WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Maid Brigade offers a real Veterans' Day celebrationhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/maid-brigade-offers-a-real-veterans-day-celebration/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/maid-brigade-offers-a-real-veterans-day-celebration/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/maid-brigade-offers-a-real-veterans-day-celebration/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When it comes to holidays, Veterans' Day really gets the short end of the stick. Wedged between the sugar shock of Halloween and the tryptophan coma of Thanksgiving, celebration of the eleventh day of the eleventh month usually involves department store sales and the occasional wreath at the local soldiers' monument. Needless to say, this is poor recompense for the men who, in the words of Allan Massie, "[make] it possible for civilized folk to despise war."

This year, however, Maid Brigade, an Atlanta-based cleaning company, decided to show its appreciation for America's fighting men with the Veterans Franchise Giveaway, a contest that is designed to help soldiers make the transition from military life to the civilian world. The program, which I reported on in August, rewards its grand prize winner with a full Maid Brigade cleaning franchise, valued at $45,000. Second and third prize winners get similar packages, worth $27,500 and $17,000. Additionally, Maid Brigade waived its franchise fee for any qualified veterans who were interested in going into business with the company.

Continue reading Maid Brigade offers a real Veterans' Day celebration

Maid Brigade offers a real Veterans' Day celebration originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>don hayDonHayfeaturedjobs for veteransJobsForVeteransmaid brigadeMaidBrigadePhilip PiagetPhilipPiagetVeterans dayVeteransDayBruce WatsonWed, 11 Nov 2009 11:00:00 ESTDavid Spade apologizes, sort of, for exploiting his dead buddyhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/30/david-spade-apologizes-sort-of-for-exploiting-his-dead-buddy/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/30/david-spade-apologizes-sort-of-for-exploiting-his-dead-buddy/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/30/david-spade-apologizes-sort-of-for-exploiting-his-dead-buddy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When David Spade's tasteless DirecTV ad went out in late October, it was immediately hit with a hail of criticism.

Writers, including our own Jami Bernard, were quick to point out that the commercial, which used footage from 1995's Tommy Boy, essentially came off as a cruel and shameless exploitation of deceased actor Chris Farley.

Although Spade has repeatedly stated that he considered the commercial a tribute to Farley, he recently told People magazine that "The movie is important to me, and I would hate to offend [anyone] because that's one of my favorite things I've ever done. So I would apologize to someone who took it that way." He went on to state that "I wouldn't want anyone to get a whiff that I'm trying to get something off Chris."

As Bernard pointed out on WalletPop, the Farley estate was complicit in the ad. Farley's brothers have already received $25,000 for a billboard bearing his likeness; presumably, they accepted a lot more cash for this ad.

Continue reading David Spade apologizes, sort of, for exploiting his dead buddy

David Spade apologizes, sort of, for exploiting his dead buddy originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Chris Farleychris farley foundationChrisFarleyChrisFarleyFoundationDavid SpadeDavidSpadeDirectvjami bernardJamiBernardBruce WatsonFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:45:00 ESTDo moustachioed men really make more moolah?http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/09/do-moustachioed-men-really-make-more-moolah/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/09/do-moustachioed-men-really-make-more-moolah/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/09/do-moustachioed-men-really-make-more-moolah/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to a story by Reuters Friday, a recent study determined that moustache-wearers earn 4.3 percent more than their clean-shaven compatriots. The survey -- which claimed to have randomly sampled 2,000 moustachioed men, 2,000 bearded men and 2,000 fully-shaved men -- went on to assert that those with hairy lips also tended to spend 11 percent more and saved 3 percent less than their bearded and barefaced brethren.

As the proud owner of a handlebar moustache, I would love it if this story were true. Unfortunately, the study appears to be a joke. It was commissioned by the American Mustache Institute, a tongue-in-cheek advocacy group tasked with "protecting the rights of, and fighting discrimination against, moustached Americans by promoting the growth, care, and culture of the moustache." Even ignoring the study's occasionally bizarre assertions, there doesn't seem to be any evidence to corroborate the existence of principle researcher Hans Menjou-Bärtchen, or his company, "Menjou-Bärtchen Research Consultants."

Continue reading Do moustachioed men really make more moolah?

Do moustachioed men really make more moolah? originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>AMImoustache a thonMoustacheAThonmoustachesmovemberstache bashStacheBashBruce WatsonFri, 09 Oct 2009 18:10:00 ESTRecession nightmare: When bankers move in...to your foreclosurehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/11/recession-nightmare-when-the-bank-forecloses-who-moves-in/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/11/recession-nightmare-when-the-bank-forecloses-who-moves-in/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/11/recession-nightmare-when-the-bank-forecloses-who-moves-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's hard to imagine a pleasant foreclosure. Like root canals or appendicitis, they don't really come with a silver lining; after all, it's hard to find a way to put a smiley face on being turned out of one's home. However, while there are few things that can make a foreclosure enjoyable, there are many factors that can make it considerably worse. Perhaps the worst of these is the notion that the bank, an entity that is ethically charged with making the foreclosure process as impersonal as possible, would allow its employees to reap a personal benefit from a customer's pain.

For Lawrence and Linda Elins, their forced relocation from their Malibu beach house was traumatic, as it came on the heels of a massive financial crisis. The Elins, who had invested much of their money with Bernard Madoff, were devastated by the December 2008 revelation that he was a fraud. In the ensuing months, they attempted to piece together the broken parts of their financial life, finally deciding in May 2009 to surrender the house that they had owned for 13 years.

Continue reading Recession nightmare: When bankers move in...to your foreclosure

Recession nightmare: When bankers move in...to your foreclosure originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bernie MadoffBernieMadoffCheronda GuytonCherondaGuytonfeaturedLawrence ElinsLawrenceElinsLinda ElinsLindaElinsWells FargoWellsFargoBruce WatsonFri, 11 Sep 2009 19:00:00 ESTSandwiches and strippers: A former Subway franchisee cooks up disaster http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/26/sandwiches-and-strippers-a-former-subway-franchisee-cooks-up-di/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/26/sandwiches-and-strippers-a-former-subway-franchisee-cooks-up-di/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/26/sandwiches-and-strippers-a-former-subway-franchisee-cooks-up-di/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/2801070469_c5e8f9a15d_m.jpgPoor Subway. The sandwich chain was already smarting from bad press for its mistreatment of Leon Batie, a franchise owner stationed in Afghanistan. Now it finds itself fighting another battle -- a strip club owner has used Subway-branded wrappers and menus in his combination sandwich shop and "all-nude private club."

When Anthony "Cousin Vinny" Agnello opened a Subway franchise in a Bronx, N.Y., neighborhood last year, he hoped it would be his "golden parachute," a reliable, profitable business that would help him branch out from the strip club business that had previously been his bread and butter. However, the larger-than-life Agnello quickly found himself at loggerheads with the popular sandwich company.

Continue reading Sandwiches and strippers: A former Subway franchisee cooks up disaster

Sandwiches and strippers: A former Subway franchisee cooks up disaster originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Anthony AgnelloAnthonyAgnellobronxCousin Vinnys little secretCousin vinnys wayCousinVinnysLittleSecretCousinVinnysWaySubwayBruce WatsonWed, 26 Aug 2009 14:00:00 ESTL.L. Bean changes styles: Millions of preppies spill their gin and tonicshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/20/l-l-bean-changes-styles-millions-of-preppies-spill-their-gin-a/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/20/l-l-bean-changes-styles-millions-of-preppies-spill-their-gin-a/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/20/l-l-bean-changes-styles-millions-of-preppies-spill-their-gin-a/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With preppy clothing going through yet another resurgence and camping coming into vogue as a vacation option, L.L. Bean has embarked on a business decision that could be incredibly lucrative ... or completely devastating: it is changing its design.

According to a recent article in The New York Times, the company has hired Alex Carleton, a popular, edgy designer, to be the creative director of its new "L.L. Bean Signature" line. Coming out in March, the new products promise to be more tailored and contemporary, with buffalo plaid shirts and tailored linen blazers.

While this may seem to be a minor change, it cuts to the heart of what, exactly, "preppy" means. For many, the prep look seems to consist of adding a few key elements into one's wardrobe. The idea is that one can take a ribbon belt here, a pair of cranberry pants there, add in some Sperry topsiders, stir with a fresh gin and tonic and -- presto! -- prep is attained.

Continue reading L.L. Bean changes styles: Millions of preppies spill their gin and tonics

L.L. Bean changes styles: Millions of preppies spill their gin and tonics originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Abercrombie and FitchAbercrombieAndFitchBrooks BrothersBrooksBrothersfeaturedL.L. BeanL.l.BeanLilly PulitzerLillyPulitzerLL BeanLlBeanOrvispreppiesRalph LaurenRalphLaurenSperry top-siderSperryTop-siderSteve MaddenSteveMaddenBruce WatsonThu, 20 Aug 2009 14:45:00 ESTMaid Brigade's new program helps veterans clean uphttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/19/maid-brigades-new-program-helps-veterans-clean-up/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/19/maid-brigades-new-program-helps-veterans-clean-up/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/19/maid-brigades-new-program-helps-veterans-clean-up/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the most oft-cited benefits to military service is that it gives members training and skills that they can use in private life. But few companies seem eager to help veterans convert these disciplines to civilian employment. In fact, a stint in the military is often not a career salvation but a job killer.

A couple of months ago, I wrote about Leon Batie, an Army reservist and Subway restaurant franchise owner who lost his shops while serving in Afghanistan.

Although many deserve some blame for the loss of Batie's business and his credit rating -- including his brother and his business partner -- the fact that one Subway executive pocketed $100,000 from the sale was more than a little disturbing.

So I was reassured by the story of Maid Brigade's Veterans Franchise Giveaway program. Between now and November 11, the Atlanta-based cleaning company is waiving its $14,500 franchise fee for qualified veterans seeking to open their own business. At the same time, it's running a contest for new veterans looking to go into business; the grand prize is a full franchise, valued at $45,000. Second and third prizes are similar packages, worth $27,500 and $17,000.

Don Hay, Maid Brigade's president, explained why the chain is so eager to recruit former soldiers: "We've had good experiences with veterans. They have good training, and know how to follow a system. Also, many are used to managing personnel."

Continue reading Maid Brigade's new program helps veterans clean up

Maid Brigade's new program helps veterans clean up originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>BeirutBob LoFrancoBobLofrancoDon HayDonHayfeaturedMaid BrigadeMaidBrigademarinesmilitaryveteransBruce WatsonWed, 19 Aug 2009 19:00:00 ESTLawyer loses lawsuit over Costco shrimp, plans to appealhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/11/lawyer-loses-lawsuit-over-costco-shrimp-plans-to-appeal/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/11/lawyer-loses-lawsuit-over-costco-shrimp-plans-to-appeal/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/11/lawyer-loses-lawsuit-over-costco-shrimp-plans-to-appeal/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A few months ago, Marc Verzani, an attorney based in New York City, filed a lawsuit against Costco, alleging that the discount superstore was shorting its customers on its $9.99 shrimp trays. District Judge Judge Colleen McMahon rejected the lawsuit, stating that it was "simply ridiculous."

On one level, you have to feel bad for lawyers. Barely a year ago, there was tons of money floating around and a law degree was second only to an MBA as a license for snatching it up.

As massive companies inked gargantuan deals, battles over little details put millions of dollars into the pockets of the lawyers who were tasked with greasing the skids of commerce. For Verzani, a real estate and general business lawyer, it was a lucrative time, indeed.

Continue reading Lawyer loses lawsuit over Costco shrimp, plans to appeal

Lawyer loses lawsuit over Costco shrimp, plans to appeal originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>CostcoMarc VerzaniMarcVerzanishrimpWilliam WeinsteinWilliamWeinsteinBruce WatsonTue, 11 Aug 2009 19:00:00 ESTMoney headaches? Take two dollars and call me in the morninghttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/10/money-headaches-take-two-dollars-and-call-me-in-the-morning/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/10/money-headaches-take-two-dollars-and-call-me-in-the-morning/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/10/money-headaches-take-two-dollars-and-call-me-in-the-morning/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to the old Beatles song, money "Can't Buy Me Love." However, a recent article in Psychological Science suggests that greenbacks may be able to do the next best thing.

According to the study's authors, money can help users deal with pain, social discomfort, and even the loss of love.

One one level, this revelation isn't all that surprising: as anybody who has ever undergone "shop therapy" can attest, the rush that comes from brand new purchases can sometimes help dilute -- or at least cover up -- the pain of heartbreak, disappointment, or anxiety.

Generally, this seems to be a matter of distraction and misdirection. Rather than being forced to deal with amorphous, unpleasant feelings, the mind gets to focus on pretty baubles. Beyond that, some studies have shown that compulsive spenders also get a rush of dopamine and endorphins that can translate into feelings of comfort and security.

While previous research has uncovered a link between purchase and pleasure, this study goes a bit further, suggesting that money itself can help users to tolerate physical pain.

Continue reading Money headaches? Take two dollars and call me in the morning

Money headaches? Take two dollars and call me in the morning originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cashmoneyPsychological SciencePsychologicalScienceThe BeatlesTheBeatlesBruce WatsonMon, 10 Aug 2009 14:30:00 ESTIt's a nice day for a ... Wal-Mart weddinghttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/07/its-a-nice-day-for-a-wal-mart-wedding/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/07/its-a-nice-day-for-a-wal-mart-wedding/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/07/its-a-nice-day-for-a-wal-mart-wedding/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Most of us think of Wal-Mart as the perfect store for buying cheap videos or get deals on breakfast cereal. Recently, however, a California couple demonstrated that it is also a great place for picking up a ball and chain.

On Wednesday, Keri Cheadle and John Gates, employees at West Sacramento's Wal-Mart Supercenter, exchanged vows in their store, where they first met, began dating, and fell in love.

Oddly enough, pledging one's eternal troth in the land of the blue vests and yellow dots is not all that uncommon. For years, the company has offered its outlets as low-cost places for employees to tie the knot. One Wal-Mart manager, in fact, noted that she has seen three in-store weddings during her time with the company.


This is not all that surprising; after all, as some sites have noted, Wal-Mart has great deals on many wedding necessities, from rings to invitations to music.

For economizing wedding planners, it seems like using it as a venue would be a natural move for trimming costs. After all, why pay for a chapel or hotel ballroom when you can gather with friends and family in the lawn and garden section?

Speaking of friends and family, for Wal-Mart employees, getting married at work makes it a lot easier to gather loved ones together. In the case of the Cheadle/Gates nuptials, some of the wedding guests were even on the clock.

While Wal-Mart seems to be a natural place for its employees to get married, it seems worthwhile to start thinking about it for the rest of us.

After all, even with a drop of almost $6,000 from the year before, the average American wedding cost $21,814 in 2008.

If Wal-Mart could take a page from the Las Vegas playbook, add in a little of its famous cost-cutting measures, and hire a full-time justice of the peace, recession weddings could be the company's next big trend!
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Stores Closing Their Doors
Keri Cheadle and John Gates, employees at West Sacramento's Wal-Mart Supercenter, exchanged vows in their store, where they first met, began dating, and fell in love. In this recession, let's hope that WalMart stores stay open. Browse through this gallery to see the latest retail closings.
Daniel Acker, Bloomberg News / Landov
Daniel Acker, Bloomberg News / Landov

It's a nice day for a ... Wal-Mart wedding originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 07 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>cheadlegates weddingCheadlegatesWeddingjohn GatesJohnGatesKeri CheadleKeriCheadlewal martWalMartweddingBruce WatsonFri, 07 Aug 2009 15:00:00 ESTA good Samaritan in New York has 120 dinner guests -- every nighthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/05/good-samaritan-has-120-dinner-guests-every-night/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/05/good-samaritan-has-120-dinner-guests-every-night/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/05/good-samaritan-has-120-dinner-guests-every-night/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Toan Lam, founder of GoInspireGo.com, recently wrote about Jorge Munoz, a bus driver who provides the homeless in his neighborhood in Queens, New York, with 120 to 140 meals every night. Over the past four years, Munoz and his family's personal outreach program has prepared an estimated 70,000 dinners.

Munoz funds this program by himself, earmarking roughly half of his $700-per-week paycheck for his unpaid "second job" of preparing food for strangers. In the course of his crusade, he has broken his stove and is using his sister's kitchen to keep up his strict delivery schedule.

Continue reading A good Samaritan in New York has 120 dinner guests -- every night

A good Samaritan in New York has 120 dinner guests -- every night originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>homelessHuffington postHuffingtonPostJesusJorge MunozJorgeMunozToan LamToanLamBruce WatsonWed, 05 Aug 2009 13:00:00 ESTLiveblog: Financial mistakes by experts who should know betterhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/04/live-blogging-our-first-300-wine-a-shock-and-not-in-a-good-wa/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/04/live-blogging-our-first-300-wine-a-shock-and-not-in-a-good-wa/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/04/live-blogging-our-first-300-wine-a-shock-and-not-in-a-good-wa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

wineLearn from our mistakes! We'll be adding our own stories of financial mistakes to this space and telling you how we coped with the aftermath. If you've got a story to tell us, send it along to askwalletpop@walletpop.com.

This last weekend, my wife and I drank our first $300 bottle of wine. This was not a deliberate decision.

When a few of my old college friends came up to visit us in the Bronx, we decided to take them to Zero Otto Nove, our favorite place for entertaining out-of-town friends. The restaurant, located near our house, is beautifully decorated, reasonably priced, and has fantastic food. It also has extremely aggressive waiters, but their endless tendency to upsell is one of those things that we have learned to overlook. After all, when a pizza joint makes tear-worthy pies, you tend to ignore the little irritations.

At any rate, we ordered a couple of appetizers and three of the restaurants distinctive gourmet pizzas. My wife, who knows a lot more about wine than I do, picked a reasonably priced Italian red that seemed like a good bet to accompany our meal. A few minutes later, the waiter returned to double check on our drink order. My wife, who was dealing with our daughter at the time, glanced at the wine he pointed to, noted the name, and replied that, yes, it was the one we wanted.

The meal was outstanding; in fact, the only down spot was the wine. Somewhat watery and underflavored, it had a hard time standing up to the spicy "Diavola" pizza we ordered. Still, the food was great, the company was outstanding, and we were all more than willing to overlook a slightly lame bottle of red wine.

When the bill came, the total was $407. Assuming that the waiter had made a mistake, I called him over and jokingly asked my wife if she had ordered a $315 bottle of wine. Laughing, she told me that, no, her choice had been $36. The waiter, however, disagreed, and noted that he had double checked to ensure that she was serious about her choice. The manager, who seemed to be waiting for just this occasion, backed up his story.

Continue reading Liveblog: Financial mistakes by experts who should know better

Liveblog: Financial mistakes by experts who should know better originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bruno GiacosaBrunoGiacosawinewine scamWineScamZero Otto NoveZeroOttoNoveBruce WatsonTue, 04 Aug 2009 11:00:00 ESTCoveroo: The new face of cell phone faceplateshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/01/coveroo-the-new-face-of-cell-phone-faceplates/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/01/coveroo-the-new-face-of-cell-phone-faceplates/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/08/01/coveroo-the-new-face-of-cell-phone-faceplates/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

At a recent holiday product preview in New York, representatives from Best Buy showcased the chain's biggest and brightest Christmas toys.

Unfortunately, I am legally restricted from discussing some of the more exciting new gizmos (here's a hint: have you ever wanted to talk to your cat?), but I can gladly report that there are new computers and televisions aplenty, and that some of this year's consumer electronics will blow your mind.

However, one of my favorite new toys isn't even being offered in most Best Buy stores. Coveroo, a San Francisco-based company, has developed a system that enables users to pick an image and laser-etch it on their cell phone faceplates, all in less time than it takes to get a latte from Starbucks.

This fall, it will be offering the service in four Best Buy outlets: Virginia's Fair Oaks Mall, Minnesota's Mall of America, Illinois' Woodfield Mall, and West Hollywood, California.

Continue reading Coveroo: The new face of cell phone faceplates

Coveroo: The new face of cell phone faceplates originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 01 Aug 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>best buyBestBuyBrian GriffinBrianGriffincell phonesCellPhonesCoveroofair oaks mallFairOaksMallFamily GuyFamilyGuymall of americaMallOfAmericawoodfield mallWoodfieldMallBruce WatsonSat, 01 Aug 2009 09:00:00 ESTGet your Jamba on: Juice company puts the squeeze on a cult cartoonisthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/27/get-your-jamba-on-juice-company-puts-the-squeeze-on-a-cult-cart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/27/get-your-jamba-on-juice-company-puts-the-squeeze-on-a-cult-cart/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/27/get-your-jamba-on-juice-company-puts-the-squeeze-on-a-cult-cart/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In the grand scheme of things, Get Your War On is pretty small potatoes. While the online comic strip's popularity grew last year with a series of animated segments that ran on Huffington Post, it has generally been the preserve of a small, rabidly-devoted group of fans. Consequently, when Jamba Juice decided to run an ad that imitated its distinctive look and tone, few people noticed.

Unfortunately, the comic's creator, David Rees, was one of them.

In the days since the story broke, Rees has gone to the mattresses, transforming this tempest in a teapot into a battle for the soul of the internet. Loudly proclaiming that "Juice sucks, drink wine," the cartoonist noted the similarity between the ad and his strip, argued that Jamba was trying to indicate his endorsement of their product, and demanded that the juicy company explain itself.

Continue reading Get your Jamba on: Juice company puts the squeeze on a cult cartoonist

Get your Jamba on: Juice company puts the squeeze on a cult cartoonist originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>David ReesDavidReesDilbertfeaturedGet Your War OnGetYourWarOnJamba JuiceJambaJuiceOffice SpaceOfficeSpaceThe OfficeTheOfficeBruce WatsonMon, 27 Jul 2009 10:00:00 ESTWealth or family? Twin lifestyles test reader valueshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/22/wealth-or-family-twin-lifestyles-test-reader-values/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/22/wealth-or-family-twin-lifestyles-test-reader-values/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/22/wealth-or-family-twin-lifestyles-test-reader-values/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Researchers love twins.

Whether because of some mistaken idea that they are exact duplicates of each other, some Corsican Brothers notion that they share a supernatural link, or simply because they can add a little flash to an otherwise boring sociological study, twins are the go-to subjects when one is trying to make a point -- any point -- about society.

This medieval fascination underlies Emmet Rosenfeld's recent piece in The Washington Post. Dean of Students at the prestigious Congressional Schools of Virginia, Rosenfeld lives the kind of life that many educators dream about: he and his wife, both teachers, live in a conservative, two-story farmhouse in Arlington, Va., one of Washington D.C.'s pricier suburbs.

Their combined income -- somewhere north of $100,000 -- is sufficient to their needs, even if they have to occasionally scrounge a bit. Perhaps best of all, Rosenfeld generally gets home around 7 p.m. every day and can enjoy evenings and summers with his wife and two sons.

Continue reading Wealth or family? Twin lifestyles test reader values

Wealth or family? Twin lifestyles test reader values originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Brooklyn HeightsBrooklynHeightsEmmet RosenfeldEmmetRosenfeldJim RosenfeldJimRosenfeldWashington postWashingtonPostBruce WatsonWed, 22 Jul 2009 13:30:00 ESTEven if you're not made of money, your clothes can behttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/21/even-if-youre-not-made-of-money-your-clothes-can-be/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/21/even-if-youre-not-made-of-money-your-clothes-can-be/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/21/even-if-youre-not-made-of-money-your-clothes-can-be/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Even as many shoppers are finding their wallets sadly empty, the fashion world seems to have freshly rediscovered the wonders of money.

Although consumers seem less likely to spend cash at the store, couture houses are making it clear that they can always wear it on their backs.

The grande-dame of financial fashion is probably Lizzy Gardiner. When she was designing the clothes for "The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," one of her ideas was to make a dress out of discarded American Express cards. The credit company, unfortunately, wasn't interested in connecting itself with an edgy film about Australian drag queens.

However, when Gardiner's designs were nominated for an Oscar, Amex decided that a credit-card-clad Oscar winner might be the perfect showcase for their company. They sent Gardiner 300 invalid cards, all printed with her name.

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Even if you're not made of money, your clothes can be originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Bunka fashion collegeBunkaFashionCollegejean-charles de castelbajacjean-charles-castelbajacjean-charles-de-castelbajacJean-charlesDeCastelbajacLizzie GardinerLizzieGardinerBruce WatsonTue, 21 Jul 2009 16:30:00 EST20 most worthless pieces of junk: #4 -- Ab rollers and other six-pack deviceshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/18/20-most-worthless-pieces-of-junk-4-ab-rollers-and-other-six/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/18/20-most-worthless-pieces-of-junk-4-ab-rollers-and-other-six/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/18/20-most-worthless-pieces-of-junk-4-ab-rollers-and-other-six/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Dunlop's diseaseI have a little problem. Well, to be more precise, I have a few little problems: my transverse abdominus, internal obliques, external obliques, and rectus abdominus muscles. Collectively known as my abs, these muscles help me stand up straight, twist and turn, bend over, breathe, and lift things. Perhaps most importantly, they seem to be extremely important when it comes to keeping me looking fit.

Nowadays, I am generally content to watch my diet and do regular ab exercises. However, a few years ago, when I first noticed my belly button migrating away from my spine, I desperately cast around for an exercise item that would help me with my ever-growing belly. My first attempt was the Ab Roller.

Continue reading 20 most worthless pieces of junk: #4 -- Ab rollers and other six-pack devices

20 most worthless pieces of junk: #4 -- Ab rollers and other six-pack devices originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 18 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>Ab BeltAb RollerAb SonicAbBeltAbRollerAbSonicas seen on tvAsSeenOnTvexercise machinesExerciseMachinesBruce WatsonSat, 18 Jul 2009 15:00:00 ESTAtheist ad campaigns come in peace, love and understanding http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/16/atheist-ad-campaigns-come-in-peace/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/16/atheist-ad-campaigns-come-in-peace/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/16/atheist-ad-campaigns-come-in-peace/#commentsFiled under: , ,

imagine no religionOn a stretch of highway 20 near Pell City, Alabama, a billboard instructs drivers to "Imagine no religion." The sign, which is looks like a stained-glass window, accompanies the John Lennon quote with the url for the Freedom From Religion Foundation, a nonprofit group that lobbies to support the separation between church and state. While the message is restrained, it has already inspired a heated public debate.

In the grand scheme of things, it seems odd that the question of whether or not God exists is so controversial. Just as some people go to church and others don't, the dividing line between atheism and belief is largely a private concern, relegated to how people spend their weekends and, to some extent, how they explain their actions. In fact, the battle over which God one worships seems far more likely to result in broken noses and bruised feelings.

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Atheist ad campaigns come in peace, love and understanding originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>American humanist associationAmericanHumanistAssociationAtheist busesAtheistBusesFreedom from religion foundationFreedomFromReligionFoundationBruce WatsonThu, 16 Jul 2009 18:30:00 ESTPEZ tries to eat up one of its biggest supportershttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/15/pez-tries-to-eat-up-one-of-its-biggest-supporters/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/15/pez-tries-to-eat-up-one-of-its-biggest-supporters/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/15/pez-tries-to-eat-up-one-of-its-biggest-supporters/#commentsFiled under: , ,

On Tuesday, Pez, the Austria-based master of plastic candy dispensers, announced that it is suing the Burlingame Museum of Pez Memorabilia. The California-based Pez mecca, which has been in operation for 14 years, is also a major distributor of Pez toys, candy, and promotional items.

The museum's owner, Gary Doss, first fell in love with the little candy dispensers because they were, in his words, "silly and unique. There is nothing else like Pez." He and his wife, Nancy, have been collectors for 16 years, and currently have at least one item from each of the 550 versions of the famed toy.

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PEZ tries to eat up one of its biggest supporters originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>BurlingamefeaturedGary DossGaryDossNancy DossNancyDossPezPez museumPezMuseumBruce WatsonWed, 15 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST20 most worthless pieces of junk: #10 -- books in a Kindle worldhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/15/20-most-worthless-pieces-of-junk-10-books-in-a-kindle-world/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/15/20-most-worthless-pieces-of-junk-10-books-in-a-kindle-world/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/07/15/20-most-worthless-pieces-of-junk-10-books-in-a-kindle-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

KindleThere's something about books. For a guy like me, raised in a pre-Kindle, pre-personal computer world, they represent an information delivery system that is convenient, portable, and remarkably sensual. Admittedly, leather-bound first editions have a mystique all their own, but even the most humble pulp paperback is a wonderland of smells and textures. While many people probably cringe at the slightly-musty, sour-milk scent of a cheap tome, I always get a little thrill as soon as I catch a whiff of a freshly-opened book.

My passion definitely shows. The walls of my living room, bedroom, kitchen, and daughter's room are all packed with books. Like me, my wife is a book junkie, which means that we need to regularly police our collection, lest our minor addiction become a major problem. Every couple of months, we trek down to a used bookstore or the Salvation Army with armloads of books, culling the collection in order to make room for more.

Continue reading 20 most worthless pieces of junk: #10 -- books in a Kindle world

20 most worthless pieces of junk: #10 -- books in a Kindle world originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>booksKindlePlastic LogicPlasticLogicReadersBruce WatsonWed, 15 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST