Dixie Fix

Is This Scam a New One?

Several days ago we opened our e-mail to find an urgent message from a friend -- a business owner in Nevada City. It was sent at 1 a.m., I noted, and seemed hastily typed. The gist was that he was in London with his family and had been robbed of everything at gunpoint. He needed to pay the hotel bill and buy another set of tickets home. He said he would pay the money back as soon as he returned, and this person is as honest and forthright as they come.

The same message was also in my husband's e-mail. We discussed it and while he seemed wary, I suggested we offer to put the bill or the tickets on a credit card for him. I emailed that offer and we set out to walk the dog. When we returned, I  checked, but there was no  e-mail answer. That didn't seem strange to me, though, because I figured he sent the message to his whole address book. This couple knows about a zillion people and I figured lots stepped up to help.

My husband still had questions and just felt something was "off." Much later that same day when I logged into Facebook there was a warning about this e-mail, saying it WAS NOT from our mutual friend and was, instead, a scam.

Boy, did I feel dumb! Later I talked with another business owner who received the same e-mail, and she said another was sent hours later saying "This is not a scam." We didn't receive that one, probably because of my offer to put the hotel on a credit card.

I'm thinking the scam was to get someone to wire money; which of course they would never see again! And the business owner was out of town, but in the Bay Area, not London, so calls to the house would be unanswered.

Knowing what I know now, I would be much more circumspect of these type of e-mails! But somehow this scammer hacked into our friend's email address book and sent the message -- signed with his name -- to who knows how many people.

Anybody else experiencing these scams? How does the hacker do it? And, more importantly, don't be foolish like I almost was!

How Changing Business Models Change Our Everyday Life

There's probably no argument that the business model of a newspaper is outdated. Look around at the 20-somethings, 30-somethings and others who get their news on their mobile phones. They're not interested in reading today's news tomorrow; they're much more immediate than that.

Newspapers get most of their money from advertising. But advertisers are thinking of other, creative ways to get their message across -- leaving newspapers scrambling for dollars that used to just roll in by the truckful. Top of the food chain in ad rep land was the National Account. Those reps had their own fax machine and Macy's and Ford and all the big boys just faxed the ads from New York and the rep did the paperwork. No pounding the pavement for them.

But listen to what Kentucky Fried Chicken is doing to promote its new line of hot wings. Instead of taking out newspaper ads, they're going to City Councils across the country offering up their advertising budgets to paint the city's fire hydrants with their message. Fire, hot wings. get it? The city's hydrants get a fresh coat of paint (albiet with a "message") and the city -- drowning in debt and layoffs -- gets a chunk of money that was totally unexpected.

Think Qualcom Stadium, just taken to a smaller level. Totally doable, and probably fresh enough to create a buzz, which is really what advertising is all about. So that money, once in the newspaper's pocket, now belongs to a municipality, which actually might use it for something that benefits its residents instead of lining the pockets of print executives.

Newspapers large and small are scrambling and it is evident in Southern California that big changes are on the horizon. Take the venerable Los Angeles Times. Its "Idea du Jour" is to save money by allowing the Wall Street Journal to be printed on its presses in the late evening for a pretty penny. Great idea, right? Except that's when the Los Angeles Times usually prints its own paper, in time for delivery people to get it to us early in the morning.

The only solution was to print The Times earlier in the evening. Beginning sometime next month, all deadlines will change and The Times will "go to bed" at 6 p.m. A fourth-grader can see that is really stupid, since stories are reported in the day and edited in the night. Not to mention sports scores for night games. In a 24/7 news cycle, that sounds like information suicide.

The Bean Counters and executives know this, but it's not just about making/saving money. Now it's about Keeping the Doors Open. Are we doing something dumb? Yes, they answer. But we are keeping the paper open a few more months by doing it. Not only does the WSJ give the LAT money, the LAT can now layoff all those night editors, page designers and proofreaders because only the pressmen will work at night.

And what if a significant world event occurs at night? Well, they've come up with the LATE Wrap, a one page wrap-around that will carry the breaking news -- if it is deemed "significant enough."

So, if a paper like the LAT is that desperate, what will happen to the rest of the papers? And if newspapers go away, how will TV news survive? About 75% of television news is gleaned from morning papers...no time for "reporting," you know.

I just know the world is changing -- faster than I can keep up with!

Thinking of a Word for the Year; Goodbye Claire

Molly Fisk, Nevada County's Poet Laureat, had a post on Facebook that got me thinking. She says to come up with one word to describe the next year. Rather than a resolution, per say, just a word that you can reflect on to guide you through the year.

I'm a fan of "what comes up" and the word that keeps simmering in my brain is Simplify. I think that's a good one for me and one that will be helpful throughout 2010. It can apply not only to possessions (I have too many) to life decisions. I think sometimes I can over think or complicate things, when the simple answer is the best.

Has a word been popping up for you as you read this? Then that is probably the one you want to choose. Share it!

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Today at 11 a.m. is Claire Grondona's service at St. Canice in Nevada City. Claire had a heart as big as the Grand Canyon and the people of North San Juan, especially, loved her holiday community dinners at the Firehouse. Claire used to call me, and sometimes I would answer the phone and she would say, "Has anybody told you they loved you today?" and regardless of my answer, she would say, "I do!" in that distinctive raspy voice of hers. She left us way too soon -- she was only 65. We used to talk about meeting at church and going out for coffee. Sadly, we never did, and it is with a heavy heart that I will catch up with her in church today.

So, if you've been putting off seeing someone in your life, let this be a lesson for you, too. It's bittersweet that we're finally meeting at St. Canice -- for her funeral.

Why Do Bullies Act the Way They Do?

We've all known people who bully -- it's a definite type. They've been in the news a lot lately, especially Internet bullying. It's easy to put people down in an Internet format rather than face-to-face, although some bullies seem to relish face to face conflict.

The San Francisco Chronicle recently ran a great story titled "Why Bosses Might Bully." Here is the lede of the story: "Bosses who feel incompetent are more likely to bully subordinates, according to a study being published in the journal Psychology Science. It goes on to say that "leaders who are in over their heads tend to resort to browbeating to protect their egos."

I always suspected that feelings of inadequacy were behind bullying in general. When people are happy and their life is going well, they usually don't feel the need to criticize everyone and everything. I've noticed that unhappy people tend to spread that unhappiness through their negative personality. That's why I avoid people whom I consider "toxic." 

Have you been bullied? Do you have theories about bullying?

Back in Nevada County, Back to Blogging...

Nevada County:

Yesterday was one of those picture-perfect days for a small town. The Constitution Day Parade was awesome (what I saw of it!) and marching with the Famous Marching Presidents is always a blast!! Once again, we were George and Martha Washington, but this year we were the last marchers, letting our Barack and Michelle Obama be in the limelight! Thanks to Greg Diaz (county clerk recorder) and his lovely wife Katherine (alpaca rancher) for agreeing to play the newest president and first lady! We even had a Presidential Dog, Bo, along. We also had a handful of first-time marchers this year -- and 2 of them won awards at our banquet! 

One of the marchers, Linda Tune, told me that she is distantly related to one of the Washingtons. I think I can trace my mother's history back to those times as well, but haven't gone down that road as yet. 

The Miners Foundry is where we begin and end the day, dancing to the always fabulous Lorraine Gervais. Apex Catering did an awesome job with the food, and the traditional cake was by Donna, the Cake Artist. I finally got to meet her.

You know you live in a small town when you know the people watching the parade. That's the essence of Nevada City, I think. Our "cute little town" is also very friendly. What could be better than that?

Negative Blogs:

When I was out of town I stayed off the computer, making it a true vacation! But I did catch up a bit when I got home. Why are some people always pointing out what is wrong instead of what is right in Nevada County? Was it Abe Lincoln who said, "Folks are about as happy as they make up their mind to be." I really don't understand the way some bloggers only want to criticize...but I guess different opinions are what make the world go round. I just don't choose to dwell in that place. None of us are perfect and it is so freeing to accept the imperfections and move on.

Fire Coverage:

A big shout out to YubaNet.com. Following the Auburn Fire was easy because they kept me updated with every development. Major kudos to Susan and Pascale! And speaking of fire (glad I woke to rain today) some of the old-timer Marching Presidents recall marching on the day the 49er Fire broke out and seeing the black smoke. That was hours before everyone realized what a devastating fire it was becoming.

Bainbridge Island:

 A beautiful setting in the Puget Sound area! We saw Taj Mahal & Bonnie Raitt at the St. Michelle Winery -- fabulous! At outdoor concerts in the Seattle area, people bring tarps instead of blankets because the ground is always wet! Saw the new movie "In the Loop" which is laugh-out-loud funny!! Catch it if it comes here...a political comedy in the finest sense. We had 3 teenagers in our company for our trip...that's always interesting! Every time I tried to speak to one, they looked at me, said "Huh?" and then pulled their iPod ear buds out and asked me to repeat what I was saying. The 3 could be in the same room and on laptops, with iPods and phones, engrossed, not speaking to one another. Occasionally one would Text message someone in the room. Welcome to a whole new world order!

Food Inc.:

This movie was at the Magic Theater recently and is a must see. Rent it on video in October. It will change the way you think about food, farming, corporations and grocery stores. A Very Important Film that is just outside the mainstream.

Mark Your Calendar:

The gala 150th anniversary of the Miners Foundry is Sunday, Sept. 27th. A day-long event is planned, and be sure to pay your respects to this cultural icon.

Where Has Dixie Been?!

This has been a fascinating summer in terms of time, personal growth and introspection. To be honest, I just didn't feel like blogging.

It took about 3 full months to detox from the daily pace and stress of gathering the news. Like any job, it didn't seem stressful when I was doing it, but not doing it (and worrying about the competition) was an entirely different feeling altogether. By the end of the third month I found myself much less concerned with minute details of life in Nevada County. Rather than chronicle it, I was living it, with no need to share.

At the beginning of the fourth month, I needed a project. It seemed obvious to focus on my health. Without those handy excuses of "work" and "too tired" it seemed like a no-brainer. I had meant to get around to things like losing weight and becoming more fit, but let's face it, it is just as easy not to do anything and I decided that wasn't the place I wanted to be.

Knowing I needed help, and with the inspiration of Cheryl Wicks (Sammies Friends) I joined Weight Watchers. My husband and I hired a personal trainer to reacquaint us with some of the weight machines at the gym we were unfamiliar with. And, I could join classes and schedule my gym time around them. Our neighborhood has had a 3 mile walking group for many years that I always wanted to join. We joined and brought our dog, Jackson, along. Now it most certainly is a "Dog Walking Group" with anywhere from 4 to 8 dogs with us at any one time.

Has my project been successful? Yes, and I realize it has morphed into an ongoing different way of life. I like the way I look and feel, although there is more work to be done and new challenges to face. To date I have lost 29 pounds and many inches. I still have about 14 pounds to go to reach my goal weight, at which time Weight Watchers becomes free.

I am re-evaluating my blog. Part of me wants to focus on the weight loss journey, although there are many wonderful blogs out there that already do that. I am leaving for a "girl's trip" to Bainbridge Island, Washington this afternoon and return long enough to repack and head off to Mendocino for a few days of R&R.

Look for my blog to return on September 14. In the meantime, if you haven't given up on me and if you have thoughts or suggestions, write them here or email me at [email protected].

Talk to you soon!!

Why are Some People Certain the Glass is Half Full?

I don't understand the mindset that everything is negative. I really don't. How horrible it would be to go through life thinking terrible thoughts about everything.

 It's so much easier to be positive. There is so much GOOD in Nevada County.

 It's a place where I could forget my purse at Pioneer Park during a music fest and come back 2 hours later and find it, where I left it, nothing missing. It's a place where we don't all have to be on the same political page. My friends run the gamut from very conservative to very liberal and everything in between and we get along just fine.

It's a place where your neighbor will gladly water your plants and take in your mail and babysit your dog, expecting nothing in return. It's a place where people genuinely care for one another, and friendships run deep.

I thank God every single day that I'm blessed to live in such a beautiful and creative place.

I wish we could read about all the wonderful people doing extraordinary things instead of "gotcha" stuff. I commend the county and the Board of Supervisors for being so professional and civil. Those of you who were here during the Bedwell Era know how disruptive things became then.

These are trying times and we need to focus on the good in the world and all that we have, rather then the bad in the world and all that we don't have. And, it sure makes life a lot more fun to see that the glass is really half full, if only we would look a little harder.

Arrrgh @ TypePad and AT&T!! Plus more...

I finally figured out the only way to get into this blog was to use my old (non working) e-mail. For those of you interested, my new e-mail is [email protected]. Typepad has been working on this problem for almost 2 weeks now. I've been corresponding with Kymberlie and then someone else. Frustrating!!

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Have you heard of the new movement "Mad Pride?" I'm not making this up. It was in the latest Newsweek, and concerns people with mental disorders who take medication. They don't feel like themselves while on the meds, and maybe they are a little different, or a little crazy acting, but so what? That's Mad Pride, the ability to be your nutty self without using drugs that make you feel like you're swimming under water. Interesting concept...if they don't harm themselves or others, what's wrong with being different?

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A friend of mine has a "next door neighbor barking dog" problem. Dog barks all the time. They don't answer their phone and obviously don't care their dog (a Golden) is disturbing the neighbors. Any suggestions on how to handle? The dog owners are new transplants from Mill Valley, if that helps.

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Hopefully I can fix this with Typepad and keep going with my blog. I've gotten a lot of complaints since it's been down.

Lots of Money-Saving Things at Nevada County Treasurer's Web Site

On Friday I went to a lecture given by Chris Dabis. She is an amazing woman, and remember, Nevada County is not in financial trouble because of her!

Go to www.chrisdabis.com/money

The first part is "how to find money" and gives all the Web sites for the state, the feds, etc. for unclaimed money. Just click and explore.

The second one is "how to protect your money" with lots of advice on credit card scams, identity theft, etc. Very useful.

The third section is "how to spend." She has got some amazing deals there! She gives a Web site that saved her MORE THAN $200 a tire when she was getting new tires for her car. (at lunch with Pascale at New Moon on Friday I was telling her about the tire site, and our waiter said he and all this friends buy their tires there.)

There is a site that gives coupons from major retailers like Target and JC Penney -- you just get a coupon code for free shipping or 10-15% off your purchase.

I could go on and on, but check it out for yourself. Shopping local came up, and people said some local merchants will give you the price you found elsewhere if you show them.

Stormy Monday

Sunday night when my husband and I were having dinner I asked him what he would do if he could do anything. He said he's happy right now, which is retirement with a fairly busy volunteer/social life. I told him I would like to work with animals someday.

When I walked into work Monday morning I was told I was laid off.

Well. Alrighty then.

I always think of myself as kind of trendy -- and what could be trendier than losing your job in a Recession? At least I have plenty of company.

Did I see this coming? No, not really. But I did feel I was lucky to have a job and even luckier that it was something I like to do.

Was I the only person in the company given that news? No, unfortunately. I was not the only employee to lose my job on Monday. In fact, one of the other employees just learned last week that his significant other was losing her job as well. That's a double whammy.

So I am entering the murky world of unemployment at a time when jobs are scarce and living in a place where any job can be hard to come by.

I learned I can file for unemployment online, which is kind of a relief. That's step 1.

Step 2 will be a recommitment to working out, not just when it's convenient, but on a regular scheduled basis. Any excuses I may have had just evaporated. And I will still get in a mile walk with the dog every day, only now I may be able to do that twice a day. I love those walks!

Step 3 will be The List.

You know the one, things you need to do but are just too busy to do. Cleaning the closet, the freezer, the tupperware storage area (where DO all those lids disappear to? Or does some other random person have just lids and no bottoms?)

I've started The List in my brain, but I will prioritize everything and write it down. I love the satisfaction of writing things down and then crossing them off when completed.

When I get down to putting all my pictures in photo albums, that will probably be the end of The List. Or will I have a new list by then?

This is uncharted territory for me, having worked continuously for the past 31 years. Yes, I'm a late bloomer -- I was a stay-at-home-mom until I was 30!

I feel a little sad, and scared, too..but I also feel like there is a whole world of possibilities out there, just waiting for me to find them.

I think My Little Pony would approve.