From http://www.millionaireinside.com/
You’re probably used to thinking of money as a tangible object that resides in your wallet and bank account until you’re ready to use it. You pay bills with it, purchase products and services with it, and maybe even donate some of it to worthwhile charities.
Where does this money come from? If you’re like most people, you probably have a job or business through which you exchange time, products or services for money.
This is the most common way to receive money, but did you know you can also attract it with the Law of Attraction?Have you ever wondered why some people have a lot of money and others have so little?
You may be tempted to say that the former group must work hard and the latter group doesn’t, but that’s not always true either, is it? There are plenty of people who work VERY hard but still barely manage to make ends meet each month.
There are also plenty of people who don’t work at all, yet have millions of dollars in the bank.
Assuming that both groups have the same potential for opportunities, the difference between them is usually a little something called: MIND-SET.
One group has a wealth mind-set, and the other group has a lack mind-set. The Law of Attraction is activated by your mind-set – in other words, the things you think and feel on a regular basis.
Here’s how it works: Your thoughts trigger your emotions. Your emotional state emits a specific “frequency” of energy to the universe, and the universe returns events and experiences into your life, that correspond with your emotional frequency.
When you think and feel positively on a regular basis, everything in your life seems to “flow” more easily, including money.
When your thoughts and emotions lean more toward the negative side on a regular basis, you experience more problems, setbacks and financial lack in your life.
Also important are your beliefs. Your beliefs form the structure of what is possible for you. If you believe you have to work hard to have a lot of money, you’ll create exactly that experience for yourself.
If you don’t believe you deserve more than a certain amount of money, you’ll block more from arriving! Whatever your beliefs are, they are your TRUTH, and you will subconsciously create “evidence” that supports that truth over and over again until you learn to do things differently.
The good news is that you can learn to use the Law of Attraction to improve your financial situation, and it will be much easier than you might think!
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Bar Gadgets : Oxo Gadgets Reviewed
by Robin Holland-Smith
Anyone can tell you that the best thing about setting up a home bar is being able to buy all the latest gadgets. Recently, we heard about a company called Oxo, which produces dozens of handsome bar gadgets for every budget.
The Oxo good grips mirror-like stainless steel with black rubber accents transform ordinary bar accoutrements into miniature artworks. Read on for our top picks.
1. The Oxo 7-piece Barware kit : a great way to get a start in home bartending. You'll also find the kit makes a wonderful gift for any aspiring barman. The kit includes all the main gadgets you'll need: a small cutting board, strainer, jigger, mixing spoon, and bottle opener.
A beautiful stainless steel bar stand comes with the kit for elegant gadget storage. For the price, quality, and style, the Oxo 7-piece Barware kit has no rival.
2. The winged corkscrew: this little stainless steel gem will satisfy all your bottle opener needs. It is comfortable to hold and allows simple, pain-free cork removal. As an added bonus, a handy foil cutter hides inside the knob for easy access in an instant.
We review a lot of corkscrews every year, but this one really stands out from the crowd.
3. POP containers: these great little bins provide storage for food in visually-pleasing, clear, cubical containers. Available in every size you could want, they provide attractive storage for such items as condiments and garnishes. Using these containers will help turn your home bar into a truly delightful area in which to snack, drink, and relax.
4. The Turnable is a convenient condiment tray. This is basically a Lazy Susan made of stainless steel that makes your napkins, condiments and old tabletop accessories look like pieces of art, when placed on it.
The Turnable looks attractive with a mirror shine and the kitchen gadgets also rotate quickly, smoothly and noiselessly.
Fifth, while the shaker seems a rather humble gadget, Oxo's shaker is outstanding. The stainless steel shaker has a novel double-wall construction to ensure that you keep a good grip on it while making your drinks.
It has a rubber grip, like Oxo's other bar gadgets, to make it easier to shake. The high-quality strainer included with the shaker is also good.
Anyone can tell you that the best thing about setting up a home bar is being able to buy all the latest gadgets. Recently, we heard about a company called Oxo, which produces dozens of handsome bar gadgets for every budget.
The Oxo good grips mirror-like stainless steel with black rubber accents transform ordinary bar accoutrements into miniature artworks. Read on for our top picks.
1. The Oxo 7-piece Barware kit : a great way to get a start in home bartending. You'll also find the kit makes a wonderful gift for any aspiring barman. The kit includes all the main gadgets you'll need: a small cutting board, strainer, jigger, mixing spoon, and bottle opener.
A beautiful stainless steel bar stand comes with the kit for elegant gadget storage. For the price, quality, and style, the Oxo 7-piece Barware kit has no rival.
2. The winged corkscrew: this little stainless steel gem will satisfy all your bottle opener needs. It is comfortable to hold and allows simple, pain-free cork removal. As an added bonus, a handy foil cutter hides inside the knob for easy access in an instant.
We review a lot of corkscrews every year, but this one really stands out from the crowd.
3. POP containers: these great little bins provide storage for food in visually-pleasing, clear, cubical containers. Available in every size you could want, they provide attractive storage for such items as condiments and garnishes. Using these containers will help turn your home bar into a truly delightful area in which to snack, drink, and relax.
4. The Turnable is a convenient condiment tray. This is basically a Lazy Susan made of stainless steel that makes your napkins, condiments and old tabletop accessories look like pieces of art, when placed on it.
The Turnable looks attractive with a mirror shine and the kitchen gadgets also rotate quickly, smoothly and noiselessly.
Fifth, while the shaker seems a rather humble gadget, Oxo's shaker is outstanding. The stainless steel shaker has a novel double-wall construction to ensure that you keep a good grip on it while making your drinks.
It has a rubber grip, like Oxo's other bar gadgets, to make it easier to shake. The high-quality strainer included with the shaker is also good.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Setting Up a Great Home Office
From Dummies eTips
The following are the essentials of the well-equipped home office:
In addition, consider how you can use new technologies to your advantage. Tapping into the latest technology is as important for Home-based businesses as it is for the big kids.
Keep up to date with the latest technology news and do whatever you can to be sure that you don't get left behind as the speed of business continues to accelerate. The following sections give you a rundown on the essentials for your Home-based business.
Computers
Whether you get a fully equipped desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a sleek palmtop, your Home-based business can use a computer.
Internet access
Whether you go with a service such as America Online, CompuServe, the Microsoft Network, AT&T WorldNet, or Earthlink, the Internet is where you (and your business) need to be. Here are four popular ways to connect to the Internet:
Phone modems: Phone modems are still the most common way to connect your computer to the Internet.
Many local phone companies also offer a menu of all kinds of phone services, including call forwarding, priority ringing, last call dialed, conferencing, and more. Buy a phone that doesn't require an external power source to operate.
You'll know why the first time your power goes out. Phones that rely on an external power source will die an immediate death, while phones that don't will live on.
You probably also want to consider the following:
Fax machines and copiers
When a document absolutely, positively has to get there right now, a fax machine is a cost-effective option:
A stand-alone fax unit only sends and receives fax messages.
An all-in-one printer/fax/scanner/copier can save you money and space by taking on the functions of many other office machines.
A computer as a fax machine can be used when the item to be faxed resides within the computer's hard drive.
Every home office needs a copier of some sort. If you have an all-in-one printer/fax/scanner/copier, use it to make copies. You can also use your scanner and printer as a copier.
Or you can buy a small desktop copier from warehouse stores and office supply superstores. If your needs are greater than that, you can lease a full-service office copier.
The following are the essentials of the well-equipped home office:
Your desk: Generally, the bigger the better, with lots of room for a computer monitor, keyboard, and telephone, and plenty of space to spread out your work.
Your chair: Although you may be able to get by with used desks and shelves, second-hand file cabinets, and cheap tables, do purchase a new, high-quality chair. Chair padding breaks down over time, so avoid buying a used work chair.
File cabinets: To keep your home office organized, you need lots of filing cabinets for all the paper you and your customers and clients are going to generate. File your paperwork early, and file it often!
Bookshelves: Bookshelves are a great way to store all kinds of work materials — not just books.
Work tables: If you have the space, a work table or two can provide a much-needed work area for those times when your desk just isn't big enough to accommodate a project.
Storage: Closets, garages, attics, and the like all make great places to store or archive your product inventory, paperwork, or other work-related materials. Don't forget: You can write storage space off of your taxes, too, if you take the home-office deduction.
Lots of office supplies! Stock up for several months' worth of supplies at a time if you have the space. Or stock items on a just-in-time basis by ordering via the Internet or by phone.
In addition, consider how you can use new technologies to your advantage. Tapping into the latest technology is as important for Home-based businesses as it is for the big kids.
Keep up to date with the latest technology news and do whatever you can to be sure that you don't get left behind as the speed of business continues to accelerate. The following sections give you a rundown on the essentials for your Home-based business.
Computers
Whether you get a fully equipped desktop computer, a notebook computer, or a sleek palmtop, your Home-based business can use a computer.
Desktops: Desktop computers (as opposed to portable laptops or handheld palmtops) are the workhorses of the technologically up-to-date home office — they have the most powerful microprocessors (to make them fast), the most memory (to be able to store lots of data).
The largest monitors (to see your work more clearly), and the latest technical innovations (like faster modems for connecting to the Internet). Set a budget for your computer purchase, and buy the best one you can afford.
Notebooks: If you're on the road a lot, and you need many of the capabilities of your desktop computer but in a package that's portable, choose a notebook computer.
Personal digital assistants (PDAs): PDAs, such as the units produced by Palm Computing, have captured the most interest among business-people — some even have keyboards and small, built-in color monitors.
- Often called palmtops, PDAs are used primarily to track appointments, to-do lists, and phone numbers.
Printer and scanner: To print anything — proposals, letters, invoices, and so on — you're going to need a printer. Printers come in two main flavors: laser printers to print text and color ink-jet printers for graphics and photos. You may want a scanner to input photos or graphics.
Internet access
Whether you go with a service such as America Online, CompuServe, the Microsoft Network, AT&T WorldNet, or Earthlink, the Internet is where you (and your business) need to be. Here are four popular ways to connect to the Internet:
Phone modems: Phone modems are still the most common way to connect your computer to the Internet.
DSL: Digital subscriber lines (DSL) are cost effective and becoming more common in the marketplace.
Cable modems: Cable modems bring the promise of high-speed access — generally more than 20 times faster than a standard phone modem — over your existing cable television lines (if available in your area).
If you do a lot of your work on the Internet, it's definitely worth the extra cost. Don't forget — you may be able to write the expense off of your taxes.
Satellite: For a Home-based business that requires high-speed access to the Internet but is located in a rural area, simply stick a small dish antenna on your home, hook it up to your computer, and you're off and running!
Telephones
Many local phone companies also offer a menu of all kinds of phone services, including call forwarding, priority ringing, last call dialed, conferencing, and more. Buy a phone that doesn't require an external power source to operate.
You'll know why the first time your power goes out. Phones that rely on an external power source will die an immediate death, while phones that don't will live on.
You probably also want to consider the following:
- Wireless phones include cellular telephones, digital phones, and portable phones that you carry around your home and home office. Cell phones are popular for Home-based businesspeople whenever you need to conduct business away from your office.
Internet phones — which turn your computer into a telephone — are still in their infancy but promise to enable anyone with a computer to call someone on another computer (using the same software, of course) for free.
Voice mail is quickly taking over from answering machines. You can get voice mail on a regular or wireless phone, a pager, or on your computer — often for little or no additional charge.
Fax machines and copiers
When a document absolutely, positively has to get there right now, a fax machine is a cost-effective option:
A stand-alone fax unit only sends and receives fax messages.
An all-in-one printer/fax/scanner/copier can save you money and space by taking on the functions of many other office machines.
A computer as a fax machine can be used when the item to be faxed resides within the computer's hard drive.
Every home office needs a copier of some sort. If you have an all-in-one printer/fax/scanner/copier, use it to make copies. You can also use your scanner and printer as a copier.
Or you can buy a small desktop copier from warehouse stores and office supply superstores. If your needs are greater than that, you can lease a full-service office copier.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
If You Only Had One Wish
From http://www.millionaireinside.com/
If you were granted one wish, right NOW, what would you wish for? Take a moment to think about that question. Of all the things you dream of achieving, which is the most important thing for you right now?
I am not a genie, fairy-godmother or magician, but I do know of somebody who can make every single wish you have come true…
This is an experiment in human thinking:
Write down your wish on a piece of paper and close your eyes, transport yourself some time into the future and imagine that your wish has come true. How does it make you feel?
Whenever I think about my goals and aspirations in this way it always gives me a surge of energy, extra motivation to get things done.
Here are two reasons why people do not achieve their dreams:
1 - Picking the wrong dream
In order to achieve your dreams you must have a burning desire to do so. When every single moment you waste eats you up inside because you’re no closer to achieving your greatest desire you know that you have chosen the correct dream.
It is easy to know if you have chosen the wrong dream, if you are prepared to sit back and relax - not working towards it. Another indication of focusing on the wrong dream is the nagging feeling in the back of your head that you would rather be doing something else.
Let’s say your ultimate dream is to spend two weeks relaxing on a Caribbean island but you’re spending all your time working towards buying a new car.
You are never going to be fully focused on working towards buying your new car because there will always be part of you which is longing for the holiday.
If you were to work towards the holiday instead, you will find that you are far more motivated and will work much harder instead of daydreaming about it. You may be thinking, but what if I actually NEEDED to replace my car.
If this were the case I can assure you that you would not be thinking about the holiday. When I began the article I asked “Which is the most important thing for you right now?” when you spend time thinking about the the question in order to answer it honestly, this is the thing which will always be on your mind.
2 - Too many dreams
The easiest way to illustrate this problem is with an example. There are two naughty boys who keep stealing apples from the tree in your garden. Every time you chase one, the other one sneaks into your garden and steals the apples from the tree.
When you notice, you turn around and begin chasing him away, the first boy comes back and steals your apples while you are preoccupied. You will never catch either boy this way and you will lose more apples.
The solution, don’t stop chasing the first boy until you catch him. Then you can spend all your efforts catching the second boy. Once you’ve caught both, you can concentrate on growing apples.
If you are constantly chasing different dreams, you will never achieve any of them. You will spend all of your time, money and effort getting nowhere. You must choose your most important dream, the one which you desire most and follow it through.
Once you have achieved it, you will feel amazing for doing so. You are then free to choose another dream to follow. Once you have achieved all of your dreams maybe you can sit back and relax with a nice ripe juicy apple.
Like I said, I know somebody who can make every single wish you have come true… now get to it.
Make a wish.
If you were granted one wish, right NOW, what would you wish for? Take a moment to think about that question. Of all the things you dream of achieving, which is the most important thing for you right now?
I am not a genie, fairy-godmother or magician, but I do know of somebody who can make every single wish you have come true…
This is an experiment in human thinking:
Write down your wish on a piece of paper and close your eyes, transport yourself some time into the future and imagine that your wish has come true. How does it make you feel?
Whenever I think about my goals and aspirations in this way it always gives me a surge of energy, extra motivation to get things done.
Here are two reasons why people do not achieve their dreams:
1 - Picking the wrong dream
In order to achieve your dreams you must have a burning desire to do so. When every single moment you waste eats you up inside because you’re no closer to achieving your greatest desire you know that you have chosen the correct dream.
It is easy to know if you have chosen the wrong dream, if you are prepared to sit back and relax - not working towards it. Another indication of focusing on the wrong dream is the nagging feeling in the back of your head that you would rather be doing something else.
Let’s say your ultimate dream is to spend two weeks relaxing on a Caribbean island but you’re spending all your time working towards buying a new car.
You are never going to be fully focused on working towards buying your new car because there will always be part of you which is longing for the holiday.
If you were to work towards the holiday instead, you will find that you are far more motivated and will work much harder instead of daydreaming about it. You may be thinking, but what if I actually NEEDED to replace my car.
If this were the case I can assure you that you would not be thinking about the holiday. When I began the article I asked “Which is the most important thing for you right now?” when you spend time thinking about the the question in order to answer it honestly, this is the thing which will always be on your mind.
2 - Too many dreams
The easiest way to illustrate this problem is with an example. There are two naughty boys who keep stealing apples from the tree in your garden. Every time you chase one, the other one sneaks into your garden and steals the apples from the tree.
When you notice, you turn around and begin chasing him away, the first boy comes back and steals your apples while you are preoccupied. You will never catch either boy this way and you will lose more apples.
The solution, don’t stop chasing the first boy until you catch him. Then you can spend all your efforts catching the second boy. Once you’ve caught both, you can concentrate on growing apples.
If you are constantly chasing different dreams, you will never achieve any of them. You will spend all of your time, money and effort getting nowhere. You must choose your most important dream, the one which you desire most and follow it through.
Once you have achieved it, you will feel amazing for doing so. You are then free to choose another dream to follow. Once you have achieved all of your dreams maybe you can sit back and relax with a nice ripe juicy apple.
Like I said, I know somebody who can make every single wish you have come true… now get to it.
Make a wish.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Life Guide to Cocktails: Perfect Drinks For Every Conceivable Situation
By Christina Laun
There is nothing that can ease social awkwardness, boost confidence and settle nerves like a good cocktail. With thousands of options, it can be hard to know what to choose, especially when your choice will be judged by those around you.
As unfair as it may be, no one wants to be the one ordering the wussy drink when you’re at a business lunch that requires playing hardball. Here are a few cocktails we’ve come up with for just about every imaginable situation.
Romance
Waiting at the Airport: The Aviation- This used to be one of the most popular cocktails back in the early days of aviation, supposed named because of its similarity to early flight– a risky venture not for the faint of heart. Bring it back the next time you’re hanging out in an airport on a lengthy layover.
Feeling Sick: Hot Toddy- Drinking may not be the first thing you think of when you get sick, but southern mothers have been swearing by this drink for ages and there are infinite variations on the recipe. Even if you’re not sick, it’s also great for warming up after being out in the cold.
Taking a Cruise: Sea Breeze- The mix of vodka, cranberry and grapefruit juices makes this a light and tasty drink for hanging out on the decks of a cruise ship. Just don’t drink too much and take a tumble overboard!
There is nothing that can ease social awkwardness, boost confidence and settle nerves like a good cocktail. With thousands of options, it can be hard to know what to choose, especially when your choice will be judged by those around you.
As unfair as it may be, no one wants to be the one ordering the wussy drink when you’re at a business lunch that requires playing hardball. Here are a few cocktails we’ve come up with for just about every imaginable situation.
Romance
First Date: Love Bite- This drink is aptly named for those who are hoping to get that “love bite” on your first date. Whether it’s meant to be or not, this cherries and cream drink certainty can’t hurt.
Anniversary: Heavenly- This fruity drink can help you celebrate your years together whether you’re at the paper anniversary or golden one, with a mix of pineapple, and white wine to take you back to your honeymoon days.
Honeymoon: Sex on the Beach- Whether you’ve just moved out of your parents homes or been living together for years, the honeymoon is the time when you finally get to be alone and make romance happen. Why not toast to it with an aptly named tropical drink?
Valentine’s Day: Strawberry Kiss- Chances are good that if it’s Valentine’s Day you have a kiss on the mind, so start things off right with this creamy and delicious cocktail. Almost more like a dessert than a drink, it will leave your Valentine kissably sweet.
Proposal: Bellini- You could celebrate your love with plain Jane champagne or you could spice it up a little with some Bellinis. This champagne cocktail adds a dash of Peach Schnapps to the mix to make toasting to your happily ever after even sweeter.
Morning After: Mimosa- Ever the traditional brunch staple, it can also be a good way to treat your sweetie after she or he has shacked up at your place. If you’re feeling really thoughtful, you can accompany it with some waffles.
Romantic Night In: Orgasm- If you’ve decided to spend the night in cuddling with your sweetheart instead of out on the town, then try out this delicious cocktail. While it may not exactly deliver on its name, it will certainly satisfy your desire for a good, but sweet cocktail.
Break Up: World’s Strongest Cocktail: There’s nothing like a good binge to wipe the memory of your beloved right on out of your mind and this eight shot drink has enough booze in it to knock out a donkey. It should suffice to erase your puny human memory– at least for the night.
Events
Birthday: Birthday Cake- What this drink has to do with birthdays or cakes we’re not sure, but regardless it sounds delicious and the name alone is enough of an excuse to order up a round for the birthday boy or girl.
Wedding: Kir Royale- This drink sounds just as classy as it is and it’s a perfect addition to the traditional champagne you’ll have for toasting. Originating in France, this drink mixes black currant liqueur with the zesty bubbles of champagne for a formal and delicious drink.
Bachelor/Bachelorette Party: Mind Eraser- After the kind of debauchery that will likely ensue at your party you may want a few of these to do just what the name suggests. Who are you kidding, you probably won’t need any help.
But you can still enjoy this delicious drink, meant to kill your brain cells even faster by being drunk through a straw.
New Job: Ruby Celebration- Why not toast to your success with a little champagne and a little something else to boost? This drink mixes the classic celebratory champagne with a twist of vodka and cranberry.
Graduation: The Graduate- By graduation, we of course mean college graduation, and you can reward the intrepid graduate, or yourself, as the case may be, with this fruity and sweet concoction.
Wake: Funeral for a Friend- Everyone knows that funerals can be rough to get through, either because you knew the departed well or because your family irritates you to no end. Either way, you can toast to the deceased with this minty but deceptively strong drink.
Retirement: Piña Colada- This Caribbean drink is the perfect send off to those soon headed to the warmer climes of Florida to retire.
Bridal Shower: Daiquiri- A bridal shower is the perfect place to serve a fruity sweet drink like a daiquiri. Because there are so many flavor options, the most popular being strawberry, however, you can mix it up and have a little bit of something to please everyone.
Housewarming: Bronx- One of the few cocktails invented before the advent of prohibition, the Bronx is a delicious orange twist on the perfect martini.
It’s a great and classy choice for toasting to your new digs, and less likely than many other cocktails to stain your new carpet.
Weekend
Bowling: White Russian- Let’s be honest, this drink itself has absolutely nothing to do with bowling, yet you can’t possibly drink one without thinking about “the Dude” and his love of both the White Russian and bowling. Have one mixed up for you the next time you hit the lanes.
Golfing: Golf Cocktail- This simple variation on the martini can be a great way to wrap up 18 holes in style. Just make sure you aren’t driving the cart after having a few of these.
Gambling: Singapore Sling- Served for free on Singapore Airlines, this drink can also be a delicious addition to a night of gambling at the casino.
A favorite of quirky journalist and novelist Hunter S. Thompson, hopefully your consumption of them won’t leave you as muddled in Vegas as the characters in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.
Poolside: East India Cocktail- This prohibition era drink is a perfect addition to your next pool party. Light and fruity with loads of pineapple, it certainly won’t leave you thirsty while you’re showing off that new swimsuit.
BBQ: Mojito- A favorite of both cantankerous writer and Cuban emigre Ernest Hemingway and James Bond, the mojito is a great drink for summer BBQs. The refreshing combination of mint and lime will help quench your thirst after all those hot dogs.
Ice Skating: Irish Coffee- Brought to the US in the 1950s, this drink has enjoyed several different incarnations that vary the ingredients slightly. No matter how you choose to make it, it’s a great way to warm up after a twirl around a frozen pond or your local ice rink.
Girls’ Night Out: Cosmopolitan- Boosted in popularity by the women of Sex in the City, this drink is the perfect choice for a girls’ night out. Not to mention it’s delicious and you’ll look sexy drinking it.
Watching the Game: Touchdown- While beer is usually the drink of choice for sports aficionados, for those looking for something a little fancier, this aptly named cocktail can be a delicious alternative of bourbon, lemonade and iced tea.
Summer Evening: Mai Tai- This fruity drink is perfect for warm summer evenings, though it contains a long list of ingredients. With a name coming from the Tahitian for “the best” you can’t really go wrong.
Garden Party: Pimms Cocktail- The Pimms Cocktail is the ultimate garden party drink, whether you’re playing croquet or just lazing about on the veranda. It’s designed to be give you a bit of a buzz but “weak enough to be drunk all afternoon”
Beach: Kiwi Whiskey Sour- Give this classic drink a summery twist by adding a hint of kiwi, making it a perfect choice for sipping while sitting under your umbrella or soaking up some rays.
Watching the Races: Mint Julep- This drink is a southern classic and one that no horse race could do without, especially not the biggest one, the Kentucky Derby. So whether your favored horse wins or loses, you’ll still get to enjoy this delicious and refreshing drink.
Hitting the Slopes: Dreamy Winter Delight- Why settle for regular hot chocolate when you can have this hot cocktail instead to warm you up after you’ve come in from the snowy slopes?
The additions of Irish cream and Amaretto liqueur keep this drink a sweet treat for those post slope cuddles by the fire.
Business
Work Party: Black Russian- This cocktail owes its name to the Cold War, but it won’t leave you cold when you drink it. This mix of vodka and coffee liqueur is a great after dinner treat for mingling with coworkers.
Business Lunch: Dirty Martini- The three martini lunch used to be compulsory for those in the business world back in the day. While it’s doubtful that you could get away with that today, having one won’t hurt, and the olive juice might even be good for you.
Happy Hour: Manhattan- The Manhattan is an old-school classy drink, originally created in 1874 at the Manhattan Club in New York.
After its invention, it became the most popular pre-dinner drink in the United States, after the martini of course, so have a few as appetizers the next time you’re out with coworkers.
Sealing the Deal: Bourbon Highball- This drink is essentially bourbon straight up, which is perfect for celebrating making a big deal. Plus it looks super cool and confident to drink.
Networking: Whiskey Sour- Part of the larger class of sour drinks, the whiskey sour is sweet enough to let you have a few to loosen up but sour enough so you won’t end up three sheets to the wind.
Meeting with Clients: Gin and Tonic- This drink sounds simple, but is incredibly easy to screw up, just like meeting with clients.
Schmoozing the Boss: Old Fashioned- Inspired by Colonel Pepper of Kentucky, this drink is a great complex blend of the kick of bourbon with the fruitiness of orange, embodying the both the strength and spunk you need to impress the boss.
Business Conference: Tom Collins- This classic cocktail is a great choice for impressing and maybe intimidating your competitors at your next business conference. It’s also a great refreshing and sour treat for you after listening to all those boring presentations.
Holidays
St. Patrick’s Day: Emerald Isle- This minty gin cocktail is a great choice for St. Patrick’s day revelers who want something a little different than the standard green beer.
Halloween: Zombie- While this drink may be sweet, it’s not for the weak, and may have you staggering around like a zombie yourself by the end of the evening. Drink with caution or you might need a Corpse Reviver the next morning.
New Years: Champagne Cocktail- Instead of ringing in the New Year with the old standard champagne, mix it up a little with a champagne cocktail.
Toast your friends with this classy mix of champagne and brandy, but make sure the champagne is the extra dry kind, as it’s key to the integrity of the drink.
Holiday Party: EggNog- While you could just buy some pre-made eggnog at the store, it won’t be nearly as good as when this cocktail is homemade. The ultimate classic holiday drink, it’s great for just about any party and can bring back some serious Christmas nostalgia.
4th of July: Americano- While this drink has a patriotic sounding name, it actually originated in Italy.
It was named as such for its popularity with American tourists during those annoying booze-free years of Prohibition. Celebrate the end of prohibition and British tyranny with this sweet and sour drink.
Memorial Day: Caipirinha- The Caipirinha is the national drink of Brazil, and for that reason makes it a great choice for marking the start of summer. White rum, lime and sugar make it light and breezy, but also strong.
Thanksgiving: Cranberry Margarita- The staples of Thanksgiving include turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing and cranberries, but only one of those would make a delicious cocktail. This icy treat is perfect for sipping while you lie around in your post meal coma.
Mardi Gras: Sazerac- A product of the bayou culture, the Sazerac is the quintessential New Orleans cocktail and one of the oldest known cocktails.
Originally made with Cognac and absinthe, today’s version uses Pernod and Rye Whiskey or Bourbon. Order one for Mardi Gras to drink like a native in the Big Easy.
Miscellaneous
Hangover: Bloody Mary- If you had a bit too much the night before, help ease yourself back into the land of the living with a Bloody Mary and a greasy breakfast.Waiting at the Airport: The Aviation- This used to be one of the most popular cocktails back in the early days of aviation, supposed named because of its similarity to early flight– a risky venture not for the faint of heart. Bring it back the next time you’re hanging out in an airport on a lengthy layover.
Feeling Sick: Hot Toddy- Drinking may not be the first thing you think of when you get sick, but southern mothers have been swearing by this drink for ages and there are infinite variations on the recipe. Even if you’re not sick, it’s also great for warming up after being out in the cold.
Taking a Cruise: Sea Breeze- The mix of vodka, cranberry and grapefruit juices makes this a light and tasty drink for hanging out on the decks of a cruise ship. Just don’t drink too much and take a tumble overboard!
Saturday, December 15, 2007
How to Spot Charity Scams, Especially During the Christmas Season
From http://scambusters.org/
Wishes for peace on earth and good will towards men will prompt many of our kind-hearted subscribers to give something back this holiday season. But clever charity scams can rob the needy of all your good intentions.
Today we'll help you recognize the warning signs of four charity scams and also share what savvy charity donors do to make sure their money ends up in the hands of those who need it most.
Continue reading "How to Spot Charity Scams, Especially During the Christmas Season"
Wishes for peace on earth and good will towards men will prompt many of our kind-hearted subscribers to give something back this holiday season. But clever charity scams can rob the needy of all your good intentions.
Today we'll help you recognize the warning signs of four charity scams and also share what savvy charity donors do to make sure their money ends up in the hands of those who need it most.
Continue reading "How to Spot Charity Scams, Especially During the Christmas Season"
Thursday, December 06, 2007
What Value Do You Place on Your Goals?
From http://www.millionaireinside.com/
“One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” Andre Gide
The journey to success may take days, weeks, months, years or even a whole lifetime of effort depending on your goals. Are you truly committed to your goals? How do you handle failure? Can you keep getting up every time you are knocked down?
It is impossible to know when your dreams will become a reality, but you can be sure they will not come true when you stop striving to achieve them. If you give up on your most burning desires you risk a lifetime of regret.
Would you rather look back on your life in say, 20 years time and be PROUD of yourself for all your achievements or would you rather REGRET giving up on them?
“Most people achieved their greatest success one step beyond what looked like their greatest failure.” Brian Tracy
If you are not truly committed to your own goals, how are you ever going to achieve them? It is essential to live and breathe your dreams and aspirations in order to succeed.
How much value do you place on your own goals?
A good way to fully commit to achieving your goals is to spend at least five minutes each day visualizing the benefits of achieving them. By focusing on the benefits instead of the goals themselves you add value to them.
The more you value your goals, the more likely you are to strive to achieve them. Why not start each day reaffirming the benefits of your goals?
If you dream of owning a bigger house, the benefits are; more space, a different neighborhood (new friends/neighbors), a new beginning etc.
By shifting your focus from your goal to the benefits of achieving it, you are more likely to remain motivated even when your goal is not within reach.
To your success.
“One doesn’t discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” Andre Gide
The journey to success may take days, weeks, months, years or even a whole lifetime of effort depending on your goals. Are you truly committed to your goals? How do you handle failure? Can you keep getting up every time you are knocked down?
It is impossible to know when your dreams will become a reality, but you can be sure they will not come true when you stop striving to achieve them. If you give up on your most burning desires you risk a lifetime of regret.
Would you rather look back on your life in say, 20 years time and be PROUD of yourself for all your achievements or would you rather REGRET giving up on them?
“Most people achieved their greatest success one step beyond what looked like their greatest failure.” Brian Tracy
If you are not truly committed to your own goals, how are you ever going to achieve them? It is essential to live and breathe your dreams and aspirations in order to succeed.
How much value do you place on your own goals?
A good way to fully commit to achieving your goals is to spend at least five minutes each day visualizing the benefits of achieving them. By focusing on the benefits instead of the goals themselves you add value to them.
The more you value your goals, the more likely you are to strive to achieve them. Why not start each day reaffirming the benefits of your goals?
If you dream of owning a bigger house, the benefits are; more space, a different neighborhood (new friends/neighbors), a new beginning etc.
By shifting your focus from your goal to the benefits of achieving it, you are more likely to remain motivated even when your goal is not within reach.
To your success.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
Champagne, A Luxury Product – Blessing Or Curse
By: Laura Hope
Champagne has always been seen as a thing of luxury. Most commonly found at celebrations be they weddings or on the podium at the Monaco Grand Prix, Champagne's image has always been one of success.
But perhaps that is where the brand that is 'Champagne' suffers. If Champagne is primarily associated with special occasions then it must alienate a large majority of wine consumers solely on this point.
Herein lies the problem – Champagne's success is also its failure. The top brands dominate not only the UK market but also those in the USA and Japan – names such as Moët et Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Perrier Jouët and Mumm crop up time and again as the best sellers.
Prestiges cuvées such as Dom Pérignon, Cristal, Krug lead the way in terms of value of sales with rappers such as 50 Cent and P Diddy endorsing their products in their music, again ensuring the image of Champagne remains one of wealth and success.
The exclusivity of Champagne and the confusion surrounding the name does little to help the average consumer in their choice, however.
As a retailer, there have been many occasions when I have been asked to advise on 'Champagne' for a wedding when the consumer has been talking about sparkling wine, especially Cava, rather than Champagne itself.
In this way, as I mentioned before, Champagne has become associated with celebrations and is often used as a 'catch all' term for both Champagne and sparkling wine.
Studies actually show that Champagne is an infrequent purchase in supermarkets with an average of 1.8 purchases per person, per year as opposed to five purchases per person, per year for sparkling wine as a whole (not including Champagne).
The research also suggests that 60% of consumers drink Champagne for social or entertaining reasons and that the average age of a Champagne consumer is between 35-64, although there is a strong female following of Champagne too in the 17-24 year old bracket.
In sum, it seems that Champagne retains an aura of exclusivity, although, in the market place, the word 'Champagne' often conjours up images of a sparkling wine drunk predominately on special occasions to those who are not au fait with the strict guidelines set by the CIVC to protect the name and image of Champagne.
There is no doubt that the market for non-Champagne sparkling wine is increasing, especially in the off-trade where total volume sales increased by 8.1% in 2004.
This is particularly pertinent when compared to Champagne sales by volume which were down by 2.1% in the same year.
The statistics finally show that sparkling wine's share in the UK wine off-trade (by volume of sales) is currently 4% as opposed to Champagne's 1% and still light wine's 87%.
One must remember that the 'volume of sales' is not the same as 'value of sales' as it is here that Champagne takes the crown with a market share of 6% compared to sparkling wine's 4%.
The main worry that the Champagne industry has when faced with the increasing dominance of good quality sparkling wine is that, unless heavily discounted, Champagnes are not able to compete in the £7-£10 price point which remains the domain of sparkling wine.
Cava is the most popular sparkling wine on the UK market at present with a total volume share of 54.6%. Two producers continue to dominate the market – Codorníu and Freixenet, the market leaders is Spain.
They, like an increasing number of Champagne houses, own vineyards in the New World, California in particular to increase their stake in the global sparkling wine market. These wines are rarely seen on the UK market however, possibly as a result of the strength of their Cavas.
New World sparkling wines from California, Australia and New Zealand are also increasingly important in the UK market, especially brands such as Mumm Cuvée Napa, Green Point by Chandon and Lindauer owned by Montana (another brand owned by the now Allied Domecq/Pernod Ricard conglomerate).
It is interesting to see that traditional Champagne houses have diversified into these areas. They seem to bridge the price gap between non vintage Champagnes and cheap sparkling wines as they mostly retail at around £10-12 (discounts depending) without compromising on the quality of the product to which they lend their name.
This seems to be an astute move in a market where deep discounting of Champagne is happening less and less and where brand image is so important.
To say that the growth of sparkling wines in the market place threatens the Champagne industry would be untrue and the Champenois would certainly disagree with the idea wholeheartedly.
Perhaps the key is to concentrate on marketing their Champagne brands at the sparkling wine consumer who purchases quality sparkling wine at a price point at which the Champagne houses are unable to compete.
Champagne has always been seen as a thing of luxury. Most commonly found at celebrations be they weddings or on the podium at the Monaco Grand Prix, Champagne's image has always been one of success.
But perhaps that is where the brand that is 'Champagne' suffers. If Champagne is primarily associated with special occasions then it must alienate a large majority of wine consumers solely on this point.
Herein lies the problem – Champagne's success is also its failure. The top brands dominate not only the UK market but also those in the USA and Japan – names such as Moët et Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Perrier Jouët and Mumm crop up time and again as the best sellers.
Prestiges cuvées such as Dom Pérignon, Cristal, Krug lead the way in terms of value of sales with rappers such as 50 Cent and P Diddy endorsing their products in their music, again ensuring the image of Champagne remains one of wealth and success.
The exclusivity of Champagne and the confusion surrounding the name does little to help the average consumer in their choice, however.
As a retailer, there have been many occasions when I have been asked to advise on 'Champagne' for a wedding when the consumer has been talking about sparkling wine, especially Cava, rather than Champagne itself.
In this way, as I mentioned before, Champagne has become associated with celebrations and is often used as a 'catch all' term for both Champagne and sparkling wine.
Studies actually show that Champagne is an infrequent purchase in supermarkets with an average of 1.8 purchases per person, per year as opposed to five purchases per person, per year for sparkling wine as a whole (not including Champagne).
The research also suggests that 60% of consumers drink Champagne for social or entertaining reasons and that the average age of a Champagne consumer is between 35-64, although there is a strong female following of Champagne too in the 17-24 year old bracket.
In sum, it seems that Champagne retains an aura of exclusivity, although, in the market place, the word 'Champagne' often conjours up images of a sparkling wine drunk predominately on special occasions to those who are not au fait with the strict guidelines set by the CIVC to protect the name and image of Champagne.
There is no doubt that the market for non-Champagne sparkling wine is increasing, especially in the off-trade where total volume sales increased by 8.1% in 2004.
This is particularly pertinent when compared to Champagne sales by volume which were down by 2.1% in the same year.
The statistics finally show that sparkling wine's share in the UK wine off-trade (by volume of sales) is currently 4% as opposed to Champagne's 1% and still light wine's 87%.
One must remember that the 'volume of sales' is not the same as 'value of sales' as it is here that Champagne takes the crown with a market share of 6% compared to sparkling wine's 4%.
The main worry that the Champagne industry has when faced with the increasing dominance of good quality sparkling wine is that, unless heavily discounted, Champagnes are not able to compete in the £7-£10 price point which remains the domain of sparkling wine.
Cava is the most popular sparkling wine on the UK market at present with a total volume share of 54.6%. Two producers continue to dominate the market – Codorníu and Freixenet, the market leaders is Spain.
They, like an increasing number of Champagne houses, own vineyards in the New World, California in particular to increase their stake in the global sparkling wine market. These wines are rarely seen on the UK market however, possibly as a result of the strength of their Cavas.
New World sparkling wines from California, Australia and New Zealand are also increasingly important in the UK market, especially brands such as Mumm Cuvée Napa, Green Point by Chandon and Lindauer owned by Montana (another brand owned by the now Allied Domecq/Pernod Ricard conglomerate).
It is interesting to see that traditional Champagne houses have diversified into these areas. They seem to bridge the price gap between non vintage Champagnes and cheap sparkling wines as they mostly retail at around £10-12 (discounts depending) without compromising on the quality of the product to which they lend their name.
This seems to be an astute move in a market where deep discounting of Champagne is happening less and less and where brand image is so important.
To say that the growth of sparkling wines in the market place threatens the Champagne industry would be untrue and the Champenois would certainly disagree with the idea wholeheartedly.
Perhaps the key is to concentrate on marketing their Champagne brands at the sparkling wine consumer who purchases quality sparkling wine at a price point at which the Champagne houses are unable to compete.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Becoming More Powerful
From http://www.millionaireinside.com/
If you want to become more powerful, you must first identify what type of “power” you want to achieve. Who in your opinion is the most powerful person in the world?
If you asked a hundred people the same question you will find that the majority of people will not be named more than once. Our definition of power is based on our own values and beliefs.
Power is defined as possession of the qualities (especially mental) required to do something or get something done. This definition leaves a lot of scope for interpretation. A person with money might be said to have power, so might a forceful person.
Many people believe that money is power and aspire to earn great wealth while not realizing that money only brings “buying power,” it is only the individual person who is able to get things done.
Money, or lack of it may have a powerful hold over some people but it is not the driving force.
Most powerful people have the following traits in common:
Knowledge - it is said that knowledge is power, we gain knowledge through experience and information. The most powerful people do not necessarily need to acquire knowledge, but they must have access to it. Many powerful people surround themselves with others who have acquired the knowledge they need.
Self-discipline - it can take a lot of hard work and persistence to become more powerful. To gain power you may have to break out of bad habits and challenge some of your core beliefs, this is not always an easy task.
Motivation - simply aspiring to achieve power is not enough, it is important to take steps towards achieving it. In order to stay motivated you must identify your reasons for wanting more power.
It is these ‘motives’ which will keep you focused on your goals. If you strive to achieve power, just like any goal, it is essential to be specific. Do you want to be more skillful? Have more resources? Become more charismatic?
The answer often lies with the people you see as powerful. See if you can identify the traits you admire in other people, especially the ones you admire. Most of the time, we admire these people BECAUSE of those traits and aspire to be like them.
It is these traits which make those people powerful. It is then important to plan. First of all, know yourself. Identify your own strengths and weaknesses. Identify the sources of your own power ‘your strengths’ and turn your weaknesses into strengths by addressing them.
Power starts from within, when you address your weaknesses you will accomplish more. Study the people you admire, what are their strengths and weaknesses? What is it that the did to achieve their own power?
Autobiographies are a great way of learning from your heroes. Learn what it takes to gain power and put those steps into action.
If you want to become more powerful, you must first identify what type of “power” you want to achieve. Who in your opinion is the most powerful person in the world?
If you asked a hundred people the same question you will find that the majority of people will not be named more than once. Our definition of power is based on our own values and beliefs.
Power is defined as possession of the qualities (especially mental) required to do something or get something done. This definition leaves a lot of scope for interpretation. A person with money might be said to have power, so might a forceful person.
Many people believe that money is power and aspire to earn great wealth while not realizing that money only brings “buying power,” it is only the individual person who is able to get things done.
Money, or lack of it may have a powerful hold over some people but it is not the driving force.
Most powerful people have the following traits in common:
Knowledge - it is said that knowledge is power, we gain knowledge through experience and information. The most powerful people do not necessarily need to acquire knowledge, but they must have access to it. Many powerful people surround themselves with others who have acquired the knowledge they need.
Self-discipline - it can take a lot of hard work and persistence to become more powerful. To gain power you may have to break out of bad habits and challenge some of your core beliefs, this is not always an easy task.
Motivation - simply aspiring to achieve power is not enough, it is important to take steps towards achieving it. In order to stay motivated you must identify your reasons for wanting more power.
It is these ‘motives’ which will keep you focused on your goals. If you strive to achieve power, just like any goal, it is essential to be specific. Do you want to be more skillful? Have more resources? Become more charismatic?
The answer often lies with the people you see as powerful. See if you can identify the traits you admire in other people, especially the ones you admire. Most of the time, we admire these people BECAUSE of those traits and aspire to be like them.
It is these traits which make those people powerful. It is then important to plan. First of all, know yourself. Identify your own strengths and weaknesses. Identify the sources of your own power ‘your strengths’ and turn your weaknesses into strengths by addressing them.
Power starts from within, when you address your weaknesses you will accomplish more. Study the people you admire, what are their strengths and weaknesses? What is it that the did to achieve their own power?
Autobiographies are a great way of learning from your heroes. Learn what it takes to gain power and put those steps into action.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Top 5 Christmas Scams to Watch for This Christmas Shopping Season
From http://scambusters.org/
As the Christmas shopping season shifts into high gear, take time to think carefully before making your purchases and any charitable donations.
Although scammers are always prowling for victims with the following scams, consumers are especially vulnerable during the holidays. With so much to do, many otherwise cautious people let their guards down.
Con artists are ready to exploit busy, distracted shoppers -- some desperate to buy popular gift items. They're also ready to "ramp up" their emotional appeals when posing as representatives of real (or real-sounding) charities.
We believe the following 5 Christmas Scams will dominate the 2007 Christmas season. However, if you use common sense and take our advice, the Grinch won't have a chance of stealing YOUR Christmas.
Top 5 Christmas Season Scams
1. Fly-By-Night Web Merchants. Each holiday season features
THE gift -- an item so "hot" that many store shelves are quickly emptied, causing people to literally lose their minds in an effort to buy it.
To exploit scarcity, scammers set up websites offering this product, as do dishonest online auction sellers.
After raking in the money, the scammers shut down their "stores" and disappear. If you're "lucky," you are simply left with no gift item. If you're unlucky, you are further victimized by a ...
2. Phishing Scam, run by someone who will use your credit card information to charge more products and services to your account and/or sell the information to identity thieves.
In most cases, however, phishing scammers launch websites that look nearly identical to those of larger, reputable merchants -- not unknown companies.
Typically, you're contacted by email with a tempting offer or dire warning, and then directed to click on a link, which takes you to a fake website. Once there, you're told to enter personal and financial information wanted by the thieves.
You can find out more about phishing scams here.
http://www.scambusters.org/phishing.html
Safety Tips: To avoid falling prey to either Christmas scam
#1 or #2:
-- Shop only with reputable merchants, preferably ones you've used before.
-- Confirm that the website actually BELONGS to that merchant. Don't click on links in unsolicited emails. Type in the URL yourself.
-- Use a credit card, not your debit card. Even if you never get the merchandise, credit cards aren't directly linked to your bank account, and you're also not responsible for more than $50 in fraudulent charges.
-- If possible, use one-time use credit card numbers, called "controlled payment numbers" or "virtual account numbers," for your online purchases. We've talked about these before (see #4 about a third of the way down the page). Bank of America also offers these now (they call it ShopSafe). We personally use these special credit card numbers all the time -- it's much safer.
http://www.scambusters.org/mastercard.html
3. Charity Scams. Scammers may pose as representatives of charitable organizations that are real (or merely sound real). At this time of year, their emotionally-charged appeals are more likely to strike "pay dirt" with normally savvy people.
We recently reported a new email phishing scam that's soliciting donations to help victims of the California wildfires.
http://www.scambusters.org/travelcard.html
You can be sure that other scams will soon be asking for donations to this cause and many others. The scams may involve nationally recognized charities aiding well-known causes, or local groups handling problems closer to home.
Safety Tips: Whether you're approached by email, telephone or in person, be VERY wary of high-pressure, donate NOW pitches.
Avoid "charities" whose representatives won't answer reasonable questions, such as (specifically) how the money will be spent.
And NEVER give cash or supply credit card information via email or phone. Don't write checks payable to an individual solicitor. If you've never heard of an organization, confirm for yourself that it's real.
You can find 9 tips to help you avoid charity scams here.
http://www.scambusters.org/charities.html
4. Gift Card Scams. Nearly every major retailer offers gift cards, many of which hang on racks at checkout counters.
Today, most cards are protected by scratch-off security codes and protective packaging to prevent information theft.
If cards are not protected, however, scammers can write down the numbers while the cards are on display, and then call an 800 number to learn when the cards have been activated.
After that, stealing is as simple as rushing to the merchant and making purchases before the REAL cardholder gets there.
Safety Tips: Purchase gift cards online, if possible. Or,
only buy the cards from retailers when they're kept behind registers or available upon request.
Check out our Special Issue on "New Gift Card Scams: 8 Tips to Protect Yourself."
http://www.scambusters.org/giftcard.html
5. Holiday E-Card Scams. You may receive an email from an unnamed "relative," "neighbor," or "friend" who has supposedly sent you an e-card that can be viewed by clicking on a link.
Clicking on that link, however, may unleash anything from spyware and pop-up ads to viruses and Trojans. In some cases, nothing bad happens until you first download software from the e-card website. (The software is supposedly needed to "run" your e-card.)
Sometimes, unwanted or malicious software is downloaded to
your computer with your permission -- after you agree to certain "fine-print" terms and conditions, usually without reading them.
Safety Tips: If there's any doubt about an e-card's authenticity, don't click on any links inside.
Delete e-cards from people you don't know without opening or reading them, and never click to accept terms from any company without actually reading the fine print.
Most important, install antivirus and anti-spyware software and keep it up to date.
You can find a lot more information on e-card scams here.
http://www.scambusters.org/ecardscams.html
When it comes to any type of scam -- at any time of year -- we suggest you trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, do more homework or buy from another vendor.
Here's hoping you have a happy and scam-free Christmas season!
As the Christmas shopping season shifts into high gear, take time to think carefully before making your purchases and any charitable donations.
Although scammers are always prowling for victims with the following scams, consumers are especially vulnerable during the holidays. With so much to do, many otherwise cautious people let their guards down.
Con artists are ready to exploit busy, distracted shoppers -- some desperate to buy popular gift items. They're also ready to "ramp up" their emotional appeals when posing as representatives of real (or real-sounding) charities.
We believe the following 5 Christmas Scams will dominate the 2007 Christmas season. However, if you use common sense and take our advice, the Grinch won't have a chance of stealing YOUR Christmas.
Top 5 Christmas Season Scams
1. Fly-By-Night Web Merchants. Each holiday season features
THE gift -- an item so "hot" that many store shelves are quickly emptied, causing people to literally lose their minds in an effort to buy it.
To exploit scarcity, scammers set up websites offering this product, as do dishonest online auction sellers.
After raking in the money, the scammers shut down their "stores" and disappear. If you're "lucky," you are simply left with no gift item. If you're unlucky, you are further victimized by a ...
2. Phishing Scam, run by someone who will use your credit card information to charge more products and services to your account and/or sell the information to identity thieves.
In most cases, however, phishing scammers launch websites that look nearly identical to those of larger, reputable merchants -- not unknown companies.
Typically, you're contacted by email with a tempting offer or dire warning, and then directed to click on a link, which takes you to a fake website. Once there, you're told to enter personal and financial information wanted by the thieves.
You can find out more about phishing scams here.
http://www.scambusters.org/phishing.html
Safety Tips: To avoid falling prey to either Christmas scam
#1 or #2:
-- Shop only with reputable merchants, preferably ones you've used before.
-- Confirm that the website actually BELONGS to that merchant. Don't click on links in unsolicited emails. Type in the URL yourself.
-- Use a credit card, not your debit card. Even if you never get the merchandise, credit cards aren't directly linked to your bank account, and you're also not responsible for more than $50 in fraudulent charges.
-- If possible, use one-time use credit card numbers, called "controlled payment numbers" or "virtual account numbers," for your online purchases. We've talked about these before (see #4 about a third of the way down the page). Bank of America also offers these now (they call it ShopSafe). We personally use these special credit card numbers all the time -- it's much safer.
http://www.scambusters.org/mastercard.html
3. Charity Scams. Scammers may pose as representatives of charitable organizations that are real (or merely sound real). At this time of year, their emotionally-charged appeals are more likely to strike "pay dirt" with normally savvy people.
We recently reported a new email phishing scam that's soliciting donations to help victims of the California wildfires.
http://www.scambusters.org/travelcard.html
You can be sure that other scams will soon be asking for donations to this cause and many others. The scams may involve nationally recognized charities aiding well-known causes, or local groups handling problems closer to home.
Safety Tips: Whether you're approached by email, telephone or in person, be VERY wary of high-pressure, donate NOW pitches.
Avoid "charities" whose representatives won't answer reasonable questions, such as (specifically) how the money will be spent.
And NEVER give cash or supply credit card information via email or phone. Don't write checks payable to an individual solicitor. If you've never heard of an organization, confirm for yourself that it's real.
You can find 9 tips to help you avoid charity scams here.
http://www.scambusters.org/charities.html
4. Gift Card Scams. Nearly every major retailer offers gift cards, many of which hang on racks at checkout counters.
Today, most cards are protected by scratch-off security codes and protective packaging to prevent information theft.
If cards are not protected, however, scammers can write down the numbers while the cards are on display, and then call an 800 number to learn when the cards have been activated.
After that, stealing is as simple as rushing to the merchant and making purchases before the REAL cardholder gets there.
Safety Tips: Purchase gift cards online, if possible. Or,
only buy the cards from retailers when they're kept behind registers or available upon request.
Check out our Special Issue on "New Gift Card Scams: 8 Tips to Protect Yourself."
http://www.scambusters.org/giftcard.html
5. Holiday E-Card Scams. You may receive an email from an unnamed "relative," "neighbor," or "friend" who has supposedly sent you an e-card that can be viewed by clicking on a link.
Clicking on that link, however, may unleash anything from spyware and pop-up ads to viruses and Trojans. In some cases, nothing bad happens until you first download software from the e-card website. (The software is supposedly needed to "run" your e-card.)
Sometimes, unwanted or malicious software is downloaded to
your computer with your permission -- after you agree to certain "fine-print" terms and conditions, usually without reading them.
Safety Tips: If there's any doubt about an e-card's authenticity, don't click on any links inside.
Delete e-cards from people you don't know without opening or reading them, and never click to accept terms from any company without actually reading the fine print.
Most important, install antivirus and anti-spyware software and keep it up to date.
You can find a lot more information on e-card scams here.
http://www.scambusters.org/ecardscams.html
When it comes to any type of scam -- at any time of year -- we suggest you trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, do more homework or buy from another vendor.
Here's hoping you have a happy and scam-free Christmas season!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
