Don's Jewelry Snow Day Promotion

I'm lucky enough to fill in through Christmas at Don's Jewelry here in La Grande, Oregon. Don is very excited about his December promotion and as I think it is a wonderful concept, I wanted to share it with all of you! If it snows 7 or more inches on New Years Day in La Grande, Don will give all of his customers a full refund on any purchase they make from December 1 to December 24! Diamonds for Christmas, anyone? www.LaGrandeONLINE.com/DonsJewelry.

Snow Day Refund Promotion


Any individual who makes a purchase between December 1, 2007 and December 24, 2007 at Don’s Jewelry in
Baker City or La Grande is entitled to a refund in the amount of the full purchase price, excluding sales tax and delivery charges, if a minimum of seven inches of snow falls at the La Grande Union County Airport on January 1, 2008 between 12:00AM and 11:59 PM.

All Purchases made during the above period are final. No returns, exchanges or cancellations are permitted.

Individuals, who have made a purchase during the qualified sales period, must pay in full in order to be eligible to receive a refund as a qualified customer.

The Snow Fall will be measured by Weather Watch, at the La Grande Union County Airport. The official report provided by Weather Watch will be the only weather data relied upon in verifying the insured peril and whether refunds are to be made.

Please be advised that Don’s Jewelry will not be in a position to confirm that seven inches of snow occurred until a minimum of seven (7) business days after January 1, 2008.

In the event that the insured peril is met as defined in rule number one (1) above, refunds will only be made to qualified customers who agree to complete and sign the sales promotion rules.

In the event that the insured peril is met as defined in rule number one (1) above, please be advised that it may take up to sixty (60) days after the weather recording date to receive your refund.

All refunds must be claimed by April 1, 2008. It is the qualified customers responsibility to claim their refund by the above date. No refunds will be issued after this date.

Purchases made outside the qualified sale period, sales tax and delivery charges are not eligible for a refund.

Don’s Jewelry reserves the right to stop this promotion at any time, without notice, and honor those purchases made prior to the cancellation of this promotion.

Employees of Don’s Jewelry and their suppliers are not eligible to participate in this sales promotion.

No Purchase necessary. Individuals may enter by submitting a 3x5 card in a sealed envelope and mailing it to Don’s Jewelry 1216 Adams Ave La Grande OR 97850. All entries must be received no later than December 24, 2007. Entries must contain first and last name, complete mailing address including zip code and contact phone number. Incomplete or incorrect entries will be voided.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

___ I agree to the official rules as set forth under the terms of this promotion.

Customer Name:________________________________________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Sale Amount________________ Sale Date: ___________________ Invoice #______________________________________
Customer Signature:________________________________________ Date:_________________________________________

___ I choose not to participate in this promotion as described above, and understand that I will not receive a refund if the insured peril occurs. Customer Name: _______________________________________________________________________
Customer Signature _________________________________________ Date:________________________________________

Sean Taylor and The Black KKK

I saw this on the internet today and it intrigued me. I'd welcome your thoughts.

Taylor's death a grim reminder for us all
Jason Whitlock FOXSports.com, Jason Whitlock says Sean Taylor's death is more than a crime."

There's a reason I call them the Black KKK. The pain, the fear and the destruction are all the same.

Someone who loved Sean Taylor is crying right now. The life they knew has been destroyed, an 18-month-old baby lost her father, and, if you're a black man living in America, you've been reminded once again that your life is in constant jeopardy of violent death.
The Black KKK claimed another victim, a high-profile professional football player with a checkered past this time.

No, we don't know for certain the circumstances surrounding Taylor's death. I could very well be proven wrong for engaging in this sort of aggressive speculation. But it's no different than if you saw a fat man fall to the ground clutching his chest. You'd assume a heart attack, and you'd know, no matter the cause, the man needed to lose weight.

Well, when shots are fired and a black man hits the pavement, there's every statistical reason to believe another black man pulled the trigger. That's not some negative, unfair stereotype. It's a reality we've been living with, tolerating and rationalizing for far too long.
When the traditional, white KKK lynched, terrorized and intimidated black folks at a slower rate than its modern-day dark-skinned replacement, at least we had the good sense to be outraged and in no mood to contemplate rationalizations or be fooled by distractions.

Our new millennium strategy is to pray the Black KKK goes away or ignores us. How's that working?

About as well as the attempt to shift attention away from this uniquely African-American crisis by focusing on an alleged injustice the white media allegedly perpetrated against Sean Taylor.
Within hours of his death, there was a story circulating that members of the black press were complaining that news outlets were disrespecting Taylor's victimhood by reporting on his troubled past.

No disrespect to Taylor, but he controlled the way he would be remembered by the way he lived. His immature, undisciplined behavior with his employer, his run-ins with law enforcement, which included allegedly threatening a man with a loaded gun, and the fact a vehicle he owned was once sprayed with bullets are all pertinent details when you've been murdered.

Marcellus Wiley, a former NFL player, made the radio circuit Wednesday, singing the tune that athletes are targets. That was his explanation for the murders of Taylor and Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams and the armed robberies of NBA players Antoine Walker and Eddy Curry.

Really?

Let's cut through the bull(manure) and deal with reality. Black men are targets of black men. Period. Go check the coroner's office and talk with a police detective. These bullets aren't checking W-2s.

Rather than whine about white folks' insensitivity or reserve a special place of sorrow for rich athletes, we'd be better served mustering the kind of outrage and courage it took in the 1950s and 1960s to stop the white KKK from hanging black men from trees.

But we don't want to deal with ourselves. We take great joy in prescribing medicine to cure the hate in other people's hearts. Meanwhile, our self-hatred, on full display for the world to see, remains untreated, undiagnosed and unrepentant.

Our self-hatred has been set to music and reinforced by a pervasive culture that promotes a crab-in-barrel mentality.

You're damn straight I blame hip hop for playing a role in the genocide of American black men. When your leading causes of death and dysfunction are murder, ignorance and incarceration, there's no reason to give a free pass to a culture that celebrates murder, ignorance and incarceration.

Of course there are other catalysts, but until we recapture the minds of black youth, convince them that it's not OK to "super man dat ho" and end any and every dispute by "cocking on your bitch," nothing will change.

Does a Soulja Boy want an education?

HBO did a fascinating documentary on Little Rock Central High School, the Arkansas school that required the National Guard so that nine black kids could attend in the 1950s. Fifty years later, the school is one of the nation's best in terms of funding and educational opportunities. It's 60 percent black and located in a poor black community.

Watch the documentary and ask yourself why nine poor kids in the '50s risked their lives to get a good education and a thousand poor black kids today ignore the opportunity that is served to them on a platter.

Blame drugs, blame Ronald Reagan, blame George Bush, blame it on the rain or whatever. There's only one group of people who can change the rotten, anti-education, pro-violence culture our kids have adopted. We have to do it.
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According to reports, Sean Taylor had difficulty breaking free from the unsavory characters he associated with during his youth.

The "keepin' it real" mantra of hip hop is in direct defiance to evolution. There's always someone ready to tell you you're selling out if you move away from the immature and dangerous activities you used to do, you're selling out if you speak proper English, embrace education, dress like a grown man, do anything mainstream.

The Black KKK is enforcing the same crippling standards as its parent organization. It wants to keep black men in their place — uneducated, outside the mainstream and six feet deep.
In all likelihood, the Black Klan and its mentality buried Sean Taylor, and any black man or boy reading this could be next.

And We're OFF!!

I hope each and everyone of you had a terrific Thanksgiving. Mine was perfect. I had 8 people for dinner and it was a non stress perfect day in every way. Now, it's back to work. In Christyland, my own private world that I think everyone should join, no one works from Thanksgiving week until January 2nd. Bills all get the month off and as do all your utilities. The only things that need to be paid for are food and merry making. Wouldn't that be great? Give the world time off, share a cup of eggnog and just enjoy the season. Someday when I am elected president, that will be my entire campaign platform. The world according to Christy. Yes, I like the sound of that. Well, I'm off to get a jump on the work week so I can enjoy a little of the season. I wish all of you a magic holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

I wish each and every one of you a blessed Thanksgiving that contains full tummies and laughter around the table with friends and family. Thanksgiving is, by far, my favorite holiday of all. And now that the weather finally feels like November here, I am into the spirit full swing. Thanksgiving to me is Christmas without the stress. Without the emphasis on gifts and more on being together and being GRATEFUL! It's my big time of year to shine. Thanksgiving dinner is on me complete with huge turkey and all the traditional trimmings. Not normally an entertainer, it's my time to shine. Now that my kids are older, they are in the act too. They help me cook which starts on Tuesday. Before we eat, I ask everyone to state what they are thankful for. Sometimes the answers are interesting. But it's alway good to call to mind what it means to you. I have learned that I am all about anticipation. Thursday is my favorite day of the week and Thanksgiving my favorite holiday. I still have the magic of Christmas to look forward to. I remember one day, on a gloomy (just the way I love it) November day, I was looking out my window and I saw my neighbors loading up in their car to head home to family for Thanksgiving. And I remember feeling this warm glow and know that that is what the holiday season is all about. My daughter will be home tomorrow and I am going to take some time off. So until this Thanksgiving is past, I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving. Take moment to give thanks. It's so important. Happy Thanksgiving.

Ruby Peak Naturals Shares the Wealth

*Bloggers note: Wouldn't life be a lot better if we all took this approach? Read on...

Jane Harshman, of Ruby Peak Naturals, offers a healthier lifestyle to the citizens of Wallowa County while she increases revenue for roughly fifteen other businesses from Oregon and Eastern Idaho.

Supporting local business has been a priority for Harshman, since opening Ruby Peak Naturals in 2005. “I want to work through our local vendors and provide products that promote green lifestyles”, says Jane Harshman. And she has done just that!

Since the inception of Ruby Peak Naturals, Harshman has worked with such companies as Bee Crow Bee, Backyard Gardens, Thiel Potatoes, Hozho Shopping Bags, Sei Mee Tea, LLC, Mary Jane’s Backpacking Food, Prairie Creek Farms, Aziza Essential Oils, Wildflouer Bakery, and Hidden Springs Eggs. She also sells whole bean coffee from Strictly Organic in Bend, Oregon, Fireworks Pottery, local grass fed beef and lamb, two types of gift cards made locally and honey made in Wallowa County.

She has no intention of stopping there.

“I’ve begun negotiations with a Rock Creek Nut Company and have also been talking with June Colony”, says Harshman. “June is a past county commissioner candidate who started the Generations Project. One aspect of the project is to refurbish used items and, with proposed grant funding, will provide low income women with sewing machines an avenue for income by producing a recycled fabric line of dish towels and aprons.”

To support progression of this business, Harshman has recently applied for an Individual Development Account (IDA) through the Northeast Oregon Economic Development District (NEOEDD) and Connecting Oregon Rural Entrepreneurs (CORE). “I have my application in and I’m just waiting to hear back”, says Harshman. Harshman heard about the IDA through Lisa Dawson at NEOEDD. “I call Lisa often to learn what new programs are available through NEOEDD and CORE”, says Harshman. “This looked liked something that could help my business”.

The IDA Program is designed for business owners with a proven record of success in saving money. Once qualified, business owners such as Harshman can open a separate savings account where the amount a business owner saves will be matched three dollars to every dollar saved.

Jane Harshman is looking to replace some of the bulk bins that cost $165 for each new one. Currently the store has 30 bins. She is also hoping to expand the store’s inventory of green living products with items such as water purifiers as well as build the base of local organic products.

“I would like to carry more products as they become available”, says Harshman of working with local growers and entrepreneurs. “It just makes sense”. Harshman says she will also continue to call CORE to learn about new business opportunities for rural entrepreneurs.

To learn more about Ruby Peak Naturals, email Jane at rubypeaknaturals@eoni.com or call 541.426.4042. To learn more about whether or not you may qualify for an IDA through CORE, contact Lisa Dawson at 800.645.9454.

A Different Glass Ceiling

It has recently been brought to my attention that there is a different sort of glass ceiling that is causing as much if not more damage than the traditional type. More and more statistics support that in the next few years, there will no longer be a "middle class" in society. And that indeed we are heading to a "have's" and "have not's" society. I see this becoming evident as the lower middle class strive to bring their standard of living up. I don't understand what a person's credit rating has to do with their ability to do a job effectively. It has been brought to my attention by people I work with applying for higher paying jobs that provide benefits, 401K's and other perks that come from stable, fulfilling full time employment in the corporate and sub corporate world need to provide information and consent to credit checks. This can affect a decision made by an employer as to whether or not to hire the applicant. Are you kidding me???? I have to say it! This enrages me. Chances are that the applicant does not have stellar credit rating due to the low income circumstances in which they have been living. If the employer sees qualities that enable the applicant to do the job regardless of their previous income, shouldn't that be enough to hire them? Why can someone who seems so suited for the job be declined due to a credit score number? In my mind, this is another example of keeping the lower class where they are and not allowing them to infultrate the upper class sector of society. A practice that, in my opinion, is so wrong. Let's take that out of the job market, increase the over all economy and bring that bottom line up. A previous credit score may reflect a low time in the applicants life, a divorce, an illness and many other things that have nothing to do with the applicants ability to fulfill a job. Did you know the difference between having a home for a single income family and have that same family homeless is 2 paychecks? Think about it. Let's hire our employees based on their credentials and not their credit scores.

Rethink the Gift Card

This came across my email today and I thought I'd share:

Holidays have rapidly devolved into what amounts to an exchange of cash. A gift card says nothing about the personality of the recipient -- but it says lots about the giver.

By

Liz Pulliam Weston

Gift cards are incredibly popular. They're also an oxymoron.
A gift, ideally, says, "I thought about you. I considered your likes and dislikes, your needs and wants, your dreams and desires, and found you this token of my esteem that I hope will delight you."

A gift card says, "There! Checked you off my list."

It's not just me that says so. Judith Martin, the doyenne of etiquette known to millions as

Miss Manners, dismisses gift certificates -- and, by extension, gift cards -- as "a pathetic compromise convenient to people who do not trust their judgment about selecting the right present for those whose tastes they ought to know."

Think about it. Would a lover, in the flush of romance, lean close to the object of his affection and present … a gift card? Would proud grandparents present the latest addition to the family with … a gift card? Would your best and closest friend, the one you've known for years, who's stuck with you through the roller-coaster ride of life, walk into your hospital room and give you … a gift card?

(If the answer to any of those questions is yes, by the way, you need to start hanging with a better class of people.)

Yet gift cards continue their relentless spread:
Last year, 74.3% of respondents surveyed told a National Retail Federation survey they planned to buy at least one gift card, up from 69.9% the year before.
Half of respondents (50.1%) said they would like to receive a gift card, up from 41.3% two years earlier.

The younger you are, the more likely you are to be delighted by a gift card: 82% of Americans under 44 said they appreciated receiving gift cards, according to a national survey by Coinstar, purveyor of coin-counting machines and gift cards.

The death of shame

Many young people are so enamored with gift cards, with being "empowered to make their own choices," as one retailer laughably put it, that they don't even realize what they're missing.
Older people might, but hey, they're busy, cards are convenient, so what's the harm?
The harm is that the art of gift-giving is quickly devolving into an entirely commercial exchange. How much longer until we simply start thrusting wads of dollar bills at each other?
Some people, apparently, would be delighted with that prospect. While researching party themes for my daughter's upcoming celebration, I stumbled across a posting by a woman who proudly included the horrifying words "monetary gifts would be much appreciated" on her 3 year-old child's invitations. She went on to explain that "I wanted money as gifts for my daughter's savings and for us to buy bigger toys, like a big kitchen and a Barbie Jeep that she wanted, instead of guests giving her small toys."

It's official. Shame is dead.

*A Note From the Blogger...

I think it depends on the gift card!

How Does Your Child's Vitamin Stack Up?

Do you want the best for your children? Call me! 541.786.1613

Blue Lapis for CHRISTMAS!

Not to early to start! Buy this stunning one of a kind blue lapis and sterling silver necklace and earring set from Moonlight Treasurez, hand crafted by Sabina Mulryan. No two pieces by Sabina are the same. Each piece is of the highest quality craftsmanship and materials. This blue lapis choker measures 8 3/4 inches from the top of the clasp to the bottom of the large stone. Earrings are included in this set for a one of a time price of $58 plus $5 shipping and handling. As always, your satisfaction is guaranteed. For this and other items from Moonlight Treasurez, call 541.786.1613 or Email Info@MoonlightTreasurez.com.

Is it Time For Social Media

The LA Times might be ready. Or at least out of the starting gate according to blogger David J and his blog About Results Marketing. In this blog, David talks about a presentation he recently attended where the conversation led to the potential of mashing and the ability to track data effectively. The conversation eventually led to the evolution of social media. David J asked the question if this would eventually lead to more bias in the media. On the contrary, I feel that it will lead to the ability to find the REAL story. I think we are already seeing some of this in online newspapers where public comment is allowed. I have had the unfortunate personal experience of losing a family member in Alaska. The comments in the enews there paint a picture of the man accused with a hauting background and the testimonial that this is not the first time he has behaved in the manner. Will that be admissable in court? That remains to be seen. I also know of another situation in the Pacific NW where two dear who had been raised in captivity were taken from their home by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. The public outrage that ensued on the local news channels blog held the fish and wildlife department accountable for the actions and the public demanded explanation. I know, only in Oregon. But my point is, social media is already taking effect. People are getting say through the internet and they are not afraid to do it. And as far as bias goes, the media is already doing that on their own whether we want to admit it or not. Fox News has already been labeled conservative and CNN is the more liberal station for information. As anyone who has lived through a crisis situation. They will either tell you the media played it up too big or didn't get even close to the full picture. I am in favor of social media in MODERATION due to the fact that is may paint all sides of the picture. It's up to the media companies to maintain factual accuracy but lets let those in the trenches tell the story. Thanks David J for such a well written article.

Funny

"Do you know the present value of your husband's policy?" the life insurance salesman asked his client.

"What do you mean?" countered the woman.

"If you should lose your husband, what would you get?" asked the salesman.

The woman thought a minute, then brightened up and said,"Probably a poodle."

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Get out your jingle bells and last years fruit cake because ready or not, the Christmas season fast approaches. Already (even before Halloween) holiday shopping ads were filling the air waves. Maybe you've started your shopping, maybe you need that extra push but what I want to know is, where do you shop? Many communities (including my own) have campaigns to shop locally with great statistics about how that helps local economy. Do you do it? How many of you have a Super Wal-Mart in your area? We do. And the day after Halloween it was full of Christmas trees and holiday fare everywhere. Do you take advantage of their discounted prices? Or how many of you (us) who work at our computers all day find the ease of internet shopping and having it shipped to our work to keep it from the kids extremely convenient? I live in a rural area with usually heavy snowfall and yet I know of many who travel to the nearest mall to do their shopping. And yet, I do believe that many of us complete this joyous task with somewhat of a hybrid of all the mentioned. But what do you do? What is the most likely means you will the Christmas or in Christmas' past get the job done? Take a moment to answer the poll you see to your left. Or drop me a comment!

Help This Guy Out!

http://www.nygirlofmydreams.com/

Happy Election Day!

In our current corrupt society, it's hard to get geared up to go out and vote. Oh I'm not just talking about our current presidential state of the union, I'm talking about every day politics. You don't know who is telling the truth. You don't know if what they say is really what they mean or their true beliefs. And it's often hard to decipher what is the true (or hidden) meaning in a ballot measure. I can't fix or explain the intent of who is running for election or what how you should vote a measure that is being presented by your state. What I do know is that if you don't educate yourself, if you don't take the time to fill out your ballot or get out and vote, you don't have the right to complain if you aren't satisfied with the state of your government.

For example: I live in the eastern part of Oregon in a rural community. Most of our statewide measures are decided in the more metropolitan west side of the state. As I mentioned, I live in Oregon. Most national politicians do not see us as a "must win" state. But I vote. I vote every election. I study my voters pamphlet. I get as educated as I can on the issues at stake and I vote. Yes it takes time. But a lot went into giving me that right and I take it seriously. Get informed. Take a stand and vote!

Pro Bowl Now a Popularity Contest?

Being a nearly lifelong fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the NFL, it saddens to me see advertised on every game these days is to vote for your favorite players to go to the Pro Bowl. What???? It used to be in days gone by that the top players with the best statistics for their posistion went. If they were unable to go for whatever reason, then the next in line took their place. Granted that probably most of the players who are getting the votes are top in their field, still, I have to wonder if it's not becoming more of a popularity contest then a forum for those who had the best year to compete against one another. My vote? Get rid of the popularity contest and send the best of the best. Bar none.

Traditional Right or Massive Slaughter?

When does the traditional right of centuries past turn into a mass killing of innocent animals in the 21st Century? Though this appears barbaric and the numbers that are destroyed seems inhumane, I want to know what is done with these dolphins. It is said that this is key to the livelihood of the people in this Japanese community. Why? Native Americans in this country have lost their rights to ancient fishing ground and prairies of hunting to preserve wildlife numbers that have diminished over the years. Can something like that be done if not eliminate these horrific practices all together. It is once again creating a balance between man and wildlife that shear population numbers have made neccesary. Conflict, conflict. Don't get me wrong. I am completely appauled by what is shown in this video. It is crminal, inhumane and all that I deem as evil in my constant support of animals all over the world. However, I find myself conflicted as I believe in a Native American's right to fish the salmon in our rivers as they have done for centuries above the rights of others to do the same. The difference? That is what I am struggling with. What I do know is that I will be boycotting Japanese products in protest of what I see here. I encourage others who may be outraged by this video to do the same.

Learning Till the Brain Hurts

Why is it some of us feel we know all we want to know by the time we reach 35? And then why are there still others who have such a thirst for knowledge that they never seem to tire of learning? One of my best friends recently told me that I was the hippest chick she knew because I still enjoyed learning and she had come to the point where she just wanted someone else to do it for her.

We all have heard that we only use roughly 5% of our brain in our lifetime. I don't want to die with 95% of knowledge left to know. My need for increasing my knowledge comes from not being satisfied with being all that I am right now. Don't get my wrong, I think I have worked miracles in my life and am happy with the accomplishments I have had. But I want more. Many, many more.

I still see myself writing that book some day. I still see myself on a stage motivating others not to give up and encouraging them to increase their own personal knowledge base. I see me getting that degree that has thus far eluded me. I see me financially solvent with my animals and maybe some grandchildren enjoying the great outdoors.

For now, I want to learn a new computer application that makes the web sites I design that much better. When I see a new icon on someone elses blog I want to look it up and know what it is. If my fellow blogger knows it, I surely want to as well. And someday I want to design that icon for my site/blog that someone else has to look up to know what it is.

Now, that I have embarked on a career that I am loving and is still in its infancy, and when my children are close to being grown, now is when I have the time and the brain capacity to take it all in. So much so this week that my mind feels full. I am excited at what lies ahead. I'm excited to learn what is new and what seems to be passing me by at an alarming, lightning fast rate. I want to tell you one day my story. And I want everyone to know that it's not too late to change the course they may be on or to decide to step (or jump) over to the other path that leads to the dream; whatever that dream may be. It might not be easy. I'm betting it won't be. But the one message I heard over and over at the convention I just attended was "Don't Give Up". I have no intentions of it.

What If....

I have an idea. More likely a proposal. Most of us spend money on either a flat budget or pay per click to bring people to our business website. I host Google Ads on my website and will continue to do so. I also purchase Google Ads for my business and will continue to do so. We play the Google game and most of the time it benefits our businesses. But I would also like to make another offer. Email me your logo or icon and I will Invoice you through Pay Pal for $25. With your $25, I will leave your logo or icon on my page for one full month. I will also add a link to your business page on the left side of my page as a sponsored link. The great thing about this is that I will be able to know how many clicks you get for your advertising dollar from my site. You will be placed on a first come, first serve basis. This is a feature that you are not able to get from newspapers, radio or even TV. Today is a new month. A great way to promote for the holidays. Let's give it a try! Send your logos to Christy.Barber@hotmail.com. Please write BLOG ADS in the subject bar and you will have my immediate attention. I hope to see all of your logos here in the very near future!