Peninsula Shops TownSquare/Blog

@ScanSnap ROCKS.

Jason Sutherland — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:54:16 GMT

Recently I was sent a ScanSnap device to review and basically kick its tires. Being that my core background is Graphic / Web Design I think they picked the right person to review this cute li'l compact desktop scanner. First off, it is very cute in size and if this thing comes in more colors than metallic grey... let's just say it now "double WOW".

Anyhow enough about the aesthetics of this simple push button scanner that I was able to quickly installed on the home-office computer. The ScanSnap, short of talking to me, seemed to be able to do everything that I desire in a scanner.

While there are a bunch of technical details that I could bore you with, I think the most awesome aspect to this teeny weeny scanner is its speed and ability to help me track/tag my newly scanned documents. Matter of fact, I like this scanner so much that I have decided to give myself a weekend project of scanning over 500 fruit crate labels. Yes, it scans that fast!

Sleek and intuitive every professional or recipe maven needs this device.

Thank you Fujistu for helping to make my life easier.

Why I bought my fiance's engagement ring from a wholesale diamond dealer in San Francisco.

Jason Sutherland — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 21:38:33 GMT

Let's be frank. Jewelers are genius when it comes to making us believe that we should pay 5X mark-up. Being a business owner and entrepreneur I didn't want to just be a consumer when it came to the diamond buying process. I wanted to be educated, savvy and spendy!

Yes, I said spendy. I was going for broke. I wanted to spend as much money as I could afford and get the most out of the entire experience. After heavy research and recommendations from practically the entire world (which includes yelp). I decided upon RP Diamond and Gold Imports, Inc. out of San Francisco Ca.

When I first made my appointment (which apparently I didn't need to, but it helped) Roger and his team were quick to fill me in on the education I had already given myself through their website RPDiamonds.com. Not only did they further educate me about my buying process, but I couldn't believe the math they were doing before my eyes. Stones that I though would be WAY out of my price range quickly unfolded to be remarkably reasonable. Not only were the prices right, but their in-house jeweler/gold smith was able to set and match the stones chosen for the engagement set within a few hours. Here I though I was going to have to wait weeks, but the reality was Roger said, go enjoy lunch in the city ( he recommended Zero Zero on Folsom ) and by the time you come back your ring will be ready.

After the shock of my now fiance's surprise hit, she said yes and now couldn't be more happy with her beautiful diamond engagement ring. Take it from me, a guy who spent MONTHS figuring out the best route to take, find a trust worthy jeweler who is going to educate you through the whole process. Yes there are ONLINE opportunities that compare to local diamond wholesale dealers, but I really wanted to touch, feel and see the stone that I was sharing with the woman I wanted to commit the rest of my with.

Indian Summer on #thePeninsula : @TomsOutdoor

Tom's Outdoor Furniture — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:48:56 GMT

Did you know that the term Indian Summer, which usually occurs in late-October to mid-November, is associated with warm temperatures exceeding 70 degrees ferinheight after the occurrence of a sharp cold frost? Fascinating!

On the San Francisco Peninsula and throughout the Bay Area we tend to always get an opportunity to enjoy a late rise in temperatures. Enjoying our outdoor living space is extended for at least another month and we don’t have to completely retire our outdoor furniture and B-B-Q. Fortunately enough, most of us on the Mid-Peninsula, near Redwood City, enjoy an awesome annual average temperature of 68 degrees ferinheight. Redwood City’s slogan is “Best by Government Test”. No, Redwood City is not referring to Area 51 type of testing, but an outcome of the beautiful average temperature that occurs year round in the heart of San Francisco Peninsula.

Most people don’t know the story of Redwood City being the working man’s back bone of San Francisco as the port shipped barges of milled redwood trees up the San Francisco Bay. The wood shipped on these barges is what helped build homes throughout San Francisco’s Richmond and Sunset Districts. Ironically enough, the homes in Menlo Park, Redwood City, Palo Alto and the surrounding cities were actually built as summer homes for wealthy San Franciscan’s and Orchard Farmers.

Those of who live on the San Francisco Peninsula are acutely aware of the micro climates and the need to have a wind breaker in the car at all times or a hooded sweatshirt at the very least. For those of who live in San Mateo, we know that the Indian Summer is a warm welcome. The marine fog layer that is accompanied by steady 30mph winds temporarily dissipates and the 80 lb. outdoor umbrella stand is of practically no use.

None the less the summer of 2011 has been delivered with strange weather and while most of us on the San Francisco Peninsula have been confused as to whether or not our outdoor furniture should stay uncovered. It’s suggested that you just stick with Hardwood Teak Outdoor furniture. This way no matter the season, your outdoor living space is ready for enjoyment all year round. Teak furniture is really affordable when you consider it’s life cycle. Wouldn’t you rather have a $300 hardwood teak outdoor chair for 25 years versus a $30 plastic resin chair (that shouldn’t be left out in the sun- UV rays make these chairs brittle) for 2 years.

Here is to the prospect and hope of a wonderful Indian Summer in 2011 and the opportunity to “Step outside and enjoy yourself” – Tom Haid.

via @ShopHometown | Amazon Attempts to Negate California Sales Tax Law, Uses Affiliates as Smokescreen

Hometown Peninsula — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 14:53:17 GMT

Menlo Park CA – Just weeks after the California Legislature passed a law requiring Amazon.com to start collecting sales tax on items shipped to the state, the corporation is attempting to negate the law via a statewide ballot measure.

Amazon dismissed all of its in-state affiliates that send traffic to Amazon in return for commissions, but the move is “purely a bullying tactic,” said Jeff Milchen, co-founder of the American Independent Business Alliance (AMIBA). “The Amazon Corporation has facilities and employees in at least seven California cities, any one of which constitutes a physical presence and now obliges them to collect sales tax.”

AMIBA has gathered information (http://tinyurl.com/canexus) on Amazon’s wholly-owned subsidiaries in 19 states across the country (the corporation collects sales tax in five). In California, these include A9 in Palo Alto, A2Z and Alexa in San Francisco, and the Internet Movie Database in Los Angeles.

Amazon filed initial paperwork to pursue a ballot measure last week. While the company would easily spend more than $1 million just to gather the half-million valid signatures required to place an item on a statewide ballot, that may be a small price to pay for maintaining the 9% - 10% handicap it currently enjoys at the expense of brick and mortar businesses that long have collected sales tax on all in-state sales.

Amazon’s opponents range from mom and pop retailers to titans like Walmart Corporation -- no stranger to using initiatives to attempt reversing laws its executives don’t like. Milchen notes Walmart often has used ballot initiatives -- theoretically the purest form of democracy -- to serve its own corporate interests, such as defeating restrictions on big box development in California communities.

While independent businesses typically have little common interest with big box chains, they’ve become allies toward leveling the playing field when it comes to sales taxes. “All we seek is fair competition--something antithetical to Amazon’s business model,” said Clark Kepler, president on Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park.

“Victimizing web-based merchants who have invested in referring sales to Amazon is pure thuggery,” said Kepler. “For years, Amazon claimed they were helping many small businesses through offering referral fees, but now they’ve stabbed affiliates in the back in a failed attempt to intimidate California’s lawmakers.” Kepler noted many companies that willingly collect sales tax are ready to provide affiliation deals for the people Amazon dumped.

Incredibly, Amazon.com executives have cited jobs as a reason citizens should continue the effective subsidy for the world’s largest online retailer. “In fact,” noted Milchen, “storefront businesses employ many more people per sales dollar, meaning thousands of new jobs could be created in California by ending the Amazon sales tax exemption if fewer people purchase online once the playing field is leveled.”

See http://www.amiba.net/resources/news-archive/amazon-nexus-subsidiaries (shortcut: http://tinyurl.com/canexus) for a wide array of background resources, including documentation of jobs statistics by the National Retail Federation, scholarly articles, and more. Jeff Milchen has written at length on the remote sales tax dispute for Bloomberg-BusinessWeek.

Another chapter in the life and times of an independent bookseller

Clark Kepler — Mon, 16 May 2011 15:57:44 GMT

All small businesses are having a heck of a time in this economic climate. Trying to remain relevant to our customers is amongst our most important goals. That feels especially true when the product or service you offer can be digitized and sold for less on the internet. Where our competitors often do not collect state sales tax, giving them nearly a 10% pricing advantage from the get-go.

So what to do? Innovate. Try new things to earn revenue. We've done something at my business, Kepler's Books in Menlo Park, that we hope will improve our sales and may be of special interest to PS members as well. Recently, we carved out an events area in the back of the store where the kids section used to be. We are holding almost all of our author events there, offering a more intimate and nicer experience for attendees and speaker alike. We ask that the attendees purchase a $10 gift card for entry which they can redeem that day towards the purchase of the author’s book, or for anything else any other time in the future. Entry remains free to our Literary Circle members. We are calling this space The Roy Kepler Pavilion, named for my father and Kepler's founder.

We are also making the Pavilion available to small businesses and local organizations as an inexpensive venue for their meetings, trainings, events, seminars etc. The space accommodates very small groups as well as groups up to 100 people.

Call me if you're interested!

Clark Kepler

Kepler's Books

(650) 462-5506 ext 208

Why Propaganda Keeps Us Alive

Jason Sutherland — Tue, 03 May 2011 12:19:23 GMT

So the news is big right?

Some may ask, what news are you exactly talking about. I am talking about it all. If it weren't for gossip, news and information this world would practically be silent. Just a few hawks screeching in the sky and a band of bongos banging in the background of the near by village. Let's face it, most of the news we hear, create or "enjoy" is actually propaganda designed to stimulate interest in a cause, person, product or commodity. To put it metaphorically, the wind doesn't make a sound without any disruptive elements.

Let's examine this blog piece for example. I love being heard and letting people know that I am a smart person. Writing publicly is more than a simple intention to venting my emotions about why we are fools or sheep being led by the herd. Shameless possibly, self righteous considerably, independent thinker.. ABSOLUTELY. This post really is designed to promote myself and build traffic to my website so that people may actually employ my services as a professional marketing consultant and / or graphic web designer. So what if my grammar isn't always correct and my insight may be slightly delusional, you're still reading this post aren't you?

Another example of propaganda was the capture/murder of Mr. Bin Laden. The White House Decided to interrupt my Sunday evening watching of CBS television 60 minutes. I was enjoying learning about the most beautiful horse on the Planet Zenyatta and BAM .... "President Obama will be making an important announcement". I knew it was war related, but really the death of Obama Bin Laden... oooops wait sorry I am not Fox News. Let me restate. The death of Osama Bin Laden made world headlines sunday night, but you wanna know what I think? I think Osama was actually dead for many years. Like 8 years, when G Dubyah Bush stated "mission accomplished". Why else would you wait so long to kill him other than propaganda. It was after all exactly 8 years after G Dubyah's "mission accomplished" announcement.

As you can see, I just created news out of nothing all in the name of self-promotion and keeping myself alive. Promoting myself is after all what keeps me alive. How else do you expect me to pay my bills and enjoy Taco Trucks in Redwood City.

Dr. Jon Miller, My Therapist! @KNBR @dandibley @knbrmurph

Jason Sutherland — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:23:43 GMT

(Don't want to read the post & just want to see the graphic | click here |)

I can't believe ESPN has let Joe Morgan, and more imporantly in my eyes, Jon Miller go from ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. These two men are genuine American Baseball icon's and have ultimate control of their voices and express true passion for my favorite professional sport, Major League Baseball. Fortunately for me, Jon Miller is the San Francisco Giants regular announcer and I will be able to hear the soothing sounds of Dr. Miller for yet another glorious baseball season.

On March 11th, 2011 Jon Miller was broadcasting on NBC Bay Area for the Giants Spring Training 2011 Season Television Debut. Oh the joy! When I heard Jon's voice on air - the therapeutic depth, cheer and knowledge that this man shares across the air waves are down right medicinal. ESPN is wrong to let him go.

Thanks to my wonderful girlfriend (x x x x) I have Club seats to the July 10th Sunday night game against the Mets. Buster Posey Bobble Head Night... YES!

Ironically after hearing Jon's voice for the first time this season (yes shame on me for not finding away to stream KNBR to my data phone without subscribing to MLB.tv) I wanted to share my therapy session with my facebook buddies. We have an open facebook group called "torture" (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_159617714078808) or (sftorture@groups.facebook.com). What I shared with that group was "J. Miller's voice on the air is better than any therapy money can buy. Hum to the bay bay.!" (see post here http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_159617714078808&view=permalink&id=193041450736434).

From that post I was then further inspired to create a new t-shirt using my illustration skills. Ladies and gentlemen without any furhter adu, I bring you Therapy (http://www.cafepress.com/cashual.515941077). I hope Jon (Jon I hope you don't mind that we are now on a first name basis) doesn't mind me attempting to capitalize on the goodness that he brings to every Giants' fan across the world.

Side Note for Jon: This was designed in San Mateo :-)

The Interesting Pairings of a Mid Life Mom

Kelli Suchy — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 14:15:10 GMT

As a self proclaimed foodie and creative soul – I am a nature photographer as well as a wife, Mom and adoption coach, I have noticed an odd trend in some of the pairings showing up.

The incongruity of some of the things that have shown up in my life as of late. Take for example the mail today, as I sifted through the envelopes, magazines and packages – there arrived both yet another invitation to join AARP and also my 6 year old daughter’s Highlights magazine.

A few days ago, I was also noticing how odd it was that the shopping cart held both a new pair of reading glasses for me and toys for Ariel.

It almost feels as if I am leading two lives – that of a middle aged woman creeping ever so slowly into the transitional time of menopause. And then the every day reality of being the Mom to a first grader. How do those two life stages match up?

I am also sorting out how it feels to have my insides, my passionate, energetic, silly me inside not always be reflected by what I see in the mirror. I know I “look good for my age” and yet the effects of living for 51-1/2 years have begun to show in the softening of the skin of my neck, little brown spots I cannot really convince myself are freckles on the back of my hands. The soft lines outlining the outsides of my eyes grown there from many happy smiles over the years.

So all this to say I have as many questions as answers. I am figuring out this life one day at a time as I guess all of us are.

Parenting an Adopted Child

Kelli Suchy — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 16:51:13 GMT

We adopted our beautiful daughter at birth a little over six years ago. I have also worked in the adoption field as an Adoption Coach/Mentor and have read numerous books on the subject of adoption and parenting.

While I am forever deeply grateful to Ariel's birth mother for her selfless and loving gift of the child we are blessed to raise, most days I go about my days being just "her mommy".

It was recently when Ariel had some mild medical issues that needed addressing that I realized that there are some differences in parenting Ariel that I had not really thought about day to day. First of all, in accessing what was wrong, I needed to contact her birth family (we have an open adoption so that was not a problem) and ask if any other members of the family had had the issues we were dealing with.

Then I realized that I was trying to over parent, be Super Woman, Super Mommy - not just for my daughter but to quiet this inner voice within me that I had to do MORE because this child was mine due to the sacrifices of others. This soon created a lot of panic and anxiety on my part.

If not due to a long standing meditation and mindfulness practice, I may have really burnt myself out with my over zealousness. I was sick for the past week - the one benefit of being forced to be quiet and still was that I had a chance to get off the usual never ending go, go, go of life and see what was happening. And to make a choice to calm myself and know from a deep place that I was enough and that I was doing the right things for my girl.

The Meaning Place

Jason Sutherland — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 15:46:06 GMT

Last night during Hometown Peninsula's monthly meeting, the topic of a meaning place was discussed.

What does a meaning place mean? Is it tangible? What happened to townsquares? Does anyone care anymore?

The way I see it is facebook is the new townsquare and twitter, digg, stumbleupon and the various million other social media communities like Peninsula Shops are all outer lying "rural" areas or ghost towns for that matter.

So how does this relate to meaning?

We all (well most of us) want to be heard or validate at some point and social media gives us the frictionless access point to share with more people than we normally would a on daily basis. Thus, the meaning place is now online, but what happens to our communities that we all love, share and grew up in?

I realized after leaving the meeting that Peninsula Shops is my meaning place and I believe that we can translate and enforce what our area means to us through faster more personal conversations about the place we love, The Peninsula.

The question I have now is, how do I get the community to further recognize and/or better utilize this websites discussion forum?

The Value of Hyper Local Shopping ONLINE

Jason Sutherland — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 23:50:11 GMT

There is SOOOO much "stuff" to sift through, verify, claim, remember to log-in to and then of course market and manage our businesses correctly. But let's be frank... I really don't care if Joe Shmoe from New York read a great review about my Redwood City Specific Service unless of course he plans on bringing in a few referrals or dollars in the door. Odds are, he wont! HE IS IN NEW YORK.

While I gain understanding in the value of Merchant Circle, I also wanted to share with fellow business owners an AWESOME new tool, ShopRedwoodCity.com. Not only does the tool address a hyper-local need and business directory service for Redwood City, but it is like Yelp, Groupon, CraigsList, Constant Contact and Google Places all wrapped up into one website.

The Shop Redwood City website also allows you to sell products... it literally is what is says it is... Shop Redwood City! I should also mention that Embarcadero Media Group has began heavy promotion of this service in the South Peninsula (Menlo Park, Mountain View, Palo Alto )

Of course there is great value in being discovered in every possible location in today's fast moving digital environment, but what really matters most is relevancy. Without being relevant you're impression or "discovery" doesn't really matter. Well.. unless you feel like paying for someone to click on your website ;-).

I highly recommend taking a moment to claiming yet another free business profile on www.ShopRedwoodCity.com and begin exploring the tools and opportunities that are immediately available to you as a business owner.

Yes, Peninsula Shops is a Certified Partner of this awesome new website and we do offer guidance and services related to marketing your business to the right market.

@ShopHometown PENINSULA MERCHANTS PARTICIPATING IN AMERICAN EXPRESS SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY

Hometown Peninsula — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 08:19:28 GMT

Hometown Peninsula member merchants Cheeky Monkey Toys, Kepler’s Books, Roger Reynolds, and Reclaim invite American Express Cardmembers to join the Local First movement and support locally-owned businesses on the first-ever Small Business Saturday. American Express Cardmembers will be rewarded for "shopping small". AMEX Cardmembers will receive a $25 statement credit when they spend $25 or more at Kepler's Books on November 27th using their registered American Express card.

Offer is limited to the first 100,000 cardmembers who register at facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday

To be eligible for this offer, you must register your eligible American Express Card at http://www.smallbusinesssaturday.com/enroll between November 8, 2010 and November 27, 2010. You may only register one Card for this offer. Using your registered American Express Card, you must spend $25 or more at participating small business merchants on 11/27/2010 to receive the $25 statement credit.

Eligible merchants include any independently owned small businesses that accept the American Express Card. Purchases made online, at large, national chains, at franchised business locations and at government agencies are not eligible. Prepaid, corporate cards and ExpressPay transactions are not eligible.

If your Card is replaced during the promotional period, please call the customer service number on the back of your Card for assistance. Registration is limited to the first 100,000 enrollees. Limit one statement credit per Cardmember. Statement credits are generally issued within 5 business days after your qualifying purchase, but may take up to 2 billing cycles to post to your account. Additional terms apply; see Registration Terms and Conditions for details.

Best of Redwood City Award in the Outdoor & Garden Furniture category

Tom's Outdoor Furniture — Sat, 20 Nov 2010 10:47:47 GMT

Tom's Outdoor Furniture ( http://www.tomsoutdoorfurniture.com ) has been selected for the 2010 Best of Redwood City Award in the Outdoor & Garden Furniture category by the U.S. Commerce Association (USCA).

"We are proud and excited to be recognized by the USCA. We moved to Redwood City for a good reason and love being recognized in this town!" - Tom Haid / Owner

The USCA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USCA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.
Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USCA Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USCA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Commerce Association (USCA)
U.S. Commerce Association (USCA) is a New York City based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USCA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.
The USCA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.
SOURCE: U.S. Commerce Association
# # #

The teak used at Tom’s Outdoor Furniture™ is Indonesian Teak The finest in the world is harvested from the highly reputable Perum Perhutani Plantations, which is the government agency responsible for managing it’s extensive forests and plantations.

Why Eat Turkey?

Sharon Caren — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 14:16:17 GMT

Let us give thanks for these wonderful birds that give there lives to give us food to stay alive!

Americans like the white meat of the breast so much, turkeys are bred to produce larger breasts. The “Tom”, because of his oversized chest, is not able to fertilize the eggs of the female “Hen” in the natural mating position and therefore turkey eggs are fertilized by artificial insemination for the hatchery. Only the “Tom” makes the loud gobble, gobble sound that can be heard a mile away on a quiet day while the “hen” gently clucks and clicks. Maybe he’s frustrated?

Have you ever wondered why there is both white and dark meat on the turkey? They have white meat on the breast and wings and dark meat on the legs and thighs. It’s actually a physiological difference. The active muscles in the legs store a lot of oxygen and become dark.

We’ve had a dramatic increase of turkey consumption in the U.S. In 1975, Americans ate 8.3 pounds of turkey and by 1995 it increased to 18 pounds a year. As you might guess, the turkey production in the U.S. has increased 300%. I believe it’s largely due to a more health conscious society.

Nutritional Value – Turkey is an inexpensive, low fat, and high protein meat source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, B vitamins and has more protein than chicken or beef.

A 3 ½-ounce portion of turkey is about the size and thickness of a new deck of cards. A 15 lb turkey is about 70 % white meat and 30% dark meat. White meat has less calories and fat than dark and less again if you don’t eat the skin. One gram of fat contains 9 calories, and one gram of protein contains 4 calories.

Here is a way to calculate:

Meat Type Calories Total Fat Protein

Breast with skin 194 8 grams 29 grams

Breast w/o skin 161 4 grams 30 grams

Wing w/skin 238 13 grams 27 grams

Leg w/skin 213 11 grams 28 grams

Dark meat w/skin 232 13 grams 27 grams

Dark meat w/o skin 192 8 grams 28 grams

Skin only 482 44 grams 19 grams

Size Matters, How much to buy - “Toms” are over 16 lbs and “Hens” under 16. You’ll want about a pound to a pound and a half per person to allow for hearty eaters and leftovers.

Frozen Turkeys – There are 2 types of raw frozen turkeys, pre-basted or un-basted. A pre-basted bird is injected with water, broth, vegetable oil and/or spices to enhance flavor and moistness during cooking. Un-basted turkey has no additional ingredients. Reading the label is a must. You can buy the frozen birds months in advance keep them frozen until time to cook.

Fresh Turkeys – I’ve enjoyed great results pre-planning to order a fresh turkey in time for my holiday meal. I highly recommend calling around to find a free range, grass fed, organic bird. The cost will be higher and you can taste the difference. Delicious! We are what we eat and being mindful to ingest more natural foods will increase health and longevity, not to mention satisfying the taste buds.

Leftovers, the best part – I look forward to cooking the turkey because I enjoy it the next day or two. You know, sandwiches, turkey stew, chili or soup, casseroles or a turkey burger. You can also get more creative with a turkey and black bean wrap, my favorite. Here’s a handy guide for storage:

Refrigerator Storage – Leftovers

Cooked Food Item Refrigerator Storage Time

Roast Turkey 3 to 4 days

Stuffing 1 to 2 days

Giblet Gravy 1 to 2 days

Canned Cranberry Sauce 5 to 7 days

Roast Pork 2 to 4 days

Roast Beef/Veal/lamb 3 to 4 days

Baked Ham 3 to 5 days

Meat w/sauce or gravy 1 to 2 days

Cooked vegetables 3 to 5 days

Pumpkin pie 2 to 3 days

Fruit desserts/pie 3 to 5 days

Seafood 1 to 2 days

Gumbo 1 to 2 days

Soups 2 to 3 days

Restaurant Carry-out entrees 1 day

There’s a myth about turkey making you sleepy. Eating turkey doesn’t cause you to feel sleepy after your Thanksgiving dinner. The carbohydrates in your meal are the likely cause of the sleepiness. We might want to keep those to a minimum as it’s also a big factor in weight gain.

Most of all, enjoy this wonderful holiday meal with those you love and give thanks for the little joys of life!

Many blessings to you, Sharon

www.sharoncaren.com 650.359.6579

Statistics found above are from the University of Illinois

Allergy Relief With No Pills, Shots or Inhalers?

Kathy Bibby — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 22:20:25 GMT

I've been out out and about with people recently, setting up a booth at several Farmers Market's in the area. Many people have asked me, what do you mean by a non-medical approach to allergy relief?

Following is an excerpt of an interview conducted my partner, Dr. David Kamnitzer, with Debbie Orr, Master Trainer for the laser allergy relief technology.

The interview does a good job of painting the picture of this technology as an educational model ~ it re-trains the brain and teaches it a new response.

Dr. Kamnitzer:

One of the things that’s amazing to me is when the conscious mind learns things, it needs to learns things over and over again before it finally gets it.

But my understanding is that this is like energetic cellular level learning. It only takes one exposure of a re-patterning of a particular frequency for the body to kind of permanently shift.

Now that’s amazing!

For myself as an educator that has profound implications for learning theory in general. It’s pretty mind-boggling.

Debbie Orr:

Remember what we’re doing is we’re not healing anything. What we are doing is bringing the body back into balance.

When the body is in balance or homeostasis, it can let go of things that it no longer needs, that longer serves it.

Dr. Kamnitzer:

It sounds like we’re giving the body info that it needs, that’s very specific in a non-stressful way, in a language that the body can understand and then when the body understands, it spontaneously shifts.

Also, I definitely tell people we are not diagnosing or treating anything, we are giving the body information it needs to bring itself back into balance.

Debbie Orr:

That’s exactly correct.

For more information: http://yourallergyreliefnow.com

Kathy Bibby

How to serve/cook Texas Toast a La GIANTS Style

Jason Sutherland — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:57:50 GMT

Texas Toast a la GIANTS | image |

(Serves about 2.5 Million on the west coast Note: Include World Series Championship Trophy if you want to serve up 10+ Million)

Start seasoning with pretty much the whole league and media (including a good portion of SF Giants Fans) betting on the fact that you are not going to make the best Texas Toast a La Giants Style.
Make sure the kid with the Initials T.L. sticks to just smoking pot
- We wouldn’t want to jeopardize a 3rd serving of Cy Young Opportunity
- - this "discipline" will ensure our Giants Texas Toast taste really - really good!
Get the biggest Buster on the Block and add a dash of Posey.
- Dont worry about getting the Buster too Hot!
- - This seasoned professional, though young,
    can shine remarkably like no other 20 something year old
Make sure the U ( OOOOOOO or YOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUU ) in Uribe is emphasized with vigor, no matter how it odd sounds.
- This is a traditional must commemorating cousin Jose adding a Latin flare to our well rounded Texas Toasting know as “The Mission Style”
Get some "Just for men", some shoe polish and slather Rogaine all over your face
- This will threaten any "Big Texan" enough so that your motives are not questioned at all
Make sure a 24 year old Panda has just enough girth to lunge for line drives while still being a non-starting bench threat.
- This is just one of the many syrupy suggestions we recommend in adding to your Giants Texas Toast thus helping to obtain the exact flavor of preference
Hire a kid that played baseball at either Bellarmine or Serra Highschool
- someone has to clean-up or at the very least make sure we do Big Thangs!
Make sure you have a few extra bucks to secure the free floating waiver.
- On call staff is required to serve Giants Texas Toast
- - hint I think you can buy it at Ross
Set your burners on high while letting dirty Sanchez's grill permeate the savory Fontenot flavors
Never EVER.. I REPEAT NEVER EVER... think that what is being served is a Bochy mess
- The best way to serve Giants Texas toast is to exude the utmost confidence at all times
Next Huff, Rowand your Ford motor boat over the Mota because the Cain on the Whiteside stands tall like a Casilla on the Affeldt.
- Otherwise, you may Renteria like a Bumgarner and just be stuck driving a Torres lately.
Finally Say Grace before you munch and thank Kruk, Kuip, Miller and the crew for letting us know that Buck can be muted on the God Box while we choose to instead listen to KNBR as we enjoy our Texas Toast a la Giants Style

Bone-Ape-A-Tight!

Don't Mess with Texas | @ShopHometown

Hometown Peninsula — Sat, 23 Oct 2010 10:51:43 GMT

The State of Texas has issued an assessment charging that Amazon.com owes the state some $269 million in uncollected sales tax, including interest and penalties, for the period from December 2005 to December 2009. Amazon.com reported the assessment in its September 30 quarterly filing with the SEC.

Amazon.com has clear nexus in the state through its online affiliates and distribution facilities in the state. The state government should not be in the business of picking and choosing favorites. Independent businesses in the state follow the state sales tax laws - so should Amazon.com.

In its SEC filing, under "Other Contingencies," Amazon.com reported: "In September 2010, the State of Texas issued an assessment of $269 million for uncollected sales taxes for the period from December 2005 to December 2009, including interest and penalties. The State of Texas is alleging that we should have collected sales taxes on applicable sales transactions during those years. We believe that the State of Texas did not provide a sufficient basis for its assessment and that the assessment is without merit. We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this matter."

It is indisputable that Amazon.com has a physical presence in the State of Texas. When a Texas-based customer buys a book from a Texas-based bookstore either as an in-store or online purchase, the bookstore follow existing Texas sales tax laws and collect and remit sales tax. Amazon.com should do the same.

And, California should start collecting our sales taxes too!

Withstanding harsh weather (Teak Furniture) | @TomsOutdoor

Tom's Outdoor Furniture — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:40:44 GMT

Teak is one of the more popular material choices for outdoor furniture. More stylish and sophisticated than plastic patio furniture, teak is known for its resilience and strength. Teak is extremely weather-resistant, withstanding hot and cold temperatures and rain without much help or care. No material is perfect, though; teak may not need a lot of care, but make sure you care for it properly and it will last you.

The best part of teak furniture is that, because it is a hardwood, it is resistant to swelling, shrinkage, and warping. Plus, its natural oil preserves the furniture, without the smooth finish splintering, resulting in it looking wonderfully beautiful for many years. With proper care, your outdoor teak furniture will last a long time indeed.

Another popular trait of teak wood is its weathering tendency. Over time, teak furniture will attain a handsome silvery-gray patina. This process takes approximately nine months, depending on the amount of sunlight and rain exposure. During weathering, a slight lifting of the grain may occur on the tops of the arms and legs, and you may even see a few cracks. This is not considered a defect, but a natural expanding and contracting of the wood. The grain will return to its original smooth finish after the weathering process is complete.

While your teak furniture can withstand harsh weather, try keeping it in an area where it doesn't get hit by rain so much. It will be fine if the rain is unavoidable, but moving it in a partly-covered area will really prolong its life. Make sure to keep it away from puddles after it rains!

State Legislature Says 'Who Cares' To California Retailers | @ShopHometown

Hometown Peninsula — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:48:50 GMT

Up until a few days ago, the proposed state budget contained a provision that would require large out-of-state online retailers like Amazon and Overstock.com to collect sales tax on their sales in California - the same sales tax that all state retailers currently collect.

It now appears that the provision has been been dumped under the guise of no new taxes. In doing so, the Legislature is saying clearly and unequivocally that those out-of-state e-tailers mean more than California-based shops and stores. It is saying that online behemoths, whose business plans are based on sales tax avoidance, should continue to get what is, in effect, a 10% state subsidy that enables them to sell the same products as thousands of California retailers - at a cheaper price.

This inequity impacts retailers of all sizes, from the likes of Wal-Mart and Home Depot on down. But it is the locally owned businesses who take the biggest hit, because they don't have the resources or the margins of big chains. These are independent merchants whose establishments are the crux of livable neighborhoods and communities throughout the state. They are small businesses who create jobs and (by the way) collect millions of dollars of sales tax for the state. And with the Amazons of the world getting a 10% discount on identical merchandise right out of the gate, these local business people are hard-pressed to compete

So let's be clear. Any state legislator who lets this inequity continue has made a choice. They may have their reasons for doing so, but supporting California businesses isn't one of them. So when you hear a politician talking about how important small business is to the state, I urge every business owner to take it with a huge grain of salt - which, by the way, you can also buy tax-free online.

Why Menlo Park Doesn't Need a Bev Mo!

Jason Sutherland — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:15:29 GMT

I think Menlo Park California can possibly be one of the best towns to live in on the Planet. Forget that it costs a fortune to live there, which is reflected by having one of the best public school systems in the nation!

Yes, of course I am biased since I of course grew up in Menlo Park and went to Oak Knoll Elementary School, but that is besides the point. The truth of the matter is, I love knowing that most of the store owners in Menlo Park aren't from some multi-national conglomeration that treats its employees like, excuse the french, crap! It is such a glorious and well known treat that we as consumers and business owners greatly appreciate being remembered and asked about when we are working/purchasing together.

When and if Bev Mo! actually does end up moving into Menlo Park, I can pretty much assure you that the people at the cash register wont know wether or not Sally's fakes I.D. is actually fake! Why, because they wont know if she actually goes to the local High School or not! Muchless know the name of her parents. People like Bob and Mike at the Country Corner on Alameda in Menlo Park knew if was supposed to be buying alcohol or not.

Food for thought:
What about the Beltramo Family and the extended community ties they offer and prodvide to our society?

Does Draeger's not offer a unique shopping enviroment and enough community impact that we should allow another box store to enter the neighborhood? Isn't bad enough that Wholefoods will be entering Menlo Park in 2011?

Truth be told we can't really stop the "machine" we all know as corporate America unless we all decide to blaze a path back to sustainable economics. We have all fooled ourselves into thinking that not paying full price for quality products, craftsmanship or service without compromise is the best way!

I personally don't need any Mo Bev buying choices that compromise the value of my local livelihood.