BS: flash money mob

Subject: BS: flash money mob
From: olddude
Date: 19 Oct 12 - 09:20 AM

What a cool idea. A group of people in Western NY, "flash mob" type decided that for shopping they all show up at a Ma and Pa small business stores and do some power shopping. What a cool idea instead of supporting the Walmarts of this world huh .. they were early xmas shopping for gifts and just target the little stores to help out the family run little stores

Subject: RE: BS: flash money mob
From: GUEST,999
Date: 19 Oct 12 - 09:42 AM

Darned good idea, Dan, Yesterday I received the following in an email from an old firefighter friend.

'Christmas 2012 -- Birth of a New Tradition

As the holidays approach, the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Canadians with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods -- merchandise that has been produced at the expense of Canadian labor. This year will be different. This year Canadians will give the gift of genuine concern for other Canadians. There is no longer an excuse that, at gift giving time, that nothing can be found that is produced by Canadians hands. Yes there is!

It's time to think outside the box, people. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?
Everyone -- yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local Canadian hair salon or barber?

Gym membership? It's appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.

Who wouldn't appreciate getting their car detailed? Small, Canadian owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a Chinese made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants -- all offering gift certificates. And, if your intended isn't the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint. Remember, folks this isn't about big National chains -- this is about supporting your home town Canadian with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn't use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the Canadian working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom? Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip. And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house? When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining Canadian pockets so that China can build another glittering city. Christmas is now about caring about us, encouraging Canadian small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams. And, when we care about other Canadians, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn't imagine. THIS is the new, "Canadian Christmas tradition".'

I hope the author of that is right.

Subject: RE: BS: flash money mob
From: Fossil
Date: 20 Oct 12 - 12:22 AM

I don't always agree with old Nine Hundred and Ninety-Nine, but I think that this sounds like a very good idea. Replace Canada with New Zealand wherever it occurs, and that's what I will try and do this Christmas.

And y'all out in Mudcatland replace Canada with USA, UK, Australia or whatever as appropriate and we just might get something going here!

Subject: RE: BS: flash money mob
From: GUEST,999
Date: 20 Oct 12 - 12:38 AM

Absolutely, Fossil. We have got to support our own workers in our own countries.

Subject: RE: BS: flash money mob
From: gnu
Date: 20 Oct 12 - 06:39 AM

I hope every 'Catter who reads 9's "email" passes it on to everyone they know. Of course, it may not do well with one 'Catter in particular. >;-)

I shall do so but I'll use 'Bordens'.

Subject: RE: BS: flash money mob
From: GUEST,Big Al whittle
Date: 20 Oct 12 - 06:55 AM

And remember next time you sing The Banks of the Ohio, there is probably a Canadian serial killer who would like to have a song written about him.

Subject: RE: BS: flash money mob
From: Ebbie
Date: 21 Oct 12 - 02:44 AM

:), Big Al.