CONSUMERISM

I have had an eclectic rich life that has included many different interesting pursuits. I have a background in computers, consumerism, time management, and the movie industry.

I've always loved pop culture, advertising, and consumerism, so I knew marketing was for me. I took time off from school to focus on my marriage, family, and career. I have a 16-year resume that includes journalism, event planning, marketing/PR, and more. I've enjoyed participating in activities with the children as they've grown into teenagers. I've been a Girl Scout leader, and I currently serve on the Board of Directors for the children's high school marching band and color guard.

Shai is a 26-year-old mother of two, step-mother of two, and full-time student. She spends her days in PTA meetings, class, and attending a host of appointments for her special needs daughter. At night, she tries to lose herself in the world of philosophy, education, and art. Shai aspires to be as eco-friendly as possible in a world seemingly dependent upon materialistic consumerism, and tries to instill those values in her own children while spreading knowledge and resources to the society around her, often through social media.

Born in Canada, I moved to the USA in 1987 and eventually became a US citizen. I moved to China in 2003 and have lived here for an average of 11 months a year. During my stays in China, I lived in a small town in Liaoning Province named Xingcheng. I lived there for the first three years and than moved to Dongguan in Guangdong Province, where I have spent the past five years. During the past eight years living in China, I have come to know many people, several of whom I call friends and family. I have had cultural experiences that are unknown to the casual traveler. I have seen the underground movements that are more common here than are advertised. I have seen religious movements that show the awesome power of God in a society that is controlled by a dictatorial rule of law. I have watched the society change rapidly as consumerism has grown in leaps and bounds.

Rachelle is pursuing her Ph.D. in sunny California. When not focusing on academics, she dedicates time to her other interests: creative writing, the sciences, responsible consumerism, an active lifestyle, fashion, and medical policy. With such a wide range of interests, you can expect all sorts of articles from Rachelle.

Michael Wein is a Financial/Accounting Managerial professional with over 25 years experience in the corporate world. He is also a webmaster and web designer, concentrated in the area of consumerism. Currently, Michael is the webmaster and chief writer for BetterWaysToday.com, a consumer-oriented web site, specializing in helping every day people to improve their financial lives immediately. Michael has been happily married for 28 years and is the father of two daughters.

MBA Marketing grad. Love consumerism and retail therapy.

Starting in the Mortgage industry back in 2003 seemed like a beautiful thing, and for a while it was. With a background in the food industry, I had never seen a $10,000 check before with my name on it! However, while I am very happy to have had this experience, I am also ok with the popping of the real estate bubble and the subsequent fallout of that industry. Many must be thinking I am crazy, but despite the horror in our economy, that trend was leading to unbelievable consumerism, hyperinflation and a two class society (this last problem has not been resolved). I currently work in the insurance industry. My passion is helping people plan for the things life is going to throw at them, both expected and by surprise. I believe in the basic good in people and firm accountability. I want to help people succeed, and surprise themselves with how easy things can be if you just start with a plan and don't deviate too far from it. More on me later.

Linda Parker. Professional: As Chair and CEO of Linkst llc., Linda manages, consults with, and directs the team of top industry specialists listed below. Her former career path included COO of a privately held multi-million residential portfolio, building real estate investment portfolios into the multi-millions for individual clients, teaching at an adult education center as well as holding private consultations and addressing national organizations, and was recognized as the top producer at William Davis Realty, now a firm of more than 300 agents. She has written several books. Her education includes SMU, Oxford UK, and a multitude of universities for licensing and continued market education. Hobby: a.) BestWeddingBlogger.com Wedding Blogs for Newly Engaged Couples; b.) InstantRevenueConsultant.com Website for Everything from Traffic to Your Website to Extra Income Opportunitites for Fast Money Personal: Author with several fun books on Amazon.com and other booksellers on-line. Series I, II & III of the "Why I Stay Single!" 500+ One Liner Jokes Books (about dating, parenting, consumerism, insanity and disgusting things), "Top Ten Reasons" 600 Fun One Line Quips, and "How to Write One Liner Jokes" Includes 100+ Topic-Related One Line Joke Examples when you want to make fun of your friends and relatives while being the life of the party--the person everyone wants to be near. By the end of next year, her easy-to-follow guidebook of wedding vows, toasts, games, planning, checklists, fund raising and more should be in the on-line marketplace for those who need a thorough overview from the actual ceremony order to order of toasts and even includes a section on fun pranks that can be played on the bride and groom.

I live on the leading edge of emerging business trends and American consumerism. Between marketing, technology, social media, and entrepreneuring I'm never lacking things to do and say.

Currently I am a freelance writer, working with magazines and publishing houses in India. I write on varied subjects including health, medicine, lifestyle, society, consumerism, politics, and developmental work.

David Nance is an award-winning web entrepreneur, media investor, and writer. David maintains key involvement with several internet-based application start-ups, and his perspective and skills reflect years of experience in digital media and online consumerism. David is also an outspoken advocate of a health and fitness lifestyle, stemming from over 8 years of experience as an elite high school and collegiate athlete.

I'm a meteorologist by education, a math tutor (and educational advocate) by chance, and a writer (including science, travel, home improvement and consumerism) by choice. Once upon a time I couldn't write well. Now, I try to have fun at it while sharing what I've learned. I hope you enjoy my handiwork.

My writing career spans writing ad copy for the depts I lead at the hospitals where I worked to my own manuscripts (fiction and romance) to ghostwriting memoirs. I consider myself an expert in the area of surgery, womens issues and consumerism.

Caramel colored queen, veganista, environmentalist and big fat animal lover. Down for promoting self-love, a holistic lifestyle and conscious consumerism!

I'm in my mid-twenties and full of energy. I'm feeling the pain of this recession while I struggle to find employment despite having a Bachelor's degree! I'm also planning the wedding of a lifetime. My chic breeziness is my trademark.

I write about all things Chicago. I have lived in Chicago for 32 years and try to write about the trends, issues and events people are talking about in Chicago.

25 years old.

I've just decided to not only read and thus absorb knowledge, but to begin putting out some of the great ideas that I have inside my head.

Born and raised in the rural, upper midwest, Ann developed a profound connection with the natural world. In the search for purpose, love, and success, she has discovered that truth lies openly for anyone willing to see.

Ken Schields has worked in health care for the better part of the last four decades. His job responsibilities included business development, administration, marketing, general operations, managed care, compliance, clinical care, and teaching. The last thought he ever had was

20 years full-time experience writing and editing, including articles, newsletters, marketing collateral, business and grant proposals, business plans, direct mail letters, print advertising. Edited two books for self-publishers, freelance.

Jennifer is an experienced web content writer, returning college student, and mother to a beautiful one-year-old girl.

Born in the city of angels, exiled to the land of dixie, pining for a creative outlet, I am a full time student with spare time to express myself. Might as well get paid for it. I'm studying philosophy and music, and hope to work for myself post-college.

Author: Delusional Democracy, Prosperity Without Pollution & Sprawl Kills. Senior official Congressional Office of Technology Assessment & National Governors Assn; full prof Univ. of Wisc. Publishing regularly on over 100 websites.

N. S. Hughes is a freelance writer and photographer living in Asheville, North Carolina. She is the mother of one son, L.K.S. Hughes.