December 20, 2006

Charitable Contributions: How Much Actually Helps the Charity?

As we are winding down the old year, I thought I'd share a bit of information that a family member sent me. It's a link that shows exactly how much of the money raised for a charity is actually reaching the charity, and how much is being sucked up by the fundraising company and the professional solicitor.

For example, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Diabetes Association have 99% of the funds raised going to help the actual cause, and only 1% being used to pay the fundraising engine. That's a percentage I can get behind!

On the other hand, just the opposite is true for the American Institute for Cancer Research (1% to charity, 99% to solicitor) and the Arthritis Foundation (1% for charitable work, 99% to pay off the fundraisers).

If you want to see the "big" picture on your favorite charities before making those end-of-year contributions, read on!

October 24, 2006

Jealous of Jodi’s New Sims Pack

Jodi Diehl (SunfrogServices) has bragged on her own blog about getting the new Sims 2 Pets Expansion Pack. And, I'm a bit green around the edges.

Wayne and I have decided to get that for Alexzandria for Christmas (Shhhhh! Don't tell her!) to go with a computer that we are preparing for her holiday surprise... but I'm not sure I'm going to be able to wait on this particular expansion pack myself!
July 25, 2006

Living the Simple Life: The Perfect Collection for the Minimalist and Traveler

Sometimes it's hard not to "collect" things. I've had a few bouts with that problem myself over the years. But, I have found the perfect solution, and thought I'd take a moment to share.

If you want a way to remember special events, to ensure that people who want to give you gifts only buy token ones, an easy-to-carry souvenir from any trip and all your travels, and you don't want to fill your house doing it... consider what I've done:

January 10, 2006

More Marsupials Join the Family – Sugar Glider Tales (or is it Tails?)

Wayne and I got our sugar gliders on the same day -- the day before his birthday. His, Nimetz (aka "stinky") is an overly active -- ok, HYPERACTIVE, little thing that dashes about like his tail is on fire. Mine, Trinity, is a doll. She's calmer than Nimetz, and is MUCH quieter than Sheena (aka "Noisy"). She enjoys sitting on my desk, cuddled in her pink furry hat, while I work. She occasionally explores things on the desktop, or hops on my shoulder or even climbs my hair like a mountaineer attempting Mt. Everest -- arriving safely on my crown before repelling back down to my shoulders. While active, she's not spastic and seems to have warmed up to me immediately.