Nov 27, 2010

10 gadgets that will be trash tomorrow

I think there is a lot of guessing and exaggeration in these predictions, but it is an interesting assessment.
MSN Money

Seven Smart Money Moves for the Holidays

WSJ.com

Pretty good advice except for Number 3: "Give cooking classes. A spa treatment. Tickets to a game."
After receiving consumer complaints for decades, I know that some of these kinds of gifts may not get used or they have time limits, or the company goes out of business.

Looking for a digital camera, TV, blow dryer, toaster, coffee machine, headphones,or fire extinguisher? Consumer Reports recommendations:

Only 9% Of Students At For-Profit Colleges Graduate Within 6 Years

The Consumerist

Don’t leave your spouse cashless

Bankrate.com

Allegation: Dealership Sells Car To Elderly Man With Dementia, Who Then Dies After High-Speed Chase

The Consumerist

Make retirement a time well spent: 5 ways to save money in retirement

bankrate.com

FTC Settlements Permanently Shut Down “Free Government Grants” Scam

FTC

19 Great Jobs Without A College Degree – And How To Get Them Fast

wealthpilgrim.com

Nov 25, 2010

Nov 19, 2010

Original Mark Twain letters in UW Memorial Library



Autobiography of Mark Twain flying off book store shelves.

Are rebates all they are cracked up to be?

At FTC’s Request, Judge Imposes Ban on Marketers of Kinoki “Detox” Foot Pads

FTC
Ads for similar foot pads are running in at least one Wisconsin newspaper.
FTC: "The defendants falsely claimed to have scientific proof that the foot pads removed toxic materials from the body, according to the FTC complaint. The defendants also advertised that when applied to the soles of consumers’ feet at night, the food pads could remove toxins, metabolic wastes, heavy metals, and chemicals from the body; treat headaches, depression, parasites, fatigue, insomnia, diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, cellulite, and a weakened immune system; and cause weight loss."

Nearly One Million LifeLock Victims to Receive Refund Checks from FTC

FTC

FTC Bans Upfront ‘Foreclosure Rescue’ Fees

WSJ

Debt Collectors Exploit Facebook To Embarrass You To Friends And Family

The Consumerist

Digital camera advice from Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

The New Bank Fees — Lenders' Latest Tricks

WSJ.com

Target alters how it handles coupons

Chicago Tribune

8 nearly worthless collectibles

MSN Money

Nov 13, 2010

Pompeii: Mark Twain's horror human-interest story still electrifies!



You may have read that an important ancient building in Pompeii just collapsed. This comes at a time when I have made seven Mark Twain videos and the one above deals with Pompeii.

Pompeii was destroyed and completely buried during an eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD which mummified many residents in stone. The city was lost for over 1,500 years before its accidental discovery in 1599.

Mark Twain visited Pompeii 143 years ago, but his horror human interest story still electrifies!

The Facts Behind 15 Black Friday Myths

dealnews.com

Keep your eye on contractors in your house (This warning appeared last summer, but it is still good advice)



In Wisconsin, ask contractors for proof that they are insured. If they aren't, they are questionable.

Robo-Signing at Companies That Buy Consumer Debts

NYTimes.com

Costco Tops List of Eyeglass Retailers: Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports

Report: Drowsy Driving Causes 17% Of Crashes

The Consumerist

7 Sales Pitches You Can't Resist

SmartMoney.com

Best of Everything: Best Personal-Finance Resources

Kiplinger

Organically grown potatoes and onions match conventionally grown antioxidant levels

www.foodnavigator

Pouring This Stuff In Your Car Is Money Down The Drain

autos.aol.com

3 free worthwhile software picks

Moneyville