tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56786356984265844542024-02-08T03:22:27.306-08:00thetruesilverandfashionUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger51125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-23336860439704618002014-03-31T06:45:00.001-07:002014-03-31T06:45:08.435-07:00Is religion as big a deal today as it used to be? Weigh in with the Red Clay Readers <p>Thanks for joining AL.com's Red Clay Readers on the second week of a five-week journey into "To Kill a Mockingbird," the beloved book by Monroeville native Nelle Harper Lee.</p> <p>At noon today, you'll see a discussion story of the seventh and eighth chapters of the novel led by <a href="http://connect.al.com/staff/KKazek/posts.html">AL.com's Kelly Kazek</a>, accompanied by a video of famed author Fannie Flagg talking about the Southern classic.</p> <p>But, <a href="http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/03/should_a_classic_book_be_edite.html">like last week</a>, we want to jump into the week with a discussion question: </p> <b>In the first chapters, Lee called going to church "Maycomb's principal recreation." Is that still true for towns and cities throughout the state? If not, why is religion or attending church not as big a <a title="deal" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Online Deals</a> as it was then? </b> <p>Take our poll, and use the comments section below to share your thoughts, opinions and insights. </p> <p>Remember that to comment, you must be signed up for a free AL.com account. If you've never commented on our site before, go to the top bar on this page, click on the "Sign In" icon and scroll down to "Register now for free." If you get stuck, email me at <a href="mailto:jsawyer@al.com">jsawyer@al.com</a> and I will help you.</p> <i>AL.com's Red Clay Readers, in partnership with the Alabama Center for Literary Arts, is a book club designed to take a fresh look at a southern classic with the help of our readers. The first version of the club, which focuses on "To Kill a Mockingbird," <a href="http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2014/03/should_a_classic_book_be_edite.html">will culminate with a panel discussion at the Alabama Writers Symposium in Monroeville </a>on April 25. <a href="http://promo.booksamillion.com/save/coupons/email/tokillamockingbird/isc-tokillamockingbird.html">Click here to get 20 percent off your copy of the book at Books-a-Million.</a></i> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-11328030211694173122014-03-29T02:45:00.001-07:002014-03-29T02:45:05.054-07:00Deal of the Century: Angels delay Mike Trout's free agency with six-year extension <p>Mike Trout is 22-years old and the best player in baseball, but he won't be the highest-paid player in baseball until he's almost 30, if ever, thanks to the team-friendly extension he agreed to with the Angels Friday night. According to <a href="http://www.mlb.com/news/article/ana/angels-sign-mike-trout-through-2020-for-1445-mllion?ymd=20140328&content_id=70385190">MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez</a>, Trout and the Angels have come to terms on a six-year, $144.5 million extension with a full no-trade clause that will take effect in 2015. The deal will cover Trout's three arbitration years and delay his free agency by three years, expiring just after Trout's 29th birthday at the end of the 2020 season. Though imperfect in the sense that the deal allows Trout to hit the market while still in his prime, it is a major coup for the Angels given that Trout's likely value over the course of the deal could be twice what the Angels will pay him.</p> <p>Last month my Strike Zone batterymate Jay Jaffe, utilizing research into player aging patterns, the market value of a win and factoring in inflation, calculated that Trout could be <a href="http://mlb.si.com/2014/02/24/mike-trout-what-is-he-really-worth/">worth in excess of $320 million</a> over the next six seasons. Adjusting for the salary depression resulting from the reserve system and the measured increases players receive via salary arbitration, Jaffe adjusted that figure down to $265, and rounding down Trout's eye-popping production projections, he got that figure down around $230 million.</p> <p>Trout's actual contract is $86 million less than the most conservative of Jaffe's evaluations. What's more, Jaffe's estimations were for 2014 to '19. Trout's actual contract is for 2015 through '20, swapping out a pre-arbitration year for a free agency year, something which could have added tens of millions of dollars to Jaffe's estimate.</p> <p>Writing on the subject of a <a href="http://mlb.si.com/2013/12/13/randy-levine-mike-trout-contract/">potential Trout extension</a> back in December, I didn't see how Trout would even listen to an offer of less than $200 million given his potential to land a contract in excess of $300 million upon reaching free agency at the age of 26. Trout seemed poised to easily exceed a contract like that of Buster Posey's nine-year, $167 million extension, which also kicked in with the first of the player's arbitration-eligible seasons. The announcement on Thursday of Miguel Cabrera's eight-year, $248 million extension, with it's $31 million average annual value (breaking the record of $30.7 million set by Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw's seven-year extension in January) only made me more convinced that Trout's earning potential as a free agent would have required a record-breaking offer from the Angels to get Trout to sign an extension.</p> <p>As it turns out, Trout's extension is record-breaking in its own way. Its average annual value of $24.1 million is significantly greater than Posey's $18.56 million, the former record for an extension signed by a player with fewer than three years of service time. Also, Gonzalez reports that Trout will set a record for salary relative to service time in each year of the deal (the exact payout is unknown as of this writing), something he has already done for 2014 having agreed to a $1 million contract for the coming season last month despite not yet being arbitration eligible.</p> <p>So how is it that Trout's contract is both record-setting and a bargain? Mostly because of how good Trout is - outside of a trio of 19th-century pitchers, no player in the history of baseball has been as valuable in his age-20 and -21 seasons as Trout was the last two years - but also because of the length. Six years is a short-term deal for a superstar hitter these days, and while a shorter deal might typically seem more team-friendly, in this case, it is to the benefit of the player.</p> <p>Had Trout signed for seven years, he'd have pushed his eventual free agency past his 30th birthday. Had he signed for 10, he'd have pushed it past his 33rd birthday and very well might have started to show signs of decline before hitting the market. Instead, he'll become a free agent at 29, coming off his age-28 season, right in the heart of his expected prime. That sets him up for the sort of career-capping 10-year contract the Mariners gave the 31-year-old Robinson Cano this winter, or the Tigers effectively gave Cabrera, who will turn 31 in April, by adding eight years to the two remaining on his existing contract. Teams may not bid as confidently on a 29-year-old Trout as the 26-year-old model that was due to become a free agent prior to this extension, but it seems there might have been something to those <a href="http://mlb.si.com/2013/12/13/randy-levine-mike-trout-contract/">tampering charges</a> levied against Yankees president Randy Levine, after all.</p> <p>From Trout's perspective, then, he could get the best of both worlds: security now (along with the respect of context-dependent record-breaking salaries) while retaining the potential for a monster payday later, all while avoiding the ugliness of high-stakes arbitration negotiations and the distraction of extension speculation. Had Trout hit the free agent market at 26, he might have landed a contract that would have lapped the field the way Alex Rodriguez's deal with the Rangers did when Rodriguez was 25. That won't happen now, but in signing a six-year deal and hitting the market at 29, Trout could earn more in his career than if he had signed a 10-year <a title="deal now" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Coupon Codes</a> and hit the market at 33.</p> <p>Still, it's hard not to see this contract as a major victory for the Angels. They just added three years of Mike Trout's prime to their future without breaking the bank. Assuming Trout's salaries over the course of this deal escalate in accordance with his service time, Jered Weaver, C.J. Wilson and Josh Hamilton's contracts will all have expired before Trout is making top dollar. The real bottom line, however, is that the Angels have locked up the best player in baseball through the end of the decade at a fraction of his projected value. From a team's perspective, you can't do better than that.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-27149149101666195772014-03-22T06:30:00.001-07:002014-03-22T06:30:05.236-07:00The TouchArcade Show - 147 - A Quick GDC Wrap Up <<a title="" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Price Compare</a>img src="http://toucharcade.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif"><img src="http://cdn.toucharcade.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/945427_larger-1-150x150.png"><p>As we mentioned last week, things were going to be a little weird with this week's episode of the podcast. Jared and I actually recorded this in our hotel room. The audio quality isn't great, but we figured you guys needed something in your podcast feeds. We chat about our favorite games of the week, what we're looking forward to, why Seabeard is so awesome, and my personal highlight: Meeting Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen.</p> <p>Don't forget to shoot us emails with any questions, feedback, or anything else relevant or irrelevant to <a href="mailto:podcast@toucharcade.com">podcast@toucharcade.com</a>. We read 'em all, even if they don't make it into the podcast. As always, you can listen to us with the links below... And if you like what you hear, please subscribe and/or drop us a review in iTunes. Much appreciated!</p> <p>iTunes Link: <a href="http://toucharcade.com/castlinks.php?pos=3&url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-toucharcade-show/id337015605">The TouchArcade Show</a><br>Zune Marketplace: <a href="http://toucharcade.com/castlinks.php?pos=4&url=http://social.zune.net/podcast/The-TouchArcade-Show/0d2daf34-1e9f-49a3-958c-51ade4600f81">TouchArcade.com Podcasts</a><br>RSS Feed: <a href="http://toucharcade.com/castlinks.php?pos=5&url=feed://toucharcade.com/feed/podcast/">The TouchArcade Show</a><br>Direct Link: <a href="http://toucharcade.com/castlinks.php?pos=6&url=http://toucharcade.com/podcast/http://tapodcast.s3.amazonaws.com/TouchArcadeShow-147.mp3">TouchArcadeShow-147.mp3, 47.2MB</a> </p> <p>We'll be back with a <b>full</b> episode next week, so be sure to stick around for that.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-90486875809209707462014-03-21T01:30:00.001-07:002014-03-21T01:30:05.828-07:00GDC 2014: A Quick Look at 'X-Men: Battle of the Atom' <<a title="" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Price Compare</a>p>Already available on the App Store, X-Men: Battle of the Atom [ <a href="http://toucharcade.com/link/http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=675503792&mt=8">Free</a>] is one of the legit countless free to play collectable card games out there. However, it's got some neat features that might make it worth a second look if you passed it up when it launched in mid-January. Namely, massive player versus player battles that actually require a bit of coordination and communication once you get deeper in:</p> <p>I'm partial to games like SolForge [ <a href="http://toucharcade.com/link/http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=582493858&mt=8">Free</a>] when it comes to these free to play CCG's, and with a release of Hearthstone potentially right around the corner it's hard to get that excited for anything else... But it's still cool to see developers mixing the formula up and including new mechanics- Especially when tied with recognizable IP.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-16134529583987023642014-03-20T12:00:00.001-07:002014-03-20T12:00:28.183-07:00Gaming is why Amazon is creating an Apple TV rival <img src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/140319035131-<a title="amazon" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="http://onlinecards.org">amazon</a>-steaming-media--620xa.jpg"><p>Amazon has a streaming video box in the works, but its secret weapon could be gaming.</p> <h2>Amazon will begin selling a streaming video device starting next month, according to reports. But with <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2014/02/13/technology/apple-tv/index.html">Apple TV,</a> <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/10/10/technology/roku-lt-review/index.html">Roku</a>, <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/07/31/technology/innovation/google-chromecast/index.html">Chromecast</a> and a huge number of smart TVs and video game consoles that do the same thing already on the market, what's the point?</h2> <p> There's only one feasible reason: Amazon wants to get into the lucrative casual gaming market. </p> <p> As the <i>Wall Street Journal</i> reported that we could see a streaming video device from Amazon <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303287804579445721946202990?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303287804579445721946202990.html">as early as next month</a>, recent photos unearthed by the online TV-centric blog <a href="http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2014-03/amazon-streamer-feature-bluetooth-gaming-controller/">Zatz Not Funny!</a> also indicate Amazon has been working on a gaming controller. The controller would connect to Amazon's rumored streaming box. TechCrunch suggests that Amazon will <a href="http://techcrunch.com/2014/03/17/amazon-set-top-box-game-streaming/">launch a game streaming service</a>. </p> <p> Video content will unquestionably be a vital part of whatever streaming device Amazon produces. But the Amazon Prime Instant Video store is widely available on <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2014/03/07/technology/over-the-top-tv/index.html">many streaming devices</a> not made by Apple or Google , and Amazon doesn't make money off of its hardware. Plus, Amazon could have released a set-top box years ago if it had really wanted to. </p> <p> <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/10/31/technology/apple-gaming/index.html">Related: It's time for Apple to go all-in with gaming </a> </p> <p> If Amazon is making a play at casual gaming, those plans could be even bigger than video. </p> <p> Of course there's potential for disaster here. <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/07/12/technology/innovation/ouya-review/index.html">Ouya was the first notable company</a> to try its hand at a micro-console last year, and for various reasons - hardware issues, game quality, and scale - it has essentially failed. Many gamers and developers have been skeptical that anyone would openly embrace an upstart, $100 video game console. </p> <p> Amazon has not taken gaming very seriously in its Kindle Fire app store. But it has spent a few years building out its Game Center community. Although the controller it is supposedly developing doesn't look like it's on the level of Sony and Microsoft's game pads, it looks more than serviceable. </p> <p> <a href="http://money.cnn.com/video/technology/2013/07/11/t-ts-ouya-review.cnnmoney"> <img src="http://i2.cdn.turner.com/money/dam/assets/130711164843-t-ts-ouya-review-00001906-620x348.jpg"></a> </p> <p> If Amazon launches a streaming game service instead the traditional app store model -- similar to Sony's plans for game streaming on the PlayStation -- Amazon could acquire the rights to legacy content without having to worry about hardware compatibility issues. </p> <p> Whichever way Amazon may choose to approach gaming, it would almost certainly have an easier path to success than Ouya. Amazon has one of the world's strongest tech brands and a pre-installed user base that will purchase an Amazon device on day one. </p> <p> If Amazon does choose to pursue gaming in a serious manner, it could solve the chicken-egg problem of attracting both game developers and a buying audience at the same time. <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2014/03/20/technology/amazon-gaming/index.html#TOP"> <img src="http://i.cdn.turner.com/money/images/bug.gif"></a> </p> <p> First Published: March 20, 2014: 7:07 AM ET </p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-40596386664613446032014-03-17T10:30:00.001-07:002014-03-17T10:30:13.392-07:00What's a Sales Coach, and Why Do You Need One? <p><img src="http://s.huffpost.com/contributors/dan-lyons/headshot.jpg"></p> <p>Posted:</p> <p><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dan-lyons/sales-coach_b_4979638.html?view=print&comm_ref=false">Print Article</a></p> <ul><a href="http://plus.google.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.huffingtonpost.com%2Fdan-lyons%2Fsales-coach_b_4979638.html&hl=en-US"> <img src="http://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/gplus-16.png"></a></ul><p>Pete Caputa was running a small software company, and like a lot of entrepreneurs, he was struggling. Caputa didn't have a lot of experience in sales. In the previous year, he had generated only $30,000. So Caputa did something athletes do when they're in a slump. He hired a coach -- a "sales coach," who could teach him how to sell. The coach charged a lot of money for a struggling startup: $1,000 a month for 12 months. But the investment paid off. Within six months, Caputa booked $100,000 in sales.</p> <p>Caputa later joined HubSpot, where he's now a VP of sales and a passionate believer in the value of sales coaching. "I believe that all salespeople should hire an external sales coach," he says. "A strong external sales coach will help you close deals in the short term, gain skills for the long term and overcome weaknesses that might be holding you back from being a rock star. They'll give you guidance as well as tough love."</p> <p>Sales managers sometimes play the role of coach for newer reps. But often that doesn't happen. If that's the case, you might want to hire a sales coach. Especially since some research shows that <a href="http://blog.hubspot.com/opinion/study-3-of-4-sales-reps-ineffective">three out of four salespeople are not effective at the jobs</a>, mostly because they've had no formal training or education in how to sell.</p> <p>Coaching is different from sales training. Training takes place in a classroom setting, where a group of salespeople receive instruction. Coaching is a one-<a title="on" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Deal Of The Day</a>-one relationship, and takes place over the course of months.</p> <p>A coach might help a sales rep prepare for a big call, and even roleplay the call to anticipate the directions it might take. Afterward, the coach may review the call with the sales rep to find ways he or she could have done better.</p> <p>"Along the way, about eight to 12 weeks in, they start to get it," says Rick Roberge, the coach Caputa hired to help him. Roberge has trained dozens of HubSpot sales reps. His son, Mark Roberge, is a senior vice president of sales at HubSpot.</p> <p>The elder Roberge is a veteran salesperson and sales trainer. Until 2011 he worked at Kurlan & Associates, a sales training consultancy. He retired in 2011 but has kept his hand in the game by coaching a handful of sales reps at any given time, including dozens of salespeople at HubSpot.</p> <h2>How Does Coaching Work?</h2> <p>When sales reps sign on, they get two or three calls a week with Roberge, but can talk to him anytime they want. "They get me as much as they want," he says.</p> <p>Roberge's advice can cover everything from how to make a cold call to more sophisticated, nuanced and even psychological aspects of working in sales. At some level it sounds almost like psychotherapy, as sales reps are forced to confront their own hangups that might keep them from succeeding in sales. "Getting rid of the head trash," is what Roberge calls it.</p> <p>Roberge charges $9,000 for a three-month commitment. After that he charges $1,000 a month for the next three months. "But at the end of six months you have to go away," he says. "I don't want to be a crutch."</p> <p>At the same time, Roberge says, many of his clients stay in touch over the years, touching base occasionally for advice.</p> <p>Sales coaching isn't cheap, though proponents say that if you end up selling more, the cost of coaching will be a smart investment. Also, at HubSpot sales reps are able to get reimbursement from the company for some of their training, thanks to an education program offered by the company.</p> <h2>The 5 Biggest Fails</h2> <p>Every salesperson is different, and has unique strengths and weaknesses. But Roberge says that in general there are five main things that keep people from succeeding at sales. These were identified by Dave Kurlan and the Objective Management Group, and are a big part of the OMG assessment used by Kurlan, Roberge and many other sales coaches and trainers around the world. They are:</p> <p>Need for approval. Do you need to be liked? Fear being disliked? You need to get over that. Sometimes you need to ask tough questions. The customer is your customer, not your pal.</p> <p>Tendency to get emotionally involved. A prospect cancels an appointment. Does that rejection tip you upside down? You need to recover quickly. Then you can reschedule the appointment, or write off this prospect and move on.</p> <p>Discomfort talking about money. A lot of us were raised to believe that it's impolite to talking about money. But if you're not comfortable talking about money, you're going to have trouble. "When it comes time to qualify the prospect for budget, you need to know," Roberge says.</p> <p>Non-supportive buy cycle. When you're the customer, do you shop around, compare prices, and take forever to make decisions? If so, you may empathize with your prospects who wish to do the same. No wonder your deals take so long to close, and so many of your prospects drift away!</p> <p>Self-limiting beliefs. These are things you believe that will get in the way of your success - the "head trash," that Roberge talks about. Negative thinking can lead you to talk yourself out of a deal that you could easily have won!</p> <h2>Positive Thinking</h2> <p>"The number-one attitude that will help a salesperson take total control of a relationship is if they can believe the person they're talking to has nothing they want," he says. "If you're a prospect of mine, you have nothing I want."</p> <p>As an example, consider a software deal in which a salesperson stands to earn a commission of $2,500. "If you're the prospect, I'm going to find your upside. If you use this product and make $100,000, or $200,000, or $1 million - then you're getting $1 million and I'm getting $2,500, so who's getting the better end of the deal?"</p> <p>Caputa says he loved that about Roberge's approach. "Rick has a strong framework for how he sells and how he coaches," Caputa says. "Rick gets people to say yes or no, and he doesn't care which one. Rick's also not afraid to disqualify a prospect if he can't help them. It's a very empowering approach for a salesperson because it gives them control. It's also ideal for a prospect because they'll know where they stand and know whether or not the salesperson can help them or not. It's honest and upfront. As a result, it's simple."</p> <p>Caputa says: "Rick knows techniques, and certainly teaches sales skills, but what is great about Rick's approach is that he just teaches salespeople to be real."</p> <h2>Payback: Career Advancement</h2> <p>The decision to hire Roberge as a coach has had huge return on investment for Caputa, far beyond being able to close more deals and make a bigger bonus. "I have had quite a few payoffs based on the coaching I received from Rick. First, my startup actually made money. We ultimately shut down the business because our business model wasn't very well thought out. But, not before I tripled revenue. Second, I got a job at HubSpot.</p> <p>"The work I did with Rick got me the job and also helped me to be successful here. Also, as I grew my career at HubSpot from salesperson to sales manager to sales director to sales VP, I've employed the stuff I've learned from Rick to coach my team members. I've also pointed a lot of my reps and our partners to Rick and he's helped many of them directly."</p> <p>Another big Roberge fan is Jeetu Mahtani, managing director of HubSpot International. Mahtani worked with Roberge when he was making a transition from being a sales engineer to a role in inside sales. Mahtani worked with Roberge for two or three hours a week, talking about specific opportunities that Mahtani was pursuing. "This consistent sales coaching exercise enabled me to change my thinking and gradually overcome my weaknesses and all in all making my numbers exceed my targets," Mahtani says.</p> <p>That said, Mahtani also believes that sales coaching isn't for everyone. "Like the 80-20 rule, typically 20% of sales people will slow down, learn, reflect, practice with courage, and adjust. These are the ones who over time make 80% of a company's number. It is hard work, a large investment of time, but the payback is significant," he says.<br></p> <a href="http://www.realdanlyons.com/">Dan Lyons</a> is a marketing fellow at <a href="http://www.hubspot.com/">HubSpot</a>, a software company in Cambridge, Mass. He was previously the tech editor at Newsweek, a tech columnist at Forbes, and the creator of "The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs," written in the person of "Fake Steve Jobs." <p>This piece first appeared on HubSpot: <a href="http://blog.hubspot.com/opinion/whats-a-sales-coach">blog.hubspot.com/opinion/whats-a-sales-coach</a></p> Visit Dan Lyons' website at <a href="http://www.realdanlyons.com/">www.realdanlyons.com</a>. <p>In Mahtani's case, that payback included going from being an inside sales rep to being the person who runs all of Europe and Asia Pacific for HubSpot. </p> <p>Are you sold yet? If I worked in sales, I would be. <br></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-56591277829812611742014-03-14T16:45:00.001-07:002014-03-14T16:45:04.339-07:00Amazon looks to pump up Kindle sales with monthly payments <p>Maybe <a title="Amazon" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Best Offer</a>'s mindreading technology does work. While many of the recommendations that I'm used to getting from the e-tailing giant are less than precise, one showed up in my in-box this morning that might be worth exploring. </p> <p><img src="http://www.retailwire.com/public/images/discussions/17391/amazon-kindle-email-r1.jpg">We've been talking about buying another tablet so the youngest member of the household won't have to borrow from the adults. We haven't pulled the trigger because we've been getting by without one and prices, even on entry-level tablets, are high. Today, however, in rides Amazon.com on a symbolic white horse with an e-mail offer to take a bit of the sting out of buying its Kindle Fire 7" Tablet - monthly payments starting at $27.80.</p> <p>According to Amazon, customers who want to take advantage of the offer will be charged 20 percent of the device's price up front, plus applicable tax and shipping charges. The remaining 80 percent will be broken down into four monthly payments charged to their credit card. Amazon will not charge interest or finance charges and there are no hidden fees. Because the sale is being put on a credit card, there is no need to fill out an application or for a credit check to be conducted. </p> <p>Amazon's Kindle e-mail follows yesterday's announcement from the company that its Prime members will begin paying $20 a year more for their annual subscriptions - currently at $79 - when they renew.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-36666588108508293152014-03-14T05:30:00.001-07:002014-03-14T05:30:06.633-07:00Saving With Smartphones: Coupon Apps On The Rise <p>(Memphis) Saving cold, hard cash is all in the palm of your hands!</p> <p>Some people are starting to abandon their paper coupons and let their smartphones do the work for them.</p> <p>Jessica White runs the blog My Memphis Mommy.</p> <p>She always hits the grocery with her list and coupons, but as stores have changed policies, White has changed her strategy.</p> <p>"Now with the apps, you can use to save on top of your paper coupons," said White, who uses a combination of coupons clipped from inserts, printables found online, and mobile coupons.</p> <p>While paper and printables are still the fan favorite, research shows mobile <a title="coupon" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Promo Code</a> use has nearly tripled over the past few years.</p> <p>White says it's easy to see why.</p> <p>"A lot of people say well, I got to the store, I forgot my paper coupons, well, you'll always have your phone."</p> <p>White mainly uses <a href="http://www.ibotta.com/">Ibotta </a>and <a href="http://www.checkout51.com/">Checkout 51</a>. You shop, upload a receipt, and get cash back.</p> <p>White showed WREG how it works when she had two coupons to use in the produce section at Kroger.</p> <p>"So we have the paper and we have the Ibotta, Halos for .75."</p> <p>Stacking the savings with a traditional coupon and one from Ibotta means White pays less than $3 for a three-pound pag of mandarins.</p> <p>She also doubles her discount on diapers, using the Kroger app, plus Ibotta.</p> <p>"If you go to your Kroger app, there's $1 off of any Luvs diapers, and then we also have $1 off Ibotta," explains White.</p> <p>She does the same with coupons for milk and orange juice, using the Checkout 51 app.</p> <p>White scores the orange juice for $1.99 instead of $3.49.</p> <p>Coupon apps aren't just for groceries.</p> <p>White told WREG, "There's a couple of retail ones like <a href="http://www.retailmenot.com/mobile/">Retail Me Not</a> and <a href="http://www.couponsherpa.com/">Coupon Sherpa</a>."</p> <p><a href="http://www.snipsnap.it/">Snip Snap</a> lets users load clipped coupons, and <a href="http://www.clutch.com/">Clutch</a> allows you to store loyalty and gift card data all in one place.</p> <p>After checking out, White shows us how simple it is to upload a receipt.</p> <p>"You'll just go over to the bar code, and you'll hit take photo...and I just claimed $1. Within a couple of hours, or 48 hours, it will show my money in my account."</p> <p>After coupons, store savings and cash back, White ended up saving roughly $25.</p> <p>Favado - Compares sales across stores based on your location</p> <p>Poachit - Online shoppers can flag items and get an alert when it goes on sale</p> <p>Price Grabber - Like its website, the app is a comparison tool. You use a bar code to scan and can set up price alerts</p> <p>Red Laser - Bar code scanner that allows users to compare prices</p> <p>Cartwheel - Target's app lets customers load offers, then the bar code is scanned at checkout.</p> <p>Coupons.com - Similar to its traditional website, the app allows users to print coupons. You can also store loyalty cards and link to debit or credit card.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-61121103631858991682014-03-14T05:00:00.001-07:002014-03-14T05:00:07.635-07:00Promo Code Gives Titanfall Xbox One Bundle Buyers an Incredible Discount <p>A new <a title="promo code" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Amazon Deal Online</a> for the Microsoft Store could bring users the best deal on the Xbox One yet. As of now, users who purchase a Titanfall Xbox One Bundle and enter a special promo code can get Microsoft's entertainment console for just $399.</p> <p>To be clear, whether the promo code is sanctioned or not is still up for debate. Microsoft didn't formally announce the code itself. Instead, a member of the online forum <i><a href="http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/328422-xbox-one-titanfall-bundle-for-399-online-at-microsoftstorecom-with-promo-code/">Cheap Ass Gamer</a></i> found that adding the <a href="http://www.microsoftstore.com/store/msusa/en_US/pdp/Xbox-One-Titanfall-Edition/productID.295570800">Titanfall Xbox One console</a> to their cart at the Microsoft Store's website and entering the number "1" knocked off $100 on their purchase. That's a serious discount since the Xbox One normally sells for $499 with or without a game.</p> <p>Even at $499 the Titanfall Xbox One bundle was a really good deal. Buying <i>Titanfall, </i>the console's first high-profile exclusive title would cost $60 separately. Each Xbox One comes with the Kinect 2 sensor, HDMI cable, one wireless controller, a chat headset and a power cable. There's now a bundle that includes <i>Forza 5</i> too. For comparison, users who purchased Xbox One consoles at launch didn't get a game with their purchase. They paid $400 for just the console's hardware, $10 for a month long subscription to Xbox Live and $60 for whatever game they wanted to play on launch night.</p> <p>Users eying the deal should pull the trigger immediately. There's no telling how long the promotion code will continue working or if it's simply an internal code that wasn't supposed to leak to the outside world. It's a great deal, one that I'm sure many users will be rushing to take advantage of.</p> <b>Read: <a href="http://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/328422-xbox-one-titanfall-bundle-for-399-online-at-microsoftstorecom-with-promo-code/">Xbox One Titanfall Bundle Announced As Microsoft Cuts Xbox One Price</a> </b> <p>Users who have already picked up the console should move quickly too. It appears that the promo code takes 20% off most things that the Microsoft Store sells online. That could mean a cheap Xbox One Plug and Charge Battery Pack for a controller you already own or even a seriously cheap Surface tablet.</p> <p>As we speculated, Microsoft has pulled the promo code. Users can still save a bit with the <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/windows/compatibility/CompatCenter/ProductDetailsViewer?Name=Miracast&vendor=Wi-Fi%20Alliance&Locale=1033%2C2057%2C3081%2C4105%2C16393&BreadCrumbPath=miracast&LastSearchTerm=miracast&Type=Software&tempOsid=Windows%208.1">special bundles</a> the company offers. They start at $599.99 for an Xbox One with a Controller Charge Kit and a protection plan on the console itself.</p> <img src="http://1.gravatar.com/avatar/79d2d73ed612caf646c9cc2dcbf1b7eb?s=100&d=http%3A%2F%2F1.gravatar.com%2Favatar%2Fad516503a11cd5ca435acc9bb6523536%3Fs%3D100&r=G"><p>Travis Pope is a Reporter-at-large for GottaBeMobile. He's currently enjoying a romp in the dangerous quicksand that is Microsoft's Windows 8, Windows Phone 8, and Xbox ecosystem.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-34307650113370544662014-03-14T00:15:00.001-07:002014-03-14T00:15:05.229-07:00DotEmu's Port of 1994 Adventure Game 'Little Big Adventure' Heading to the App Store March 27th <<a title="" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Discount</a>p>Mid-nineties adventure game Little Big Adventure (or, known in many parts of the world as Relentless: Twinsen's Adventure) is getting an iOS and Android port courtesy of the retro-porting experts at DotEmu. Back at the time Little Big Adventure was new, games on CD-ROM with full-motion video cutscenes were all the rage, and this game is no different. Little Big Adventure also has a really unique visual style, as well as a cool isometric perspective. DotEmu has all sorts of new features planned for the iOS port to make it more mobile friendly, which are detailed in the following trailer.</p> <p>If you're like me and have never played Little Big Adventure, this is the gist of the story as explained by DotEmu: "In Little Big Adventure, you play as Twinsen, a young soon-to-be-hero living on Citadel Island in a world ruled by the dictator Dr. FunFrock. You've been having strange dreams in which your planet is about to be destroyed. These dreams don't make Dr. FunFrock particularly happy, and he locks you away in an insane asylum. As Twinsen, you'll need to escape from your cell and discover your incredible destiny as a descendant of a long line of magicians in charge of protecting your planet's secret!" Sounds like fun, so <a href="http://forums.toucharcade.com/showthread.php?t=205144">hit up our forums</a> and keep an eye out for Little Big Adventure on March 27th.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-43471828811008184102014-03-11T23:15:00.001-07:002014-03-11T23:15:05.638-07:00Amazon is working on a music-streaming service, but with limits <p> <a title="Amazon" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Buy Cheap</a>.com Inc. is hoping to offer an on-demand music-streaming service to customers of its Amazon Prime program, but it may limit how much a person can listen to any given song, according to people familiar with the matter. </p> <p>The Seattle-based company has held negotiations with record companies and music publishers seeking to license their music...</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-92186288534102232852014-03-05T16:00:00.001-08:002014-03-05T16:00:07.164-08:00Milk price, production comparison tool <p>Dairy producers are often exposed to not only the highly variable nature of milk <a title="price" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Amazon Deal Online</a>, but also the highly variable costs of the feeds they supply to their herds. This variability often creates a situation where dairy farmers are tasked with making many choices affecting milk production and feed costs without being able to visualize the outcome.</p> <p>Milk price is affected by several factors including milk volume, milk components (fat, protein, and other solids), and any bonuses or deductions applicable to the producer. While milk volume is important, many of the performance indicators of today's industry overlook the value of a herd with slightly lower milk volume and higher solids. Additionally, feed choice may have an impact on milk volume or solids. The effect of using different feeds to boost milk volume or milk solids is not only hard to calculate, but also to compare and contrast.</p> <p>An example of this situation would be a farmer making the decision to spend more money on new feeds to boost component production. If this feed were to increase the production of milk solids, it may be more economically justifiable than the current feed, even if it costs more. This new feed could be more economically justifiable if it increased milk components, milk pay price, and income over feed cost values.</p> <p>In order to visualize and quantify the economic impact of changes to milk volume, milk composition, milk price, and feed costs to dairy farm profitability, the University of Kentucky and DFA have developed a dashboard tool. This tool can be found at: <a href="http://afsdairy.ca.uky.edu/productioncomparison">http://afsdairy.ca.uky.edu/productioncomparison</a>.</p> <p>This tool allows farmers to quantify the difference slight changes in milk production and component levels could have on milk price. An additional feature of this tool is to compare feed costs, and their impact on milk income. Within this tool, you will find places to input production values, milk check values, and feed costs. From these inputs, economic values are computed, giving a better picture of the viability of herds with varying milk prices and feed costs.</p> <p>In short, this tool will then allow you to:</p> <p> </p><ul><li>Calculate your milk price</li> <li>Compare possible production scenarios and their effects on milk price</li> <li>Compare income over feed costs between different production and feed cost situations</li> </ul>Instructions <p>The arrows on the following pages will help to direct you in using the actual Milk Price and Production Comparison Tool. While the arrows in the following pages will not appear on the actual tool, using these pages as a guide will assist you in utilizing each element of the tool to its fullest potential.</p> <br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-45880675935457452722014-03-04T18:00:00.001-08:002014-03-04T18:00:21.706-08:00Magic number! Airlines reveal best time to book the cheapest flights <ul><li>Book flights five weeks in advance to get cheapest price <br></li> <li>Airline trip from UK to US is £764 cheaper 12 weeks before takeoff<br></li> </ul><p>By <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=&authornamef=Carol+Driver">Carol Driver</a></p> <p>PUBLISHED: 05:35 EST, 3 March 2014 | UPDATED: 13:21 EST, 3 March 2014</p> <p>It's the question on every traveller's lips: 'When is the best time to book cheap flights?' <br></p> <p>And now, thanks to the people at CheapAir and Skyscanner, there's finally an answer. </p> <p>After analysing data from more than four million airline trips over the past year, US-based CheapAir has devised a scientific formula to help holidaymakers secure bargain prices. </p> <p>The answer is - domestic flights are at their cheapest 54 days before takeoff, which could save travellers up to £190. While the worst time to book a cheap flight is last minute - with the day before departure the most expensive. </p> <p>The next biggest mistake travellers make when looking to book cheap flights, is buying them too far in advance, according to the findings based on travel throughout the US. <br></p> <p>CheapAir said airlines usually open domestic flights for sale 331 days in advance, with fares in the first four months 'pretty steady, and pretty high'. </p> <p>The cheap flights formula advises holidaymakers to book between 225 days and 104 before flying when prices fall to within $10 (£6) of their lowest point.</p> <p>Flight prices continue to fall until reaching their cheapest at 54 days before takeoff, remaining to within $10 of their low until 29 days before departure, when they start to increase again. </p> <p>CheapAir said: 'We found that each individual trip had an average of 92 fare changes between the time fights opened for sale and the time they departed.</p> <p>'For domestic flights, the average difference between buying a ticket on the best possible day to <a title="buy" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Best Buy</a> and the worst was $312 (£190).<br></p> <p>'The $312 difference between buying at the right time and the wrong time drives home the point that the decision of when to buy really does make a huge impact on what you end up paying.'</p> <p>The findings back research by travel comparison site Skyscanner today, which says the ideal time to bag the best-price flights is about five weeks in advance.</p> <p>For UK holidaymakers heading to Cyprus, flights are at their cheapest four weeks before takeoff (saving £251); for Croatia it's six weeks (saving £195); for Germany it's nine weeks (saving £185); for Turkey it's 13 weeks (saving £256); and for the States it's 21 weeks (saving £764).</p> <p>Skyscanner's Mary Porter said: 'We analysed three years' worth of data, representing 200 million searches, in order to be able to provide some clarity to the question of when is the best time to book.</p> <p>'We found five weeks is the best time to book on average, however it is very much dependent on destination. </p> <p>'Of course, many people will be more comfortable booking further in advance, especially as prices close to departure can be quite volatile. <br></p> <p>'Therefore if customers really want to get the very best deal for them our advice would be not to stick to a rigid five week rule, but instead to research prices and track fares for that route by signing up for price alerts, allowing you to see when low fares become available.'<br><br></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-73693616950839324252014-03-01T13:45:00.001-08:002014-03-01T13:45:07.868-08:00New March printable and digital coupons! <p><a href="http://www.wral.com/5onyourside/smartshopper/image/12997656/?ref_id=13438183"><img src="http://wwwcache.wral.com/asset/5oys/smartshopper/2013/10/15/12997656/12997656-1382392215-640x360.jpg"></a></p> <p>It's the beginning of the month and most of the printable coupon sites add new coupons and reload some of their coupons from the previous month so you can print them again! So, if there is a coupon you really wanted, but it was out of prints last month, it may be available today! Read on for the list of coupon sites to visit today and throughout the month.</p> <p>You will want to check out the following sites in the next couple days to print your favorite coupons before they are no longer available. Some of these sites don't reset their coupons every month on the first day, but they usually add new coupons throughout the month, so be sure to check them out.</p> <p>* Coupons.com coupons can be found in the Smart Shopper Coupons link above. Some of my favorite manufacturer's coupons each month come from this website!</p> <p><a href="http://www.Smartsource.com"> * Smartsource.com </a> - Good source for printable manufacturer's coupons</p> <p><a href="http://www.redplum.com"> * Redplum.com </a> - Good source for printable manufacturer's coupons</p> <p><a href="http://www.bettycrocker.com/coupons-promotions/coupons/default"> * BettyCrocker.com</a> - Good source for printable manufacturer's coupons for Betty Crocker, Pillsbury and other products</p> <p><a href="http://www.pillsbury.com/coupons-promotions"> * Pillsbury.com</a> - Good source for printable manufacturer's coupons for Betty Crocker, Pillsbury and other products</p> <p><a href="http://commonkindness.com/"> * CommonKindness.com</a> - Good source for organic and health food product coupons</p> <p><a href="http://SavingStar.ojrq.net/c/47375/17146/758"> * SavingStar.com: </a> With the e-coupon site SavingStar, you don't print out a coupon to redeem at the register. You load digital coupons to your reward card and then the coupon savings are added to your SavingStar account. Once you have accrued $5 worth of savings in your SavingStar account, you can cash the savings in for a gift card. You can choose to receive an Amazon gift card, have the money deposited into your Paypal account or checking account or donate it to a non-profit organization. My favorite aspect of this site is that you can use a hard copy coupon at the register for a product that also offers a SavingStar e-coupon! For more information, click the Thursday Thoughts: SavingStar link in the box above or head to their <a href="http://SavingStar.ojrq.net/c/47375/17146/758"> website HERE. </a></p> <p><a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=544886&u=906545&m=49403&urllink=&afftrack="> * Checkout 51</a> is a new coupon source that can be used in conjunction with paper coupons and other digital coupon programs! And you can use it with your smartphone or computer. Sign up on the <a href="http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=544886&u=906545&m=49403&urllink=&afftrack="> Checkout 51 website HERE</a> for free using your e-mail or Facebook info. Browse the available offers (and print out a list if you don't think you will remember them). Head to the store (any store) and buy the offers you want (we have had offers for milk, orange juice, cereal and more!). Take a photo of your receipt and upload it to Checkout 51. Once they confirm your purchase, they will credit your Checkout 51 account in about 24 hours. When you accrue $20 in your Checkout 51 account, you can cash it out in the form of a check mailed to your address. It's a very easy way to increase your coupon and save savings even more!</p> <p><a href="https://ibotta.com/register?friend=Cgw3Kg"> * ibotta.com </a> is a coupon site that allows you to earn cash back on the groceries and non-food items you buy at stores including Harris Teeter, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Walmart, Kroger and more! For more information, click the ibotta app article in the box above or go to the <a href="https://ibotta.com/register?friend=Cgw3Kg"> ibotta.com website. </a> PLUS, they are offering a new member bonus right now. New members get a $2 Welcome Aboard sign-up bonus when you redeem your first offer within 10 days of registering <a href="https://ibotta.com/register?friend=Cgw3Kg"> HERE! </a></p> <p><a href="https://rcycle.info/k6p3z"> * Recyclebank.com </a> is a website that gives you points for learning about great ways to become more eco-friendly in your home and throughout your community. You can cash in those points for coupons, freebies (like magazine subscriptions) and gift cards to places like Panera, iTunes, Best Buy and more! It's free to join and you can start earning points right away by doing easy activities like watching videos about recycling, pledging to recycle certain products and reading articles about eco-friendly topics.</p> <p><a href="http://www.livebetteramerica.com/coupons"> * EatBetterAmerica.com</a> (this site often has coupons for health foods and organic products)</p> <p><a href="http://mambosprouts.com/"> * Mambosprouts.com</a> (this site has a number of products for health foods and organic products)</p> <p><a href="https://www.kelloggsfamilyrewards.com"> * KelloggsFamilyRewards.com</a> for <a title="printable coupons" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Price Compare</a> valid on various Kellogg's products when you use points collected on the boxes of qualifying products. Sign up for a free account, enter codes from participating Kellogg's products (codes are printed in the inside of the box), earn points for each code and then redeem the points for coupons! It's all free and if you use Kellogg's products, it won't take you long to get enough points for coupons.</p> <p>Once you get a chance to look at the new coupons, let us know which are your favorites!</p> <p>As you see new coupons become available in the next couple days, please let us know by posting in the comments section below or in the Share the Deals section for the day.</p> <p>This post contains some affiliate links and I thank you for using them!</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-91493326377670439952014-02-27T03:30:00.001-08:002014-02-27T03:30:07.956-08:00Line of Duty, series two, episode three, BBC Two, review <<a title="" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Best Deals</a>p>Toe-scrunchingly tense, hypnotically paced and impeccably performed. Stylishly shot in slate greys and blues, all darkened rooms with close-ups on conflicted faces. A minimal yet haunting piano refrain on the soundtrack. If <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/10570710/Line-of-Duty-Back-with-a-bang.html">Line of Duty</a> (BBC Two) was Scandinavian, subtitled and called something like Dütylinnøsen, we wouldn't hear the end of it.</p> <p>The police corruption thriller debuted two years ago and became, at the time, BBC Two's best-performing new drama in a decade. This second series is even better. It reached its halfway point with the plot coming to the boil and thickening nicely. What started as an ambush to silence a protected witness now looks like a police conspiracy going right to the top. Every officer here is fallible and the lines between cop, criminal and victim blurred intriguingly. A familiar face and former adversary returned too, tangling the web a little more.</p> <p>As prime suspect DI Lindsay Denton, Keeley Hawes has kept viewers on their toes by switching between scarily scheming villainess and sadly sympathetic cat lady. Denton was refused bail and remanded in custody, still protesting her innocence - increasingly convincingly but something tells me there are further twists to come.</p> <p>Prison was a world away from the "holiday camps with widescreen TVs" we're often told about. This one was soulless and dehumanising. Guards jabbed indifferently at iPads as they asked Denton endless questions beginning with "Answering only yes or no...", like bored market researchers. Could she get a piano keyboard in her cell instead of a telly? No. Could someone defecate in her food? Yes. Could the guards switch off the CCTV cameras while she got assaulted? Yes. Could those same guards calmly pour a kettle of boiling water all over Denton's hands? Afraid so.</p> <p>Shocking bursts of violence go both ways for Denton. So for every bottle-bash round the head to a noisy neighbour or punch in a treacherous colleague's stomach, she's suffered a bog-washing or third degree burns. This drama doesn't pull any punches - presumably one of the reasons why it hasn't been moved to BBC One.</p> <p>An early contender for home-grown drama of the year, Line of Duty is clever and leaves you wanting more. The scenes between Hawes and <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9353909/Vicky-McClure-interview-I-find-it-off-putting-when-everybody-on-telly-is-the-same-size.html">Vicky McClure</a>, as her adversary DC Kate Fleming, were electric. Two excellent actresses playing strong characters, both with their own dark secrets and all sorts going on behind the eyes. If they were<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/9743391/The-Killings-Sofie-Grabol-Im-not-emotional-about-leaving-Sarah-Lund-shes-fiction.html">Sofie Gråbøl</a> and Sidse Babett Knudsen, the box-set brigade would be boring us to tears about it.</p> <p><img src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02820/freeman_2107432a_2820038g.jpg"><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/10633928/Sherlock-the-10-greatest-Dr-Watsons.html">SHERLOCK: THE 10 GREATEST DR WATSONS</a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-43926673650945314332014-02-23T04:15:00.001-08:002014-02-23T04:15:06.201-08:00Amazon streamer and Spring Apple TV tipped in Best Buy leak <p><img src="http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/amazon-streaming-tv1-820x420.jpg"></p> <p><a href="http://www.slashgear.com/tags/amazon">Amazon</a>'s widely-anticipated set-top box and what could be a refreshed Apple TV have been tipped for a spring launch according to a leaked <a title="Best Buy" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/CouponsGo123/posts/665745446823218">Deal Today</a> document, amid speculation of a sizable push by electronics firms to cater to cord-cutters. The planogram, said to be for Best Buy's May shelf reset and passed to <a href="http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2014-02/best-buy-confirms-amazon-streamer-spring-launch/">Zatz Not Funny!</a>, compares the new Amazon streamer with Google's Chromecast, along with what appears to be an updated Apple TV.</p> <p>Best Buy's details of the Amazon box can hardly be said to be comprehensive. The streamer has no model name or SKU, and the only hardware detail supplied is that it's expected to have WiFi built-in, like the <a href="http://www.slashgear.com/tags/chromecast">Chromecast</a>.</p> <img src="http://cdn.slashgear.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/bby-amazon-streamer.jpg"><p>Still, earlier leaks have fleshed out the rumor a little more. Last week, it was suggested that Amazon was aiming for a launch <a href="http://www.slashgear.com/amazon-set-top-box-tipped-for-march-release-21317724/">by the end of Q1</a> - having missed its original holiday 2013 release window - with the box believed to be codenamed "Cinnamon" and potentially launching under the name "Firetube".</p> <p>Functionality is expected to include Amazon Prime content streaming, as well as pay-per-view movies and TV shows, music playback, and potentially Amazon Appstore compatibility to load at least a subset of Android software onto the streamer. Integration with Amazon's Kindle Fire tablets is also likely, and indeed Amazon has already shown off its Second Screen functionality on the Kindle Fire HDX, which currently requires third-party hardware such as a PlayStation 3 or a Samsung Smart TV.</p> <p>As for the possible Apple TV refresh - again, something that has been widely rumored to be in the pipeline for later in 2014 - that lacks an SKU product code in Best Buy's document, but is listed as having support for 100+ apps. That's considerably more than the current model, and might chime with reports that Apple is considering <a href="http://www.slashgear.com/apple-tv-reboot-release-with-time-warner-cable-tipped-for-april-12316707/">adding some sort of App Store support</a> for easier access to third-party titles.</p> <p>That too has been suggested for a roughly April launch, though Apple is yet to comment.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-88017292188135997692014-02-07T05:00:00.001-08:002014-02-07T05:00:17.637-08:00Famous Smoke Shop Releases New Cigar Promo Codes <p>Easton, PA (PRWEB) February 03, 2014 </p> <p> <a href="http://www.famous-smoke.com">Famous Smoke Shop</a> is the nation's #1 <a href="http://www.famous-smoke.com">discount retailer of online cigars</a>, providing smokers with the web's best cigar selection, expert customer service, competitive pricing, and a wide variety of special offers and ways to buy cigars. The company has just published their latest batch of <a href="http://www.famous-smoke.com/sale/coupons.cfm">cigar promo codes</a> that provide a wide variety of special offers to their customers. </p> <p>There were two cash back promo codes introduced this week, one giving customers $15 in cash back from their $150 purchase, and the other providing $30 in cash back for orders over $300. There is also a new <a title="promo code" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="http://2014coupons.net/">Promo Codes</a> that provides free shipping on orders over $50 that will be active for the entire month of February. </p> <p>In addition to the cash back coupons, there are a variety of other codes providing free cigars and cigar accessories with purchases of varying dollar totals. The highest-value offer released is one that allows customers to select a no-charge box of Plasencia Reserva Organica Toro cigars with a $500+ purchase from Famous Smoke Shop. Other bonus item coupons include a code for a 10-pack of The Judge by J. Fuego cigars with a $200+ purchase, a code for a Cuban Heritage #2 6-Pack Cigar Sampler with a $150+ purchase, and a code that provides a bonus Carlos Torano Signature Robusto 5-pack with $75+ purchases. </p> <p>All the cigar promo codes released today are valid through February 17. The company has a variety of other cigar promo codes available with new ones being added consistently. The codes do carry some restrictions, as certain items are ineligible due to manufacturer restrictions. Restricted brands are clearly stated on the company's website, as well as in the shopping cart if the order does not qualify for the shopper's selected promo code.</p> <p>People interested in learning more about Famous Smoke Shop or their promo code program should visit Famous-Smoke.com or call 1-800-564-2486. </p> <p>About Famous Smoke Shop <br>Famous Smoke Shop is the nation's #1 discount retailer of premium cigars online, offering one of the largest selections of handmade cigars, machine-made cigars, cigar humidors and accessories. Famous offers the web's lowest prices on a wide selection of cigar brands including Acid, Davidoff, Macanudo, Romeo y Julieta, Ashton, Padron, Oliva and Perdomo cigars, and many more. Famous offers their customers the best prices on all premium cigars as well as friendly and knowledgeable customer service.</p> <br> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-89486158813372148642014-02-05T10:30:00.001-08:002014-02-05T10:30:05.896-08:00Is Accepting Bitcoin Just a Publicity Stunt for Companies? <p><p>Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images</p> </p> On Feb. 11, Future Tense-a partnership of Slate, the <a href="http://futuretense.newamerica.net/">New America Foundation</a>, and <a href="http://futuretense.asu.edu/">Arizona State University</a>-will host an event on cryptocurrencies at the New America office in Washington, D.C. For more information and to watch the webcast, visit the <a href="http://newamerica.net/events/2014/new_coin_of_the_realm">New America website</a>. <p>For cryptocurrency doubters, it's easy to be cynical about the almost daily announcement of a new <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2090548/tiger-direct-jumps-on-the-bitcoin-bandwagon.html">retailer</a>, <a href="http://www.wired.com/business/2014/01/sacramento-kings-bitcoin/">basketball team</a>, or <a href="http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57614544-93/kentucky-police-chief-to-be-paid-in-bitcoin/">police chief</a> accepting bitcoin. Most appear to be nothing more than publicity stunts. But in the wake of <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2013/oct/02/business/la-fi-silk-road-bitcoin-20131003">the FBI's dissolution</a> of the illicit online marketplace the Silk Road, this new trend is going a long way toward institutionalizing bitcoin, even if they're just in it for the headlines. Each time a respected retailer takes on the cryptocurrency, criminal associations sink further into the background (although not assisted <a href="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/01/27/two-executives-of-bitcoin-businesses-are-arrested/">by the recent arrest</a> of Charles Shrem, the co-founder and CEO of BitInstant, for an alleged scheme to sell more than $1 million in bitcoin to Silk Road users). And linking up with the cryptocurrency gives certain companies a P.R. boost, helping them to appear innovative and risk-taking.</p> <p>First it was the early adopters that announced they'd accept bitcoin payments: companies like <a href="http://arstechnica.com/business/2013/04/okcupid-says-it-will-accept-bitcoin-as-currency-falls-to-recent-low/">OkCupid</a> and <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/101220710">Virgin Galactic</a> that have made a habit of moon shots and digital agility. Over the past few months though, the cryptocurrency has landed some of its biggest fish so far, like the online retailers <a href="http://www.pcworld.com/article/2090548/tiger-direct-jumps-on-the-bitcoin-bandwagon.html">TigerDirect</a> and <a href="http://www.overstock.com/about#http://www.overstock.com/about%20">Overstock</a>. But for the vanguard, does the publicity still outweigh the sales?</p> <p>Mike Maxim, chief technology officer of OkCupid, told me that when interest in bitcoin began to spike last year, the online dating site saw an opportunity to differentiate their product from other dating sites and <a href="http://blog.coinbase.com/post/48102298494/okcupid-starts-accepting-bitcoin-using-coinbasehttp:/arstechnica.com/business/2013/04/okcupid-says-it-will-accept-bitcoin-as-currency-falls-to-recent-low/">announced</a> in April 2013 that it would accept the cryptocurrency. The option hasn't been overwhelmingly popular: Only about 1,000 people have taken them up on the offer so far, he said, as compared with more than 150,000 people overall who use OkCupid's "A-List" extra options. Bitcoin payments are still just a small fraction of their overall revenue. The publicity has paid off, Maxim told me, but it was also just an easy way for people to pay for things online.</p> <p>That's because bitcoin's real potential may be as a borderless payment platform akin to PayPal or Visa. After making a deal with the payment platform, Coinbase, to support bitcoin transactions, it took only two weeks and two people on OkCupid's end to have the site set up to accept bitcoin payments, Maxim said.</p> <p>It's also clear that the Bitcoin crowd is a fanatical and organized fan base. One that is more than willing to spend their digital gold in Bitcoin-friendly venues.</p> <p>When Overstock <a href="http://blog.coinbase.com/post/72787431702/coinbase-and-overstock-com-announce-largest-bitcoin">announced</a> it was taking on Bitcoin in early 2014, also using Coinbase's services, Judd Bagley, director of communications for Overstock, told me that he couldn't have anticipated half the publicity it would generate. And not just in the press. Reddit's subreddits lit up with support for Overstock, as users <a href="http://www.reddit.com/r/Bitcoin/comments/1utcz6/bitcoin_payments_are_now_live_on_overstockcom/celho21">advised one another</a> to check out prices on Overstock before buying from <a title="Amazon" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="http://2014coupons.net/">Review</a> or Walmart as a show of support.</p> <p>"After we made the announcement, there was a real surge of people on Facebook and Twitter praising Overstock and stating that they intended to support us," Bagley told me. "There's a pretty active, loyal Bitcoin community out there and they're looking for places to spend it."</p> <p>Since early January, Overstock has passed the $500,000 mark in revenue from Bitcoin, he said, with more than 2,500 orders, and a large percentage of those orders came from valuable first-time customers. Bagley estimated that 1-2 percent of purchases on Overstock would be made in Bitcoin over the next year.</p> <p>The other benefit is the relatively low transaction fee collected by platforms like Coinbase. While Bagley couldn't disclose Overstock's exact rate, he suggested that it's better than that offered by Visa, which in general <a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/mickeymeece/2012/07/13/be-aware-credit-card-purchases-may-soon-carry-a-surcharge/">takes 2-3 percent</a>. Coinbase charges OkCupid about 1 percent for Bitcoin transactions, according to Maxim. </p> <p>None of this matters though, if retailers are afraid to use the cryptocurrency. Much of the criticism has arisen from its volatility: The value of a Bitcoin <a href="https://coinbase.com/charts">grew</a> <a href="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/01/29/law-enforcement-strikes-back-in-bitcoin-hearing/">5,000 percent</a> in 2013. Yet representatives of Overstock and OkCupid told me that they bear little of the risk. After Coinbase sets an exchange rate, the Bitcoins are immediately liquidated for the two companies, with old-fashioned fiat currencies landing in their bank accounts once the sale goes through.</p> <p>It's Coinbase that shoulders the risk, much like businesses that deal with overseas currencies fluctuating with the dollar. But as Eric Posner, a professor at the University of Chicago law school, <a href="http://www.wired.com/business/2014/01/overstock-bitcoin-live/">pointed out</a> to Wired, there's no supporting derivatives market to hedge Bitcoin bets like there is for the euro or the dollar.</p> <p>Coinbase co-founder and CEO Brian Armstrong told me that they manage this problem by running a risk-hedging algorithm that keeps track of how many Bitcoins they owe and own at one time. This helps them to decide when to buy and sell, and when to adjust the exchange rate. And they think that retailer support will only grow. There are <a href="https://coinbase.com/about">22,000 merchants</a> currently using Coinbase to facilitate Bitcoin transactions, Armstrong told me, and he says that they're adding new merchants at a rate of around 31 percent per month.</p> <p>Bitcoin seems to offer businesses legitimate benefits as a payment platform beyond coverage in the tech blogosphere, but it needs to solidify its head start now. The big guys like <a href="https://twitter.com/davidmarcus/status/422632849670299648">PayPal</a> and Visa are <a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/101356642">reportedly watching closely</a> and <a href="http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702303743604579351123788256930?mg=reno64-wsj&url=http%3A%2F%2Fonline.wsj.com%2Farticle%2FSB10001424052702303743604579351123788256930.html">Amazon</a> and <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/technology/apple-ceo-mobile-payments-big-opportunity-2D11999986">Apple</a> are also trying to get into the mobile payments game. It could be a short leap for them to create a corporate cryptocurrency of their own.</p> <p>Until then, flight attendants <a href="http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2013/11/virgin_gallactic/">buying $250,000 Virgin Galactic tickets</a> to space in Bitcoin can't help but dominate the headlines.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-40286025453492059762014-01-26T23:00:00.001-08:002014-01-26T23:00:16.678-08:00Cheap Katy Perry Tickets: Cheap Concert Tickets Offers Customer Appreciation Coupon/Promo Code KATY on All Katy Perry "Prismatic" World Tour Tickets <<a title="" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="http://2014coupons.net/">Online Deals</a>p><a href="http://www.cheapconcerttickets.me">Cheap Concert Tickets</a> announces that they are offering the exclusive customer appreciation discount code KATY on all <a href="http://www.cheapconcerttickets.me/event/katy-perry">2014 "Prismatic Tour" tickets</a>. This well known secondary ticket site is known for their low concert ticket prices and superb customer service.</p> <p>One of the most successful entertainers in the world has announced the dates for her world tour. Katy Perry, the pop superstar behind hits like "I Kissed a Girl," "Teenage Dream," and "Roar," informed the media that the North American portion of the "PRISMATIC" world tour will begin in Raleigh, North Carolina at the PNC Arena and conclude at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. In between, Perry will travel throughout the United States and Canada with Capital Cities, Tegan and Sara and Kacey Musgraves.</p> <p>Find the "Prismatic" tour schedule below:</p> <p>6/22/14 - Raleigh, NC - PNC Arena *</p> <p>6/24/14 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center *</p> <p>6/25/14 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center*</p> <p>6/27/14 - Nashville, TN - Bridgestone Arena *</p> <p>6/28/14 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena *</p> <p>6/30/14 - Tampa, FL - Tampa Bay Times Forum *</p> <p>7/2/14 - Sunrise, FL - BB&T Center *</p> <p>7/3/14 - Miami, FL - American Airlines Arena *</p> <p>7/9/14 - New York, NY - Madison Square Garden *</p> <p>7/11/14 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center *</p> <p>7/15/14 - Montreal, QC - Bell Centre *</p> <p>7/16/14 - Ottawa, ON - Canadian Tire Centre *</p> <p>7/18/14 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre *</p> <p>7/19/14 - Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre *</p> <p>7/22/14 - Pittsburgh, PA - CONSOL Energy Center *</p> <p>7/24/14 - Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center *</p> <p>7/25/14 - Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center *</p> <p>8/1/14 - Boston, MA - TD Garden *</p> <p>8/2/14 - Boston, MA - TD Garden *</p> <p>8/4/14 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center *</p> <p>8/5/14 - Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center *</p> <p>8/7/14 - Chicago, IL - United Center *</p> <p>8/8/14 - Chicago, IL - United Center *</p> <p>8/10/14 - Grand Rapids, MI - Van Andel Arena ^</p> <p>8/11/14 - Auburn Hills, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills ^</p> <p>8/13/14 - Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena ^</p> <p>8/14/14 - Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena ^</p> <p>8/16/14 - Louisville, KY - KFC Yum! Center ^</p> <p>8/17/14 - St. Louis, MO - Scottrade Center ^</p> <p>8/19/14 - Kansas City, MO - Sprint Center ^</p> <p>8/20/14 - Lincoln, NE - Pinnacle Bank Arena ^</p> <p>8/22/14 - Minneapolis, MN - Target Center ^</p> <p>8/23/14 - Fargo, ND - FARGODOME ^</p> <p>8/26/14 - Winnipeg, MB - MTS Centre ^</p> <p>8/28/14 - Saskatoon, SK - Credit Union Centre ^</p> <p>8/29/14 - Calgary, AB - Scotiabank Saddledome ^</p> <p>8/31/14 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place ^</p> <p>9/1/14 - Edmonton, AB - Rexall Place ^</p> <p>9/9/14 - Vancouver, BC - Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena #</p> <p>9/12/14 - Portland, OR - Moda Center #</p> <p>9/13/14 - Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome #</p> <p>9/16/14 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center #</p> <p>9/17/14 - Anaheim, CA - Honda Center #</p> <p>9/19/14 - Los Angeles, CA - STAPLES Center #</p> <p>9/20/14 - Los Angeles, CA - STAPLES Center #</p> <p>9/22/14 - San Jose, CA - SAP Center #</p> <p>9/23/14 - San Jose, CA - SAP Center #</p> <p>9/25/14 - Glendale, AZ - <a href="http://Jobing.com">Jobing.com</a> Arena #</p> <p>9/26/14 - Las Vegas, NV - MGM Grand Garden Arena #</p> <p>9/29/14 - Salt Lake City, UT - EnergySolutions Arena #</p> <p>9/30/14 - Denver, CO - Pepsi Center #</p> <p>10/2/14 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center #</p> <p>10/3/14 - Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center #</p> <p>10/5/14 - Memphis, TN - FedExForum #</p> <p>10/6/14 - Tulsa, OK - BOK Center #</p> <p>10/8/14 - New Orleans, LA - New Orleans Arena #</p> <p>10/10/14 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center ~</p> <p>10/11/14 - Houston, TX - Toyota Center ~</p> <p>*With Capital Cities</p> <p>^ With Kasey Musgraves</p> <p># With Tegan and Sara</p> <p>~ TBD</p> <p>Note: More dates could be added to this list</p> <p>Perry is doing something unique for her opening acts. Instead of sticking with one or two groups to travel with throughout all the dates, she has broken the tour up between her three openers. The first part of her tour will be opened by Capital Cities. This group is best known for their breakout single, "Safe and Sound," which helped propel their career. The group, consisting of Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian, released their debut album in June 2013, In a Tidal Wave of Mystery.</p> <p>The second wave with a new opener will feature the top rising star of country music, Musgraves. Musgraves and Perry performed on the same show and developed a friendship that led to this partnership. Musgraves had one of the most critically acclaimed records of 2013 with Same Trailer Different Park. At the Country Music Awards, she was nominated for six awards including two for "Song of the Year," with one win in the "Best New Artist," category, beating out Florida Georgia Line. She was also nominated for four Grammy Awards, which tied her for the most of any female with Lorde and Taylor Swift.</p> <p>The final leg of the North American tour will see Tegan and Sara open for Perry. Tegan and Sara are made up of identical sisters from Canada, Tegan Rain Quin and Sara Keirsten Quin. The duo created this group when they were 15 and have since traveled the world and performed with several of the greatest musicians in music. Among their travel mates include Neil Young and the Pretenders, The Killers, Death Cab for Cutie, Paramore, Weezer and Cake.</p> <p>The "PRISMATIC" world tour is the third headlining tour for Perry since breaking out in 2008. Her first tour, the "Hello Katy Tour," lasted for 89 dates and took her around the world. In 2011, she began the "California Dreams Tour," which turned out to be one of the top tours of the year. It lasted 124 dates and earned Perry the People's Choice Award for "Best Tour Headliner." The tour was successful with the fans and netted close to $60 million.</p> <p>Fans looking to attend the 2014 tour will hope to hear all of Perry's hits including her most recent Number 1 single, "Roar." That single was released off her fourth solo record, Prism, which is the album that this tour is being held in support of. Tickets for the Perry tour will make for a great gift and with the tour not opening in the States until June, there is plenty of time to plan out your yearly gifts.</p> <p>About Cheap Concert Tickets:</p> <p><a href="http://www.cheapconcerttickets.me">CheapConcertTickets.me</a> delivers tickets to sold out concerts and events worldwide when no one else can, and they do so at discounted prices. As a member of TicketNetworkDirect, they can guarantee the delivery of <a href="http://www.cheapconcerttickets.me/event/katy-perry">Katy Perry concert tickets</a>. This trusted ticket exchange also has a large inventory of tickets for all sporting events around the World. With CheapConcertTickets.me customer service is a priority, for live Customer Service Support call toll free 1-877-870-3653 between the hours of 7:00 am and 1:00 am Eastern Standard Time 7 days a week.</p> <p>For the original version on PRWeb visit: <a href="http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/01/prweb11522592.htm">http://www.prweb.com/releases/2014/01/prweb11522592.htm</a></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-81226618297599826832014-01-25T22:30:00.001-08:002014-01-25T22:30:07.003-08:00Edith Susskind, gift shop owner and community leader, dies at 93 (photos) <p>Community leader Edith Susskind, Staten Island's grande dame and longtime gift specialist renowned for her creativity, decorating designs and fashion prowess, especially for her collection of her high-style hats, died Friday in Richmond University Medical Center, West Brighton. Her age was 93. </p> <p> Born Edith Rivkin in New Brighton, Mrs. Susskind, often maintained that she found it difficult to believe --and perhaps thought it to be some sort of miracle -- that she was still here and able to celebrate milestone anniversaries each year at her annual Open House, first in the West Brighton shop gifted to her as an anniversary present by her late husband Alfred and later in Cottage 5, adjacent to the <a title="Chinese" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="http://chinesenewyear2014.biz/">chinese lunar new year cards</a> Scholars Garden at Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, Livingston, where a portion of her great porcelain collection was donated to Snug Harbor. </p> <p>A GIFT FROM ALFRED </p> <p> Her original retail shop was a wedding-anniversary present from her husband, who attempted to present her with a fabulous mink coat from the former B. Altman & Co. collection. Though the coat was gorgeous, it wasn't quite what she had in mind, so Alfred purchased the original gift shop on Elizabeth Street, just around the corner from her Forest Avenue shop, instead. </p> <p> She married Alfred Susskind in 1943, the gentleman who started out as her friend, and the husband with whom she would not only share her illustrious life, but also her love of early porcelain and fine antiques. She would often speak of their loving relationship and though they weren't fortunate enough to have children, they nonetheless enjoyed a fairy tale marriage, said she, the memory of which kept her going. Alfred was a great tenor and a Cantor as a young man who often delighted in serenading his bride with love songs -- even in their later years. Alfred died in 1996. </p> <p> Antiques collector George Way once reported that when the Susskinds were on their honeymoon at Grossinger's Resort Hotel in Liberty, N.Y., Alfred purchased one of the first of many in the long list of gifts he would present to the love of his life. It was a tiny Dresden basket. Edith favored Dresden ware since it is made of hard paste porcelain and displays a Rococo style, said Way. The collector believes her involvement in the interior design business at an early age is one of the reasons for her appreciation of the finer things in life. </p> <p> And when Way asked what she admired most about porcelain, Mrs. Susskind replied that she liked the feel of period pieces and the many decorative colors associated with English examples from the Worcester factory made in the 18th and early 19th centuries. She also favored Worcester porcelain because of the interesting shapes and sizes produced. </p> <p>'A LOVELY PERSON' </p> <p> In commenting on Mrs. Susskind's passing, Way, a neighbor of Mrs. Susskind's for 35 years in the community of Silver Lake, stated that they became friends after he had purchased several silver spoons from her Forest Avenue shop. In recent years, he'd made a habit of calling her most evenings, often to swap stories about collectibles. </p> <p> "I loved her," he said. "She was a lovely person and a caring friend. She had such class and she always put others before herself." </p> <p> Longtime friend Fran Hogan, a Woman of Achievement in the Class of 1999, noted that Mrs. Susskind had a presence about her, an energy, a unique light from within that sparkled and shined. </p> <p> And Nancy Lettiere, Mrs. Susskind's registered nurse care manager, stated emphatically that their relationship was more than that of just a nurse/patient. "My husband Nick and I have known Edith for almost 40 years. Our home has many treasures from her shop. She taught me so much about decorating and fashion. I never knew how to tie a scarf until I met Edith and she celebrated holidays and family parties with us. We were two of her 'adopted' children and now there's a definite void in our lives." </p> <p>UNIQUE GIFT SHOP </p> <p> Throughout the years, Mrs. Susskind's shop showcased the finest in scarves, shawls and capes, and served as headquarters for personalized stationery, invitations and holiday cards, fine porcelain and china, silver, gems and jewelry. </p> <p> Dr. Joseph D. (Joedy) Smith, retired professor of religious studies at Wagner College, remembers that he met Mrs. Susskind in 1982 at her gift shop when he was new to Staten Island. "Both Edith and Al inspired me to become involved with the community of Staten Island. I will truly miss her presence and her eleemosynary efforts." </p> <p> Suzanne Berelson, owner of Suzanne's Fashion Corner, commented that she'll miss seeing her "little red-headed buddy." </p> <p> Mrs. Susskind graduated from PS 45 at 11 years of age and from Curtis High School when she was 15. At Curtis, she made Arista, the permanent Honor Roll, worked on the Curtis Log, the class yearbook and won the O.D. Clark Oratorical Contest. </p> <p> She attended New York University's School of Commerce, Accounts & Finance and earned a bachelor of science degree in marketing with minors in journalism and retailing, magna cum laude, Beta Gamma Sigma in January of 1939. She then attended Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. </p> <p>LONGTIME VOLUNTEER </p> <p> It's interesting to note that the former magazine editor, publicity director and decorator who was considered to be a virtual institution and a legend on Staten Island shores, had been volunteering on the local level ever since she was a youngster of nine and had used her gift shop as a tool to assist the community. </p> <p> Mrs. Susskind often stated that her mother, Sarah Rivkin, would remind her and her two sisters, Roslyn and Mimi, of the importance of giving back to the community and to remember to always extend kindnesses to others. </p> <p> Staten Islanders who recall visiting her shop were fortunate to have witnessed that kindness when she pleasurably assisted youngsters who'd stopped by in hopes of purchasing a birthday, holiday or Mother's Day gift for a loved one. </p> <p> Everyone recalled a similar story when they recounted whether the child was able to spend $1, $2 or $5 or $10, she would always accommodate them in a heartfelt manner and made sure they went home with the gift of their dreams -- with it wrapped just as beautifully as it would have been wrapped had it been worth $100 or more. </p> <p> Mrs. Susskind's friend, Norma D'Arrigo, wife of retired Surrogate Charles D'Arrigo, a 2012 Advance Woman of Achievement and a community leader in her own right, commented that "Edith was a gift to Staten Island for her aesthetic sensibilities and her artistic flair. She will be greatly missed by all," said she. The women, patrons of the arts, fancied venturing into the city to take in the ballet at Lincoln Center. </p> <p> Mrs. Susskind, herself a 1987 Advance Woman of Achievement winner and a Soroptimist International Woman of Distinction, was presented with the Louis R. Miller Business Leadership Award and was inducted into the Curtis High School Alumni Hall of Fame. Also, she was named a Woman of Valor by the UJA Federation. </p> <p> As a point of interest, Mrs. Susskind taught marketing and retailing courses, as well as a course on antiques at the College of Staten Island. She sponsored scholarship community service awards each year at PS 45, West Brighton, her alma mater, and at PS 52, Dongan Hills. </p> <p> Many may recall that the gift guru had been a fashion consultant, an interior decorator, a sales-promotion manager of the Dryden Press college textbook publishers and editor of Sales Management, a marketing magazine. </p> <p> SPONSORED AWARD </p> <p> Each year she presented the Sarah Rivkin Award and the Alfred Susskind Award in memory of her mother and late husband at the Miss Staten Island Scholarship Pageant, where she was always asked to grace the stage. </p> <p> She never failed to dazzle bedecked in high-style attire as she delivered her eloquent speech, making sure to credit her mom for instilling within her the community spirit for which she had become synonymous and presented awards to the young women -- one of which would be crowned Miss Staten Island momentarily. </p> <p> "Both Edith and Alfred loved the contestants, each year they adopted them," said Jim Smith, executive director of the Miss Staten Island Scholarship Pageant. "Edith was a wonderful role model for today's young women," he noted before stating that she attended college when it was not the norm for women and she encouraged education for each contestant. </p> <p> A longtime pageant sponsor, "for 48 years she donated scholarships for pageant contestants," Mr. Smith pointed out. Mrs. Susskind also donated gifts to those who sat on the panel of judges, to contestants and presented an exquisite gift to the winner. </p> <p>MANY HONORS </p> <p> Mrs. Susskind was honored by the Staten Island Mental Health Society and received the Dorothy M. Kammer Volunteer Service Award and the Elizabeth Connelly Humanitarian Award from the Staten Island Inter-Agency Council for Aging. She was honored by the Staten Island Jewish Community Center, as well as by other organizations. </p> <p> "It was a great privilege to know Edith and to share her experiences and try to live up to her standards that she set for so many. Her generosity and community involvement will live long after her," said longtime friend, Alice Diamond, wife of late Advance publisher, Richard E. Diamond, whose families interacted for generations. </p> <p> Carson Gleberman, Mrs. Susskind's niece, stated: "I have always been grateful for the sake of my children that there was such a strong female role model in our family and that they had a chance to know her so well and for so long." </p> <p> Mrs. Gleberman reminded us about her aunt's motto: "Always do your best, always think about other people and always wear a sensational hat." </p> <p> Mrs. Susskind's niece, Joan Nelson, called her aunt a "true lady of style" and her nephew, Joseph, said that his aunt's life speaks for itself. </p> <p> Mrs. Susskind is survived by several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, who she adored. </p> <p> On a personal note, Staten Island has lost one of its finest women. She offered her friendship to all those with whom she crossed paths -- a mentor who possessed infinite wisdom -- whose knowledge and advice were cherished by so many. She will be sorely missed by all those who were proud to call her a fellow Staten Islander. </p> <p>The funeral will be Monday from the Meislohn-Silvie Funeral Home, Port Richmond, with a service at 10:30 a.m. in Temple Emanuel-El, also Port Richmond. Burial will follow in Baron Hirsch Cemetery, Graniteville. </p> <p></p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-43438205660590678592014-01-24T11:15:00.000-08:002014-01-24T11:43:37.541-08:00VaporCigaretteDeals Offers the Best Vapor E Cigarette Coupon Codes in 2014 <p><a href="https://secure.repost.us/syndicate/create"><img src="http://static.1.rp-api.com/buttons/repostus_bttn_shrt_repost.png"></a></p> <p> </p><p>Deerfield Beach, FL -- ( <a href="http://www.sbwire.com/">SBWIRE</a>) -- 01/22/2014 -- <a href="http://www.vaporcigarettedeals.com/">Vapor smoking</a> enthusiasts are looking for the most reliable review site available online. As with the growing customer demand for vapor cigarettes there are many review sites cropping up all over the web. And most of these review sites are in a haste to promote brands of vapor cigarettes without even double checking about the quality and the longevity of the brands. 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(Getty Images) </p> <p>Se destacar mais uma vez pelos seus atributos físicos mundo afora ou mostrar sensibilidade às outras culturas e manter o estilo com um toque de discrição? Fernanda Lima e sua equipe mostraram delicadeza ao optarem pela segunda opção.</p> Leia também:<br><a href="http://br.mulher.yahoo.com/os-maiores-erros-que-cometemos-ao-usar-a-geladeira-131402523.html">Os maiores erros que cometemos ao usar a geladeira</a><br><a href="http://br.mulher.yahoo.com/como-reorganizar-a-rotina-da-fam%C3%ADlia-na-volta-%C3%A0s-aulas-103014933.html">Como reorganizar a rotina da família na volta às aulas </a><br><a href="http://br.mulher.yahoo.com/as-mulheres-est%C3%A3o-no-controle-da-felicidade-conjugal-124853817.html">As mulheres estão no controle da felicidade conjugal</a> <p>Depois de roubar a cena no sorteio dos grupos da Copa do Mundo com um vestido "bandage", modelo criado pelo estilista Herve Lerger formado por várias tiras e que evidencia to-das as formas, acompanhado de um decote que se tornou mundialmente comentado, Fernanda Lima surgiu mais "contida" no evento Bola de Ouro, realizado esta semana na Suíça.</p> <p>Não, não estava menos deslumbrante e nem usava algo que não tivesse o estilo dela. Apenas estava mais discreta. O vestido dourado que alçou o nome de Fernanda às manchetes pelo mundo não estava inadequado, nem vulgar: seguia a regra de, para não errar, optar por apenas dois elementos sensuais no mesmo look. No caso, a modelagem ajustada e o decote, que foram compensados pelo comprimento, na altura do joelho.</p> <p>No entanto, para culturas nas quais a discrição das mulheres não é opção, mas obrigação, o look foi um ultraje: o canal de TV estatal do Irã cortou por diversas vezes a transmissão do evento e Fernanda foi atacada por grupos radicais nas redes sociais.</p> <p>"Ah, mas dar ouvidos a culturas que escondem suas mulheres atrás de véus, quando não burcas?". Num evento global como a Copa do Mundo as mais diferentes culturas estão unidas pelo esporte. E a elegância, que está acima do que se veste, mas nas atitudes, foi demonstrada por Fernanda Lima através do respeito.</p> <p>Para apresentação do Bola de Ouro Fernanda Lima não economizou nos brilhos: apareceu reluzente com um vestido bordado a mão do estilista brasileiro Samuel Cirnansck. As formas perfeitas continuaram delineadas, mas dois trunfos foram lançados para manter a discrição: o decote tomara que caia e mangas longas.</p> <p><a href="http://l2.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/IAOzouYvUiAzztGQmy.NbA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NQ--/http://media.zenfs.com/pt-BR/blogs/ta-na-moda/Fernanda-Lima-Vestido-Valentino-Gala-com-Rudd-huilt-e-Vestido-Verde-Samuel-Cirnansck-Reproducao-instagram.jpg"><img src="http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/I4jjKDd05fWLu7A197cMUw--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/pt-BR/blogs/ta-na-moda/Fernanda-Lima-Vestido-Valentino-Gala-com-Rudd-huilt-e-Vestido-Verde-Samuel-Cirnansck-Reproducao-instagram.jpg"></a>Os looks do jantar e da apresentação do Bola de Ouro: discrição. (Reprodução/Instagram) </p> <p>Aliás, mangas compridas são ótimas aliadas para dosar looks sensuais. No jantar de gala após o evento mais uma vez Fernanda Lima apostou nelas, equilibrando as transparências do longo de Valentino. E marcou de goleada no quesito elegância - atributo que vai além do que os olhos podem ver e mora também na adequação, na postura e no respeito.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-39780241570054858142014-01-20T12:22:00.001-08:002014-01-20T12:22:52.041-08:00Macy's Coupons 2014: Up to 80% Off, Discount Offers & Free Shipping <p><a href="https://secure.repost.us/syndicate/create"><img src="http://static.1.rp-api.com/buttons/repostus_bttn_shrt_repost.png"></a></p> <p> </p><p>Portland, OR -- ( <a href="http://www.sbwire.com/">SBWIRE</a>) -- 01/20/2014 -- Macy's is an American chain of departmental stores which has almost 800 store locations across the country. The company was started in New York City in 1858 and was originally named "R. H. Macy & Co.". 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So is Olmsted Falls' Hoagie Sale: Olmsted Dates and Data <p>OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio -- It's hoagie time! </p> <p>Want a great halftime treat during the Feb. 2 <a title="Super" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="http://2014coupons.net/">Deal Now</a> Bowl? Olmsted Falls Music Association has the meat of the deal.</p> <p>It's the group's annual Super Bowl Hoagie Sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Shaker's MarketPlace, corner of Stearns and Bagley roads. The delicious 8-inch hoagies are served on an Italian roll with pepperoni, salami, shaved ham and provolone cheese. Lettuce, tomato and Italian dressing are wrapped separately to preserve the freshness of the ingredients. Each is $5. Sandwiches will be assembled that morning to ensure freshness for your Super Bowl festivities. Students will deliver the sandwiches to their buyers.</p> <p>The hoagies may be ordered through any Bulldog music student in grades 6-12, but there will be extra ones on sale at Shaker's Feb. 1 until 2 p.m. If you do not know any music students, just email janetrk@sbcglobal.net. Orders and money are due Jan. 23. Check out the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/OFMA11/">Olmsted Falls Music Association's facebook page </a>for more details, too.</p> <p>Students receive at least $3 for each order, which helps defray their music travel costs. Why not help our student musicians share their talent and enjoy school travels! A special thanks to Phil Moody and his Shaker's store. </p> <p>Keep moving - Olmsted Community Center wants seniors to remain active. </p> <p>It offers the Silver Sneakers Classic twice a week: 9-10 a.m. and 10:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays at the center. </p> <p>It is offered in partnership with select health plans at no added cost to Medicare-eligible members. If not, the fee is $20 per month. These multi-level, equipment-based strength and conditioning exercise classes are appropriate for all levels. </p> <p>For more details, contact Laurie Schmer, 440-665-7325 or the center, 440-472-1599. This program does not take online registration at this time. The <a href="http://www.olmstedcc.com/#!senior-programs/c12wa">center</a> is at 8170 Mapleway Drive. Silver Sneakers also has a website, <a href="http://silversneakers.com/">silversneakers.com.</a></p> <p>Neighboring news - It's 'Soup's On' Saturday, Jan. 25 in Berea for the annual Soup-R-Bowl that the<a href="http://bereaanimalrescue.com/"> Berea Animal Rescue Friends </a>sponsors.</p> <p>The long-standing tradition offers various soups, chili, sandwiches, wraps, salad, homemade desserts, beverages and fun. Selections include veggie and vegan varieties, too. </p> <p>It is from 4-7 p.m.at Berea-Midpark High School, 165 E. Bagley Road. The all-you-can-eat fundraiser is $10 for adults, $5, those ages 5-12 and free for kids under 5.</p> <p>Be sure to bring a bit of extra cash to try your luck in the huge raffle basket table, sideboard betting, 50/50 raffles and the chance to shop for fun ARF T-shirts, hoodies and other merchandise. ARF also will have some of its adoptable cats and dogs at the event. </p> <p>ALL proceeds to benefit ARF's shelter animals. </p> <p>Baldwin Wallace University and Berea still has some Martin Luther King activities this week. The following is the list for Jan. 23 and 24. </p> <p>Thursday, Jan. 23, Chapel Worship Service, Lindsay-Crossman Chapel, 56 Seminary St.; 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23, keynote speaker Michelle Alexander, Kleist Center for Art & Drama, 95 E. Bagley Road and "Your Feet, My Shoes," interactive display, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 24, Strosacker Hall, 120 E. Grand St. There also is a display commemorating King and the Fight for Freedom now through February at BW's Ritter Library. </p> <p>Young at heart - It's a new year for this friendly group. Its next luncheon is at noon, Jan. 28 in the St. Mary of the Falls Community Room. Shaker's will cater the luncheon. </p> <p>This month's program guest is Rev. Sean Ralph. For reservations, call Judy Stasenko, 440-235-2222, ext. 122. If schools are closed due to weather, so is the meeting. </p> <p>Post Prom - The Olmsted Falls High School Post Prom 2014 Committee again will sponsor a fun-filled night for seniors after the prom. The group will host several fundraisers over the next few months to raise money for the event, including a wing night. </p> <p>Committee members are visiting area businesses seeking donations to make these fundraisers successful. If your business or you can help to donate an item, gift certificate or monetary gift, contact Teri, 440-236-6482 or petro@roadrunner.com.</p> <p>The kids have great fun and it's a healthy, active and drug-free environment. </p> <p>Kids sale -- The Olmsted Early Childhood PTA has its annual Bargain Bonanza March 8 in the Olmsted Falls Middle School cafetorium. The group now is accepting consignment registration. </p> <p>All items are sorted by size and gender. The gym is packed with toys, baby gear and so many other great items. Last year was a bonanza for me since I purchased several 'grandma' items for our first grandchild. I plan to return again this year.</p> <p>Anyone may register as a seller, but there is a cap of 130. The PTA allows sellers to drop off their items with PTA-purchased tags. The PTA volunteers sort and run the sale. When the tags are added up, checks are sent, with the seller receiving all but 10 percent for members and 12, for non members. To register or for more details, go to <a href="http://oecpta.com/resale-events/bargain-bonanza/">oecpta.org </a>and email <a href="mailto:schwecke@cox.net">schwecke@cox.net</a>, who will send the necessary paperwork. </p> <p>The sale runs from 8-9 a.m., $5 early bird; 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., $2 a person and 2:30-3:30 p.m., $3 a bag. </p> <p>Dine out -- The Olmsted Falls High School Swim & Dive Team invites the community to its annual Dinner and Raffle from 6-9 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Olmsted Falls High School cafeteria. This year the event has a luau theme. For more details, or if you have a donation for the raffle, call Tessa, 440-228-8160. Some of the raffle items this year include a 42-inch flat screen TV, iPad Air, SOL headphones and much more! More details in an upcoming column.</p> <p>Reminder - St. Mary of the Falls will have its Catholic Schools Week Open House from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Jan. 26. All are welcome to tour the school. </p> To include news, tidbits and activities happening in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township, contact DuMound at jdumound@yahoo.com. She also is on Twitter @JoanneDuMound. The online version of this column is at cleveland.com/olmsted. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5678635698426584454.post-46675052651288687582014-01-15T20:30:00.001-08:002014-01-15T20:30:09.454-08:00Jun Group gets $2.5M for online video advertising <p>Video advertising company Jun Group received $2.5 million in debt financing led by Western Technology Investment today after tripling in size since its first round with WTI.</p> <p><a title="Online" rel="bookmark" target="_blank" href="http://2014coupons.net/">Promo Code</a> video advertising is already a huge arena for companies looking to bring television advertising success to multiple screens. Jun Group provides a number of different ad unit preferences including sponsored content, where a brand gets an entire page on a "premium publisher site" to display its advertising; embedded videos on existing content; as well as native ad units.</p> <p>It currently serves a number of Fortune 500 companies including Coca-Cola, Kraft, Microsoft, NBC, Disney, and more.</p> <p>WTI originally invested $2.5 million into Jun Group in 2011 bringing its total investment up to $5 million. The company is headquartered in New York.</p> Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0