Freedom Fighter Leymah Gbowee of Liberia

Nobel peace prize winners (2011): Gbowee & Pres. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. 

Photo courtesy: Issouf Sanogo/AFP/Getty Images

Civil war and unrest ravaged Liberia for over a decade until Liberian activist Leymah Gbowee led peaceful protests which turned into a campaign; thousands brought their message to Monrovia. The mass movement (compromised mainly of Liberian women) ultimately removed tyrannical ex-President Charles Taylor from power in Liberia. In 2003, peace was achieved in the region. Fast forward to 2011. Gbowee along with current President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf were honored by the Nobel Committee for their combined efforts to erradicate women's suffrage. During an exclusive post award interview with BBC's Focus on Africa program, Ms. Gbowee expressed "This is a victory for women's rights everywhere in the world" and being "confused", "humbled" and for the first time in her life "out of words". Meanwhile, Taylor is on trial for war crimes charges. 

Book Tour

In the interest of promoting global awareness and activism Gbowee wrote Mighty Be Our Powers: How Sisterhood, Prayer, and Sex Changed a Nation at War; a book chronicling the women's movement to bring peace back to Liberia. She recently completed her book tour here in the United States. Notably, Gbowee is the focus of the award-winning documentary, Pray the Devil Back to Hell -- a poignant account of Liberia's recent history. 

Congratulations, Ms. Gbowee, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf....congratulations Liberia!

Quit or Die Trying

So, iQuit smoking cigarettes 1 year ago today and saved a bunch of money on my HEALTH insurance! 

It's Not Personal...It's Strictly Business

In sales environments women lie, men lie (chanting Lil' Wayne) but the numbers don't -- if you're not a mini corporate cash cow you WILL be sent packing no matter how punctual and personable of an employee you may be. Hence, sometimes business decisions can't help but feel personal (i.e. layoffs).  Today, myself along with a few dozen disappointed [former] co-workers were given the boot. Mind you we'd been on the job for 3 weeks training - and considering - many did fairly well on the sales floor but apparently not well enough to cut the snuff. Honestly, no one particularly liked the job anyway. Bottom line, telemarketing sucks anyways but I gave my best effort as well as everyone in my training class. Well, so much for that office party LOL...but seriously, I wish everyone the best of luck. Cest la vie...as for me it's Margaritas and Redbox rentals on deck tonight. Then rise and grind. Time to find a new gig that'll hopefully last longer than the lifespan of a housefly.

So, there's The American Jobs Act to ponder over...

Hmm. Sounds promising! Still, read and decide for yourself if it's worth your support.
Read The American Jobs Act Here

Office Party

It's been a few weeks on the new gig and other than the occasional client from Hades, things are going pretty well. The pay is decent and there's a zero tolerance policy for stank attitudes so everyone's on their best behavior whether their sales are in the gutter or not.  The idea is to sustain morale so the term, "Stay positive!" gets thrown around a lot. It must be working b/c no one's grumpy and complaining much... at least not out loud anyway.

So, today I clock in as usual and make my way to the cubicle when one of the suits stop me dead in my tracks and begins ranting off about an event next month. My ears perk; turns out he's taking names of those who want to attend a company office party....yes, the proverbial "office party". Well. I was expecting that but hey, seems like it may be fun though those things tend to be wee awkward as people attempt to let their hair down... but of course, not so far as to do or say anything par martini that might get them blackmailed on Monday.


Well, I smiled and told Mr. Man to jot me down (possibly +1) and throw in the drink tickets... in case things get a bit stuffy. Lame, but I'm actually looking forward to this! I feel the need to open up, network and meet new people. So, it should be refreshing...and hey, if nothing else, I'll just enjoy watching the banter and perhaps score a few cheap laughs...

Memorable Interviews: Inside the Actors Studio with Dave Chappelle

Inside The Actors Studio hosted by James Lipton 

(Season 12, Ep. 9 - Original air date 2-12-2006)