INFOGIFT.INFO » Info of the Day

How to Stop Unwanted Calls

Lana — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 16:09:49 +0000

If you are tired of getting unsolicited phone calls from the telemarketers, it’s time to take an action: register you phone number (it’s free) at National Do Not Call Registry: https://www.donotcall.gov/

Make sure you enter correct email address.

After completing a very short (entering your phone number and email) registration process you will get a confirmation letter to your email address, where you’ll have to click on the provided link to make the process complete.

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Happy New Year 2009!

Lana — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 08:10:44 +0000

Wishing all of you Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!

Telling Photographs of the Year 2008

Lana — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 05:30:52 +0000

A few days ago Boston.com told the world a story of 2008 in 120 photographs.

Each photograph is so exquisite in its presentation of that particular second in time and so breathtakingly clear in projecting the mood and surroundings, that one almost hears the sound, which could accompany each one of the amazing moments.

Each captured image tells a story worth a 1000 words, shows the emotions, the happenings, the deeds …

I really hope you have enough time to click on each of the 3 links below to see the year 2008 in photographs. Each photograph, by a single shoot, relates a story from the year past.

Year 2008 in Photographs
Delivered in 3 parts; each part consists of 40 photos with a short explanation.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

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Free Shipping Day: December 19, 2008

Lana — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 20:42:23 +0000

There is still time to order things online. And the good news is, that today is a free shipping day. Most of the retailers will honor this policy for most of the items. Once you access the desired store’s site, make sure you find a special code, which will ensure your free delivery, when you input it in the order form.

Please check this site for more information: http://www.freeshippingday.com/

For deadlines on shipping by various merchants check this info: Shipping Deadlines.

There is still a little time left for Holiday Shopping!

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Ideas of the Year 2008

Lana — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 06:07:14 +0000

The New York Times in its Magazine section came up with its eights annual “Year in Ideas” issue, where they “have compiled an alphabetical digest of ideas, from A to Z…that helped make the previous 12 months, for better or worse, what they were”. In this article I will write only about a few ideas, which I find interesting.

1. Under “A” Air Bags For Elderly
“Elderly people reasonably dread falling: falls are the leading cause of death from injury in adults 65 and older. Japanese company Prop begins selling a wearable set of air bags to protect against falls. The device looks something like a fishing vest with a fanny pack attached. When its built-in motion sensors detect a fall, it inflates two air bags — one around the hips, the other around the neck — in a 10th of a second. Instant Michelin Man. It retails in Japan for approximately $1,400.”

2. Birds and Talents “B”
Dancing Bird: Is it Possible?! Yes. See it here: on YouTube, and don’t forget to come back for more interesting things.

The idea explored, is that “humans and parrots are two of the few species with brains wired for vocal learning — hearing sounds…then coordinating complex movements (lips, tongues, vocal cords) to reproduce those sounds.” “In theory,”…“they may be able to dance, too. We just don’t know it yet.””. And here is the link to the article:

3. Become an electrical plant. Letter “B”
Many years ago I heard one Russian comedian musing on the stage: “Just look at those 12 big guys playing soccer! Running around for a couple of hours every day! Just imagine, if they could generate electricity! At least they would do some good for the mankind.”
And look what surfaced now in the ideas!
“…become your own electrical plant. A knee-brace-like gadget developed by a Canadian scientist harnesses the power of the human gait, generating enough wattage from your daily walking to power a cellphone or two-way radio and then some.” That’s right, it’s being explored as a viable method to generate electricity.
Read about it here.

4. Bus Dillema
Should you wait for a bus, or should you walk? If the schedule is not posted how could you possibly decide? “…this year three undergraduate students at Harvard and Cal Tech decided to resolve it. ”
Now, the dillema is solved: you should wait. That is unless you enjoy the walk and it’s a short one. Otherwise, wait for the bus: you now have time to do something else, while you are waiting. If you start walking and it arrives, and then drives by you in the middle of your walking journey, you will arrive to your destination mad, tired, and with certain things not done. Meaning, be patient and lazy.
Read about it here:

5. The car made of cloth.
Just read for yourself (and see a picture, too) about this invention of BMW: Find it here.

6. Dog-Poop DNA Bank
Idea to find out which dog owner failed to scoop their dog’s poop. I think, that so much work and so many people involved, that it really not worth it economically. Just employ a poop scooper. The researches have their own idea on this one. Read about it here.

7. Guarrantied Retirement Account
We see the turmoil at the Wall Street. We see the mess with mortgages, home values and 401K. Now, “Teresa Ghilarducci, an economist at the New School for Social Research, has emerged as the primary exponent of “Guaranteed Retirement Accounts,” or G.R.A.’s. The way they work is simple: workers who don’t have access to a conventional defined-benefit plan would contribute 2.5 percent of their income (with the government seeding the first $600 of that amount). Their employers would then kick in another 2.5 percent. It’s similar to a 401(k), except that the money would be deposited into an individual account with the Social Security Administration, which would pool the money and put it into relatively conservative investments.” For more info read this article.

8. New Income Tax Idea
Called “the Rising-Tide Tax System — is an allusion to John F. Kennedy’s claim in 1962 that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” a promise that general economic growth would benefit all members of society.”
“Under the proposal, the tax code would automatically be rewritten at the end of each year to reflect any changes in the relative share. For example, if one year the nation’s top earners saw their share of national income rise while people at the bottom saw their share grow at a slower rate (or decline), the following year’s tax rates would be automatically rewritten to compensate for the new inequality. This would keep everyone’s share of after-tax income at the earlier level.”
Read it under the letter “R”.

9. Stock Transfer Tax
To prevent speculation in certain financial transactions: “Here’s a simple but effective cure: impose a small tax on the sale or transfer of stocks, bonds, derivatives and other securities, thereby encouraging people to “buy and hold” rather than to engage in the frenetic transactions typical of a speculative bubble.”

In the situation, where you have a few complex transactions, you would end up paying taxes several times. That would become expensive and may prevent certain dealings.
Read about it here.

10. Teachers and Teaching
What to do about our education system and how to differentiate between a good and bad teacher. Could “elevated teacher pay” be the answer? Read about it here, under the letter “T”.

11. On Women and Wine
Check the “W” letter, which carries a couple of interesting articles about women and wine. No, not together. It’s here.

If you wish to see all the ideas, click on this link and starting from the letter “A” continue clicking on the arrow to the following letter. Or randomly hit a large letter displayed for the idea contained within. Each letter holds an idea, or a few.

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Report: Luxury Brands Study and Observations in San Francisco: Part 1

Lana — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 04:19:13 +0000

Dog, Cat and a Rat

Last Friday I finally found time and went shopping to a downtown San Francisco. I was pleasantly surprised by a throng of people, moving in all directions throughout the streets; unhappy by the full to the capacity parking lot (good for them, though), and pensive over why so many people in the stores just looking: not much of the actual buying.

I went to Macy’s, where prices are down to a very realistic level, including jewelry for up to 75% off original price. The store was bustling with people, a lot of them still in a browsing stage. There was a big crowd in front of the windows: people stopped to look at the cats and dogs ready for adaption, brought in by San Francisco SPCA. People with boxes, adorned with SPCA logo, accepted donations right there. Macy’s also has many promotions online, including free shipping (click on the link to see) www.macys.com.

Then, I visited Saks Fifth Avenue, where prices, too, were reduced up to 75% off the original value. As you know, most of the merchandises this store carries, are brand names. What I saw made me think again: what’s in the name? Brand name, that is. So many dresses, skirts, blouses ended up on the sale rack, that it was really a sad sight. Of course, most were really of a good quality, interesting or a very classic cut, nice colors, but all of those things were still expensive for a regular person with financial responsibilities. Yes, I know, the store is for well to do people, whose lifestyle carries a position or requires a certain verve in dressing, and who can afford these prices; it’s not for a regular Joe. At the same time I found, that some purcases can be justified, especially if they are 75% off. Evening dresses, priced in a $2,000-3,000 range, which could be worn only by a 6′-2″ skinny models, made me cringe: I guess, I don’t know those people…

Next was Neiman Marcus, where sale racks were full, but the prices were still in the 50% off range. The store also had a promotion: buy 1 item, get a second one (less expensive) with an additional 30% off. I had the same thoughts (as in Saks) on the evening dresses. It also seemed, that brand name clothing suffered a fate of being generously discounted. There was quiet a selection of shoes: a lot of them extremely high-heeled with seriously slashed prices. Saks’s shoe racks were much smaller and emptier. I really wonder, what will the stores do with all the unsold merchandise: those people, who usually buy for a regular price won’t touch it, and those who usually can’t afford it, but might buy it now, don’t have much use for it. Classic, office wear could probably do real well, if so many offices didn’t adapt casual dressing…

Now, have you ever heard about the “Law of Attraction“ rule, where if you think of something – you’ll find or get it: one way or another. It happened to me, too. While I was thinking about all the expensive luxury brands being downgraded to an extreme sale rack, there was a study being ready for publishing. The www.interbrand.com came up with a very interesting article (especially, if you are into luxury and fashion), which is in sync with my thoughts. I will write about the Study in Part 2, in my next post.

P.S:

1. Walking past Macy’s I saw a following “composition”: a large, sad dog splashed on the sidewalk, and equally sad, quite cat sitting on its back. Nobody walked by without giving a donation to their jolly-mooded guardian, standing right next to them. I didn’t take a picture, fearing a lawsuit, alleging an unlawful use of an image in the media without the proper consent of the pet…or its guardian.

But then, on Sunday morning I opened my SF Chronicle and what do I see?! The picture of that group with a cute rat, too! I guess, I missed it. Now you can see it too, at the top of the post.

From that article I found out about a video in existence, which I found, too. Here, watch the “Dog, Cat and a rat” : YouTibe Video . The guardian of these animals is Gregory Pike.

2. Sears, Target Target (offers free shipping), Home Depot and Lowe’s.com – Lowe’s (offers free parcel shipping), have a lot of people visiting and, seemingly, buying. Mostly big household items, such as washers and dryers, furniture, etc. Many people are taking advantage of the stores’ offer to buy with no interest for 12 months.

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Fortune Magazine lists 101 Dumbest Moments in Business for 2008

Lana — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:24:58 +0000

There is a new Fortune Magazine’s list of 101 Dumbest Moments in Business for 2008.
You may see it all at CNN.com, or read just a few things I found most memorable right here.
(If interested in pictures, click on the item’s link, read CNN, page back to Infogift’s article for the next item). If you decide to click through to the CNN site for the whole list, scroll by the gallery pictures, underneath the large screen display: it may save you some time.

1. China’s Moment.

Too many dumb moments for China: contaminated pet food, toys, football helmets. “The bad news is that 2008 is the Year of the Rat”.

4. Merrill Lynch and its role in the sub-prime mortgage crisis.

“…with the market in meltdown just a few months later, Merrill CFO Jeffrey Edwards (pictured) tells analysts that the firm’s subprime exposure is “limited, contained, and appropriately marked.” In October, Merrill announces a quarterly loss of $2.24 billion after $7.9 billion in subprime-related write-downs.”

8. Rats are Here.

“A video clip showing hordes of rats in a closed-for-the-night KFC/Taco Bell outlet in New York City gets nearly a million hits on YouTube.”

16. Microsoft’s PR Firm PR firm

“While working on an article about Microsoft, Wired contributing editor…Fred Vogelstein receives a 13-page dossier about himself, describing him as “tricky” and his stories as “sensational.” The document, prepared by the company’s public relations firm, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, as background for Microsoft executives, was sent inadvertently to the writer.”

22. What’s in the Name Naming Rights rights”.

“A Tanzanian native, claiming ancestry in both the Gogo and the Yao tribes, sued Google and Yahoo alleging that they had misappropriated the tribal names”.

29. Swiss Newspaper.

“SonntagsZeitung, a Swiss newspaper, publishes a two-page ad for Gucci Eau de Parfum that turns out to be a hoax by a prankster who took a picture of himself posing naked next to a bottle of the high-end scent”.

31. Bear Stearns Analysts.

“In March, shortly after No. 2 U.S. subprime lender New Century Financial announces a major earnings restatement as a result of failing loans, Bear Stearns analysts Scott Coren and Michael Nannizzi write a research note on New Century. They argue that despite New Century’s stock having plunged 50%, to $15 per share, its downside risk is no worse than $10 in a “rescue-sale scenario.” Within a month, New Century drops below $1 a share, is suspended by the NYSE, and files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection”.

37. Judge Roy Pearson

“District of Columbia judge Roy Pearson loses a $54 million lawsuit against the owners of a dry-cleaning establishment that he claims misplaced a pair of his pants. Pearson argued that the cleaner committed fraud by failing to live up to the SATISFACTION GUARANTEED sign displayed in the shop.Four months later a judicial review committee votes against reappointing him to his post, finding that he failed to demonstrate “appropriate judgment and judicial temperament.”

39. Damien Hirst.

“British artist Damien Hirst, famous for such works as a tiger shark preserved in a tank of formaldehyde, creates the most expensive piece of contemporary art in history: a platinum human skull covered with 8,601 diamonds. Called “For the Love of God,” the piece is reportedly sold to an unnamed investment group for $100 million.”

50. The Defense Defense Department’s Shipping Fees.

“Makes you wonder what it would cost to ship a million German screws. Exploiting a flaw in a Defense Department purchasing system, South Carolina parts supplier Distributors rakes in $20.5 million in shipping fees on just $68,000 in sales. The scheme is finally detected when a Pentagon clerk spots a $969,000 bill for shipping two 19-cent washers to an Army base in Texas”.

99. Century 21: Rosy Outlook

“Her grandfather made a killing in the stock market back in ’29″.”There is a lot of bad news, but this is still the second-or third-strongest year historically over the past 30 to 40 years, and it is still a very strong, vibrant market.” Bev Thorne, senior vice-president of marketing for Century 21, on the outlook for real estate in 2007″.

If still interested in reading a whole list, visit the site: Dumbest Moments.

Christmas Shopping: Coupons and Sales

Lana — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 05:46:27 +0000

As you may already know, many retailers are offering coupons and free shipping.

For the hassle free shopping check Amazon.com. There are still some promotions on shipping.

The ever popular electronic Reader Kindle is sold out, but if you register, you will get it after December 24. Shipping is expected in 11-13 weeks…

If you really want your Reader on time, you may buy Sony Portable Digital Electronic Book Reader (don’t forget AC Charger):

Canon PowerShot A590IS 8MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom:
You have to add it to the cart to see price. You may remove it later.

If you are planning on using www.Skype.com or Google Voice Chat, which is relatively new, read about it and watch a short video here: http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/talk-face-to-face-right-from-within.html, then get the Webcam for yourself and your friend.

Also, Saks Fifth Avenue – Designer Sale, up to 70% off. The “free shipping” promotion is ending December 11, but …

Neiman Marcus – take an extra 30% off already reduced prices. Free 3 days delivery at any price with a code: NMHURRY

If you are interested in jewelry or watches, visit: www.bidz.com. You have to bid to win, but choices are overwhelming.

Stores, such as Lamps Plus, Overstock, Home Depot are offering discounts as well. Check this site for a list of more stores and promotions: Fresh Trend

Stores Closing: The List

Lana — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:15:31 +0000

As you know, the economy is on the downturn course and many stores are closing their doors right after the Holiday Season. That said, I’d like to remind you to refrain from buying gift cards, because, as it often happens, the recipient don’t use it right away, and then…it may be too late.

Some chains are closing all their stores, some – only very unprofitable.
Among those closing: Ann Taylor, Circuit City, J.Jill, Foot Locker, Dillard’s, Levitz, some of Disney’s Stores, some of Gap’s and Macy’s…
The following article from Snopes is a more detailed version, discussing the closures and the accuracy of the information: www.snopes.com. Please, read for a complete list of the stores closing.

If you are going to shop online, notice, that many retailers are disclosing their shipping and tax information upfront.

Read this short article for more info: news.cnet.com.

World Kindness Week

Lana — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:59:10 +0000

I hope you all know about Random Act of Kindness. But have you heard about a Kindness Week? The week to do good deeds.

In case you didn’t know, there is one: November 10 through November 16 2008, and you may read about it here: Acts of Kindness
Here is a schedule of the past and future days.

As for me, I’ve never tried to define my motives, but whenever I find myself in line at the supermarket with a cart full of groceries and see a person next in line with just 2 or 3 items, I always let them go in front of me.
You should see the eyes of that person! Such a small action produces so many profound “Thank you”s and happy smiles, that I feel happy myself. In a few seconds, this act of a plain civility brings such a powerfull emotion boost, that it leaves me in a great mood, too. Try it, you’ll see for yourself.

What else can you do? Give a lift to an elderly person, waiting for a bus at a bus stop, pay toll at the bridge for the car, which is behind you, offer to feed your neighboor’s cat, when they leave for a few days, take a dog for a walk, when its owner is sick… Many small, but thoughtful acts of kindness make the world a much happier place.
Let us know, if you do or think of something else to keep up with this wonderful tradition.

INFOGIFT.INFO » Info of the Day

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