Ready for Black Friday?

Top 10 Tips to Getting the Best Bargains on Black Friday

By Donna L Montaldo, About.com Guide

 http://couponing.about.com/od/seasonalsavingszone/p/blackfriday.htm?nl=1

Black Friday - The Biggest Shopping Day of the Year:

 

Black Friday falls on the day after Thanksgiving and has earned the reputation of being the busiest shopping day of the year. The name was adopted from an accounting term - red ink denotes a negative profit margin, where as "in the black" denotes a positive profit margin. Many retailers make or break their sales goals between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the season kicking off on the Friday after Thanksgiving, hence the name "Black Friday." 

 

1. Check Out the Ads:

 

Your local Thanksgiving Day newspaper will be stuffed like your Thanksgiving turkey with ads, coupons, and circulars. This will be your number one source to local Black Friday savings. It will also help you organize your day to maximize savings, since many stores offer special discounts that are time specific. Example: Receive an extra 10 percent off if you shop before 11 a.m.

 

2. Do Your Research Before Friday:

 

If you are hoping to scoop up a deal on Friday on a big-ticket item, go ahead and get your research out of the way as soon as possible. A bad product is a bad deal no matter how cheap it costs. Being knowledgeable about the products you want to buy will help you avoid being sucker-punched with loud advertising for poor products. About.com is chocked full of buying advice on a wide variety of products from professionals who have the knowledge to help you make good decisions.

 

3. Compare Prices:

 

Utilize price-comparison Internet shopping sites such as PriceGrabber.com to assist you in comparing product prices. Compare the "options" included with the product. Some retailers will low-ball the advertised price on a stripped down product, and then you will be charged extra for the necessary parts that will make the product perform as expected. A good example of this is often seen with super low-priced computer printers that come without the cable (cord) or printer ink.

 

4. Look for Early Bird Shopper Discounts:

 

The Early Bird Shopper will be the real winner on Black Friday. Stores offering early-day shopper specials usually run the deals from 5 a.m. until 11 a.m. and with no "rain checks," which means once they run out of the products, you are out of luck. Scanning the ads and routing your trip based on your buying priorities will be important with the time-sensitive deals that will be offered.

• List of Store Hours and Early Bird Sales on Black Friday

5. Beat the Crowds with Night Owl Discounts on Thanksgiving:

 

Internet shoppers can beat the early birds by shopping online in the pre-dawn hours of Black Friday. Many retailers will be posting their Black Friday specials, which can be ordered online and picked-up at your local store. Special "Web only" deals will also be available starting as early as Thanksgiving eve. Many of the the aggressive outlet malls and factory stores will be opening Thursday at midnight, with early bird promotions in hopes of capturing your dollars before the competition has opened.

• List of Black Friday Midnight and Early Bird Sales at U.S. Outlet Malls

6. Bring the Ads:

 

Many stores offer a "lowest-price" guarantee; however you may be required to produce a copy of the exact product being advertised for less. Most local retailers will not meet Internet prices even when the product is advertised on the same company's website, but it cannot hurt to try. Print the Web page that details the product and shows the advertised price. It may give you additional bargaining power and push the sales person into waiving other charges such as assembly fees.

 

8. Know the Store Policies:

 

Knowing the store policies on returns can help you determine where to buy. A previous trend of extending "return days" during the holidays is being seen less this year. Many retailers are including restocking fees and shorter return deadlines. Almost all of the major retail chains have clamped down on requiring receipts for returns and exchanges, and many keep a database of individuals who tend to abuse return policies. If you get onto an "abuse" list, prepare yourself to be turned down.

• The Small Print On Return and Free Shipping Policies
  
• The Hidden Costs of Restocking Fees
  

9. Ask for Gift Receipts:

 

Gift receipts generally include a description of the item purchased but do not disclose the price paid. Including gift receipts inside the gift box will make returns or exchanges easier for the gift recipient. Without proof-of-purchase, the recipient may be turned down for returning or exchanging the item or risk receiving an exchange for the current selling price of the item.

• Keep That Receipt!
  
• Tips on Returning Gifts Hassle Free
  

Since many retailers begin permanently slashing prices as soon as Black Friday is over, the difference between what you pay for a gift during December and what it sells for in January can be significant. Including a gift-receipt should help insure a hassle-free return experience for gift recipients.

10. Saying "Charge It" Can Pay Off

Obviously, there is no bargain in running up high credit card bills and paying big interest rates, however, with proper spending disciplines intact, using the right charge card can be of value to consumers. Many credit card companies entice consumers with free benefits, which include extended free warranties, return protection and sale price protection.

• Warranty Coverage - Your credit card company may offer to double or triple a manufacturer's warranty for free on a product you purchase - a good option instead of purchasing a service contract that costs money and has a shorter duration period.


• Return Protection - A credit card company may guarantee a refund on a product up to 90 days where as the store may not. This is becoming particularly more important as retailers stiffen the allotted return days.


• Sale Price Protection - Some of the credit card companies will offer this protection and refund you the difference if a product you buy is marked down further than the price you paid within a certain time frame (usually 60 days).

An enormous amount of advertising, locally and online, can be confusing and nearly paralyzing to the Black Friday bargain hunter. To maximize the benefits of hitting the stores on a day where there are big crowds and a better deal around every corner, developing a plan and doing preliminary research will help insure that the day is a shopping success.

Have fun saving money while you shop!

My Thoughts

Just reading through the ten steps made my head reel.  What more the actual bargain hunting?  But then, that's what it's supposed to do, i think.  Make our heads reel.  Well, just take heed.  Let your needs (and your budget) make decisions for you.

How To Survive Plane Rides With Small Kids

How To Survive Plane Rides With Small Kids
By Teresa Plowright, About.com Guide

Rich parents, poor parents, young, old, strict, slack: all are alike in dreading long plane rides with babies and toddlers. Relax -- it probably won't be as bad as you fear. Preparation, however, is key.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Variable
Here's How:

    Select seats in advance, and remember that kids can't sit in the exit rows. Find out if your flight offers pre-boarding for families with babies.
    Babies under two can sit in your lap, but many parents prefer to bring along a carseat. Often, airlines will discount a seat for a baby by 50%.

    Combined car-seat stroller units are the most convenient way to get that cumbersome gear on board. Make sure the car-seat is FAA approved for use on planes, or it won't be permitted on-board.

    An alternative to lugging that car-seat: CARES Airplane Seat Harness weighs less than a pound, and secures a child in the regular airplane seat.

    Keep your stroller until the last possible moment. The stroller gives you mobility in the airport, it can carry a lot of your stuff, and if your flight is delayed, your baby has a comfy place to nap. Typically you can keep your stroller until boarding and then check it just before you step on the plane.

    Bring three more diapers than you think you'll need. Also bring zip-loc bags for any soiled clothes.

    For babies, bring several changes of clothes, and extra clothes for yourself if possible (- the worst can happen). An extra t-shirt for older kids can come in handy, too: it seems to be easy to spill drinks on planes!

    For bottle-feeding babies, bring ready-made formula or powdered formula to be used with bottled water. Security rules forbid liquids in sizes over 3 oz., but formula, breast milk, and juice CAN be brought if you're with a baby. As for water,security rules don't allow you to bring a bottle of water through the security gates, but you can bring an empty baby bottle or sippy cup and then buy water once you've passed the security gate. (Check latest rules for what you can bring on the plane.)

    Bring snacks onboard: very few domestic flights these days serve any meals, so be sure to feed the kids before your flight and/or bring snacks along. Parents traveling with babies are allowed bring on-board baby food in cans or jars. Also, considerable time may pass before flight attendants can bring around drinks, so try to have a drink on-hand. See above, for rules about bringing liquids on-board if you're traveling with a baby. If you're with a toddler, buy bottled water after you pass through the security gate.

    Bring along a plastic food container for storing a half-eaten or an untouched meal, for later. For example, on long flights meals are still provided but kids are sometimes fast asleep when the food is served. A food container is also useful if you grab a meal in the airport and your child only eats a bite or two: take the rest on the plane.

    Bring baby-wipes even when traveling with older kids, to clean up dribbles down shirt-fronts, spills, etc.

    Take plenty of amusements. Inexpensive novelties -- in three layers of wrapping -- work wonders.

    Don't give out your loot (treats, toys, etc.) too soon! Make sure to hold back enough surprises to last the whole trip.

Tips:

    To avoid ear pressure problems, have babies either nurse or suck on a bottle during takeoffs and landings. Small kids can suck on a candy or chew gum.
    With tiny kids, expect to spend pretty much every minute taking care of them. Forget that in-flight movie; you can watch it when they're nine and think it's a huge luxury.

MY THOUGHTS

Whew!  I've never done and I'm not eager to.

Airports to finally relax anti-terrorism security checks

Airports to finally relax anti-terrorism security checks


Airports could become far more ‘passenger friendly’ under new rules aimed at relaxing anti-terror checks.

Forcing passengers to remove their shoes and belts and put their change in a plastic tray could be done at an airport’s discretion in future, said transport secretary Philip Hammond.

Long queues at security are common throughout the year at major British airports and some passengers believe the rules are far too strict.   

Under the plans, outlined in a consultation paper yesterday, Mr Hammond said he wanted to move away ‘from the current highly prescriptive one-size-fits-all approach’ at airports.

He wants the new regime to maintain and improve security standards ‘but in a more efficient and passenger-friendly way’.

He insisted the safety and security of passengers remained ‘of paramount importance to the government’.

He is also proposing to require all airport industry operators to develop a security management system.

In a separate move, Heathrow Airport could soon be allowed to make simultaneous use of two runways for arrivals and departures.

It would cut delays in peak periods and will be trialled from November to February next year.

Anti-noise campaigners in west London said the trial must not become ‘the thin end of the wedge’.

MY THOUGHTS

I don't know about you.  Me, I kind of got used to these little "inconveniences". I feel better 'cause I feel safer when I go through some strict proceedings. If I don't want to be too inconvenienced, I don't wear socks and shoes with too many ties.  I also do away with the belt.  These are small things to deal with in return for a safe trip.

HONORING MOTHERS

Honoring Mothers on Mother’s Day
Daily Inspiration
By John H. Sklare, Ed.D, Lifescript Personal Coach
Published May 06, 2011

Today’s message is a simple one directed at important people. These figures are female and their role is one of the most treasured among families. Who is this VIP? In a word it’s… Mother! As you know, Sunday is the day that we annually celebrate the wonder and magnificence of our moms. In my opinion, moms are the most noble, significant and unselfish creatures on earth.

One of my favorite quotes about mothers comes from a woman named Tenneva Jordan: “A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” For those of you fortunate to still have your mother in your life, I hope you let her know how much she’s loved and appreciated. If, on the other hand, you’ve lost your mother or are estranged from her, this will be a tough weekend. Whether you have a mother or just know women who are good mothers, take this day to honor the special people who create, shape and touch so many lives.

Wishing You Great Health,
Dr. John H. Sklare
www.innerdiet.com

Follow Dr. Sklare on Health Bistro!

MY THOUGHTS

I'm sure we all have stories of how great our mothers are.  I wonder if our mom's have stories of how much we appreciate them.

Bin Laden Killing Spurs Travel Warning

Bin Laden Killing Spurs Travel Warning
By Robert Longley, About.com Guide  May 2, 2011

Even as Americans celebrated the killing of al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces in Pakistan, the U.S. Department of State warned of possible reprisals against Americans and issued a worldwide travel alert warning of anti-American violence.

"Given the uncertainty and volatility of the current situation, U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence are strongly urged to limit their travel outside of their homes and hotels and avoid mass gatherings and demonstrations," states the Travel Alert, which remains in effect until August 1, 2011.

The State Department also noted that some U.S. Embassies and Consulates, especially in the Middle East, might be temporarily closed during the warning period due to security concerns. "U.S. citizens abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate," states the Travel Warning.

Travel information is always available at the State Department web site -- www.travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling             1-888-407-4747 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-888-407-4747      end_of_the_skype_highlighting       toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at             1-202-501-4444 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-202-501-4444      end_of_the_skype_highlighting      .

MY THOUGHTS

I think the same warning has been issued here.  On a less serious note, of course.  But a warning just the same.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRAVEL WARNINGS AND TRAVEL ALERTS

What is the difference between travel warnings and travel alerts?

By Kathleen Crislip, About.com Guide
http://studenttravel.about.com/od/safestudenttravel/f/warning_pa.htm?nl=1

Question: What is the difference between travel warnings and travel alerts?

Answer: Travel alerts (formerly called travel public announcements), generally short term in nature, are issued because of situations like political unrest, recent violence by terrorists and on anniversary dates of specific terrorist events, and contain information about terrorist threats, political coups and other short-term conditions which may pose "significant risks to the security of American travelers," according to the government website. Examples of travel alerts would be those regarding 2006/07 and 2007/08's drug gang violence in Mexico, or 2008's trouble in Thailand and Mumbai.

Travel alerts are milder than travel warnings, in which the State Department recommend that Americans avoid travel to a country altogether because of its long term instability or "...when the U.S. Government's ability to assist American citizens is constrained due to the closure of an embassy or consulate or because of a drawdown of its staff." In winter, 2009, travel warnings existed for travel to and/or in Iran, Iraq, Haiti, Nepal, the Philippines, and Israel, the West Bank and Gaza among 22 other countries and areas; an example of a temporary warning was the travel warning issued during the spring, 2008 turmoil in Tibet, for instance, or the update of an existing Haiti travel warning after the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

I've been traveling in countries when the US government issued travel alerts for that country, and I've always been perfectly safe -- however, though it is always important to follow basic travel safety rules when you're on the road, times of unrest abroad necessitate particular attention to safety. If a travel alert has been issued for a country, consider registering with the US embassy in that country (more on that below).

Remember that Uncle Sam will help you with emergency evacuation from a troubled country, but it comes in the form of a repatriation loan via the Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS), which can be called upon to rescue you from a bad situation abroad. We've always heard that repatriation loans are like dialing Dad for dollars if unexpectedly destitute and that, just like when calling home, you have to wait overseas for the money to arrive and eventually repay that loan (and explain how this happened, too). The situation in Lebanon in summer, 2006, showed this to be the case, when Americans needing help to get out of the country got the help and a big bill -- though those bills were forgiven after public outcry, there is no reason to believe you'll ever get an ultimately free ride home if you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

MY THOUGHTS

Better safe than sorry!

VIA DOLOROSA

The Beauty of the Via Dolorosa
As seen by the great artists

http://www.beliefnet.com/Inspiration/Galleries/Beauty-of-the-Via-Dolorosa.aspx?source=NEWSLETTER&nlsource=11&ppc=&utm_campaign=Bible&utm_source=NL&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_term=yahoo.com.ph

What is the Via Dolorosa? You've seen the Stations of the Cross in every Catholic Church you've ever visited. But what are they all about? Sometime around the 15th Century, a tradition developed in which believers - particularly on Good Friday - would retrace the steps that Christ took to Calvary.

If you visit Jerusalem today, 14 stations are marked along the "Via Dolorosa," Latin for "Way of Grief" or "Route of Suffering." Let's take a walk down the Via Dolorosa through the eyes of such great artists as Michaelangelo, Van Dyck, El Greco, Mantegna, Caravaggio and several whose names history has forgotten, but whose masterpieces still inspire us today.

The artwork above is Station 14: Lamentation Over the Dead Christ (1490) by Andrea Mantegna (1431-1506) on display today in Milan, Italy at the Panacoteca di Brera museum

Jesus is Condemned to Death

Station 1: Jesus is Condemned to Death. We all know the story of how Jesus was tried so unfairly -- but before he was presented to Herod and then Pontius Pilate, he was mocked, reviled, brutally beaten and given a faded purple robe, a crown of thorns and a reed as a royal scepter. In this painting by the great artist Caravaggio (1571-1610), whose full name was Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Jesus is about to be scourged, His back torn by the Roman lashes.

Jesus is given His cross

Station 2: Jesus is given His cross. Jesus was mocked by Herod, rejected by the crowd demanding the release of a murderer, Barabbas, then condemned to die by Pontius Pilate. He was made to drag a rough wooden cross through the streets of Jerusalem. Only a week before, the crowds had rejoiced and hailed Him as the Messiah during His "Triumphal Entry," throwing down their coats and palm branches before Him. This classic artwork, "Christ Carrying the Cross," was painted in 1580 by Domenikos Theotokopoulos (1541–1614), the great Cretan painter known to the world simply as El Greco.

Jesus falls for the first time

Station 3: Jesus falls for the first time. No one seems to be able to remember the name of the artist who portrayed our Lord stumbling under the weight of the cross in painted tiles. This 100-year-old mosaic is part of the Stations of the Cross at Our Lady of the Assumption church in Claremont, California.

Jesus encounters Mary, His mother

Station 4. Jesus encounters His mother. As He struggles under the heavy burden of the cross, our Lord spots His distraught mother in the crowd. This artwork is part of the Stations of the Cross in the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Waterbury, Connecticut. Regrettably, the artist of this 100-year-old watercolor is unknown.

Simon of Cyrene carries the cross

Station 5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross. Exhausted from His ordeal, abandoned by His disciples, Jesus struggles to carry the cross - but cannot. So, the Roman centurion in charge orders a visitor from Cyrene, Africa, to help. Mark 15:21 says Simon was the father of "Alexander and Rufus." Both are mentioned later by Paul in his Epistles as leaders of the early church. The artist of this painting is unknown.

Veronica wipes the face of Jesus

Station 6. Veronica wipes the face of Jesus with her scarf. The Bible does not mention Veronica, however tradition says that she was a follower who could not contain herself any longer and came to His aid, wiping his face with her scarf. Some say she was the woman healed in Matthew 4:20. Her scarf was said to bear Jesus' image -- but unlike the Shroud of Turin, has not survived to modern times. It is believed to have been destroyed in 1527 when Rome was looted by mutinous troops of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. This bas relief carving and painting is one of the Stations of the Cross at the Catholic Church of Glanmire Parish in County Cork, Ireland.

Jesus falls a second time

Station 7. Jesus falls a second time. The biblical account does not detail just how many times Jesus stumbled, however tradition tells of three separate times when He fell to the ground under the burden of the cross. This wood carving is by an unknown sculptor.

Jesus sees the faithful women

Station 8. Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem. The biblical account tells of how the women who had followed our Lord throughout His ministry were among the few who were faithful throughout His terrible ordeal on Good Friday. The Bible does say that the Twelve Disciples were afraid - with only John the Beloved Disciple standing with the women at the foot of the cross. This sepia-tone print is taken from a 19th Century printer's engraving. The engraver's name is not known.

Jesus falls for the third time

Station 9. Jesus falls for the third time. The biblical account is clear that our Lord had difficulty in the long trek to the hill called Calvary. This beautiful wood carving is from the Stations of the Cross at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Jesus is stripped of His robe

Station 10. Jesus is stripped of His robe. The Bible tells of the soldiers at the foot of the cross gambling for His seamless robe. Crucifixion was a dehumanizing, brutal means of execution. The condemned were given no dignity - and allowed to suffer, lingering between life and death for as long as a week, according to historical accounts. This watercolor was painted by French artist  James Jacques Tissot (1836-1902).

Jesus is nailed to the cross

Station 11. Jesus is nailed to the cross. The brutality of crucifixion defies human imagination. Here, the Lord's hands and feet are pinned to the cross with rough iron spikes. This bas relief sculpture is part of the Stations of the Cross at Ludwigskirche (St. Ludwig's Church) in Darmstadt, Germany.

Jesus dies on the cross

Station 12. Jesus dies on the cross. Bearing the sins of the world, the Son of God looks out at His tormentors and says, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." Then, the sky darkens, the earth trembles, the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies in the Temple is torn in two - and the Lamb of God dies. This carving has been one of the Stations of the Cross for more than 100 years at St. Raphael's Cathedral in Dubuque, Iowa.

Jesus' body is removed from the cross

Station 13. Jesus' body is removed from the cross. It is over. This dramatic oil painting is by Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669). The artist put himself into the painting as the mourning figure in blue, penitent and shaken with suffering, helping remove Christ's body.

Jesus' body is laid in the tomb

Station 14. Jesus' body is laid in the tomb. The faithful women and the Disciples are assisted by Nicodemus and place His body in a new tomb in a garden nearby donated by Joseph of Arimathea. This painting, "The Lamentation," is by the Flemish master Antony Van Dyck (1599-1641) and is on display at the Palais des Beaux Arts de Bruxelles museum in Brussels, Belgium.

He is risen! Allelujah!

The Resurrection of Jesus. Although not traditionally part of the Stations of the Cross, the Resurrection is often included as a fifteenth station signifying the triumph of good over evil, of life over death and of hope over despair. After years of official atheism in Russia, this masterpiece is again on display in a place of prominence at the State Russian Museum in Moscow. It is "Appearance of Christ to Mary Madgalene," painted in 1835 by the Russian master Alexander Ivanov (1806-1858).

MY THOUGHTS

Here's a picture of Sta. Veronica that has been in my family for ages.