Unemployed Mayhem: What's New

So I wrote an article this weekend about the unemployment extension that was signed along with the tax cut bill. What I did not expect was so many arguments over whether there should be another one or what would happen next. The article is titled: Unemployment Extension 2010: How Many Will Benefit. Of course, as with all writing we want to inspire some type of conversation. People are losing hope fast and wondering what to do next. There are even cases of CPAs out of work for more than two years.

There have been many of us who've faced situations like this and a few more that still are now. I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to share what I've learned about working from home and making it a success. When I first decided to quit my job and work from home, I did it ultimately without a plan. I didn't know if it was possible, but I was willing to try. I don't recommend anyone just up and quitting their job like this. I did have some support from my former boss and continued to support his organizations in some capacity from home but not nearly enough.

First I found little odd jobs that were enough to help put gas in the car or get some extra groceries if needed. I thought this would be a good opportunity to share some of what I've learned along the way.

I call these the odd jobs


ChaCha and KGB -  I'm not affiliated with them at this time, though I have worked for both. I like to think of them as the answer man. Their duty is to provide answers to most questions you may think of asking. You simply text them your question and they will provide you with the answer. They hire contractors to answer these questions through their online platforms. I found it to be quite entertaining as you never know what type of question will come across your screen. If you just need a little extra income, they are definitely worth checking out.

ChaCha Guides  or KGB Special Agents

Unemployment Extension Approved: What's Next

When I first saw that they were extending unemployment and making it retroactive from December 4, 2010, I thought this was a good idea. I still think it's a good plan and much needed at this time, but what's next?  There are many families that have uncertain futures when it comes to job prospects.

I wonder how many of them have thought about working from home and only came up with scams, home parties, MLMs and dead ends? I used to be one of those with an uncertain future and wanting to find something to do from home. After years of uncertainty, I finally find many opportunities and was rewarded accordingly.

Individuals that write have several platforms and outlets in which to seek payment for their crafts. Whether it's submitting to online and offline publications or working for content mills, there is something for everyone. Of course if you desire neither of these you can always write a book.

Hacker Releases Racy Photos of Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera has racy photos of her circulating on the internet. Hackers were able to break into her stylist's computer obtaining pictures and releasing them on internet. Christina Aguilera is understandably upset as racy pictures of her are making the rounds on the internet. Photos of a seemingly half nude Christina have been leaked thanks to hackers who broke into her stylist computer. There were shots of her inside her massive walk-in closet showing a shoe collection that leaves any shoe lover envious. Though some may see these pictures as a little more than questionable, they were part of a private collection and never meant to be displayed over the Internet. 

Christina later showed her anger in a statement from her rep in which she expresses her displeasure over the invasion of her privacy. Through a statement on People's website her rep says that "The photos of Christina Aguilera being leaked to the press were illegally obtained by a hacker who tapped into Christina's personal stylist's account," according to a statement from the singer's rep. "The photos were taken in the privacy of Ms. Aguilera's home and were used only in a confidential exchange between the star and her stylist."

Christina who has just filed for divorce from her husband Jordan Bratman has enough to worry about right now than dealing with this invasion of privacy. With the release of her first movie Burlesque where she stars alongside Cher, she's been pretty busy with promotional appearances and interviews. Now on interviewers list of questions will be ones associated more on these pictures and less on her movie. 

Christina is definitely not alone when it comes to personal photos and videos of celebrities being leaked on the internet. Hopefully, other entertainers will learn to steer away from situations that may come back to haunt you later.

Cool iPod and Cell Phone Hook-Up

Well we headed out at 3:30 am to do some shopping for the holidays. Not sure where to go I decided to play around with the radio system. First thing I discovered is that you can hook your cell phone up through the auxilary plug on the radio and stream music through the phone. I have Pandora on my phone so we could listen to all the music through the Traverse's Bose sound system. It was awesome.   

But then it got even better my phone rang and instead of unplugging the phone to answer I hit speaker. Well I could talk right through the sound system without even using the blue tooth. Talk about convenient, I hadn't even expected that to happen, I just thought it would come through the speaker on the phone. But not to be outdone the Chevy Traverse also has an USB port in which not only could I stream my iPod but I could charge my cell phone. The more amenities I discover the more I become attached to the Traverse.