B-52s Autographed Guitar On eBay

An autographed guitar by all members of B-52s has been put up on auction on eBay, with the closing date on 30th June, 2011. This guitar, a Gretsch Hollow Bodied Electric Brian Setzer Signature Nashville Guitar, and comes with a case, is donated by the Gretsch Foundation, with suggested retail price US$4,100.

Currently, this auction has garnered two bids at US$1,025 and will be sold to the highest bidder. All proceeds go to AthFest Educates, a non-profit organisation that helps educate and inspire students by bringing local musicians into schools.

Golden Retirement Plans

According to my sister, her boss has been encouraging all her employees to invest in gold bullion. Not only is the boss asking them to buy, she is also getting them all a gold account each. I understand that she is now paying them in gold bullion for their retirement. Well I don't know how the system works but I think by the time my sister retires, she could sell off the gold bullion for cash. Or something like that.

I think it's wonderful to have such a caring employer. It is sound advice and something I would do as well to save for my retirement. Right now, I do not have a good retirement plan yet and with prices of everything rising year after year, especially medical care, it worries me.

PayPal Shuts Accounts Of Dozens Of Copyright Infringers

PayPal, acting on reports by Motion Picture Association (Asia-Pacific), has shut down the accounts of dozens of people whom have been identified as using the service to receive payment for selling pirated DVDs and BluRay discs. According to news reports, MPA has tracked these people over the past three months.

PayPal has stated in its term of use that the service is not for those who violate or infringe copyrights and hence, these people should have seen this coming. I wonder what happens to the balances in these accounts. Will PayPal refund the monies to buyers? I think that's the way it should be.

Meeting Up With Old Friends

I met up with a couple of friends last weekend, and one of them told me that he has quit smoking. Wow, he has been smoking for so long, I didn't think that he would be able to quit. He, however, confessed that it was a challenge but with the help of ecigarette, he was able to do it.

So, he didn't quit smoking entirely, just quit tobacco! I have heard about this new technology before but haven't come across anyone using it yet until now. According to my friend, there are many different vapor flavors available and the novelty still hasn't worn off yet.

London 2012 Olympics Tickets Land On Online Marketplaces

This morning, a friend told me that he is getting online to buy London 2012 Olympics tickets when the official website opens up for pre-registered people. Hhmm I didn't even know about it but according to him, tickets are sold by batches to curb sale of Olympic tickets in the black market.

But what do you know, soon after the ticket window was opened this morning, I came across some tickets for sale on eBay already. My, aren't these people fast?? I don't know how much the tickets go for so I couldn't tell how much the sellers have marked up on the tickets. I don’t think it would be cheap since it's not easy to get those tickets, judging from feedback from my friend.

Buy Gold Or Not?

My mother, who is a coin collector, told me that an article on WSJ says Buy Gold and she wonders if she should start buying gold coin now.

I have no knowledge on coins, especially gold coins but I have asked a friend who said the he is buying gold through United States Gold Bureau and it is indeed a good time to do it now, despite the high price of gold that has continued to increase over the past few years.

What about gold coins? Perhaps I should just ask my mother to forget about gold coins and just buy gold bullion? That would surely be more profitable in the near future.

Old Chair With Jesus Face On eBay

A man who noticed a "face of Jesus" amidst the peeling paint of his old chair that was left unused for the past ten years, has now put it up on auction on eBay with a starting bid of US$25,000.

While we have seen many items with the face of Jesus, or other religious icons, on eBay, this one is possibly the most expensive. Well, at least I don't remember anything else that's used and as expensive as this! The seller said that he has asked around for expert opinion, including an eBay expert.

But I don't know if there's anyone willing to dish out US$25K for the old chair. What if the paint peels away and another "face" is revealed?

Deal Seekers

I recently read an article that says that people who shop using coupons and deals are not loyal shoppers. Moreover, they are not regular shoppers. This means that the business model of coupons and bulk deals are not sustainable.

I don't know how true this analysis is but when you think of it, when someone looks for something cheap, there is already no loyalty forged with a particular business or even brand. Well, if there is another store that sells the same brand at a lower price then well and good. If not, let's just shop for another brand with similar functions. Yup, I am like this. LOL

American Gold Eagle Coins

A friend told me that he is collecting American Gold Eagle Coins now. Although I am not a coin collector, I too find his collection pretty interesting. I would like to show it to my mother since she has recently started to buy gold coins.

My friend told me that he buys through United States Gold Bureau, a company that he finds to be reliable and professional. According to him, he always seeks the advice of the traders so that he could expand his portfolio, and looking to invest in coins and precious metals that could bring him the highest profit. I will inform my mother too!

Ryan Dunn's Death Announcement In Newspaper On eBay

Daredevil, Ryan Dunn, or Jackass fame, died in a horrific automobile accident a couple of days ago and the internet was abuzz with the news. Some even thought that it was a trick that Ryan pulled to see the reaction on his death from fans for his upcoming script! Who would pull a trick like that? Unfortunately, the news is real and confirmed by the mother of his Jackass co-star.

One fan has bought a copy of the newspaper announcing the news of Ryan Dunn's accident that killed him and his passenger and has put it up on eBay. This newspaper is "Daily Local News", a local newspaper of West Chester, PA, in Chester County, where Ryan Dunn lived and died. You can say this is his hometown newspaper.

The auction for the paper has closed at an unbelievable price of US$11,100 with 18 bids. I wonder if it's joybidded on. There are other similar auctions, either by copycat sellers or the same seller. They are cheaper.

Mini Hitler Banned On eBay

A man who carves and paint figurines and sells them on eBay has gotten his latest handicraft banned on eBay. The reason given was it's a Hitler figurine and eBay bans, or tries to ban, all Nazi-propaganda items for sale or on auction.

The figurine certainly looks like Hitler, and it gives the Nazi salute but there's no where stated that the figurine itself is Hitler. Perhaps now the seller could paint it in another colour? LOL

Study Money

A friend told me that a lot of people are not achieving financial freedom because they failed to study money. That really makes sense. He, however, did not elaborate how one studies money and unfortunately, I am left in the dark. Wouldn't it be better if he didn't mention anything about it at all?

After learning about this, though, I began to wonder. If I do not know how to study money, perhaps I should just let someone who does to manage my money. Maybe a company like this Missoula, MT wealth management group?

I am sure there is a similar financial management group where I live. I just need to look for a firm that will put their client's interest first rather than profit for themselves.

Lunch With Julian Assange

In a bid to beef up financial support for WikiLeaks, Julian Assange the editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks, has put up a total of eight lunch auctions on eBay. The winners will not only get to lunch with Julian himself, hence supporting WikiLeaks but also renowned Slovenian philosopher, Slavoj Žižek.

With slightly over two more days to go, these auctions of lunch slated for next month at a London trendy restaurant, have bids from £1,900.00 to £4,600.00. The winners of the auctions will also win front-row ticket to an event on the same evening where Julian Assange will discuss the impact of WikiLeaks. Interesting stuff.

Are You Married?

I met an old school friend the other day. We lost touch for almost twenty years. The first thing she asked me was if I'm already married. She has two sons now, she said. Wow! I'm still single, unfortunately, and each time I get asked this question, I feel like a loser, seriously!

I think that if I'm not making any progress by leaving this to fate, then I have to do something about it. Perhaps I should register with Zyngle free online dating since it looks like I'm already left on the shelf. In any case, it would be fun to get to know more people, even if I am not able to find a life partner. What do you think?

Growth of Malaysian Mobile Ad Market

The Malaysian mobile ad market grew exponentially by 17% from Jan to April of this year. This is thanks to smartphones, particularly Nokia phones, which served the highest number of advertisement impressions. According to a local mobile advertisement network, two out of every five advertisements served are through smartphones.

Based on this and the fact that people are now shopping more through mobile phones, merchants should look deeper into mobile advertising and explore what this medium has to offer them, though the mobile market.

I agree that advertisements could be a nuisance especially on smaller screens of smart phones but this is a good way to blast consumers with our brand names.

Easy-To-Use Popcorn Machines

I have always fancied making my own pop corn but I am a very lazy person and until now, never found out how to do it at home. Blame it on procrastination!

When I came across this website that sells popcorn machines, I just had to see what they have to offer. My, am I glad that epopcorn.com also has a pop corn machine for home use!

I have always thought that pop corn machines are for commercial use. You know, like those candy bars and food stalls outside of the cinemas that sell popcorn and fizzy drinks? Their popcorn machines have always fascinated me. Now, I can have my own. At home! Yay!

Besides carrying a wide range of popcorn machines for business use, epopcorn.com has many designs of popcorn machines for home use. As I said, I'm interested in those for home only and I am surprised to see that they are so affordable. Can you believe that prices start from $99 only? Obviously, the more fanciful ones with carts are more expensive, but I think they are still affordable.

If you too would like to equip your home with a popcorn machine or if you are thinking of starting a business, check out epopcorn.com now. There's a sale going on. I'm sure you don't want to miss out on the special deals!

Brits Urged To Cut Down On Credit Card Use

I came across a report that stated the MD of Debt Advice Foundation in Britain has advised young people in the country to spend the balance in their bank account and not opt for borrowed money, like charging their credit cards.

Well, credit cards aren't all evil. It's how we use it that's important. Obviously, we shouldn't buy what we cannot afford and rely on the credit card to pay for our purchases. What I personally do is to make sure that I have the balance in my bank account before I charge my credit card so that I can settle my credit card bill in full when it arrives.

Setting Up An Entertainment Room

My cousin brother, who is the manager of an audio visual store, told me to drop by when I have the time as he wants to show me the latest Energy speakers that have just arrived.

I am not planning to buy ant speakers at the moment, actually, but a friend of mine is in the midst of converting a room at his home into an entertainment room. I figure that my friend could get the best deals from my cousin. Besides, it's better to buy from a trusted store, isn't it?

Pos Insurance 1Malaysia

I went to the post office the other day to get some transactions done and the clerk asked me if I would like to buy the new Pos Insurans 1Malaysia, underwritten by RHB Insurance. I said OK since it is only RM11 a year.

Although the total insured sum is only RM5000 for accidental death, well, for RM11 a year, what do we expect? Even though I already have another insurance policy, I took this one up simply because it was cheap. I didn't even have time to read up on it before buying.

Outdoors Gift

My friend asked me to help him come up with a gift for his good friend. I don't know that birthday boy personally but I heard that he is an avid bird watcher. Therefore, I suggest that he look at the latest range of bushnell binoculars and accessories and he will surely find the appropriate gift for his friend.

Actually, my father is also an outdoors person and this Father's Day, I am thinking of buying him a gift but haven't got an idea what to buy yet. Perhaps a pair of night binoculars would be just nice.

Power Lunch With warren Buffett Closed At $US2.63 million

Wow, it looks like it's getting more and more expensive to have lunch with Warren Buffett. Why would anyone want to try to outdo the winners of the previous year by bidding higher when they don't have to and yet could still win the auction? Is it ego? They surely could continue with their charitable deeds without splashing all the money in the same cause?

In any case, right now, we do not have any information on the winner or group of winners, but according to reports, there were only two different bidders on this auction. Obviously, interest is lower. Why? Maybe not many companies could afford to spend millions of dollars on a lunch anymore.

Reliable FOREX Software

I have been trying to trade in FOREX after seeing my friends do this full time. They make so much money that they have been able to quit their jobs. Unfortunately, they wouldn't let me know their secret. And they call themselves friends!

I've known all along that in life, no one owes us a living. Therefore, I have continued to search for the best forex software that is easy to use and will make me money. Over the past couple of years, not only have I read up on FOREX trading, I have also been trying out a variety of software that would help me in this endeavour. You wouldn't believe the amount of money I spent trying out the different software, or the money I lost on FOREX because of unreliable tips.

While browsing through Softwareforex this morning, I gained a lot of new knowledge and now I understand where I have gone wrong! Do you know what the top five problems with Forex Robots are? Well, I didn't until I read about it on Softwareforex at http://softwareforex.com.

I wish I had discovered Softwareforex earlier. If I had, I wouldn't have wasted so much time, money and energy trying out so many forex software packages that did not work because Softwareforex has already tried out all available in the market and narrowed down a short list of software that works!

Getting Harder To Own A Car

I still believe that Malaysians, although some people are saying we are moving towards developed nation status, have yet to achieve a comfortable life yet. However, with the introduction of an 18-point check through Puspakom in order to transfer car ownership, I think it's going to make it way harder for the poorer population to own cars.

In order for these used cars to pass the 18-points as stipulated by Puspakom, the used car dealer would be putting in a lot of money to fix the vehicles. Would they then be selling them cheaply? Surely not. Even the fees will be RM90 payable to Puspakom and no longer RM30.

It will soon be only the very rich in Malaysia who will be able to own private vehicles. What do you think?

Cosmetology Skills

Although my friend has told me that self-education and self-development are more important than tertiary education, I still feel a lack. Perhaps it's just a lack of self-confidence? I don't know. However, I will feel better about myself if I have some kind of skills.

I would like to venture into the beauty line but I don't know how I should go about it. My sister told me about Austin beauty school and told me to check out the courses that they offer and the fees. I like it that students are thought in an environment that is just like a beauty salon. That's why graduates have no problems fitting in to the working world.

Hhmm I really need to give this a serious thought.

This blog post was based on information provided by Blogitive. For more information, please visit Blogitive.com or contact Regency Beauty Institute – 500 East Ben White Boulevard, Austin, TX 78704

Name The Lion Cub Auction

A zoo in Adelaide Australia has put up on auction the right to name a lion cub born naturally recently. The winner of the auction will get to forward three names to the zoo, where officials will pick the 'best" name out of the three.

Right now, the gender of the lion cub is still unknown and although it will be tricky for the winner of the auction to name it, I think it would not be a problem since the zoo will soon find out the gender and by then, the winner can submit the three names.

The lion cub is only four weeks old now and is so cute. Look at this photo I have enclosed here of the lion cub venturing out on its own. I think it will be as popular as Knut the polar bear.

Anthony Weiner 'Replica Underwear' On eBay

I found this really funny but I really take my hat off to the one who thought of putting up a "replica underwear" of Anthony Weiner on eBay. Well, we've had plenty of replica this and that, usually of branded goods, this is a replica underwear. Who would have thought of that? Only an enterprising person, obviously.

This item has a starting bid of US$0.99 and a Buy It Now price of US$499.99 but with 3.5 days more to go till the auction ends, there is still no bid on the item yet. Would there be any takers? I believe that whatever we put up on eBay, there surely will be a buyer. I get surprised all the time. However, with this item, I am not so sure since it's just replica. It would be another story if it was really worn by Anthony Weiner.

Topamax Case

I've been reading up a lot on Topamax lately and the birth defects this medication caused and have been telling my friends to help spread the news to stay off Topamax if they are pregnant or planning for a baby.

There is an on-going Topamax lawsuit right now, where victims of the medication that is used to treat migraine headaches and control epileptic seizures, have been linked to babies born with cleft lip or cleft palate.

If you know of people who are victims of Topamax, let them know to contact O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath. They are handling this personal injury and product liability claim case on behalf of victims.

O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath – Personal Injury Lawyers – 808 West Avenue, Austin, TX. 78701 – 512-494-9949

PayPal Sending & Withdrawal Limits

Logging in to PayPal the other day, I noticed a link to my PayPal Sending and Withdrawal Limits. Errr.. I don't think I've noticed something like this before, at least not in my account. Apparently now we can verify our account and get out sending and withdrawal limits removed!

For my account, I didn't have to do anything extra as it looked like my limits were lifted automatically. See the green ticks on the screenshot? But my account was verified a long time ago. So I guess for PayPal users who haven't verified their account previously and have limits on their accounts, they can easily do so now. Instructions are on the website of PayPal.

Personal Note From Hawaii Five-O Jack Lord on Auction

A 2-page personal handwritten note from Jack Lord of Hawaii Five-O fame has been put up on eBay for auction. It was addressed in a CBS envelope to Robert Ayers in Wilmerfing, PA and dated 12th December 1988. I didn't watch Hawaii Five-O so I am not familiar with Jack Lord. My parents should know since the show was popular during their era.

I wonder who would buy this note. He or she would have to be a great fan or an ardent collector. Or maybe Robert Ayers himself or his family should buy it. They need to pay for it now for something that they got for free. That's the price one pays for not treasuring something. teehee

Something To Be Aware Of

You probably have read about an on-going Topamax lawsuit in the papers. Just so you know, women who are pregnant or are planning to get pregnant have been advised against taking Topamax, a medication used to control epileptic seizures or cure migraine headaches, as it greatly increases the risk of defect in the baby.

A high number of babies of Topamax users are known to be born with cleft lip or cleft palate. And the parents, not knowing the reason to this, blame themselves. If you know of anyone who is in this situation, do advise them to contact an expert product liability claim attorney at O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath to see what options they have.

O’Hanlon, McCollom & Demerath – Personal Injury Lawyers – 808 West Avenue, Austin, TX. 78701 – 512-494-9949

Power Lunch For 8 With Warren Buffett

It's that time of the year again when a lunch with billionaire Warren Buffett is being put up on auction on eBay with proceeds benefiting the GLIDE Foundation. This is the 12th year already and currently, there are seven bids on the auction with the highest at US$2,345,678 with another three days to go before the auction expires.

Last year, a similar auction closed at a record US$2.63 million. Will this year's auction surpass that? What do you think? I know there are some people who think that a lunch with Warren Buffett is over-rated but some companies do see a value to lunch with Warren Buffett and an opportunity to pick his brains. I won't be surprised if this year's winner is a company outside of the United States again.

Tickets As Gifts

I was chatting with my sister online when she told me that she is wondering what gift to get for her boss. She will be celebrating her birthday next month and the problem my sister faces is that the boss is rich enough to buy whatever she wants.

So I suggested that she buy her an "experience". My sister knows that she likes Elton John so getting her a pair of Elton John Tickets would be very appropriate. However, the daughter loves Taylor Swift, like most young girls, so my sister could also buy a pair of Taylor Swift Tickets. It would be an excellent opportunity for mother and daughter to spend some quality time together.

Now, my sister is wonder if she should get a pair of Zac Brown Band Tickets or Spiderman Turn off the Dark Tickets instead so that both husband and wife can go on a rare date. What should she do? LOL Seriously, I'm now as confused as her!

Maybe my sister should buy three Dane Cook Tickets so that the entire family can go and have a fun time together!

PayPal To End Partnership With Alibaba

PayPal,m which is owned by eBay, will no longer be offered as a payment method in Alibaba's AliExpress beginning 4th August, 2011. This is only after a year of collaboration between the two countries. News reports have cited that the break-up, although no reason is given by both companies yet, could be due to PayPal's request to raise transaction fees.

China has been good to PayPal, with payment volume over $4.4billion in 2010, a 44% jump from a year ago. With the pull out from AliExpress, this income will surely be impacted. Despite this setback, PayPal says they are still deeply committed to the Greater China market.

Looking For Opportunities To Invest

I have been, for the past two years, looking for investment opportunities. A friend told me that he is starting to buy gold bullion due to the stability of the precious metal. USD has continued to weaken and it is not wise to keep cash in the bank. After all, bank interest rate is so low, it's almost insignificant.

I regret that I have missed the boat on gold investment. I had wanted to and then the price of gold in the world commodity market started rising. I thought I wouldn't want to chase after it, but to my dismay, it kept its momentum, breaking all previous price records!

Gold continues to be one of the best forms of long term investments. I just need to build my capital as I don't have sufficient money anymore due to the high price of gold. Sigh!