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Techno talk is all GREEK to me

Posted by coffeemates | 05/02/08

Spotlight newspapers print edition launched its Lifestyle section on March 5, 2008 and debuted with my Trends & Technology column.

If you missed my monthly column in the newspaper the first time around or if you’re new to my blog, here’s my debut article in its entirety for a second helping.

Taking the “outsider” position, I offer a lighthearted look at deciphering “text-speak.”

I welcome your feedback, thoughts and comments after my article below. And with the new blog software, you get a chance to vote on how much you liked my piece by clicking on one of the corresponding stars at the bottom of the piece.

If you’re new to my blog, check out my earlier posts in the archives...

CATEGORY: General Technology

TAGS: text messaging, text speak, IM, Instant Messaging, E-mail, snail mail, media multitasking, letter writing, digital immigrant, technology conflict, technology and generations

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The More, The Merrier

Posted by coffeemates | 05/02/08

Spotlight newspapers print edition now has a Lifestyle section. It debuted on March 5, 2008 with my Trends & Technology column.

If you missed my monthly column in the newspaper the first time around, I’ll be posting it on my blog as well.

If you’re reading my blog for the first time, welcome and enjoy. And we have new software, so welcome to the new blog format.

Here’s my April column in its entirety for a second helping.

To have, or not to have more children: It seems American couples say yes.

I welcome your feedback, thoughts and comments after my piece below...

CATEGORY: Parenting

TAGS: baby boom, boomlet, larger families, fertility rates, replacement rate, total fertility rate, cost of raising children

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RICH TASTES

Posted by coffeemates | 05/07/08

Published on May 7, 2008 in The Spotlight

Lifestyles in the Spotlight

Trends & Technology
SUSAN S. CHEUNG

RICH TASTES
PREMIUM CHOCOLATE AN AFFORDABLE LUXURY

I’m going to write about chocolate. I know, it’s not the holidays and it’s not Valentine’s Day. I know, it’s spring and as the weather warms your thoughts turn to ice cream and ice pops. But for me, any time is a good time to talk about chocolate or, better still, eat chocolate.

Why am I going to talk about chocolate? I need a pick-me-up to counteract the doom and gloom in the news...

CATEGORY: General Shopping

TAGS: premiumization, bespoke, premium chocolates, bespoke chocolates, gourmet chocolates, artisan chocolates, chocolate trends, dark chocolate, chocolate market

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Wave Goodbye, Say Hello!

Posted by coffeemates | 05/07/08

We have new blogging software. It looks good.

You can comment and you can vote after each post. Click on one of the empty stars at the bottom of each piece according to how you rate it – click on the fifth star (right-hand side), love it, and on the first star, not so hot. You get the picture.

The flip side of updating technology is there’s always a price to pay. In my case, all previous comments made to earlier posts have been lost to cyberspace oblivion.

I weep. I miss those comments, as they certainly enriched the discussions. They’ve been like old friends giving a different perspective to a personal view.

Saying goodbye to old friends is never easy. But, there is a silver lining to this cloud...

CATEGORY: Observations

TAGS: blogging software, Coffee Mates blog, readers' comments, posting comments, Spotlightnews.com blogs

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My Heartfelt Prayers

Posted by coffeemates | 05/13/08

I don’t have a point to make in this post. I only have sincere and heartfelt prayers for all those affected by the devastating earthquake in Sichuan province in south-western China and the terrible cyclone in Myanmar.

I watch and read with horror as many hundreds of thousands are trapped and killed. These far away disasters remind us of the fragility of life. How, in one fell swoop, it can be taken away. And don’t think we’re not affected. We’re all part of humanity. I feel great sorrow and compassion for fellow human beings who are suffering and broken.

Let’s look to our own backyard and witness the damage and loss of life caused by recent tornadoes in central and southern United States.

Sad news upon sad news...

CATEGORY: General Society

TAGS: Sichuan province, earthquake, Myanmar, cyclone, disaster

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BUY A CORSET AND SUCK IT IN, OR NOT!

Posted by coffeemates | 05/13/08

Am I Fat?

I have a bone to pick with myself. Why do I constantly find myself falling into the trap of our society’s obsession with weight?

We’re bombarded by images of thin (and emaciated) models, stars and celebrities, and that’s become part of our psyche. We fixate on food so it becomes uncomfortable. And then we obsess about diet and exercise, and feel guilty for not hitting the gym every day.

From child to mother, I’ve been far from immune to self-criticism. Be honest, most of us DO compare sizes. Since I turned 40, gravity has taken over and the extra pounds don’t come off easily, if at all...

CATEGORY: Commentary & Debate

TAGS: weight issues, dress size, Dancing with the Stars, self-esteem

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Oh, You’re Just a Mom

Posted by coffeemates | 05/20/08

A Not So Straightforward Request:

One of my friends recently got his dream job in another city and in the process of moving was updating his contacts. I got an email from a certain social networking site for professional contacts inviting me to join my friend’s list of contacts.

A straightforward request stirred up some not so straightforward feelings.

I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for over four years now. How professional do I consider myself?

Social Pariah?

Why is it I’m reluctant to introduce myself as a stay-at-home mom, full-time mother or housewife?

I’ve been in social situations where people have asked me what I do and I see them visibly switch off, glaze over or turn away when I tell them...

CATEGORY: Commentary & Debate

TAGS: Stay-at-home moms, Working moms, Child-free women, Mommy Wars, Value of Motherhood

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