Happy Valentine's

My fellow bloggers, my friends and to everybody, Happy Heart's Day!!!!


Girly Comments & Graphics




Girly Comments & Graphics

Dolphins stranded in Philippines

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UK4M8AsQSq0

This was around Feb.9 were fishermen in the Philippines spotted hundreds of dolphins stranded around the shallow water in Manila area. I never heard anything like this before and as many as this dolphins. Nobody knows the reason why this dolphins stranded around the area and a lot of people helps trying to lead this dolphins go back to the much deeper water.

The Ideal Online Shopping

More and more people prefers to do their shopping online nowadays. Not just that it is so easy and convenient. Some people just tired of waiting on line on the register, can't find any assistance and could be a waste of time for nothing, can't locate people who has knowledge about the item and out of stocks and jumping store after store just to look for the exact item. I am working in a retail store too and as a consumer and associates i understand the prostrations. I found this site ShopWiki.com so very interesting, it direct you to the store online were you can find the specific item you need. It crawls like google in the Internet and even define describes the item like Wikipedia. It gives you ideas, the features, the different kind and how it differs from each other. Like for instance if you are looking for a stroller for your coming baby at ShopWiki.com. This site gives you ideas and knowledge from a travel system that goes with everything like a car seat, a base and a stroller to the umbrella stroller to the jogging stroller to the tandem stroller and a lot more. The features and benefits, the use the function to the brands and the price range. It's very cool and making your online shopping experience more easy and convenient. They can find anything and everything from clothing and accessories for yourself, health and beauty, for your car, for your baby, electronics, office supplies, food and beverages, sports and recreation, for your pets, jewelries and a lot lot more just name it.

The Myth The Logic The Reality of Credit Cards

Myth No. 1: Writing 'See ID' on the signature line on the back of your cards will stop a credit card thief cold and absolve you of any liability if a thief uses it.

The Logic: The "Ask for ID" or "See ID" prompt reminds salespeople to confirm that the name on the credit card matches that of the person holding it. And why write your signature in that little white space when it could be copied and used on checks, legal forms or other documents? There are even reports of law enforcement personnel recommending this precaution.

The Reality: An unsigned credit card is invalid, technically, according to the agreements that card issuers have with retailers. Moreover, many clerks don't even check for signatures at all, meaning that they're unlikely to see "See ID" on the back of your card, even if it is there.

If you do give a clerk an unsigned card or one with "See ID" written instead, they're supposed to have you sign the back of the card and check the signature against your driver's license or passport. This may trip up the fraudster a bit -- after all, a thief is unlikely to be able to mimic your signature on command -- but that's only if the cashier bothers to take the time to compare that signature to the one on the driver's license.
So what about the liability issue? Does writing "See ID" absolve you if the card is taken and used? No, because "no matter what's on the back, you're only liable for up to $50 charged when a card is stolen, and some companies waive that for their cardholders," says Lauren Zeichner, an attorney with Consumer's Union. "Writing 'Ask for ID' might encourage a retailer to ask for your ID, but it has no legal bearing."

Myth No. 2: There's no credit limit on your American Express card, so you can buy anything you want.

The Logic: Years of powerful advertising from American Express have probably locked at least one of their messages in your mind: "No preset spending limit." So when the AmEx arrives in the mail, you can activate it and buy tickets to Maui -- or your own Gulfstream jet to take you there, right? After all, there's no limit on your account.


The Reality: AmEx has changed; it no longer issues only charge cards -- the type that allow you to rack up a lot of debt, as long as you pay off the entire debt every month. They issue credit cards, too, which allow you to carry a balance.

In addition, when you inspect the marketing info from American Express, the phrase "no preset spending limit" usually comes with an asterisk. In the fine print, you'll find wording to the effect that this "... does not mean unlimited spending. Your purchases are approved based on a variety of factors, including current spending patterns, your payment history, credit record and financial resources known to us."

"There is no preset spending limit. It's dynamic. It can change based on your financial situation and how you use the card," says Mona Hamouly, a spokeswoman for American Express. "We have customers who make extremely large purchases with their cards, but that may be part of their profile."

In other words, if you don't already make high-dollar purchases with your credit cards, expect AmEx to question why you're suddenly buying $6,500 designer shoes when you stated on your application that you earned just $30,000 a year. "The best thing to do when you're going to make a purchase that's out of the ordinary for you is call and let us know, so we can discuss the details," says Hamouly.

Myth No. 3: You need one of each of the big cards -- Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover -- in your wallet because you may be stuck someplace that accepts one and not the others.

The Logic: People do wonder if the place they're going will take the card(s) they have. The rivalry between American Express and Visa has perpetuated this for years, as evidenced by TV spots for Visa that showed flashy restaurants and exclusive hotspots " ... that don't take American Express."
Some places are picky: Go to a Sam's Club, and you can only use Discover and its own branded card, while only American Express is good at rival retailer Costco.

The Reality: "If you have two of the big four, you're not likely to have any problems," says Linda Sherry, national priorities director for Consumer Action in Washington, D.C., "and millions of people just get by with one. It's much simpler."
"Although their advertising can make you want all these great cards, it's probably not great financial sense to have them all," says Sherry. "Remember: All those cards with your name on it don't make you rich and powerful, and in the end, you could become poor because of them."

Remember: all those cards with your name on it don't make you rich and powerful, and in the end, you could become poor because of them.
-- Linda SherryConsumer advocate

Myth No. 4: You can give your credit score a boost by paying more than you owe.

The Logic: Paying more than you owe does temporarily bump up the amount of available credit on your card. It's also true that using a smaller percentage of the credit available in your accounts -- known in the industry as keeping a "low utilization ratio" -- helps your credit score. Lastly, it's thought that early credit scoring models may have given people a boost when they paid a personal or car loan a month early, so some may think that the same thing would apply to their plastic.

The Reality: "Even though you may be below zero on an account, it's assumed that's a temporary situation," says Roslyn Whitehurst, a spokesperson with the credit bureau Experian. "Whether you've got a credit of $100 or $1,000, it still shows as a zero balance for scoring purposes."

Myth No. 5: Using your debit card wisely can help your credit score.
You're allowed to charge any amount on your card, even a penny. The problem is that the retailer wants you to charge enough to make it worth his while.
-- Lauren ZeichnerConsumer advocate

The Logic: Debit and credit cards look alike, both bearing Visa, MasterCard or other logos. They're treated virtually the same by retailers. Thus, both should have an impact on credit scoring.

The Reality: "Having a bank account with a debit card and maintaining it properly shows that you're a responsible consumer," says Sherry. "But it is not taken into account" in credit scores, she says.

Myth No. 6: Retailers can set a minimum amount you can charge on a credit card when you buy something from them.

The Logic: In a small store or restaurant, it's not uncommon to find a sign that says, "$5 minimum for credit card purchases." If this wasn't allowed by the credit card companies, surely they'd crack down on it.

The Reality: Retailers who set minimum charges are breaking their agreements with the card companies. Because retailers pay interchange fees -- which vary, but average about 2 percent of the sale -- plus possible transaction fees on each credit card purchase, it's easy to see why a store owner would want to discourage lots of small credit card sales. But when they do so, they risk losing their ability to accept cards. "You're allowed to charge any amount on your card, even a penny," says Zeichner. "The problem is that the retailer wants you to charge enough to make it worth his while."

If you need to use a card for a small transaction that's against store policy, you can object, although you may be invited to take your business elsewhere. The other thing to do is contact the credit card company. "We want to know about retailers who do this," says Matt Towson, a spokesman for Discover Financial Services. "It violates our contract with them."

Myth No. 7: If you go over your credit limit and pay it back before the due date, you'll be fine.

The Logic: Lots of people go over their credit limits. After all, credit card companies don't want to embarrass you and lose you as a customer, so they rarely decline your purchase. As long as you're a good customer and you keep the overage reasonable, they won't hit you with an over-the-limit fee.

The Reality: It's true that credit card companies don't want to decline your purchase when you go over your limit. And if you're buying something that puts you a few dollars or more over the top, there's a good chance they'll give you the green light. But remember, every time you pass that credit limit, even for a short period, you could give the issuer a reason to boost your interest rate to penalty rate levels -- sometimes more than 30 percent.

You've also triggered one of those nasty fees that can eat up your account. Taken over time, those fees can add up and hinder your ability to draw down your debt. "It just makes sense for the company," says Sherry. "They know you don't want to have the card declined, so they quietly penalize you the $30 or $40 over-limit fee."

To avoid it, try calling before your purchase to see if they can give you at least a little bump in your credit line.


7 Credit Card Myths
1. "Ask for ID" protects you from ID theft.
2. There are no credit limits with American Express.
3. You should carry Visa, MasterCard, American Express
4. Paying more than your credit card balance can help your credit score.
5. Smart debit card use can help your credit score.
6. It's OK for retailers to set minimum amounts for credit card purchases.
7. Exceeding my credit limit for a short time doesn't really matter.

Dermatologist's Skin-Care Tips

Face Basics
Arielle Kauvar, a dermatologist in New York City, switches to richer skin-care products before the cold weather really sets in. "This helps your skin transition and avoid the dryness and sensitivity that can come with winter," she says. Here, her personal goods.

A Creamy Cleanser
Kauvar swaps her warm-weather foaming face wash for Skinceuticals Cleansing Cream. She prefers its milky formula because it contains alpha hydroxy acids to slough off flaky dead cells and comfrey extract to soothe skin. If your face is very dry, she suggests Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging Nourishing Cream Cleanser. This extra-emollient wash won't strip skin of precious oils or leave it feeling parched.

A Moisturizing Sunscreen
Kauvar enjoys skiing, and when she hits the slopes, she coats her skin with Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70 with Helioplex. "It blocks UVA and UVB rays," she says. "And it's absorbed quickly." For everyday moisturizing plus sun protection, she uses Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30. It contains glycerin and panthenol, both great hydrators, and it's oil-free, so it won't trigger breakouts.

A Proven Line Smoother
At night, Kauvar uses Retin-A Micro or Tazorac (by prescription). "Retinoids stimulate collagen production and soften the look of wrinkles," she says. For an over-the-counter version, she suggests Roc Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream.

A Vitamin Serum
After cleansing, Kauvar breaks open and smooths on an Alyria Antioxidant Capsule. It offers light moisture and "is antioxidant-packed to prevent aging and damage," she says. For sensitive skin, try Skinceuticals Phloretin CF, a gentle formula with vitamin C.

Tip: Come winter, scan labels for the best moisturizers: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid are ideal for hydrating the face.

Body Essentials
Temperature changes, brisk winds, or just a lack of humidity will sap skin of moisture, so dermatologist Arielle Kauvar counters with these heavyweight creams. She also avoids washing with hot water and keeps bathing time to a minimum.
Photo: David Land

A Rich Lotion
After toweling off post-shower, Kauvar applies Aveeno Stress Relief Moisturizing Lotion. It contains petrolatum plus colloidal oatmeal to stave off itchiness. For extremely dry skin, try Moisturel Therapeutic Cream. It's brimming with petrolatum and glycerin for intense moisturizing, and dimethicone, which easily coats rough skin. "I like its silky feel," says Kauvar.

A Hydrating Cleanser
"Body wash needn't be expensive," says Kauvar. She likes Olay Age Defying Body Wash With Vitaniacin, a rich liquid that contains skin-saturating shea butter. For sensitive skin, she prefers Dove Sensitive Skin Unscented Beauty Bar. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, it won't irritate.

Luxe Creams
Kauvar washes her hands "at least 50 times a day," so she always follows with Cetaphil Therapeutic Hand Cream. Its glycerin and shea butter help prevent chapping. Before bed, she puts Eucerin Plus Intensive Repair Foot Crème on her feet. "The alpha hydroxy acids soften calluses," she says.

Emollient Balms
When it's very cold out, Kauvar carries Aquaphor Healing Ointment in her purse. "It soothes cracked skin and cuticles. I even put it on my eyelids if they feel chapped from the wind," she says. To protect her lips, she uses Lipcotz SPF 45. With moisturizing vitamin E and titanium dioxide, a sunblock, it protects against dryness and sunburn, which happens even in the dead of winter.

More Picks

For Blemishes
When a pimple appears, Kauvar reaches for prescription-only Clenia Emollient Cream or Finacea to calm inflammation. "They usually diminish blemishes in 24 to 48 hours, which is probably the fastest (a product can work), although it might not feel fast enough," she says. For bigger, painful bumps under the skin that simply won't disappear or come to the surface, visit a dermatologist for a cortisone injection, she advises.

For Lines Around the Eyes
She gently dabs on obagi Elastiderm Night Eye Cream. This is made with copper zinc malonate, an ingredient that stimulates production of new elastic tissue and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.

For Dark Circles
Kauvar soothes the skin around her eyes with Auriderm Illume Eye Creme. It contains 2 percent vitamin K oxide, which helps to decrease pigmentation, and light reflectors to brighten the undereye area. Also, it helps deflate puffiness.

For Dull Skin
Once a week, Kauvar uses Alyria Purifying Mask. "It's an important step in my maintenance routine," she says. "Any mask or gentle scrub used correctly will take away grime and help your skin better absorb the products that you put on." It has glycolic acid, to remove dead skin cells, and kaolin clay, to draw out oil and debris. If you don't have 10 minutes to loll about waiting for a mask to dry, use the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush. "You can take this in the shower with you, and it's probably the gentlest method of physical exfoliation there is," says Kauvar.

For Rough Patches on the Body
Kauvar rubs Alyria Resurfacing Body Care on her knees and elbows. It contains a high concentration of glycolic acid to slough off dead cells and make skin softer without irritation.

For Nighttime Moisture
Before bed, Kauvar applies a nickel-size amount of Alyria Intense Wrinkle Correction to her face and neck. "The skin here is fragile and more susceptible to damage," she says. The lightweight formula contains the skin-firming ingredient Matrixyl.

Companies Hiring for Work from Home

1. Alpine Access
Website: www.alpineaccess.com
Job Title: Customer care professional
This forward-thinking company plans to hire 1,200 new employees in the first three months of 2009. "We look for people who are self-motivated, self-reliant problem solvers who have a strong work ethic," says Remi Killeen, Recruitment Manager at Alpine Access. Besides offering the flexibility to work from home, Alpine Access, a virtual call center, provides health-care benefits, 401K, flexible work schedules and opportunities to grow. Each worker is an actual company employee with regular work hours and assignments.

2. HireMyMom.com
Website: www.hiremymom.com
Job Titles: Virtual assistant, professional blogger
HireMyMom.com is a Web-based job service designed especially for professional working mothers. Founder and President Lesley Spencer Pyle says the two most popular positions HireMyMom.com fills are professional blogger and virtual assistant. Bloggers write about their employer's company, products, or services, often in response to user inquiries or industry discussion. They use specific "keywords" in their responses to get favorable Web search engine rankings. A virtual assistant is a professional office administrative assistant who can work from anywhere.

3. Sylvan Online
Website: www.sylvan.com
Job Title: On-line certified teacher
Do you have experience teaching but aren't interested in managing an entire classroom? Sylvan Online may work for you. It's a Web-based tutoring service that seeks certified teachers to tutor various subjects and levels. Job requirements include a current teaching certificate, a Windows-based PC and high-speed Internet access. Sylvan offers paid training on-line and opportunities range from 8 to 29 hours per week.

4. National Shopping Service
Website: www.nationalshoppingservice.com
Job Title: Mystery shopper/researcher
Do you love to shop? Do you like to share your opinion? You can make money doing both. A mystery shopper earns perks or a paycheck for helping companies learn about their products and customer service. Paycheck amounts range from "$5.00 to $25.00 for a 15- to 60-minute engagement," says Matt Wozniak, president and CEO of National Shopping Service. "The vast majority of mystery shoppers do not mystery shop for a living, although we have had a few earning over $40,000 a year. It's a great way to pick up a free pizza on your way to get the kids from soccer or get some free gasoline."

5. oDesk
Website: www.oDesk.com
Job Title: Various professionals
If you have experience in software development, Web design, language translation and other computer-based careers, oDesk can help you get hired for work at home. Recently featured on "Good Morning America," oDesk lets job seekers apply for contract jobs, large and small. Job seekers search job listings which include the job requirements, pay and estimated time commitments. "Our business has three components -- hire, manage and pay," says Gary Swart, CEO of oDesk. Plus, you don't have to submit invoices for your contract work, which saves time.

6. Working Solutions
Website: www.workingsolutions.com
Job Title: Transcriptionist, customer service representative
Are you a speedy and accurate typist? You might be interested in a contract position as a transcriptionist, someone who types down information from a recording, live reading, or conversation. Established in 1996, Working Solutions hires independent contract agents for various transcription and customer service assignments. You can earn up to $30 an hour if you have the right skill-set and experience.

7. Language Lab
Website: www.languagelab.com
Job Title: Teacher, actor, customer service representative
The best way to learn a language is to go someplace where you can practice with native speakers. Why not travel via the World Wide Web? Using a computer and Internet connection, Language Lab lets at-home students visit "English Town," a virtual city where teachers help them learn English as a second language. Language Lab is looking to hire more English teachers. Shiv Rajendran, director of operations at Language Lab, says, "Teachers need to be native English speakers, Celta or Delta certified with five years of teaching experience." Celta and Delta certifications are not college degrees, but post-high school certifications. The company also plans to hire actors and part-time customer service reps.

8. 1-800-FLOWERS
Website: www.1800flowers.com
Job Title: Customer service representative
If you have a phone headset, a way with people and, hopefully, a love of flowers, consider working for the long-established 1-800-FLOWERS. The company expects to hire temporary, full-time customer service representatives this year. It even promises competitive hourly rates plus a bonus at the end of the temporary assignment.

9. Aetna
Website: www.aetna.com
Job Title: Account manager, negotiator, customer service representative, nurse and more
From nurses to contract negotiators to account managers, Aetna is a nationwide company with a variety of telework-friendly jobs to offer. Whether you are medically savvy or are simply good with people on the phone, you could find a position with this reputable company that offers benefits and a possibility of a bonus. Even better, Aetna has been ranked 48th by BusinessWeek in its 2008 "Best Places to Launch a Career."

10. Elance
Website: www.elance.com
Job Title: Legal, Web design, engineering, admin, marketing or writing professional
Elance creates a space where skilled professionals and would-be employers can bargain, haggle and place competitive bids for all sorts of projects. Elance works well for people who can provide video production, Web design, software engineering and other home-office-friendly services. If you have a computer-based skill, get yourself onto Elance.com and let the opportunities start rolling in. Plus, Elance does its best to ensure that the employers on their site are trustworthy and pay on time. And, employers rate workers so, the better work you provide, the better your chance of getting more gigs.