Audacious Auto Correct

I am vividly aware that more and more people in this country are becoming lazy.  How am I coming to this conclusion?  From the simple fact the like the old Staples commercials, we are constantly looking for an "easy" button.

Case in point, when I was in high school back in 1999 (old, I know), our computers did not have the luxury of the auto correct option.  If you made a mistake when typing, you needed to proof read the material yourself and then make the necessary changes.  Granted, I believe that I was lucky enough to have spell check, but that was it.  You were held responsible for knowing what you were trying to say and for properly typing these thoughts onto the computer.

Flash forward to 2013 and you have the invention of the auto correct feature.  While this can be helpful at times, I find it to be more of a hindrance.  The program does not recognize many proper names, so it tries to fill the name in with a similar name.  Not good!  Furthermore, it makes the writer even more cautious about hitting the "send" button because the entire message can come out as gibberish.

Take this portion of an e-mail that my mom sent me from her smart phone:

"Just leaving Target.  I wad bad again.  I made some poor woman on her cellphone uncomfortable.  She wad talking with someone about what they did last high, wink, wink and I needed something intent aisle!"

Yikes!!  I soon called my mom to see if she was okay as this message was almost undecipherable.   The message should have read:

"Just leaving Target.  I WAS bad again.  I made some poor woman on her cellphone uncomfortable.  She WAS talking with someone about what they did last NIGHT, wink, wink and I needed something IN THAT aisle!"

My mom soon vented her frustrations with auto correct.  She stated that she had to spend most of her time entering words into the program's dictionary so that it would not keep changing words on her.  So, for all you texting fiends, you may want to think twice about sending messages versus just picking up the phone and calling your friend.  Your message may be better received and understood.

Crafty Clinique

Below is the text of an e-mail that I recently sent to the Clinique company.  Ladies, if you are experiencing these same issues, SPEAK OUT!  Our voices need to be heard.



 To:  Clinique

I am very disturbed by the most recent actions of the Clinique company. I have been a loyal customer for 14 years. However, I was horrified to discover on a recent visit to Macy's that Clinique had changed all of their foundation compacts.

My color pale no longer exists. I have now been deemed as alabaster. Why would Clinique make such a change without first alerting the customer? I am constantly receiving fliers in the mail about color events and free gift items, but when my makeup is completely changed, I receive no notice whatsoever.

Furthermore, when I purchased my new compact, I was shocked that the price had skyrocketed from $27.00 to $33.00. Why did the price increase? The makeup is still the exact same type and the compact itself is not bejeweled or ornate in any fashion. I do not understand why I should have to pay more for the same product.

Also, I have discovered that I do not receive as much makeup in the new compacts as I did in the old version. So, I am going through more compacts than I used to. One compact used to last me two months. Now, it barely lasts two weeks. I hope that Clinique is not trying to swindle its customers by providing less product at an increased price.

Finally, and the most agitating concern yet, every store seems to continually be out of the color that I need. Today, I went to Dillard's and was told that they were out of stock. I then went to Macy's and received the same answer. This problem never occurred with my previous foundation color. I questioned a Macy's staff member and she checked all of the stores in the greater St. Louis area and was I again was told that all stores were out of stock. How can this be possible from a billion dollar company?

The staff member then told me that Clinique had not anticipated the demand of the new product. What did the company expect? Clinique is not offering the traditional colors in addition to the new colors. The old colors no longer exist. Clinique has replaced each color with another. The demand for the product should not have changed in regards to current Clinique customers. I should not have to waste money on gas to drive around to various locations to see if my product is in stock. I also should not have to pay an increased price by ordering from the Clinique website.

In conclusion, I feel that Clinique is being very thoughtless with its customers and ungrateful for the customers longstanding patronage. Since I suffer from adult acne, it is hard to find products that will not adversely affect my skin, however, I feel that I have no choice but to search for a cosmetic company that truly cares about its customers.

Phantom Females

As the daughter of our town's E.S.D.A. Coordinator, I have always been intrigued by ham radio.  My father (and elmer) has been a ham for about 40 years.  He actually received his license when he was in high school!

After studying for three weeks, I went to take the ham test.  I was very discouraged to see that I was the only girl in the room.  However, I was treated like a queen by the group that was hosting the test.  They seemed excited to have a female in their midst. 

Upon receiving my Technician license, I eagerly awaited the Tuesday night ARES net (which my dad happens to be the Net Control of).  Again, I was saddened to hear but a few female voices.  Over time, I noticed that the female hams rarely checked in to the net.  I wondered why these women who worked so hard to achieve their licenses would not want to take advantage of all that ham radio has to offer.

I hope that women are being encouraged to be active hams.  Whether they join a club or simply make contacts, females are providing a fresh voice and perspective to the hobby.  So, ladies, do not be shy!  Proudly check in with your call sign.  You have earned it!

Troubling Television

While reading a magazine, I discovered something wonderful.  Ben Savage and Danielle Fishel, of "Boy Meets World" fame, will be returning to television with the debut of a new show, "Girl Meets World."  This show picks up where BMW left off.  We catch up with the married Cory and Topanga who have a daughter.  We will then follow the hilarious and heartbreaking moments that their child faces while growing up.

Someone had commented on Pintrest that the creation of this show "restores their faith in television."  I have to agree.  I remember rushing home after school to watch the classics, "Family Matters," "Full House" and of course, "Boy Meets World."  These shows were staples of my childhood.  I have since bought every season that has been re-released to DVD.  Still, it seems that these shows are that of a dying breed.  People do not want to see heartwarming stories that are inlaid with morals.  Instead, audiences want murder, sex, scandal, etc.  Things that we see every day on the news.  Why would people want to watch these things in their spare time when it is actually happening in the world?

I am one of the few cave women that has refused to purchase cable television.  First, I do not feel that I should have to pay to watch t.v.  Secondly, there is nothing worth watching (except "The Big Bang Theory, of course).  I hate scary movies and I am not a fan of blood.  I also do not care to see people having sex (I thought this was deemed as "porn?").  I miss the days of wholesome programming.  Even though I am 28 years old, I absolutely love "Bewitched" and "The Mr. Ed Show."  The jokes never get old no matter how many times I watch the episodes.  And I always feel happy afterward.

Nowadays, I find that the characters on most shows are not relatable.  I do not live in a mansion, own a yacht or take exotic trips like the beloved "Housewives" franchise.  I do not agree with teen moms becoming famous for having poor moral standards.  But, I could relate to the characters on "Family Matters." We have all had an Urkel in our lives at some point.  The wisdom of Danny Tanner often echoed the words of my own parents.  And I actually grew up right along with Cory as he navigated his way through high school and dating.

While the number of adult rated shows still remains high, I am very excited that at least one show will be bringing back the much needed moral lessons and lovable characters.  Now I will have to find someone with cable to TVO the shows for me...     

Corruptive Connections

I must say that I was absolutely outraged by a conversation that I heard today.  Some ladies were talking about their children being in college.  One was mentioning how nervous her child was about starting her college journey.  Another spoke of how hard her child had worked to earn an R.A. position.  But what the third woman said took the cake.

This woman said, "Well, my daughter is going to be an R.A. her junior and senior year."  The other women asked how she knew this.  She offered, "We are related to someone who works at the college.  And she/he said that they will let her work with her/him to get her master's for free, too.  It's great to have connections."

I am sorry.  This is the point where I absolutely lost it inside.  Why should this woman's daughter get a free college education because of someone she knows?  I was taught that hard work would be the key to success, only to find out more and more that all of the chances to do something amazing are going to people who are not even working for it.  They are simply HANDED the education, job, etc. 

I will not stand on my soap box and throw a pity party shouting, "Not fair!"  What I will say is this, what about those who are struggling to attend college?  What about those students who cannot afford a college education, but desperately want one?  This girl will be stealing their opportunity and she won't even bat an eye.  She will think that she is entitled to this.  Why?  Because that is the narcissistic society that people are being raised in today.

And I thought these so called "connections" are actually deemed as nepotism.  Isn't nepotism ethically wrong?  Someone is being favored merely because of who they are related to.  We cannot choose who our family is.  Not all of us can have the lifestyle of Paris Hilton.  So, why should we be punished for this?

I truly hope that this type of behavior will stop.  It makes me absolutely sick to think of how hard I worked in school just to have a great opportunity like this be given to someone who didn't even have to try.  Still, I am proud of the accomplishments that I have achieved ON MY OWN. 

Career Chameleon

Some people are blessed to know exactly what they want to do with their life.  I am lucky enough to be one of those people.  I knew from very early on that I wanted to be a writer.  Not necessarily a famous, world renowned author who is sought after.  Rather, just an author who makes a positive impact on the world around her.  Someone to give a voice to those that have none.  That was my lofty dream.  And still is.

Some people are blessed to know exactly what they want to do with their life.  I am lucky enough to be one of those people.  I knew from very early on that I wanted to be a writer.  Not necessarily a famous, world renowned author who is sought after.  Rather, just an author who makes a positive impact on the world around her.  Someone to give a voice to those that have none.  That was my lofty dream.  And still is.

I was further encouraged to follow this dream when I won a Young Author's Award in 1994 and again in 1997.  It was clear that the profession for me was journalism.  After finishing my Associate in Arts degree at SWIC, I headed off to SIUE to major in Mass Communications:  Print Journalism.  I was told by my counselor at the time that it was a "great field to get into."  I later won the Outstanding Journalism Student Award in 2006. 

Upon graduating in 2007, I thought that my dream job would begin.  I would soon be writing for a newspaper and telling the stories that I always loved to tell (and write).  Only, I found out that most newspapers were going digital.  Then, the economy went south.  Newspapers were not interested in hiring new reporters.  They were desperately clinging on to the established reporters that they already had.  I was not going to get my chance to use my talents and skills in the ways that I had hoped.

I should mention that I briefly worked as an Editor for two newspapers.  However, the pay was less than desirable and no health benefits were offered.  Not a good combination for an engaged college graduate.  I needed a job that would provide for me (and my soon-to-be husband) financially.  That is when I became a career chameleon.

Soon, I found myself applying for jobs that had nothing to do with my actual degree.  Openings for administrative assistants and secretaries seemed to be the next logical step for me.  I figured that I could at least use my proof reading and editing skills.  When no responses came, I then began to apply for every and anything I could get my hands on, even if I just met one of the qualifications.

I am not so foolish (or narcissistic) to think that I am the only one in this position.  There are hundreds of freshly graduated students as well as established professionals that are still searching for THE job.  I do not expect to be handed my dream job.  I am fully prepared to work for it.  In fact, that's what I was preparing myself for while in school.  That's why I EARNED the 3.8 GPA and the honor of graduating Suma Cum Laude.  But, I find that people are now going back to school to "go where the jobs are." 

No one should have to deny the skills and talents that they were born with in order to fit in to some sort of career mold.  We should not have to completely give up on our dreams and attempt to be something that we are not.  While a chameleon is quite content to change its skin, I am not.  So, I will continue to follow my dream, no matter how frustrating the journey may be. 

Choosy Charity

Every year, I am reminded of how much I hate the color pink.  About four months before the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, my TV is bombarded with commercials for the event.  Pink clothing of all kinds is on display everywhere I turn.  I cannot even turn on my radio without hearing at least five commercials about the race.  And in case I am able to tune out all of the noise, a large billboard has been placed in St. Louis to remind me.

Do I support breast cancer research?  Of course I do!  Am I happy that the event has hundreds of cancer survivors in its presence?  Most definitely.  My issue lies within how much exposure is given to this one event when there are many events held in St. Louis to help those with other forms of cancer and non-curable diseases.

Perhaps the most staggering fact that I discovered is that Nancy Brinker, the Susan G. Komen group’s founder and CEO, earns $684,000 a year.  In fact, she just received a 64% raise.  This seems incredibly unjust to me.  My mother is a teacher and she does not make a fraction of that salary.  And my mother is teaching children to read, write and other skills that her students will need and use in everyday life.  Still, Ms. Brinker is receiving this large salary to hold one race once a year.  I’m sure that there is extensive planning that goes into the event, however, I have noticed something on the backs of the pink race t-shirts:  sponsor names.  This means that the Susan G. Komen fund is not forced to raise the money needed for the event on its own.  These sponsors are providing food, clothing and other items aside from funding.

It seems that businesses and companies cannot wait to receive exposure from donating to the large event.  However, what about other events held to honor cancer survivors?  For the past two years, I have been a team captain for the Light the Night Walk held by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  This walk honors those that have cancer of the blood.  While the event has a rather large crowd, there is hardly any exposure.  There are no TV commercials, no on-air time at a radio station.  There is one billboard.  That is it.  Our small, but mighty group relies on word of mouth and LLS’s website to generate awareness.  Both years, not a single television crew has come out to report on the event. 

In late September, the Purple Stride walk is held at Forest Park.  This walk honors those that have pancreatic cancer.  This event gets the least publicity of all.  Still, we walk every year in hopes that people will take notice and help support the cause.

 In October, the Step out Walk is hosted by the St. Louis Chapter of the American Diabetes Association.  While the teams are numerous, our public importance is not.  If you blink, you will miss the turn off for the small park that the walk is held in.

The people that spearhead each of these events do not make the staggering sum of $684,000 a year.  In fact, most of the staff and sponsors are volunteering their time and talents to make each walk a success.  I would like to believe that our leaders truly care about the cause and the people affected by these diseases.

So, why is the Susan G. Komen event THE event in terms of cancer walks?    Why does it receive so much publicity and funding when other cancer walks receive practically none?  Do we as human beings, only concern ourselves with cancer that alters our outward appearance?  Have we become so shallow that we are only funding cancer cures that will keep women’s breasts intact?  In the meantime, funds are desperately needed for crucial research for pancreatic cancer, leukemia and lymphomas and diabetes.

I refuse to believe that my Grandmother’s Mantel Cell Lymphoma is less important than breast cancer.  Or that Mr. Leonard Borton’s passing due to pancreatic cancer was in vain.  Even still, that my father will have to continue to suffer from the effects of diabetes.

So, when the color pink begins to invade your world, please also keep the colors of green, purple and red in mind.  These groups greatly need your support.  Let us work together to find cures for all cancers and diseases. 

Hopeless Hope

While trying to obtain a job that will help me to better support my family, I applied for a position within my town.  I was very excited because the location was just a few blocks from my house.  I could actually walk to work!  Not only would this help me further my goal to stay healthy, but it would greatly conserve on gas as well.

I read the posting in the newspaper and followed the instructions.  A phone number was listed to call if you were interested in the position.  So, I called the day after I read the post and left a voice mail.  I waited until the beginning of the next week before calling again and leaving yet another message.  I still have not received a response.  Figuring the person might be busy (possibly sifting through applications), I decided to put together the usual packet:  cover letter, resume, list of references, letter of recommendation and college transcripts.  Since I work and my mom is off during the summer months, I asked if she could drop the packet by the office.  She did and I have still heard nothing a week later.  When I was discussing this with my mom, she said, "Maybe they have someone in mind, but are obligated to post the opening anyway."

Can I just say that I hate this idea!  "Having someone in mind" is not fair.  If you are going to promote from within, don't bother to post that you have an opening.  Posting the opening when you know that you are going to give the position to someone else is not what I would call "fair."  In fact, it is an injustice.  It creates a false sense of hope for those of us that are trying to find a better career.  The playing field for interviews is not level.  And the most frustrating fact is that this is not the first time this has happened to me.  While I am by no means perfect, I do meet all of the qualifications for the jobs that I have applied for.  I am not trying to be a brain surgeon with my BS in Mass Communications.  Still, it seems that career advancement is sadly coming down to who you know, not the skills and talents that you posess.

My plea is for businesses to actually take a look at a least a few external candidates, even if there appears to be a "chosen one" within the company.  If that candidate is truly the best, he/she will get the job.  But do not place a job opening in the newspaper or on careerbuilder.com if you are simply doing it as a "policy."  Besides, how will anyone know that you have hired a new employee if you didn't post the opening?

Grappling Grammar

I have been stunned and amazed at the horrible grammar that I have encountered in the past few weeks.  I spent $35 to join the official Selena Gomez Fan Club.  Like a child waiting for Christmas, I watched my mailbox for my packet.  When it arrived, I was greatly disappointed.  I had received my laminate and a letter that was supposedly crafted by Ms. Selena.  However, my heart sank as I read the second line:  "I have the best bans in the world!"  Really?  "Bans?"  Not only was that a glaring mistake, but, the paper that the letter was printed on was glossy.  And this is what all fan club members receive.  Does Selena not have a PR team that proof reads things that go out in her name? 

Similarly, I attended a meeting for one of the organizations that I am a member of.  The group is holding a large fund raising campaign for a new building project.  At each seat sat a beautifully laminated bookmark, complete with the group's logo and a picture of what the future building would look like. 

As I began to read, I noticed something.  One sentence dealt with how long the group has been serving the community and it read "...for over 55years..."  Yes, there was no space between the number 55 and the word "years."  Sighing, I continued on and came to most hideous error of them all.  A line read, "....and *Poochie is proud of it's service to the community."  NO!  Not the infamous wrong use of "it's"! 

Sadly, yes.  As a Mass Communications major with a English minor, this infuriates me!  Not to mention the fact that my mom is a teacher.  This is how she teaches her students the difference of its and it's:  "Try using it in a sentence.  If you use it's, it will read 'Poochie is proud of it is service to the community.'  Does this sound right?"  And the worst part?  It had the CEO's name stamped at the bottom.

Please, proof read your materials before sending them out en mass.  It only takes a second and makes a world of difference.  Do not take the risk of jeopardizing your company's/star's credibility.  Thank you!



*name has been changed 

Work Wonderings

My sister-in-law sent me the funniest photo via Facebook.  It reads, "Sometimes I can't figure out if I'm in preschool or high school.  Oh, wait...I'm at work."  I was very surprised at how many people shared my sharing of this photo.  Then I realized that I am not alone in how I've been feeling at every job that I've ever had.

Upon graduating from college (with a 3.8 GPA), I was excited to enter the working world.  I was ready to use my skills and talents to make a difference.  However, I soon found myself feeling like I had never left the halls of high school.  All of my co-workers were into spreading gossip, even when they knew the things they were saying were not true.  Some even took to using social media to "cyber bully" other workers.  While I was never the target of the bullying, I felt enraged.  What gave these people the right to treat others this way?  Not to mention the fact that this created a very hostile work environment.  Every day, I would just try to keep my head down and avoid notice.

Still, this ridiculous behavior continues to run rampant through businesses across the country.  And nothing is being done to stop it.  I still recall sitting at my desk listening to everyone around me get asked if they would like to order lunch while I was purposely left out.  While this was certainly not the end of the world, it is extremely rude and uncalled for.  What message does this send to the person who is not being invited?  More importantly, how does this make the person feel?

I once was chosen to head up a large project for one of my employers.  This sent my other co-workers into a frenzy.  None of them wanted the extra responsibilities that came along with the project.  They just wanted the temporary title.  These are the same people that I observed texting and surfing the Internet every day instead of doing their job.  Needless to say, I was shunned for the duration of the project.

While it is nice to know that I am not the only one who has dealt with feeling this way, I wish that we as human beings could rise above the high school mentality and be the mature adults that we are meant to be.  Maybe then we could start seeing a change in the world.