Worldstock

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. and SALT LAKE CITY, Dec. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --President Joe Shirley, Jr. of the Navajo Nation reported today thatWorldstock(TM), the department within Overstock.com(R) (Nasdaq: OSTK) thatsupports social entrepreneurship, is now one of the largest sources of privateemployment on Navajoland, an area which spans 27,000 square miles across Utah,Arizona and New Mexico. (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030520/LATU020LOGO-a) Navajo Nation President Shirley said, "As one of our largest job-creators,Worldstock purchases goods from 584 Navajo artisans who earn a living and carefor their families, while preserving the traditions of our culture. We aregrateful for Worldstock's support in protecting our Nation's independence." Patrick Byrne, president of Overstock.com, founded Worldstock in Octoberof 2001 to reduce global poverty. Unlike traditional charities or relieforganizations, Worldstock does not provide handouts. Worldstock contracts withskilled craftspeople in developing countries and helps them establish long-term businesses for selling their products through the Worldstock tab athttp://www.overstock.com. On average, artisans receive 60 to 70 percent of whatconsumers spend in Worldstock. Worldstock sells the Navajo Nation's handcrafted Native American jewelry,clothing, accessories, artwork, baskets and rugs, which are certified asauthentic by the Counsel for Indigenous Arts & Culture. Worldstock will alsostart selling hand-sewn Pendleton wool pillows from women in shelters acrossthe Navajo Nation. Byrne said, "Crafts from the Navajo Nation are world-renowned for theiraesthetic beauty, and yet their history and significance are equallyfascinating. We're honored to sell them and privileged to work with theartisans who make them." About Overstock.com Overstock.com Inc. is an online "closeout" retailer offering discount,brand-name merchandise for sale over the Internet. The company offers itscustomers an opportunity to shop for bargains conveniently, while offering itssuppliers an alternative inventory liquidation distribution channel.Overstock.com is a publicly traded company listed on the NASDAQ NationalMarket System, headquartered in Salt Lake City, and can be found online athttp://www.overstock.com. Overstock.com is a registered trademark, and Worldstock is a trademark, ofOverstock.com, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respectivecompanies. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within themeaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of theSecurities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements include, butare not limited to, statements regarding eradicating global poverty, thenumber of people employed, and such other risks as identified in our asidentified in our 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, and all oursubsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which containand identify important factors that could cause the actual results to differmaterially from those contained in our projections or forward-lookingstatements.
SOURCE Overstock.com, Inc.Web Site: http://www.overstock.comPhoto Notes:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20030520/LATU020LOGO-a APArchive: http://photoarchive.ap.org PRN Photo Desk,photodesk@prnewswire.com

Renzi says his opponent should beg to debate him

Renzi says his opponent should beg to debate him
Cyndy ColePolitical Roundup11/20/2005
U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., likes Gila Valley best and won't debate Democrat challenger Jack Jackson Jr., a former state representative from Window Rock, anywhere but in Gila Valley, he told people at a Nov. 11 fundraising dinner.
"I am going to make Jack Jackson, Jr., beg me for a debate," the Eastern Arizona Courier quoted Renzi as saying. "When he does, I will only agree to a debate if it is held here in Gila Valley at EAC (Eastern Arizona College.) If he doesn't agree to come, I won't debate him."
Renzi received an award from the Safford Mine and toured the area with Department of Agriculture official Mark Rey.
"I have openly said, more than once, that the Gila Valley is my favorite part of this district," said Renzi, who owns a house in Flagstaff.
Read the rest of the story...

National Energy Corridors May Impact Navajo Reservation Land

National Energy Corridors May Impact Navajo Reservation Land Environment News Service - USA... western states surrounding the Navajo Nation, appear to be building toward a legal takeover of Indian land through rights-of-way agreements the tribe could be ...
Tribe Azure Jewelry

The Navajos turn sights on schools

Navajo Nation steps forward and creates its own department of education
By Deborah Bulkeley
Deseret Morning News

For many American Indian youths, the educational outlook is bleak. In some cases, youths are more likely to drop out of high school than to graduate.
San Juan School DistrictStudents are bused in to Monument Valley High School, located on the Navajo Indian Reservation south of Blanding. The Navajo Nation has taken a step towards putting education into its own hands by creating a department of education.
Leland Leonard, Navajo tribal education director, said there hasn't been much improvement for Navajo youths since No Child Left Behind became law in 2001. In 2004, the State Office of Education reported that just under 71 percent of American Indian youths in Utah graduated from high school.
"The states and the (Bureau of Indian Affairs) are not doing it," Leonard said. "This is an initiative of exercising our sovereignty, our inherited right to reform the educational system on the Navajo Nation."
Leonard said in July the Navajo Nation amended its Title 10 education code to create its own department of education and is also establishing a school board. The department will look at the "unique language and culture and incorporating those into the curriculum" over the next decade at about 180 schools in the Four Corners region.
"The Navajo language and character development, those are all essential tools our kids need to learn," he said.
Shirlee Silversmith, Indian education specialist at the State Office of Education, said the Navajo Nation already had an education director, and the restructuring provides more authority in areas such as accessing data.
"There would be a greater direction for cooperation as well as collaboration," she said. "A lot of this is based on sovereignty rights of tribes. It puts our American Indians in a unique status that will allow tribes to establish themselves as state departments of education."
Many tribes, she said, conduct their own research and analysis of data so they can better assist students and parents.
Read the rest of the story...

Peyote Use by Native Americans Doesn't Damage Brain

By Amanda GardnerHealthDay Reporter,
FRIDAY, Nov. 4 (HealthDay News) -- In an example of modern science catching up to ancient wisdom, researchers have found that Native Americans who use peyote as a regular part of their religious practices show no evidence of brain damage or psychological problems.
Quite the contrary, these individuals scored higher on several indicators of mental health than members of the same tribe who did not use peyote and who were not members of the Native American Church.
Navajo experts expressed delight at the findings.
Read the rest of the story....

Fears behind FALSE FASHION by Kacy Carr

False Fashion is it for you? What you have to bear in mind when keeping up with all the newest trend is, that never once were you in the designer/s thoughts when putting his/her creation together.
How many times have you cringed at styles knowing at the back of your mind how hideous you would look dressed in what was designed for the catwalk?
Top designer labels do not come cheap and can be quite expensive leaving you broke because you want to keep up with the Jones's Ever felt stupid when attired up to nines to stop the jibes from your friends, keeping up with fashion is all well and good, but if you are not comfortable with your appearance then do something about it. Start by ignoring nasty remarks, true friends do not pass judgement unless in your favour.
It makes sense to put your own fashion ideas to use and into the bargain cost effective. Design your own label? Who knows may be your friends will want a piece of the action. Top designers started this way.
When out shopping; find a shop selling quality gear for half the price of what it would cost to dress in designer gear. You will find similar or duplicated designs to the latest craze in most stores. Is the content of your wallet/purse holding you back from making a purchase. Then get yourself to the local second hand shop and pick up a bargain.
Stick with the trend by wearing the colours in fashion. Charity shops donate to good causes, so as well as looking a million dollars you help the starving people of the world.
Uneasy with the new boob tube where the bare fleshy stomach is on full view, then narrow it down to a glimpse for the onlooker, add a little lace tassels or beads.
Belts do not do down well for the pleasantly plump, okay so we find an alternative. Gather leather strips, braid/plait them together then hang the twisted menagerie loosely around the waist add a little glitter to spice it up, this will not only look effective but complement your size.
How to get away with no boots if money is tight
Buy a closed in shoe then get a matching pair of coloured knee/ankle length socks and hey presto from a distance a pair of boots How good is that?
What is the point of expensive designer labels when the only person that gets to see that new outfit is you? all because the bank balance states 0.00 where you do not get to party till your next payday, and by then with the fashion industry as it is, the oufit may well be past its sell by date.
False fashion is what it is. Your height, weight, skin type was never taken into account by the designer unlike the rich stars. How on earth can you look your best by other folks choices? Think about it if anyone knows what will suit you? is you.
You may find allaboutonlineeducation.com is a great place to start if you were thinking about dressmaking or looking for information on teaching yourself the in's and out's of getting on in this life.
About the Author
Unless you marry a footballer or born with a silver spoon in your mouth then don't expect to be wearing designer knickers as well. A win on the lottery may change all that. http://www.pick3today.com

Advanced Leather Repair By Jake Berlin

Cracks in Leather The only way to un-crack leather is to replace it. One approach that leather repair specialists use is to clean the leather and then re-color it. The result is that the leather will have a uniform appearance. The cracks will still be there but will be less apparent. You can also have a leather repair professional replace the cracked areas and match the new leather to the original color. This works best when you are working with a panel of leather, for example on a car seat or the surface of a furniture cushion. Dog and Cat Scratches If you own a dog or cat, do not allow them on your leather furniture – PERIOD! For dogs, most damage occurs while climbing on and jumping off. If you are a cat owner, leather fillers or tanner’s resin will cure the symptoms but not the problem. You might consider buying your cat a scratching post and put it near the area where the cat is scratching before using the filler. Spray water on the scratch and cover it with a small square of 1000 grit wet sand paper from the hardware store. Sand very lightly until the surface is smooth and you cannot feel the tear from the scratch anymore. You may end up needing to re-color the furniture if the scratch damage is extensive. That would be a job for a pro. Leather Repair Kits If your leather has a tiny tear and it's not highly visible, (and if the color is black) any leather repair kit should be sufficient if you follow directions. However, there are a couple of things to be aware of in case you run into problems. The repair material may not bond well with the leather. This happens if the leather is old or if the heating element supplied with the kit (if it's included) is not hot enough. Usually, a leather repair kit will contain grain papers that you rub over the repaired area to imprint a grain-like finish. The idea is that the grain will resemble that of the original undamaged leather as much as possible. Some grain papers are also pigmented. It's difficult to match color but it's even more difficult if the leather is old. Experts say that unless the leather color is black, the repair will show. You may need to place a small piece of cloth and padding under the tear to help hold the edges together. You can place a piece of material under the tear and glue it with the edges to be repaired as close together as possible. Hold the edges together while the adhesive dries, or use a hair dryer (very carefully) to speed up the process. Using a leather repair kit will usually hide the tear and hopefully prevent further damage. The problem with using a leather repair kit is the damaged area will always be weaker. The other thing you can do of course is have someone replace the damaged section of leather and match the color professionally. Stuck Leather If you have a leather item with sides, such as a purse that appear to be stuck together, look inside to see if you can tell exactly where the sides are sticking. You should be able to see if it is sticking in a couple of places or if the leather is completely stuck shut. Hold the item over a pot of boiling water – not too closely and do not allow the purse to get soaked. The heat and humidity will expand the pores in the leather and might allow you to work the sides free, just do not force them if they will not budge. You could also try to work some leather cleaner in between the sides. If there is dirt or other grime that's holding the sides together, this may loosen it. Finally, if getting the sides separated doesn't look easy, take it to a cobbler for repair.
About the Author: *** Hey! Want To Make Something Out Of Leather? *** Discover How To Make Leather Crafts for Fun and Profit Click Here ==> http://www.leathercraftsecrets.com

12 Creative Ways To Recycle Your Christmas Cards!

By: Lindsay Small
Don't throw your Christmas cards away! There are so many creative ways to use your Christmas cards, many of which you can do with your kids. We have brought together some ideas below. Christmas jigsaw game: Make a Christmas jigsaw game. Gather 10-20 cards and cut each one into 3 or 4 pieces, using straight lines. Shuffle them up and lay them out on a flat service such as a dining table or the floor – then put them back together again! Store the cards in a shoebox for next time. This is fun on a quiet family evening at the beginning of the season as it helps to get everybody into the Christmas spirit! Christmas tree ornaments: Make cinnamon stick ornaments for the Christmas tree. Wrap a small bundle of cinnamon sticks together with a pretty ribbon tied in a bow (leave a loop for hanging). Using a small dab of glue, attach a pretty shape cut from a Christmas card with pinking shears to the centre of the ribbon bow to finish the ornament off. These look pretty and smell delicious too! Scented sachets: Make scented sachets to give as gifts or fragrance your own home. Simply glue the bottom and side edges of the card together and then slip a small amount of potpourri (or a cotton ball on which you have dropped a little Christmas essential oil) into the space. Use a hole punch to make two holes on the top edge, through which you can thread a pretty ribbon before tying a bow. If you leave a loop in the ribbon, the sachets can be hung on door handles, coat hooks or radiators (the heat will help to release the scent, but it won’t last as long) to create a welcoming, Christmas atmosphere. Christmas mobile or “string”: Cut shapes out of the cards in matching pairs. Hearts work nicely, as do simple Christmas tree shapes and even plain squares and circles. Stick the cards back to back and laminate them, then punch a hole in them and use to make a colorful and child-friendly mobile or “string” to decorate next year. You could add to this every year. As a variation, you could back each shape with a plain-colored piece of card or construction paper and write on it the date and name of the person who sent the card. Christmas card game: Cut playing-card shapes out of the cards, stick a piece of plain card over any writing if necessary, and use to make a Christmas game or quiz for your children to play next year. Laminate to protect. Gift tags: A traditional activity, but one which never fails to amuse the kids, is making gift tags for next year's presents. Use pinking sheers, a hole punch, and leftover ribbon Gift bags: Make gift bags for next year by saving smart paper bags. Cut a nice shape out of each card and stick it to the front of the bag (covering any shop labels if necessary). Sometimes one Christmas card will yield many different bag decorations! Add a little ribbon bow just above the card and wrap your present in tissue paper before putting it into the bag. This looks lovely with brown paper bags and tartan ribbons. Miniature Christmas cards: Some Christmas card designs can be cut and folded into miniature Christmas cards for the kids to give next year, or for decorating the dolls house. Christmas screensaver: Scan your favorite cards into the computer – and some of your favorite messages from inside the cards as well – and make them into a Christmas wallpaper or screensaver with a photo program. Children love this and it is a great memento if you do it each year. Lacing card: Cut out the pictures on the larger cards, punch holes around the edges with a hole punch, add a shoelace or brightly colored yarn (with sticky tape wrapped around the ends) and you have a cheerful and cheap lacing card for little ones. If they are particularly popular you could laminate them to make them last longer. Christmas confetti: Make some Christmas confetti to use next year (scatter it on the Christmas table, or put a pinch inside your Christmas cards and gifts!) Use either a plain hole punch or a special Christmas one (both together look great) and choose the most colorful areas from each card to cut. Gold and silver looks very effective, especially mixed in with red and green. Small scraps of leftover wrapping paper can be used too. You can keep the children busy with this for hours!
About the Author: Lindsay Small is the owner of Activity Village, packed full of fun and educational activities for kids. Do you have children aged 2-10? Visit http://ww.ActivityVillage.co.uk to find free kids crafts, printables, educational resources, worksheets, coloring pages and puzzles, jigsaws, Sudoku for kids and much more!

Ooooh Scary!! By: CASSIE MORGAN

With Halloween just around the corner, why not consider doing some ghoulish crafts with your children? One of my favorite crafts to do with the kids is Halloween candle making. Your kids will love it, and it is appropriate for any age group. You will need the following supplies to get started:
1. A pillar candle. 2. Some “cut and carve” wax. 3. Some wax adhesive. 4. Halloween cookie cutters. 5. A shallow pan.
Heat your “cut and carve” wax, and pour it into the shallow pan. Be sure that you fill the pan approximately 1/4 inch., and try to ensure your pan is on a level surface. Allow the wax to cool, but not until it has completely hardened.
After the wax has cooled somewhat, use your cookie cutters to produce your scary shapes. We like to use quite a variety of shapes and sizes. Try to arrange your shapes to maximize the use of the wax.
You can use other tools to produce different shapes. For instance, you can use drinking straws to produce eyes for your creepy monsters. Or you can use a small paring knife to make free form shapes. As always, be extra careful using sharp objects around the children.
Remove the cookie cutters, and allow the wax to harden completely. This will ensure that your cut-outs maintain their shape when you are working with them.
When the wax has cooled, start removing your shapes. Do this in the same manner as you would if you were making cookies. Feel free to use a spatula or another household utensil to assist. Do not worry if the excess wax breaks up….you can always reheat it!
If you are using a round candle, you will need to shape the wax cut-out to fit the contour of the candle. We like to use a hair dryer to soften the wax enough to be pliable, but not enough to melt it. Place it directly on the side of the candle to shape it, but be careful not to break it.
Using your wax adhesive, cover the back of the cut-out. You can also use clear candle wax, but try to work fast because the wax will harden quickly. You can use a paint brush to apply the melted wax.
Now you are going to apply the cut-out to the candle. Try to place it in the correct spot on the candle. The cut-out will be difficult to move once the wax has started setting, and the candle may get damaged. That’s it! You’re finished! Trick or Treat!
About the Author: Cassie Morgan is a mother of three, and loves doing crafts with her little ones. When she is not playing with her children, she writes freelance articles for websites such as http://www.candlesandcandlemaking.com – a website dedicated to all things wax, featuring information on candle making techniques(http://www.candlesandcandlemaking.com/ ).Source: www.isnare.com

Giclee Printing - A True Fine Art Print Process? By Steve Feasey

The association of giclee printing with its conceptual cousin - inkjet printing - has led some people to question the validity of this printing medium as a true fine art system. To address this, I think that it is first important to look at the history of fine art printmaking and see if giclee printing fulfil the parameters set out therein. Fine art printmaking has traditionally been based on the concept of creating a master plate - known as the matrix - from the original and using this to reproduce a predetermined number of 'editions' of the original artwork. Historically, the matrix was then destroyed by the artist, producing a set of truly limited edition prints. The more traditional printing techniques such as etching, lithography and linocut have evolved into art forms themselves and required a huge degree of expertise to reproduce the original to the artist’s precise demands. Nowadays, the production of a printing matrix is no longer necessary as the high quality scanning techniques employed by printing companies results in a perfect facsimile of the original painting or photograph. Giclee printing offers incredibly high degrees of fidelity and richness of colour when compared to other 'traditional' printing methods and because no screen or other mechanical device is used, there is no visible dot pattern. The expertise that is employed involves the careful monitoring of the colour system through the use of colour profiling techniques and the understanding of the colourspace that the machine operates within. The print-on-demand nature of the printing process enables photographers and artists to maintain full control over the artistic integrity of their work which, coupled with the proven archival permanence of giclee prints (when coupled with specifically designed output media and inks) ensures that the artist's work will be enjoyed for decades. Naturally, the understanding between the artist and their customers that the edition is truly limited must be maintained. The matrix is no longer destroyed, but the original scanned file must be deleted or removed from circulation upon reaching the defined number of released editions, but this has always been the case and the advent of giclee printing has no impact on this mutual understanding. Giclee printing is indeed a fine art printing technique and one that is truly liberating for photographers and artists wishing to share their work with the widest possible audience whilst achieving a quality that was hitherto unobtainable without huge expense.
About the Author: Steve Feasey is a co-director at Iconic Imaging Ltd, a company specialising in canvas prints and fine art printing for artists and photographers. For more information on the giclee print services they provide, visit http://www.iconicimaging.co.ukSource: www.isnare.com

Rock and Mineral Dictionary

You will find an extensive Rock and Mineral dictionary here, http://www.enchantedlearning.com/geology/rocks/glossary/index.shtml. This site is loaded with info about all kinds of things. I just discovered it today.

The Budget Fashionista's Top Ten Budget Shopping Tips

The Budget Fashionista's Top Ten Budget Shopping Tips by Kathryn Finney
Lots of people ask me for my top budget tips. Here are a few from my Budget Shopping Arsenal...

1. Know what looks good on you. This is the essence of a true fashionista. Just because it looks great in a magazine doesn’t mean it will look great on you. Be honest with yourself about your body. It will save you time and money.
2. Get to know the names of sales associates. Sales associates are a great source for information on upcoming sales. They might even let you use their employee discount - as happened to me once at The Gap.
3. Pay for everything with cash. This way, the satisfaction of the purchase will last longer than your next credit-card bill.
4. Head to the Outlets. Shopping at the outlets of your favorite stores and designers can save you a bundle. Some of my favorites are Off Fifth, the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet; the St. John Knit Outlet; the Donna Karan Outlet; and the Last Call Neiman Marcus Outlet.
5. The 70/30 rule. Fashionistas with limited budgets should follow the 70/30 rule: 70 percent classic pieces, 30 percent trendy pieces. And go cheap on trendy items.You can purchase such pieces at stores like H&M, Target , Zara, Bluefly, Urban Outfitters, etc. Go designer on classic pieces like black suits (Tahari), coats (Burberry, Max Mara), evening (Armani) and purses (Coach, Longchamp).6. Recycle fashion. Pay a visit to your mother and/or grandmother. While you’re there, offer to “help” clean out their closets. You’ll be amazed at the goodies you’ll find. While visiting my grandma in Milwaukee, I discovered a vintage Coach saddle bag, dating from around 1960, in mint condition amid a box of old magazines. If you are unable to visit a relative’s closet, try having a clothing swap party with your friends. Ask everyone to bring unwanted, high-quality clothing to exchange for similar items from other party-goers.
7. Learn where and when to buy. July/August and late January/February are the best times to hit the stores for deals. Write down the names of your favorite stores, go to their Web sites, and register to receive coupons, special invitations and notifications of new products. Outlet stores are also great sources of designer goods.
8. Write a List. Making a shopping list will help you stay focused on the task at hand.
9. Locate the nearest thrift store. Thrift stores are great for quality inexpensive coats.
10. Sign up for our newsletter at http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/bf/newsletter.php. Get free fashion advice and up-to-date notification of the hottest sales around the U.S. and Canada.
About the AuthorKathryn “The Budget Fashionista” Finney is the founder and Chief Shopping Officer of TheBudgetFashionista.com (http://www.thebudgetfashionista.com), a popular website that provides realistic fashion advice, shopping tips and sale event information to budget conscious consumers.

Maid to Perfection: Favorite Tips for Managing Your Beautifully Bewitching Bridesmaid

Maid to Perfection: Favorite Tips for Managing Your Beautifully Bewitching Bridesmaids
By Terrie Needham

As a highly evolved, yet completely realistic, woman, I'll be the first to admit that when you place 10 females in a room, you'll wind up with 25 different opinions.

That's the dilemma each of us faces when we plan our weddings. As we peruse bridesmaids' gowns, jewelry and accessories, each 'maid will not be shy about sharing her own favorite colors, personal preferences and style agenda. In addition to a wedding gown, you may want to invest in a striped referee's shirt! After all, you're the umpire-but how can you stay in charge, while also keeping the peace as you prep for the most important day of your life?

Here are some of my favorite tips for managing your beautifully bewitching bridesmaids.

Don't Worry, Be Happy

Bridesmaids will often complain that they're spending a lot of money to be in your wedding party, so they believe they're entitled to a say in all fashion decisions. Your best bet? Listen politely and respectfully. Thank them for their input. Tell them you'll be taking everyone's suggestions into consideration-and then seize the reins.

Remember: Each pretty 'maid in the row agreed to be in your wedding. If you do your job with finesse and provide sufficient compliments, they'll be delighted to wear what you've picked out. This includes dresses, jewelry and accessories.

Some brides provide jewelry sets as a gift to their 'maids during their bachelorette bash or bridal shower. This is a great way to thank your bridesmaids for participating in your wedding, as well as to exercise control over what they'll wear-especially if you want each girl to have that "Supremes" look: same theme, slightly different jewelry. You can choose the same lustrous pearls or dazzling cubic zirconia. Slight variations in style are fine, as long as the look is relatively consistent.

Be sure to verify who has pierced ears. You'll need to purchase pierced earrings for the majority, but clip earrings are required for the few 'maids with virgin earlobes.

Practice Good Coordination

Be sure to match bridesmaids' accessories to the color of their gowns. Whether you're thinking a necklace or a choker, there are several dozen pearl and cubic zirconia shades available. Regardless of dress color, you're sure to find a complementary hue.

Also pay close attention to gown details. If bridesmaids' dresses are adorned with crystals, beading or pearls, you'll need to select jewelry with similar accents. Don't mix and match like a wild woman! Keep it simple and elegant.

If you've asked your 'maids to wear similar hairstyles, make sure earrings complement their 'dos. Updos like topknots, chignons and French twists call for drop earrings to accentuate facial features and add just the right amount of sparkle. If hair will be worn curled and loose, chandelier earrings fit the bill. For 'maids with short hair, all is not lost: Pixie cuts and short bobs are best accentuated with studs and button earrings. You can still achieve a consistent look by asking everyone-regardless of hair length, texture or style-to wear the same type of jewels, be it pearls or cubic zirconia.

To avoid bloodshed, never ask a bridesmaid to color or chop inches off her hair. That's an extreme makeover, so don't go crazy with Bridezilla power!

About the Author

Terrie Needham owns Anna Bellagio, a leader in the bridesmaids jewelry and accessories industry for 17 years. She loves attending fashion shows and checking out new designers so she can offer sensational, yet affordable, selections to her ever-growing customer base.

http://www.annabellagio.com

Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com

Gains on the reservations

Gains on the reservations
By Brad Knickerbocker Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor ASHLAND, ORE. – American Indians are better off today than they were a decade ago. Per capita income is up, poverty and unemployment rates have dropped, overcrowding in housing has decreased, education levels have risen.
Some of this is tied to casino income. But Harvard researchers, analyzing the most recent census data, find that the economic and social improvements on reservations and other Indian-owned land have occurred in tribes without gambling revenues as well.
continued at http://www.csmonitor.com/2005/0215/p01s03-ussc.html

Navajo Nation's governing council has voted to outlaw methamphetamine

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. The Navajo Nation's governing council has voted to outlaw methamphetamine.The addictive stimulant has become a scourge for tribal police and health officials on the sprawling reservation -- which covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah.
The tribe's drug laws ban most other substances that are illegal in the rest of the U-S, but made no specific mention of methamphetamine.
The legislation now goes to Navajo President Joe Shirley Junior for consideration.
He's said previously that he would support codes to stop drug and alcohol use in the Navajo Nation, which is home to roughly 200-thousand people.
Violators could face up to a year in jail and be fined five-thousand dollars if the the bill is enacted.
http://www.eyewitnessnewstv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2937096

Turquoise: A Piece Of The Sky By Marv Baskin

Turquoise: A Piece Of The SkyBy Marv Baskin, ProprietorAs published in The Desert Advocate
"Well, now hold on there, Marv,” I hear ya’ll saying. “How in tarnation can turquoise be a piece of the sky?” Well, sit a spell I’ll tell ya all ‘bout it.
Turquoise has long been one of the most pop’lar stones here in Arizona and the Great Southwest. It’s been a big part of lots o’ cultures, not just here in our Americas but all over our planet! The word Turquoise has French origins and comes from traders over yonder in Venice, Italy, who themselves bought it from the great bazaars in Turkey. But the Turks brought it from great mines in Persia (now Iran). It was one of the most important stones in Pre-Columbian America, Egypt and Persia. Quite the hot commodity.
These days, its popularity is global and is one of the most widely used in jewelry and its now among the most valuable of the non-translucent minerals. Turquoise is the birthstone for December and the anniversary stone for the 11th year of marriage. Europeans give turquoise jewelry as forget-me-nots or as a pledge of adoration. In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare uses this symbolism (ya’ll didn’t think I knew ‘bout such things, did ya?) when Leah gives a turquoise ring to Shylock to win him over.
Turquoise is found all over the world, includin’ Afghanistan. American turquoise is generally greener than specimens from around the world and has white or brown veins. The famed Arizona turquoise comes from the Kingman, Morenci and Bisbee copper mines.
If ya own some of this purty stuff, ya ought to be knowin’ how to care fer it. The most common dangers to turquoise are scratches, sharp blows, hot water, and household chemicals. ‘Cause it’s a hydrous stone – meaning it contains water – light or water can change its color, and its relative softness can make it vulnerable to scratches. The pores of the stone will easily absorb body oils or other oils, causin’ it to yellow over time. And I ‘specially want you to hear me on this: never use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner on turquoise and chlorine (includin’ pool water) should be avoided.
Like I sez, the American culture’s not the first to be all giddy ‘bout turquoise. Navajos utilize turquoise in rain ceremonies, which requires tossin’ the stone into a river. They say that a piece of turquoise is actually a piece of the sky that has fallen to Earth. And I cain’t say’s I doubt it. Others have said turquoise has the ability to connect the Earth and the Sky, the symbols o’ spirit and body. The Apache believe turquoise combines the powers of the sky and sea to help hunters and warriors aim accurately. And the Zuni say turquoise can protect ‘em from demons! Other cultures say turquoise is important in ensurin’ the fortunes of warriors, hunters, and all tribal members.
But no matter what ya might believe ‘bout turquoise, one thing’s fer sure: it’s as beautiful as an Arizona sky!
Marv & Stephanie Baskin are the proprietors of Gold Mountain Mining Company at the Outlets At Anthem. Their store offers “the biggest darned bonanza of silver and gold jewelry – and western gifts – this side of the Superstitions!” Please send any jewelry or old west related questions to Marv@GoldMountainMining.com or call 800-474-9111.
Click here http://www.goldmountainmining.com/turquoise.html

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