unique gifts from Uzbekistan.

Unique gift ideas - Jewelry Box, Silk Scarf and other gifts by Uzbekistan art Seacrh Welcome to UzbekAlive™, a place to shop for unique gifts from Uzbekistan. C entral Asia is one of the oldest centers of culture. The territory of present day Uzbekistan was once the crossroads of Eurasia and a major branch of the ancient Silk Road that connected Europe and China. UzbekAlive™ brings unique gifts in forms of hair barrettes , pins , unique decorative and jewelry boxes and hand woven silk scarves . Our eclectic section also includes some unique examples of Uzbek art, which, although they do not fit in our traditional categories, we thought would be of interest to our customers. All products are made following a tradition in artistry that has evolved for many centuries and has been handed down from one generation to the next. Get free shipping when you spend $70* * (promotion qualifies for shipments within the United States of America only). Featured Items: Ikat adras fabric Hand-woven ikat adras (cotton/silk blend)fabric. Price: $15.99 "Spring bloom in desert" jewelry box A “warm” version of "Blue dome inspiration" box is totally astonishing with intricate details of painting. Price: $69.99 "Ikat the Magnificent" scarf Silk scarf which is magnificent in its colors, ikat pattern and weaving technique. Price: $19.99 Golden wide barrette This is a wider version of our "Transoxiania" barrette: bright and delicate ornamental painting on golden background. Price: $19.99 Categories: Silk scarves Jewelry boxes Pins Eclectica Barrettes Shipping and handling policy Items will be shipped using USPS. Orders for $70 or more will qualify for free shipping and handling. The cost will be calculated based on weight of items ordered at current USPS rates plus our minimal costs of handling. We can ship both in the USA and internationally. Return policy Should you, in any way, not be satisfied, please return the product to UzbekAlive™ in its original condition and in proper packaging within 30 days of receipt of your order and we will return a full refund of the list price of any product(s). We apologize, but shipping costs are not included in this satisfaction guarantee. We cannot accept items returned after 30 days. We shall notify the customer via e-mail of the refund once we've received and processed the returned item. The customer can expect a refund in the same form of payment originally used for purchase within 7 to 14 business days of our receiving the return. Questions, comments, feedback? E-mail nilufar@uzbekalive.com . Gift ideas Our unique jewelry boxes make great bridesmaids’ gifts. You can order the jewelry boxes from the website or place a special order in which you can specify the size, colors and unique design of the jewelry boxes. One of our customers ordered unique octagon shape jewelry boxes similar to this one in the colors matching her bridesmaids’ bedrooms. Bigger size jewelry boxes also make wonderful decor items which you can display on a coffee table (for keeping matches to light candles) or at a night table. Looking for a special gift for a special someone with long beautiful hair? Barrettes is the answer!!! Chances are people you are buying this gift for have never seen a barrette so unique and beautiful. It is not only that our barrettes are hand-painted following centuries-old traditions in ornamental painting and look like a piece of art in the hair, they are also very practical due to the adjustment levels of a metal clip. Due to this adjustment feature, our barrettes can be used by ladies with very think hair. Each barrette comes in a beautiful gift bag made of Uzbek ilat silk fabric. Need gifts for someone super-stylish? Our hand-dyed and hand-woven pure silk scarves will be right gifts for ladies who like to dress and appreciate unique and beautiful accessories. Wedding gifts · Bridesmaids' gifts · Mother’s Day gifts · Birthdays gifts · Corporate gifts Valentine Day gifts · Anniversary gifts · Christmas gifts Unique gifts for unique occasions Testimonial The decorative boxes made great gifts. They're well made, with unbelievably intricate hand painting. I purchased some of the smaller ones, which were well suited for purely decorative purposes, or for storing small items such as rings and earrings. Rob from Wilmington, DE UzbekAlive 52-09 Van Horn Street 3C Elmhurst, NY 11373 USA Home | Testimonials | Products | Shopping Cart | About Us | Contact Us | Resources © 2002-2004 UzbekAlive TM . Web Design & Programming by NEXT Technology, LLC

Birthday Present With Joel

The Dawn Patrol "Two thumbs up." — Terry Teachout (referring to my blond haircolor—not my blog) "Eden's not a New York conservative like Ryan Sager or Robert George, the younger, libertarian generation....Her conservatism is more U.S. House of Representatives." — Ben Smith, The Politicker "[I]f you can imagine St Augustine as a nice Jewish girl from New York—or especially if you can't!—please do make The Dawn Patrol regular reading." — Grenfell Hunt, President Aristotle Caricature above by the fab JD King , whose online portfolio is available on the Curious Pictures and iSpot sites. Click on it or the logo at right for The Dawn Patrol's plangent jingle , written and performed by Michael Lynch . The book I am holding in the caricature is Witness , by Whittaker Chambers . Logo at right by the multitalented Valerie of Kyriosity . COMMENTS RULES: Please keep your comments within the boundaries of polite discourse. Comments outside those bounds, including ones using profanity, will be deleted. Off-topic comments also risk deletion. This blog observes the Harris Protocol . 16670 Read my mother's and stepfather's spiritual autobiographies: Rachel's Testimony— Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 / Part 11 / Part 12 Ron's Testimony — Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3 / Part 4 / Part 5 / Part 6 / Part 7 / Part 8 / Part 9 / Part 10 / Part 11 / Part 12 Site Feed Archives E-mail: dawn -at- dawneden.com Return to Gaits of Eden Obscenitycrimes.org , run by Morality in Media , forwards complaints about ographic Web sites and e-mails to the proper authorities. Illustration of Dawn in mid- frug by David Chelsea, author of the trailblazing graphic novel David Chelsea in Love and artist for the New York Times Sunday Styles section's "Modern Love" column. The exploits of Dawn Eden Thursday, September 08, 2005 Birthday Present With Joel last Sunday, blissfully oblivious to the fact that I'm cropping the top of his head out of the shot. He came to town for my birthday, the sweetheart. 3:11 AM Technorati Profile My Ecosystem Details

Housewarming Gifts - Anniversary

Gift Ideas - Wedding Gifts and Housewarming Gift Ideas Discount Priced Gift Ideas For All Your Special Occasions 2002-2005 1st-in-Gift-Ideas.com All Rights Reserved 2Checkout.com is an authorized retailer for www.1st-in-gift-ideas.com Gift Ideas - Wedding Gifts & Accessories Wedding Gifts - Housewarming Gifts - Anniversary Gifts - Birthday Gifts All merchandise is discount priced, everyday ! Free shipping with purchase over $39 Featuring Cathy's Concepts wedding accessories for the ceremony and reception. Discover all our unique wedding gifts , anniversary gifts , housewarming gifts and birthday gifts - glass sculptures , patriotic gift ideas , home accessories , collectible figurines , oriental artwork , porcelain dolls and other unique gifts, offered below department store prices. We drop-ship your gift without pricing information. Wedding Accessories Collection Champagne Flutes - Gift Ideas Cake Serving Set - Gift Ideas Flower Baskets - Gift Ideas Personalized Gifts - Gift Ideas Candles - Wedding Gift Ideas Garters - Wedding Gift ideas FREE engraving on all Cathy's Concepts Wedding Accessories Housewarming Gift Idea... A rough-hewn rooster weathervane in sturdy aluminum, brass and cast iron. Verdigris finish. 12 1/2" x 12 1/2" x 20 1/2" high. "Unique Gift Idea" Wedding Gift Idea... featuring Creating memories, one bride at a time. click here for Wedding Gifts & Accessories Wedding Gift Idea... This beautiful silver-plated antique cake and knife serving set, features a beaded handle and comes with a beautiful velvet keepsake box. As an added value, the cake server is personalized with your first names and wedding date at no additional charge. Engraving font: French Script. Retail $44.95 On Sale $33.95 Wedding Accessories (set of 8) The Devotion Collection also sold separately Retail $207.00 On Sale $155.45 FREE engraving FREE Shipping Retail $46.00 On Sale $40.45 Discover over 1000 Wedding & Housewarming Gift Ideas Click on Gift Idea Category below for details Water Fountain Gift Ideas Indoor Table Fountains, Outdoor Fountains , Sound Activated Fountains Eagle Collection Gifts Eagle Figurines, Bookends, Frosted Glass Eagle, Glass Carved Eagle, Brass Eagle Statue, Eagle Art work Animal Figurine Gifts Cat Figurines, Dog Figurines, Pig Figurines, Horse Figurines Bird Figurine Gifts Humming Bird Figurines, Cardinals Figurines, Butterflies, Dove Figurines Wildlife Figurine Gifts Tiger Statues, Bear Figurine, Elephant Figurines, Lion Statues, Wolf Figurines, Moose Figurines, Deer Figurines Marine Life Figurines Dolphin Figurines, Whale Figurines, Turtle Figurine, Frog Figurines Cherub Figurines Gift Ideas Cherub Wall Plaques, Cherub Plates, Cherub Ornaments, Cherub Candleholder, Birdfeeder, Cherub Water Fountains Fairies Figurine Gifts Whimsical Fairies, Flower Fairy, Fantasy Fairy, Boy & Girl Fairies, Fairy with Unicorn Angels - Christmas Gifts Fiber Optics Angel Figurines, Musical Angels, Christian Gifts, Christmas Gifts, Nativity Set, Wall Cross/Crucifix, Christmas Decor Personalized Gift Ideas FREE engraving, Grooming Kit, Cosmetic Bag, Jewelry Box, Picture Frame, Key Chain... . Candles & Aromatherapy Candle Sets, Floating Candles, Votive Holders, Incense Holders and Sets, French Scroll Candle Holder Just For Her Gift Ideas Bathroom Sets, Beauty Products, Perfume Bottles , Flowers Patriotic Decor Gift Ideas Patriotic Candle Sets, Patriotic Plates, Patriotic Bookends, Pottery Eagles with Flag, Patriotic Figurines, Patriotic Picture Frames Dragons and Wizards Dragons, Merlin, Wizards, Chinese Dragons, Gargoyle Swords - Knives Gift Ideas Samurai Swords, Medieval Swords, Chinese Swords, Knives Porcelain Dolls - Mini Tea Sets Victorian Porcelain Dolls, Chinese Dolls, Japanese Dolls, Miniature Tea Sets, Samurai Dolls Garden Accessories Birdhouse Gifts, Garden Decor, Patio Gifts, Wind Chimes, Sun Catcher, Garden Sculptures, Garden Plaque s African/American Gift Ideas African Collectibles, African Cherub Figurines, African Decor, African Statues Statues - Figurines Art Deco Statues, La Verona Ladies, Mother & Child Figurines, Bird Figurines, Dancer Figurine Vases & Photo Frames Ceramic Vases, Oriental Vases, Porcelain Vases, Patriotic Vases, Glass Vases, Patchwork Vases, Any Occasion Photo Frames Mirrors and Lamps Antique Lamps, Fiber Optic Lamps, Antique Mirrors, Mirror Sets Clocks - Home Decor Wall Clocks, Antique Clocks, Pendulum Clocks, Novelty Clocks, Mantel Clocks Home Accessories Decorative Plates, Book Ends, Kitchen Decor, Wreath, Wall Plaques, LED Lights, Pot Sets, Baskets, Majolica Pottery Oriental Decor Gift Ideas Feng Shui, Hong Tze Figurines, Cork Sculptures, Wall Plaques, Ginger Jar, Mandarin Ivory Figurines, Jewelry Boxes, Oriental Plates Home Furnishings Distressed White Wood Decor, Plant Stands, Wine Rack, Wall Cabinet, Letter Holder, Corner Shelf, Coat Hangers, Tables, Glass and Bottle Holders Glass Sculptures Gift Ideas Frosted Glass Sculpture, Etched Sculptures, Cut Glass Gifts, Carved Glass sculptures, Spun Glass Sculptures, Spun Glass Sculpture s Metal Sculptures Gift Ideas Brass Elephant Statue, Brass Hummingbird Statue, Horse Sculpture, Sports Related Sculptures Birthday Stone Gift Ideas Dolphin Figurines, Unicorn Figurines, Stained Glass Angel, Glass Angel Bear Our promise "you will never pay the full price at this online store" We will never share your private information. Our Privacy Policy [ gift ideas directory ] [ search ] [ wedding gift ideas ] [ patriotic gifts ] [ animal figurines ] [ dragons - wizards ] [ oriental artwork ] [ home decor gifts ] [ eagle collection ] [ flower vases ] [ glass sculptures ] [ wholesale gifts ] [ testimonials ] [ gift related links ] [ shipping info ] [ freq. ask questions ] [ contact us ] [ privacy policy ] [ site map ] [ affiliate info ] [ checkout ] Find your Housewarming and Wedding Gift Ideas at 1st-in-gift-ideas.com Click here for information on Wholesale Gifts and Wholesale Collectibles Shopping Cart Total Give with confidence, your gift is drop shipped without pricing information.

gifthub excepted) posted beneath

Gift Hub Gift Hub Blogging Philanthropy About Giving Blogs Charity Governance Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy Friends of the Commons PlaNetwork Journal Vermont Nonprofit CommunIT Philanthropy, Weblogs, and Democracy Wired Community Advance Sustainability Julie Evans Ted Ernst Indigo VT Non-Profit Community Lisa Tracy Lucy Berholz Lenore Ealey Chris Corrigan Info-Commons Philip Cubeta The Happy Tutor Mad Monk ACTA The Giving Blog Social Jedi Supporting Advancement The Philanthropic Enterprise Gang Blog Phil Anthropoid Wealth Bondage: Philanthropy Archives Philanthropy Beat Council on Foundations Emerging Issues: Philanthropy Jane King Foster Freiss Resources Acumen Fund Advance Sustainability American Institute of Philanthropy - Charity Watchdog Helping Donors Make Informed Giving Decisions Association of Small Foundations Blog of Social Wave Communities Project Blueprint Research and Design for Philanthropy: What's New Capital Missions Company -- Networking Socially Responsible Investors Catalogue For Philanthropy Center on Wealth and Philanthropy - Boston College Charity Governance Civic Reflection CivicSpace Labs Collect money for group purchasing, fundraising. — Fundable Community Development Venture Capital Association Community-Wealth.org: Wealth-Building Strategies for America's Communities Conceptual Guerilla's Strategy and Tactics Democracy in Action - Software tools for organizers Dialogues on Civic Philanthropy: Perfecting Our Grants Disinfopedia Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy Evolve Foundation FASTEN - Faith and Service Technical Education Network Fetzer Institute Fourth Sector Network Friends of the Commons GivingGlobal Global Giving GovBenefits GreenMoney Journal Groundspring.org Home - GlobalGiving Hudson Institute Idealist.org Independent Media Center Miles V Smith Philanthropic Advising MobileActive | Cell Phones for Civic Engagement Movement Strategy Movement Strategy Center National Center for Family Philanthropy Net Impact Ocean Foundation PACE - PHILANTHROPY FOR ACTIVE CIVIC ENGAGEMENT Participatory Culture Foundation Partnerships Online PlaNetwork Journal Rockwood Leadership Program Social Edge Stanford Social Innovation Review The Future Of Philanthropy The Interra Project The small Change News Network Tides Underdog Ventures Wired Community WorldChanging: Another World Is Here Worth Living civiblog.org - global community The World We Want Community-Wealth.Com Who owns a community's or a nation's wealth? How can the benefits of an ownership society be spread around for the greater good? Community-Wealth provides the web’s most comprehensive and up-to-date information resource on state-of-the-art strategies for democratic, community-based economic development. Community Development Corporations, Community Development Financial Institutions, Employee Stock Option Plans, Community Land Trusts, Co-Ops, Social Enterprise, and Program Related Investments are among the topic areas. A great resource for those, across the political spectrum, who are interested in using market models for producing sustainable and positive social results. September 12, 2005 in Resources | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Foundations and Government: Who is Responsible for Social Progrms? Philanthropoid , " Is it the proper role of foundations to plug the gaps created by retreating public funds?" Assume they do fill the gaps in the safety net, what programs must then be defunded by the tapped out foundations? Advocacy for social change? You can hear Bill Schambra chortling. Let the bleeding hearts fund the losers, while the wealthy bear it away. Continue reading "Foundations and Government: Who is Responsible for Social Progrms?" » September 09, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Mennonite Disaster Service A knowledgeable friend suggests Mennonite Disaster Service as a credible provider of relief to the very poor in disater areas. September 01, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (1) Writerly Do you find yourself collaborating on documents long distance? Grassroots organizations might find this online document collaboration tool worth a look. September 01, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? A reader writes, I was curious if you have come across any websites that facilitate collaboration for disaster recoveries. For example, are there places that allow local recovery efforts to post their needs (ie: lights, cranes, machinery, tools) that corporations could respond to. The idea is similar to donorschoose.org but is focused more focused on needs that only businesses could meet. Have you come across anything like this in your work? Does any reader have a site that would provide such collaboration between those in need and those providing disaster relief? August 30, 2005 in Resources | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (0) Blogger Conference Call on Estate Tax From OMB Watch What: Blogger Conference Call on Estate Tax When: Wednesday, August 31, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm EST Where: By Phone (Dial-in at 1.800.820.4690; passcode: 2022348494) - RSVP to blewis@ombwatch.org August 30, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Informed Giving Great post by Phil Anthropoid on the great wealth transfer boom and how philanthropy might capture a larger piece. How might advisors, donors, and nonprofits collaborate more effectively to that end? My sense, having worked towards it with some wonderful people, including Phil Anthropoid himself, The Philanthropic Initiative , Lenore Ealy , and Tracy Gary , is that we, collectively as a a nation, have many "stereotypes" and old habits to break if we are to meet as allies and fellow citizens to advance philanthropy and our communities. Values-based planning is a step in the right direction, though values are what cultural wars are made of. Raising awareness, as through Leave a Legacy via National Committee on Planned Giving is a piece. Encouraging all people to have a will is a piece. But perhaps the most important is to find the poetry, the pathos, the energy and the vision - what Tracy Gary calls the "inspiration" - that can lift the process of planning beyond the financial to the ethical, aesthetic, civic and spiritual. People are hungry for a life of more than production and consumption. The market feeds us but not our hungry hearts. So many of us feel that, rich or poor, liberally educated, or fundamentalist. It does not matter. We all raise families, live in communities, and hunger for a life and legacy that speaks well of us, invigorates our children, and leaves or passes on what we most love. Beyond the money is huge well spring of volunteer effort and pent up desire to find a means of engaging our world's many challenges. Maybe as we reach out to one another in the blogosphere, and in the real world settings, we can create that hub or web of relationships that enable each of us to give of her or his best. Philanthropoid - thank you for bringing the subject into focus. August 30, 2005 in Advisor's Role | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Philanthropy Blogs Noted at Council on Foundations Natalie Ambrose at Emerging Issues in Philanthropy has just posted a great overview of philanthropy blogs. She has "outed" me as the author of Philanthropoid's blog . Actually, it is an honor I don't deserve. The real Philanthropoid is far better informed than I about giving, and a far better writer. Great to see Council on Foundations , through Emerging Issues, is now following the giving blogs. I am somewhat surprised that Wealth Bondage made the list, but I suppose Dumpster Dwellers can talk among themselves about Philanthropy if they wish. It is a free country. And after all, Candidia's Rooster Foundation, Crowing in the New American Dawn, is a respected member of COF as is Tigg Montague , Senior Wealth Bondage Fellow, representing the Heritage of Wealth Bondage Foundation, a Think Tank devoted to Excellence and Human Flourishing among the Natural Aristocracy. August 27, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (2) Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? A year ago I was interviewed by The Chronicle of Philanthropy on the theme of "where are all the philanthropy blogs?" Today the scene is far more interesting, as evidenced by the growing list of giving blogs listed on our left hand side bar. Now, here is a good question for future articles: "Why are so many of the most outspoken and interesting philanthropy blogs (gifthub excepted) posted beneath a mask? Iconoclasm and philanthropy, or even humor and philanthropy, seem not to go together very well. There is something about big money that brings out the Golden Calf worshipper even in Moses. I mean what is one Commandment more or less? Everything is negotiable. What blogs provide is a back channel in which the pomposity and hypocrisy, so much of the hackery and flakery, of so much philanthropy talk can be exposed, satirized, and sent up. Solemn or ingratiating is not the right tone for discussing the role of money, whether in business, government or philanthropy, in setting our country's course . Money is smart and has learned in our time how to filter its agenda through strategic giving for hopelessly partisan ends . Who will discuss or expose this, except an insider under an alias ? Far easier to put ideologues in charge of philanthropic associations, treat them with the respect due their high office, and carry on as usual - as a Fool among Knaves. Rageboy , one the first bloggers and still one of the most vehement used to talk about "ripping the fucking lid off" corporate discourse, which talks to us, not with us, as if we were dunces who admired their flakery and hype. Maybe the time has come to rip the lid off strategic philanthropy ? If so, probably best to do it under an assumed name - since giving is an unforgiving field, and what goes around comes around. Omerta! my friends. We are all one big Family. Thinking of Publius and the masked pamphleteers among our Founding Fathers, what begins with carnival, ends with revolution and democracy. After awhile the mask slips and we appear in the public square, not as consumers or servants of wealth and power, but as citizens speaking freely in our own new found voices. Blogging will revolutionize philanthropy in that way, by restoring its accountability to ordinary citizens - the public in public good. The public philanthropy serves. August 27, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (2) Ads and Acknowledgements I have added ads to see how they work. The revenue will offset the cost of the site. Any net revenue will go to charity. I have also acknowledged my debt to Candidia Cruikshanks and the good people at Wealth Bondage for their tireless efforts on behalf of a better world according to money. Links to the most recent 10 posts are now displayed on the right hand sidebar. My hope is to improve communication between those in Wealth Bondage and the world of philanthropy. We have The Bradley Center for Philanthropy and Civic Renewal at Hudson leading the way for humankind. And we have the Philanthropy Round Table facilitating giving within the enlightened worldview of wealthy business people. But, in my estimation, the best role model for Stragegic Philanthropy on behalf of the interests of wealthy people (and therefore the world at large) remains Candidia Cruikshanks. Her social venture, Wealth Bondage, is both self sustaining and self serving in a major way. I may be biased, though, since Candidia sometimes throws me a bone from her table. So, when Candidia asked for a little recognition on Gifthub, I was happy to sit up and beg, rollover, fetch, and lick her boots. You would do the same in my position. Who are we kidding. Giving is all about getting ahead. It is what makes the world go round. August 20, 2005 in Geeting ahead in giving | Permalink | Comments (7) | TrackBack (1) Allianz Study of "Legacies" Fascinating fact sheets on what the Boomers mean by "legacy," via the Council on Foundations Blog . August 19, 2005 in Values and Planning | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Phil Anthropoid on "Pewgate" Philanthropoid patiently dissects Bill Schambra's ebullient polemic against Pew for its work on campaign finance reform. At issue is Wealth Bondage , whether the rich can purchase democracy, and whether their hired hands in the Think Tanks will be able to intimidate those funders like Pew who stand up for ordinary voters. Schambra himself is all in favor of grassroots giving , as long as the poor give to each other, and the tax cuts keep on coming for the rich so they have the extra cash to buy the next election. so they can get the next tax break, to buy the next election with propaganda made to order by hired hacks. The culture wars are now being fought on the ground of philanthropy . The right sure does stay on message . Who put the hit out on Pew? And what does it pay ? Bradley Foundation's name sure keeps popping up . And why not? Shouldn't both sides be able to fund their views, and encourage their allies and proxies? Throwing money around to influence politics is free speech after all. And on that basis, the rich, not just Pew and Bradley Foundations, are certainly being heard. I hope through blogs those like Phil Anthropoid who think without being paid to follow a party line will finally be heard. We need real free speech, not just the boughten, think tank, kind. Continue reading "Phil Anthropoid on "Pewgate"" » August 17, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Phil Anthropoid Excellent news for all who are interested in philanthropy. We now have a knowlegeable, witty, and good humored insider who is putting his thoughts on line. Mr. Phil Anthropoid is one I will be reading carefully to see just how much he is willing to share. He is the first philanthropy blogger, other than the scurrilous crew at W*eatlh B*ondage who is willing to take an irreverent but kindly poke that the dignified world of upscale giving. Two places you don't laugh: During religious observances and in conversation about philanthropy. Money, or the chance of extracting some from the wealthy, makes us all as pious as heirs around a deathbed. Mr. Anthropoid has a jaunty way about him that spells trouble for the established decorum. August 10, 2005 in Philanthropy Folks | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBack (0) Philanthropic Enterprise Blog Congrats to Lenore Ealy on her new Philanthropic Enterprise Gang Blog . She shows great courage taking on the Happy Tutor in one of her initial posts . As a mild mannered honest broker, I can see merit on both sides, and will move out of the way as quickly as possible. This is not your Dick Minim style philanthropic conversation any more. It is all about wealth, power, and politics - one person promoting the ideology of Wealth Bondage , the other, subverting it. (But which is which you ask? Take AP English and report back.) August 06, 2005 in Tooterisms | Permalink | Comments (5) | TrackBack (0) Mobile Active Org Via email from Marty Kearns, of Green Media Toolshed , Oh did you see 26 million people use cell phones to engage in Live8? www.mobileactive.org is going to be huge! July 08, 2005 in Resources | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Changemakers, Troublemakers, Courtiers and Clowns (Below is an open letter to Tracy Gary , who asked how, beyond my dismal professional bio , she should introducing me to her progressive funder friends.) Dear Tracy, Yup, been thinking because you asked, about how I see myself beyond my corporate self. The answer is not "financial advisor," nor "trusted advisor," but teacher in a certain very specific tradition. Education comes from "educere" to lead out. Socrates saying that he was (incongruously) the "midwife" to his interlocutors, helping them (male though all were) give birth to what is already within them, latent. Also, as model (in humility) I follow the Trickster Jesus of the Gospels. And also, Diogenes, the naked man in the barrel who accosted the wealthy of his day, including Alexander the Great, and helped them, as would a Zen monk, to awaken, often by setting them paradoxes, or rousing them to fury just short of violence. I do not believe any more than you do that philanthropy will save democracy. It cannot, obviously. The rich are blessed in their own way, but the truly gifted/accursed are the artists, the poets, the prophets, the holy fools. That is the role to which I most deeply aspire, or better yet, am most deeply stuck with. So, I play the fool and the courtier both. But the fool is for keeps. The courtier "financial services professional" is an IQ Test for the client, my various bosses, and colleagues. Most flunk. Diogenes naked in the streets with his lantern in broad daylight, seeking the honest wealth holder, the honest power broker, a "trusted advisor." That is me. The Trickster who teaches by getting the other off balance. Beware. Of course, I do know sprezzatura , the style you suggested some well bred donors expect. (You know it is from Castiglione's Book of the Courtier ? A handbook on how to prosper at Court among the knaves?) I will be as gracious and deferential with your friends as would any courtier to Queen or King. But you asked for an account of who I am. That is it: Troublemaker, as Peter Karoff once said to me. Troublemaker for democracy, maybe not unlike you and your cousin George Pillsbury when you were then as I am now, just a beginner. Haymarket - wasn't that a labor riot ? As an ex-college professor, let alone a financial services trainer, I am reconciled to misreading. Even at Yale many a future ruler of the universe could not follow an agile writer. So, instead of being hard to read, I am very easy. As easy as a billboard or a children's sock puppet. Unless you understand me. At which point I am nothing but trouble. In me as in a raven is the grapeseed. Shat out, it grows to the intransigent vine of Dionysus and democracy. The red wine of the grape, spilled from the Cross, drunk as blood from a chalice - believe me, I meditate on that, as a good lapsed Catholic with a humane education. I have about as much choice in this as does a man or woman in being gay. I can be in or out as one called to foolishness in the public square, but I can't change, only be broken. With you, and through your example, I am finding the courage to be my strange self, Harlequin in patches, "a Socrates gone mad," as Diogenes said. Philanthropy is teaching, but the payoff is activism. For me that means the liberal arts, the arts of freedom, not a passive thing to watch and admire, but to imitate, among the Pharisees, in the public square. What stands a chance of saving us is someone like Martin Luther Kind or Vaclav Havel. And people like that are not waiting around for permission or a grant. Some of us aren't even waiting for real artists. We just shit out what we can and pray that it contains here and there a fertile seed amidst the dung. You know all this. Or are the carrier of it. It is not a blessing, but a calling. And the call is not to peace of mind. The reason you can't shake my support is that I was going where you are going long before we met. You are an optimist by temperament; I consider that wisdom and caritas come with "brokenness and surrender." You and your cousin George have learned moderation in maturity. I have been driven half mad. We inherit a tradition, and we pass it on. It no more cares whether we live or die than do our genes. We are the carriers, the dead husk; the living germ courses through us. We pass it on as we received it, as a gift, the dangerous gift of knowledge, the apple Eve gave Adam. We spit the seed from our mouth. Hence the orchard. The garden run always to weeds. We live among snakes. And the fool should be as wise as the serpent. Extinct? Not yet. Nor Born Again, but Rapture Ready. Be well! Phil July 06, 2005 in Tooterisms | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (2) Omidyar on Carpe Diem Philanthropy Just ran across this very interesting article, from BusinessWeek Online, in 2004, by Pierre Omidyar on philanthropy in the internet age. Not only does he want to give now, rather than "leave a legacy" at death - 50 or so years from now - but he also sees giving as happening within a community of self-actualizing individuals, in which each and every person is a giver. He also sees giving as a kind of investment in a social capital network (as was EBay) that grows in value as it scales (as did EBay, or the telephone, or the English language), and that pays back in real dollars (as did EBay). The role of big givers, or social investors, is to raise up and equip the smaller givers, so they too can discover their own power to do good in the world. This is a profoundly American democractic vision, fusing freedom of speech and assembly, with entrepreneurial zeal, and Emersonian optimism. You can join the Omidyar community, or call it a renewal of the great American experiment, at http://www.Omidyar.net/home. Many of the people who attended the Open Space Giving Conference a year ago in Chicago are members. And many of them are getting together again in Chicago (as I am) with new friends from Omidyar July 29-31 . I have been a member of Omidyar.net since, virtually, the inception and have been staggered to see Pierre and Pam joining in the day to day conversations, not as conveners or owners of the site, but as fellow seekers and citizens. They are the least patronizing of patrons, the least selfish of owners. You could call them hosts, maybe, or cordial role models. They also learn fast and don't mind principled disagreement, in fact they seem to thrive on it. July 06, 2005 in Case Studies in Giving | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Dialogues On Civic Philanthropy Great papers from diverse and distinguished sources on the legitimacy, effectiveness, regulation, and accountability of foundation philanthropy. Comes with an open discussion board. What makes the relatively unregulated exercise of economic, intellectual and political power through "philanthropy" legitimate in a market/democratic culture? Can givers (and the stingy) choose their own moral framework, as they might an automobile, nose job, or Halloween Costume? What are the obligations of wealth in a just society? The papers here raise those issues, in the bland style of successful, well-socialized, intellectuals and functionaries. The same questions raised from the scaffold upon which sits a pillory would be far more interesting to me, as having an outside chance of breaking the polite smile that seems always to accompany discussions of philanthropy. What is human speech for, if not satire? The rich can choose their own ethical systems, as can we who toss the tomato from the crowd. Hudson's site is open to riffraff (the demos) at least for now. Mind your manners! You are in the company of your betters. Do not be surprised if the discussion of legitimacy and accountability remains inconclusive. July 02, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Gifthub as More than Conversation The original hope behind Gifthub is still alive and I would welcome comments, if this note finds interested parties. Assume estate tax is repealed or greatly reduced. Imagine a world where the rich get vastly richer and pass their wealth on unhindered in a new (at best) aristocracy. Imagine government programs cut back, and chances for advancement for working people and poor people reduced except for those who have an aptitude for going along to get along with the ideology of those who have "made it." Imagine philanthropy as both the offset to such a world, and also its adornment or ornament. I would like to imagine a "hub" where wealthy people of good will, advisors to wealth, and talented people from all walks of life can meet as in some ways equals - as citizens. We would meet to advance shared ideals, including the ideals of open society, pluralism, caritas, justice, and passionate disagreement within an atmosphere of mutual respect. I believe there is a "business plan" or social venture plan that might support or undergird such a hub. Advisors want clients. Donors need advisors. All require education, tools, and processes that enable them to work together more effectively for shared ends. All today hide out talking mostly to others in the same professional or sociological silo. Major donors do not attend the conferences of professionals. Professionals are conspicuously uninvited to donor forums. Either group talks about the other in stereotypes. That is vastly dysfunctional for the givers, advisors, and the talented people who might volunteer. With my friend and hero, Tracy Gary , I am mooting about ways we could make this hub come into being as a nonprofit enterprise or association. She has uptake from donor friends. I have some from advisors. If anyone has thoughts, I would welcome comments or emails. Beyond that, onwards! By the way, I recognize the "liberal" slant of my remarks, and acknolwedge a rooting interest in progressive causes. But liberalism to me means risking my views in open contest with those to disagree. Therefore, the hub has, or should have, spokes into conservative, libertarian, and religious networks. The point of open society is precisely that it is inclusive. Someone like Lenore Ealy , for example, or Bill Schambra , or Amy Kass , who are associated with conservative viewpoints would be considered valued colleagues if their networks were enlisted. The point is not to agree on ideology but to second one another's practical efforts for a common good. I have known many compassionate conservatives, as well as many Evangelicals, whose passionate and self-sacrificing efforts for others set a high example. A true Gifthub would network the best together, and welcome the war of ideas, within a shared regard for one another and for those who are less fortunate. July 02, 2005 in About Gifthub | Permalink | Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) Supporting Advancement Supporting Advancement weblog. Slowly, slowly the fundraising community seems to be getting online to share ideas and best practices. I hope over time that the conversation of philanthropy draws us together across our many specializations, professional affiliations, and "silos" so that we see ourselves, along with donors and volunteers, as fellow citizens engaged in a great wave of giving of which our specialized efforts, and institutional affiliations are just one tiny part. Can we begin to see ourselves as making common cause, across our institutions and - for want of a better term - jobs? June 29, 2005 in Planned Giving | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0) Recent Comments Phil on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Lucy Bernholz on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Reyna Feighner on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? phil cubeta on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Rusty Stahl on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Phil on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Chris Corrigan on Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Phil on Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? Phil Anthropoid on Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? Phil on Philanthropy Blogs Noted at Council on Foundations Recent Posts Community-Wealth.Com Foundations and Government: Who is Responsible for Social Progrms? Mennonite Disaster Service Writerly Websites for Coordinating Disaster Relief? Blogger Conference Call on Estate Tax Informed Giving Philanthropy Blogs Noted at Council on Foundations Blogging Philanthropy - Why the Masquerade? Ads and Acknowledgements Categories About Gifthub Advisor's Role Case Studies in Giving Charitable Tools Funding for? Geeting ahead in giving Philanthropy Folks Planned Giving Readings Resources Tooterisms Values and Planning Wise Philanthropy A Public Service of Wealth Bondage Archives September 2005 August 2005 July 2005 June 2005 May 2005 April 2005 March 2005 February 2005 January 2005 December 2004 Subscribe to this blog's feed

Gift Ideas Gift Ideas

Gift Ideas - Gift Basket Idea - Unique Gift Ideas Gift Ideas - Gift Basket Idea - Unique Gift Ideas Gift Ideas Gift Ideas from Harry and David can help make your next Gift Baskets purchase even easier. We have come up with tons of great Gift Ideas to make your Online Catalog Shopping experience even easier. Our Gift Ideas cover everything from an Anniversary Gift Idea to a Birthday Gift Idea . No matter what the occasion, look no further than HarryandDavid.com for Gift Ideas. Gift Basket Idea Look to Harry and David for help with the Gift Basket Idea to suit your needs. Our experienced customer service personnel can help make your Online Gift Shopping experience a bit easier. They can help you choose the right Gift Basket Idea for your occasion. Or, if you have a Gift Basket Idea already in mind, one of our representatives can help choose the gift basket to meet your needs. Whether you are searching for Holiday Gift Baskets , Birthday Gift Baskets , Get Well Gift Baskets , Birthday Gift Towers or Chocolate Gift Boxes we can help turn your Gift Basket Idea into a reality. Unique Gift Ideas Finding Unique Gift Ideas is no easy task these days, so why not give them unique Gift Boxes from Harry and David? Our Unique Gift Ideas can out a smile on anyone's face. Regardless of whether you are searching for Organic Fruit or a Military Gift we go out of our way to cater to the needs of those looking for Unique Gift Ideas. So, before you make your next Gift purchase, look to Harry and David for Unique Gift Ideas. Gift Ideas - Harry and David are the prefect source for a Gift Basket Idea or Unique Gift Ideas Having trouble finding what you want? Simply enter the type of item you would like to find by using the methods below: Search by: Keyword: Category: All Categories NEW Healthful Gifts Chocolates & Bakery Extra Savings Floral Gifts Fresh Fruit & Vegetables Fruit-of-the-Month Club Gift Baskets Gift Boxes & Tins Gift Towers Gifts By Price Gourmet Food Holidays Home Decor Occasions What's New! Price Range: Doesn't Matter less than $50 Greater than $50 Our Guarantee : You must be delighted, or we'll make it right. Subscribe to receive special updates and exclusive offers. Services: Register Now | Customer Service | Gift Services | Gift Card | Catalog Quick Order | Same Day Delivery Gift Finder | My Giftlist™ | Order History | Catalog Request | International APO/FPO Information: Homepage | Harvest Report | Privacy Policy | Browser Requirements | Site Map | About Us Order toll free anytime 1-877-322-1200 © 2005, Harry and David. All Rights Reserved. Harry and David is a registered trademark. [4]