She's Got Skillz: Independent Software Developer

Written By A. Russo

Homeless and weak from a recent miscarriage, I went to the only person I thought would or could help me...a friend's ex-husband. It was a place I had stayed many times when they were married and I had run away from whatever was the latest bad foster home they had shoved me in.

I have been with him ever since. I ended up reluctantly marrying him, pressured by him, his family, and the priest at the local Catholic church. We have a daughter who is now 25.

He's not the greatest in the world, far from it, and he is rather abusive, although he would never hit me. Not that kind of abuse, his thing is verbal and mental abuse, and keeping me as his prisoner so he won't have to be all alone. He drove all my friends out of my life, forbid me from going back to school, sabotaged every job I ever had, and won't allow me to have my own money.

During this time I suffered some sort of injury to my leg that left me unable to walk for about 6 months. I lived a life of constant excruciating pain and my husband wouldn't let me go to a doctor to find out what was wrong with me. This was when I found out about him draining out our daughter's college fund. I would have left him that day with nothing but the clothes on my back, not caring if I had anywhere to go, but since I couldn't walk I was stuck there. I told him that and I meant it.

I decided I couldn't go on living like that and needed a way out. I needed a way to earn money without it costing me anything and without me having to leave home to do it. That was when I decided to start coding. I had already spent enough time in Renko's chat room to know what I was getting myself into, and who to turn to if I needed help teaching myself. My goal was to learn, work hard, and some day I'd be good enough to start releasing shareware apps and could generate the income I needed to get out...and to support myself.

As I was learning, I founded a small chat room based community to help others that were also trying to teach themselves programming. We each knew a little, together we knew a lot, and we were all willing to help each other with what we knew. I set up this free e-book directory to help us, and others.

I set up another website for myself and released the things I was making as freeware. When my online community collapsed, due to the RIAA's legal attack on the company that ran WinMX (a decentralized P2P service with a built-in chat network that hosted our chat room), I was kind of lost and in need of a new online home.



I found DonationCoder in 2006, while looking for software to hold code snippets. A Google search took me to the famous "note taking software" thread on their forum.

I took a look around the site and saw what they were about and it intrigued me. I noticed they had an IRC channel and decided to drop in and see what was up. I have been there ever since.

Jesse Reichler (aka mouser), the site's founder, donated the first dollar I ever made from coding. He's a great guy and I don't know what I'd do without him. He's not just supportive and encouraging with my coding, he's also a good friend. I have made a lot of friends on the site and brought in a lot of members from my former community. We are like one big family that supports each others work, a family any coder or software enthusiast is welcome to join.

Read More

New Google Plus Talk Show- HangOut With Te-Erika

Who the hell left the gate open?

I'm not sure but since it's wide open I will jump on in as I introduce a new style of 'hanging out' on Google Plus.

HangOut With Te-Erika on Gplus will leave you yearning for more as each half hour segment promises nothing short of life changing interviews with experts, truth or dare challenges, mayhem and talent showcases for artists.








There is no set schedule; Te-Erika hangs out when she feels like it. To stay on top of when she'll be on so that you can jump in:

CIRCLE us at HangOut With Te-Erika
Check our youtube channel for the taped version of the show after it airs.

Hope to hang out with you soon!

Read More

The Common Sense Rant

By L. Morrison

I'm rather upset by so much of the news I've been watching this morning so I'm on a bit of a rant getting rid of all this negativity, but here goes 5 of my common sense tips, for whatever it's worth:

Common Sense Tip 1: IF you are an ADULT & SEE another adult assaulting a CHILD, STOP IT!! Don’t walk away, call your Dad asking what to do & then finally call some administrative bureaucrat the NEXT MORNING & THINK you’ve done your best. You HAVEN’T!

Common Sense Tip 2: IF you SEE someone in a wheelchair, with a baby buggy struggling or anything else, OFFER TO HELP!!!!! If they refuse your help, so what, don't take it personally, at least YOU know you DID what you SHOULD have done!

Common Sense Tip 3: IF someone wishes you Merry Christmas or God Bless, accept it in the spirit in which it was expressed, as a lovely compliment, a blessing on you or a thoughtful greeting and NOT a dis on YOU, YOUR faith or your belief system or any other faith or belief system. Just say thank you and move on about your day with a little lift in your heart that some stranger just wished you well.

Common Sense Tip 4: IF a 5 year old CHILD says he thinks his teacher is cute, it is NOT SEXUAL HARASSMENT, it is a CHILD expressing something simple and pure! Stop making them feel as if their feelings are ugly when they aren't!!! STOP RUINING OUR CHILDREN!!! And just for the record, this also goes for children hugging and kissing each other too! Children are joyful and if nothing else, we should ALL see the world as a child does and should be able to express our love for one another without such ugly sentiments crushing our spirits.

Common Sense Tip 5: STOP buying into this mantra that it’s everyone else’s responsibility to MAKE you happy and prosperous! It’s NOT! This is something that is up to YOU. Stop being so pessimistic, negative and so readily assuming the worst in every situation. IF you go about your life and your business with this kind of negativity in your heart and mind, it WILL escape, go out into the world and find its wicked way back to you. What you put out there IS going to be coming back at you so DON’T be surprised when it does and cry foul. IF you WANT happiness, be determined to BE happy, do not allow others to dictate your life, get out there and DO the things that will MAKE you happy. Period! Everything ELSE WILL fall into place!

Read More

How To Stop Smoking Today

I started smoking cigarettes when I was involved with a crowd who did. After I stopped hanging out with them, the habit remained, costing me well over $200 a month.

I recently quit for good after two years of smoking nearly a pack of cigarettes a day and I wanted to share my process.


Thought
First, it began as a desire in my heart. I wanted to stop although I didn't know how I would do it. You'll know you are about to quit smoking when the thought crosses your mind on more than one occasion. You'll begin to think about the benefits of letting go of that disgusting habit and it will make sense to you.

The Tradeoff
With any addiction, you'll have a moment of clarity that forces you to see what you had been missing out on because of your addiction. For me, it was the fact that I had no health insurance.

"I can't believe I still can't afford to get my tooth pulled," I thought to myself early one morning after I got off of working the overnight shift as a waitress. I was on my automatic stroll to the gas station to buy my daily pack of cigarettes when it hit me.

WAIT A MINUTE!

I can't afford health insurance.

I spend more than $200 a month on cigarettes.

I need my tooth pulled and can't afford it.

I spend more than $200 a month on cigarettes.

I need a car.

I spend more than $200 a month on cigarettes.

I want to be able to reinvest in my start up business more.

I spend more than $200 a month on cigarettes.



I stopped mid-stride and suddenly I felt the stink from the millions of cigarettes of my past rushing up out of my throat. I was disgusted with myself for being so stupid. I sat down on the bus stop, staring out at the gas station across the street and right then and there I decided- I'm not buying anymore. I decided that I wanted good health and more money more than I wanted that habit.


Reinforcement
But the desire didn't go away. Smoking cigarettes is an activity for most people. It is something to look forward to at the end of the day, after a good meal, after a good romp in the hay or even- just because the sun is shining and you want to sit outside.

When I got home I didn't change clothes and immediately head outside to smoke. Instead I smiled to myself and got ready for a nice nap. When I woke up I felt great. I went about my day as though I was superwoman.

It wasn't until the next day that I felt the void. When you're a smoker, smoking is such a part of your life that you allot times in the day for it. When you stop smoking, you can sleep longer, take longer showers, eat before work and so much more that you would usually rush through so you could make sure you have time to get that cigarette in.

The void feels depressing. You don't know what to do with your hands. You tend to eat more. If you eat fruits or chew celery you'll make it through.

How I reinforced the idea that I would not smoke again came to me in such a marvelous way. When the thought of buying a pack of cigarettes came into my mind I made myself think of 3 people I know who were smokers.

Then I thought about their lives, their goals and compared them to my own. I asked myself, "Do you want to be like them when you grow up?"

Yes, I had to be haughty about it. I had to imagine for a minute that I was BETTER than those folks who smoked and that smoking was for commoners who had nothing better to do with their money.

"I have dreams and goals," I reminded myself. "I can't spend money on that. I'm better than that. There are plenty of other things to suck on."



So to recap, if you want to stop smoking using cognitive force you must:

1. Think and decide that you want to quit. Make no extra effort. Simply acknowledge that this is a goal you want to achieve.

2. Take stock of your tradeoffs. What are you missing out on because of your habit? What is your habit holding you back from doing? What is your habit costing you? Decide that you want something else MORE than you want your habit.

3. Be Haughty. Listen, people who smoke are disgusting and ugly. Who really wants to stand around looking and smelling like that? Why do so many people smoke- because it's the COMMON thing to do. In fact, I learned that for the homeless, smoking is their favorite activity.

Who do you share your 'shorts' with? Is that person someone who represents your ideal lifestyle? Are you trying to go somewhere in life or will you sit there and blow all of your dreams out in a cloud of smoke every single day? You're killing yourself, you do know that. Your breath stinks too.
And eww, what is that cologne you wear to cover it up? It doesn't work. Everyone still knows.

And look- God says in the Bible that the only folks need to get drunk (or smoke) are those who need to drown their sorrows. The Bible says that the leaders need to keep a sober mind and should leave those addictions to the commoners that they are charged to care for.

Stop smoking.

That shit is not cute.

Woman with mouth cancer.

Read More

How To Stop Pushing People Away

As we go through life's bumps and become bruised it is easy to believe the only way to safeguard ourselves from the evils of the world is to cut relationships with people off completely. This one decision affects our behavior and our lives stifling us in a way that creates a misery that we do not even know we are engaged in.

We may FEEL safe because we won't allow anyone to get close enough to hurt us but we are actually shielding ourselves from the beauty of this life experience.

My introversion led me to believe that I am so different and so unique that no one could relate to me. I felt misunderstood and my self righteousness told me that I owed no one an explanation so I disregarded any interest in forming new relationships. If you are someone who finds it difficult to relate to people because of fear, it is important to move past that. We were created to relate to others. Please try these tips for sharing your soul with others.


Be Open To What Others Are Into
Yes, your life experience is all about YOU, but there are others who will play a supporting role in your movie. If you really desire to have better relationships with others you have to decide to be open to what others are interested in. You don't have to participate in those things but at least be open to listening to others share their passions and don't judge them for what they love.

If someone shares something with you that you find startling, unusual or even immoral, do not cast them to the side. They are sharing their soul with you. They are offering you the gift of their secret. A friendship and mutual respect can be made out of this disclosure. Honor them for trusting you enough with their secret passion.

Instead of judging them, develop a playful curiosity about the person. Become a super sleuth. Get to know them and try to figure out why they are who they are. What led to their development and personality? View their personality through an investigative lens and marvel at the beauty of their life creation.


Just Because Someone Has A Flaw Doesn't Mean They Are Flawed
One of the main reasons why I push people away is the fact that I discover that they are less than perfect. It is my own frustration with myself that motivates me to judge them so harshly. My desire for perfection and subsequent disappointment with myself moves me to become disgusted by those who show similar traits and flaws.

When you can find a way to accept yourself more fully, loving others will be a breeze. You may be able to allow someone to love you too. Just because you have a flaw doesn't mean you "ARE" flawed. You are not your ear. Your ear is a part of you.

You are not your flaw. Try offering second chances to those who you recognize as flawed and you'll find you become more accepting of yourself as well.

Watch For The Purpose
Everyone is your teacher, healer or student. Every person you lock eyes with for even a brief moment comes your way in order to add something to your life experience. By pushing people away you rob yourself of the growth you could achieve. By deciding not to relate to others out of fear of being misunderstood or hurt you are pushing away the very things you have been praying for or manifesting deep within your heart. The qualities you need to develop to become the person you want to be are developed through your interactions with PEOPLE.

Once the person you meet has fulfilled their purpose they will magically be moved out of the way so that the next person may enter and play a part in shaping your best life. You don't have to push anyone away. You can watch as they play their roles on their own and dismiss themselves just as easily.

You don't need to control everything by pushing them out of your life. Allow life to adjust itself for you. Relax and see what happens.

Read More

US Dept. of Health Denies OTC Birth Control To Young Teens

Statement from The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy

WASHINGTON, Dec. 7, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius did not accept the recommendation of the Food and Drug Administration to make Plan B One-Step emergency contraception (EC) available without a prescription to those under 17. Consequently, Plan B One-Step will remain available without prescription only to those 17 and older, and only behind the pharmacy counter (so that age can be verified). Those 16 and younger will still need a prescription to get emergency contraception.

In response to this ruling, Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy issued the following statement:

"This was undoubtedly a difficult decision for all involved. Making emergency contraception easily available to young teens and pre-teens may have raised concerns among parents and others as well. Even so, the decision is in conflict with the fact that there is simply no evidence to suggest that making contraception, including emergency contraception, available to teens encourages them to begin having sex, to have sex at younger ages, or to have more sexual partners.

"I am disappointed at the lost opportunity to increase access to Plan B One-Step EC for women of allages. Had HHS approved over-the-counter availability of this method for those 16 and under, there would have been no need for pharmacists, who are available during limited hours, to check the age of anyoneseeking EC. This change would have made EC far more available to women of all ages—which on balance is a wise path—especially given that the vast majority of unplanned pregnancies and abortions in the United States are among women in their 20s and 30s. Simply put, I am particularly disappointed that the ruling today will prevent all women from getting emergency contraception with fewer hurdles to overcome.

"It is also important to add that easing access to contraception, including emergency contraception, is an important public health goal. The long term objective should continue to be improving access to all methods of contraception."

Read More

REVIEW: The Strange Thing About The Johnsons (2010)

The Strange Thing About The Johnsons is fast becoming the independent cult shocker movie of the year. This film, written and directed by Ari Aster as his American Film Institute Thesis film, has been sizzling through the internet like a Kim Kardashian sex tape.

The film is an odd depiction of incestual sexual abuse with a twist. In this film, the son continually molests his father from his teen years until he reaches adulthood.

How could this happen? Who in the world came up with this scenario? What did the mother do about it?

These are all immediate questions that are answered in this 29 minute short film. In short, this is no ordinary remake of a popular Hollywood theme. This film brings to light an age old problem but frames it in such a way that we all feel the sting as though it is a fresh wound. In the father's face you can feel the pain and the confusion of the sexual abuse victim. In the father's fear you can understand the self loathing and blame for being a part of such an ordeal. The mother's reaction to the situation is a tear jerker.

After many discussions about this movie I believe that the director has left his audience yearning for more. The acting, the cinematography, the editing, the storyline- all superbly crafted. You will end the movie immersed in emotional conflict and most likely head over to the movie's facebook page to vent and read the reactions of others.

This is not an easy film to watch and it is definitely NSFW. Watch the full length movie, The Strange Thing About The Johnsons Here.

The Strange Thing About the Johnsons - don't ask, just watch! from Michael Roy on Vimeo.

Read More

EDITORIAL: Help Women Worldwide

By Christina Fermin
Society & Politics Columnist

Recently there was a report in the media about an Afghan woman who had been raped by a family member. She kept it a secret until she found out weeks later that she was pregnant. When she came out with the truth, the police arrested both the woman and her perpetrator. The crime: Adultery. In Afghanistan women have very little rights and when a crime is committed against a woman, usually both the man and woman go to jail, or in some cases just the woman. In Afghanistan out of the 300 women in prison, 200 are there because of “moral crimes.” The woman received a 2 year sentence which was increased to 12 years when she appealed. Her attacker received a 12 year sentence, but was decreased to 7 years when he appealed.

Recently the government came out saying that if she married her attacker, she would be pardoned. This goes to show how in some parts of the world, there are some serious issues to be dealt with, especially when it comes to women's rights. While the rights of women have excelled in the last few decades in some parts of the world, there are still some serious hurdles to cover. Women have not achieved equality in any country. While we should not look past our own achievements, we should not forget about the women across the world. Women who look to us for support; women who, around the world, are standing up and fighting again. While many may point to the Middle East, I must remind you, this is a problem that happens worldwide and not just any particular region, religion or culture.

For years women were seen as inferior and recently men and women are realizing women are not inferior, we are different. We are good at different things and view things differently. We bring a valuable perspective to the table, one that men often times do not think of. Aside from viewing things differently, we are wired differently. Yes science has proven this to us. What they fail to mention is that while men may be physically stronger than women, that’s really the only thing. Women have proven time and time again this last century that we can do anything and everything a man can do. Sometimes better. Now let’s be clear, I’m not bashing on anyone. I am just simply pointing out the issues we face. During times when here in the West, we celebrate women’s rights and achievements, there are other parts of the world where women are not allowed to drive, cannot go out in public without a male escort, seen as property, not heard, abused, mutilated, denied education, and the list goes on to the horrors and atrocities committed against women every day, even here in the West.

While we in America and parts of Europe may have laws protecting women and share some equal rights, I must remind you that 70% of the world’s poor are women and 2/3 of the nearly 1 billion illiterate adults are women. So before we break out the champagne and celebrate, let us not forget about the women in Africa, South America, the Middle East and Asia who need us to be their voice. A women’s issue elsewhere becomes a women’s issue everywhere. Women will never truly be free until we ensure that women everywhere are protected, respected and represented. What can women do to help other women? Education is fundamental to overcoming these hurdles, aside from being educated, we as women need to be more involved politically. If it wasn't for the women in the early part of the 20th century getting involved politically, women's suffrage (the right for women to vote and hold office) could never have happened.

Women's empowerment is directly related to economic opportunity, security, social development and effective governance - all political issues. Politics are not everyone's interest, but women's rights and change can only be initiated if we involve ourselves directly with the people we elect into office. United we are impenetrable. How else have the rights of blacks, women and minorities have achieved success but through political action? While we break through the glass ceiling here in the US, let’s not forget we have to raise the ceiling elsewhere.

With a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now.

Read More

REVIEW: Chef Roble & Co. (Bravo)

Bravo premiered Chef Roble & Co., last night. When I first saw the promo for it I thought to myself, - Oh Lord, another cooking show, how original.

But I wanted to give this show a chance because, sometimes good things happen in life. As soon as Chef Roble stepped onto the screen I realized that this indeed- was a good thing.

So, maybe the fact that Roble is totally my type had something to do with the fact that I wanted to see him on screen. He's handsome in a 'he might be on the down low' type of way. He has to be gay because only gay dudes are that hot.

The New York based caterer and his friends and family round out this unusual catering drama about serving up the ultimate dining experience for New York's elite. Sounds a bit boring, eh? The show was anything but.

"I was about to change the channel until his sister was introduced," one of my Google Plus friends wrote after I posted that I thought the show would be pretty good.

Indeed. Chef Robles big sister, who he battles for dominance balances out his dominant personality. She's knowledgable, pretty and funny. "Who has booked all the monkeys?" she asked. I laughed so hard when she said that.

I enjoyed meeting his crew. I enjoyed watching them sweat over the details and weird demands of their A- List clients. I crossed my fingers for them hoping things would work out. Yes, I was emotional over the show, rooting for them to win. I only wished I had more time to smile at the television screen because I had to leave to go to work.

For this NON TV Watcher to enjoy a show, it means it has that special spark. The drama, the off the wall cuisine requests, the last minute preparations all play second fiddle to Chef Roble's amazing personality.

He has the kind of energy and personality that leaps out of the screen, offers you a cupcake and a kiss on the cheek before hopping back on the screen again to entertain you for another half hour.

I look forward to seeing this show again. Chef Roble is on my hot list.

~Te-Erika

Read More