It's hard to turn the local news on lately without seeing some story about senseless violence. Unfortunately, despite law enforcement's best efforts, crimes against people seem to be up.
A local business is now offering a class to teach us how to fight back.
Pinellas Fitness & Martial Arts will be holding a Women's Self Defense Seminar next month, focusing on how to survive an assault and get away. Featuring Commando Krav Maga, the fastest-growing reality based defense system in the world, the seminar will even cover how to defend yourself should your attacker have a weapon.
Hey, it's not a pretty subject, but sometimes it needs to be talked about. We all have fast-paced lives, and rushing off somewhere often without paying attention to our surroundings. I'm guilty of it, too. A lot. Running to my car while gabbing on the phone, unaware of the world around me. And experts say this is the chance attackers are waiting for. Violent crimes are most of the time crimes of opportunity.
This seminar will also cover how not to let them have the opportunity by teaching situational awareness.
Owner and instructor Brian Peters gets to see a lot of this first hand; he's been a street paramedic in Pinellas County for years. And when he's not fighting fire, he has managed to squeeze in more than 20 years of martial arts expertise, concentrating on Tae Kwon Do. He's also won regional and national championships, and remains undefeated as a heavy weight black belt for the last 3 years in the Florida Police and Fire Games.
Not a guy to mess with. And Peters, along with his other instructors, is planning on giving us some of that knowledge at this class. The Women's Self Defense Seminar runs on March 7 from 1-4p.m. at the Pinellas Fitness & Martial Arts center, 3701 State Road 580 in Oldsmar.
The center also teaches Tae Kwon Do to any age group (there's even a 60-year old little grandmother taking classes there), and instructs in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing. All great ways to have a lot of fun, stay fit and be safe.
For more info, you can call them at (727) 207-6684 to register or visit their website at www.ckm-pinellas.com.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Might be a farther drive to get your secret Starbucks fix
For sale: One fancy corporate jet, used on only 15 flights, worth $45 million. No reasonable offer refused.
That's the sign Starbucks & Co.'s CEO Howard Schultz is wearing around his neck lately as his iconoclast corporation goes from defining an era to trying to save a few ducats. With the financial ruin this country is in lately, I'd say he's lucky that sign doesn't read "Will Work For Food."
It's not Howard's fault, really. Who could have predicted that the economic casualties of late would reach all the way up to the ivory tower that Starbucks built for itself? Those white and green cups and the five dollar magic java they hold have become a sort of status symbol of this "Gimme" generation. Don't get me wrong; I enjoy a venti cafe mocha every now and again just like the rest of us do. And it is almost impossible to not get sucked in to the whole ambiance: the indy music playing softly overhead, the smell of coffee and biscotti treats swirling around your face, the tapping of laptop keys as important people get important things done while sipping their lattes.
Starbucks couldn't have planned that better if they misted Zoloft in through the vents. The only retailer that rivals that kind of atmospheric addiction is Victoria's Secret.
But Starbucks' numbers are in, and as we all know, numbers don't lie. They cheat, but they don't lie. Revenue is down 6 percent from last year, with some locations being nearly 30 percent in the red. The solution: Cut $500 million out of the operating budget. Somewhere.
That means over 300 Starbucks cafes are closing their doors very soon. And about 6,700 more unfortunate workers will entire the already swollen unemployment pool. In a letter to his employees, Howard blames the world and its financial downturn, saying they are only "trying to navigate a deteriorating global economy" and predict an unpredictable situation that will only gets worse before it gets better. Thanks for the tip, Howie.
Howard does want his employees to know that he himself is taking a pay cut - he slashed his own salary down to $10,000 yearly, the lowest amount he could have on the books and still receive health care benefits.
Last year he made $1.2 million just in salary. His total compensation package for 2008 rang the cherries at more than $9.7 million. That's a lot of java.
So some stores will close, some will collect aid, some of us will still continue to make coffee at home. Howard, in the meantime, will try to get by on his multi-million dollar nest egg. Oh, and try to "navigate" this financial crisis without a jet.
Forgive me if I don't cry over spilled frappachino.
That's the sign Starbucks & Co.'s CEO Howard Schultz is wearing around his neck lately as his iconoclast corporation goes from defining an era to trying to save a few ducats. With the financial ruin this country is in lately, I'd say he's lucky that sign doesn't read "Will Work For Food."
It's not Howard's fault, really. Who could have predicted that the economic casualties of late would reach all the way up to the ivory tower that Starbucks built for itself? Those white and green cups and the five dollar magic java they hold have become a sort of status symbol of this "Gimme" generation. Don't get me wrong; I enjoy a venti cafe mocha every now and again just like the rest of us do. And it is almost impossible to not get sucked in to the whole ambiance: the indy music playing softly overhead, the smell of coffee and biscotti treats swirling around your face, the tapping of laptop keys as important people get important things done while sipping their lattes.
Starbucks couldn't have planned that better if they misted Zoloft in through the vents. The only retailer that rivals that kind of atmospheric addiction is Victoria's Secret.
But Starbucks' numbers are in, and as we all know, numbers don't lie. They cheat, but they don't lie. Revenue is down 6 percent from last year, with some locations being nearly 30 percent in the red. The solution: Cut $500 million out of the operating budget. Somewhere.
That means over 300 Starbucks cafes are closing their doors very soon. And about 6,700 more unfortunate workers will entire the already swollen unemployment pool. In a letter to his employees, Howard blames the world and its financial downturn, saying they are only "trying to navigate a deteriorating global economy" and predict an unpredictable situation that will only gets worse before it gets better. Thanks for the tip, Howie.
Howard does want his employees to know that he himself is taking a pay cut - he slashed his own salary down to $10,000 yearly, the lowest amount he could have on the books and still receive health care benefits.
Last year he made $1.2 million just in salary. His total compensation package for 2008 rang the cherries at more than $9.7 million. That's a lot of java.
So some stores will close, some will collect aid, some of us will still continue to make coffee at home. Howard, in the meantime, will try to get by on his multi-million dollar nest egg. Oh, and try to "navigate" this financial crisis without a jet.
Forgive me if I don't cry over spilled frappachino.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Local dry cleaners offers green service
In my desperation to unload my ever-growing dry clean only monster (and hang on to my credit score), I zipped around town looking for a solution. There just aren't many choices that suit my -ahem- frugal nature. And I am NOT carting the pile all the way over the Skyway to find a cheaper cleaners in Pinellas.
And just as I was about to give up, and resign myself to the fact that we were going to have to build on an addition to house the mess, I found Ellenton Cleaners. By accident. I was turning around in their parking lot and came face to face with their sign. Funny how things happen that way.
So I dashed in to check their prices, and got another surprise: They are green! The Ellenton Cleaners is completely toxic solvent free and safe for the environment. I have no idea how they do it, but they're very proud of it. Anything environmentally friendly scores huge point with me.
I braced myself for the price quote, but was surprised to find them very reasonable. And a two-day turnaround on that whole pile. Works for me! Fast, cheap and green. Now what more could I ask for?
The Ellenton Cleaners is tucked away next to a florist at 1218 36th Avenue East (which is Ellenton-Gillette Road). The Patel family opened it two years ago, and has been quietly providing this cleaner, greener, fresher dry cleaning service to Ellenton right under my nose.
They also keep good hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. through 7 p.m., Wednesdays until 6 p.m. Saturdays they're open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (941) 722-6291.
They have lots of other services besides dry cleaner, I'm told. They boast expert stain removal, and also garment preservation.
And just as I was about to give up, and resign myself to the fact that we were going to have to build on an addition to house the mess, I found Ellenton Cleaners. By accident. I was turning around in their parking lot and came face to face with their sign. Funny how things happen that way.
So I dashed in to check their prices, and got another surprise: They are green! The Ellenton Cleaners is completely toxic solvent free and safe for the environment. I have no idea how they do it, but they're very proud of it. Anything environmentally friendly scores huge point with me.
I braced myself for the price quote, but was surprised to find them very reasonable. And a two-day turnaround on that whole pile. Works for me! Fast, cheap and green. Now what more could I ask for?
The Ellenton Cleaners is tucked away next to a florist at 1218 36th Avenue East (which is Ellenton-Gillette Road). The Patel family opened it two years ago, and has been quietly providing this cleaner, greener, fresher dry cleaning service to Ellenton right under my nose.
They also keep good hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. through 7 p.m., Wednesdays until 6 p.m. Saturdays they're open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (941) 722-6291.
They have lots of other services besides dry cleaner, I'm told. They boast expert stain removal, and also garment preservation.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Just trying to keep it clean!
The pile of clothes in the corner waiting to go off to the dry cleaners is growing.
Now, I’m not a slob. (I swear.) Nor am I lazy. But that pile keeps on getting larger, and is beginning to take on the shape of Jabba the Hut. Today, when I came home from work, it had eyes. I’m afraid to see what it looks like tomorrow.
The problem is this: I’m cheap. And taking clothes down to the very expensive dry cleaners sometimes requires a co-signer and the name of your first born. Very against my frugal nature. I don’t go very many places; most of my life is lived in a uniform or like now, in pajamas curled up with a laptop, diligently tapping away at something. It might take me six months to get enough finery together to make the trip over to the cleaners.
It was in these six months that the Albertsons grocery chain coughed its death rattle, and took with it the little cheap dry cleaning counter it ran, both victims of the economy’s carnage of late.
I actually stood in the empty parking lot, Jabba in my arms, tumble weeds going by, staring at the dark store front. Now what do I do?
And please, no one suggest the over-the-counter sheets and bag that really don’t do anything that I can see. I wrecked a blazer with it once. An expensive one. Let me tell you how that goes over with my wallet.
Intent on bringing some business to my fellow local independent retailers, I check around town and got dizzy from the prices. I had to actually lie down.
So what is a girl to do, with a large, “dry-clean only” monster growing in the corner and a tight fist on her dollars?
My husband had a suggestion: Wear cheaper stuff. My suggestion back to him was not suitable for print.
If the pile gets any bigger I may have to have him build a spare addition on to the house. If it starts to speak, I’m moving out.
Now, I’m not a slob. (I swear.) Nor am I lazy. But that pile keeps on getting larger, and is beginning to take on the shape of Jabba the Hut. Today, when I came home from work, it had eyes. I’m afraid to see what it looks like tomorrow.
The problem is this: I’m cheap. And taking clothes down to the very expensive dry cleaners sometimes requires a co-signer and the name of your first born. Very against my frugal nature. I don’t go very many places; most of my life is lived in a uniform or like now, in pajamas curled up with a laptop, diligently tapping away at something. It might take me six months to get enough finery together to make the trip over to the cleaners.
It was in these six months that the Albertsons grocery chain coughed its death rattle, and took with it the little cheap dry cleaning counter it ran, both victims of the economy’s carnage of late.
I actually stood in the empty parking lot, Jabba in my arms, tumble weeds going by, staring at the dark store front. Now what do I do?
And please, no one suggest the over-the-counter sheets and bag that really don’t do anything that I can see. I wrecked a blazer with it once. An expensive one. Let me tell you how that goes over with my wallet.
Intent on bringing some business to my fellow local independent retailers, I check around town and got dizzy from the prices. I had to actually lie down.
So what is a girl to do, with a large, “dry-clean only” monster growing in the corner and a tight fist on her dollars?
My husband had a suggestion: Wear cheaper stuff. My suggestion back to him was not suitable for print.
If the pile gets any bigger I may have to have him build a spare addition on to the house. If it starts to speak, I’m moving out.
10 promising careers
Joy Victory, of Payscale.com, says these 10 careers are in demand these days. Note that the average salaries listed are nationwide averages, not Tampa Bay averages ... Here are her top picks, along with our take here at LocalShops1.com:
Auditing. With all of the economic upheaval, businesses are being watched more carefully than ever, which makes auditing careers more secure than ever. median salary - $64,914
Job Counseling. Makes sense; more people unemployed, more people looking for help. Median salary - $54,426
Psychological Counseling. Self-worth is often tied to job, experts say; so with so many people losing their jobs these days, more are feeling identity crises. Median salary - $40,275
Public Relations. Keep in mind, this isn't all the fun, glitzy stuff, like promoting new products or stars. PR experts are the ones who have to explain the bad stuff, too, like layoffs and other budget cuts. Median salary - $44,334
Factoring. We'll let her explain this one: While this line of work is fairly foreign to most folks, now that bank loans are hard to come by, factoring allows small business to get funding based on their current accounts receivable -- the money they expect to have coming in. Factoring works well for retailers and other businesses that have big receivables.Median salary, commercial lender - $79,846
Healthcare technician. radiology technicians, lab assistants, home health aides. These jobs are almost recession-proof. Median salary, pharmacy technician - $32,531
Mechanical Engineering (and all engineering fields). In the U.S. we only graduate 70,000 engineers per year, but we're going to need 100,000 per year, experts say. Median salary - $71,490
Networking/System Administration. People who understand how to keep computer networks running smoothly are often the most important in a company. Think of the last big crash at work. ... median salary - $54,193
Nursing. Particularly in demand are physical therapy and similar "exercise science" careers, because aging Baby Boomers will be looking for ways to remain active long into their later years. Median salary, registered nurse - $53,840
Software Design/Development. We're becoming more tech-dependent, and companies are always looking for upgrades to their products. Just think what your cell phone was like three years ago, and how much more your new one offers. Median salary - $72,070
Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.
LocalShops1.com
Auditing. With all of the economic upheaval, businesses are being watched more carefully than ever, which makes auditing careers more secure than ever. median salary - $64,914
Job Counseling. Makes sense; more people unemployed, more people looking for help. Median salary - $54,426
Psychological Counseling. Self-worth is often tied to job, experts say; so with so many people losing their jobs these days, more are feeling identity crises. Median salary - $40,275
Public Relations. Keep in mind, this isn't all the fun, glitzy stuff, like promoting new products or stars. PR experts are the ones who have to explain the bad stuff, too, like layoffs and other budget cuts. Median salary - $44,334
Factoring. We'll let her explain this one: While this line of work is fairly foreign to most folks, now that bank loans are hard to come by, factoring allows small business to get funding based on their current accounts receivable -- the money they expect to have coming in. Factoring works well for retailers and other businesses that have big receivables.Median salary, commercial lender - $79,846
Healthcare technician. radiology technicians, lab assistants, home health aides. These jobs are almost recession-proof. Median salary, pharmacy technician - $32,531
Mechanical Engineering (and all engineering fields). In the U.S. we only graduate 70,000 engineers per year, but we're going to need 100,000 per year, experts say. Median salary - $71,490
Networking/System Administration. People who understand how to keep computer networks running smoothly are often the most important in a company. Think of the last big crash at work. ... median salary - $54,193
Nursing. Particularly in demand are physical therapy and similar "exercise science" careers, because aging Baby Boomers will be looking for ways to remain active long into their later years. Median salary, registered nurse - $53,840
Software Design/Development. We're becoming more tech-dependent, and companies are always looking for upgrades to their products. Just think what your cell phone was like three years ago, and how much more your new one offers. Median salary - $72,070
Source: All salary data is from PayScale.com. The salaries listed are median, annual salaries for full-time workers with 5-8 years of experience and include bonuses, commissions or profit sharing.
LocalShops1.com
Sunday, January 25, 2009
A respectable sea of talent
Being a writer is often a lonely endeavor. A lot of the copywriting and editing I do is from behind the scenes. Some of my clients are across the country in corporate offices, or are shrouded by email. I don't get to meet any of my peers, hobnob with folks in the business or rub elbows with anyone who shares my love of the craft.
So I was quite interested in particpating in the First Annual Book Fair Blitz put on by Key Business Partners and Local Shops 1. Local authors and business services? I'm there! But what I didn't realize until I got there was, I'm not really used to promoting myself. I can write press releases and blogs seven ways to Sunday; my last direct mail marketing piece increased my client's sales by 40 percent. So I can beat a drum and herd cats with aplomb ... as long as it's not my own drum I'm beating.
I'd much rather toot someone else's horn, and with the group of local talent amassed at this tradeshow, I had plenty of choices.
Like Pam Butler of Life Reflections, expert videographer, who came up with a truly unique concept: tell people's life stories. Everything from video wedding invitations to video life celebrations to video resumes, Pam puts you in the studio and makes you the star. Imagine sending out DVD invitations for your perfect beach wedding! That ought to make the Bridezillas roar! And a video resume? Genius! In today's rising unemployment market, these little three minute gems are sure to slash the envious competition.
Speaking of envy, I had the humbling experience of meeting Gloria Tesch, the world's youngest novel writer, who wrote and published the 810-page "Maradonia and the Seven Bridges" just after her 13th birthday. Yep. She's 14. And when she hefted the book over to me, it was one of those speechless moments I'll remember forever. It seems that everyone I know (myself included) walks around talking about the book they're in the middle of writing, the book they're going to write or the book they wish they'd written. And while we're all talking about it, this remarkable prodigy is busy cranking out the sequel, due in late March.
The specific local author talents in the room are too numerous to mention each in ink here, but they can rest assured that they made giant impressions on me and inspired me to dig in my heels and get it done. I learned a few things today, just being near them.
So I was quite interested in particpating in the First Annual Book Fair Blitz put on by Key Business Partners and Local Shops 1. Local authors and business services? I'm there! But what I didn't realize until I got there was, I'm not really used to promoting myself. I can write press releases and blogs seven ways to Sunday; my last direct mail marketing piece increased my client's sales by 40 percent. So I can beat a drum and herd cats with aplomb ... as long as it's not my own drum I'm beating.
I'd much rather toot someone else's horn, and with the group of local talent amassed at this tradeshow, I had plenty of choices.
Like Pam Butler of Life Reflections, expert videographer, who came up with a truly unique concept: tell people's life stories. Everything from video wedding invitations to video life celebrations to video resumes, Pam puts you in the studio and makes you the star. Imagine sending out DVD invitations for your perfect beach wedding! That ought to make the Bridezillas roar! And a video resume? Genius! In today's rising unemployment market, these little three minute gems are sure to slash the envious competition.
Speaking of envy, I had the humbling experience of meeting Gloria Tesch, the world's youngest novel writer, who wrote and published the 810-page "Maradonia and the Seven Bridges" just after her 13th birthday. Yep. She's 14. And when she hefted the book over to me, it was one of those speechless moments I'll remember forever. It seems that everyone I know (myself included) walks around talking about the book they're in the middle of writing, the book they're going to write or the book they wish they'd written. And while we're all talking about it, this remarkable prodigy is busy cranking out the sequel, due in late March.
The specific local author talents in the room are too numerous to mention each in ink here, but they can rest assured that they made giant impressions on me and inspired me to dig in my heels and get it done. I learned a few things today, just being near them.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The rumors were true: I AM cheap
Yes, I’ve complained long and hard to anyone that will listen about our down-spiraling economy. (You guys are my favorite captive audience.)
But I do more than just toil in gloom and doom every time I see a depressing news report. Like a lot of the rest of us, I’ve had to trim the fat a bit and find some ways to squeeze a few extra dollars out of the household budget. And since I share my “glum” outlook with you, I wanted to share some of my miserly tips as well.
Bring your lunch to work. I never realized how much money I spent eating on the run, or ordering out until I finally sat down to crunch the numbers: Around $10 per day, four days per week. That’s $160 per month, or $1,920 per year. Compare that to planning ahead and bringing leftovers and some snacks. Savings around $900 yearly.
Have your shoes repaired. This one I stole from Bay News 9 (thank you, Ferdinand Zogbaum!). Instead of shelling out $180 for new EMS boots for work, I had a local shoe cobbler put new soles on my old ones. Cost me under $20. Saved $160.
Carpool. Even though gas prices have gone WAY down, I see them creeping back up again. Hopefully we won’t see $4 per gallon anymore, but just in case, I still carpool whenever possible. So instead of spending almost $40 per week on gas, I now spend that about every two weeks. Savings: $960 yearly.
Coupons. Don’t laugh. Here’s the secret to not getting overwhelmed with it: Only cut the coupons for the things you buy, instead of buying something just because you have a coupon. It really is like free money. And if you can time it just right and hit the supermarket sales, well, you’re golden. I save nearly $15 weekly with coupons. That means about $720 yearly shaved off my expenses.
Stay in. Instead of going out with friends, have them over for dinner and drinks. Cooking at home is always cheaper (especially when it comes to the bar tab), and I think, more intimate. Candles and Dollar Store party favors and such.
Hopefully we all won’t have to keep tightening up the belts another notch for very long! I hate to utter this, but this financial crisis we’re in has made me cheap. There. I said it. And now that it’s out there, if anyone has any other tips for me I’d really welcome them. Happy hunting, everyone!
But I do more than just toil in gloom and doom every time I see a depressing news report. Like a lot of the rest of us, I’ve had to trim the fat a bit and find some ways to squeeze a few extra dollars out of the household budget. And since I share my “glum” outlook with you, I wanted to share some of my miserly tips as well.
Bring your lunch to work. I never realized how much money I spent eating on the run, or ordering out until I finally sat down to crunch the numbers: Around $10 per day, four days per week. That’s $160 per month, or $1,920 per year. Compare that to planning ahead and bringing leftovers and some snacks. Savings around $900 yearly.
Have your shoes repaired. This one I stole from Bay News 9 (thank you, Ferdinand Zogbaum!). Instead of shelling out $180 for new EMS boots for work, I had a local shoe cobbler put new soles on my old ones. Cost me under $20. Saved $160.
Carpool. Even though gas prices have gone WAY down, I see them creeping back up again. Hopefully we won’t see $4 per gallon anymore, but just in case, I still carpool whenever possible. So instead of spending almost $40 per week on gas, I now spend that about every two weeks. Savings: $960 yearly.
Coupons. Don’t laugh. Here’s the secret to not getting overwhelmed with it: Only cut the coupons for the things you buy, instead of buying something just because you have a coupon. It really is like free money. And if you can time it just right and hit the supermarket sales, well, you’re golden. I save nearly $15 weekly with coupons. That means about $720 yearly shaved off my expenses.
Stay in. Instead of going out with friends, have them over for dinner and drinks. Cooking at home is always cheaper (especially when it comes to the bar tab), and I think, more intimate. Candles and Dollar Store party favors and such.
Hopefully we all won’t have to keep tightening up the belts another notch for very long! I hate to utter this, but this financial crisis we’re in has made me cheap. There. I said it. And now that it’s out there, if anyone has any other tips for me I’d really welcome them. Happy hunting, everyone!
Monday, January 19, 2009
The tumbling giants: Curse or boon?
I knew Albertson's supermarkets closing was a bad sign. Add to that the various Linens' n Things and Bed, Bath and Beyond stores that have disappeared. Bennigans also pulled out of our area, taking with it their fantastic baked potato soup. GAP spin-off Old Navy is downsizing.
KB Toys is already closed - its stock sold off after filing for bankruptcy protection. And Sweetbay supermarkets just announced they are closing seven of their Tampa Bay area stores.
But now a long-time electronics retail giant, Circuit City, is going out of business. They have been the nation's second biggest consumer electronics dealer (Best Buy holds the crown), but that wasn't enough to save them in bankruptcy court. Friday, they failed to find a buyer and will simply liquidate their 567 stores in the U.S. This could mean another 30,000 people will be unemployed. Joining them will be laid off workers from Pfizer and Blue Cross.
Industry experts that circled their wagons when gas prices dropped are now warning of more lean times to come, as spending will likely decrease further. Bad, bad, bad.
But what does this mean to our local independent retailers? Surely they will see some business from some Circuit City customers. Bay News 9 interviewed one electronics place that could not believe they were still in business while the giants around them tumble. They're counting their lucky stars, and hoping to cash in on some displaced consumer dollars.
One independent retailer in a Tyrone shopping center that houses the defunct Circuit City is cringing at the thought of another giant chain closing, though. The store's owners believe that living in the shadow of the big guys has brought business into their doors that wouldn't normally be there. They count on the foot traffic from these places, and fear that no more store means no more people.
Whether good or bad, we can count on this: Everyone is going to be affected. From the butterfly effect to a tidal wave. Time to cautiously tighten the belt again.
KB Toys is already closed - its stock sold off after filing for bankruptcy protection. And Sweetbay supermarkets just announced they are closing seven of their Tampa Bay area stores.
But now a long-time electronics retail giant, Circuit City, is going out of business. They have been the nation's second biggest consumer electronics dealer (Best Buy holds the crown), but that wasn't enough to save them in bankruptcy court. Friday, they failed to find a buyer and will simply liquidate their 567 stores in the U.S. This could mean another 30,000 people will be unemployed. Joining them will be laid off workers from Pfizer and Blue Cross.
Industry experts that circled their wagons when gas prices dropped are now warning of more lean times to come, as spending will likely decrease further. Bad, bad, bad.
But what does this mean to our local independent retailers? Surely they will see some business from some Circuit City customers. Bay News 9 interviewed one electronics place that could not believe they were still in business while the giants around them tumble. They're counting their lucky stars, and hoping to cash in on some displaced consumer dollars.
One independent retailer in a Tyrone shopping center that houses the defunct Circuit City is cringing at the thought of another giant chain closing, though. The store's owners believe that living in the shadow of the big guys has brought business into their doors that wouldn't normally be there. They count on the foot traffic from these places, and fear that no more store means no more people.
Whether good or bad, we can count on this: Everyone is going to be affected. From the butterfly effect to a tidal wave. Time to cautiously tighten the belt again.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Winds of change to come?
Being a freelance copywriter is very often feast or famine. I go through certain points of the year where I have a tangible lull, and then have seasons of crazy busy time. Over the years, I've learned how to hold one finger in the air to test the winds. I usually know what's coming. For instance, grant writing and research tends to pick up in the spring. So does direct mail marketing letters, as anyone with an overstuffed mailbox knows. And companies seem to want their business plans authored by October 1.
But I didn't see this coming.
An onslaught of requests for resumes and cover letters has hit my inbox. Like, fifteen this week alone. And these are very educated folks with a long pedigree and they're OUT OF WORK. These are frightening times. Folks aren't just trying to get a better job or move up the proverbial corporate ladder; they are trying to feed families and avoid foreclosure. They have been victims of the cutbacks of late, laid off or just plain fired. (I axed all my fees for the unemployed. There is no way in good conscience I can take money from someone who needs a job.)
It amazes me how many people are one accident or illness away from poverty. I just got my hospital bill from my three-day visit in December: $20,437. How do people without insurance cope? Pay for medicine? Do they sit and have to choose between eating or taking the prescriptions necessary to keep them alive?
Perhaps with this change in our government's administration we can look forward to a windfall instead of a downturn. We need relief on all fronts.
But I didn't see this coming.
An onslaught of requests for resumes and cover letters has hit my inbox. Like, fifteen this week alone. And these are very educated folks with a long pedigree and they're OUT OF WORK. These are frightening times. Folks aren't just trying to get a better job or move up the proverbial corporate ladder; they are trying to feed families and avoid foreclosure. They have been victims of the cutbacks of late, laid off or just plain fired. (I axed all my fees for the unemployed. There is no way in good conscience I can take money from someone who needs a job.)
It amazes me how many people are one accident or illness away from poverty. I just got my hospital bill from my three-day visit in December: $20,437. How do people without insurance cope? Pay for medicine? Do they sit and have to choose between eating or taking the prescriptions necessary to keep them alive?
Perhaps with this change in our government's administration we can look forward to a windfall instead of a downturn. We need relief on all fronts.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Fave store contest: Milagros
I would have to say that I LOVE Milagros! I call their products my "lotions and potions," and it is truly my addiction. I love the smell and feel of this store. It's open, warm, and inviting which tempts your senses with a divinity to create the perfect scent, or attracts you to the perfect one that has been concocted prior to your arrival. The soaps with a purpose really do their job as described and I adore that you can take any scent and create a layering with the body wash, lotion, and spray. I give gifts of Milagros treasures all the time, and I haven't had anyone not come back for more!
Jennifer Steele
Spinderella's Steals
Jennifer Steele
Spinderella's Steals
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