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Posts under ‘Money’

Self-actualization via the crazy

Congratulations are in order. And by that, I mean I’m going to congratulate myself. I’ve made the jump from all-out unemployment to the realm of part-time underemployment. Translation: I am wedged in between the lowest tiers of Maslow’s self-actualization pyramid! Huzzah! Still, it’s progress and I have my sights set on what I [...]

Hosting Your Unemployment Party, A Microsoft Cover Letter

Dear Microsoft:
I’m not sure if you’re looking for some new people to join your advertising team, but after this:

…You really should be looking into it.
Sincerely,
Scott Pierce
P.S. — Seriously, what is this? I mean, I’m as excited about the launch of Windows 7 as the next person, but come on. I realize [...]

Art in the time of cholera

I’ve been thinking a lot about people trying to rationalize the times, the recession, and my own current economic plight, as well as their own.
Typically, conversations cite instances of hardship breeding new forms of art — whether it be literature, painting, etc. It’s argued that these days will pave the way for radical [...]

My man purse and the movie theatre

Last night, I had a “this is my life” moment.
One of my roommates and I decided for some reason that we had to see the fourth death-is-inescapable fiesta, The Final Destination. Not to be confused with the first in the series, Final Destination, starring disappearing act Devon Sawa and that chick who finally got [...]

Miss Popularity, 1959

My Mom wears a particular pendant. It’s more of a medal and badge of honor, really. It reads, “Miss Popularity, 1959.”
A) How ridiculous is that to begin with?
B) There’s so much more to the story…
I always assumed that Mom was Miss Popularity in 1959 because she was the owner of the aforementioned necklace. And, I [...]

Let’s play a LoveGame

After being noticeably absent for about a week, Fauxdonna’s music has traversed the 92.7/Castro airwaves to reach the inside of my parent’s car in North Carolina. Grating, harsh, and yet pretty darn catchy at the same time — “LoveGame” is a welcome departure from the skeeters and other island bugs, as well as the ungodly [...]

Lessons in survival: putting off the future to save for today

I did it. I pulled out my IRA. Before anyone goes judging me — for the song choice or pulling out my IRA — let me explain. Ok, judge me openly for DMB. That was just cruel of me to do. But it fit and I stand by that. As for the IRA, let explain.
1. [...]

Some people stand in the darkness, afraid to step into the light

After flying from San Francisco to NYC to Raleigh, and driving for several hours, I am finally at my destination: Emerald Isle. Also known as the Crystal Coast, this is a fairly small island, but it’s also supposed to hold around 50,000 people each summer. This year, that is not the case. I guess people [...]

This time tomorrow

At the end of this month I’ll be officially unemployed again. As I’m nearing the end of my time at my start-up, I’ve been wrapping things up and applying for jobs at the same time. Multitasking for the win!
It’s been an odd feeling to see the end of my job this time around. Unlike before, [...]