Financial Shenanigans

Valentine's Day and 1800-Flowers

2010-02-06T17:31:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day, which traces its roots back to the Roman Empire, is now symbolized by candy hearts, chocolates, and flowers. While some of traditions have changed since Valentine’s Day’s beginnings in the third century AD, one tradition remains; the giving of roses.

In fact, the tradition of red roses on Valentine’s Day is thought to have originated from the flowers being the favorite of Venus, the Roman goddess of love. In that light, it’s hard to go wrong with an arrangement of red roses from 1800-Flowers.

1800Flowers.com Saves the Day

2009-11-12T06:43:00.000-08:00

1800Flowers.com bails me out every time. I realized late one day that I had forgotten to send anything to my favorite niece for her birthday. Considering that the birthday was the following day, I knew I was in a jam, especially because I was driving to a late afternoon meeting. One call to 1800Flowers.com and my problem was solved.
The next day my niece received one of the most gorgeous gift baskets I had ever seen. She was so excited she posted a picture of it on her Facebook page. The thank you call from my niece that day was one I'll never forget. Thanks to 1800Flowers.com, I was a hero for a day.

Amos Tamam Lives the American Dream

2009-08-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

Amos Tamam is living the American dream, a rags to riches story which begins with him servicing fleet taxicabs in New York City. His innovations in developing technologies that the taxi business uses on an everyday basis include systems which allow taxi drivers to accept wireless credit card payments from their fares, the first credit card taxi meters, and other revolutionary upgrades to taxi meters.
Amos Tamam was recently highlighted in a New York Times article where he discussed his vision of every taxi having its own internet address so that messages and data can be transmitted to and from taxis on the web.
Amos Tamam can also be considered a friend to those that lose or forget items in a cab.With his wireless technology, riders will now have a record of the taxi they were in making tracking down those items much easier.

Designing with Shasta Pools

2009-08-14T10:26:00.000-07:00

The team at Shasta Pools works with each of their clients in planning their vision to ensure that the pool they design exceeds their highest expectations. By taking the time to understand what each client wants and then explaining all the related options, Shasta Pools consistently delivers an outstanding product built exactly to the specifications of each owner. Understanding that a pool is more than just for swimming, their designers build each pool as its own environment enhancing the life and lifestyle of each of their clients.With 75,000 success stories behind them, Shasta Pools has the experience and creativity to deliver the perfect pool in any setting.

The Medicine of Harley Swiftdeer Reagan

2009-08-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Harley Swiftdeer Reagan is a spiritual teacher dedicated to the inspiration and enrichment of the the lives of his students around the world. Using his knowledge of psychology, philosophy, religion, martial arts, and ancient mystery school traditions, Harley Swiftdeer Reagan teaches through his unique classes, one on one consultations, and physical mastery training. He has over half a century of practice and teaching in martial arts such as Judo, Karate, and has been a national champion in Jiu Jitsu.
Harley Swiftdeer Reagan is also the founder of the Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society which has as its mission to fight against "ignorance, slavery, bigotry, racism, war, disease,dogma, and superstition to seed future generations with beauty, power, knowledge, and freedom.

Eyeglasses.com Delivers

2009-08-14T09:38:00.000-07:00

Without a doubt, Eyeglasses.com has the best selection of glasses around. While other websites may carry more inventory, this website has a consistently great selection which usually forces me into buying more than I had planned. As far as buying gifts it's the best site I've ever come across because I know I'll find something every time. Being able to shop by either brand or category also makes it very easy to find the right pair of glasses quickly without the frustration of searching through endless catalogues and coming away empty handed. Check them out the next time you need to buy a gift for anyone on your list.

Renewal with K-Designers

2009-08-14T09:21:00.000-07:00

While the current economy may make it difficult to move to a new home, K-Designers can make your existing home look new again with ease. With a motto of "A new home at an old address", the company offers homeowners countless ways to upgrade their homes with new windows, garage doors, and shutters.
K-Designers is an award winning design firm, having won over fifty awards over the last several years for innovations in products, additions, and remodeling.
Whether it's a fresh coat of paint or a full renovation, homeowners have hundreds of options in choosing a company to carry out their vision. Being a proven winner with the skills to deliver the highest in quality results should put K-Designers as a top choice.

Happiness with Happiness is Pets

2009-08-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Happiness is pets is designed to match people with the perfect puppy. Working with only the highest quality breeders, the stores sell only puppies along with toys, accessories, grooming supplies, and food. Happiness is pets makes the buying experience easy, starting with playrooms so that their customers can get to know their puppy before making a decision. The stores offer financing options for three, six, or twelve months as well as a one year warranty on the health of each puppy. Over fifty percent of the business for Happiness is pets comes from repeat or referred customers and each store is staffed with people that love to talk about puppies which makes visiting their stores a great experience.

Spiritual Fishing with Sakwinder Narwal

2009-08-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

Sakwinder Narwal, by his own admission, has been in love with fishing since he was a youngster. Fishing has always been the love of his life and has provided many opportunities for him to travel all over the world. His passion and curiosity for the sport takes him far beyond just catching fish.
Calling himself an amatuer icthyologist, Sakwinder Narwal has an enthusiasm which drives him to know everything about the fish he aims to catch and the sport in general ranging from feeding habits to the technology of fishing.
For Sakwinder Narwal there is a spritual side to fishing as well. He was recently quoted saying, "Most importantly, I love the connection with nature that I get from fishing. There is nothing as relaxing and satisfying as catching fish on a beatiful day on a beatiful body of water."

1800flowers.com is a Natural for Mother’s Day

2009-04-23T09:16:00.000-07:00

Today’s life is sometimes so hectic it’s hard enough to take care of yourself, let alone others. Still, appreciating those that are important to you is one of the most important things you can do. Mother’s Day gifts would definitely fall into that category.
1800flowers.com is ideal for anyone buying gifts for Mothers Day, even if life is so crazy they don’t have time to pick up dinner at a drive thru. The orders are done, shipped and paid for with a couple of keystrokes.
Buying Mothers Day gifts can be stressful regardless of schedules and demands on your time. With 1800flowers.com you can be confident that your gift will arrive looking beautiful and that Mom will know how much you appreciate her.

Mohammed Babangida and African Music

2009-03-29T19:44:00.000-07:00

Mohammed Babangida knows African music. His writing has covered a range of styles including jazz, blues, and many of the local genres that originated in Africa. The articles are well-rounded and examine the relationship between music and society in general.

His recent two part article on the history of blues music began with the genre’s humble beginnings after finding its way to America. It’s hard to imagine now but in the beginning blues music was not readily accepted beyond its core supporters. Mohammed Babangida then covers the evolution of blues music in to its current mass acceptance and popularity.

Mohammed Babangida makes for a great read because of his passion for the music he writes about. Whether the article is written in a historical context or present day he always holds the interest of the reader.

Eyeglasses.com Rules

2009-03-29T19:40:00.000-07:00

I had walked in to several eyewear stores looking for Versace Glasses for my oldest daughter but had come away empty handed. I was told about eyeglasses.com by a colleague. I found exactly what I was looking right away. Navigation was simple and I found exactly what I was looking for with a couple of keystrokes.

The variety of glasses beyond the Versace line was impressive as well. I ended up shopping for additional eyeglasses in advance of some upcoming birthdays. The variety of glasses and ease of shopping will make eyeglasses.com my “go to” place for eyeglass shopping whenever I need them. Whether you are looking for sunglasses, retro, designer, big, or small you will find it at eyeglasses.com

K-Designers Can Make Your House Look Like New Again

2009-03-29T19:32:00.000-07:00

K-Designers tag line is “a new home at the old address”. They offer numerous ways for homeowners to make their homes new again by upgrading and/or remodeling their homes. Additional options include low maintenance exterior vinyl siding, windows, garage doors, and shutters.

K-Designers has won over fifty awards including The Revere Premium Renovator of the Year for Excellence in Service, Workmanship and Professional Business Ethics, The Anlin Outstanding Dealer of the Year - Award for Excellence in Marketing and Installation, and The Legend of the Home Improvement Industry award.

Consumers have many different choices when deciding on a company to renovate their home. K-Designers, with their innovative designs, commitment to quality results, and award winning work, deserves to be at the top of the list.

United American Insurance Company Rules

2009-03-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

In a time of ever increasing healthcare insurance costs, United American Insurance Company provides coverage that is affordable to those that might not otherwise be able to pay for insurance. Since Medicare was signed in to law in 1966, the company has focused on the senior healthcare market.

Available in 49 states, The District of Columbia, and Canada, United American Insurance Company offers a full menu of services including Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Medicare Supplements and Group Retiree Plans.

United American Insurance Company is now actively expanding its offerings to the uninsured and under-insured. The company is also promoting its supplements for pro-active healthcare to keep people healthy to prevent the need for doctor and hospital visits.

Linus Gitahi Knows Kenyan Running

2009-03-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Linus Gitahi studies and writes about Kenyan runners from an insider’s point of view. His writing encompasses all of what has made Kenyan long distance runners the best in world.

The training regimen of the runners, writes Linus Gitahi, varies the intensity of workouts to keep their bodies fresh and relaxed. High intensity workouts are mixed with easy runs and hill workouts to prevent residual fatigue. The runners also train in groups, as opposed to going solo, to maintain discipline and intensity.

Linus Gitahi has also written on the dietary habits of the runners. The legendary group’s main food staples are vegetables, grains and a variety of starches. Their food is seen as a means of nourishment and survival, rather than an indulgence. The runners’ simple lifestyle and dedication to their sport makes for fascinating reading and Mr. Gitahi covers it well.

Amos Tamam – Friend to All Taxi Drivers

2009-03-29T19:14:00.000-07:00

Amos Tamam started his career thirty years ago servicing fleet taxicabs in New York City. He finds himself now as the CEO of Verifone Transportation Systems, Inc., a division of Verifone Holdings. VeriFone Holdings, Inc. designs, markets, and services electronic payment solutions that enable secure electronic payments among businesses, consumers, and financial institutions.

Amos Tamam achieved this lofty position by developing technologies that support the taxi business including the systems that allow taxi drivers to accept wireless credit card payments from their fares, the first credit card taxi meters, and other revolutionary upgrades to taxi meters.

As technology drives the world, Amos Tamam is driving it to the world of taxis. Drivers everywhere should appreciate his work as one of the true innovators in the field.

The Understated Frank J. Hanna

2009-03-28T06:12:00.000-07:00

Frank J. Hanna has a lot of thoughts on how to make money work for you. Starting with the belief that money is not evil, in and of itself, it is the uses and abuses of it that can foster evil.

Frank J. Hanna openly asks his readers to join him in learning how to behave with money and how to spend it. The education pushed forward by Mr. Hanna is centered on money being seen as a tool and not an end in itself.

The shingle put out by Frank J. Hanna is very appropriate in that it is extremely important that we should make money work for us – and not the other way around.

Tim Arel, the Expert in Condo & HOA Management

2009-03-27T22:53:00.000-07:00

Tim Arel brings value to both sides of the owner/renter equation by applying years of experience and expertise. These attributes become increasingly important as rules change for condos and home owner associations.

With a plethora of recommendations, Tim Arel stays on top of the changing world of property management with continuing education and every day experience. The chances are, if something happens for either a condo owner or home owners association, Tim Arel has seen it.

Property management is a dynamic and growing field where only the strong survive. Tim Arel has proven himself as a property manager that is here to stay.

The Value of Weight Loss HQ

2009-03-25T06:52:00.000-07:00

Weight Loss HQ (http://www.weightloss-hq.biz/) is a great resource for people looking to lose weight fast. The site provides easy to understand information on the newest trends for anything to do with weight loss and exercise. Information is also easy to find in categories divided in to weight loss plans, tools, and reviews.
The weight loss review section provides knowledgeable information for people trying to figure out which plans best fit in to their lifestyle. The reviews are brief and concise allowing readers the ability to filter through weight loss plans quickly. One of the more popular weight loss plans on the site is P90X.
In its review, The P90X Nutrition Plan is explained in full detail. Readers will see that the 13 week program has received Weight Loss HQ’s highest rating. The review also informs readers as what to expect and what is required along the way including recommended equipment, additional reviews, and the nutritional regimen of the program. Here, like the rest of the site, Weight Loss HQ provides a great value as a resource for people looking to lose weight.

Adult Care in the Home

2009-03-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

Adult Care in the Home
The best option for adult care, whenever possible, is for that care to be given in the home. Homecare Phoenix provides that care at the highest level of compassion, convenience, and trustworthiness. In-home adult care assistance of this standard provides priceless peace of mind for the families of the adults needing help with everyday living.

The care-givers at Home Care Phoenix provide a variety of services in the home. Medications can be set up and monitored. They can help with physical activity such as taking walks, getting outside, and light exercise. Additionally, these friendly caregivers can provide shopping for groceries, meal planning, and meal preparation.

The care-givers at Phoenix Homecare are complemented by CNAs, MAs, LPNs, and RNs to make sure that any type of care that might be required is always available. The level of service, professionalism, and compassion provided ensures that an adult needing care in the home receives the best help available and, in turn, is able to make the best of each day.

The Fresh Approach of Renew International

2009-03-16T22:01:00.000-07:00

The Fresh Approach of Renew International

Renew International, while embedded in the traditions of the Catholic Church, has taken a non-traditional path toward fostering spiritual renewal in over 150 dioceses throughout the United States. Its ministry services have a reach of over 25 million people in 23 countries around the world.

By adhering to the Commitment to Excellence, Renew International has placed itself as a leader of the church in educating others on the “best practices” in management and responsibility and how they factor in to governance, human resources, and financial management.

Using non-traditional approaches, like cutting edge website design, Renew International continues to raise the bar for the Catholic Church.

"Go to" eyeglasses.com

2009-03-04T16:20:00.000-08:00

After searching a handful of eyewear stores for round glasses for my wife, I was referred to eyeglasses.com by a close friend. Within a few minutes on the site it was easy to understand why eyeglasses.com has earned its reputation as the “go to” place for women’s and men’s glasses. Navigation was simple and I found exactly what I was looking for with a couple of keystrokes.

Truth be told, I found more than I was looking for as the wide selection of women’s round glasses had a number of great looking offerings. It actually took a while to narrow it down to the final two pair. Rather than make a tough final decision I bought both, earning me some big brownie points with my wife. I have to say, she looks fantastic in both.

The variety and ease of shopping will bring me back to this site whenever I need glasses. Whether you are looking for sunglasses, retro, designer, big, or small you will find it at eyeglasses.com

You & Us and Frank the Tank

2008-10-28T09:11:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that times are tough for UBS. In its self-admitted "blind rush for revenues" the staid, sober, and prudent company walked in to the mortgage equivalent of the Mitch-a-Palooza frat party in "Old School" dressed in a pin-striped, three piece grey suit. Starting with sips of single family home mortgage brew and finishing with beer bongs of trailer park mortgages, UBS left as Will Ferrell's character Frank the Tank, running naked down the street trying to figure out whether KFC was still open. This complete change in character, and resulting losses, have led to an out-flow of funds with an estimated $20 billion going out the door in this year's second quarter alone.
Other changes are also apparent as evidenced by a story that came out last week from Prescott, Az. The story was about the arrest of a UBS financial advisor, named Steven Democker, for the bludgeoning murder of his ex-wife which took place in early July, 2008. Recently divorced after 25 years of marriage, Mr. Democker would have fit the bill as a "person of interest", a fact not lost on the management at UBS. So you've got the murder of an ex-wife, no other suspects, and your guy is a person of interest. For a company as image conscious as UBS the appropriate question is probably "What would Donald Stern do?". In Stern's universe, it's very unlikely that Mr. Democker would be seen shooting jump shots for the Suns. In the UBS universe, Mr. Democker was put right back to work in his two person office in Prescott Az., 100 miles from his nearest supervisor.
It's a common practice for brokers that are leaving the business to accelerate trading in their books to make as much as they can for as long as they can. In houses of lesser repute, management quite often looks the other way as they usually share in at least 50% of the broker's commissions. Was Mr. Democker, sensing the ultimate outcome of the police investigation, allowed to do the same? At this point we don't know but we're working on it. Stay tuned and if you have anything to add please email us at: financialshenanigans@gmail.com