From Milda - Her new addition to the family, Ground Squirrels!

My ground squirrels like to sit on top of the Buster look alike's head
and lay out on the arm of the patio chair. So cute.

Animals Pictures for the Week!

Send these pic's to as many people as you want,

because it is important TO SMILE...

.

From Milda ~ Apparently the word is out on me...I feed everything

Apparently the word is out that I feed all animals big or small.
He looks like he has been taking advantage of the sunflower seeds.

Some workers find a pink slip is the encouragement they need to create new and, in many cases, more-rewarding careers

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2009/08/09/Laidoff_and_Loving_It.ART_ART_08-09-09_D1_HLEMHMN.html?sid=101

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Laid off and loving it Some workers find a pink slip is the encouragement they need to create new and, in many cases, more-rewarding careers Sunday, August 9, 2009 3:40 AM By Steve Wartenberg THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH After losing her executive sales position, Barb Girson decided to open her own business doing what she loves -- training people in sales. Her company, My Sales Tactics, is doing well, and Girson has more time to spend with her family. She's even taking a 10-day European vacation. " src="/wwwexportcontent/sites/dispatch/images/aug/NCL_LAIDOFF_01.jpg_08-09-09_D1_7DELRP1.jpg" border="0"> Neal C. Lauron | DISPATCH photos After losing her executive sales position, Barb Girson decided to open her own business doing what she loves -- training people in sales. Her company, My Sales Tactics, is doing well, and Girson has more time to spend with her family. She's even taking a 10-day European vacation. Former truck driver Martin Daner, left, created Marsal Marketing Group, which helps local high-end food producers such as David Kilpatrick of Columbus Cheesecake Co. sell their products. " src="/wwwexportcontent/sites/dispatch/images/aug/NCL_LAIDOFF_01_-_07_27_2009_.jpg_08-09-09_D1_7DEM5SI.jpg" border="0"> Former truck driver Martin Daner, left, created Marsal Marketing Group, which helps local high-end food producers such as David Kilpatrick of Columbus Cheesecake Co. sell their products. By the numbers Silver-lining views from those who've been laid off, based on the SnagAJob.com survey: 39% View layoff as a blessing in disguise 26% Think they'll eventually see it as a blessing 27% Say they've found a better job 21% Have gone back to school 16% Are pursuing a career they've always wished for 28% Think layoff has left them better prepared for future obstacles Source: SnagAJob.com It was a question Barb Girson often asked trainees during her years as a successful saleswoman and business executive: "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" The New Albany resident had to ask herself this question after she was laid off in June 2008 and joined the growing ranks of people in the midst of this traumatic, life-altering situation. But a layoff doesn't have to be the end of the line for your career or life. Many people, including Girson, have found that a layoff can lead to a new and more rewarding chapter of their lives, according to a survey conducted by SnagAJob.com, an hourly-job Web site. About 39 percent of the people hit by layoffs now say it was a blessing in disguise, while 26 percent more say their layoff has not yet turned out for the better but believe it eventually will, according to the survey. "I think this (survey) gives you hope from the perspective that any one of us is at risk of a layoff and so many have said it turned out for the better," said Cathy McCarthy, SnagAJob senior vice president, marketing. It also shows, she said, that a lot of people were unhappy with their jobs. "They always had the desire to take a leap, but it's difficult to turn down a weekly paycheck to pursue something riskier," McCarthy said. When Girson, 53, had to ask herself what she wanted to do, the answer to this no-longer hypothetical question was simple: "What I decided is, I love to train and help others grow and succeed." She created a company -- My Sales Tactics -- that allows her to do that, even though there are no guarantees against failure in real life. "The thought of being an entrepreneur was exciting, and my heart was beating fast, and then the next moment it was terrifying," she said of her decision. A year later, My Sales Tactics is doing well and Girson has a growing list of clients. She has more time to spend with her family and recently went on a 10-day European vacation, something she never had time for in the past. "I didn't ask for this, but I am in a great place now and I'm happier," said Girson, who is married and has two adult children. "And I'm even happier when I read about how it's raining pink slips. That's not a worry of mine." After she was laid off, Girson sought help from the Columbus office of Jewish Family Services, which conducts a Strategic Utilization of Career Centered Support Services -- SUCCESS -- program for professionals who have lost their jobs. "I can't say it's ever a good thing to get laid off," said Karen Hughes, coordinator of the program. "But it does provide people with a new perspective and a growth experience, an opportunity to reconnect with family, former colleagues, re-evaluate what their values are and what (they're) looking for in their next position." A nest egg makes this quest easier and less stressful. "Someone who was making a higher income, is educated and got a severance package has more time to assess than someone living paycheck-to-paycheck and is now living on only a $300 a week unemployment check," Hughes said. Many of the 350 people who have gone through SUCCESS decided to follow their dreams and become entrepreneurs. This is a common trend during economic downturns, as workers are forced to turn from traditional to untraditional jobs and create their own opportunities. "I looked around at what was going on and I believe more companies are going to look to outsource and freelance solutions for the kind of work I do: training, coaching, sales teams," Girson said. "I thought I could leverage the skills I've acquired over the years and be valuable to companies." Martin Daner looked to his experiences and skills to create his future after he was laid off from his job as a truck driver. "My background was in the food business in New Jersey," said the 67-year-old Pickerington resident, who sought help and contacts from SUCCESS and the Scioto Ridge Networking Group. He created Marsal Marketing Group and represents local gourmet pastry, ice cream and candy makers and other high-end food and tea producers. He sells their products to restaurants, hotels, caterers and banquet facilities and receives a percentage of the sales. "I've created a niche," said Daner, a people person who enjoys networking and marketing himself and his company. David Kilpatrick was looking for that type of niche when Daner walked into his shop in January and started telling him about his new company. "I'm just a small guy, looking for a creative way to get the word out there without hiring someone full time on my staff," said the owner of Columbus Cheesecake Co., a bakery on Grandview Avenue not to be confused with the Cheesecake Factory chain of restaurants. "It sounded like a good idea to me," Kilpatrick said of Daner's marketing service, and he signed on as his first client. "It takes time, but he's putting in a lot of time and effort for me." Daner said it will take him another year to get his business to where he wants it to be and relishes the challenge. "The advice I would give other people who are laid off is simple," he said. "Find out what you really like to do, either from past jobs or your hobbies, and then see if it is feasible to create something from this." Daner and Girson said they like being their own bosses. They are doing what they love, control their own destinies and say they are confident about the future of their companies even in uncertain economic times. "At first, there were nights where I woke up and asked myself, 'Can I really do this?' " Girson said. "But I find that each day as I commit myself in the direction I want to go, the fear diminishes." swartenberg@dispatch.com Type in your comments to post to the forum

New Credit Card Scam Snopes.Com says this is true

Thanks to Cinda D. for this info!


New Credit Card Scam

Snopes.Com says this is true. To verify see this site: http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp


This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.

Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it... This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & Master Card Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from 'VISA', and I was called on Thursday from 'Master Card'.. The scam works like this: Caller: 'This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank). Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in ?'

When you say 'No', the caller continues with, 'Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?'

You say 'yes'. The caller continues - 'I will be starting a Fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800 -VISA) and ask for Security.'

You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. 'Do you need me to read it again?'

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works. The caller then says, 'I need to verify you are in possession of your card'. He'll ask you to 'turn your card over and look for some numbers'. There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, 'That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?' After you say No, the caller then thanks you and states, 'Don't hesitate to call back if you do, and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question.. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card.

Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a 'Jason Richard son of Master Card' with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.



Please pass this on to all your family, friends and neighbors. By informing each other, we protect each other.

Ohio Rolls Out E-ZPass Turnpike Tolls

http://www2.nbc4i.com/cmh/news/local/article/ohio_rolls_out_e-zpass_turnpike_tolls/20572/

AP
Published: August 8, 2009

TOLEDO, Ohio —Ohio will roll out the E-ZPass electronic payment system for turnpike drivers Oct. 1, a plan that includes a fare increase for drivers paying cash. The Ohio Turnpike Commission announced the details of its E-ZPass system Friday after discussing the concept for years and approving it in March. Currently the driver of a car traveling from I-75 in Toledo to the Indiana line pays $2.75 and pays $7.50 if traveling from I-75 to the Pennsylvania line. Cars using E-ZPass will pay the current rates starting Oct. 1. For motorists not using E-ZPass, the rates will be $4 from I-75 west to Indiana and $11 for the trip east to Pennsylvania when the system is activated. Trucks will be charged based on the number of axles, rather than on weight.

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Potatoes ??

Thanks to Cinda D. for this one!


Well, A Girl Potato and A Boy Potato had eyes for each other, and finally they got married, and had a little sweet potato, which they called 'Yam.'

Of course, they wanted the best for Yam.

When it was time, they told her about the facts of life.

They warned her about going out and getting half-baked, so she wouldn't get accidentally mashed, and get a bad name for herself like 'Hot Potato,' and end up with a bunch of Tater Tots.

Yam said not to worry, no Spud would get her into the sack and make a rotten potato out of her!

But on the other hand she wouldn't stay home and become a Couch Potato either.

She would get plenty of exercise so as not to be skinny like her Shoestring cousins.

When she went off to Europe, Mr. and Mrs. Potato told Yam to watch out for the hard-boiled guys from Ireland . And the greasy guys from France called the French Fries.

And when she went out west in the USA , they told her to watch out for the Indians so she wouldn't get scalloped.

Yam said she would stay on the straight and narrow and wouldn't associatewith those high class Yukon Golds, or the ones from the other side of the tracks who advertise their trade on all the trucks that say, 'Frito Lay.'

Mr. and Mrs. Potato sent Yam to Idaho P.U. (that's Potato University ) so when she graduated she'd really be in the chips.

But in spite of all they did for her, one-day Yam came home and announced she was going to marry Tom Brokaw.

Tom Brokaw!!!

Mr. and Mrs. Potato were very upset.

They told Yam she couldn't possibly marry Tom Brokaw because he's just... well he's just a...

Are you ready for this?

Are you sure?

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OK! Here it is!
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A COMMONTATER !!!

To my 'selected' strange-minded friends:

Thanks to Chip E. for this one!

Only great minds can read this

This is weird, but interesting!

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too

Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can.

i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae.. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it

Eonverye taht can raed tihs rsaie yuor hnad.

ShareThisUnemployment benefits could run out for 74,000 Ohioans by year's end

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/08/07/benefits.html?sid=101

Friday, August 7, 2009 9:57 PM

By Catherine Candisky

THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

More than 74,000 jobless Ohioans could exhaust unemployment benefits by the end of the year, assistance that has kept many from losing their homes and sinking further into financial ruin as jobs remain scarce.

Congress is expected to consider another emergency extension when lawmakers return to Washington in September after a monthlong recess. One bill being discussed would extend benefits for 13 weeks in states such as Ohio, where unemployment is 9 percent or higher.

But the outcome is uncertain and help might not arrive in time for thousands of beleaguered Ohioans looking for work.

Gov. Ted Strickland said he already has had discussions with officials in Washington about extending unemployment benefits and thinks that there will be support for the move.

"We cannot let unemployed folks go without these benefits," Strickland said. "I've talked to many of my fellow governors, and I think (it) is something that several governors feel strongly about."

With the state's unemployment rate at 11.1 percent, 370,448 workers filed for continuing unemployment compensation last week.

Ohioans are generally eligible for 26 weeks of benefits, payments of about $300 a week.

Thanks to three extensions granted by Congress, jobless workers in Ohio and other states with high unemployment now qualify for a maximum of 79 weeks of benefits.

A recent report projected that 13,410 Ohioans will exhaust benefits by the end of September and 74,345 by the end of the year.

Nationwide, an estimated 1.5 million will exhaust benefits by Dec. 31, according to an analysis by the National Employment Law Project, an employment rights advocacy group.

Many who have been without work for more than a year already have gone through savings and have nothing to live on when they max out their unemployment benefits.

"We support another extension because if people are exhausting all of their benefits and they are still unemployed, we still need to support them," said Sara Hall Phillips, chief policy adviser for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.

"People turn to unemployment (benefits) before they turn to other forms of assistance like cash assistance and food stamps. Collecting unemployment is a better form of support. It allows people to stay in their homes."

According to the state agency, 1,147 unemployed workers had exhausted their benefits as of last week; that number could grow to more than 40,000 by the end of the year.

The department is unable to calculate precisely how many more people will max out their benefits because it's impossible to predict how many will find jobs before hitting the 79-week cut-off, Phillips said.

Unemployed Ohioans receive benefits on average for 14.6 weeks before rejoining the work force, she said.

Dispatch reporter Mark Niquette contributed to this story.

ccandisky@dispatch.com

Words for Women to Live By :)

Thanks to Donna C. for this one!

1. Aspire to be Barbie - the bitch has everything. 2. If the shoe fits - buy them in every color. 3. Take life with a pinch of salt... A wedge of lime, and a shot of tequila. 4. In need of a support group? - Cocktail hours with the girls! 5. Go on the 30 day diet. (I'm on it and so far I've lost 15 days).. 6. When life gets you down - just put on your big girl panties and deal with it. 7. Let your greatest fear be that there is no PMS and this is just your personality. 8. I know I'm in my own little world, but it's ok.. They know me here. 9. Lead me not into temptation, I can find it myself. 10. Don't get your knickers in a knot; it solves nothing and makes you walk funny. 11. When life gives you lemons in 2009 - turn it into lemonade then mix it with vodka. 12. Remember where ever there is a good looking; sweet, single or married man there is some woman tired of his bullshit! 13. Keep your chin up, only the first 40 years of parenthood are the hardest. 14. If it has Tires or Testicles it's gonna give you trouble. 15. By the time a women realizes her mother was right, she has a daughter who thinks she's wrong. 'Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there' 'Remember yesterday, dream about tomorrow, but live for today'. Now smile and send to any girl wasting time at work, suffering from a hangover, or just suffering from life , that might need a reason to smile!

Secondhand stores reap benefits of recession

Thanks to Heather M. for this article!

http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/retail/2008-12-08-secondhand-recession-stores_N.htm

By Laura Petrecca, USA TODAY

There have been many euphemistic labels applied to secondhand goods, including "gently used," "pre-owned" and "like new." But in the current economy, they have a new and candid label: "hot sellers."

As Americans look for ways to cut spending, they are scooping up bargain clothes, accessories, toys and furniture once owned by someone else.

"We're sorry about the economic situation, … but it is a good time for our industry," says Adele Meyer, executive director of the National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops.

Three-fourths of resale stores said they had higher sales in September and October, compared with the same period last year, according to the trade group. The average sales increase was about 35%.

Pam Shecter of Staten Island in New York is helping to prop up those numbers. She once made a lucrative salary, but after she was laid off, her family had to cut back.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Ohio | New York City | Manhattan | San Antonio | eBay Inc | CraigsList | Upper East Side | Karen | Harris Interactive | Jamie | Deloitte | BIGresearch | Fort Greene | Irma Zandl | Ina | National Association of Resale | Thrift Shops | Albert Williams | Flea Market

To cut spending, she shops at garage sales, thrift stores and on eBay for herself, her husband (a freelancer who does special-effects makeup) and their 2-year-old daughter.

Among her "pre-owned" finds: a kitchen play set for her daughter for $20 at a garage sale.

"It's weird to go from feeling like you're one of the wealthiest people in the country to going to secondhand stores," Shecter says. But given her family's financial situation, she has to be "resourceful and creative."

While economic troubles are spurring secondhand sales, trend researcher Irma Zandl says, "The appeal goes beyond bargain hunting."

Some buyers, she says, like the feeling of social responsibility that comes with buying "recycled" goods, while others pride themselves on ferreting out unique — and fashionable — "vintage" outfits by shopping secondhand.

Myrna Skoller, who owns the Designer Resale store on Manhattan's tony Upper East Side, says her shoppers "brag about it when they get (merchandise) at a good price," she says. "It's almost a status symbol to get something cheaper."

In a survey last summer, 70% of adults said buying used is more socially acceptable now than five or 10 years ago, according to the poll by Harris Interactive and eBay.

"I don't think there's as much of a stigma on buying clothing and accessories at a discount, especially now that the economy is doing what it's doing," says Milo Bernstein, co-owner of high-end New York City consignment shop chain Ina.

Where shoppers are scooping up secondhand goods:

• EBay. Shecter says she regularly browses the online auction site for bargain purchases: "I would say that anything I'm going to get, I pretty much check on eBay first." So do others, apparently: Nearly 4% of people surveyed by BIGresearch in September said they shop at eBay on a regular basis, up from 2.1% a year earlier.

• Flea markets. Vendors at Jamie's Flea Market in South Amherst, Ohio, are doing hot business, even in cold, wet, wintry weather. "I do believe it's due to (the fact that) times are tough," says general manager Lorna Balmert.

At Brooklyn Flea, an outdoor market in the Fort Greene area of New York City, sales also are up, says co-founder Eric Demby. He says that in these times, a customer's ability to haggle over price helps sales. "If people feel that they have some control over (the price), then it feels like more of a bargain."

The economy also has sellers willing to negotiate, says Brooklyn Flea antique vendors Karen and Albert Williams. "It's a buyers market," Albert says.

•Garage sales Garage sales have also become very popular. For instance, the city of San Antonio sold 54,028 yard-sale permits for its fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. The year before, it sold 37,846.

• Consignment shops and thrift stores. Resale stores not only survive economic slowdowns, they "thrive," says Meyer. Not only do they have more shoppers, more people have things they want to sell or donate (in the case of non-profit, charity stores).

"Given the state of the economy, (consumers) are taking a second look around their homes and saying, 'Do I really need 10 pairs of shoes that all look the same?' " Meyer says.

Secondhand sales are expected to remain robust as folks look to economize on their holiday spending: More than a quarter of consumers say they'll "increase or maintain" the amount of holiday shopping they do on eBay and other online auction sites, according to a survey by Deloitte.

And Meyer expects December to be a great month for resale stores. At one time, "No one shopped resale and consignment stores for gifts," she says. "But that's not true anymore."