What’s in common between a photo frame and a procrastination, except a letter “P”?
Well, nothing, except, that if you bought or got a certain digital photo frame as a gift and procrastinated in using it, it might, for once, proved to be a very good move.
The word is once again, that your brand new digital photo frame may be infected with a virus.
“Among the frames reported to be infected this holiday season were a Samsung 8-inch frame sold by Amazon.com, an Element 9-inch frame sold by Circuit City and a Mercury 1.5-inch frame sold by Wal-Mart”.
Amazon.com has notified its customers about the Samsung frame, others said they weren’t aware of it or that they will remove the infected product from the shelves.
Infected photo frames may have been sold also by Best Buy, Costco and Target.
“…like computers, the frames are capable of carrying code that logs keystrokes, steals data and calls out to other malicious code once it’s installed itself on a PC.”
The worst thing about it, is that while all of this may be going on inside the user’s computer, the user may not notice or realize any of it.
I suggest that you read this article and follow the advice they offer, such as check your computer yourself, or find someone to do it.
If you don’t know anybody, try calling your closest Circuit City or Best Buy stores, they should be able to help you.
Source: SF Chronicle
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Wishing all of you Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year!
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.
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Annie Leibovitz’s new book “Annie Leibovitz at Work” is about her work: how she came to it, how, when and what she learned; her thoughts, her memories. A lot of insights and history.
It’s for “Someone who is interested in photography but isn’t sure how they want to use it” and for anyone, who loves the photography and the images delivered by the author.
This is one of those books, which will make a great gift for any occasion.
You may read some excerpts at Amazon.com, by clicking on the image and getting to the book’s page. The rave reviews may convince you to buy this book: one for yourself, one for a friend.
Also, here: www.artknowledgenews.com
0 comments Lana | Books |
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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photo credit: TheTruthAbout…
Droves of well to do Chinese are descending on USA soil. They are equipped with some, often limited knowledge about the Real Estate situation, but ready and willing to strike, meaning – buy.
Not since the end of 80th, or some 20 years ago, have we seen such a movement on the part of Chinese citizens. At that time the acquiring of RE in USA was done quietly, through representatives and the motive was mostly political.
Now, arriving in organized tours, consisting mostly of RE agents, so far, they are driving through major cities with a presence of a good college and snapping up bargains and foreclosing properties.
San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington and Las Vegas are the most popular destinations.
Since US relaxed its visa rules for Chinese tourists and China adjusted its foreign investment policies, it became much easier for Chines people coming to America and buy houses, which many hope to hold on to for a while.
The tours are arriving in rapid succession – buyers are still may be in for a surprise: there are not many cheap houses in good neighborhoods available. Nevertheless, many Chinese buyers are ready and will pay for their acquisitions in cash. The targeted price being $200-300K, arriving potential clients spend approx. 10 days in California and Nevada actively touring the market. Will their involvement stabilize the RE market or nor is highly questionable, meanwhile some sellers are relieved of the heavy financial burden, some buyers – of the major chunk of funds, and both sides are, hopefully, satisfied with the transaction.
Source: LA Times
While all the buying with the help of foreign investors is gaining popularity, American buyers are having difficulties to qualify for the loans, even thought rules are relaxed and banks are said to be willing.
At the same time “Hope for Homeowners” program is not working as well, as it was supposed to. It attracted only 312 people.
“…The three-year program was supposed to help 400,000 borrowers avoid foreclosure. But it has attracted only 312 applications since its October launch because it is too expensive and onerous for lenders and borrowers alike…”
“What most people don’t understand is that this program was designed to the detail by Congress,…and unfortunately it has made this program tough to use.”
The goal of the program, run by the Federal Housing Administration, was to allow borrowers who owe more than their homes are worth to refinance into more affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgages insured by the government…But part of the problem is that the program’s success hinges on the lenders’ willingness to participate”.
…Congress originally allowed the FHA to insure new loans for only 90 percent of a home’s value.” Unfortunately, many homeowners simply don’t have any equity in their homes.
Later, HUD increased the insured amount (by grant of the Congress) and the department decided to guarantee up to 96.5 percent of the value of new loans. So far not much changed. Lenders are still balking.
Source: Washington Post
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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photo credit: James Cridland
Report: Luxury Brands Study and Observations in San Francisco: Part 2.
Part 1 was published on December 14, 2008 Here. Part 1.
What is Interbrand and who is behind it?
Read the excerpts from the company’s page: “ Interbrand, whose motto is “Creating and Managing Brand Value“.
“ started in 1974 when the world still thought of brands as just another word for logo.
We have changed the world’s view of branding and brand management by creating and managing brands as valuable business assets.
We now have nearly 40 offices and are the world’s largest brand consultancy.”
The report is written in a very simple, yet logical and informative style, easily reads as a novel, makes you understand certain things, such as: ”Leading luxury brands understand the need for customer restraint rather than relentless acquisition. It is a paradoxical relationship but knowing when to say no – remaining the seducer not the seduced – requires a discipline that can often border on arrogance.”
“Interbrand launches premiere leading luxury brands ” Study.
“Until recently it seemed that luxury brands remained stable through economic downturns. However, it is clear today, as we plunge forward into the challenges of global recession that no industry will remain insulated,” said Jez Frampton, Group Chief Executive of Interbrand. ”
See how luxury brands are valued, with: Leading Brands Value in Mil, with Louis Vuitton leading the list with brand value of $21.602 Mil.
Amazon.com offers a book about Louis Vuitton brand, which, ” traces the remarkable history of the House of Vuitton, which has been making practical but stylish luggage, handbags, and accessories for more than 150 years” and, according to some readers, is considered rare on eBay. It’s The Birth of Modern Luxury”.
This (in PDF Format) 2008 Leading Luxury Brands Report is very detailed and informative.
Also, Global Brands Rating for 2008: Global Brands 2008, where Coca-Cola is Leading.
In case you want to do a more detailed study, read Nielsen report, too.
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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