TheFind.com - Shopping Search Reinvented

While search engines have had a huge impact on our lives--the other night we had a question about a certain actor we had just watched in a film, and we went right to the Internet to find the answer to our question--shopping searches tend to be rather frustrating.

Enter TheFind.com a fabulous shopping search engine geared to helping consumers search for the things they need, including many items on buyoutsidethebox.com. A sister website is TheFindGreen.com, which directs consumers to green products.

Some of the user friendly features of TheFind.com include large images and "mouse over" technology that displays all of the relevant product information direct from the merchant's Web site. No more wading through and clicking on millions and millions of text links— the best matches for your search are easily visible and are right there on the first page!

So, if you would prefer not to wade through a zillion blue text links test drive this shopper's search engine today. And oh year, don't forget to shop buyoutsidethebox while you are at it.--Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Into the Wild

Happy Labor Day. I hope your holiday is filled with family and friends and some quiet time as well. In between mastering Vista, learning the complexities of my new computer and feeding family, I have three very pleasant pastimes.

Last night we watched "Into the Wild," a beautifully directed movie by Sean Penn. I had read the book a couple of years ago, about Chris McCandless, a bright young man, but nevertheless troubled enough to run away from his past and his future with a Jack London sort of style. Sadly he died in the Alaskan wilderness while on an epic adventure. His story is recounted by author Jon Krakauer who was able to recount the journey of McCandless through his journals.

I'm also reading two books. One is "Nicholas and Alexandra," a nicely written history of the last Tsar of Russia. I saw the movie years ago, and am enjoying now reading the book, which was reccommended by a neighbor of mine who just returned from a trip to Russia. I've always wanted to visit St. Petersburg, but now have two additional destinations in mind. The Crimea area, where the tsar vacationed and Tsarskoe Selo, where the royal family once lived, if it still exists. So much of Russia's past has been wiped out by its Communistic era.

The last diversion I have going, other than dog sitting for two extra dogs, is Obama's book, Audacity of Hope. Politicians have discovered it is more effective to write a book before getting the office, rather than after, because it is a great way to be heard without being hacked to death by the media. The book, for the most part is fascinating, although I don't need to be convinced of similar values I apparently hold with the next President of the United States, I am thankful there is a candidate out there that upholds decency and generosity.

The family arrives tonight and we will have a last summer fling. Have a great one.--Ruth Mitchell

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Incredible Auto

We've written about the Tesla before, but thought you might enjoy seeing a more comprehensive article appearing on justluxe.com. Also, see our entire collection of articles on this glitzy site.

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

A Season for CERF

Forty-three craft related businesses have already signed on to participate in CERF's 12th annual nationwide fundraising event, A Season for CERF. Craft Emergency Relief Fund is committed to supporting the careers of craft artists throughout the United States. Through business and career-strengthening programs, emergency relief support, advocacy and research CERF helps professional craft artists strengthen and sustain their careers so that they can thrive and, thus, contribute to the quality of life in our communities. CERF wants to provide participants who choose to host an event the option to have it take place anytime between September and December 2008.

CERF counts on its A Season for CERF community of gallery owners and others to help educate customers, artists, and their local community about CERF's mission and work. In 2007, A Month for CERF raised $42,815. Sign-ups for this year's event are still welcome. Register online, contact Elissa Campbell via Email or call (802) 229-2306.
Click here for a full listing of A Season for CERF 2008 participants. You can also view our A Season for CERF Google Map to get customized directions from your home to a gallery near you, making your visit easier than ever.

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Need a Wedding Gift? Then buy an Heirloom Gift

This stunning Stoneware "Wedding Plate" by award-winning potter Allan Buitekant, features a Shino glaze, and is fired in a Carbon Trap atmosphere. The 18kt gold glazed handles set this piece off as heirloom gift that will be loved and passed down through the generations. It has a 17" circumference. This is a limited time offer to own or gift this wonderful hand thrown piece. - Love this work of art? Then BUY NOW. We do not charge your card until we have a guarantee from the artist this original work of art is still available. We further guarantee your satisfaction with our return policy. Your art will be shipped absolutely free as quickly as possible. We also know security is important and that's why we use Authorize.net, the best on-line payment system with 100 % guaranteed safety.

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Give it Away and You Shall Enjoy Mortality

Back in the day when I was working as editor of a, what they call in the trade, "shelter," magazine I had the privilege to meet artist Benini and his wife Lorraine. At that time they were living in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas and if not solely responsible for the upswing of the downtown area, they were certainly a driving force in breathing new life into the urban setting of the only National Park in the country that has an urban setting.

It has been my experience that our homes truly are a reflection of our personalities, and artists I find, as a rule, have fascinating homes. Benini and Lorraine's home was no exception to this rule. In addition to the exotic atmosphere,on the second-story flat with the gallery below at street level, Benini had a library of thousands of volumes which he shared openly with anyone interested in benefiting from this collective knowledge. Benini and Lorraine not only actively promote his work, but encourage the success of other artists with their frequent ARTS Encounters at their Sculpture Ranch in Texas hill country, a piece of property once owned by President Lyndon Johnson. While Benini is an accomplished artist, it is in this spirit of "giving it away" that he has prospered. And giving credit where credit is due, Lorraine creates an environment of generosity throughout their endeavors.

Someone recently sent me a memo, "give it away and you shall enjoy mortality." Benini and Lorraine certainly fall under this category. And while immortality is a lofty goal, giving it away, or sharing one's life experiences is a rewarding endeavor in and of itself. We share with you now, a presentation sent to us by Lorraine, and hope you come to enjoy and know the work that is Benini.

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved

Upcoming Exhibits for Abhilasha Singh

We thought you'd like to know...


Zsombrak Art Gallery
http://www.zsombrak.com/
Abhilasha Singh
"Women"
Jul 23rd - Sep 21st 2008



Buy Art Fair
Manchester; UK
October 9-12 (2008)
Represented by PopChoc gallery
http://www.popchoc.com/

(c) 2008 - Ruth Mitchell - all rights reserved