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No, I haven't used that site before, but it's a government link and knowing that it's a service we can all access for free I will use it in the future.
Any and all of the reporting agencies will have you supply your SS to pull a report, it's the only way to pull your credit, so that's pretty much standard. I would think that the gov. site would be much safer than the hundreds of free credit sites out there, but I'm sure you could give them a call or shoot an email to be sure.
Just another thought for those concerned with identity theft. Ask all companies that you supply your SS# to how they protect you, what their exact policies on confidential info/docs are. How they store and destroy. You would be SO frightened to know how many companies (mortgage for example) treat your confidential documents and information. From first hand experience, it's mighty scary!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Paula,
I just googled "backing up a blog" and a few sites came up with step by step how to's. I've not tried any yet, but there seems to be some good info out there. Good Luck and let us know if one works for you!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Kim she is gorgeous!! I must say with such lovely long fingers I would get that lil' girl a piano as soon as she's able to sit at one (even with a little help!) She's got perfect pianist hands!! 
Congratulations, your girls are so lucky to have each other! I'm one of 3 girls (look to be about the same age differences as your girls) and we are all the best of friends.
:hug:
~Chrissi
We check our credit history via the three reporting agencies : transunion, equifax, experian. Each of these agencies official homepages allow for a 3 in 1 to be pulled, you can monitor as you see fit and as often as you see fit. We personally trust the official sites over the average online "free credit" sites. (the government link below goes into more detail about watching out for bogus credit sites that usually come with strings) We look at our tradelines, inquiries, applicant information, etc and check to see if something is not accurate.
Each person, in the states, by law is entitled to a free report from each agency once every 12 months. Here's the link for that info.
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/pubs/consume … cre34.shtm
Good Luck :)
:hug:
~Chrissi
I just opened one a lil' while ago and put my first bear in this week. He sold right off, but was technically a sale from my mailing list and not a random sale from being seen out there on Etsy. BUT I think bear artists could do very well out there with lots of promoting. I've got a few ides for promoting via etsy and would be really happy to be part of a group. Let me know how that works!
I'm going to keep using it, I personally prefer it to ebay. (Fees are WAY better, the overall feel of a true creative marketplace rather than an online bargain hunters paradise is very very nice, and I just prefer retail to auction but that's just me... as a buyer I like shopping more than winning 
).
:hug:
~Chrissi
Wow! Awesome photos Tracy!! I would love to see that many lil' bears up close!!! Looks like you guys had a fantastic time :)
:hug:
~Chrissi
Looking Good Tami!! 
Love your shop banner!!
I'm working on getting a little bear out in my shop today too 
I'm addicted to etsy!!! My favorite purchase so far is my car litter bag by this gal... So well made and so much cuter and nicer than something I would have picked up at Pepboys or someplace else! http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=21416 (I'm really BAD...terrible... with keeping my car clean, so this was a must have kind of purchase for me 
)
And I got a "grannybag" from this seller for my birthday.... I LOVE IT!!..... http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6678
The thing that's fantastic about etsy is that is truly is a shopping venue. I bought a few vintage items that some might use for scrapbooking (vintage bingo pieces and cards). I know that if I had bought on ebay they would have been in a ziplock bag and shoved into an envelope if I was lucky. But on etsy, being a "shop" centric site, the items came in their own bags with custom labeling and packaging that was just as cute as the items themselves. For the same price I got that extra bit of specialty shopping, I love that. I'm so hoping that this becomes "the" new site for artists in our industry. I love etsy!! (did I say that already? 
)
:hug:~Chrissi
Anita, It STINKS that this happened to you. I understand that most sites revolve around feedback and ebay has made it hard to win with scammers and frauders with their new set up, but if this was with etsy (not sure) is it possible that the feedback would not have mattered? I feel so bad that we're held to rating systems when there are those out there who would abuse it, criminally to the point of stealing! She has your bear and her money now. Was giving her a refund your only avenue? I'm not sure I would have been as gracious without a fight (and I'm not a fighter by nature!!). I just feel like too many of us are being taken to town by thieves. 
Did the website offer you any kind of assurance that she could not leave negative or that you could counter it? What did they advise you to do? Don't give up. Man, maybe we have to go to the extreme of taking a picture of our packaging the contents just to prove ourselves. Again, so sorry that this has happened to you.
:hug:
~Chrissi
Hello all!
I thought I'd post this for any artists who might be interested in. Below is little bit about the RMHC from their website and attached is the email for the event. All contact information and event information is here in the email. If you are interested and write out to the contact emails provided below they will forward you a separate email with all of the artist/bear specifics. I can't answer any questions really, this will be my first year participating. The teddy bear has always received so much love from children, so something about the teddy being able to give back to those children who need hugs the most....well it just seems to fit! 
:hug:
:hug:
About RMHC:
The three core programs of RMHC - the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile - are focused on helping families in need. Our cornerstone Ronald McDonald House program began in 1974 based on a simple idea: Provide a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. Since that time, more than 10 million families around the world have benefited from the comfort provided by a Ronald McDonald House.
The Ronald McDonald Family Room program extends the comfort of a Ronald McDonald House to a hospital setting. Our Family Room within the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center is located just steps from the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units, the Family Room provides a place to escape the stress and tension of the hospital.
Our Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program, in partnership with St. Peters Health Care Services, provides free comprehensive dental care to underserved, underinsured or uninsured children in the Capital Region.
Email from RMHC:
A fun-filled day of teddy bears is in the making; The 2008 Teddy Bear Banquet and Auction has been scheduled for Sunday, October 26, 2008. For over 17 years, this beary special event has been an ongoing success and an integral part of the fund raising program of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region, Inc. However, we must prevail on your talent and generosity to make it happen!
Thanks to artists from all over the world, over 100 hand-crafted teddy bears will be up for adoption, with ALL proceeds benefiting RMHC of the Capital Region. will you share your talent with the families and children of rmhc by contributing one of your very special bears for this year's auction? Be creative! Some artists create a one-of-a-kind bear, and others provide us with one of their previously created works of art! Either way, we look forward to seeing those unique and furry faces arrive on our doorstep!
If you would like more information about RMHC or the Teddy Bear Banquet and Auction, please feel free to contact Lori Emery at (518) 438-2655 or teddybears@rmhcofalbany.org.
We truly hope that you will open your heart to this opportunity of sharing and caring for families and children.
Bear hugs and sincere thanks,
Jan Kurposka
Teddy Bear Banquet Committee
P.S. If you know of other artists or businesses who would like to lend their support, please let us know!
If you prefer, respond by email to:
jkurposka@nycap.rr.com
_____ Yes! Count on me to donate a hand-crafted teddy bear for this year’s banquet.
_____ No, I am unable to donate this year.
____ Please send me details for attending the banquet as soon as they are available.
ARTIST NAME _________________________________________
COMPANY NAME ________________________________________
ADDRESS _____________________________________________
____________________________Phone _____________________
EMAIL ________________________________________________
Ronald McDonald House Charities
of the Capital Region Inc.
139 South Lake Avenue
Albany, New York 12208
(518) 438-2655
(518) 459-6529 Fax
Wow, that's really weird. I'd be so curious to see the hang tag and a pic of the tush tag, to see who (if anyone) had the same name and bear biz name. He/she claims it's old stock...I wonder from when and where.
Can't wait to hear what the seller has to say!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Judi,
I was tearing up reading your post, I can not imagine your loss. I have a list I take along on all of my antiquing and thrift shop trips. I'll be sure to keep a good eye out for this particular bear. :hug:
:hug:
~Chrissi
Leeann,
If you log in and find a post that bobbie wrote you can click on her "email" link.
:hug:
Clare you got one of each!! Cool Beans, lucky girlie!! :dance: :dance: I'm actually a little jealous of that one too....BUT I'm just as bad
I wrote out to Graham about a machine and it was sold already.....(OK, which one of you gals got my machine :twisted: :crackup: :crackup: )...BUT he emailed me back with a Centennial that hadn't hit the site yet. AND the date of the machine just happens to by my niece's birthday, so I thought that was really special Was meant to be.
Daphne,
I wanted this machine for the scrolled faceplate and scrolled looking decals too. The machine I have now is deco with the paperclip decals. I just love these machines. My worst fear would be to be without one, that's the rational behind this second machine for me. Least that's what I told the Hub 
Post pics girls!!! I'd love to see you new beauties when they arrive!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Thank you Sue!!
I just got my issue today and I'm thrilled!!! It's my first full feature so I'm pretty much walking on sunshine (Thank you Ann Goldfarb :hug: :hug: )
The issue itself is PACKED with such great features (yeah TT'ers!!) and the photos are fantastic.
Again, Thank you Sue for posting the thread!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
Clare, gioven what Chrissie just shared maybe you want to check out his prices too...oops your in GB forget I said that....I'll check out his site.....
hugs
dilu
Graham's there too! My machine shipped from London. BUT his pricing on his site includes the insured shipping (and all of his particular guarantees). You think I was getting a cut of the sales!!
Seriously though, I had a lovely shopping experience with him.
:hug:
~Chrissi
Dilu, the site you posted from...Graham's site...I would recommend to anyone interested in a featherweight. He's incredibly respected in the area and actually is the person who coined the 1-9 rating system that pretty much everyone uses now for featherweight appearances. I purchased my one machine from him and I'm actually looking for another from him...a backup ..don't tell the Hub on me :crackup:
For everything you get his prices are fantastic.
:hug:
~Chrissi
Ok, so I know what vintage singer part I'm ALWAYS keeping an eye out for during my millions of antique outings!! WOW good for you Kelly!! :dance:
I'm the same way with the vintage machines. If I can't find the original I at least go with the newer machines made to look retro. My vintage crock pot is my absolute favorite. The pots they make now are almost dangerous. Most have a goofy metal band around the top of the main unit that gets so hot it's an instant 3rd degree hand burn.
Sue....the featherweight design started in 1933'ish so your singer may be a featherweight. Google "featherweight" to get some info and some pics to compare to
:hug:
~Chrissi
Here are a few other links for others who may want to buy this online (WOW some of the prices out there are so high with it being out of print!!) I can't say that these are all well known or "reputable" places to shop, so do a little research before handing over a large sum or your CC info
http://www.whsmith.co.uk/CatalogAndSear … 96698.html
http://www.delightfulbooksandcrafts.com … ry14_1.htm
http://www.alibris.com/search/books/qwo … 0to%20Make (prices are really high here, but I've found quite a few "good deals" out here so I'm including the link as an FYI)
http://www.scribblygumbooks.com.au/9780873496698.html
:hug:
~Chrissi
Couple of my favorites......
Venti Decaf Soy Macchiato please 
ROCK STAR 
-UGH-
My life it seems at times.....
Your response is perfect, very professional. Most of the persons "concerns" could have been cleared up by reading the artist's statement within your listing.
I'm wondering if they were really asking to get your honest response or if they were hoping to "enlighten" you. People are a hoot man 
:hug:
~Chrissi
:dance: Wooohooo Sullivan!! :dance:
I'm so happy to hear this Patty, you must all be so thrilled! Sullivan's such a beautiful boy, really so cute!!
:hug:
~Chrissi
I thank you all for your input - and I can see valid points in every response: especially in a cold hard look from a strictly financial aspect.
The wording is my objection: choice of words, Font size, colors chosen, UPPER CASE..... THOSE are not the financial presentation choices; that came from the heart of ad/marketing ppl.I couldn't quite get the coloring right and the Font size was HUGE for an email (I couldn't figure out how to make it appear the same) - but it fairly screamed these comments. This is the first email I've ever rec'd from them as an ad to subscribe. Besides the low $ - £ ratio now, I wouldn't put advertising $$ into it.
I'll read it online. (And why would they put the whole magazine online for free and still expect revenue from subscriptions. I know that sold ad space brings in a much larger proportion of any mag's revenue than does subscriptions.)
Do they (does any mag) really feel that each country is so insular that the readers don't read and/or subscribe to other country's publications, especially in a collector market? Wake up - you're not THE ONE AND ONLY!This was truly dancing on a grave. Whichever Dept had the final say, they made a very poor choice in using a gloating tone. Sad.
That cold hard financially piece is why so many bear things are getting hit (from Merrythought almost folding, to shows packing up, to magazines closing shop, to artists taking big enough hits to leave bear making), it's just the facts of our world/economy. Good wishes, fuzzy thoughts and featuring artists won't keep them afloat. It's just a true blue reality for them, especially since they are now the only bear magazine in the UK. Did they jump at the opportunity to make that "one and only UK" point, sure. TBCI didn't use advertising techniques to kill the competitions existence. Instead they seem to be focusing on doing what TBS' publishers felt they couldn't in today's marketplace. If TBCI was to go under 6 months from now (leaving zero UK bear magazines and another gaping hole in our industry) we'd all be asking why they didn't take advantage of the wide open marketing opportunity! Could they have been more tactful, sure...we all can be most times. Me personally, I'm not perceiving this as dramatically as some are, but I can totally understand where others might be more passionate because of a personal connection with TBS. We're a passionate bunch
:hug:
~Chrissi
Perception is everything, right? I can see where it's being viewed as tacky by those who loved TBS and then I can see where like Tami said it's a business that's got to survive now too.
Most times it's one person in an office with that "duty" who make a judgement call on wording and sadly most just don't think about all of the possible ways what they are writing can be perceived. Take the large mortgage company I worked for back on 9/11. Here we all were standing stunned watching 9/11 live on small conference room TVs, most of us with family commuting to work in NYC. We're working next to one of the last active naval bases in the east (no one knew what was coming next), making calls about family, and our brilliant HR department sends out a 2 line memo stating it's "business as usual". Some took that one way and many others took it to heart.
For TBCI it's business, for so many here it's personal.
:hug:
~Chrissi
