Blood Drive, December 7, 2011

Wednesday, December 7, 2011, Hangman Creek Chamber of Commerce Blood Drive. Sign up online at www.inbcsaves.org or Call Vivian at (509) 892-4412.

iolo's System Mechanic(R) give-away Contest Rule #2

Winners limited to 1 per town until 2 dozen iolo's System Mechanic^(R) give-away prizes are awarded to any resident of one of the following Washington towns:

1. BELMONT
2. ENDICOTT
3. FAIRFIELD
4. FARMINGTON
5. FREEMAN
6. GARFIELD
7. LATAH
8. MALDEN
9. MICA
10. OAKESDALE
11. PALOUSE
12. PINE CITY
13. PLAZA
14. ROCKFORD
15. ROSALIA
16. SPANGLE
17. STEPTOE
18. ST. JOHN
19. TEKOA
20. THORNTON
21. UNIONTOWN
22. VALLEYFORD
23. WAVERLY

Contest opens * *AFTER * * entry Rule #3 is published

Rule #1
Rule #3

GOOD LUCK

Mona Vanek, Editor

The North Palouse Washington e-Newscast

http://www.palousenewscast.com/

iolo's System Mechanic(R) give-away Contest Rule #1

This contest is designed to give every eligible reader of The North Palouse Washington e-Newscast an equal chance to become an instant winner of iolo's System Mechanic^(R).

Three entry rules will be published, on 3 separate dates. Collect them, and then comply with contestant rules.

Rule #1

Entries must include the following:

Name

Street address

Town and zip code

Phone number

Age (limited to 12 years and older.)

*Age and contact information will not be shared.

Contest opens * *AFTER * * entry Rule #3 is published.

Rule #2

GOOD LUCK

Mona Vanek, Editor

The North Palouse Washington e-Newscast

http://www.palousenewscast.com/

 

Whitman County Historical Society Archivist Opposes Malden Post Office Closure

After visiting Malden, Wash., Whitman County Historical Society Archivist, Edwin P. Garretson, Jr., PhD, believes closing the Malden post office would likely be the death knell for the small town, and would force the elderly to travel an inconvenient distance to receive and send mail. Impressed with the site, he Garretson said he was impressed "with the old structure and the vribrant (sic) part it was so obviously playing in town during the hour I spent there."

Garretson took action, and sent a letter on Whitman County Historical Society letterhead to Doreen Karoly, District Discontinuance Coordinator. See Letters-to-the-Editor November 28, 2011.

Computers, like all farm machinery, last longer and perform better with regular maintenance. Rural residents of the Palouse tend to be self-reliant, so it figures a good many attend to their computers, rather than driving long distances to have a computer expert do routine maintenance.

However, how does a computer novice choose PC software to keep their equipment in optimum condition?

Prevention of problems can be cost-effective, and just as each farmer determines maintenance care and protection of farming equipment, each computer owner sets their priority about maintenance and prevention.

I've experienced a virus-damaged computer, and subsequently followed a friend's advice to buy and install Trend Micro, a software product designed for that problem. I had no regrets, but once, in a cost-cutting frenzy, I switched to a free anti-virus program. Although I have friends who swear by freebie software, before long I decided Trend Micro gave me more peace of mind. Like many PC software products, a free version is available, but I opt to pay the cost of a licensed version: Trend Micro Titanium guards my computers today.

Recently, iolo offered Licensed copies of System Mechanic, free for a give-away. I knew nothing about PC software designed to keep a computer running fast, smooth, and error-free.

Could it be useful to rural residents of the Palouse? I was undecided.

Here are the steps I followed, and what I learned that guided my decision:

1.)

• Store clerks with sufficient technical training, who keep up-to-date with the fast-changing software industry, are fast and helpful. However, finding one you trust is learned over a period of time of working with and taking their advice.
• Computer-savvy friends can be good resources.
• You can also find real experts in the tech world, but highly educated techs disparage computer-enhancement and\or maintenance software. They use other methods to fix computer problems. It's their occupation. Some offer training.
• Visit forums that discuss computer software.
• Visit websites like Wired magazine.
• Read good computer magazines.

2.)

• When you want to educate yourself before choosing software, online software reviews can be your best resource.
• However, you'll have to read carefully and make value judgments.
• Software round-ups are not equally well researched and tested.
• Product reviews that focus on only one software-function and ignore multi-functions do customers an injustice.
• Advertising, promotions and sponsors heavily influence some reviews.
• Some reviewers, like Software Industry Report, provide information about themselves and their funding sources on their About Us page.
• Website owners' bios may be misleading, and a website's appearance also can fool you. (i.e., this e-newspaper isn't the creation of a corporation, or even a business, as you may believe.)

3.)

• Keeping those caveats in mind, visit popular sites such as Amazon, Buy.com,  Newegg, cNet, and PC World, and scroll past products in the category you're researching to find customer reviews, or comments.

4.)

• Take the extra time to read full reviews. Examples given concern iolo's System Mechanic, such as these at Amazon .
• Click all review links, and scroll to the bottom of each page.
• My search at Buy.com located interesting reviews.
• Newegg.com was easy. Choosing Software from the list brought a search box. I typed in iolo System Mechanic, and scrolled far down the page to customer feedback. I also noted each reviewer's expertise.
• Next I followed pretty much the same procedure at PC World, and also read Reviewer's Reviews.

5.)

• Check multiple review resources and pay attention to review and feedback details.
• Read both happy and dissatisfied customer feedback.
• In my example, everything was coming up roses, until I got to cNet where I read, "Does System Mechanic Have a Good Toolbox?" That question suggests that other similar products have differences to also consider, depending on what specifically you expect of a software product. (The review rated only one of 53 tools iolo's System Mechanic contains, software used by 40 million customers.) About halfway down the page, Customer comments demonstrate that even software used by millions isn't right for every one.

6.)

• Take note also of the awards you find on a product's website, and understand their significance.
• Read all text included with award icons. Ie: on iolo's website, CNET's text says, "A better selection of tools and technical support than Norton SystemWorks."
• It's time-consuming to check each award source, but if you really want the nitty gritty, Google at least a few. For example, Government Computer News (GCN shown on iolo.com,) only required typing "iolo" into GCN's search box to find the review.

7.)

• Use the website's "Contact."
• Don't be surprised if you don't receive a reply. Many requests for information go unanswered.
• Software manufacturers who provide Live Chat in their Support Services are your best choice. Some email you a copy of your Chat. You can also copy the Chat before signing off, and save it into a Word.doc for later reference.

I wish I'd learned where and how consumers find out which review sites are marketing channels: Corporate conglomerates selling a product. Or how a consumer can spot them to avoid falling prey to advertising, promotions and sponsors influence. I wish I could tell you how consumers can trust that cNet is the only site mentioned here that is not a "marketing channel" and not influenced in any way by any software company, as claimed, except that a computer expert said cNet is open source (*Visit Wikipedia.)

However, despite not having those answers, or what other tips can help novices sort out software that works from software that doesn't, I'm glad I endeavored to learn what I could. It convinced me that consumers do better if they research before they buy. However, it's still not foolproof and can't guarantee they will avoid disappointment.

Contest rules and deadline will be published tomorrow. Eligibility is limited to Palouse area residents specified in the rules, and please give Palouse hometown guys and gals serving in America's armed forces overseas a heads up that they are eligible to enter the contest.

Enter as soon as the contest opens!

Be A Winner: 24 Prizes of System Mechanic, The #1 Best-Selling PC Performance Software.

END

Colourist Mareen McProud Wheeler Exhibit and Reception at Uniontown, December 4, 2011

        

Maureen McProud Wheeler's watercolor paintings will be exhibited at Artisans at the Dahmen Barn, Uniontown, Wash., in December.

The opening reception is schedule for Sunday, December 4 from 1 to 3 pm.  The exhibit runs through December 31.  Maureen McProud Wheeler received her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho, College of Art and Architecture in 1977, where she was an Alpha Phi. She has been a licensed architect for over twenty-six years and served as president of the Inland California Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. She has been watercolor painting for about the last ten years.

Maureen was honored to be juried into the National Watercolor Society’s Member Show, the San Diego Watercolor Society’s Exhibition, Watercolor West, California Watercolor Association and has been presented with several “Best of Show” awards in her regional area. In addition to watercolor, she enjoys printmaking and collage and was juried into the National Collage Society’s 2010 Exhibition. Additionally, she is currently serving on the National Watercolor Society’s Board of Directors.

One of her endeavors for watercolor is to capture the spirit of older buildings and often takes commissions for client’s homes. She also enjoys landscapes and the figure. She has studied with several talented and well-known painters but her main influences have been Don O’Neil, Chris Van Winkle, Milford Zornes, Sylvia Megerdician and Don Andrews.

Maureen was the founding principal of Wheeler and Wheeler AIA Architects, Inc. in 1985. She has designed many notable structures in the Pomona Valley, including, Claremont McKenna College Children’s School, CMC Aquatic Center, CMC Student Apartments, Claremont University Center’s Physical Plant, renovations for the Claremont Presbyterian Church and Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. Many prestigious residences also bear her sense of design. She has been honored with numerous architectural design awards including, California’s “Golden Nugget Award”.

Contact Julie Hartwig, Exhibit coordinator:  (208) 790-1716  cell.

On Sacred Grounds a Coffee Shop? No, no. It is Much, Much More!

Elaine Rising created a unique experience she laughingly dubs "For the Rural Elite." The recent eye-catching expansion of On Sacred Grounds - Coffee and More, on her lots at 12212 E Palouse Hwy., Valleyford, Wash., entices curious travelers to stop to investigate.

Step through the red door into an inviting foyer, where cases of collectible jewelry, bookshelves specializing in hard-to-find books, quality paintings and wall decorations vie with the unique handcrafted floor tile for your attention. Customers  are charmed by the display of Piece by Peace Custom Jewelry, designed by Tony Bell.

It would be hard to imagine any display distracting your eye for very long from Nikki Moberg's breathtaking designer floor-tile creation, especially made for OSG.

Linger for a while in the little foyer; relax in the cozy wing chair, while you absorb the peaceful atmosphere. Boot your laptop computer if you wish, and download and watch a movie. Or purchase one of the movies available on CD.

Enter the coffee shop proper through the open doorway in front of you, where a myriad of delectable beverages tempt you to order at the counter. Or pause; scan book titles on the rack against the wall as you continue toward the beckoning window-walled area. Maybe the bookstands at the end of the coffee bar will entice you to one of the high stools at that counter, if you don't fancy taking your pick from red-checker-cloth covered tables by one of three large paned-windows.

Place your order, but expect to choose from not just any coffee. Select from a variety of taste-tempting beverages. On Sacred Grounds also serves muffins, cookies, pastry, breakfast and lunch sandwiches.

Toward the back wall of the expansion, cold-cases chill organic produce, local whole milk and a small pantry of other items. Nearby are stands with more books -- a unique collection of "How to create" books.

A small museum-room is nearing completion, and Valleyford Historical Society members have high hopes of filling it with photographs, memorabilia and history to commemorate several ghost towns that attained prominence with the coming of the railroad during the previous century.

Ask this remarkable lady about her hat collection, that adorns the walls. Be aware that since Elaine doesn't employ helpers, she may not have time to enchant you with her recollections of how she acquired each one. But if you're lucky -- you won't be disappointed, for she's a Toast Master of distinction.

In her December newsletter, Elaine invites you to stop by "when you need a little respite from the hustle and bustle of this season and enjoy a hot drink or munch a delicious panini."

Elaine hosts numerous artists' receptions throughout the year, and under the auspices of this ingenious lady, each reception is a thrilling event. An artist's reception for Gretchen Wilson Paukert, Friday, December 9, 2011, 5:00 p.m. -7:00 p.m. will showcase Grechen's art. It includes hand-painted lamp shades, metal leaf art and acrylic paintings on canvas, gift cards and wine charms.

When asked about the amazing success of On Sacred Grounds - Coffee and More, built near the outskirts of an almost-ghost town, where no one expected her to succeed, Elaine will tell you she's done nothing exceptional: that her accomplishments are only the result of "desperation, perspiration, and ingenuity."

In addition to those confessed attributes, Elaine has a M.Ed in special education & B.A. in English, she taught for 5 years and is a published author. She's the sole proprieter of OSG, a Notary Public, and provides free Wi-fi.

Treat yourself. Take time from your busy life to discover what this very unique business owner has accomplished in a few short years, by applying her charismatic ingenuity liberally at her charming, one-of-a-kind On Sacred Grounds - Coffee and More, at the corner of Madison and Palouse Hwy., Valleyford, Washington. You won't be disappointed.

Bazaars on the Palouse Open For Christmas Shopping, December 3, 2011

December 3, 2011 is the day for Christmas-gift shopping in unique places on the Palouse region in Washington.

"Christmas on the Palouse" 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

"A Road Trip Down Highway 27."

(In Spokane, Pine Street branches at 16th into Hwy. 27. Go south to find unique gifts at the following"

Valleyford -- On Sacred Grounds Coffee

12212 E Palouse Hwy.

Freeman -- The Freeman Store

14510 S Hwy. 27

Freeman -- Bertha & Brambles

14510 S. Hwy. 27

Rockford -- Rockford Methodist Chruch (RUMC)

211 S. First St.

Rockford -- Rockford Community Center (behind RUMC)

229 S. First St.

Multiple Vendors: Hand made foods, gifts, and treasures Rockford Community Center
** 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. **
229 S. First St.
Hot drinks and cookies

509-291-3065

Vendors 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Fairfield Community CenterFairfield -- Old Fashioned Christmas

Corner of Main & Johnson

Tekoa -- Catholic Church

822 N. Washington

Rosalia -- Rosalia Christmas Bazaar

At the Community Center on Whitman St.

Palouse -- Palouse Round Table Craft Sale

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Palouse Federated Church

638 N. Bridge Street

Lunch served at noon

Pie & Coffee served all day

Raffle drawing at 2:00 p.m.

Uniontown -- Open House at The Gathering Place

 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Downtown Uniontown on Highway 195

Home of:

• • Uniontown Deli
  • General Store, featur handmade ornaments, tea books and gift baskets. Special gifts in the Deli during this open house event only are handmade tote bags, small collectibles, and Pampered Chef with gifts for the kitchen. (509) 229-3663.
  • Green Parrot Ice Cream Parlormini-cupcakes, pretty holiday cookies suitable for cookie exchanges, individual chocolates for gift boxes, and boxes of candy, including sugar free. Seasonal ice cream sundaes:  Cherry Cordial, Peppermint Snappy and O’Christmas Tree.
  • Miss Maggie’s Antiques, The Community Marketplace, Splendid Old Stuff, Green Cottage Antiques, and Littlefield Antiques specialize in antiques.

For details call: (509) 229-3655

Correction: Malden, Wash., Post Office Comment Period Ends December 4, 2011

The comment period on the proposed closure of USPS Malden, Wash., post office ends December 4, 2011. See related story and Letters-to-the-Editor, November 22, 2011.


Send comments concerning Docket # 1371535-99149: Proposal to Close Malden WA post office to:
P.O. Box 90409
Seattle, WA  98109-9402

Proposal to Close Malden WA Post Office Comment Period Ends December 4, 2011

The USPS has proposed closing the Malden, Washington post office. Cutomers with Malden addresses residing outside of the town limits were not notified, according to Nicholas Bachman, who is protesting the closure of the century-old USPS post office. (*See Letters-to-the-Editor, November 22, 2011.)

The comment period ends December 4, 2011 on Docket # 1371535-99149: Proposal to Close Malden WA post office.

Comments can be sent to:
P.O. Box 90409
Seattle, WA  98109-9402

Marine Mom's-4 Updates

 

We are gearing up for a luncheon on 4 East this Sunday. If you know a combat patient or their family there, please let them know. We should be ready to serve between 11:00 and 11:30.

Notes 4 Bethesda-

On this Veterans Day perhaps you could take a few minutes to send a Thank You to let the Veterans at Walter Reed know they are being remembered.

The deadline for the emailed notes of support and encouragement for our wounded Warriors is Saturday, November 14th, noon, EST. They may be sent to Notes4Bethesda@MarineMoms-Bethesda.org

<mailto:Notes4Bethesda@MarineMoms-Bethesda.org>

. We will format them into a word document, print them out and distribute them at our luncheon on Sunday on 4 East.

Janet has been our “Notes Elf” for the past two years and has done a beautifully wonderful job with formatting them into the documents we hand out at our luncheons. them. Thank you for your dedication, Janet!

Smooth sailing to you in your new endeavor! (No, she is not leaving us… more about her endeavors as soon as she gives me the head’s

up!)

Holiday Cheer:

Cards are coming in for our Holiday Cheer events! Final postmark date is this coming Tuesday, November 15th. You can find more information about Holiday Cheer here:

http://www.marinemoms-bethesda.org/marinemoms-bethesdaholidaycheer2011/index.html

We will be hosting two events this year. Our Walter Reed “Holiday Cheer” event will be on the hospital ward! Yes, we are excited! This will be our first weekday luncheon on the ward. We will also be at Richmond VA Medical Center the following week bringing “Holiday Cheer”, another first! What a wonderful way to end our busy, busy year - bringing cheer to the troops and their families!

Two New Luncheon Pages Are Online:

October 9th was Busy, Busy, Busy! What a great luncheon! Cotton Candy anyone?

http://www.marinemoms-bethesda.org/2011/october-9-2011-4-east/

October 16th - another Road Trip! Richmond!

http://www.marinemoms-bethesda.org/2011/october-16-2011-richomnd-va-medical-center/

Tremendous THANKS to all of you who help make the luncheons possible for the Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen and their families. We couldn’t do it without you!

Surfing~

The Commandant of the Marine Corps 236th Birthday message:

http://www.marines.mil/usmc/Pages/2011MarineCorpsBirthdayBall.aspx

===========

A year ago this month, we hosted our largest luncheon ever.

http://www.marinemoms-bethesda.org/nov10.html

After the luncheon we estimated the number served to be over 220 with very few staff that day. Little did we know this deployment for 3/5 was going to be what it was. November, December, and January we met quite a few Darkhorse Warriors.

An Afghan Hell On Earth for “Darkhorse” Marines http://www.npr.org/2011/10/31/141724272/an-afghan-hell-on-earth-for-darkhorse-marines

=========

If you’re interested or know someone who is- for doctors, care givers and others in the medical field who work with Veterans. “The Serving Our Veterans Behavioral Health Certificate offers 14 self-paced online courses that are based on real-life cases and provide applicable knowledge and skills for providers to help Veterans and their families build a framework of resiliency for mental health challenges or reintegration difficulties.”

http://www.thenationalcouncil.org/cs/curriculum_and_courses

=========

Veteran’s Day Free Meals and Discounts

http://themilitarywallet.com/veterans-day-free-meals-and-discounts/#axzz1dJjuYr57

=========

A Thank You to Our Veterans

Heroes and Angels by Barry Michael

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10SHTWeUYgU&feature=share

Until next time, continued prayers for our military and their families.

Love and Hugs,

Jane

www.MarineMoms-Bethesda.org

*Happy 236th Birthday, Marines!*

*Our Nation’s fight for freedom and liberty began during the Revolutionary War.*

*You were there.*

*You were in Derna, Chapultepec, and in the Philippines and China.*

*And then World War I and World War II.*
*Korea**, Viet Nam, Panama, Desert Storm, Africa, Bosnia *
*and many places in between.*

*At the Twin Towers, *
*You were there.*

*And now Afghanistan and Iraq.*
*And the fight continues…*

*On Behalf of Marine Moms-Bethesda:*

*To those who have served,*
*to those who served before you,*
*to those serving now,*
*and to those who have given their lives in the line of duty,*

*Thank You, Marines!*

Please Return Live Animal Trap - Now!

If you happened to borrow Palouse, Wash., city’s live animal trap, or know who did, we need it back.  Please contact City Hall at 878-1811 ASAP. Thank you.