: About Me

I've wanted to write for as long as I can remember. It started when I was ten, and had a short article published in a local newspaper. I received a BA in communications from the University of New Orleans in 1982.

In 1992, I began writing romance reviews and author interviews for Affaire de Coeur magazine. My work garnered a cover story in the magazine's July 1999 issue.

That same year (1999), I moved into new media with my online serial, Northern Lights. It was because of this site that I began exploring new media in depth.

In 2000, I got involved with Miss Crescent City New Orleans, the local arm of the Miss America Organization. I am webmaster, media coordinator, business manager...the possibilities are endless. The multiple awards the site earned led to my selection in 2003 as webmaster and designer for the Miss Louisiana Scholarship Organization. In April 2004, the state organization recognized me for my efforts.

This recognition led me to the publication of my first book, Myths America: A Practical Guide to Pageantry. It may be my first book, but it certainly won't be my last.

In January 2008, I received a national title of my very own: Ms. Civic America. I would like to thank Margaret and Steven for nominating me. It was a complete surprise when I was crowned on stage. And, no, I didn't sleep in my crown!

I pledged the Louisiana Eta Pi chapter of Beta Sigma Phi sorority in July 2004. I was the chapter's 2004-05 sweetheart and have served as extension officer and cultural chair for the last three years. I love my sisters dearly, and I'll miss them since the chapter has disbanded. I'm proud to serve my sorority. I now belong to the Online Alpha Phi chapter, where I serve as vice-president and have been recently nominated to the office of President. I received the Ritual of Jewels degree in May 2005.

I belong to the Big Easy Toasters chapter of Toastmasters International. I serve as VP-Education, and am a past president of the club. Toastmasters is a great way to hone your public speaking and communication skills.

In May 2007 I passed the exam for a Technician class amateur radio license. I've been interested in amateur (ham) radio since I was a little girl, and I decided this was the time to go for it! I'm following in my dad's footsteps: he's W5TGM. I received the callsign KE5ONZ.

I continue to live in my birthplace of New Orleans. There's no place like home!

My passion is ...

writing

I know too much about ...

beauty pageants!

My parents always told me ...

Be true to yourself.

My childhood ambition ...

was to be a flight attendant.

My favorite memory ...

was Christmas 1973. I got some neat presents.

Why I write ...

I like to create, and communicate well. Getting paid is nice, too.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

some good music from my hometown, New Orleans!

My first job ...

was taking telephone surveys for a radio station.

My best moment ...

was when I was crowned Ms. Civic America last year.

My inspiration ...

is all around me.

Politics, News & Issues > Conservation Cut the junk mail

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It happens nearly every day. Your mailbox is cluttered with junk mail. You don't want it, but how can you get rid of it? Here are some tips on how to get rid of unwanted junk mail. Ask to be removed. Contact the Direct Mail Marketing Association, Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735. They keep an opt-out list which is good for five years from signing up. You'll have to renew your listing every five years, but that is just one little inconvenience which you can exchange for many inconveniences in your mailbox. The DMMA also have a web site at www.dmachoice.org that will allow you to stop the rec...

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