, I should have better things to do. I should be putting kids to bed except I don't have kids. I should be making my husband a sandwich except I don't have one of those, either. I should read a book. Um, hello? I am reading on the Internet. I know things I shouldn't know. I've seen things that now can't be unseen. Before I only saw and read stuff in English. Not anymore. I can't say the same for people my age, even among people in my circle.

But when it comes to social networking, I'm very old. Do I think it's for the youth of today and tomorrow? Maybe. I just don't want to join the big ones. I came close by joining one, but then my world shifted again, and now, I can not be bothered to keep the profile. And with me being me, I should be all over Facebook or Myspace. I have my reasons. but I just pooh-poohed the idea.

With Facebook and Google feuding, and Myspace becoming a pervert's wet dream, I can't see myself joining as me anytime soon. I can if I want my books to sale. And perhaps this is why I don't join. Social networks are more for the advertisers and businesses that prowl for new customers than for reconnecting or staying in touch. My friends used to taunt me with who they found or spoke with on Facebook, but they've been very quiet for months. Maybe they've spoken with them all, or the newness has worn off. It happens. And without even joining the major ones, I've already been approached by my past. And that got old real quick.

Personally, I like the new. I can not tell you how many times I have been talking about things to friends, and they have given me such a blank or bored look. But when I find communities online with the same love I have, and a stranger writes this really long post, and I understand what they are saying perfectly, and I tell them so. And we began a conversation. It's just a nice feeling. I feel like I'm going to go off on a tangent so let me pull it back. Reconnecting is fun and dandy, but I would rather create new memories with new people. I know social networking can be all that and much more, but it's just not my thing.

New Topic To Discuss

Was last week as eventful for you as it was for me? Oh, first things first. I do not like talking about politics, but there are times I feel that I must. I promise to never write more than 800-1,000 words on any one political topic, and will try not to rant, and be open-minded when comments disagree with my posting.

That being said, last week was just eventful. It started Sunday afternoon, and culminated Tuesday afternoon for me. Last Sunday, I read that President Obama zinged the birthers and Tea Party people. He opened his speech with "Good evening, my fellow Americans." So, I quickly clicked on the video, and watched. The joy I felt after his speech was done, was very much needed in my life. I relished in it. The zings came fast and furious.

Obama's best quote: (At Donald Trump)  "So he can focus [on] real issues at hand facing America, like ‘Did we really land on the moon?’ ‘What really happened in Roswell?’ And, ‘Where are Biggie and Tupac?’"

He was just on point and on fire. And if I knew how he was going to end the day, I would have focused more on the news sites versus what I usually do Sunday afternoons and evenings. After he did that, I knew I had to watch Seth Meyers. Seth Meyers did not disappoint. I laughed until I cried. So, already in a good mood, I did what I normally do. Before bed, I turned on the television to watch reruns of Numb3rs and Criminal Minds, and saw the news alert. Needless to say, I was happy that Osama bin Laden had been caught and executed. And evil man had met his end. Before I went to bed, I wondered why people were gathering outside the White House.

Monday, I saw the celebrations and the communities I follow were overjoyed. I was happy for those people. I was happy that bin Laden was brought down during the Obama administration. Despite the justice and the celebration (for those who lost someone on 9/11 or lost someone during attacks ordered by Al Qaeda, you are well within your right to do the happy dance over his death), I was feeling a tad perturbed. It could have been at myself or it could have been at all those celebrating.

Tuesday afternoon, I had made my decision and it will probably be confusing. First and foremost, to all those who think Al Qaeda is done, the fighting is over and the return to life as you know it pre-9/11, it aint over. Pull your head out from the clouds; take off those rose-colored glasses; remove your head from under that rock, do whatever it is you need to do to learn more. This is not over. That old adage of "cut off the head, and the body will fall" or whatever it is, does not apply. We are dealing with a new type of enemy, and pre-9/11 is gone. Let it go. Deal with the now, and prepare yourselves.

Those of you celebrating because you were drunk or you needed a release, no. We looked just like those who celebrated the death of innocents on 9/11. Only those who truly lost on that day or lost at the hands of Al Qaeda should have been out celebrating. The thing is I get that celebrating was in order (even by drunk revelers and college students in need of a release). A man who changed and/or destroyed the lives of countless citizens of the world was executed. An evil was cut down. And I know that no matter if everyone had gathered and prayed and then sang "Kumbaya," it is not going to change how we are viewed by people who hate us. So, I am ambivalent about the reaction, but the mass murderer was brought down during the Obama administration. Kudos to the Navy Seals who did their job.

Yogi Tea Review

I like tea. I could drink tea all the time. I've been searching for a wider variety of teas, particularly those with cinnamon or apple flavors, and I found Yogi Tea. I sent away for a free sample. I received the Himalayan Apple Spice tea. Then I saw a box at Big Lots so I bought it. I tried it and loved it. It had a great taste and the aftertaste wasn't bad at all. Cinnamon was a key ingredient, but the other spices blended well. I also love the little "fortune cookie" messages on the tea bags, too.

I bought a couple more varieties, and I tried the Joint Support formula. It was okay, and I had planned to drink it every other day to see if I could feel the benefits. I purchased one for stomach ailments and indigestion, but I have not had any problems arise that I would need to drink the tea. However, I soon realized that caffeine, along with chocolate, was wreaking havoc with my system. And out of the three varieties I had purchased, two of them had caffeine. My tea consumption has been dramatically reduced, and I have three boxes of Yogi tea that now sit in my cupboards unused, one of which I would only drink if I was having stomach issues. I have not totally given up tea with caffeine or chocolate or my ultimate favorite, coffee, but when I do consume it, Yogi tea is not high on my list. I have since checked in a local store to see if other flavors were caffeine free, and they do exist, but they weren't a flavor I would drink.

I give Yogi teas  3.5 out of 5. A lot of their flavors are good, and depending on where you look, the price is fine (Big Lots and Meijer), but for those who need to stay away from caffeine, be sure to check the box first. And for those who use artificial sweetener, please be aware that some varieties have been sweetened with stevia leaf; not enough for my sweet tooth, though.

Official Yogi Tea Website

My First Review

I have dry hair and skin. It's to the point that my skin will crack if I don't use lotion or some type of oil. When I find a product that works well, I tend to buy it in bulk. This past winter was rough. My go-to lotion failed on a regular basis. I didn't use my second go-to choice, but instead chose the very limited Suave with Shea Butter. *Note to self: Just because it has shea butter in it does not mean it will work.

Since my tried-and-true failed, I've been looking at the more expensive brands. Now, typically, my first stop would be Carol's Daughter. And then my search would end there, but the company seems to have gotten away from the wide variety they use to have. And that's okay because I have an issue now.

With my hair always parched, I needed great moisturizers, and Carol's Daughter usually delivers. I love their Tui Oil. Their Hair Balm is great too. Lisa's Elixer has an exceptionally strong smell. The Hair Milk works well on wet hair, but probably decent on chemically straightened hair, but not so well on pressed hair. I have these products in my bathroom right now. I use them a lot. Here's the problem. The packaging for Lisa's Elixer and the Tui Oil fail epically. I am actually in the market for containers to hold the oils.

It saddens me that after all this time, and I have been a fan since at least 2002, Carol's Daughter has not improved in that aspect. I like that I can drive to my nearest Macy's and find products there, but they don't have a lot of unscented products. I am okay with that, because their body moisturizers are that good. They could be my go-to lotion or part of my second phase, but of course, they would clash with my perfume.

The hair oils and balms just need a different container. I find myself having to clean the container, my sink, and the surrounding shelf after each use. It spills horrifically. Once I find other containers, this problem would be solved, but for the price, it may not be worth it. Carol's Daughter has a lot of great deals, but you have to catch them.

I give Carol's Daugher a 3.5 out of 5. Products are great, but the price and packaging detracts from a great experience. Check them out: Carol's Daughter

Hello World!

I've got a lot to say. I will probably post about a lot of things, but probably reviews of products and services, and also about how things are affecting me personally. So, hello, everyone, and let's be good to one another!