tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog/2 2007-09-16T16:43:22Z The Quarterlife Blog Movable Type 3.33 tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.11 2007-09-16T16:37:17Z 2007-09-16T16:43:22Z

Since I keep getting emails from people asking if a certain online show has anything to do with my book or website, or the phrase I coined, I thought I would post my response here: At first I was livid...

Since I keep getting emails from people asking if a certain online show has anything to do with my book or website, or the phrase I coined, I thought I would post my response here: At first I was livid that such seasoned hollywood producers did not give credit where it's due. Then I thought, you know what, I'm flattered that they think I have such good ideas. Then I recently saw their joke of a website and realized that a) the show is going to be completely lame and it's their loss for not including the real quarterlife expert (moi) in the creative process and b) most ironically and incredibly tacky, their website purports to support the creative development of young struggling artists...yet they refuse to recognize the real creator (myself), who is indeed a struggling young adult writer! I hope all twentysomethings can see through the supposed altrusim of the creators and realize that they are only out to make a quick buck and don't give a damn about anyone or anything twentysomething-related. I urge you to ban the show and encourage your friends to do the same. I could go on and on...but you know, more than a piece of the $500K per episode the producers are making on top of their existing wealth, all I ask for is a little recognition. tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.10 2007-09-16T16:34:48Z 2007-09-16T16:36:35Z

Hi! Just wanted to let everyone know that Cathy and I will be presenting career workshops at the PA society of Young professionals conference, Sept. 29th in Pittsburgh. Learn more here: http://www.payoungprofessionals.com/events.html...

Hi! Just wanted to let everyone know that Cathy and I will be presenting career workshops at the PA society of Young professionals conference, Sept. 29th in Pittsburgh. Learn more here: http://www.payoungprofessionals.com/events.html tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.8 2007-07-19T15:11:33Z 2007-07-19T15:22:26Z

I'm so tired of the generation accusations - apparently, the latest is that we don't read. A recent Washington Post story reports that, based on a group of students they observed in a FILM class, this generation of teens and...

Read the latest attempt at identifying a sensational yet nonexistent generational trend]]> tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.7 2007-07-19T15:05:56Z 2007-07-19T15:08:56Z

I got this email from the Youth Policy Action Center and thought it was worthy of posting - time to take action! From the Youth Policy Action Center: "The Senate is about to consider the largest investment in higher education...

http://capwiz.com/mobilize/callalert...042606&type=CO Student debt issues are speeding forward at the federal level. For the first time in a decade, we have meaningful debate in Congress over how to make college more affordable and accessible. Please call your Senator today! Today (July 19), we anticipate that the Senate will vote on S.1762, The Higher Education Access Act of 2007, a bill which increases grant aid for low income students and helps make student loan debt more manageable by cutting $16 billion dollars from lender subsidies within the loan programs. We need you to call your Senators today and urge them to vote YES on S.1762. Help Make College Affordable http://capwiz.com/mobilize/callalert...042606&type=CO ) Last week, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HR 2339, the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, 273 to 143. This bill delivers a similar set of higher education reforms for college students and their families struggling to pay for a college degree. Now, similar legislation is pending in the Senate. A college degree is more necessary than ever these days. But over 100,000 college eligible students drop out of applying to college due to cost. And more and more students graduate with deep debt to pay for it. In the early nineties, less than one third of college graduates had loan debt to repay; now, over two thirds do. This debt squeezes graduates out of going into lower paying, but socially valuable degrees like social work and teaching. We've spent the last two years making the case to decision makers locally, statewide and nationally that college must become more affordable and accessible! Now, decision makers need a push from students and their families to get these bills passed." Help Make College Affordable http://capwiz.com/mobilize/callalert...042606&type=CO ]]> tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.6 2007-05-24T13:26:40Z 2007-05-24T13:31:33Z

In the most recent issue of Jane magazine (I was bored at the airport...) the cover story is a conversation between Kirsten Dunst and Bryce Dallas Howard, about their QLCs. It's actually entitled "Even Kirsten and Bryce Have Quarterlife Crises"...

totally intern for a good cause, for no money, and can't understand people who don't. Um...maybe that's because they don't know what it's like to not be able to afford the rent, pay back loans - much less not be able to buy their trendy Ugg boots on Robertson Blvd! ]]> tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.5 2007-04-11T14:46:52Z 2007-04-11T14:50:08Z

I would describe Christopher Buckley's latest satire myself, but I think this Post editorial says it all. Obviously, this approach is not something anyone would ever consider for real, but I'm glad the book is at least bringing to light...

I would describe Christopher Buckley's latest satire myself, but I think this Post editorial says it all. Obviously, this approach is not something anyone would ever consider for real, but I'm glad the book is at least bringing to light what is and will continue to be a serious problem for qlc'ers. Boomer Boomerang By Robert J. Samuelson Wednesday, April 11, 2007; A15 Cassandra Devine knows how to solve the coming "entitlements" crisis, preordained when the 77 million baby boomers begin hitting 65 in 2011: Pay retirees to kill themselves, a program she calls "transitioning." Volunteers could receive a lavish vacation beforehand ("a farewell honeymoon"), courtesy of the government, and their heirs would be spared the estate tax. If only 20 percent of boomers select suicide before the age of 70, she says, "Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid will be solvent. End of crisis." Okay, Devine is a 29-year-old fictional blogger in Christopher Buckley's satirical novel "Boomsday." Infuriated at the injustices awaiting her generation, she becomes an instant media celebrity with a gift for incendiary rhetoric. "Someone my age will have to spend their entire life paying unfair taxes, just so the Boomers can hit the golf course at sixty-two and drink gin and tonics until they're ninety," she tells one TV reporter. Her plan, once in cyberspace, incites spontaneous uprisings. In Florida, "several hundred people in their twenties stormed the gates of a retirement community. . . . Residents were assaulted as they played golf." Buckley, born in 1952, is a boomer himself, and his novel is in the best tradition of Jonathan Swift, the writer who once suggested that the Irish relieve a famine by eating their young, of using the absurd to discuss moral outrages. Buckley's comic tale revolves around two truths usually buried in our dreary budget debates. First, a generational backlash is inevitable. It may not come as attacks on sunbathing retirees, but the idea that younger workers will meekly bear the huge tax increases needed to pay all boomers' promised benefits is delusional. The increases are too steep, and too many boomers -- fairly wealthy and healthy -- will seem undeserving. Consider: In 2007, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid constitute 44 percent of the $2.7 trillion federal budget. To pay all future benefits could (depending on assumptions) easily require tax increases of 30 to 50 percent by 2030. Many retirees are quite comfortable. About 42 percent of Americans ages 65 to 75 have assets (homes, stocks, cash) worth $250,000 or more; 23 percent have annual incomes exceeding $69,000, says the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Second, boomers will want even more benefits. Buckley imagines them clamoring for subsidies for Botox, grandparent day care and "giant flat-screen plasma TVs (for boomers with deteriorating eyesight)." Their actual demands may be less exotic and more expensive: closing the "doughnut hole" -- a gap of coverage -- in Medicare's drug benefit; more lenient tax treatment for retirement accounts; more payments for nursing homes. Out in front will be the 38-million-member AARP, the nation's most powerful interest group. In the past four years, notes National Journal, it's spent $88 million on lobbying. AARP says that in the last election half the voters were older than 50 and a quarter were its members. AARP's new public relations campaign (slogan: "Divided We Fail") misleadingly aims to project an unselfish and high-minded image. In practice, it means AARP will support higher government spending for all age groups, which (of course) will increase taxes further for tomorrow's workers. For example, AARP urges the expansion of SCHIP, a program of health insurance for poor children that, ironically, illustrates the nation's twisted priorities. In 2007, SCHIP will cost $5.7 billion; Social Security and Medicare, $1 trillion. Well, maybe SCHIP should be expanded, but only if -- a test of AARP's real commitment -- cuts in Social Security and Medicare benefits pay for the expansion. A doubling of SCHIP would require cuts of about one half of 1 percent. Social Security and Medicare are an essential part of the social fabric. Millions depend on them. But the vast benefits -- paid too early and too indiscriminately -- have become disconnected from genuine need. Unless the two are reconnected, these successful programs will tear at the social fabric. It is unfair to blame only baby boomers for not acting preemptively to curb the known costs of their retirement. The "greatest generation" bears equal responsibility. Politicians have done nothing, because voters -- present and prospective retirees -- have wanted them to do nothing. Still, boomers deserve special disapproval. "Baby Boomers," says Buckley's Devine, "made self-indulgence a virtue." Sure, that's a stereotype, but for opinion leaders and politicians, it is uncomfortably accurate. Consider Newsweek. It has a regular feature, "The Boomer Files," that celebrates boomer musicians, comedians, sports heroes and TV series. It discusses how boomers are "redefining the 'golden years' " -- but not a peep about the costs for their children. I was born in late 1945 and count myself a part of this failure. In our careless self-absorption, we are committing a political and economic crime against our children and perhaps -- when they awaken to their victimization -- even ourselves. tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.4 2007-04-09T20:44:02Z 2007-04-09T20:46:36Z

So, I wrote a couple entries and they got deleted, along with the comments. My crappy host lost 2 weeks of data, including my message boards and email. If anyone has host recommendations just let me know! In the meantime...

So, I wrote a couple entries and they got deleted, along with the comments. My crappy host lost 2 weeks of data, including my message boards and email. If anyone has host recommendations just let me know! In the meantime I'll try to summarize what was lost: basically, Peep Show is a really funny British show. They have good QLC-related quotes. I recommend it to all QLC'ers. And, John Mayer did use QLC without giving me credit, which seems to happen quite frequently. I wish I could somehow benefit from people using my ideas...oh and he and Jessica Simpson are starting to look more and more alike. Ok now I'll try to get on to some new posts... tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.3 2007-03-21T15:15:13Z 2007-03-21T15:39:49Z

A couple of interesting developments on possibly easing the astronomical student debt faced by qlc'ers: The WSJ reported yesterday (Tues. 3/20/07) that lawmakers are "scrambling to find ways to make higher education more affordable" by cutting loan rates, increasing Pell...

making it easier to choose a low-paying job field by tying repayment to income. They're also pushing to cut out private lenders and incrase disclosre bewteeen colleges and lenders. Who knows where any of this will go, it's all talk now - but at least quarterlifers in financial crisis are finally getting some attention. (The article, Student Debt: Congress Seeks to Ease Burden is only available online to subscribers) Also yesterday, the Washington Post reported that the Department of Education has been Overcharging student borrowers for the past decade due to a computer glitch discovered by Brenda K. Pfeiffer, a 41-year-old Minnesota chiropractor - and former math teacher. Maybe transitioning to exclusively government-backed loans isn't such a good idea? In any case, if you've been mysteriously charged late fees on payments you made on time, you could be seeing that money again, thanks to Ms. Pfeiffer. You also have Sen. Kennedy to thank for championing for poor recent grads. ]]> tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.2 2007-03-20T20:19:44Z 2007-03-21T15:39:35Z

Despite their seemingly carefree lives and careers, endless supply of money and free time, preternatural good looks and endless admirers, celebs don't seem to be immune from qlc's. Observe the following examples: Zach Braff wrote Garden State about his own...

Zach Braff wrote Garden State about his own quarterlife crisis, attempting to become a paid actor while battling depression. He also recently admitted to suffering from "mild depression" in a recent interview, as did his x-girlfriend, Mandy Moore. Jackie Earle Haley, creepy star of Little Children and formerly known for the Bad News Bears, referred to the awkward period in his life when he couldn't find employment as being "in between a child actor and adult actor." Margaret Cho recently referred to depression that she experienced in her mid-twenties. Dustin Diamond seems to be suffering a financial qlc of sorts, resorting to sex tapes and tshirts as a way to earn a living, instead of finding a real job. It must be disheartening when you realize the Screech stick won't last forever... And Brittney, well - she's past the point of a qlc now. For a while there it looked like the transition to adulthood might have been the cause of her breakdown, but now we can see the issues run much deeper than that. There must be other qlcelebs...know of any? Their lives might seem glamorous to us, but even celebs are not immune to inner struggles and identity crises of their own.]]> tag:quarterlifecrisis.com,2007:/qlclog//2.1 2007-03-18T23:17:19Z 2007-03-19T14:25:45Z

I'm finally giving in to the whole blog thing. People have always asked why I don't have a blog, and I've told them the thruth which is that: a) it sets my ideas up for being stolen...again, and b) why...

I'm finally giving in to the whole blog thing. People have always asked why I don't have a blog, and I've told them the thruth which is that: a) it sets my ideas up for being stolen...again, and b) why give away my ideas for free when i can sell them im a book (sorry, but a girl's gotta eat), and finally c) my boss, clients, etc. can find out everything i don't want them to know and more that said, i feel like i should have one since everyone else does. Only I'm not going to talk about anything original or interesting because i don't want anyone stealing my ideas. so it's gonna be pretty much a self-centered and shameless promotional blog about QLC. I'm calling it QLCLOG: the Quarterlife Crisis Blog. First i'm going to talk about something really mundane: the weather. The cold isn't gone yet here in d.c. and i'm thrilled. I love bundling up in my sweaters, scarfs, gloves and hats. Everyone who knows me knows my feelings about the cold. Some think I'm crazy. Personally, I hate it when people equate warm with "nice" - that's a preference, not a fact. I can't stand sweating. I can't stand my hair frizzing out in the humidity just after I've bothered blowdrying. I love the cold crispness of late fall and winter. I love seeing my breath in the air. I love curling up on the couch with a cup of hot cocoa. I love sticking my tongue out to catch the snowflakes as they fall. Maybe on my next post I'll talk about something qlc-related...