Bernie Sanders 2016

1. 

Collecting

Do you collect anything? Have you in the past? It could be something of value or to eventually profit off of. It's even possible that you collect as something to do, but it holds little value to you..

Now think about your collections. How would other people view it? Cool? Weird? Nerdy? Everybody judges, even those of us who try not to. Whatever you put your time, attention, and love into is being judged by everyone you know. I welcome questions about that which I collect and try to show interest in others by asking about their collections. When someone doesn't ask, it shows that they don't care.

I have had two main things I have collected: money and condoms. No, not the way you are thinking...and not at the same time. LOL..



As for money, I collected "star bills." These are bills that are printed wrong on the first print and, when they are re-printed, the letter is replaced by a star to symbolize that it is a reprint. They are not worth anything more than the face value on the bill. Most people have never noticed them even though they are in the general circulation.



Star bills always bring me great joy. This is such a thrill for me and I never knew when I might get one: in the club, change at the drive through, from the ATM.. When friends came across them, they set them aside to trade with me for normal bills. I saved my star bills for many years. At one point I had close to $10k worth. Unfortunately, I used them as collateral for a secured loan and the person spent them.   :(




Condoms are my other fun collection! I've always bought way more than could realistically be used. When I've needed to buy a pack, instead of one, I would buy 5 or 6 different types of boxes at the store. I am a shopaholic and so having a variety in the most intimate of purchases just makes sense to me!  :)



After purchasing, I would open the packages, put them in a big pile, mix them up, and then hide condoms all over the house. This way, if I ended up having a sexual experience, there would almost always be a condom within reach where ever we happened to be.. Since the bedroom was the most common place, I filled the nightstand drawer with them also. It was an extra thrill to see which color, style, and theme condom was randomly chosen. Just like with star bills, this collection added an additional oomph to a normal action.

My having such a selection of condoms was judged by the men I was with as me being promiscuous. In hindsight, it makes sense...but that was rarely the case. I've never cheated while in a committed relationship and my sex life usually comprised of either men I was dating or the one fuck buddy I would see whenever I was single. It didn't even occur to me that men would interpret my fun shopping experience that way. They never asked me about it (maybe they were just happy to get sex and didn't want to ruin it?) so I assumed they understood. Years later, I found out that at least one of them assumed I was a hooker. WHOA! Personally, I believe that what someone does with their body is their own business. At the same time, if these men assumed I was hooking while we were dating, it's no wonder they didn't take our time together as seriously as I did...

What am I collecting now? I still collect condoms, although I am currently single and have no sex life. I also collect DVDs. In a world of Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Youtube, they are not necessary...but they do make me happy, and that is all I expect from collecting.   :)

Generating money for your business in 2015

Everyone in business wants to make money, yet few people truly understand all the aspects which factor in. The web is here to stay. If you don't have a great web presence, you are leaving a LOT of money on the table. If that bothers you, be honest with yourself for where your flaws are. The younger generations only buy what they can find online. For example, I will pay more--often up to 50%--for something which has a great informational website and good reviews. To compete these days, you must have this. I do not spend my money with those who no not. The future is going this way.

If your business is already too successful, congratulations! If you would like to grow it, start looking at professionals who know what you don't. Unlike other industries, experts in the web world do not have the professional look you expect to see in an office. Don't let this put you off. They look different because they are creative, free-thinking, and good enough at their web skills to have the freedom to look however they want. When it comes to hiring your web specialist, if you discriminate based upon appearance, you will lose quality. Spend a little money for the competitive edge and get a better return on investment for 2015.



Happy holidays and have a Merry 2015!

What happened to Amazon?

I have been a huge fan of Amazon.com and a loyal customer for many years. However, recently their value and customer service has plummeted. Their online chat customer service is now a joke. Generally I get transferred to at least 5 or 6 different customer service representatives before being helped--sometimes the person who finally helps me is the original customer service rep who transferred me! Amazon.com used to care about their service quality; what happened?  :(

In addition, Many of the items I buy have recently jumped up in price 10-25%. One of the reasons I have been a loyal Amazon customer is because they consistently had the best price. Now, if you look at the Amazon Prime prices, sometimes they are even 25-50% higher than other sellers selling the same item new through Amazon (check the "used and new" link an inch or two below the add to cart button)! For example, by searching other Amazon sellers I just bought a textbook for $155 new (after delivery charges); whereas, Amazon Prime is charging $212 for the same book. So disappointing...

I doubt Amazon was losing money, so why raise the prices so much? Why skimp on proper customer service? Amazon used to have all the best products, prices, and service. Now it's missing two of the three.

Considering Amazon.com is known for having the most comprehensive reviews system, certainly they should've known that changing their prices, service, and value wouldn't be overlooked by internet bloggers.

For what it's worth, I am a paying Amazon Prime member ($79/yr) and planned to purchase all my Christmas presents through Amazon; now I am looking at other options....

Selling ES300 Lexus LOADED with Adult items

I am selling my 2001 Lexus ES300 fully loaded with HUGE lot of new unopened adults novelties, new unworn stripper outfits (with tags still attached), wigs, stripper shoes, and a metallic purple static/rotating stripper pole. I am not interested in parting this out, it all goes at once. $8000 with local pickup in Atlanta includes the car and everything inside. I'll even throw in my used stripper items, if you want them.

Whether you are good with eBay or have a retail/online store, work in porn production, are a stripper (or are in love with a stripper), buying this lot is almost like getting a free Lexus because the adult items alone are worth what I'm asking.  

Southwest now flies to Atlanta so, no matter where you live, you can get here one-way for less than $200. I recommend flying in because there is too much stuff to take without a full car; the Lexus will be completely filled.

Yes, this is an unusual bundle--but perfect for the one who is interested! 

Lent 2013 - First 10 days

25% of the way through and so far my "Lent Jar" contains $24. Here is a summary of my first 10 days of Lent:

February 14 - Cursed 4 times = $8. Had dream I ate sweets but, since it was only a dream there is no penalty.
February 15 - Cursed 1 time = $2.
February 16 - Cursed 3 times = $6.
February 17-19 - No fines!
February 20 - Cursed 2 times = $4.
February 21 - No fines!
February 22 - Cursed 2 times = $4. Also had dream I cursed 3 more times...but again, since it was only a dream there is no penalty.
February 23 - No fines!

Sugar has been easier than I expected. My diet is pretty healthy, so this extra step just eliminates items I shouldn't be eating.

Cheese has been tougher than expected--especially while eating out! Cheese is in many of the foods I love.

Of course I have cursed, but it's going better than anticipated. This is a nasty tough habit to break.

I've always been a weight lift girl, so daily cardio is new for me. I am happy to say that, since the treadmill and I have become friends, my body is showing results.  :)

Today I am sick (flu?). I would have forced myself to go to the gym anyway, but someone reminded me Sundays are taken off during Lent. Yes! Just to be clear: I'm not doing this for any of my sacrifices. I'll accept this cardio holiday because it is best to heal before taxing my body further.

Ash Wednesday

Not being religious, I am lucky that I found out Lent started today.

The way the brain works, if you can do something for 21 days you can make a permanent change. Lent is 40 days.

This year for Lent I am consciously giving up (1) sugar, (2) cheese, and (3) cursing. In addition to these sacrifices, I will do a minimum of 30 minutes cardio every single day for these next 40 days.

New for this year, I am also going to add financial consequences for slip-ups.

Eating sugar - $10 
Eating cheese - $10
Cursing - $2  (I'm scared this one may add up quickly)
Missing cardio day - $20

These fines are designed to get me back on proper course --not a "cheat pass" opportunity . Because my full intention is to succeed, I am not even thinking up what to do with any money that ends up in the Lent fund (hopefully there will be none).  I officially start tomorrow.   :)

MagicJack is now a SCAM

I was a happy MagicJack user for a few years, evening buying several extras as gifts for friends. Magicjack promotes itself claiming that by purchasing their device and service you receive unlimited free calling within the Unites States. However, they are now charging for these same calls. By no longer offering the service which their customers paid for, they are committing fraud.

If you are considering getting MagicJack, don't! If you already have them, post an online review. If you can still charge it back with your bank, do.

---

Here was my interaction with them today:

Scarlet: Hello, how may I help you?

Me: Yes, I have had MagicJack for a few years and it has always worked properly. Now it is charging me to make calls. These are not international calls, but calls within the United States. My plan states that these calls should be free and always have been until today. Obviously, there is a mistake on MagicJack's end. When will this be fixed?

Scarlet: Let me help you with that.

Scarlet: May I have the first and last name of the account please?

Me: [My name]

Scarlet: Thanks. Is this your number, [My phone number]?

Me: yes

Scarlet: "You need to add prepaid minutes if you are calling a conference line, platforms or other non-ILEC areas"- is this the recording you've heard?

Me: The recording said that my call (which has always been free) will now be decucted from my pre-paid minutes. This is not ok.

Scarlet: Unfortunately, you will need a prepaid minutes if you hear that recording.

Scarlet: It is in our Terms of Service.

Scarlet: We may require prepaid purchase and/or we may charge you for calls to conference lines, platforms and certain non-ILEC area calls, or any call wherein we incur a cost from another carrier. We may provide for a fee, premium prepaid services, which may be powered by YMAX Communications Corp. (YMAX), and may include some inbound, international, conference, platform and outbound calls that receive a recording and certain calls to non-ILEC areas, and the rates for those services will be governed by listed price lists or tariffs.

Me: This is a local US call. It is to a landline in Pennsylvania and has always been free up to now.

Me: I have 2 magicjack plus which I haven't activated yet. If this is a new policy, MagicJack has really went against what was promised when I purchased and I would like to get a refund for those.

Scarlet: May I have your magicJack Sales Order Number for the magicJack PLUS?

Me: [My MagicJack Plus Order Numbers]

Scarlet: Thank you. Please wait, while I check it for you.

Scarlet: Order Number: [my order number]. Order Date: 06/02/2012 we cannot issue a refund for this order since it is past 30 days Free Trial Period.

Me: But the magicjacks were never activated and I ONLY bought it because MagicJack claimed "Free Local and Long Distance charges". This is apparently no longer true, therefore I would like a refund.

Scarlet: We can only issue a refund if it's within 30 Day Free Trial period.

Me: Wow, then MagicJack is no longer honoring their contract and policy. If this cannot be resolved, I will be forced to contact my bank regarding these fradulent charges, I paid for a service that is not being offered. This is fraud.

Scarlet: You are aware of the 30 Day Free Trial. We cannot issue a refund for the order you made.

Me: Magicjack is committing fraud.

Me: I am going to contact my bank immediately.

Me: I have already been using the main account, but I will charge back the other two lines which were never activated,

Scarlet: I believe that I have already provided you all the information needed and that we are keep on repeating the same process. I would like to ask permission to end this conversation with you. Thank you

Since we haven't heard from you, we must release this chat. Please click here should you need further assistance: www.magicJack.com/techchat

** Not knowing that she immediately ended the session, I wrote the following reply:

Me: You do not have permission. This has not been resolved. Please give me a phone number to call and speak with someone live.

You are not currently in a chat session.

This company does not care about their customers and is now running on a rip-off model. I pre-paid five years each for unlimited calling for several phone lines. Several lines which will no longer be used because MagicJack is now charging for what they claim is free. This is fraud! Don't trust them. MagicJack is no longer the good company they once were. Do not believe any good reviews you may read; check the dates on them, they will be old.

Quitting stripping

If you truly want to quit stripping, follow these instructions:

Figure out how much money you need to survive without any luxuries. This means rent/utilities/groceries/car only. No eating out, no drugs or alcohol, no shopping for items other than the most basic essentials. This bare-bones amount will be much less than you expected. Save up enough for 6 months.

To prevent spending your savings, pre-pay your rent/mortgage and car payments, purchase money orders for future utility payments, and buy gift cards for the rest (gas, groceries, etc). Once you have done this, quit stripping completely (no part-time) and find a "normal" job that will cover your most basic expenses. The buffer you have saved up will be "insurance" to keep you from stressing out during the transition period. Try not to rely on any of the buffer money, but if you need to that is why it's there. Within a few months you should be adjusted to the difference in money and living a happy non-stripper life!

Seeing how easily money comes to others makes it more difficult to live poor. Maintaining your stripper friendships could tempt you back into the life...same with having drug/alcohol/shopping addictions. If you are serious about quitting, be prepared to give all of these things up.


Mental health is worth more than anything you can buy. If you're doing something that you feel is betraying yourself--no matter what it is--get out!


Why I quit stripping
Since I love being part of the sex industry, my reasons were very different: (1) the excitement was fading, & (2) I began dating.

Back in 2004, I quit a six-figure job to become a stripper. To say I was "dancing" wouldn't be accurate because, even though I incorporated dance moves, men only paid because my clothes came off too. It was a fantasy come true for me and I really enjoyed myself. When it became more work than fun, I stopped and went back to the mainstream world.

Stripping was never "just a job" for me; I got off on it. Therefore, ethically it felt inappropriate for me to continue while involved with someone. Both stripping and relationships are too personal for me to compartmentalize.

I know I am different than most women. My motivations, opportunities, my rationale... However, it's still difficult for me to understand how a woman could subject herself to this field if she doesn't enjoy it. Yes, the earning potential can be high--but for those who don't find it pleasurable, the skin industry messes them up. I've seen too many good people destroy themselves for money.

Lots of people find my blog from "how to quit stripping" internet searches. Assuming these are strippers who hate their jobs, feel trapped, and desperately want to find a way out, than this blog offers the solution. All it requires is the desire to change your life and the tenacity to follow through.

Fertility = $$ (Stripper study)

There was a study in the United States which proves that strippers make more money when they are ovulating.

These statistics are average earnings based upon working a 5hr shift:
while on her period = $185
normal part of cycle = $260
during ovulation = $335

While money varies dramatically depending on what part of the country you are in, I do agree with this study. I have personally experienced a huge difference in income depending on what part of my cycle I am in.

What do you think about the notion of free will?

An interesting experiment conducted by the BBC's "Bang Goes The Theory Team" regarding a psychological phenomenon called "Priming". It is a phenomenon that may well change your understanding about the way we are all affected by what we see, and so, how we perceive our environment... And all without even knowing. Pretty freaky, eh? You've been warned!

New Zeitgeist Movie -- Zeitgeist: Addendum

I know this is two hours along, but it is ABSOLUTELY worth watching and may change how you view the world. Better yet, go to www.zeitgeistmovie.com and watch it full-size.

Money, Sex, Drugs, Rock 'N Roll, Power, Possessions