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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.

If you like this article, send it to your friends.

 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.

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

 The crisis, the Armageddon, the recession: these are the words, which not always reflect the true meaning of the situation for everybody. When situation comes to something special, as in the case of Wittelsbach Diamond, the economic climate around doesn’t matter: this 35.56 carat grayish-blue diamond was sold at Christie’s for near $25 million and became the most expensive item of jewelry ever sold at an auction.

 
This extraordinary stone has an appropriate history, mystery and enough lores to sustain its price: came from India, at one time possessed by king Philip IV of Spain, been given as a dowry at the engagement of a Spanish princess Infanta Margarita Teresa, who, when little, was depicted as a central figure in the famous work of art “Las Meninas” (1656) by the famous painter, Spaniard Diego Velázquez; in the 18th century the diamond belonged to the Bavarian royal family…the stone been lost, found, coveted…

 
“But it has now broken the world record for any diamond sold at auction. The stone was purchased by Bond Street jeweller Laurence Graff.”
“According to the Gemological Institute of America, whose research was published in Christie’s catalog, the most famous colored diamond in the world is the 45.52-carat blue Hope diamond in the Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C. The 35.56-carat Wittelsbachdiamond rivals the Hope “in all attributes,” said the GIA.Today’s price exceeded the record of $16.5 million with fees paid for the 100.1-carat “Star of the Season” pear-shaped, colorless diamond at Sotheby’s, Geneva, in May 1995.”

 
Here is the  Video offered by Telegraph.co.uk about this diamond. 

 
For more info read an article from Telegraph.co.uk

 
Article from Bloomberg News.

 
Read the history and the lores of the Wittelsbach Diamond at: Famous Diamonds. 

 
See the painting “Las Meninas” by Velázquez and read about it at: Wikipedia.org 

 
Here is Christie’s page: www.Christies.com

On December 4th “The Tales of Beedle the Bard” was published with a print run of 8 million copies.
Last book of the Harry Potter series “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” sold 8 million copies in its first day. Only in USA print run of this (last and final) book was 12 million copies.  All the Harry Potter books have a huge global following, translated into many languages and printed in large quantities in other countries.

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, Collector’s Edition (Offered Exclusively by Amazon) (Hardcover) for $100.00. See it here: Collectors Edition.

Here is what the introduction passage from Amazon says:
“Designed to evoke the spirit of the handcrafted original, the luxuriously packaged Collector’s Edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard features a reproduction of J.K. Rowling’s handwritten introduction, metalwork and clasp, and replica gemstones–and is exclusively available from Amazon. The Collector’s Edition also includes 10 new illustrations by J.K. Rowling and a velvet bag embroidered with Rowling’s signature. (Available in limited quantities.)”

 
“The Tales of Beedle the Bard” also comes in a  Standard Edition for $7.14.

 
Also, Amazon informs, that: “Net proceeds from the Collector’s Edition and the Standard Edition support the Children’s High Level Group, a charity registered in England and Wales under registered charity number 1112575. Buying Beedle as a gift? All current and future orders of The Tales of Beedle the Bard (both the Standard and Collector’s Editions) will be shipped in standard Amazon.com packaging that does not disclose the contents of the box. (A note on the Collector’s Edition: Because quantities are limited and sales are intended to support the Children’s High Level Group charity, Amazon will be the exclusive seller of The Tales of Beedle the Bard: Collectors Edition until it sells all of the copies of the Collector’s Edition that it has on hand.)”

The following five items I would consider great gifts for anyone for any occasion.

 
1. 360 George Foreman Grill 
“The 360 grill serves as a deep-dish pizza oven, a six-pocket quesadilla press, an omelet maker, or a pancake griddle – all you have to do is to switch the plates. Its patented, adjustable angled cooking surface allows you to cook steaks, chops, seafood, and burgers while leaving the fat behind.”You may buy it at Amazon: George Foreman Round Shaped 360 Grill. George Foreman “360 grill” sells for around $150.
Via: www.appliancist.com

 
A somewhat smaller version, as I understand, is around $112.00. See it at Amazon:George Foreman Grilleration.

 
2. Lean Mean Fryer 
“During a special Smart Spin cycle that follows cooking, your Lean Mean Fryer uses centrifugal force to literally spin the added fat and oil out and off your food. During the spinning process, this deep fryer continues to cook the food through hot air convection to stay crispy and hot. Moreover, due to the unique basket design, food keeps its shape and doesn’t crumble during the spin cycle…A viewing window allows consumers to safely check food while it’s cooking without having to stop or open the deep-fryer.” George Foreman Lean Mean Fryer sells at Amazon for $137.00 George Foreman Fryer. Watch a short video there, too.
Via: www.appliancist.com

 
3. PizzaDome Portable Pizza Maker
 PizzaDome – portable tabletop Italian-style brick oven. “Made of the handmade natural clay and designed to cook without the use of hot oils and fumes, the PizzaDome retains and circulates the heat like an old fashioned brick oven…Simply place precut pizza dough on your spatula and sprinkle on your favorite toppings, then slide it into the PizzaDome to bake. Comes with a detailed cook book. Price for the portable tabletop Italian-style brick oven is $100.”  Watch a short demonstration here: www.pizzadome.net. $129 from Amazon: PizzaDome at Amazon.

Via: Appliancist.com

 
4. Coffee Bean Canister
“An ultimate protector against oxygen which surely ruins the best coffee, the BeanVac coffee bean canister stores a pound of fresh coffee quite safely. By removing the air from the container, the beans last much longer. Equipped with a simple yet effective battery-powered pump that sucks out the air to create a partial vacuum inside the chamber, the BeanVac coffee bean canister eliminates oxidization and extends the deliciousness and lifetime of your beans, keeping your coffee beans fresh for weeks.” You may buy it at Amazon: Coffee Bean Canister for $40.00.
 
There are a few less expensive versions with a lesser price and less features as well:More Coffee Bean Canisters.
Via: www.appliancist.com
 
5. Pan with the Digital Thermometer
I, personally, would consider it a gadget, but then again, I am not a pro.”This pan comes with thermometer integrated into its handle.” The price: $50.00.
Find it at: www.appliancist.com.

 
Last Christmas I wrote about a panini maker, which you may consider this season as well: Panini is a glamorized sandwich.

 
There is also a last year’s post: Holiday shopping in 3 hours or less which you may find interesting. The links may not be up-to-date, but you get an idea.

 
Happy Shopping! Please, share this gift of information with your friends.

The Holidays are just 3 weeks away. If you know what you are buying for your friends and loved ones you are lucky; if you have your entertainment ideas all planned and ready for execution – good for you, but if you have no ideas, no plans and no time: there is still hope. I’d like to inform you about a few things which may help:

 
First, Personalized Gifts and Holiday Greetings with  Google Templates from Google Docs.
There are templates available for party invitation, gift tags and even gift certificates. Imagine: you print out your own gift certificate, insert it in the envelope with personalized real or virtual card and a written promise or a check, and viola!. Very personal and even generous gift with a lot of time left for real celebration of being close.

 
On the other hand, who said all the greeting cards have to depict winter Holidays? Besides, some people have birthdays, aniversaries and many other important things to remember. In this case a bouquet of flowers (in form of the painting) by an artist “of the Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neoclassicism and Romanticism periods” would be an appropriate gift.
For that I’d like you to check out Web Gallery of Art: Here. 
“The Web Gallery of Art is a virtual museum and searchable database of European painting and sculpture from 12th to mid-19th centuries.”

You may send (by email) any picture of the collection as a postcard, and even have an option to attach a music to it.
All you have to do is to choose a painting and enter your own greeting text. You may change the background of the card (not painting) and the color of the text.  It’s fun, it’s original, it relays the message.

 
Christmass theme paintings are available also.
And, by the way, while you enjoy the Gallery, you may listen to a music as well.

 
Then, you may even combine these two ideas. From the comfort of your home (or office?) you may deliver as many gifts as you wish, and still,  you always have an option to deliver something material in addition to this virtual card, later.

If you click on the following link, you’ll see the incredibly beautiful paintings by Russian artist Natalia Goncharova. You may Google more information about her or consult Wikipedia.

 
Her paintings are represented extensively at the exhibition and I think they are breathtaking. The collection of Russian avangard paintings “in Spain is on view now and through January 18 at Caixa Girona Fontana d’Or Cultural Center.”

 
Goncharova is known, together with Mikhail Larionov whose works also displayed at the exhibition, for the creation of “Rayonism (or Rayonnism) is a style of abstract art that developed in Russia in 1911″.

 
Many other Russian artists also represented at the exhibition, but I don’t think I should write about it extensively in this article because: not only I am not an expert, it’s not specifically an art blog. I merely call your attention to the things I find interesting.

 
Please, click on the links (blue text) within this post and see for yourself the magic of these paintings and read biographies of these artists.

 
I don’t insert pictures, because the template I use don’t provide enough space for the pictures to be shown in all their beauty and because I really hope you’ll want to read the original article as well…

Today I would like you to see this Mixed Installation by Zhang Huan.

 
I think Chinese artist Zhang Huan is in direct competition (or in sync) with Damien Hirst (think Hirst’s animal series: golden calf, zebra, shark in formaldehyde). The choice of materials from both artists and the ideas behind the objects exhibited is widely open for the interpretation. That’s my opinion. Any thoughts? 

 
Here is an article with more info about Zhang Huang, a very intense artist, who is for the occasion of one exhibition “slathered himself with fish oil and honey, then sat motionless in a public latrine as insects crawled over him, into his mouth, up his nose. At the end of an hour, he stood up and slowly walked into a nearby pond until the water closed over his head.” Read NY Times. Find some biographical facts there, too.

 
Now, watch this absolutely incredible YouTube Video, where artist himself is talking about his work.

 
And here is Hirst’s “Golden Calf”  “with hoofs and horns made of 18-carat gold and a gold disc crowning the head”, which was sold for $18.6 million.  Please, read the article in its entirety: not only it’s informative, it reads as a novel. 

 
In addition, you may check the Gallery of Hirst’s works at Guardian.co.uk. 

 
Please, click on the links (blue underlined text) provided within this post and see all the works. Enjoy!

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.