This is topic is again a total disregard for our stated values herein; it’s nothing short of pompous arrogance, and evidence of an adherence to values to which we do not subscribe literally, or figuratively, the advertisers! In Oregon and now elsewhere, the food supermarkets are entertaining consumers with music, give-a-ways, and other grand enticements to BUY. In an telephone conference this am, many of us WO-MEN discussed how encourage it would be if the retailers would pare back to nothing, and openly state it was to ensure that consumer had the best opportunities to obtain what they needed, at any level, during this time of national economic crisis. Additionally, discussed, how refreshing it would be if volunteers were in such locations to assist the disabled, even provide some rest, tea, and runners, to help them locate their purchases. Ah, we dream on about the longed for essence of our America. Moving past those who must sell to exist will be difficult at best, but we shall leave them behind.

Nope, but you can live in a tent that swings in the trees. (see below.) I hope wOw doesn’t mind my posting this list of Holiday gift ideas I’ve been compiling. I have no vested interest, just really cool, smart-shopping stuff. Grooviest and Most Popular App of All Time: i-Phone Ocarina: $.99 http://ocarina.smule.com/ (Watch them play Stairway to Heaven.) Create Your Own Really Unique Greeting Cards: $17.50 http://www.westassoc1.com/holidaycards/cards/ Help Fight Doggie-Doo on the Rue-de-Poo: $45.00 http://www.lovemypetsupply.com/doglitterbox1.html For Survivalists, Naturalists and Outdoorsiests - The Tent and Hammock in One : http://hennessyhammock.com/comparisonchart.html# When You and the Whole Fam-Damily are Ready to Chuck the Energy Grid: Clevercycles Longtail Bike let’s you do it all on two wheels: http://clevercycles.com/store/?c=web2.71 (Click Longtail ) For Special Girls You Love to See Smile: The Scented Flower Earring: $15.00 http://www.designboom.com/shop/bloomearring.html Gorge-ous Backpacks for Guys and Gals: $75.00 and up http://www.google.com/products?client=safari&rls=en&q=david+king+backpac… (On my list because I saw the guy who sells this with one on his shoulder and had to ask where he got it.) Gorge-ous Backpacks for Superstar Guys and Gals, Moms and Dads: http://www.seekingdesigners.com/jamah (Brad Pitt loads cookies, nappies and bottles into his Jamah-Messenger) (Included Becuase this progressive website helps designers find customers and vice-versa.) A Hanukkah Card Designed from Subway Maps: $18.00 http://www.elsewares.com/commerce/Subway-Hanukkah-Card-Set_MPD1106.html Holiday Bargaineers: Buy One Item - One Day - Specials on Tech, Audio, Watches, Green Energy Products - Everything Goes On Sale for Just One Day. http://www.woot.com/ Penhaligon’s Bluebell scents and soaps $45.00 and up http://www.fourseasonsproducts.com/cat—Penhaligon-s-Bluebell—penbluebe… Video Games That Are Actually Good For Kids’ Hearts and Minds: http://www.gamesforchange.org/ Audiophiles and Groupies: Hear the World’s Best Concerts: Buy Poster Art and Memorabilia: $10.00 and Up, Up, Up. http://concerts.wolfgangsvault.com/pf/eric-clapton/2211.html

That’s crazy to spend that kind of money on a Gucci bag..if it was a Birkin..different story. I just bought a gorgeous Handbag for around $200 at Bink Handbags..that means I have an extra $4390! www.BinkHandbags.com

Thank you, Joni. I think that extravagant gifts are out of the question this year. But, that’s a good thing; bring back the real meaning of Christmas and all of that. Or….contribute same to Heifer International and help women in Africa, and indeed the whole world where there is poverty. http://www.heifer.org/site/c.edJRKQNiFiG/b.204586/k.9430/Gift_Catalog.ht…

I’ll take the Tiffany Snowflake since we don’t get too much snow in SoCal. Only twice down here in my lifetime.

Joni- This may be helpful. Articles that give a heads up during this season. The following comes from a source at the Treasury Department. Something to think about when we are doing our Christmas shopping: You may want to share this with people that you know of who intend to give gift cards around the holidays. They need to be sure the cards will be honored afterwards. They should deal with cards on hand and any other business they have with these stores and others. Stores that are planning to close after Christmas are still selling the cards through the holidays even though the cards will be worthless January 1. There is no law preventing them from doing this. On the contrary, it is referred to as ‘Bankruptcy Planning’. Below is a partial list of stores to be cautious about. Circuit City (filed Chapter 11) Ann Taylor- 117 stores nationwide closing Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug ,and Catherine’s to close 150 stores nationwide Eddie Bauer to close stores 27 stores and more after January Cache will close all stores Talbots closing down specialty stores J. Jill closing all stores (owned by Talbots) Pacific Sunwear (also owned by Talbots) GAP closing 85 stores Footlocker closing 140 stores more to close after January Wickes Furniture closing down Levitz closing down remaining stores Bombay closing remaining stores Zales closing down 82 stores and 105 after January Whitehall closing all stores Piercing Pagoda closing all stores Disney closing 98 stores and will close more after January. Home Depot closing some stores Macys to close 9 stores after January Linens and Things closing all stores Movie Galley Closing all stores Pep Boys Closing 33 stores Sprint/Nextel closing 133 stores JC Penney closing a number of stores after January Ethan Allen closing down 12 stores. Wilson Leather closing down all stores Sharper Image closing down all stores K B Toys closing 356 stores Lowes to close down some stores Dillard’s to close some stores