rich, shep's friend, writes some great stuff...and check out the center for a new american dream. more fun, less stuff. i started reading the site when i was a planning student. there is more to life than 2.5 kids, a cookie cutter suburb house, a SUV and a 60 minute commute! i am hoping one day the current american nightmare becomes worthy of being called a dream again. his article (which i applaud):
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Keep America Rolling? - Rich Crawford

General Motors is telling consumers to "Keep America Rolling" with new car purchases. This tactic of crossing patriotism and consumerism seems to be a marketing ploy of many companies this holiday season. Is this a good idea? Are we all more patriotic if we buy these big-ticket items?
I say no, it is not necessarily a good idea.

If I buy a massive Cadillac Escalade and chug down the road at 12 mpg does that make me more patriotic? Probably not. All it will really do is just add another monthly invoice to my list of bills and another oversized automobile to the highway. Here’s something to ponder: buying a gas-guzzler actually increases our reliance on foreign oil. Higher demand for gas = higher need for foreign oil. It seems we are basically shooting ourselves in the foot. Is that patriotism? I think I will stick with my Nissan Sentra. Sure it’s not as pretty as an SUV. But hey, it sure is nice to fill up my tank with just 15 dollars and to get roughly 40 mpg.

A number that I feel should be thrown right out here: $600 billion. That is the amount of revolving credit card debt that American consumers have managed to amass. That’s a heck of a lot of money. I know I have personally contributed a fair share to that number.

If Americans have managed to build up this massive debt under the healthy economic conditions of the nineties, imagine how willing we will all be to whip out the plastic card when we are urged to buy out of patriotism. It is a simple math equation, fake money + emotional spending = massive credit card debt down the road.
If you really want to spend for the sake of spending, why not buy something of lasting value that will support your local economy and have less impact on the environment. Stop by that local store that you always pass by. Why not donate to a charity or volunteer at a local soup kitchen?

Personally, I am using this holiday season to spend more time with family and friends. I am buying more personal and meaningful gifts. And for the first time, I am making quite a few of my gifts. In the long run, the holidays are about creating lasting/memorable experiences, right?

I am not trying to tell you not to spend money. Stimulate that economy. Go for it. I do understand that businesses and livelihoods are at stake. All I am asking for is that we all spend our money wisely. I think we should use this time to focus less on 'consumption' and more on the 'preservation' of the true spirit of the holidays and the 'growth' of our local economies. To me, this is patriotism. And this is the form of patriotism that will really "Keep America rolling".

A nationwide survey of 1,039 adults by the Center for a New American Dream found that because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks:
* 26% plan to give more personal or meaningful gifts.
* 21% plan to buy fewer or less expensive gifts.
* 3% plan to buy more or more expensive gifts.
* 49% plan to spend more time with friends and family.
* 19% plan to reduce credit card use.

The Center for a New American Dream offers gift-giving tips at http://www.simplifytheholidays.org.

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make a snowflake! some free holiday fun.
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bah on amazon. may not even get it by christmas:

Order Update
We thought you should know that there's a delay with the items listed below. We apologize for any inconvenience. Please take note of the revised shipping and delivery estimates for these items. Unless you cancel these items from your order, we'll continue to process and ship them as soon as possible.
Delayed items 1 of: AT&T Digital Advantage 250 + Nokia 3360 Phone
- Updated shipping estimate: December 11 - December 12
- Updated delivery estimate: December 14 - December 21

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mwahaha...funny, i don't really like shoes, just birkenstocks.

Which Evil Criminal are You?

this random message on numerous, unrelated subjects was brought to you by the letter W. for winter. oh, and S, for snow. or sleet. but snow is much preferred. :)