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He's a grinch: Let's all boycott the Salvation Army Santa's
Posted by TJ on Monday December 15, 2008 @ 10:45 AM
[Tags: opinion, thoughts, rant]

Among several holiday traditions I can't stand are those Salvation Santa Clauses that appear way to early in the holiday season outside the local supermarket, Walmart, city corner, or shopping mall. I find them equivalent to the homeless panhandler and find the bell irritating. My deep despise of these Santa has led to my boycott of their purpose and their change kettles. I ask that all my readers join me in my boycott and maybe we can eliminate this holiday tradition like the way of the fruit cake.

But WAIT before you call me a self centered prick read on...

I am not saying don't donate to the salvation army. Actually, I want to encourage you to donate to them. With the current state of the economy charities or having a particularly difficult time. So donate... please donate just don't give it to Santa use other means. Use their website to make a donation or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate by phone. If you donate just $10 you probably make up for 20-30 people who add their spare change into the red kettle. If you and everyone donates $10 through the website instead of the red bin the Salvation Army Santa's will have no reason to stand in the cold ringing that annoying bell. You can finally exit your shopping mall without the guilt because you walked right passed Santa without even establishing eye contact. People you can gain your sanity back and you CAN make a difference, it's Christmas for god sakes.

Donate Now





Effectively using google analytics event tracking.
Posted by TJ on Tuesday December 9, 2008 @ 05:35 PM
[Tags: google, web design, tjshome]

Google is constantly monitoring my site and issuing new features to me daily through their ton of services I use from them. We all know I need Google to survive and Google needs me to survive. Okay well maybe not the latter.

Most recently they enabled event tracking on my Analytics account. Analytics tracks visitors data and Event tracking adds the ability to track interactions with Web 2.0 style content such as Flash, AJAX, Silverlight, social networking apps. Unfortunately tjshome.com isn't exactly Web 2.0 style so I probably have little use if any for this. But wanted suggestions from other web developers on how to make use of this feature from others and see how you putting this feature to use. So is anyone using this? It's only available to select account as of yet and I couldn't find much helpful information with a google search.

Here is the email I received:
google.com said:
Greetings from Google Analytics,

We are happy to let you know that the Event Tracking feature is now available in all profiles for the following Google Analytics Account ID: 624085. Please note that you are receiving this email update because you are an 'Admin' or designated contact for the account listed above.

When you log in to these profiles, you will see a new set of reports called "Event Tracking" under the Content section. As posted on our blog, this is a limited release currently available only to select profiles.

Event Tracking allows you to track interactions with Web 2.0 style content such as Flash, AJAX, Silverlight, social networking apps, etc. We recently made tracking Adobe Flash even easier with the release of a new Flash Tracking client library. It allows for much simpler tracking of Flash content with drag and drop functionality and an open source framework.

To use Event Tracking, you will need to upgrade your site to use the new ga.js javascript. Detailed instructions on how to set up Event Tracking on your site are available on our CodeSite.

To find your ga.js code snippet, edit the settings for your profile and click the "Check Status" link on the upper right corner of the page. You can now track interactions beyond just pageviews.

Sincerely,

The Google Analytics Team




2008 (and 2004) election results by IQ
Posted by TJ on Thursday December 4, 2008 @ 01:07 PM
[Tags: politics, humor, bored]

This time the smart ones win.

Below you will see 2008 election results sorted by ID. As you can see for some reason or another the smart states voted for Barack Obama while the less the IQ the more likely you voted for John McCain.



The turn out for 2004 was a little different. The lower the IQ the more likely you voted for Bush as opposed to Kerry. In this election the lower IQ prevailed in that Bush was elected president for another 4 years of torture.



After the 2004 results maybe we need implement a IQ requirement before allowing the privilege to vote.



Your way over your head in debt
Posted by TJ on Thursday December 4, 2008 @ 12:43 PM
[Tags: economy, business, money]

The Gross National debt continues to rise at alarming pace.

There are currently 300,000,000 citizens in the United States so with national debt of more than 10,600,000,000,000 (see actual figure) that means that each persons share of this debt is around $35,333.
Read More...




All Mystery Shopper Job Opportunities are scams
Posted by TJ on Thursday December 4, 2008 @ 09:36 AM
[Tags: scam, internet, business]

Note: This is part 7 in the Job Scam Series.

These are big scam and most likely any mystery shopper job is either going to require you pay a fee for information that is otherwise free, is going to try and get you to wire money, or steal your banking information. You would never have to pay an upfront fee to apply to a legitimate job.

How do I spot a job scam?
1.) The message is for a position that you did not apply for
2.) The message is from or asking for a reply to an email address from a free email provider (ie: @yahoo.com, @gmail.com)
3.)The position is for a work at home job. Let's get real here most of these positions are hard to come by.
4.) The message provides no phone and/or no mailing address
5.) The company does not have a website or the website was created in the last year. Do a whois lookup to see when a domain was created.
6.) The job has few qualifications
7.) The message is written with poor english
8.) A google search for the company finds little or no history for the company
*** This list is not all inclusive. Remember if you have to ask yourself if it's a scam it probably is!

What should I do if I provided my information to scammers?
  1. Do not respond to further communications.
  2. If you sent bank Information: Call your bank immediately and tell them what happened. They should be able to change your account number or cancel your account.
  3. If you are still concerned you might want to enroll in credit monitoring such as LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention
  4. You can also file a claim with The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). They are probably overloaded with these types of claim though, so I would not expect an individual response.
  5. Post a comment below with any information you have on this scam to inform other people to try and avoid any future victims. Post the email you received with exact wording if different from original posted so when people search for terms they find this warning.
If you also received this scam please post a comment below, so I know these warnings are being read and I will continue to keep posting in future. Thank you.

some scammer said:
Thank you for your interest in the Mystery Shopper position.

Our company conducts surveys and evaluates other companies in order to help them achieve their performance goals.
We offer an integrated suite of business solutions that enables corporations to achieve tangible results in the marketplace.
We get hired by other companies and act like customers to find out how they are handling their services in relation to their customers.

Mystery Shopping is the most accurate and reliable tool a business can use to gather information regarding their actual customer service performance at the moment of truth. This moment of truth is not when the staff is on their best behavior because the boss is around - it is when they interact with customers during their normal daily routines.
This is where you, the Mystery Shopper, come in. You pose as an ordinary customer and provide feedback of both factual observations (ex...the floor was free of debris) and your own opinions (ex...I felt that the temperature in the establishment was too cold).

Mystery Shoppers must remain anonymous. You must act as a regular customer and be careful not to do anything that would reveal you as a shopper. An inexperienced shopper could tip off the staff to his/her identity by asking for the manager's name for no clear or appropriate reason. If you are going to be bringing someone with you on the shop, make sure you educate them about the process as well. Beware that even whispers can be overheard by employees. If anyone notices you are a shopper, you can bet that word will quickly spread around the establishment and you will get some of the best customer service in town.
No company can afford to have a gap between the promise of quality and its actual delivery, that's why leading corporations look to us, the nation's premiere mystery shopping and customer experience measurement company.

In order for a business to effectively compete in today's economy, they must be prepared to meet the challenge of increasing sales by:
* Retaining existing customers
* Acquiring new customers
* Creating word-of-mouth advocacy
* Improving customer loyalty

Once we have a contract to do so, you would be directed to the company or outlet, and you would be given the funds you need to do the job(either purchase merchandise or require services), after which you would
write a detailed report of your experience.

Examples of details you would forward to us are:
1) How long does it take to get served.
2) Politeness of the attendant.
3) Customer service professionalism.
4) Sometimes you might be required to upset the attendant, to see how they deal with difficult clients.

Then we turn the information over to the company executives and they will carry out their own duties in improving their services.
Most companies employ our assistance when people complain about their services, or when they feel there is a need for them to improve upon their customer service.
Our company partners with you to implement proven mystery shop auditing and surveying strategies that provide critical information about customer experiences.
You will be paid a commission of $100 for every duty you carry out, and bonus on your transportation allowance.
Your task will be to evaluate and comment on customer service in a wide variety of restaurants, retail stores, casinos, shopping malls, banks and hotels in your area.

Qualities of a good Mystery Shopper:
* Is 21 years of age or older
* Loves to go shopping
* Is fair and objective
* Is ON TIME
* Is very observant and able to focus on details
* Is fairly intelligent
* Has patience
* Is detail oriented
* Is practical
* Types well
* Is trustworthy
* Explains well in writing
* Is discreet
* Loves to learn
* Handles deadlines
* Has full internet access (at home or at work)

Mystery Shopping is fun and exciting but also must be approached very seriously and is definitely not for everyone.


If you are interested in applying for consideration as a Mystery Shopper do send in your information only at our e-mail: michael.bernard58@gmail.com

Full Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zip Code:
Phone Number:
Age:
Occupation:

As soon as we receive your information we will add you to our database and we will look for locations in your area that needs to be evaluated.

If you have any questions please reply on our e-mail: michael.bernard58@gmail.com

Thank you,
Michael Bernard
Best Surveys
505 Barranca Parkway
michael.bernard58@gmail.com
Irvine, CA 92604-3703




Scam: Job Opportunity with Business Monitor International
Posted by TJ on Thursday December 4, 2008 @ 09:30 AM
[Tags: scam, internet, business]

Note: This is part 6 in the Job Scam Series.

some scammer said:
Job oppotunity with Business Monitor International Our corporation actively is looking for Private client managers to deal with our virtual on-line team. Professional skill isn't required. Employment: Employee Part-time Preferable time: Mon-Fri; 9:30am � 12:30pm; Country: The US Description: private service support in financial assistant of our clients Salary: $ 1200 + 5% commission Education andor Experience: High school, college or equivalent of education and experience Requirements: 1. MS Office skills 2. US authorized work status 3. Adult age 4. E-mail and Internet access 5. Cell phone for urgent duties Now you are only one step away from successful career. Interested? Apply now and get reply in 24-48 hours. Send your 4-contact information to our Hiring Department: Try us and you will be glad you did! Thank you in advance. Regards Career Center of Business Monitor International

How do I spot a job scam?
1.) The message is for a position that you did not apply for
2.) The message is from or asking for a reply to an email address from a free email provider (ie: @yahoo.com, @gmail.com)
3.)The position is for a work at home job. Let's get real here most of these positions are hard to come by.
4.) The message provides no phone and/or no mailing address
5.) The company does not have a website or the website was created in the last year. Do a whois lookup to see when a domain was created.
6.) The job has few qualifications
7.) The message is written with poor english
8.) A google search for the company finds little or no history for the company
*** This list is not all inclusive. Remember if you have to ask yourself if it's a scam it probably is!

What should I do if I provided my information to scammers?
  1. Do not respond to further communications.
  2. If you sent bank Information: Call your bank immediately and tell them what happened. They should be able to change your account number or cancel your account.
  3. If you are still concerned you might want to enroll in credit monitoring such as LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention
  4. You can also file a claim with The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). They are probably overloaded with these types of claim though, so I would not expect an individual response.
  5. Post a comment below with any information you have on this scam to inform other people to try and avoid any future victims. Post the email you received with exact wording if different from original posted so when people search for terms they find this warning.
If you also received this scam please post a comment below, so I know these warnings are being read and I will continue to keep posting in future. Thank you.



Famous People from Mount Kisco NY
Posted by TJ on Wednesday December 3, 2008 @ 12:55 PM
[Tags: tv, bored, personal]

Here are some famous people from my hometown, mount kisco ny. I just moved here so I really didn't know any of these until now (except DMX).

* Michael Eisner was born here.
* John Schneider, TV actor, (The Dukes of Hazzard) was born in here.
* Gavin McLeod, actor, was born in here
* DMX owns a house here.
* Rob Thomas (Matchbox 20) lives here.
* singer Mariah Carey lived here
* Actress Susan Dey best known for her roles in The Partridge Family and L.A. Law grew up her.

There's a lot more who live in Bedford which I live of on the border of:
* Billy Baldwin
* Mariah Carey, vocalist, actress
* Chevy Chase
* Glenn Close
* Peter Frampton, Grammy-award winning musician
* Felicity Huffman, Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe-winning film and television actress
* John Jay, founding father, diplomat, first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, co-author of the Federalist Papers
* Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., environmental activist and son of the late Robert F. Kennedy
* Ralph Lauren, fashion designer and business executive
* Jennifer O'Neill, actress, accidentally shot herself at her residence in the hamlet of Bedford Hills
* Martha Stewart, business magnate, author, editor and homemaking advocate; owns a home in the Katonah hamlet
* Donald Trump, business executive, entrepreneur, television personality and author
* Bill W., co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous, resident of Bedford, 1941-1971
* Roone Arledge, sports broadcasting pioneer, resident of Bedford late 1960s - early 1970s.

I only listed the one's I knew so there are plenty more.

What famous people live in your town?



Best Song Lyrics - 2008
Posted by TJ on Tuesday December 2, 2008 @ 04:15 PM
[Tags: music, lyrics, playlist]

I am trying to come up with a list of the best lyrics from 2008... not necessarily the best song but best lyrics...

So far I have

Counting Crows - You Can't Count on Me

Flobot - Handlebars The premise of this song seems simple but if you dig into the lyrics it something much more.

Port O'Brien This song has the shortest lyrics but yet still good.

Okay so these are pretty lousy... anybody have better selection?



CargoNow jobs are a scam
Posted by TJ on Friday November 28, 2008 @ 01:23 AM
[Tags: scam, internet, accounting]

Note: This is part 4 in the Job Scam Series.

scam email said:

Open position: Shipping/Receiving Clerk

CargoNOW! can handle all your transportation and logistics needs. We offer truckload, less than load, consolidated shipments, airfreight and expedited services; cross-country and worldwide.
Our company is looking for hard-working and smart professionals who can contribute to the company’s production and success. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package. If you're looking for short-term or long-term assignments, competitive pay rates and a variety of shift options that fit your needs.

The Shipping & Receiving Clerk is required to perform a complete range of shipping and receiving tasks. These tasks will include but will not be limited to receiving and checking shipment, packing boxes, breaking down shipments as directed by the Shipping & Receiving Supervisor

This Job will require that you have:
Attention to detail
- Warehouse experience
- Basic math skills
- Understanding of basic inventory control processes and cycle counting.
- Good understanding of Microsoft Excel and Word
- Stable internet connection at home/work computer
- All applicants applying for USA job openings must have the ability to prove eligibility to work in the United States

Duties:
Confirms shipping information by answering and relaying telephone, fax, and e-mail inquiries
Maintaining organization of all incoming and outgoing products
Prepares shipments by assembling, packing, protecting and labeling
Package and weigh orders for shipping
Ship all orders on time and with no mistakes.
Tracking incoming domestic and international shipments
- Other duties as assigned

Salary: $70 per package
Position Type: Full Time, Temporary/Contract/Project
Location: USA, Any state
Relocation: Not available

Contact:


For immediate consideration please email your resume in Microsoft Word or TXT format only to e-mail: ShermanFaulkner59@gmail.com


Chris Keller
ShermanFaulkner59@gmail.com
Human Resources Department

All resumes remain CONFIDENTIAL. To properly response to your resume, please place “CN-2839” in the subject of your email.

This is a great opportunity with a growing company that cares about there employees!

How do I spot a job scam?
1.) The message is for a position that you did not apply for
2.) The message is from or asking for a reply to an email address from a free email provider (ie: @yahoo.com, @gmail.com)
3.)The position is for a work at home job. Let's get real here most of these positions are hard to come by.
4.) The message provides no phone and/or no mailing address
5.) The company does not have a website or the website was created in the last year. Do a whois lookup to see when a domain was created.
6.) The job has few qualifications
7.) The message is written with poor english
8.) A google search for the company finds little or no history for the company
*** This list is not all inclusive. Remember if you have to ask yourself if it's a scam it probably is!

What should I do if I provided my information to scammers?
  1. Do not respond to further communications.
  2. If you sent bank Information: Call your bank immediately and tell them what happened. They should be able to change your account number or cancel your account.
  3. If you are still concerned you might want to enroll in credit monitoring such as LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention
  4. You can also file a claim with The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). They are probably overloaded with these types of claim though, so I would not expect an individual response.
  5. Post a comment below with any information you have on this scam to inform other people to try and avoid any future victims. Post the email you received with exact wording if different from original posted so when people search for terms they find this warning.
If you also received this scam please post a comment below, so I know these warnings are being read and I will continue to keep posting in future. Thank you.



Scam: Canon Oil Inc accounts payable careers
Posted by TJ on Monday November 17, 2008 @ 12:01 AM
[Tags: scam, internet, accounting]

Note: This is part 4 in the Job Scam Series.

It has been brought to my attention that scammers are emailing people job offers for "Canon Oil Inc" accounts payable positions. These job offers are scams. In some instances they are receiving your email information from Craigslist.org.

Here is a copy of the email received from one of our visitors:
nigerian scammer said:

Dear Applicant,

Your resume was sent to us through craigslist Recuiters Platform, we viewed
your resume and we think you are more than qualified for what we are looking
for. We are sorry for the late reply of the resume you sent to us .

The positions include Accountant, Sales and Marketing Executives in the US. Our
representative will be responsible for meeting with clients in their locality
and receiving payments on our behalf and remitting the payment to Head of
Accounts. This is a contract-to-hire position which is a 1 month trail after
which the position is made full time and you can work from home and this might
not affect your current job status. You can visit our
website on http://canonoilinc.vndv.com/career.html to learn more about the
open job position.


These scammers are probably going to either get you to wire them money or steal your bank information. Do not reply to these emails. Never send your bank information or wire money to people you met through the internet.

They stole most of the text on their website from a reputable company : ramosoil.com

What should I do if I provided my information to scammers?
  1. Do not respond to further communications.
  2. If you sent bank Information: Call your bank immediately and tell them what happened. They should be able to change your account number or cancel your account.
  3. If you are still concerned you might want to enroll in credit monitoring such as LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention
  4. You can also file a claim with The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). They are probably overloaded with these types of claim though, so I would not expect an individual response.
  5. Post a comment below with any information you have on this scam to inform other people to try and avoid any future victims. Post the email you received with exact wording if different from original posted so when people search for terms they find this warning.
If you also received this scam please post a comment below, so I know these warnings are being read and I will continue to keep posting in future. Thank you.



Apparently Facebook is down... Yahoo Answers is up
Posted by TJ on Friday November 14, 2008 @ 01:47 PM
[Tags: facebook, internet, links]

Some clicking in my referral logs led me to Yahoo Answers. Now if anyone doesn't know Yahoo Answers is where anybody is allowed ask a question for the internet public to answer. The questions are usually some of the stupidest questions (EX: Why is the Sky blue? is asked 2400 times) and the answers usually are no help either. I think they have users who have competitions (with themselves, I guess?) to see how many questions they can answer, because most answers are too general with no effort to be any help any way. The link I clicked was for questions relating to Facebook. Well, apparently Facebook is down because it led to about 200 questions on yahoo asking "Is Facebook down?". This is funny because first the need to ask this question more than once is stupid and second the panic that one website can evoke on the internet.
Read More...




Why do a lot of cereal commercials advocate stealing cereal?
Posted by TJ on Thursday November 13, 2008 @ 12:11 AM
[Tags: thoughts, tv, humor]

I mean what are we really trying to teach our kids here? Maybe video games aren't to blame for all the issues with kids today its the damn cereal commercials and their serial capers.

To list a few of the cereal villains:

1.) Trix - the rabbit is always trying to steal the Trix from the kids. The kids never share saying Trix are for kids.


2.) Lucky Charms - Here you have the iconic "Lucky" the leprechaun always running from the kids who are trying to steal his charms. Aren't we all suppose to get along?


3.) Fruity Pebbles - Here we have Flinstones Barney always trying to deceive a friend Fred to get his Fruity Pebbles... some friend heh?


4.) Cookie Crisp - Cookie Crisp has had a series of crooks as mascots to represent its cereal. From 1982-1997 it was Cookie Crook who was always getting arrested for trying to steal from kids and in recent years its been Chip the Wolf.


5.) Waffle Crisp - In a 1996 ad Grannies disguised as girls try to steal a stash of the cereal from their unsuspecting grandchildren... with a rifle.




Idiots Guide to Posting an Ad on Craigslist
Posted by TJ on Friday November 7, 2008 @ 02:02 PM
[Tags: guide, internet, craigslist]

Okay lets say you want to sell something on Craigslist. How about we say it's refrigerator.

A good description to sell this is not:

"White refrigerator for sale"

This is missing a lot of information and you are not going to get a lot of serious replies. You may also miss serious takers because they are not willing to email every ad asking for more details.

Here is some important information that should be included in every ad:

If you do not want to list all this information and the item is still for sale find the item on Amazon.com or other retailer and link to it.

If applicable:

Spend a little time on your advertisement and you will be surprised at the responses you receive.



Running the Marathon is more dangerous than parachuting
Posted by TJ on Tuesday November 4, 2008 @ 09:52 AM
[Tags: news, health, facts]

I just saw that a second runner died after running the New York City ING marathon. There were about 38,000 people who ran in the race in NYC. I think this makes running the marathon more dangerous than parachuting. Of 2.2 million jumps by parachuters there were only 18 reported deaths according to the US Parachute Association USPA.org. Going by these statistics alone you are 15 times more likely to die from running in a marathon then by jumping out of a airplane.

NY Times:http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/04/sports/othersports/04marathon.html?ref=sports



McCain and Obama Tax Policies
Posted by TJ on Wednesday October 29, 2008 @ 01:06 PM
[Tags: economy, politics, rant]

Okay so you really can't believe everything the candidates are saying now will actually happen. But the differences in both McCain's and Obama's tax policies is quite alarming. I can only hope that the candidates have such a wide variance to swing voters to their side. On this policy alone McCain would definitely win the high earners and Obama would win middle class voters and lower class.

MCCAINOBAMA
IncomeAvg. tax billAvg. tax bill
Over $2.9M-$577,148+$699,872
$603K and up-$109,214+$121,689
$227K-$603K-$15,877+$942
$161K-$227K-$6,322-$2,796
$112K-$161K-$3,736-$2,135
$66K-$112K-$1,487-$1,264
$38K-$66K-$608-$1,118
$19K-$38K-$259-$892
Under $19K-$65-$567
* Not all proposals are slated for 2009. Example: Obama's proposal to increase what high-income earners must pay into Social Security. The campaign said such a measure wouldn't take effect for 10 years.
Source: http://money.cnn.com/2008/10/29/news/economy/candidates_tax_plans/index.htm?cnn=yes

Considering only my own tax bill I can be considered quite bias on the issue as either candidate for me would lead to modest tax cut on both sides (less than $300 difference). From my standpoint it does seem that Obama has more sound and realistic ideas to back up his policies.

Obama plans call for increasing the cap on Social security to $250,000. This would lead to and extra 9,000 of tax to individuals who make more than 250,000. In my view the only way to cure the social security issue is to raise this cap or raise the rate (which increases tax for everybody). Increasing tax on everybody does not sound like a good idea. McCain plans to privatize Social security a plan that is risky, controversial, and not a sure cure to the issue.

The nation is in debt... more debt than ever. We have more 10 trillion in debt. Is cutting taxes going to pay off the debt? I am really tired of the government giving tax incentives and then not curving the government spending.

We really need the guy who is going to give real answers -- who is going solve the social security issue, help pay down our national debt, and stop government overspending. I will gladly pay more tax if it's going to help these issues and not go towards some politicians vacation in the Hamptons or a government subcontractors mansion in California.



Accounting, for the most part is not effected by the economy
Posted by TJ on Wednesday October 29, 2008 @ 11:39 AM
[Tags: accounting, economy, careers]

A lot of people are telling me my job must be tough with the stock market and all. And I heard comments that accounting is a bad career move currently with the economy in shambles and everything.

In reality the state of the economy has the same effect on accountants as it does other business. People/businesses have less money so they less spend money to spend on you. Demand for accountants stays relatively stable though. The need to file tax returns, prepare financial reports, perform audits, bookkeeping, stays the same.



Current Price of stamp - USPS
Posted by TJ on Monday October 27, 2008 @ 03:13 PM
[Tags: guide, business, economy]

US First Class Stamp: 42 cents

Effective May 12, 2008: the current price of a stamp is 42 cents. First-Class Mail Letter (1 oz.) is 42 cents. Each additional ounce costs 17 cents. Postcard stamps are now 27 cents.

Source: United States Postal Service (USPS.com)

The price of a stamp increased 1300% from the value of $.03. in 1917

However, this increase is in line with increases of other items as well....

a Dodge Sedan was $1,185 in 1917, that's also 1300% less than today

You could also could buy a pair of men's shoes for less than $6

And your local paper for $.01
Eggs were .39/dozen

A color TV cost.. oh wait a minute...

Okay now I will stop sounding like your grandpa.

1917 Prices from survey in Morris County, NJ



101's Different Ways to Annoy People...
Posted by TJ on Wednesday October 22, 2008 @ 03:20 PM
[Tags: humor, list, bored]

I found this list when looking at some old files. This list of way's to annoy people was a favorite of the Jokepage. I stopped updating the jokepage so I figured I'd resurrect the list for you to enjoy.

101's Different Ways to Annoy People - Tjshome.com
  1. Sing the Batman theme incessantly.
  2. In the memo field of all your checks, write "for sensual massage."
  3. Specify that your drive-through order is "to go."
  4. Learn Morse code, and have conversations with friends in public consisting entirely of "Beeeep Bip Bip Beeep Bip..."
  5. If you have a glass eye, tap on it occasionally with your pen while talking to others.
  6. Amuse yourself for endless hours by hooking a camcorder to your TV and then pointing it at the screen.
  7. Speak only in a "robot" voice.
  8. Push all the flat Lego pieces together tightly.
  9. Start each meal by conspicuously licking all your food, and announce that this is so no one will "swipe your grub".
  10. Leave the copy machine set to reduce 200%, extra dark, 17 inch paper, 98 copies.
  11. Stomp on little plastic ketchup packets.
  12. Sniffle incessantly.
  13. Leave your turn signal on for fifty miles.
  14. Name your dog "Dog."
  15. Insist on keeping your car windshield wipers running in all weather conditions "to keep them tuned up."
  16. Reply to everything someone says with "that's what YOU think."
  17. Claim that you must always wear a bicycle helmet as part of your "astronaut training."
  18. Declare your apartment an independent nation, and sue your neighbors upstairs for "violating your airspace".
  19. Forget the punch line to a long joke, but assure the listener it was a "real hoot."
  20. Follow a few paces behind someone, spraying everything they touch with Lysol.
  21. Practice making fax and modem noises.
  22. Highlight irrelevant information in scientific papers and "cc:" them to your boss.
  23. Make beeping noises when a large person backs up.
  24. Invent nonsense computer jargon in conversations, and see if people play along to avoid the appearance of ignorance.
  25. Erect an elaborate network of ropes in your backyard, and tell the neighbors you are a "spider person."
  26. Finish all your sentences with the words "in accordance with prophesy."
  27. Wear a special hip holster for your remote control.
  28. Do not add any inflection to the end of your sentences, producing awkward silences with the impression that you'll be saying more any moment.
  29. Signal that a conversation is over by clamping your hands over your ears.
  30. Disassemble your pen and "accidentally" flip the ink cartridge across the room.
  31. Give a play-by-play account of a persons every action in a nasal Howard Cosell voice.
  32. Holler random numbers while someone is counting.
  33. Adjust the tint on your TV so that all the people are green, and insist to others that you "like it that way."
  34. Drum on every available surface.
  35. Staple papers in the middle of the page.
  36. Ask 1-800 operators for dates.
  37. Produce a rental video consisting entirely of dire FBI copyright warnings.
  38. Sew anti-theft detector strips into peoples backpacks.
  39. Hide dairy products in inaccessible places.
  40. Write the surprise ending to a novel on its first page.
  41. Set alarms for random times.
  42. Order a side of pork rinds with your filet mignon.
  43. Instead of Gallo, serve Night Train next Thanksgiving.
  44. Publicly investigate just how slowly you can make a "croaking" noise.
  45. Honk and wave to strangers.
  46. Dress only in clothes colored Hunters Orange.
  47. Change channels five minutes before the end of every show.
  48. Tape pieces of "Sweating to the Oldies" over climactic parts of rental movies.
  49. Wear your pants backwards.
  50. Decline to be seated at a restaurant, and simply eat their complimentary mints by the cash register.
  51. Begin all your sentences with "ooh la la!"
  52. ONLY TYPE IN UPPERCASE.
  53. only type in lowercase.
  54. dont use any punctuation either
  55. Buy a large quantity of orange traffic cones and reroute whole streets.
  56. Pay for your dinner with pennies.
  57. Tie jingle bells to all your clothes.
  58. Repeat everything someone says, as a question.
  59. Write "X - BURIED TREASURE" in random spots on all of someone's roadmaps.
  60. Inform everyone you meet of your personal Kennedy assassination/UFO/ O.J Simpson conspiracy theories.
  61. Repeat the following conversation a dozen times: "Do you hear that?" "What?" "Never mind, its gone now."
  62. Light road flares on a birthday cake.
  63. Wander around a restaurant, asking other diners for their parsley.
  64. Leave tips in Bolivian currency.
  65. Demand that everyone address you as "Conquistador."
  66. At the Laundromat, use one dryer for each of your socks.
  67. When Christmas caroling, sing "Jingle Bells, Batman smells" until physically restrained.
  68. Wear a cape that says "Magnificent One."
  69. As much as possible, skip rather than walk.
  70. Stand over someone's shoulder, mumbling, as they read.
  71. Pretend your computer's mouse is a CB radio, and talk to it.
  72. Try playing the William Tell Overture by tapping on the bottom of your chin. When nearly done, announce "no, wait, I messed it up," and repeat.
  73. Drive half a block.
  74. Inform others that they exist only in your imagination.
  75. Ask people what gender they are.
  76. Lick the filling out of all the Oreos, and place the cookie parts back.
  77. Cultivate a Norwegian accent. If Norwegian, affect a Southern drawl.
  78. Routinely handcuff yourself to furniture, informing the curious that you don't want to fall off "in case the big one comes".
  79. Deliberately hum songs that will remain lodged in co-workers brains, such as "Feliz Navidad", the Archies "Sugar" or the Mr. Rogers theme song.
  80. While making presentations, occasionally bob your head. like a parakeet.
  81. Lie obviously about trivial things such as the time of day.
  82. Leave your Christmas lights up and lit until September.
  83. Change your name to "AaJohn Aaaaasmith" for the great glory of being first in the phone book. Claim it's a Hawaiian name, and demand that people pronounce each "a."
  84. Sit in your front yard pointing a hair dryer at passing cars to see if they slow down.
  85. Chew on pens that you've borrowed.
  86. Wear a LOT of cologne.
  87. Listen to 33rpm records at 45rpm speed, and claim the faster speed is necessary because of your "superior
    mental processing."
  88. Sing along at the opera.
  89. Mow your lawn with scissors.
  90. At a golf tournament, chant "swing-batabatabata-suhWING-batter!"
  91. Ask the waitress for an extra seat for your "imaginary friend."
  92. Go to a poetry recital and ask why each poem doesn't rhyme.
  93. Ask your co-workers mysterious questions, and then scribble their answers in a notebook.
    Mutter something about "psychological profiles."
  94. Stare at static on the TV and claim you can see a "magic picture."
  95. Select the same song on the jukebox fifty times.
  96. Never make eye contact.
  97. Never break eye contact.
  98. Construct elaborate "crop circles" in your front lawn.
  99. Construct your own pretend "tricorder," and "scan" people with it, announcing the results.
  100. Make appointments for the 31st of September.
  101. Invite lots of people to other people's parties.




Finance Soltions Ltd (Finance Solutions) is a scam
Posted by TJ on Tuesday October 21, 2008 @ 03:34 PM
[Tags: scam, internet, career]

Note: This is part three of the job scam series.

Ok this scam is too easy to spot. I give it an F for no effort. Why? He spelt his company name wrong (soltions??) in the email subject line. I guess if that was intentional that would be creative but I have an inclination this was not. These are becoming no challenge. Also, these scammers should read my post on using free email providers for their professional business.

This is an obvious scam and an attempt to steal your personal information.


some nigerian scammer said:

Dear Partner.

I have reviewed resume which You recently posted online. I've thoroughly examined Your qualifications and experience. And I have concluded that you may have the skills needed to fill an Customer Service Representative position.

The FINANCE SOLUTIONS LTD operates with many full service web-portals, largest, most well-known brands in the retail FX space, provides customized tools & services specifically for self-directed retail traders. The company's flagship service focuses on the needs of professional traders.

Customer Service Representative with FINANCE SOLUTIONS LTD are responsible for business development in local area and helping clients and independent contractors get the maximum possible help at all aspects of Processing, in the fastest time.

Candidates for the Regional Business Representative position with FINANCE SOLUTIONS LTD must be hard working and employ communication skills,highly motivated individual willing to work a flexible schedule. Responsibilities include managing all aspects of Processing [funding, settlement & reconciliation] and Operations.

I hope you'll apply for the Customer Service Representative at FINANCE SOLUTIONS LTD.

To request an application, please REPLY to:hr.fsdep@gmail.com

FINANCE SOLUTIONS LTD, Personnel Department.


What should I do if I provided my information to scammers?
  1. Do not respond to further communications.
  2. If you sent bank Information: Call your bank immediately and tell them what happened. They should be able to change your account number or cancel your account.
  3. If you are still concerned you might want to enroll in credit monitoring such as LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention
  4. You can also file a claim with The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). They are probably overloaded with these types of claim though, so I would not expect an individual response.
    Please let me know if you received this email too.



Free Microsoft Excel Master Help Provided
Posted by TJ on Tuesday October 21, 2008 @ 12:44 PM
[Tags: guide, accounting, excel]

Let's see how this goes...

I am a CPA and use Microsoft Excel spreadsheet software everyday. Being advanced in Excel makes my job extremely easier. I figured I'd see if there is anyone out there who has quick questions in excel that I can help. Hey what can I say I'm a generous guy.

To ask your question use the comments form below! Ask away.

Note: Please provide enough information for me to be able answer your question (the more info the better). The more effort you put into your question the more effort I will put into my response.



Every tech blog has Gmail goggles post
Posted by TJ on Monday October 20, 2008 @ 01:43 PM
[Tags: internet, technology, google]

Every tech blog has had a Google Goggles post. Now I don't think many would consider this a tech blog and I am late to the game but here it is:

If you haven't heard Gmail Goggles prevents sending regrettable drunk emails by requiring you to take a quiz before sending emails during set times.


Now this is pretty clever. Who would of thought the email would have such historical advances in 2008?

I think that Google added this feature as more as gimmick and publicity stunt than usefulness. But what I wonder is why instead of a quiz why can't they add an "unsend" button to emails. I understand that they are unable to retrieve emails that have already been sent, however, they could hold the emails for a set period of time (set by user) on their servers before sending them. Or what's stopping you from being able to retrieve an email sent to another gmail user that hasn't been read? Has this feature been considered?



The best song ever /sarcasm
Posted by TJ on Thursday October 16, 2008 @ 04:41 PM
[Tags: music, lyrics, humor]

[Music: Matthew Costa - Sunshine]

Quote:

Sunshine
I'd really like to tell you
Oh my sunshine
Even though your skies are blue
You're drying up my bed
How can I get any rest now?
Sha la la la la la la la

Someday
You will get the best of me
Oh someday
Probably when I'm old and grey
I'm lying in my bed
And I will soon be put to rest now
Sha la la la la la la la

Sunshine
I'd really like to tell you
Oh my sunshine
Even though your skies are blue
You're drying up my bed
How can I get any rest now?
Sha la la la la la la la

Someday
You will get the best of me
Oh someday
Probably when I'm old and grey
I'm lying in my bed
And I will soon be put to rest now

I'm lying in my bed
And I will soon be put to rest now (Ooh ooh) [x2]
Sha la la la la la la la


Okay so I figured out what happened with this song, this guy, we'll call him Matthew Costa sits down and starts to write a song but then he gets writers block, doesn't feel like writing songs no more but still needs that song to fill up his album. So this genius of a guy just repeats the only paragraph he did have ambition to write 5 times to make into a song.



Attention Professionals your @aol.com address is repulsive
Posted by TJ on Wednesday October 15, 2008 @ 10:51 AM
[Tags: rant, internet, hints]

No, I'm not going to buy your product or service if you are emailing me from an @gmail.com, @yahoo, or @aol.com address.

I do not understand why people still try to conduct a "professional" business using a free email provider.

Your @aol.com or @gmail.com account should not be used to conduct a professional business. You can have your own domain (IE: yourname@yourlegitimatebusiness.com) for as low as $10/year. Get with the times.. this is 2008 not 1999.

/Rant



Advan LTD. AKA Advan Group LTD Careers are a scam
Posted by TJ on Monday October 13, 2008 @ 09:14 PM
[Tags: scam, internet, hints]

Note: This is part 2 of the Job Scam Series.

I just received an email offering a position with Advan LTD "Advan Group LTD". This is indeed another poor attempt at a scam.

How do I know this is a scam?
The senders address is different then the reply address provided in the email and the company has little history in a Google search.

Why am I writing about this?
Hopefully this blog will show up in search results and prevent potential victims. Since this is a new scam there were no search results for this company so I thought I should make some.

How does a scam have such a sophisticated website?
Anybody can create a professional looking website in a matter of minutes by copying an existing website. You can do this is Firefox by selecting File->Save as File->Webpage Complete. A scammer would then change the logo and text to coincide with the name of their fictional company.

What's the purpose of this scam
They want to get information from you... SS#(from application), bank account number (from direct deposit info), email address (for spamming), or they are going try get you to transfer your money to them using wires.

What are Common things to look for to spot a scam?
Here's a copy of the email I received:
Quote:

We have an opening position for your attention. This job offer is limited and can be offered for US citizens only. Our Company is looking for persons for part-time based vacancy. This is home based, online, part-time, fast-paced position. Part-time employees usually works over 4 hours every business day (from Monday through Friday) and typically do not work on weekends or regular holidays. During working process you will accept orders from our clients about purchase of tourist permit. Your starting salary will be from $3,500.00 (depending on employees plan), which will be paid to you in accordance with our standard payroll procedures. In addition, you will be eligible for bonuses. What we do? We buy/sell/exchange touristic tickets, tours, airline tickets, booking and etc. Our marketing management department decided to accept sales orders from international customers, that is why you are reading this job offer letter. During all working process you will be official representative of our company with full rights and standards. You will receive orders/payments/billing records/payment invoices/transactions from our clients, customers and investors Our part-time employees also receive an attractive benefits package. Please note that these opportunities are part-time only working approximately 16 hours per week. Actually we do not require any work experience or base requirements. This job if perfect for students, moms and those who are looking for good part-time/online job. This is a great chance to start your career with us, we are fast growing international company, don’t waste your time, start your career right now. Hurry up, this job opportunity is limited.

If you are interested in our offer, we shall send you detailed description of the vacancy. Write to me on e-mail: maloof.marcie@gmail.com
You will get a response in 2-3 days.

Thanks for your time and interest.

NOTE: This is original e-mail letter from ADVAN LTD. This not any kind of: MLM, scam, spam. We will never ask to you to provide any kind of investments.

What should I do if I provided my information to scammers?
  1. Do not respond to further communications.
  2. If you sent bank Information: call your bank immediately and tell them what happened. They should be able to change your account number or cancel your account.
  3. You should consider signing up for automatic credit monitoring LifeLock Identity Theft Prevention
  4. You can also file a claim with The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) is a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the National White Collar Crime Center (NW3C), and the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). They are probably overloaded with these types of claim though, so I would not expect an individual response.
  5. If the email you received was different then the one posted in this post paste it below (or explain the differences) so others will find this warning.

    If this post helped you I would appreciate if you left a comment so I know to keep posting these alerts. Thanks!



Incoming Asteroid October 7th 2008 - We're Screwed
Posted by TJ on Monday October 6, 2008 @ 04:28 PM
[Tags: links, thoughts, humor]

spaceweather.com said:
A small, newly-discovered asteroid named 2008 TC3 is approaching Earth and chances are good that it will hit. Steve Chesley of JPL estimates that atmospheric entry will occur on Oct 7th at 0246 UTC over northern Sudan . Measuring only a few meters across, the space rock poses no threat to the ground, but it should create a spectacular fireball, releasing about a kiloton of energy as it disintegrates and explodes in the atmosphere. Stay tuned for updates


Okay so according to this report it doesn't look like were actually screwed, however, as a coincidence “The Time Monks” has also chose October 7th as the beginning of a period of extraordinary event that will surpass 9/11. The Time Monks is a computer based project that is basically computers analyzing data to predict the future.

http://rstr.wordpress.com/2008/09/25/100708/ said:

“ The Web Bots see September 22-27, 2008 as precursor dates to the main turning point date of October 7, 2008. Closely watch events during September 22-27, 2008 for hints as to what to expect on October 7, 2008.

Cliff said whenever “it” happens, and whatever “it” turns out to be, “it” will be a date in history you remember like 9/11, we will remember 10/7.

The Web Bots foresee that October 7, 2008 to February 19, 2009 will be filled with emotional intensity, and the length of the release period will be extraordinary. The Web Bots have never picked up any event lasting this long. In comparison, 9/11 length lasted about 10 days. This event will be four months of high emotion…….”

Based upon the September 22nd interview on Coast to Coast radio with the Time Monks, here is an outline of what the Web Bots have uncovered for the following weeks, months and years:

The next year will get very ugly and will change your life worse than 9/11. It is important to understand the magnitude of the data. The sort of agony, grief, pain and rage that was felt the six days following 9/11 will be felt for five and a half months. From October 7th, 2008 until March of next year….

* Will there be a total economic collapse?

Yes. 2009 will be a “year of transformation.” The keyword “monumental” shows up as how the future will view our current situation. Time Monks describe this as an “epic situation”


And add to this my blog post how the stock market actually decreased drastically 2-3 weeks before the September 11 events, speculating you may be able to see a huge drop in the stock market as predicting a huge event.

So all these commingling events seem to all add up, and I think it's as a good time as any to get your tinfoil hat on. User submitted image No?

And as if this is not enough to worry about we also have a UFO and some aliens visiting us on October 14th. Blossom Goodchild, a physic says she has been visited by the Federation of Light. The FoL gave her a message that speaks of giant lightships appearing and humanity will be rocked by the sightings. She stresses they come in peace. Here's the exact message she said she received.

http://www.blossomgoodchild.com/ said:

***The Lightships are there in our skies
Connected to the thoughts and wishes and hopes of humanity
They are indeed higher self consciousness aspects of humanity
Or could be referred to as "us in the future"
First contact individually has already occurred
It is First contact globally that has not occurred yet
This First contact globally shall be in response to the consciousness level of humanity
Discernment must be used as darkworkers try to counteract everything that the Light brings in (yet they are failing in this)****


Boy are those aliens going to be mad when they finally decided to come visit us and we are no longer here.



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