As technology increases, we find ourselves with the world at our fingertips. So much of what used to require at least a trip to the post office can now be done from our home or office computers. This certainly eliminates some of the stress that our day to day routines can bring, with paying bills, shopping, and even work projects done online – however there is a drawback to the information highway. It also makes it easier for scammers and thieves to rip us off. Unfortunately, thousands of people fall victim to consumer scams each year, and the ‘computer age’ has only brought an increase to the amount of people that are exposed to frauds. It’s not just the new age of technology that is to blame though. Some of these scams have been around for years and even continue once the right information is made public. A lot of that has to do with the fact that too many people take what they are told at face value without really researching the facts. Very often the truth is...

As we hustle and bustle (does anyone actually ‘bustle’ anymore?) to get our holiday shopping done, we will see a familiar sight outside of many stores and businesses. Volunteers ringing a bell and standing in front of a red kettle with the emblem of the Salvation Army proudly displayed. This tradition is as familiar as the Christmas carols that come through the speakers in nearly every mall and store in operation. I might be in a hurry, but I make a point of stopping and giving a bit, even if it is only a dollar or two. Regardless of the amount, I will likely get a smile and good holiday wishes from the one minding the kettle. There is something about that smile that is just as rewarding as the squeals and sighs I will hear on Christmas morning from the kids as they open their gifts. That smile represents thousands of families worldwide that benefit from the services provided by the Salvation Army – and it starts with every penny that goes in to those kettles. The Salvation...

Often I am asked if it is possible for a person to write articles and other types of copy on the Internet and get paid for it. The answer is yes, of course, people are doing this every day and many are earning extra money or even a full time living from it. Making money by writing on the Internet is much like any other job or career in that it takes work, effort, discipline and time to develop. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to make money you are in the wrong place. While writing can be a very enjoyable vocation it can also be demanding, time consuming and competitive. And what if you are a freelancer writing about boring topics and issues? Writing can become a drudgery, just like most other types of work. Are you still interested in writing for money? You can certainly do it if you put your mind to it and get going. Remember, “writers write,” so get to writing. Some Ways to Earn Money Writing Online: Writers Write 1. Write for a percentage of ad revenue “Ad...

I live out in the “boonies”. DSL or even cable are not available here so I am forced to choose between dial-up or satellite. I have been using Hughesnet for my internet for over 2 years now and I can honestly say without any reservation that they SUCK and I hate them. I am considering moving just so I cant cancel the service! The local phone company has been telling me “any time now” on the DSL for more than 2 years but so far they haven’t gotten out here yet. The Hughesnet Internet service is not reliable and is constantly experiencing problems. I am paying almost $100 per month (double or more than what DSL or Cable would cost) yet the service is crap. Hughesnet Service Sucks When you call them up on the phone you will get someone in another country who can barely even speak English. You have to repeat what you are trying to say over and over and they usually still cant understand. I can barely understand what they are saying either. I have went to the Hughesnet...

The Switch to Energy Saving Bulbs Incandescent light bulbs are joining 8-track players and Betamax VCR’s in the land of obsoletion. The switch to energy saving bulbs that last years rather than months has been in place for some time now, and the prices are not as high as they used to be. CFL’s (compact fluorescent lights) and LED’s (light emitting diodes) seem to be the way of the future in many aspects. The length of time they last and the lower amount of energy used are both very big selling points. However, before the switch is made, there are several factors to consider as well as myths that need dispelled. The support for CFL’s has grown in the last several years, phasing out traditional incandescent bulbs. The older light bulbs would last for a matter of a few weeks, whereas CFL’s last for years. Fluorescent lighting is certainly not a new concept, as most of us are familiar with the long cylinders of bright light that are used in many businesses and...

The Disciples Cross work from home program was started by John Raymond, Pastor of the New Horizon Christian Fellowship in Slidell, Louisiana. He began making the Disciples Cross Necklaces in the early 90′s and selling them. They were popular and there was enough steady business to keep him busy. But then John Raymond appeared on the CBS television show, Survivor: Thailand. And after wearing one of his unique, hand-made crosses on the show, interest skyrocketed. You simply buy the supplies, assemble a cross necklace and mail the completed necklaces back to DC. The crosses you crafted and sent in are then inspected by quality control people and you are paid $1.25 per unit plus $1.00 to help cover the materials cost and up to $5.00 per 50 units to help cover your postage expense. Currently it takes approximately 8-10 weeks for the process and for you to receive payment. Disciples Cross sets a limit of 400 crosses per week maximum on the buyback program. The Disciples Cross When you become...

Why are companies permitted to lie in their advertising? Sometimes I think it is funny, other times it just makes me mad but one thing for sure – I am really getting tired of all the lies being blasted out at us by marketers and ad agencies. And what about restaurants? Have you ever gotten a sandwich or plate of food from a restaurant that looked anything at all like the picture on the menu? I have not. In fact the actual sandwich barely even resembles the ‘doctored up’ photo they display. It doesn’t matter if you go to a fast food joint like McDonalds or Burger King or a fancier place. They have these pictures advertising their food yet the food looks very little like the photos! Can anyone tell me why they are allowed to do this? Maybe someone should create a website specifically for this. I can see it now. Here is the photo that they present to sell you on that sandwich and here is a photo of the actual sandwich! Any similarities? Very little if any at all! (more…) ...

I had to spend almost an hour on the phone to straighten out a problem with PayPal and I don’t even use PayPal! Recently a seller from an auction site where I had purchased a 0.99 item (+ 1.00 for shipping and handling) contacted me to tell me that his PayPal account had been limited because of my transaction. This made no sense to me as I did not pay with PayPal funds but had paid with a bank debit card. Furthermore the funds had cleared my bank about a week before this happened! I replied to the seller and told them that I didn’t pay with a PayPal account but had used a debit card. The seller replied back that PayPal had informed him that I must call them to get the transaction released and to free up his account. I went to PayPal’s website to search for a phone number so I could call and see what was going on. They make it very difficult if you don’t have a PayPal account. Even after I got someone on the phone they asked me for my PayPal account email and the...