From home appliances and cars to gadgets and clothes, companies are using bright vibrant hues to excite reluctant consumers.
By Parija B. Kavilanz, CNNMoney.com senior writer

“Even though these non-conventional colors typically cost more, Webb said during bad [economic times], “people will gladly pay less for everyday necessities but are still willing to spend more on something different that makes them feel better.”

Cohen had a similar opinion. “Consumers are still willing to pay more for something that a little extra special and gives them a sense of pride in ownership,” he said.

In 2008, GM is introducing a Chevy Corvette in Jetstream metallic blue and a Pontiac Solstice GXP in yellow in 2009.

“Our customers want these bright colors. They may not be for everyone so we’re also offering them as limited promotional colors,” Webb said.

Gerald Celente, director of trend research with the Trends Research Institute, said this color push by product makers is a “smart and timely move” during an economic downturn.”

Click here to read entire article.

Are job worries tempting you to start your own company? CNNMoney.com canvassed the country to find towns with the best mix of business advantages and lifestyle appeal. Check out their 100 top picks and find what makes the perfect place to build a dream.

Click here to see all 100 places.

Live Web Systems™ customer Windthings is a family owned business who sells wind products all around northern California.  They attend several home garden shows and festivals selling their products and are now available with an online store!

Windthings sells windspinners, windsocks, garden charms, flags and kites. Their products are 100% guaranteed. Most are made with Sun Tex material or Solar Max UV resistant fabric, made by Invista.

With Live Web Systems™ Windthings has an online store for customers who prefer to make their purchases online, also it’s a place for potential customers from an event or word of mouth to find the perfect windthing for their needs.  Windthings are sure to catch your neighbors eye and look great in your yard, on your patio or deck or hanging from an eve.  Is it great weather to fly a kite? Shop online for one today!

Experts help small business owners cut through the social-networking thicket.
by Ask FSB

“A lot of small business owners are asking themselves if diving into the social networking phenomenon will work for them and, if so, where to begin.

If Twitter sounds like an obscure bird species and you think Facebook and News Corp (NWS, Fortune 500).’s MySpace are pretty much interchangeable, first take some time to read up on the latest social networking platforms and what they involve.

One great resource is PBS’s Media Shift blog by Mark Glaser. His August 2007 guide to social networking offers a comprehensive overview with plenty of links for more information.

But that doesn’t address your central dilemma: Should your company jump in or run away?”

Click here to read entire article.

This may sound like something off the SciFi channel but today, it’s a reality.

What is the biggest challenge for this highly advanced artificial intelligence?  Table tops.

Click here to watch the CNN clip.

On behalf of everyone at Shasta Consulting & Web Design, have a safe and wonderful holiday weekend!

Live Web Systems™ customer Scott Valley Bluegrass Festival began in 2004, and was conceived by the local Chamber of Commerce as a way to introduce folks to their beautiful valley and, more importantly, as a scholarship fundraiser for the local valley high school. The Festival is now in its fifth successful year. Bluegrass music, small towns and high mountain scenery are a pretty unbeatable combination.

The 2008 Festival will be held on July 19th and 20th at the Etna City Park in Etna, California. The big weekend kicks off in downtown Etna on Friday, July 18th, with a “Jammin’ On Main” event. One block of Main Street in Etna will be closed to through traffic from 6pm to 9pm that Friday night, and all visiting musicians and pickers are invited and encouraged to join in the fun.

With Live Web Systems™ Scott Valley Bluegrass has the flexibility to update their site without the wait for a web administrator. Directly from their own computer they are able to update any page, this is especially useful for advertising the upcoming festival, bluegrass artists, vendors, and selling tickets online. This allows Scott Valley Bluegrass to accommodate the needs of all participating elements of the festival.  Join the fun and live music, click here to buy your tickets online.

A look at 14 of the technology that will be unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week.
By Jon Fortt, Fortune

Highlights:
- Yoggie has a novel take on PC security — rather than deal with anti-virus and parental control software that slows down your computer, just plug in this USB gadget. The Pico might look like flash storage, but it’s actually a tiny Linux computer that polices your system.

- Your jewelry and documents will be OK in the safe if disaster strikes — but what about your digital files? SentrySafe, a 75-year-old New York company, is trying to blend its security brand with digital smarts to answer that question.

- The Logitech diNovo Mini is the gizmo for that small, but growing, number of people who have connected their PC to a big flat panel television or have one of Microsoft’s media center setups. It’s a wireless keyboard that is small enough to sit unobtrusively on a coffee table, and that allows you to kick back on the couch and operate your PC, and what’s on that big screen, remotely.

Click here to view entire article.

A majority of seniors and disabled persons expecting to receive the rebate (Stimulus Package) the government has been promising to help them over this turbulent economic time may not receive it. Why? There are certain steps that must be taken to receive the rebate. The IRS sent out letters informing seniors and disabled persons of the process, however many local seniors have received no such letter and are unaware the deadline is April 15th. The Stimulus Package is not automatic. Does this news have an impact someone you care about?

Here are the highlights:

• There is a form that must be filled out by anyone expecting the Stimulus Package and sent to the IRS. Click here for more information from the IRS.
• The Stimulus package is first come, first served. Do not wait until the deadline to send this in.
• The government is requiring this extra step to protect against various forms of fraud. Already there are several scams related to telephone and email saying they are from the IRS. Click here for the message from the IRS regarding scams.

For more information visit www.IRS.gov . If you have any questions, contact the IRS or a certified tax professional.

Click here for the IRS contact info page.

A golf experience that tests any level.

Live Web Systems™ customer River Bend Golf and Country Club was built in 1991, this 9-hole temptress lies waiting to challenge any game you want to bring. If you’re an occasional player or a senior, you’ll enjoy gliding on top of closely cut Bermuda fairways as you carve your way through the Redwoods and Valley Oaks that line the fairways like leafy spectators as you move to the home holes that border the Sacramento River. Between shots, you may spot a deer foraging in the woods or a beaver slipping into the lagoon to escape a hot summer sun. What more could you ask for from a golf experience? Okay, okay…but even the pros four putt once in a while.

If you’re a more experienced player, you’ll be hard pressed to look down the first fairway and not lick your lips. Even from the back tee, you only have to carry 175 yards to make the plateau. But if you miss, River Bend will waste no time flashing its teeth.

Particularly around the greens. You’ll be amazed at how tenaciously this beauty protects par. Even visiting PGA pros rarely creep into the hallowed red numbers around here.

With Live Web Systems™ River Bend Golf has the flexibility to update their site without the wait for a web administrator. Directly from their own computer they are able to update any page, this is especially useful for advertising upcoming tournaments, banquets, and any other events. This allows River Bend Golf to accommodate the needs of any potential or returning client. Is it a gorgeous day out outside? What is keeping you at the computer? Visit River Bend Golf today!

River Bend Golf & Country Club
www.riverbend-golf.com or call (530) 246-9077

Live Web Systems™
www.livewebsystems.com or call (530) 223-3924
© Shasta Consulting & Web Design, Inc.

Small business weathers the credit crunch
By Fortune Small Business staff

“Each recession hits entrepreneurs differently. Seven years ago, companies in travel and technology got slammed hardest, while this time those involved in real estate are worst off.

But today, as in past downturns, some small-business owners - even some in housing and construction - are nimble and savvy enough to thrive. Where others see only calamity, they see cheap credit, bargains on equipment and property, and new opportunities to hire topflight employees.

There are a few common themes to their success: They didn’t wait for Congress to decide on a stimulus package; they moved quickly to adjust their products and business plans to take advantage of more lucrative niches. Some diversified. Others identified new customers. Almost all cut behind-the-scenes costs. ”

Click here to read entire article.