I am a writer, blogger and journalist.
I'm a high energy gal with a positive presence and an endless supply of enthusiasm for all things creative.
Send me an e-mail at me@jerriann.net
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
I was walking home through the Lakeview neighborhood and I spotted these sunflowers. I stopped to take a picture for one of my friends, Stef, because she loves sunflowers. Sending a digital version is almost as nice as sending the real thing, right?
I leaned down to take the photo and realized there was a bee on the flower too. Perhaps you aren’t a nature nerd like I am. But I am sure you’ve spent a whole Sunday outdoors exploring and unknown city alone because the weather is so beautiful. If not, you should try it - who knows what you will see.
Five myths about unemployment
After a hard-fought political battle, President Obama signed legislation Thursday restoring benefits to the long-term unemployed, aid that had expired more than seven weeks before. Under the extension, unemployed workers can receive up to 99 weeks of income assistance. Helping the long-term jobless in a prolonged recession is generally a bipartisan issue, but this time, Republicans argued that the measure will add too much to the national debt. It’s a discussion that gets bogged down in myths about how to assist the long-term unemployed, and the economy, at the same time….
For those who want the short version the myths are:
- Unemployment benefits make people less likely to find jobs.
- Unemployment insurance doesn’t contribute to economic recovery.
- We can’t afford to do this right now.
- The private sector can take care of unemployment on its own.
- The unemployment rate gives us a good sense of how many people are affected by the downturn.
This Washington Post article takes apart these counterproductive myths. But they must be communists, right?
That was sarcasm.
Ava and I at the Hood Internet show in Chicago. They will be back in town on August 5th for all of those interested.
A lot of the people who read a bestselling novel, for example, do not read much other fiction. By contrast, the audience for an obscure novel is largely composed of people who read a lot. That means the least popular books are judged by people who have the highest standards, while the most popular are judged by people who literally do not know any better. An American who read just one book this year was disproportionately likely to have read ‘The Lost Symbol’, by Dan Brown. He almost certainly liked it.
Before being named managing editor last July, Jon spent 11 years as obituary editor, building our coverage into some of the best in the country. He also led by example, penning more than 400 obits during his time as editor.
Pacific Time podcast: What is a book?
AH!! Where did the time go?
Mad Men review from the Chicago Tribune
Did you watch last night? What did you think?
One of the best things about Chicago is that there are a large number of free concerts. I saw She & Him on my first day in the city. On the fourth of July Ava and I went to the Taste of Chicago and saw (pictured) Passion Pit. Great bands at the best price - $0.
“As technological advances occur, the number of people carrying a device in their pocket that is capable of capturing video increases. The law doesn’t move as quickly as Steve Jobs, which is why people are being arrested for recording on-duty police officers.”
-Read my whole column here.
P.S. I need a new picture with my current hair color asap
Hanging out at Lincoln Park before I pick my next neighborhood to explore.
And an extra shot of me wearing my supplies for exploring today. Taking pictures inside the house is almost as much fun as taking them outside of the house.
All right, all right I am really leaving now.
My supplies for exploring today include sunglasses, my new hat, a digital camera and a guide book so I don’t get lost.
It is 75 degrees in Chicago right now so today shouldn’t be too hot.
Night time picnic.
It is going to be exciting to have my back yard back! I want to host some night time picnics as soon as possible.
