As I suspected I guess I am a magnet for scams and ads that I do not need in my life having in mind how busy I am and people around me. I got a call from 760-705-888, a guy with an Indian accent explained that I am a winner of one of four prizes - TV, $2500, a car ( I did not understand what kind) or a vacation. Of course I did not believe him, but I decided to listen to him. On my question what I played so I am a winner, he said I spend $35 or more in one of their outlet malls (good one, every woman spends money in the outlets). Then he asked me if I am married. I decided to lie and I said I am single, but he immediately said, but you are dating right, because otherwise you cannot be qualified for taking your prize. Weird...Then he asked me if I earn $50k or more a year. I just started answering everything with yes, just to see what will happen. Then he transferred me to his manager (also with Indian accent), who scheduled an appointment for me to go in their office, which is located 1425 Tri-State Parkway Unit 130. Gurnee, IL 60085 and take my prize. I had to go there and listen to some kind of presentation, then I have to go on the stage and play for one of the four prizes. I knew this was the next not worth time consuming crap and of course decided to research first. So, according to the forums, this is time sharing company that will make you listen to some ad presentation for 90 minutes, and then you will pick one of the prizes, WHICH most of the time is 3 days vacation for which you have to even pay fees. Since I am a very busy person, I decided not to go and lose my time even if I win the vacation. I would lose my time if I know that I will pick one of the other prizes, which I suspect do not exist, or at least no one pick yet among people who discuss this in the forums.
So in order for this timesharing company to get more customers they call and tell you that you won a prize. I am guessing if you are female they use the lie for the mall shopping, and if male something else like entered drawing online. Smart right, who do not spend money in the malls or draw for something online, or most of us don`t even remember if we play about something, when and what...When people attend those presentations I am sure they manage to sell whatever they want to at least 2-3 people. That is why they ask how much you earn, because they need people with money and time to use their vacation packages. On the other side people who call make you answer their questions with yes, in order to qualify and make a crowd on the presentations, but they do not realize that no one will use their vacations because of lack of money and time.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Publisher`s Clearing House Lottery
Looks like lately scams are hunting me. One year ago I saw this ad on TV for the only online national lottery, and decided to play. It is FREE, you can do it from home, and it`s easy. However, there are so many ads in the website that can be annoying and even confusing at times whether you play the real lottery or something else which turns out to be just an ad. When you put your information in the web site there are many scams that probably catch it and use it for frauds by sending you letters, calling you all the time for all kinds of stuff and so on.
NEVER GIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION ONLINE when paying for magazines, just in case, there is an option to pay later, which means they will send you the amount by mail and you can send check. Sure they will have your information on the check, but this way is so much safer. Many people complain that they give their credit card information, and then there is no way to stop charges for these magazines. PCH has unbelievable and annoying tricks to get you buy whatever they offer you, magazines, credit cards, gift cards, some kind of discount cards, but DO NOT fall for that. Magazines is fine, but for the other things it is better just to say no.
The other day I was going through my mail and there was a letter with huge red stamp on it that says "Second Notice." When I opened the letter there it was, long dreamed lottery winning letter... or at first sight looked like this. Apparently they are giving me some kind of Sweepstakes ID Number that I have to claim by calling 1-800-454-6247. I called the number, but no one pick up. The letter is written in a way that I assumes I already won, but actually this is just a number assigned to me that I have to activate in order to play some kind of drawing. Well, I don`t mind this, but why the letter has to be written in a way to confuse people and give them a heart attack by thinking OMG I won something, I just don`t understand? The letter however was not from Publisher`s Clearing House, but from National Magazine Exchange Largo, FL with web address www.nmemags.com. No idea if they are the same company or just work together, but PCH also is promoting magazine`s subscriptions. I already subscribed 3 magazines, but did not pay with credit card.
NEVER GIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION ONLINE when paying for magazines, just in case, there is an option to pay later, which means they will send you the amount by mail and you can send check. Sure they will have your information on the check, but this way is so much safer. Many people complain that they give their credit card information, and then there is no way to stop charges for these magazines. PCH has unbelievable and annoying tricks to get you buy whatever they offer you, magazines, credit cards, gift cards, some kind of discount cards, but DO NOT fall for that. Magazines is fine, but for the other things it is better just to say no.
Otherwise you can play the lottery if you are patient enough to go through all the ads and annoying phone calls. But always be careful, because there are many false companies that pretend they are PCH and ask you for money in order to send you the winning prize or sell something you will probably never get or is just crap. That is why never pay money to receive your winning prize, if you won something they should give it to you without make you pay anything.
If you want more information about PCH click here.
To see that actually PCH is legal and approved do it here.
Hope that info helps.
If you want more information about PCH click here.
To see that actually PCH is legal and approved do it here.
Hope that info helps.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
MLMs (multi level marketing) - Ltd team, Quixtar, Amway - just another way to make money or scams
So I am standing in a store isle trying to choose from wide variety of jewelry making supplies, a woman came and pretend she is trying to choose too. After couple of minutes she started talking with me beginning with a compliment, and then continue asking more personal questions, like what I do and so on. She mentioned couple of times that she and her husband have their own business, which turns to be very successful, but did not say what they do exactly. Then she said they are actually currently looking for people to work part time, who will earn not more than a $1000 a month, it is an job something to do with internet, and people can work whenever they want and for how long they choose.
Of course, I did not like that she is not giving me more information, but I decided maybe this is not the place for that. I do not believe that things happen by chance in this life, so I guessed she approached me on purpose to offer me a job, but it was strange to me how someone will offer you a job, just like that. Of course I wanted to see what this is all about, so I agreed to accept more information from her.
The next day she told me their company partners with AMWAY and she sent me a video that was about 5 minutes long, but there was nothing that gives me an idea what did is all about, the only thing I understood is something to do with internet advertising and networking. The web site with the video was very very basic with nothing in it.
I began researching the company name, but found NOTHING in the whole wide internet, so I though that this is weird. Then I looked at the EMAIL she sent me and because there is nothing that can lead me to some more information my eye cough the domain of her email - LTDTEAM.COM. When I goggled that there was so much information I did not have enough time to read it.
Apparently LTDTEAM and AMWAY are either the same company (no one knows that for sure), or partners or just do the same thing. Their members recruit people who have to attend some kind of a free sessions that teach you how to make money. I did not wanted to go to that session, because I did not wanted to lose my time in something I am not interested to do. Also after a detailed research I found out that on these sessions they ask you for $100-$200 to get in and start making money, but also you have to recruit more and more people. The people you recruit will pay the same amount you paid, and you will probably get a percent of that money, so the more people you find, the more money you get (this is just my guess). What is the actual work you do? I found article that states you help them sell some products they have, for example they have beauty products, cleaners and so on. The woman that approached me said they work for companies like Circuit city (which I think does not exist anymore), and other famous brands, but I did not understand what is the connection between these brands and their own products that have nothing to do with Bath and Body Works, for example.
According to many websites LTD, Amway and others are absolutely legal. These companies teach you how to make money from the things you already buy in the stores (no idea what actually this means). Sounds like these at home jobs that you pay some money for a package and they send you information what to do to make money. Of course there are so many different opinions out there that it is impossible to conclude whether this type of money making is scam or not, but if they are approved by the government as legal then they should be legal. It is maybe just the way they work, and once their reputation is damaged, no other way back. On the other side maybe the bad reputation is the reason they work this way, without giving information, and recruiting people on the street by a friendly conversation.
However, this type of job is not for everyone. Different types of jobs are for different people. For example an artist may not want to work as a musician. So everyone have the right to choose what they do. Me personally, I choose not to get involved in this type of jobs, I would like to know details, the company to be more open, to make money out of something I love to do, not lose my time for something that will not give me the knowledge I want.
The other thing I did not like is that I found even information that on their meetings they talk about religion. Well, I am very sensitive on that topic, I am a religious person, and I would not like someone to preach about religion, when the main topic suppose to be actually money, I am sorry but I just do not see the connection, and I don`t want to see it, especially through the eyes of someone else. One has nothing to do with the other, they are even in conflict. The most detailed article I found is http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1892112/the_truth_about_ltdamway_pg3.html?cat=31. It explains in more details what this is all about.
All this is of course just an opinion and it is not a fact, everyone should make their own conclusions based on their own research. I will provide some of the websites I found information and you will conclude for yourself.
http://erichmusick.com/index.html?article=709 Provides plenty of information and comments on that topic. There are many comments connected with Christ and religion as a whole that I still do not get what is the connection with making money and business, while my religion do not really support that. The other blog I found is http://leadershipteamdevelopmentscam.blogspot.com/2009/03/leadership-team-development-scam.html. It has a lot of comments that supports these type of business and explain what are the benefits. Here you can find many comments which sound more negative http://www.city-data.com/forum/raleigh-durham-chapel-hill-cary/568450-leadership-team-development-ltd.html
Very interesting blog about MLMs: http://www.thetruthaboutamway.com/amway-is-not-a-scam-but-you-can-still-be-scammed/
Again, all this is just an opinion , I do not say that these companies are scam, I just want to provide various information for people who are wondering what this is all about. But still be careful...
Of course, I did not like that she is not giving me more information, but I decided maybe this is not the place for that. I do not believe that things happen by chance in this life, so I guessed she approached me on purpose to offer me a job, but it was strange to me how someone will offer you a job, just like that. Of course I wanted to see what this is all about, so I agreed to accept more information from her.
The next day she told me their company partners with AMWAY and she sent me a video that was about 5 minutes long, but there was nothing that gives me an idea what did is all about, the only thing I understood is something to do with internet advertising and networking. The web site with the video was very very basic with nothing in it.
I began researching the company name, but found NOTHING in the whole wide internet, so I though that this is weird. Then I looked at the EMAIL she sent me and because there is nothing that can lead me to some more information my eye cough the domain of her email - LTDTEAM.COM. When I goggled that there was so much information I did not have enough time to read it.
Apparently LTDTEAM and AMWAY are either the same company (no one knows that for sure), or partners or just do the same thing. Their members recruit people who have to attend some kind of a free sessions that teach you how to make money. I did not wanted to go to that session, because I did not wanted to lose my time in something I am not interested to do. Also after a detailed research I found out that on these sessions they ask you for $100-$200 to get in and start making money, but also you have to recruit more and more people. The people you recruit will pay the same amount you paid, and you will probably get a percent of that money, so the more people you find, the more money you get (this is just my guess). What is the actual work you do? I found article that states you help them sell some products they have, for example they have beauty products, cleaners and so on. The woman that approached me said they work for companies like Circuit city (which I think does not exist anymore), and other famous brands, but I did not understand what is the connection between these brands and their own products that have nothing to do with Bath and Body Works, for example.
According to many websites LTD, Amway and others are absolutely legal. These companies teach you how to make money from the things you already buy in the stores (no idea what actually this means). Sounds like these at home jobs that you pay some money for a package and they send you information what to do to make money. Of course there are so many different opinions out there that it is impossible to conclude whether this type of money making is scam or not, but if they are approved by the government as legal then they should be legal. It is maybe just the way they work, and once their reputation is damaged, no other way back. On the other side maybe the bad reputation is the reason they work this way, without giving information, and recruiting people on the street by a friendly conversation.
However, this type of job is not for everyone. Different types of jobs are for different people. For example an artist may not want to work as a musician. So everyone have the right to choose what they do. Me personally, I choose not to get involved in this type of jobs, I would like to know details, the company to be more open, to make money out of something I love to do, not lose my time for something that will not give me the knowledge I want.
The other thing I did not like is that I found even information that on their meetings they talk about religion. Well, I am very sensitive on that topic, I am a religious person, and I would not like someone to preach about religion, when the main topic suppose to be actually money, I am sorry but I just do not see the connection, and I don`t want to see it, especially through the eyes of someone else. One has nothing to do with the other, they are even in conflict. The most detailed article I found is http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1892112/the_truth_about_ltdamway_pg3.html?cat=31. It explains in more details what this is all about.
All this is of course just an opinion and it is not a fact, everyone should make their own conclusions based on their own research. I will provide some of the websites I found information and you will conclude for yourself.
http://erichmusick.com/index.html?article=709 Provides plenty of information and comments on that topic. There are many comments connected with Christ and religion as a whole that I still do not get what is the connection with making money and business, while my religion do not really support that. The other blog I found is http://leadershipteamdevelopmentscam.blogspot.com/2009/03/leadership-team-development-scam.html. It has a lot of comments that supports these type of business and explain what are the benefits. Here you can find many comments which sound more negative http://www.city-data.com/forum/raleigh-durham-chapel-hill-cary/568450-leadership-team-development-ltd.html
Very interesting blog about MLMs: http://www.thetruthaboutamway.com/amway-is-not-a-scam-but-you-can-still-be-scammed/
Again, all this is just an opinion , I do not say that these companies are scam, I just want to provide various information for people who are wondering what this is all about. But still be careful...
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Holiday Lamb Recipe
I must share this awesome made up recipe of baked in the oven lamb for Easter. It was so delicious, take a look:
What do you need:
Leg of Lamb
Red pepper
Black pepper
1 Onion
5-6 Baby carrots
1 Garlic
Lamb seasoning (Bulgarian "bioset," which includes: mint, dry onion, curcuma, rosemary, garlic powder).
1 Beer
100gr Butter
3-4 Bay Leaves
Spread red pepper, black pepper, salt and some Lamb seasoning over the lamb, and put it in a deep roasting pan. Marinate the lamb with 1 beer, carrots, onion, bay leaves, and garlic. Leave it in the fridge for at least 4-5 hours. Preheat the oven on 450F, and bake for about 40 minutes with cover (no matter if it is pan cover or foil). Spread the butter over the lamb (it is hot so it will melt fast), then reduce the heat on 350F and bake about 20 minutes per pound. Watch for the beer and if is evaporating too fast, just put a glass of water. If you want it well done leave it 15-20 minutes more until you see it turns brownish.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Beauty Standards
By Silviya Simeonova
15 and 16 Century beauty: During this period it was fashionable to have high forehead.Women plucked and shaved their hair in order to have higher forehead.
Unlike today, pale skin was also considered not only incredible beauty, but also high class in society. Women that stay indoors were upper class, while tanned-skin women, who spend their time outside were lower class. In order to achieve whiter skin women were using lead-based dangerous and poisonous white powder.
18 Century: It is all about curves, curves, curves.
Curvy women and even more than curvy (considered today fat) were the most beautiful women. Thin women were not included in the beauty standards then, but considered sick and unhealthy.
19 Century: The smaller the waist, the more beautiful woman is.
For thinner waist women used tight corsets, in which they barely breathe, but it was the standard of beauty back then, so not breathing for couple of hours was not a problem. The ideal waist was 18 inches (about 45 cm).
Victorian era: Tight corset was still fashion, but this era is characterized also with the natural beauty. Make up was not fashion anymore, but it was used only by actresses on the stage and ... prostitutes.
1920s: Feminism is awakening and Victorian standards of unhealthy beauty were abolished. During those years women wanted to show that they can be as good as men, so the standard of beauty is more boyish style.
WWII years: Make up is back with a full force. But what else is new - curves, Merilyn Monroe and...the cone-shaped bra.
Social Revolution: In 1960s was the beginning of the never ending thin body standard. Curves are not in style anymore. Remarkable beauty model was Farrah Fawcett
1980s: Most of people might remember this beauty:
Cindy Crawford was one of the most beautiful women not only in 1980s, but even until now. Her body type however is still healthy thin, while next decades admire very very thin figure.
1990s: It is impossible not to mention the very famous model at that time (and still) Kate Moss.
This is the beginning of the unhealthy skinny beauty standard that is still on to these days.
In recent years, however, there are some curvy women, famous and very beautiful, that can make thin body image obsolete. Curves are sexy once again.
References:
1999. Beauty Enlightenment? A Few Rituals From the Renaissance. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://www.jolique.com/edition001/beautyenlightenment2.htm
Ruud, Maddie. n.d. Western Standards of Beauty: An Illustrated Timeline 85. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://hubpages.com/hub/Standards_of_Beauty_An_Illustrated_Timeline
History of Beauty. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://www.ukhairdressers.com/history%20of%20beauty.asp
Skincare-news.com team. 2009. A Brief History of Beauty. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://www.skincare-news.com/a-5595-A_Brief_History_of_Beauty.aspx
Karras, Christy. n.d. "Suffer For Beauty" catalogs women`s Fashion Extremes, from Corsets to Cones. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2009641382_undies12.html
Pictures:
1. http://englishhistory.net/tudor/monarchs/boleyn.html
2. http://englishhistory.net/tudor/monarchs/eliz1.html
4.http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2009641382_undies12.html
3.http://www.bellasugar.com/Fascinating-18th-Century-Beauty-Facts-15289161
5.http://victorianeracnr.blogspot.com/2011/01/history-of-victorian-corset.html
6.http://www.shorpy.com/node/293
7.http://suzilive.com/?p=3711
8.http://www.mylusciouslife.com/DivaDarling.aspx
9.http://www.current-movie-reviews.com/people/2009/05/13/farrah-fawcett-dying-of-anal-cancer/
10.http://specialnewsonline.wordpress.com/2009/10/page/12/
11.http://www.modeldash.com/kate-moss-holds-108fragrance-signing-in-london/
12.http://2threads.com/article/fashion-advice-for-every-body-type-from-round-queen-latifah-to-straight-kristin-dunst
13.http://www.skinnyvscurvy.com/beyonce/beyonces-curves-tight-pants.html
14.http://www.zimbio.com/Shakira+Nude
 |
| 1. Ann Boleyn |
Unlike today, pale skin was also considered not only incredible beauty, but also high class in society. Women that stay indoors were upper class, while tanned-skin women, who spend their time outside were lower class. In order to achieve whiter skin women were using lead-based dangerous and poisonous white powder.
 |
| 2. Queen Elizabeth I |
Curvy women and even more than curvy (considered today fat) were the most beautiful women. Thin women were not included in the beauty standards then, but considered sick and unhealthy.
 |
| 3. Marie-Gabrielle Capet |
19 Century: The smaller the waist, the more beautiful woman is.
 |
| 4. |
For thinner waist women used tight corsets, in which they barely breathe, but it was the standard of beauty back then, so not breathing for couple of hours was not a problem. The ideal waist was 18 inches (about 45 cm).
Victorian era: Tight corset was still fashion, but this era is characterized also with the natural beauty. Make up was not fashion anymore, but it was used only by actresses on the stage and ... prostitutes.
 |
| 5. |
1920s: Feminism is awakening and Victorian standards of unhealthy beauty were abolished. During those years women wanted to show that they can be as good as men, so the standard of beauty is more boyish style.
 |
| 6. Beauty contest - 1920 |
WWII years: Make up is back with a full force. But what else is new - curves, Merilyn Monroe and...the cone-shaped bra.
 |
| 7.Merilyn Monroe |
 |
| 8. Merilyn Monroe |
Social Revolution: In 1960s was the beginning of the never ending thin body standard. Curves are not in style anymore. Remarkable beauty model was Farrah Fawcett
 |
| 9. Farrah Fawcett - 1970s |
 |
| 10. Cindy Crawford |
1990s: It is impossible not to mention the very famous model at that time (and still) Kate Moss.
 |
| 11. Kate Moss |
In recent years, however, there are some curvy women, famous and very beautiful, that can make thin body image obsolete. Curves are sexy once again.
 |
| 12. Jennifer Lopez |
 |
| 13. Beyonce |
 |
| 14. Shakira |
References:
1999. Beauty Enlightenment? A Few Rituals From the Renaissance. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://www.jolique.com/edition001/beautyenlightenment2.htm
Ruud, Maddie. n.d. Western Standards of Beauty: An Illustrated Timeline 85. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://hubpages.com/hub/Standards_of_Beauty_An_Illustrated_Timeline
History of Beauty. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://www.ukhairdressers.com/history%20of%20beauty.asp
Skincare-news.com team. 2009. A Brief History of Beauty. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://www.skincare-news.com/a-5595-A_Brief_History_of_Beauty.aspx
Karras, Christy. n.d. "Suffer For Beauty" catalogs women`s Fashion Extremes, from Corsets to Cones. Retrieved April 7, 2011 http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2009641382_undies12.html
Pictures:
1. http://englishhistory.net/tudor/monarchs/boleyn.html
2. http://englishhistory.net/tudor/monarchs/eliz1.html
4.http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/thearts/2009641382_undies12.html
3.http://www.bellasugar.com/Fascinating-18th-Century-Beauty-Facts-15289161
5.http://victorianeracnr.blogspot.com/2011/01/history-of-victorian-corset.html
6.http://www.shorpy.com/node/293
7.http://suzilive.com/?p=3711
8.http://www.mylusciouslife.com/DivaDarling.aspx
9.http://www.current-movie-reviews.com/people/2009/05/13/farrah-fawcett-dying-of-anal-cancer/
10.http://specialnewsonline.wordpress.com/2009/10/page/12/
11.http://www.modeldash.com/kate-moss-holds-108fragrance-signing-in-london/
12.http://2threads.com/article/fashion-advice-for-every-body-type-from-round-queen-latifah-to-straight-kristin-dunst
13.http://www.skinnyvscurvy.com/beyonce/beyonces-curves-tight-pants.html
14.http://www.zimbio.com/Shakira+Nude
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