Posts Tagged ‘politics’
Hello Friends and Happy Thankful Thursday
I recently read an article by my favorite financial advisor Michelle Singletary who is an author and Award Winning Nationally Syndicated Columnist for The Washington Post. She wrote about the case of former Virginia Governor Robert McDonnell and his wife, Maureen. Seems like they got themselves into trouble for taking gifts and loans in exchange for political favors. I know this isn’t anything new in politics but what I found to be interesting was the fact they, like so many others found themselves in dire financial straits, drowning in credit card debt trying to keep up appearances.
I am truly thankful for being thrifty and I always enjoy meeting others who are just as frugal if not more so. Being a thriftinista isn’t just in vogue it’s what keeps most of us out of the financial fire pit called credit card debt.
It’s not that I don’t understand the McDonnell’s predicament because I too have lived beyond my means and paid dearly for it. I’ll be the first to admit that my finances aren’t where they should be but I do know that if I want designer duds, I’ll find a consignment shop with a quickness. I paid less for this gown than I did for a full tank of gas (sorry this is a old cell phone pic).
Today in addition to being thankfully thrifty, I am thankful for my family, friends and of course my faith. I am also thankful to be participating in today’s Social Media Workshop sponsored by The Money School of Delaware, I can’t wait to tell you all about it.
Now it’s your turn, what are you most thankful for this week?
Stay Blessed – No Stress in 2014!
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“You Are My Sunshine…my only sunshine…you make me happy when skies are grey…”
Thank You The ObamaCrat.Com for nominating me for
I am not exactly sure when I first started following The ObamaCrat.Com, but do remember that it took several times of reading the blog before I hit the “FOLLOW” button. You know me, I like to keep things light and fun and politics can be heavy and depressing. However, since there are other topics of interest sprinkled in, it made for a well rounded read.
Thank you my dear Bloggy Friend for this award…the other award…and still yet another award that I have to accept – you are definitely keeping me true to my game!!!
The rules of acceptance are as follows:
- Include the award’s logo in a post or on your blog – CHECK
- Link to the person who nominated you – CHECK
- Answer 10 questions about yourself – THANKS FOR NOT ASKING ANY, SO I AM NOT ASKING EITHER!
- Nominate 10 bloggers – CHECK
- Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs, letting them know they have been nominated – CHECK
My 10 Nominees are (in no particular order):
- LifeStyleOver40
- BeWithUs
- Seyisandradavid
- Cindy Knoke
- OnStyleAction
- BeeTreeStudios
- Coily Locks
- Talking Experience
- Tough Cookie Mommy
- Stylentonic
Have a fantastical day – Smooches!
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On Sunday, a second book signing was held at The Java House Cafe in Middletown with local author, Jacqueline Charmane. Jacqueline’s book, “They Raped Me Once Over and Over Again“ is her fifth book and the first one not self-published. In addition to being an author, Jacqueline is a Christian Evangelist and a Comedian (Mother Maeye). As a student at The University of Delaware she received numerous awards and accolades and was even honored as “Most Likely to Succeed” but her dreams were turned into nightmares and she dropped out of school.
Jacqueline eventually returned to school and began working for the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia and while commuting on a train she met her rapist and father of her only son. Rejected she hid the truth and married her boyfriend who thought the child was his. This true story is of how her courage, determination and faith in God helped her survive an abusive marriage, kidnapping of her son, a divorce, depression, a mental breakdown and then the near death of her son.
They Raped Me Once Over and Over Again is not for the faint of heart, it’s a graphic real life account about the things men do to women and the things women do to survive, it will definitely change the way you think about life. Jacqueline’s other books are “A Journal of 52 Days To Your Prosperity“, “I Don’t Do “FRIEND” Marry Me or Be Alone”, “Satan’s Dirty Little Secret Is Out” and “Knowing and Possessing The Attributes of God”
For more information and signing dates, please go to www.jacquelinecharmane.com or call 302-357-4969.
Author Jacqueline Charmane
Mark, owner of The Java House Cafe introducing Jacqueline
Members of a local book club discussing upcoming events in Middletown
Listening in awe of Jacqueline’s life events
Jacqueline Charmane discussing “They Raped Me Once Over and Over Again”
My signed copy of “A Journal of 52 Days To Your Prosperity”
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The Java House Café in Middletown recently hosted two books signings for local authors. The first one was on Saturday with Richelle N. Rodgers, author of Forever Growing A Journey of Trust. This autobiography gives you insight into her life which is filled with joy and sadness as well as near death experiences by both she and her husband, but her strong faith and trust in God has given her more than the world has taken.
Richelle is Philadelphia native presently residing in Elkton, Maryland with her husband of 38 years and is a grandmother of triplets. Her passion for empowering others to be the best they can be in their relationship with God is prevalent throughout the book. As a Franchise Consultant in both the Museum and Insurance industries as well as an Independent Contractor for CCI, she has had the opportunity to travel outside of the United States including trips to Bosnia and Italy. Richelle is currently a Lay Prayer Associate and an Eucharistic Minister and Lector at her church.
Richelle has dedicated her life in helping others and as a Vietnam Vet is currently working on a Women Veteran Leadership Awards Symposium to be held in DC this fall.
It took 3 years of prayer and the encouragement from family and friends for this book to become the first in what I believe will be a successful career of an Inspirational author.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.” – Proverbs 3:5
Richelle and Small Business Owner Leon Brown
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JC Penney was the place to shop when I was in High School, but that was the late ’70’s, now most people think of JCP as a place to shop for bedroom slippers, nightgowns or bedding. So last month when I went to the Exton Mall and by chance walked through I was surprised by what I saw. Of course it was the $3/$5 and $10 clearance racks that initially caught my attention (remember this post) but as I looked around I was impressed by other areas including the lingerie, active wear, accessories, and jewelry departments. Since then I’ve read posts by other bloggers who have had similar experiences mostly positive, and that got me thinking about how we could collectively inform others of the changes at JCPenney.
Unfortunately, we have been reading about their struggle in attracting consumers, the disastrous marketing campaigns and the loss of value in their stocks. I have to admit that I personally don’t like the “us-vs-them” approach because it seems negative and negativity is too prevalent in today’s society. JCPenney was established in 1902, and is a company that should be able to weather this storm, I hope their new CEO can create a positive approach in attracting customers back into the stores.
To assist in this endeavor I am starting a #B4JCP Campaign – (Bloggers for JCPenney). This Facebook page and Twitter account will be a catalyst for bloggers to collectively showcase their fashion finds by posting pictures or just writing about their experiences in the store.
In my opinion JCPenney has evolved to become a more trendy and fashionable place to shop, the store’s layout is boutique-like, pleasant, and not intimidating regardless of your price point. The layout and flow is comfortable and inviting, not cramped or overwhelming and they have the latest fashions for everyone.
Friday a new line was introduced, Joe Fresh Clothing by Canadian designer Joe Mimran. There are high hopes that this will help turn JCPenney around, it may, however, I think the current in-store enhancements will assist in that endeavor – they just need to be discovered.
I look forward to reading your posts and seeing your outfits on the Bloggers4JCPenney Facebook page – have fun!
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On Thursday, Delaware Financial Literacy Institute (DFLI) celebrated “America Saves Week” with an Awards luncheon held at the Junior Achievement building in Wilmington. Board members, business owners, volunteers, and politicians were invited to attend in honoring Debra Forbes, RN, BSN, MS from Governor Bacon Health Center and Jim Godfrey, President/CEO of Consumer Credit Counseling Services of MD & DE, Inc.
The Honorable Robert Glen, State Bank Commissioner presented the awards and spoke about the First State Saving’s Bank At School programs. With each new branch opening the ribbon cutting ceremony includes entertaining plays that shows students the importance of saving money.
Debra Forbes was honored for creating onsite financial training programs. These United Way sponsored events are held during normal business hours making it convenient for attendees. Jim Godfrey was honored for partnering with The Money School in assisting consumers with debt reduction and credit counseling. Arming consumers with important financial tools has a positive impact on the community as a whole.
Kamysha Martin, representing Theatrical Fusion, presented a DVD entitled “Shopaholics”, designed upon the reality TV concept but with a twist. These free web based videos were created for teens and young adults to educate them about finances. As an introduction to the world of budgeting, debt management, smart spending, and debit vs credit card usage. Financial management is something that either parents or schools should teach but when it’s not, by the time they enter college it’s possibly too late, something I can personally relate to!
The unique concept of this program is that it gives the viewers the ability to choose the ending scene which is then played out accordingly. The DVD also featured Intervention classes as a follow up, these web based video can be seen here.
The Honorable Governor Jack Markell gave a brief history about The Money School of Delaware.
In 1999, The Money School launched it’s first 1 day conference with few attendees, but today has over 600 programs within the state of Delaware. Instructors are all volunteers, and a small staff of 6 operates the main office. Ronni Cohen, Executive Director of DFLI works diligently with the Governor to ensure the successful growth of these programs in the state.
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For months leading up to the election I had received emails requesting monetary donations, I have donated small amounts on several occasions. I’ve been asked to post to Facebook and Tweet OFA information; I have also complied. I’ve received emails containing songs and videos asking to pass them on to my contacts which I have also done. I had signed up and received emails requesting to donate my time volunteering at a phone bank or knocking on doors – which I had never done…at least not until yesterday.
I like many other supporters like to talk the talk but are hesitant when it comes to walking the walk. That all changed yesterday when I volunteered to Phone Bank for The President at the Democratic Headquarters in New Castle. I will admit that it wasn’t an email, tweet or post that convinced me; it was having a conversation and later meeting a wonderful lady, an Obama volunteer who offered her extra yard sign. When she called, I once again said I didn’t have a whole lot of time to volunteer because I lived in Delaware and worked in Pennsylvania and on weekends I had to blah…blah…blah…excuse…excuse…excuse. However, before I ended the conversation I was asked her if she knew where I could purchase an Obama 2012 Yard Sign. She told me that she had an extra and since she lived close I decided to stop by and purchase, but she gave it to me – FREE of charge.
That one simple act of kindness made me change my mind so yesterday I volunteered a few hours and made 123 calls to registered voters in Pennsylvania.
I along with 4 others sat in a room armed with a cell phone provided by the Committee, a Voter Contact Script, and List Sheets with the names and numbers of registered voters. I called and spoke to supporters or left messages thanking them for their previous support. To those that answered the phone, I asked if they had any questions, if they needed a ride to the poll and the approximate time that they would be voting.
Although we were given a written script to read and requested to keep our conversations short and polite there was the possibility of reaching someone who wanted to challenge. Fortunately I witnessed such a conversation when a fellow volunteer reached an uninformed and undecided voter. With each negative and incorrect statement she countered with the correct information in a polite, non-combative way. The conversation lasted about 10 minutes most of which I overheard and was mesmerized by his misinformation about the President and his opponent. However, her ability to counter with the correct information as well as providing him with the website to read was awesome. She was pretty much drained after that conversation but was rewarded when the next several callers she reached were overly enthusiastic, “Fired Up and Ready to Go”
The Democratic Headquarters housed volunteers for all the State’s democrats running for office or reelection. They provided us with free pizza, water, soft drinks, cookies, crackers and candy but I was filled with was a sense of accomplishment as well as meeting some great people with the same goal – to get President Barack Hussein Obama reelected – 4 more 4 44!!
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