Borders launches it's new site

Borders will soon have it's own website that will give viewers the feeling that they are looking through books at their local bookstore, with features such a staff pics. The company has so far sold book online through a partnership with Amazon.com and it will not be easy to come out from its shadow. According to George Jones, CEO and President of Borders Group, "It's not the intent that we're going to out-Amazon Amazon at what they do. What we think is that we can still have a great, compelling offering."

The new site was launched on tuesday, even though the company hadd put itself up for sale two months earlier. Barnes & Noble has confirmed that it will study the viability of purchasing the company. A key feature of the new site is "The Magic Shelf" and the "Picked For You" section of staff picks. Borders will be offering free shipping for all orders above $25, as well as free shipping to Borders stores, where customers can pick up their purchase two days after buying it online.

Another benefit is that members of the Borders Rewards loyalty program will be able to redeem awards at this site, which they are not able to do when it was run by Amazon. The new Borders site will also offer rare, out of print and used books.

Orlando: a perfect family destination

Summer is almost here, so you had better plan your vacation if you still want to go for one this year! As always, summer is a great time to plan one of these Orlando vacations, which are always a hit with kids as well as the adults. Orlando is great for the kids thanks to all the theme parks and adventures. For the adults there is plenty of stuff to do with the dinner theaters, golf, fishing, shopping and since Orlando is one of the biggest conference venues you could tie up business and pleasure. There are hotels of every style and budget as well, so it is a good destination for people of all budgets, which is the question on everyones mid these days.

a simple shot

Been taking lots of photographs lately and thoroughly enjoying the process of finding good frames and interesting subjects. Here is a photo that I took for a lark, but was very happy with the results. I know it's not a perfect shot, the light could have been brighter, the picture could have been clearer, the angle about have been better, but this is the first of its kind that I have taken, and I love it simply as it is.

Enjoy!

A card to establish your credit

With the kind of economic slump going on, it is even more essential than ever before to ensure you have a good credit and essentially have credit available. For a lot of people this is a hard issue to deal with, since a lot of banks and credit card companies will refuse to deal with or have very unfavorable terms when dealing with those with a bad credit record. There are solutions and ways around this though, so what you have to do is to find a company that lists and gives you all the information you need to find the right lender.

AcclaimVisa is a site that does just that, offer details on credit cards for all categories of consumers, especially those looking for credit cards with a low APR, reduced or no annual fees and a zero balance transfer option. What is really very handy about the site is that they have some of the best way to apply online to major credit card companies such as Visa, Chase Bank, Capitol One, Discover Bank and so on.

Here you can also find the best no credit cards that will fit your needs. These are cards for people who need to improve their credit history or for high school students, who are just going to start establishing their credit history. Before you apply for a credit card, do figure out how you live and how much you can afford reasonably without putting yourself in too much trouble. At AcclaimVisa, it is easy to compare benefits, find the right applications and fill them online.

Blockbuster gets aggressive

Blockbuster is unveiling plans to compete with Netflix when it launches its interactive kiosk system. These will be situated in several Blockbuster stores starting in June. The company has been testing the kiosks from NCR Corp and is also currently in talks with web ready handheld device manufacturers. According to Jim Keyes, CEO of Blockbuster, “We are actively exploring options to distribute that entertainment content to our customers via many different digital platforms that are available and emerging in the marketplace.”

The company is also growing its collection of movies. Blockbuster started acquisition talks with Circuit City in April this year and is moving fast looking to increase it's presence in the digital entertainments distribution industry. Another new launch from Blockbuster will be its download service which will also start in June, and has been done with a tie up with Movielink LLC.

Blockbuster is pursuing new e-commerce initiatives at the same time it’s working to improve the overall performance of the business. In the first quarter Blockbuster posted net income of $45.4 million on revenue of $1.39 billion, compared with a net loss of $94.4 million on sales of $1.47 billion for the first quarter of 2007. Revenue declined as a result of operating fewer stores, the company says. Blockbuster no longer breaks out e-commerce numbers in its quarterly earnings.

future planning

When planning for a new home, the two most important areas that need to be thought of are the bath and the kitchen. These are the two areas that will require the most money, the most planning, the most time and the most of your patience as well. If you get these two rooms right, you're well on your way to creating the perfect home. So if you want to have walk in tubs in the master bath, then you have to ensure that you have to cut out something else to make it possible, not only for the money, but the time involved in setting it up. For seniors, these are a major investment, so with the right kind of planning, it can be made quite painless.

Hunting for bargains

Many consumers are avoiding their usual retail haunts in fear of a recession, and are generally only going in to shop at their favorite stores such as The Limited, Macy's and Ann Taylor Loft, if there is a clearance sale. The new favorites of many consumers have become T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. According to analysts, off-price retail companies are undergoing a "customer-gathering mode" where they are receiving lots of first time visitors to their stores.

Not only are sales forecasts dismal for many retailers, discounters such as Wal-Mart, Ross and T.J. Maxx are seeing an upturn and did better than Macy's and Nordstrom. Most off price retailers sell brands that are also available at department stores, but at much lower prices. Wal-Mart is seeing people shop at its store who did not earlier, showing how consumer perspectives are changing.

About 85% of people with household incomes of more than $100,000 reported in WSL Strategic Retail's new How America Shops survey that they were already shopping at Wal-Mart at least once in the prior three months. WSL CEO Wendy Liebmann says that means the discounter is well-positioned to prosper in a sluggish economy.

"The door is already open to (higher-income customers); now they just may be spending more than they did before," says Liebmann, whose company's survey results will be issued this month. "These people are thinking, 'Why shouldn't I save the 20 cents on toilet paper, because it all adds up.' "

Wal-Mart is probably even better positioned than the off-price retailers because it doesn't rely so much on discretionary fashion and home furnishings. Rather, it's the largely recession-proof staples — food, health and beauty aids, cleaning products and other home essentials — that draw mobs to Wal-Mart.

A vacation lifestyle

I love the idea of renting a place on vacation for about a month and settling in to relax and live a different life of sorts. Well, if you rent one of these North Padre Island rentals, then it might just be possible to live a vacation life for a while before getting back to the real world. A lot of people are taking longer breaks these days and often coming up with plans to start their own business in the location of their choice, and this looks like a great place to live year round. It might just be fun thinking right now, but to live there for a while and see if it were possible will be even better.

Borders to open new concept store in Allen, Texas

Borders Bookstore will be opening its new 24,000 sq ft store located in Allen, Texas. The new store will be opening in August and will be one of Borders 14 concept stores that the company will open in 2008. Borders launched the first of these stores in Ann Arbor in February 2008. The store has a fresh look and blends Internet and digital options, such as computer kiosks, customizing CD selections, publishing books, creating family books and family history compilations. Involving the consumer is a great way to connect with them and to keep them interested in other aspects of the store as well.

With the right lighting....

What really makes a house into a home is having some personal things and creating a look that is unique to you. The right kind of lighting, photographs, books and plants are some of the things that create that effect. We recently looked at these Hinkley lighting fixtures since we've been looking for a few pieces for quite some time now and were quite happy with the result. Lighting is one thing that sets the mood and it's not one of the things that we should skimp on, but instead go for the absolute best that one can afford. Also, be more inventive about the places where you can look and get good discounts.

Specialty retail at risk

Specialty store retailers are likely to be the worst affect in the ongoing economic slowdown in the US. According to an analysis by investment bank JPMorgan, higher costs of food, gasoline, rent, energy, interest rates, increasing unemployment rates and falling equity markets are all factors that will contribute to this occurrence. The bank lowered the forecast for Just Group, a fashion retailer due to this slowdown by 2%. The worst affected segment will be middle market fashion retailers who are most at risk of losing their customers.

do you buy more books than you can read?

I've always been fond of reading, but I've noticed something a bit different now, that even though I don't get all that much time to read, I still love to buy books, as many books as I can and am way behind my reading. I have novels that I bought 4 years ago, that I have not had a chance to read! With travelogues and reference books, that's an OK time line, but novels are meant to be read, and with the way I keep buying books, I am unable to keep up with the reading. On the other hand, I am building up quite a nice library in my own home!

a perfect vacation?

I've not been reading as much I would like to, but during my vacation in March I was able to read 6 books! That's probably not going to happen anytime soon again, but it really is a great idea. Everyone should have a reading vacation every year, a time to forget about everything else, a time to let your troubles go and enter a world of someone else's imagination. I loved it so much, that would like to combine it with going to a remote place in the hills and spend my time walking and reading. It would be a great way to completely relax.

being smart about taking help

There are good times and bad times in everyones lives, but if you're having problems such as substance abuse then it's almost impossible to handle it yourself and the best way to take care of it is to go in for drug rehab. As easy and logical as it sounds, a lot of people don't follow this thought process and wait too long before they seek help. This is a medical and psychological problem and must be dealt with by doctors and trained professional and we need to support those who are facing such issues. The hardest part is actually putting what one feels into practice, as it is so easy to talk about all of this in normal circumstances, but when you are actually in the middle of it, it must seem to be the most confusing decision.

looking back

Time just seems to by flying by these days. May barely started and here we are at the middle of the month already. It's hard to keep track of things in the past as they seem to be flying by at such a great speed. They say that if time is going by fast in your perspective, then you are happy, contented and of course busy, so this is good way to doing a reality check of sorts, tracking happy and not-so-happy phases in ones lives. Might not always work of course, but it is a good way to look back and reflect on times gone.

targeting seniors

One major part of the travel explosion is that there are a lot more older travelers these days. People are in better health and the travel industry has been making lots of special offers to this segment to attract them to take trips. There are lots of special group tours with medical facilities at hand, so you will have someone to remind you to take that medicare supplement while you're away. Medical reasons are a major impediment to travel for seniors and if this one aspect is taken care of, then they are likely to travel a whole lot more. We're definitely going to be seeing more inventive packages in the future targeted to this group.

the changing world of travel

The world of travel is changing and becoming ever more efficient thanks to there being so many choices. The amount of information that is available on different destinations, hotels, excursions, monuments etc is quite amazing, and thanks to the Internet, it is all so easily accessible to the average person.Earlier one had to depend solely on one's local travel agent and whatever rate and deal they gave you, that was it. One really didn't have any other choice at all. But now, we have unlimited number of choices and the hard part is deciding where to go. A good kind of hard decision, I think.

Do you have a steady stream of guests?

As is always the case, when you move to a new city, especially an international city, you are bound to get a steady stream of guests. There is no way to avoid it and it's best to embrace it head on and get all the equipment you need to make it pleasant for yourself and your guests. The one thing that will help you get set is to get one of these mattress sets, which will ensure that your guests sleep comfortably which will make them cheerful and easier to be around. Good enough reason, right? I thought so too. Nothing like having grouchy guests and this is one easy way to ensure it never happens. I always sleep better once I'm in my own bed and most people never really sleep that good when they are traveling, not surprisingly since a lot of guest beds are the left over or oldest pieces in the house. Best to invest in quality beds and mattresses now and enjoy your guests!

Pro on flickr

Well, I finally got my pro account on Flickr! I am so thrilled with it, that I could spend all day uploading pics, seeing my friends latest shots, surfing through explore and commenting on cool photos. It has been such an interesting journey for me, since I got started in earnest with uploading photos on Flickr, which was just a few months back in January. I opened my account way back in Feb 2006, but never really bothered to do anything with it, or look through other people's photos. Oh, so much time I have wasted! The best part is that I am learning to notice the little things in life, just like I am noticing the small and simple things that I have been taking photographs of.

Here's a screen shot of my first upload after becoming pro!

packing and moving

Some time back a college friend relocated to NYC and had to move bag and baggage to her new apartment by herself. She almost didn't move due to the huge hassle of packing and shipping things via courier companies, but if only she had enlisted a mover NYC company, she could have just supervised and had everything organized and packed for her in a professional and neat manner. I have moved several times, to different cities, to different countries and to different continents, and there is no better way to move than to leave it all to a professional moving company. There are a million other things to worry about, and if you're going to focus your energy on packing and sorting, it's going to be a real messy move. I like to pack my personal things myself, but everything else I leave to the packers and movers. It's really the best and only way to do things.

working ways

Working has never meant so many different thing to different people. At one time, work had a very narrow and specific meaning and one conjured up images of men in ties going to work carrying briefcases. Now days, it is sometimes hard to tell who is working or not just be looking at what they are wearing. The places of work have changed so radically as well, with wireless Internet becoming so popular, and cafes offering free wi-fi connections for people sitting in the cafe. You can also see people sitting in the park connected to the Internet through their cell phones and working just as hard as those sitting in offices. As easy as it is to judge people who work this way, it is important to first understand the nature of jobs and how well matched they are to these working environments.

Doing business when you're not even there

Continuing on from what I was writing in my earlier post, about how the internet and technology has changed the way we work today. Let's say you're moving to a new city and need to find some office space in Connecticut immediately, so you can move in as soon as you get there. Well all you have to do is search for office space Connecticut on the Internet, and you will find lots of options. It's really as simple as that. In fact, it's so simple and has simplified our lives so much that one wonders just how one managed to live and work before the Internet came along.

We have moved homes several times and each time I have used the internet to find apartments, car rentals, household help, air conditioning servicemen and so on. The list is endless about how useful it can be, one just has to know how to use it. Here's to new technology and to new ways of improving our lives!

The concept of work

There has been so much change in the way we work and what we even consider work that our definitions and concepts have had to change as well. Take my case for instance, I am a researcher and retail analyst and work from home, so for a lot of people this is not really working, even though I work full time, sometimes a bit less and sometimes a bit more. But it is work, serious work. I do follow a 9-5 routine of sorts, but have the flexibility to take an afternoon off, if I want to. The concept of work has completely changed and if you've read Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat, you know exactly what I mean.

Don't you just love funny t-shirts?

One of my earliest assignments for my marketing class was a really fun write-up on funny t-shirts on campus. I got myself a nice spot where I could watch people and read their t-shirts and try and figure out why they were wearing it; was it something they loved or were they making fun of it and how many people were wearing similar t-shirts, such as fraternity based funny t-shirts or those affiliated with some other club or bar etc. As consumers go, there is no other group of individuals who love wearing something written on their t-shirts than college students. They are willing to try out a variety of trends as long as it fits in their budget, which is the primary deciding factor.

kasauli church sketched

Here's a photo that I took last month, my first attempt at processing or rather post processing! I wasn't too happy with the way the photograph turned out, the angle was bad, the view wasn't the one I wanted, but there wasn't time to go back and take it again, so I decided to test it out on adobe's photoshop express, the new free version of their famous software. This is the end result using the sketch option, which ended up giving a nice result, I thought.

Here it is, enjoy!

the official age for anti-wrinke creams

Last month I did a lot of reading and one of the books I read was about three young working girls who have come to the big city to work, earn some money and find someone to love. What was so interesting is that the main character states that 28 is the official age of women that marketers target anti-wrinkle creams. I found that very interesting since a lot of women buy wrinkle cream based on advertisements in fashion magazines as well as based on their friends and colleagues usage of these creams. This is a new trend, of marketing these products at such a young audience and it seems to be working out quite well.

how to travel

As far as travel planning goes, it is essential that you plan as much in advance as possible, so that you can make full use of your time at your destination seeing and relaxing rather than trying to decide what to do and where to go. A lot of people only for package tours that organize everything from the time you leave to the time you return, so that you can maximize the time you have to see and do things while you are traveling. Then there are those travelers who like to decide what to do at the spur of the moment and do not like to have anything planned for the duration of their trip. I am somewhere in the middle as I like to have some basic plans made of the places I want to go to, but don't really require every minute to be planned from before.

Beach vacations for relaxation

As vacations go, an island or beach vacation is usually at the top of my list. There is something mesmerizing about sitting on a beach and watching the surf come in, listen to the soothing sounds of the ocean and enjoy the beautiful breeze. Well, if you go for a vacation to one of these St. Thomas villa rentals, then you will be able to experience all of this and much, much more. There really is no better way to relax than go for a beach vacation, I feel. For a more rejuvenating and holistic experience, I prefer to go to the mountains, where I can walk endlessly and introspect. For now, a beach vacation it is!

Are you into eco-friendly travel?

When it comes to making plans for travel, there are ways of doing it completely low budget and those of over the top extravagance, and both can be found on the web. There is a significant trend towards these two spheres of travel and the common thread between them is travel with a eco-friendly twist. A greater number of travelers today are opting for places that offer eco-friendly and organic products so as to protect and preserve the environment. In Hawaii especially, this form of travel is very popular. The amount of water, detergent and chemicals an average hotel uses just to do its daily laundry is enormous and the burden this puts on the environment is growing day by day. As travelers, it is our choice to select one of these hotels and by doing this it will only serve to allow more people to use the services of places like these.

on making travel plans

As usual, as I get back from one trip, I start plotting and planning for the next one! I've got some great ideas for our next trip, but nothing concrete as yet, since there are several pending issues that need to be sorted out first. As soon as they are taken care of, then I can start making definite plans for a trip. I simply love the anticipation of a trip, it's half as good as the trip itself, I find. There is so much excitement once you know you will be going on a trip somewhere or the other. I simply love it!

Finding good travel deals

For a avid travel bug like me, I find that thanks to the Internet, I have immediate access to all the travel sites and travel deals that I could want. It has made our lives so much simpler to be able to find new places to go to, at very competitive rates, and do the booking from the comfort of one's own home. For most of our recent trips, I have done my research online, found great places to stay, superb restaurants to eat in and interesting places to explore. What else does one want from a trip, really? I'm quite for taking trips that don't tire you out needlessly, and I can certainly avoid trips to the malls and the such, much preferring to visit the local market for a couple of interesting trinkets or two to bring home.

traveling light...

As much as I travel, I hope never to tire of it. The way one travels and what one travels for changes constantly, but I've realized that I really want to go back to being a bit more basic in my needs when I travel, go for treks and nature basic activities instead of star hotels in big cities, opt for a simpler way of seeing things rather than complicating life and making things harder for oneself. It's all a question of perspective, I think, as things change with time and what one wants changes as well.

Long term investments

We've been thinking a lot about investments lately and have a basic plan of action in place towards short term and long term investments. Most people ignore the very long term investments and it's important not to think only short term when it comes to this area. One of the best long term investments is usually commercial real estate which is a good opportunity to ensure one has some things planned for the long term future. While it is expensive to start off, one must not be put off by that and consider the rewards of such an investment. We will soon be investing in some residential real estate which also gives good returns, but will not be as much as commercial real estate will be.

Reliance Fresh not so fresh anymore

The kind of feedback I have been getting about some of the new retail stores is really not quite encouraging about the future about the industry. The worst reviews are usually about Reliance Fresh, where the produce is not fresh and usually not even available. It's quite surprising that no one at Reliance Retail is looking into this, since it's not a recent phenomenon and has been happening across the country, regardless of location. It seems that some of the stores are being run as franchises, where they are cutting all costs and basics such as air conditioning, and driving away customers with great speed. It's really quite sad just how quickly they have gone downhill.

A new vacation idea

The one kind of vacation we have never even considered taking is a surfing one. Our friends recently planned such a trip and I was quite amazed at the detailed way they went about with their shopping, including boardshorts and the like, so that they would be completely ready to hit the surf once they got to their destination. I'm all for doing a bit of activity, other than shopping, when on vacation, but am not sure if I am cut out for such strenuous work. I would definitely love to go river rafting and so on, but surfing would take some time getting around, I think.

almost at the end now

Now that our vacation is getting close to finishing, I've started thinking of the intricacies of daily life, without all the luxuries that one has when one visits home. I will miss all of this, but then it makes one appreciate things and learn not to take them for granted. It's so easy to forget these things but after a month spent in total relaxation, going back to one's own home makes one realize how to prioritize and be selective about things. Not always an easy task, but one that must be done.

Making it special

When it comes to marketing specific products for to targeted customers, the advertisements for bridal lingerie usually do a pretty good job connecting with their audience. What really sells is the importance of the moment, since the product is no different than for other times, but it's all about capturing the essence of the marriage celebrations that make these products so special. Marketers have been using this segment of customers for making a variety of purchases, since it is a time of celebration and a lot of people go overboard when it comes to wedding expenditures.

at a cafe nearby

Been taking so many photos recently and love to post them here as well. Here is one that I took last month, on a visit to a cafe nearby. I thought it came out quite nice, really liked the way the light came out, and the fact that it was taken from the inside, while the writing was for the outside. Something different and interesting about it, I guess.

Here it is!

New age trade show displays

It seems that more and more displays these days are really becoming quite sophisticated and stylish. The trade show displays one sees now are a far cry from even a few years back, where things were completely different and quite boring actually. All of a sudden, it's exciting going to trade shows, even if it's just to see the displays and amazing set ups companies go in for these days. Since I have been in the travel business, I especially love going to the travel and real estate shows, where one can get to see some pretty amazing displays and arrangements.

on going home

Well, my vacation is closing towards the end and I'm not getting a very nice feeling in my stomach....it actually reminds me of getting butterflies in the tummy when we used to head back to school after long vacations. It's a feeling that I don't particularly want to feel ever again, but still haven't managed to conquer. Going back to one's normal life after a vacation, is quite a come-down, besides being able to sleep in your own bed again, which is something I really like going back to. The only solution is to start planning your next getaway before the current one ends, so you have another trip to look forward to.

Marketing strategies on the Internet

I'm quite amazed at just how easy it has become to get some weight loss pills these days. In my last post, I wrote about how the Internet has changed the way the travel industry works, but the Internet has also changed the way we shop and buy things, especially for items like these. With the information as easily available as it is now with the Internet, consumers are able to have the full information before they decide to buy an item. For manufacturers too, the scale of sale has increased from a local spot to across the world, making it quite a bit lucrative for them to invest in Internet marketing strategies.

changing travel times

Traveling these days is a completely different experience than it used to be earlier. Now, pretty much everything can be taken care of online, from airline tickets, to car bookings, hotel rooms, special tours, breakfast items and so on. It really makes you wonder just how one managed before the Internet penetrated the travel industry as it has done now? Things worked, some things better and some worse, but by and large everything ran smoothly. Thanks to the Internet and the competition for lower fares, a lot more people are able to travel now than ever before. It will be interesting to see where we progress to in the future.

The power of the Internet!

Where can you find everything and anything in one spot? Why, its the Internet of course! It's the one place that you can find a Scranton personal injury lawyer or a tent for your next camping trip, all from the comfort of your home. It's been a great boon for businesses that have adapted to it, those who have been able to understand the way it is able to reach out to consumers that no other medium has been able to. When the Internet first became common and "mainstream", it brought with it a completely new way of doing business and finding customers. No one would have imagined just how simple it would be to conduct business from across the world, but that's what it has become now.

Dubai blue

Here's a picture that I took last month. We had gone to the building on the left for some work, and as soon as we came out, I saw this tall and narrow building on the other side of Sheikh Zayed Road that was being framed so nicely. Luckily, I carry my camera with me at all times, so managed to take this picture. I really like all the blue tones to it.

Enjoy!

Searching for insurance

In my last post I wrote about how consumers are relying on the Internet for more and more of our shopping these days. There is one additional type of service that we find on the Internet, that of car insurance. Almost everyone who buys a car, first searches on the Internet to find the best possible insurance for their vehicle and compare the plans before deciding which one to take. The best deals are all to be found on the Internet, so that really is where one should start one's search.

How we shop

As consumers become more savvy and informed about the different ways of shopping and saving money, there is sure to be a significant rise in online portals for shopping. While there already are several of these, the average consumer is still quite wary of spending their money through it. For the longest time, the only things we used to buy on the internet were airline tickets, but bit by bit, things are changing to include other purchases such as bulk book orders, flowers, hotel rooms, cars and so on. Life has of course been made so much easier thanks to the easy availability of online shopping and this concept will continue to shape our shopping actions in the future as well.

Decking out a truck

When my friend Sarah bought a new truck in college, I was really surprised at the number of accessories that she wanted to add on to jazz up her new purchase. There are just so many options such as ventshades, decals, storage facilities and so on, that can be added to increase the use and the style of a vehicle and Sarah wanted to make use of all of them. The business of truck accessories has changed radically and the kind of things that are now available are really of very high quality. More and more people are going in for such accessories, which has given a major boost to the industry.

Changing consumers

Retail in India and in the entire region has been changing rapidly for quite some time now and is likely to continue to do so for many more years as yet. While the smaller mom-and-pop stores have been protesting against the entry of organized retail for so long, consumers are getting more used to the concept and are getting accustomed and even liking this way of shopping. It is a more convenient way to shop after all, prices are a lot more competitive and the service level has also improved thanks to the increased choices. It will definitely be interesting to see how more and more people--shoppers and small retailers--switch to this format over time.

To live in Branson!

It's been ages since I went to Branson, but I remember it quite well. I really enjoyed my few days there since it reminded me of being in the hills where I grew up. The more I think about it, the more it feels right to consider investing in some Branson real estate which can be used as a vacation home or for rental income in the more touristy months. Besides its natural beauty, Branson also holds a lot of attraction for country music lovers, thanks to all the theatres and live performances by several very popular and famous musicians. It's definitely a very worthwhile and viable option.

Flickr-diction!

Since I've been posting so many photos on my Flickr page, I thought I would share some here as well. I took this photo several months ago, but am quite fond of it...maybe it's all the angles or the light or something else, but I really like the way it came out. It's not been getting too many hits, but that's because this type of photography is not my specialty, well actually no kind of photography is my specialty, but it's something I enjoy and hope to get better at it with time and practice.

Enjoy!

Welcoming guests

If you're someone with a constant stream of guests coming in, then you're going to need to have things like this bedding, which is not only easy to maintain, but creates an elegant look in your home. I always try to make my home as welcoming and friendly as possible, when we have guests staying with us, so I add things in the guest room that will make it easy for the residents to be completely at ease in their new surroundings. Whether it's as simple as an alarm clock or local maps, the point is to make and effort to be a good hostess. Every little thing in your home reflects you and the better it looks, the better you look! Yes, I know it's bit old fashioned, but it really does hold true even today.

another break coming up!

Just a little bit of work left, before I head out for a break for about ten days or so. As has been the case in all my trips in the recent past, they happen all of a sudden, so I have to scramble to finish off everything work wise and take care of all other things as well...shopping to take home, things to be bought to be left behind, bills to be paid and so on. I wonder if there is something that I am forgetting? Probably is, and I'll only remember it once I reach my destination. Oh well, life's like that!

Shopping decisions

When it comes to finding something specific, there really is not place like the Internet. Whether you are looking for a mini trampoline or something else, you are sure to find out all the information you need, right from the comfort of your home. This has really changed the way we shop and plan our purchases. We no longer have to go to store after store to find the best price, but can check all of that online itself. If you'd rather not leave your house, you can order it to be delivered right to your doorstep. If you need parts for a machine, that's easily available too. While some may argue that it has made us lazy and inefficient, I think that for the most part, the Internet has improved our lives.

Photo sharing sites

There are tons of photo sharing sites online, but the best of them has to be Flickr. I have been using the site for a couple of years now and am planning to take a professional membership, as in buy a membership, since the free accounts have several limitations. I have been taking photographs on a regular basis now, most of the time with uploading pics onto Flickr in mind, which is making me become more aware of my surroundings and take better pictures. It's certainly been quite an interesting journey.

Here's one I took last year.

Long term thinking

When one gets started on one's career, one never bothers to think about long term life plans, but it really makes sense to plan things like getting some life insurance quotes to set things for the future. It's always easier to budget one's money before one gets too used to spending it on fun stuff, which is what usually happens when one first starts out working. This really is the critical point when one has to make some tough decisions and think for the long term future, instead of just planning for one's next vacation. Interestingly, I think the newer college grads are starting to think this way, which is a really nice change.

Working as a freelancer

Long time since I posted here....most gaps are getting longer, since I have been busy with visiting family lately. I decided to take time off so I could devote myself completely to spending time with them and not have to meet work deadlines and stuff. Most people don't have an option to take time off each time someone visits, but that';s one of the things I really love about my job, and it's something that is very important to me. There really is no better way to work and I simply love the flexibility and options it gives me.

Keeping medical information at hand

With the growing number of baby boomers in the US, the kind of products that are focused on them, is increasing quite rapidly. Take for instance, this medical bracelet which is to be worn so that your medical history is easily accessible no matter where you are. No one really carries all their information on a card or folder, but with this medical bracelet, it becomes so much easier to have the information on hand with you at all times. It's not just a marketing gimmick, it's a great idea that is sure to become quite popular.

When to work, when to take a break

Been on a slight break of sorts since I've got family over. I have just a couple of assignments to take care of and that's pretty much it. No point being busy and unavailable when family is visiting, right? What's the point of even visiting then? Being able to set my own work hours is probably the best part of being a freelancer, I think. I can't imagine working a regular nine-to-five kind of job now. Besides the two months I took off to move and set up home, I have only taken 4 weeks off to go home in October last year, which is much less than I usually do. Maybe this year will be better in terms of time off!

Bypassing high markups in home decor

As someone in the retail industry, it is really a very exciting time to be a part of this very dynamic industry. The variations of retail stores are becoming more and more varied, which ultimately gives the choice and the selection to the consumer. Take DirectBuy for instance, which is one of the leading members only showroom for home related merchandise. Once a consumer signs up for directbuy, they have access to merchandise at manufacturer prices, that are not marked up and lets consumers buy branded merchandise at much lower prices. The mark up in home furnishings and home decor is usually around 43%, so the savings are rather considerable. It seems like the perfect answer for consumers who want to create a perfect home, but are hampered by the high prices in showrooms.

On taking better pictures

It's been ages since I posted a picture here, so I thought I must add a bit of color to the page and add a photograph or two. I have been taking a lot more photographs lately, thanks to my account at Flickr which is getting a lot of my attention these days. It has become quite addictive actually to see great photographs from one's contacts and to constantly try to improve on what one takes. I have started viewing things differently now, thanks to seeing great photographs at Flickr.

Here's one of my more recent photographs:

Finding information on medical stuff on the Internet

Ever since the Internet has become a widespread phenomenon, searching for health problems, doctors and medicines has become quite common. Whether you are searching for mesothelioma or arthritis, there are lots of articles and information available on the Internet for people to read. One does have to be careful to understand what one is reading though, since we're not doctors and a lot of information about health on the Internet is quite complicated. It is useful in combination with meeting doctors and specialists, but can be dangerous if followed by itself.

Retailers cutting costs and jobs

Retailers have been cutting back since the beginning of the new year, reducing staff, closing stores, shutting down catalogs and putting in place other measures to ensure their survival. The slowing down of the economy has affected a whole range of retailers and analysts are unsure of when the tumble will come to an end. JCPenney cut 150 jobs last week and will be combining merchandising and marketing operations for its retail and its direct sale businesses. The company will also close one of its call centers which takes care of its catalog orders and is run by 275 people.

Eddie Bauer is also making changes and will be working to make its operations more competitive and will be cutting its staff by 16%. The company will also be trimming its overhead costs which come to around 41%, which are higher than the industry standard of 35%-37%. Home Depot announced that it will be cutting jobs as well; around 500 jobs or 10% of its staff at its headquarters.

Baby boomers driving todays society

Most discussions lately tend to compare today against the golden times of the fifties and sixties when the US was booming. Maybe it is because it is an election year and people are taking stock, maybe it is because the baby boomers are starting to retire, or maybe it some different reason altogether. The fact remains that for the elder generation, the medicare advantage is one of the most discussed issues, whether it is in the newspapers or on television. Consumers today realize that the system today has lots of problems and want to relive the time when no one worried about getting medical attention as they do today.

Retailers hoping for high sales in February

After a dismal Christmas shopping season, retailers are hoping for some shopping magic to take place in February. With the Super Bowl around the corner and Valentine's Day coming up, retailers are hoping that shoppers will open up their wallets. According to survey's, shoppers will do exactly that. It is estimated that shoppers will buy close to 3.9 million television sets for the big game, which is a 50% rise in the number of televisions purchased last year, according to Retail Advertising and Marketing Association. Shoppers also plan to buy 1.8 million furniture items, up from 1.3 million pieces last year. The maximum spending will be done by young adults between the ages of 18 and 24.

On average, consumers will spend $59.90 on Super-Bowl merchandise, up from $56.04 last year. In total, consumer spending for Super Bowl weekend is estimated to be $9.5 billion. According to Mike Gatti, executive director of Retail Advertising and Marketing Association, a lot of smart shoppers put off buying major purchases such as televisions and entertainment centers till retailers offer special discounts.

Starting on investments

As one progresses in life and starts to accomplish goals, one realizes the importance of creating an investment fund of some sort. The two best investment options are either mutual funds or land investment, which is usually for the longer run. For a lot of people, short term investing is a good way to start off, and then branch off into long term investments which you will not want to touch for many years to come. We recently set aside some money to invest and have started off two separate streams of investment, one with mutual funds and one with property. Each month we add to our savings and to our investments, which will add up to a good amount in the long term.

Different kind of travel plans

I love being an armchair traveler, and these past few weeks I have been able to do just that. It all started with a travel assignment I got and then spiraled into much more than that. I did do some research for my assignment, but after a while it ceased being work and started to seem more like I was actually planning our next vacation or some such thing. With the travel that we've had lately, I'm going towards a more simpler kind of vacation now, something different than just a series of sightseeing and shopping excursions, something that I will remember more than any other vacation, something that will stand out in my mind as being exceptional. Not an easy task, but everyone must aspire to something right?

Online shopping

Being able to shop on the Internet has made things a lot easier for some consumers. It affords privacy and discretion as one is able to shop in one's own home for things like women's lingerie if one choses to. Consumers now days want options and choice more than anything else and if they have lots of choice of what to shop, here to shop, how to shop, they will feel more positive about a store. That really is the whole point of being able to shop online, it gives you more choice and by being in the drivers seat consumers feel stronger and more apt to spending.

New work week rocks!

Where does the time disappear here? It's amazing that it's going to be February already, already a month into the new year and I can't figure how just where the time is going. I quite like the weekend system here that makes it all seem to go by so fast. I don't dread Monday mornings any more, since there is nothing to dread as it's not the first day of the week and Thursdays are my new best friend. They seem to come so quickly these days!

Printing digital photographs

I've really been spending a lot of time taking pictures and uploading pictures and am getting more and more involved in understanding how to take good pictures. So, I was quite happy when I came across these Shutterfly coupons that will be able to help me get some of my pictures printed and delivered directly to me at home. Ever since I started taking pictures on a digital camera, I have not been printing them out and am missing being able to look at them in an album rather than just on the computer. This way, I will be able to frame them and have a physical copy to mail to friends and family.

Freelance timings

The weekend is here and it's almost time to rest. Almost, as I do have some pending work as yet to finish off first. As a freelancer, you can't be sure of always being able to take the weekends off. When it does happen, it's great, but at other times, I end up working when everyone else is on a break. I do get to take long breaks if I plan in advance. I took all of October off as well as July and August since we were moving home, so it works out quite well.

Moving tales

As I've written earlier, when it comes to packing and moving, I've got lots of experience and have used a variety of packing and moving services. For the NYC area, these movers New York are known to be the best and offer extremely good services, so you don't have to worry about anything at all. Moving companies are sometimes notoriously tough to get through to, but that's unlikely to happen with these movers, since they have really built up a reputation in the city and work to better it with each move. Word of mouth publicity is a great way to give them a boost, once you're tested them out.

How much stuff is enough?

As is the case with each of our moves, one gets to be an expert at packing and organizing stuff even before the packers arrive. While I leave the bulk of the packing to them, I have to go through and sort out stuff so that I can decide what to keep and what to get rid of. It's a time consuming process and with each move we are getting a bit better at it. We're also not buying things just because they can be bought, but now really consider if we need it, or are getting it just for the heck of it, or if it's on a substantial discount. One really needs to think of what one really needs after all, and they are very few things if you really get down to it.

Changing mindset of consumers

As with all medical things, the treatment for drugs and alcohol has changed quite a bit in the recent past. A huge part of the change for drug treatment is the social change that has come about in our society, which makes it quite alright to admit one has a problem and to get and get treatment for it. This simple shift in the mindset of the average American has changed the way drug rehab programs are thought of and has also made them much more acceptable. As societies change and accept more changes, it is the people in them who have to adapt to new ways of thinking and behaving.

Is social media bringing us together or pushing us further apart?

The past year has brought a lot of changes in the online world. It has changed the way we communicate with each other, and changed the way we place more importance on being connected instead of staying in touch. Even though there are so many more ways of keeping in touch, we are actually becoming more remote and robotic with each other. I joined Facebook at the end of last year, after I received invites from several people, but still don't see what the big deal is. I'd much rather keep in touch with my friends via email, rather than looking through their pics, which felt more like snooping actually. Twitter was again totally overrated for me. I mean, you're really not that important that I want to know that you're doing at every moment. Truly. The only social media format that I have really liked is LinkedIn, which doesn't masquerade as a friendly place but maintains its professionalism and decorum. If there is one social network that you should join, it should be LinkedIn.

On buying watches

I've been looking to buy a watch lately, something like these ebel watches that I found a site for online. It's very interesting how the way we shop has completely changed due to the Internet. I always browse through products before heading to the store, so I have a better idea of choices, prices and brand selections. With watches, it is nice to be able to try them on first, but if you've been buying them often enough, then you know exactly what will look good on you already. When it comes to buying watches, I think it is important to go with a good brand as it is something that you wear every single day. I usually buy good watch brands and so some of the watches I have are pretty old now but there is still nothing wrong with them.

Do you still digg?

There's been a lot of up and down at Digg this past year. First it was the hottest site, then came a gaming controversy and by the end of the year, Digg itself was being buried. Quite ironic when the site themselves coined the term opposite of Digg, as bury, and the site itself was being labeled as a has been. I personally think people went too far, both with raising it on a pedestal and then tearing it down. I did like how Digg worked, even though very few stories by regular people ever made the front page.

Here's an old cartoon from bLaugh about Digg:

Following the trends

The biggest fashion trend these days are maternity clothes, it seems. With every second celebrity expecting a baby and all the tabloids reporting on who is wearing what, hip maternity clothes like these are what everyone is aspiring to wear these days. The trend started out a few years back and now has become a national obsession. You can't go anywhere without seeing people dressed up just as the celebrities are dressed in their maternity clothes. This trend is not going to go away anytime soon, in fact it's only going to get bigger.

Awaiting the weekend.

It's been a busy week and now I am looking forward to some relaxation on the weekend. Each week seems to fly by with greater speed than the one before and I can't believe that it's already the 11th of January. Work is keeping my a bit to buy I think, making the time speed by and not really giving me any time of my own to blog more frequently or to read or watch a movie. Do hope to catch up on all that over the weekend.

Happy New Year to all you car enthusiasts

Car enthusiasts just can’t get enough of all the mind-boggling car accessories that are available in the market. I find it extremely confusing to buy pretty much anything for my car these days. The Chrysler 300 accessory options are some of the most popular going around these days and if you have them, you are set to be a trend setter for sure. For a while, I was quite happy with just the most basic of everything in my car, but it’s easy to get sucked into adding some accessories to one’s vehicle thanks to all the advertisements and promotions.

Fashion streets to come up soon

The government has announced that it set up designer streets and special arcades for their products in major cities, to attract foreign tourists as well as Indians living overseas. According to Shilabhadra Banerjee, “We are considering setting up exclusive facilities for designers to promote special interest shopping among foreign tourists as there is increasing global recognition of Indian designers.” The government will also be promoting local artisans and craftsmen with fashion designers. According to Assocham, India’s fashion designer segment should reach Rs. 750 crore by the year 2012, up from the Rs. 270 crore at present.

Making a difference this year

With the New Year, I think it really is time for all of us to take an active interest in our impact on the world around us. We all need to do something that will make a difference to our environment, whether it is as simple as recycling or reading up on how phase 1 environmental site assessments are conducted. Each one of us has our own comfort levels of contributing and taking part in changing the environment, and we need to give back in our own way. Diablo Green Consulting is doing exactly this and is making quite a bit of headway in helping preserve the environment.

The year gone by

It's hard to believe that it's a new year already. 2007 seems to have just flown by, which is usually the case when it's a good year. For us, it brought mixed results, some things were definitely good, but mostly it wasn't such a great year and I was really looking forward to it's end. So, maybe that's why it went by fast. We certainly had a lot on our plate this past year, from new jobs, to moving to a new country and so much more. Health wise it was a worry-The year some year as well, and I do hope it will get sorted out soon. In any case, 2008 gives us lots of things to look forward to and we hope to fulfill some of our dreams this year.

Creative party invitations on the rise

These days the world of kids parties has completely gone an overhaul and unless you have some really unique kids party invitations, your party is not complete. Specialization in party planners has been happening for a long time, but with the boost given by the internet, these invitations are taking on a whole new meaning. The more creative you get, the more successful the party is likely to be, as well as more memorable of course. So put on your thinking caps, the next time you're planning a party.

Reliance Retail to become supplier

After continuing to face protests against Reliance Fresh, Reliance Retail is becoming a trader and will be entering the food trading sector so that it can restructure its food and grocery business. Reliance Retail has already created 2 supply chains; one to trade commodities at mandis and a second to supply merchandise to its own Reliance Fresh outlets. Food prices will be increasing significantly in the coming year, and Reliance has understood the importance of being a trader. Reliance is setting up its stores at mandis where it will stock fruits, vegetables as well as other staples. At these stores it will be able to make a profit without worrying about costly overheads or having to give discounts to consumers. The company already has signed agreements to supply fresh fruits and vegetables to Spencers’ retail chain as well as other retailers.

The trend for men's jewelry

As most Christmas shopping excursions go, the average consumer does not really look for men's jewelry as much as they look at women's jewelry, but the trend for men's jewelry is fast catching on and is definitely only going to get bigger and better. Thanks to the countless celebrity magazines who spend so much time of showcasing the grooming and jewelry of the fashionable male, this segment is getting a lot of publicity lately.

Retailers should focus on existing online customers

Online commerce already is one of fastest growing segments of the Indian retail industry, regardless of the fact that there is still very low penetration of personal computers in the country. At a seminar at the Retail Summit 2007 in Hyderabad, Online retailing - Future of Retailing, Manish Agarwal, vice-president for e-commerce at Rediff.com, lay emphasis on retailers needing to focus on existing ecustomers, instead of solely focusing on creating new ones. Online retailing is the way to create a new channel that retailers can sell products, one that lets them broaden their reach to newer places where their branches are not yet open.

Getting professional help

You can't pick up any magazine these days without reading out celebrities' addiction treatment and the more that celebrities are being open about their personal problems, the more the effect is trickling down to the average person, for who it is likely to be a more profound decision. Most trends to have a trickle down effect and this is definitely one of them that is gaining more popularity with each passing month.

Have you ever abandonded a blog?

So how many blogs do you really have? And how many blogs do you maintain regularly? I must say that I have been a bit laggard in maintaining all of my blogs equally. While I have not abandoned any of my blogs, some of them do get more attention than others. I think it's time do some winter cleaning. I wonder if something like this were to happen to me?

Researching before buying

When it comes to buying technical or mechanical stuff, I make sure I read up on as much information first and only then attempt going out to buy something like this Delta machinery, so I know exactly what I am looking for and don't end up making a fool of myself. Having the internet to search for stuff makes it a lot easier than having to go to the library or dig out a reference book, so buying complicated stuff has become so much easier now. I will admit that it has made us a bit lazier about doing the work and putting in the effort to search though.

Future Group's Home Retail expanding aggresively

Home Solutions Retail Ltd (HSRL) which is owned by the Future Group, announced that it will be investing Rs. 500 crore for both of its consumer durables and electronics retail segments. The proposed investment will be over the duration of the next two years.Its eZone outlets will increase from 26 to 100 stores, and Electronics Bazaar will increase from 65 to 200 stores. Hemchandra Javeri, chief executive officer of HSRL, emphasized that both segments were expected to bring in revenues of Rs 800 crore by 2007-08 and Rs 3,000 crore by 2009-10. He said that, “By expanding both the value and premium formats, we want to explore the total opportunity. We want to dominate big cities and tier-II towns and stay ahead of competition.”

Visiting Las Vegas?

For a short break, there really is no place like Las Vegas. A lot of people think of the city only for gambling and quickie marriages, but Las Vegas is so much more than that. The city has created a name for itself in the world of spa treatments and luxury pampering, but if you want to have an affordable vacation, that is also possible in the city. You can find the entire range of hotels in Las Vegas, from discount motels to top of the line luxury hotels, all it takes is a little searching to find the right place.

Reliance TimeOut opens in Bangalore

Reliance Retail Ltd. launched the book and music specialty store it had earlier announced which will be called Reliance TimeOut, and will stock music, books, stationary, toys and assorted gift items. Reliance TimeOut stores will stock more than 30,000 book titles from both national and international publishers, and over 12,000 music titles. Its is located in Bangalore's Cunningham Road and is spread over 21,000 sq ft of space, with a stock of more than 56,000 items.

Do you really know how to 'live'?

For a lot of people, working overtime, commuting endlessly and living a stressed life is the normal way to earn a living. Most people don;t have a choice and have to live where based on where they work. There are an increasing number of people lately that are deciding to make do with lower paying jobs, less stress and live in smaller towns so that they can really 'live'. Wilmington NC real estate has seen a rise in interested consumers who want to live a good life, but not one where they are chasing money and deadlines all the time. There has to be a balance in one's lives, and living in a medium sized town is one way to achieve it.

Targus keen on India

Targus, the mobile computing products and accessories firm will be focusing on growin gin the Indian market, and will be forming a partnership with I consumer electronic companies like Croma, Staples and Bharti-Wal-Mart. The company has been running in India for the past 3 years, and its India operations accounts for $12 million of its annual revenue. An estimated 85% of its annual revenue comes from supply of products to original equipment manufacturers (OEM) such as Lenovo, HP, Sony, HCL and Acer and the remaining amount from retail sales.

A worthy cause

I guess, this is really the best time of the year to write about something like this. If you're one of those people to love to hear about miracles and other wonderful stories, then you'll love this. There is a non-profit organization called Car Angel, which facilitates car donations for those in need, whether they are coming out of rehab, or are a single mom, or a homeless person trying to live and work. Car Angel uses its car and other donations to make videos for children and have given away more than 2.4 million videos so far. It is definitely a very worthy cause and writing about it just before Christmas is perfect timing as well. Here's one of the videos that Car Angel has made: http://youtube.com/user/boatangel.

Reliance to convert its shut Fresh stores into specialty formats

Reliance Retail will be using its shut Reliance Fresh stores in West Bengal as specialty stores for lines such as footwear, jewelry, books and apparel. Reliance had to shut down its Fresh stores after voracious protests by local merchants and middle men who were organized by various political parties. The low prices that Reliance Fresh offered for its products were the main reason for the protests.

Reliance Retail has had trouble with the publicity it received right from the beginning, even though there are lots of other retailers present, it is only Reliance Fresh stores that are facing the brunt of the protests. There are lots of other launches planned for the state and it remains to be seen if they will face similar protests when they open as well.

A great gift item

While malls are coming up with creative offers to bring in customers, stores such as Cartier don't need to do much at all. With an amazing Cartier watch such as this, customers are willing to spend as much money as required to get an elite product such as this. Christmas shoppers are looking for both splurges as well as price conscious gifts this year. With the bulk of the population wary about spending too much on non-essential items, the higher spenders are the ones who are going in for such items. Watches are a great gift item as they beautifully bridge the utilitarian and the luxurious so easily.

Malls becoming inventive at wooing customers

Malls in India are coming up with new ways of bringing in customers to the malls, most of which are not doing well. By offering specials such as taxis and buses to bring in customers, adding more stores that offer utility functions such as banks, dry cleaners, gyms etc, coming up with a plan to make the mall a morning walk and breakfast destinations and offering mall loyalty programs are all ways that mall managers are wooing customers. All in all, these special offers do make customers come to the mall more often, especially with the utility shops and grocery stores, and once they visit more often, they will tend to shop more.

Investing in real estate

When it comes to investments for the long term, there really is only one choice and that is real estate. It is the one investment that you should start thinking of and putting aside money for as soon as you get a regular job, so that in maybe 5 years you have a substantial amount to put as a down payment towards a plot or apartment or office etc. While stocks and bonds need to be followed more closely when you're holding them, real estate is for those who have holding power and can stay in the game for the long term. We're making our first major investment in an apartment, purely for investment purposes, and we're excited about the prospect of starting our real estate investments.

More on team buying

In an earlier post titled Team buying for higher discounts, I had written about a popular Japanese concept called Team Buying and was pleasantly surprised to hear from Eliot Sykes in the US who has started StoreMob which will run pretty much along the same lines. Team buying is a practice where consumers form groups to increase their bargaining power. Groups of customers gather at predetermined locations to purchase products which they can "mob" the store into giving them a discount. StoreMob will have the honor of introducing the system to US consumers who will be able to get bulk discounts on products.