AdoraBella News

Just a few thoughts….. Lee Iacocca Says: 'Am I the only guy in this country who's fed up with what's happening? Where the hell is our outrage? We should be screaming bloody murder. We've got a gang of clueless bozos steering our ship of state right over a cliff, we've got corporate gangsters stealing us blind, and we can't even clean up after a hurricane much less build a hybrid car. But instead of getting mad, everyone sits around and nods their heads when the politicians say, 'Stay the course' Stay the course? You've got to be kidding. This is America , not the damned 'Titanic'. I'll give you a sound bite: 'Throw all the bums out!' You might think I'm getting senile, that I've gone off my rocker, and maybe I have. But someone has to speak up. I hardly recognize this country anymore. The most famous business leaders are not the innovators but the guys in handcuffs. While we're fiddling in Iraq , the Middle East is burning and nobody seems to know what to do. And the press is waving 'pom-poms' instead of asking hard questions. That's not the promise of the ' America ' my parents and yours traveled across the ocean for. I've had enough. How about you? I'll go a step further. You can't call yourself a patriot if you're not outraged. This is a fight I'm ready and willing to have. The Biggest 'C' is Crisis! Leaders are made, not born. Leadership is forged in times of crisis. It's easy to sit there with your feet up on the desk and talk theory. Or send someone else's kids off to war when you've never seen a battlefield yourself. It's another thing to lead when your world comes tumbling down. On September 11, 2001, we needed a strong leader more than any other time in our history. We needed a steady hand to guide us out of the ashes. A Hell of a Mess So here's where we stand. We're immersed in a bloody war with no plan for winning and no plan for leaving. We're running the biggest deficit in the history of the country. We're losing the manufacturing edge to Asia , while our once-great companies are getting slaughtered by health care costs. Gas prices are skyrocketing, and nobody in power has a coherent energy policy. Our schools are in trouble. Our borders are like sieves. The middle class is being squeezed every which way. These are times that cry out for leadership. But when you look around, you've got to ask: 'Where have all the leaders gone?' Where are the curious, creative communicators? Where are the people of character, courage, conviction, omnipotence, and common sense? I may be a sucker for alliteration, but I think you get the point. Name me a leader who has a better idea for homeland security than making us take off our shoes in airports and throw away our shampoo? We've spent billions of dollars building a huge new bureaucracy, and all we know how to do is react to things that have already happened. Name me one leader who emerged from the crisis of Hurricane Katrina. Congress has yet to spend a single day evaluating the response to the hurricane, or demanding accountability for the decisions that were made in the crucial hours after the storm. Everyone's hunkering down, fingers crossed, hoping it doesn't happen again. Now, that's just crazy. Storms happen. Deal with it. Make a plan. Figure out what you're going to do the next time.. Name me an industry leader who is thinking creatively about how we can restore our competitive edge in manufacturing. Who would have believed that there could ever be a time when 'The Big Three' referred to Japanese car companies? How did this happen, and more important, what are we going to do about it? Name me a government leader who can articulate a plan for paying down the debt, or solving the energy crisis, or managing the health care problem. The silence is deafening. But these are the crises that are eating away at our country and milking the middle class dry. I have news for the gang in Congress. We didn't elect you to sit on your asses and do nothing and remain silent while our democracy is being hijacked and our greatness is being replaced with mediocrity. What is everybody so afraid of? That some bonehead on Fox News will call them a name? Give me a break. Why don't you guys show some spine for a change? Had Enough? Hey, I'm not trying to be the voice of gloom and doom here. I'm trying to light a fire. I'm speaking out because I have hope, I believe in America In my lifetime I've had the privilege of living through some of America 's greatest moments. I've also experienced some of our worst crises: the 'Great Depression', 'World War II', the 'Korean War', the 'Kennedy Assassination', the 'Vietnam War', the 1970s oil crisis, and the struggles of recent years culminating with 9/11. If I've learned one thing, it's this: 'you don't get anywhere by standing on the sidelines waiting for somebody else to take action. Whether it's building a better car or building a better future for our children, we all have a role to play. That's the challenge I'm raising in this book. It's a call to 'Action' for people who, like me, believe in America . It's not too late, but it's getting pretty close. So let's shake off the crap and go to work. Let's tell 'em all we've had 'enough.' Excerpted from 'Where Have All the Leaders Gone?'. Copyright (c) 2007 by Lee Iacocca. All rights reserved.

Job got you down? The perfect career may be just a vacation away By Lewis Taylor The Register-Guard Published: February 17, 2008 09:56AM -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For most people, dream jobs are just that: dreams. But Portland entrepreneur Brian Kurth has found a way for job hunters to make those visions a reality. It’s called a VocationVacations and, Kurth says, it works. Here’s how: Say you want to be a lion tamer, but aren’t sure you want to go to lion taming school. “Wouldn’t it be great,” you think to yourself, “If I could see what it’s like to dress up like Gunther Gebel-Williams before I decide to quit my job with the seven-figure salary and join the circus.” By calling VocationVacations, you can. Kurth’s company will set you up with a mentor, who will then arrange a “vocation.” You’ll be able to live the dream, so to speak — at least for a few days. You can learn the basics, try the job on for size, and hopefully, by the time the adventure is over, you’ll know whether this is the lifestyle for you. In at least 20 percent of the cases it is. “It’s not the holy grail,” says Kurth, who has an uplifting presence and lots of different ways of pitching his service. “It is pragmatic ... It’s giving people a test drive ... It’s that first baby step of getting out there and not just talking about it ... It’s directional. It’s a weather vane. It’s (asking), ‘Do I want to take the next step?’” Truth be told, Kurth can’t offer a lion-taming mentorship (liability is sort of an issue there) and there are some professions that won’t allow such an arrangement (privacy regulations prevent people from shadowing doctors) and Kurth won’t touch political careers. But he does offer at least 140 vocation types. And there are some wacky ones, including pro wrestling personal assistant, horse adoption agency director and alpaca rancher. “The first step is to really do the research,” says Kurth, who has turned his idea into a book offering an eight-step approach to getting “unstuck” from an unhappy work situation. “The next step is facing your fears before you even start.” Kurth says most of his clients do not come from Portland or Oregon — a fact he attributes to people being generally happier here. Most are overworked gen-Xers and baby boomers from big cities such as Chicago and New York. Kurth, himself, works out of a small, four-man office in downtown Portland, and travels a lot to where his clients are based. But that doesn’t mean Oregon doesn’t play a big role in the business. Many of the mentors who make VocationVacations happen are right here in the state. At least four Willamette Valley wineries are registered with the company as winemaking mentors, and the Portland Beavers provide the venue for anyone looking to get a taste of sports announcing. Rogue Brewing in Portland offers a brewmaster vocation and Jaciva’s in Portland offers a program for wannabe chocolatiers and pastry chefs. Not all of Kurth’s clients are professionals. About a quarter of them are simply doing it for fun. And with categories such as catamaran captain and restaurant critic, who can blame them? “These are dreams that are practical,” insists Kurth at the suggestion that, say, cheesemongering is not as stable a profession as accounting. “You don’t have to be an accountant, you don’t have to be an attorney. You might have to take some risks to make it happen, but you can become a winemaker or a TV producer.” The price for Kurth’s VocationVacations ranges from several hundred dollars to several thousand. The two-day sports announcer program costs $1,149 per person, and the brewmaster mentorship is a one-day workshop that runs $549. The alpaca farming gig, which takes place in Grants Pass, costs $949. The most expensive vocation is a Broadway producer/director package that goes for $2,999. Most are two-day programs that cost between $949 and $1,199. The cost includes career coaching and assessment. Most vocationers simply tell their real bosses they are going on vacation. Some don’t even tell their spouses or family what they are up to. The most popular VocationVacations categories are culinary, sports, fashion and animal related careers. Entertainment and hospitality are two other favorites. Among the oddest careers in the most popular category is sword maker, something apparently tied to the numerous renaissance festivals that take place across the country. Vocationers, as Kurth calls them, pay for their own travel and lodging expenses, which means these vacations don’t come cheap. The company plans to offer a low cost DVD version of the service. But for those who want “the real deal” as Kurth calls it, what’s a few extra dollars when you’re talking about the rest of your working life?

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Congress To Raise Alpacas To Aid Struggling Economy

Couple of week ago I flamed the AOBA board for not keeping the affiliates up to date on AOBA rules of compliancy. The AOBA president did admit that communication could have been better but I needed to get my facts right. Done. So, now when I go to renew my membership I see a spot where I can donate money for the 2009 Rose Parade Float. I also got, I’m sure all AOBA member did,, a flyer with a website to see about what’s going on with the Rose float. No where did I see what this float would look like and what it would cost. Now, the AC representatives have received an email from a member of the marketing committee that the figure of $400K would be needed and that AOBA is not going to fund any of it. So far, no official notification. Please correct me if I wrong but is this “ the cart before the horse”. Why not inform the members, through email, snail mail, etc, what is involved before the hope of the membership are raised. One of the board members told me (through a email) that our organization was losing members. I ask him to explain, tell me how AOBA was doing with its membership. New vs. renewals. Nada! I emailed the president and marketing committee for information of the cost for the float and design. Nada! I’m not trying to do harm to AOBA, I just want to feel that as a member they are working for all of us. It just doesn’t seem that way.

Tumbling stocks tightened lending restrictions, soft real estate market, and potentially soaring interest rates are defining much of 2007 and 2008. Does it follow that this would be a good or a bad time to buy alpacas? Let's begin with those already in the alpaca industry who have a herd and or farm in place. Most would agree the market has slowed a bit because of the economic factors listed above. As a result, established breeders may temporarily offer special incentives, more attractive financing or lower prices to sell a few more alpacas. What a terrific time to fine tune our herds with new additions or trades that can benefit both parties as far as new bloodlines, colors, upgraded quality, etc. Operators pursuing the same strategy in the stock market are affectionately called "bottom feeders". Where some see panic, others see opportunity. Snatching up quality alpacas for sale right now is a very savvy tactic, and in fact that is exactly what many are doing! For those contemplating the purchase of their first alpaca, it is always scary to think of spending so much for an animal; however, all the good reasons for getting into the industry are still as strong as ever. Right now there are only around 150,000 alpacas in the US which is a very low number compared to most other livestock. With perhaps 70% of the females having only one offspring a year (remainder are too young, too old, taking a year off), growth will be relatively slow, and simple supply and demand will keep prices fairly stable. There are still many people who have never heard of alpacas, and we have a long way to go before the strong breeding market eases into a softer edged fiber market. The good news for new buyers/breeders is all the same opportunities listed above apply to everyone. It's also worth mentioning that while the bottom has dropped out of the sub-prime mortgage market, the fact is that qualified, creditworthy individuals are still able to borrow without problems, although at slightly higher rates. Thus, the option of using a home equity loan for an alpaca purchase is still very much alive. Now is a great time to shop around and find good prices and flexible terms on quality alpacas. In addition, there are many levels where a new breeder can enter the market. Whether one chooses initially to buy one alpaca and board it or buy a small or large herd and farm at the beginning, growth and profit are possible for both options. The numerous tax advantages are exciting, and accountants experienced with alpacas can explain all in detail. Instead of buying a new car this year, an alpaca can be purchased and insured, and instead of immediately losing value when driven off the lot the way a car does, a bred alpaca has the potential for being worth twice its purchase price by the time it delivers its cria. While purchasing stocks is always an option, you cannot insure this investment the way you can insure alpacas. Perhaps the best reasons to be part of the alpaca industry right now are the love of the animals, access to a great network, the chance for an enhanced lifestyle, and a window of opportunity to participate in a market that for the foreseeable future has superb potential for continued strong pricing driven by the demand for breeding. And let’s not forget the fiber. Alpaca fashion is beginning to get equal footing with cashmere. More and more cottage industry fiber users prefer the feel of alpaca and its natural organic qualities. I think we can all relate to the word `addict' when it comes to alpacas. Alpaca breeders simply love what they are doing. It is challenging hard work every day, and there is always something new to learn, but at the end of every day those big eyes are always communicating with us, and the next little alpaca miracle is right around the corner. There is no other industry right now quite like this one and it is hard to imagine what in the future could begin to compare with alpacas. The uniqueness of these creatures and prospects for the next few decades when we can build up herd numbers are two of many reasons why the best time to get into the industry is “NOW”

The Fourth of July was truly a wonderful day. We were invited to a barbeque at a cattle ranch here in Grants Pass. The owners were showing off their new hay barn which had the look of a party house for the wife, who is a drummer and lead singer for country western quartet. Boy, could she sing. All of the cedar for the barn walls came from their treed property. Family members of all ages sat around, ran around and played around the large 40 acre parcel. Even the cows joined in at one point. There was singing and dancin’, a little drinkin’ and a lot of good time. A Norman Rockwell 4th!

National Alpaca Farm Day is going to be Saturday 28, 2007. All alpaca ranches/farms in the US should be open to the public for viewing of the ALPACA. What can we do to entice, persuade or beg total strangers to come to the ranch and see what is involved in this business. Could hang some balloons on the front gate and say welcome to anyone who shows up, for starters. AOBA, our main industry leaders of sales and marketing, has come out with some do’s and don’t. These deal with facilities and grounds, number of visitor expected and parking spaces needed. All just some guide lines. In our area, here in Grants Pass, there are 6 alpaca ranches. No one seems concerned. At first, Paula and I thought lets make this a festival type atmosphere. Have a band, hot dog cart, refreshments, vendors’ selling wears, gifts for the kids. Of course advertising (TV and radio) porta–potty rental, banners /balloons and give away information would be additional incurred expenses. One ranch would host the event with the others bringing animals to fill up the pastures and create a large inventory for all these future buyers and sharing with the expenses and experiences. Sounds like a crazy party! What could happen is that all 6 ranches got together on the advertising cost for the local papers, did some radio spots that would direct the public to a ranch in there nearest location. Each ranch would have information material give a ways, small refreshments and, if so inclined have some, alpaca products to see, feel and purchase. Make it a relaxing day. Enjoy the magic alpacas bring to peoples faces. We will just hang the balloons and open the gate.

It’s time again when all our five boys will begin to party!! All of our females, along with some outside girl friends, will have a date with the boys. The “Red” light will be on for about another month then turned off ‘till Oct-Nov.

It has finally arrived,,,Summer 2007 At time to get some projects done and maybe, just maybe take a nap in the hammock. The drywall faze of the guest quarters begins today,,have till the the middle of August to finish with paint. Friends from down under arriving end of August along with new female that we purchased. More on that later. Have a great Summer!!

Welcome to our Blog page. Here from time to time, personal thoughts about the Alpaca Industry will be reported. Having these beasties for over 16 years now, we have lots to say. Births, deaths, sales, politics and more will be the focus here. Some might find it ofensive, others informative but mostly from the heart. Welcome to the ride!

Today was the bi-monthly meeting of SoJAA the State of Jefferson Alpaca Association.

There was a reasonable turnout but at this time of year when the cria are coming thick and fast its difficult to get alpaca breeders off their farms for love or money......

The meeting was really useful and we discussed many of the new initiatives that we will be putting in place for our show AlpacaMania which has grown in popularity and is without doubt still the friendliest alpaca show in the world.