Monthly Archives: February 2009
Feb 28 2009
SPRING INTO ZINFANDEL WEEKEND MARCH 20th-22nd – MARCH MADNESS DISCOUNTS

MARCH MADNESS DISCOUNTS MARCH MADNESS DISCOUNTS

For those of you who are contemplating becoming an “Eberle Cellar Club Member,” do we have a treat for you! Become a Wine Club Member in the month of March 2009, and you will receive the club discount of 20%, and also an extra 10% off the current Cellar Club shipment plus any wine you purchase upon signing up (a one time purchase only). The discount you will receive will be a massive 30% off your total purchase. * Additional discounts or coupons do not apply. Imagine a bottle of Eberle Estate Cabernet which you would normally pay $33.00, now with the 30% discount will cost you only $23.10 before tax. The Eberle Estate Chardonnay normally $18.00, now only $12.60 before tax, or the Full Boar Red normally $15.00 now $10.50 with the 30% discount. Wow! that’s a deal!! So what are you waiting for? Sign up today and save!


For  information regarding the Cellar Club options and months of delivery, check out the website
https://www.eberlewinery.com/wineclubs_cellarclub.php.   Or If you have any questions please contact Garry De Rose at members@eberlewinery.com or call 805-238-9607

SPRING INTO ZINFANDEL WEEKEND

SPRING INTO ZINFANDEL WEEKEND

Friday, March 20th to 22nd 2009 – Zinfandel Festival Winemaker Dinner in the Caves

Chef Rachel Woolcott, Aix, Denver, CO. Aix’s chef-proprietor, Rachel Woolcott, changes the menu seasonally to bring the freshest ingredients to a unique and creative Provencal fare. A chef for nearly 20 years, Woolcott opened Aix in Denver in 2001 and became  sole proprietor in 2006. Aix has earned multiple awards including “Best Restaurant” in Denver, “Best French Food,” “Best Wine list,” “Best Brunch,” “Top Wait Staff,” “25 best Restaurants in Denver,” and was listed by Zagat as one of “America’s Top Restaurants.”  We have experienced Chef Woolcott’s fare first hand and can’t wait to have her come to Eberle Winery during Zin Fest 2009! To make reservations, please call 805.238.9607 or log onto our website at www.eberlewinery.com

Saturday, March 21st Join us for an “All American Wine and Hot Dog” Zin Fest Celebration! Enjoy Our best Zinfandel while feasting on delicious $1 dogs served with all the fixing’s, and don’t forget the $1 apple pie slices, from the Apple Farm!  12-2pm.  Tasting room hours 10am-6pm.

Sunday, March 22nd- Eberle Winery’s “All American Zin Fest” continues with $1 dogs, chili, wine and fun! 12-2pm. Taste our library of Zins in the caves, savor our new releases and enjoy our special Zin Fest savings all weekend long. www.eberlewinery.com. Tasting Room Hours 10am-6pm.

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Feb 28 2009
Dining Deals

TGI Fridays
Ruby Tuesdays
Barn Burner
Restaurant.com
El Cholo in Pasadena
two for one deals

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Feb 28 2009
Pozzan Family Marianna Red Wine Reserve

The Pozzan Family Marianna Red Wine Reserve, Napa Valley 2001
91 POINTS WILFRED WONG. (Tasted: May 1, 2004, Chino Hills, CA USA) Deep ruby color, quite extracted; very appealing ripe fruit aromas with a hint of sweet oak; medium to full-bodied, packed on the palate, with excellent style and form, moderate tannin, layered; dry, good acidity, well-balanced; attractive red fruit flavors with a nice measure of complexity; medium finish, nice and perky aftertaste. (Best Served 2004-2007) [65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdor, 4% Cabernet Franc] [Grapes from Stags Leap and Rutherford areas]

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Feb 28 2009
Zoombak – GPS for dogs

Zoombak

Pets Eye View Camera takes pictures.

Gadgets
Fish School – fish can be trained
r2fishschool.com r2 fish school.

Toys for cats and dogs:
all about enrichment puzzlement, twist n treat premier.com

bird carrier: pets are part of the family,
cellite pak o bird
climate controlled carrier, if over 75 or under 60 the heat or cool kicks in.

Pettreehouses.com – small cat tree house, $475.

Adanieves.com dog party treats ada nieves.

talktomepets.com
Thermotex lyonusa.com teherapy pet beds

atouchoflove.ca –
animal rescue from brooklyn was on the show

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Feb 28 2009
Zumbox – digital delivery of paper mail

A new site has launched to take mail delivery from the post office and take it to the net.

www.zumbox.com

The company President Glen Ward, has created a virtual address for every home in the US, 150 million homes!

Mail Fact
Approximately 700 million pieces of paper mail are delivered daily in the U.S. – that includes letters, cards, advertisements, and bills.

Did You Know?
If all U.S. households received and paid their bills electronically, the country would save 16.5 million trees annually. That’s the amount of lumber needed for 216,054 single-family homes.

Zumbox, Inc,
31364 Via Colinas #103
Westlake Village, CA 91362

We’d love to hear from you and encourage you to use any
of the email addresses below to get in touch with us:

sales@zumbox.com for sales inquiries
bizdev@zumbox.com for partner inquiries
developers@zumbox.com for API inquiries
pr@zumbox.com for press inquiries

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Feb 28 2009
Frozen vs Fresh Vegetables

review of Fresh vs Frozen vegetables

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Feb 28 2009
Pink Slip Pointers

Layoff Email Etiquette

Snarky, cynical, emails.

Sleep on it before you send. Maybe delete it. If done well could led to another job. Could do you a lot of good.

Some say don’t send it.

Be positive about your farewell, could be a landmine or a way to get your foot into another door.

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Feb 28 2009
Mexico Travel Warning

If you travel to Mexico use caution, the crime rate is very high

Students Warned about visiting Mexico during Spring Break.

Stay in areas you can be protected.

500 kidknappings in Mexico related to the drug cartel.

Spring Break Alert.

Drug violence has spilled into the US. It’s all over. You are not bullet proof

3000 us citizens are arrested and you are guilty until proven innocent.

100, 000+ kids

Clint Van Zandt – Former FBI Profiler, lots of interesting experience, bad suntan is hopefully the worse thing that happens.

Consider:

Safety in numbers – groups of 3

Monitor Drinks Carefully

Listen to instinct

drink out of sealed containers

https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html

This is the travel warning:

Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs


This information is current as of today, Sat Feb 28 2009 06:11:52 GMT-0800 (Pacific Standard Time).

Mexico

February 20, 2009

This Travel Alert updates security information for U.S. citizens traveling and living in Mexico.  It supersedes the Travel Alert for Mexico dated October 15, 2008, and expires on August 20, 2009.

While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.  It is imperative that travelers understand the risks of travel to Mexico, how best to avoid dangerous situations, and whom to contact if one becomes a crime victim.  Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Crime and Violence Throughout Mexico

The greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border.  However, U.S. citizens traveling throughout Mexico should exercise caution in unfamiliar areas and be aware of their surroundings at all times.  Mexican and foreign bystanders have been injured or killed in violent attacks in cities across the country, demonstrating the heightened risk of violence in public places.  In recent years, dozens of U.S. citizens have been kidnapped across Mexico.  Many of these cases remain unresolved.  U.S. citizens who believe they are being targeted for kidnapping or other crimes should notify Mexican officials and the nearest American consulate or the Embassy as soon as possible, and should consider returning to the United States.

U.S. citizens should make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll (“cuota”) roads, which generally are more secure.  Occasionally, the U.S. Embassy and consulates advise their employees as well as private U.S. citizens to avoid certain areas, abstain from driving on certain roads because of dangerous conditions or criminal activity, or recommend driving during daylight hours only.  When warranted, U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to or within parts of Mexico without prior approval from their supervisors.  When this happens, the Embassy or the affected consulate will alert the local U.S. citizen Warden network and post the information on their respective websites, indicating the nature of the concern and the expected time period for which the restriction will remain in place.  U.S. citizen visitors are encouraged to stay in the well-known tourist areas of the cities.  Travelers should leave their itinerary with a friend or family member not traveling with them, avoid traveling alone, and should check with their cellular provider prior to departure to confirm that their cell phone is capable of roaming on GSM or 3G international networks.  Do not display expensive-looking jewelry, large amounts of money, or other valuable items.

Violence Along the U.S. – Mexico Border

Mexican drug cartels are engaged in an increasingly violent conflict – both among themselves and with Mexican security services – for control of narcotics trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border.  In order to combat violence, the government of Mexico has deployed troops in various parts of the country.  U.S. citizens should cooperate fully with official checkpoints when traveling on Mexican highways.

Some recent Mexican army and police confrontations with drug cartels have resembled small-unit combat, with cartels employing automatic weapons and grenades.  Large firefights have taken place in many towns and cities across Mexico but most recently in northern Mexico, including Tijuana, Chihuahua City and Ciudad Juarez.  During some of these incidents, U.S. citizens have been trapped and temporarily prevented from leaving the area.  The U.S. Mission in Mexico currently restricts non-essential travel to the state of Durango and all parts of the state of Coahuila south of Mexican Highways 25 and 22 and the Alamos River for U.S. government employees assigned to Mexico.  This restriction was implemented in light of the recent increase in assaults, murders, and kidnappings in those two states.  The situation in northern Mexico remains fluid; the location and timing of future armed engagements cannot be predicted.

A number of areas along the border are experiencing rapid growth in the rates of many types of crime.  Robberies, homicides, petty thefts, and carjackings have all increased over the last year across Mexico generally, with notable spikes in Tijuana and northern Baja California.  Ciudad Juarez, Tijuana and Nogales are among the cities which have recently experienced public shootouts during daylight hours in shopping centers and other public venues.  Criminals have followed and harassed U.S. citizens traveling in their vehicles in border areas including Nuevo Laredo, Matamoros, and Tijuana.

The situation in Ciudad Juarez is of special concern.  Mexican authorities report that more than 1,800 people have been killed in the city since January 2008.  Additionally, this city of 1.6 million people experienced more than 17,000 car thefts and 1,650 carjackings in 2008.  U.S. citizens should pay close attention to their surroundings while traveling in Ciudad Juarez, avoid isolated locations during late night and early morning hours, and remain alert to news reports.  A recent series of muggings near the U.S. Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez targeted applicants for U.S. visas.  Visa and other service seekers visiting the Consulate are encouraged to make arrangements to pay for those services using a non-cash method.

U.S. citizens are urged to be alert to safety and security concerns when visiting the border region.  Criminals are armed with a wide array of sophisticated weapons.  In some cases, assailants have worn full or partial police or military uniforms and have used vehicles that resemble police vehicles.  While most crime victims are Mexican citizens, the uncertain security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.  U.S. citizen victims of crime in Mexico are urged to contact the consular section of the nearest U.S. consulate or Embassy for advice and assistance. Contact information is provided at the end of this message.

Demonstrations and Large Public Gatherings

Demonstrations occur frequently throughout Mexico and usually are peaceful.  However, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate to violence unexpectedly.  Violent demonstrations have resulted in deaths, including that of an American citizen in Oaxaca in 2006.  In 2008, a Mexican Independence Day celebration was the target of a violent attack.  During demonstrations or law enforcement operations, U.S. citizens are advised to remain in their homes or hotels, avoid large crowds, and avoid the downtown and surrounding areas.  Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments and exercise extreme caution while within the vicinity of protests.  The Mexican Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and such actions may result in detention and/or deportation.  U.S. citizens are therefore advised to avoid participating in demonstrations or other activities that might be deemed political by Mexican authorities.  As is always the case in any large gathering, U.S. citizens should remain alert to their surroundings.

Further Information

For more detailed information on staying safe in Mexico, please see the Mexico Country Specific Information at: https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. Information on security and travel to popular tourist destinations is also provided in the publication: “Spring Break in Mexico- Know Before You Go!!” at  https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s internet web site at https://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States and canada, or, for callers from Mexico, a regular toll line at 001-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department’s travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens in Mexico, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  The U.S. Embassy is located in Mexico City at Paseo de la Reforma 305, Colonia Cuauhtemoc, telephone from the United States: 011-52-55-5080-2000; telephone within Mexico City: 5080-2000; telephone long distance within Mexico 01-55-5080-2000.  You may also contact the Embassy by e-mail at: ccs@usembassy.net.mx.  The Embassy’s internet address is https://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/.

Consulates:

Ciudad Juarez: Paseo de la Victoria 3650, tel. (52)(656) 227-3000. https://ciudadjuarez.usconsulate.gov.
Guadalajara: Progreso 175, telephone (52)(333) 268-2100. https://guadalajara.usconsulate.gov/.
Hermosillo: Avenida Monterrey 141, telephone (52)(662) 289-3500. https://hermosillo.usconsulate.gov.
Matamoros: Avenida Primera 2002, telephone (52)(868) 812-4402. https://matamoros.usconsulate.gov.
Merida: Calle 60 no. 338 k, telephone (52)(999) 942-5700. https://merida.usconsulate.gov.
Monterrey: Avenida Constitucion 411 Poniente, telephone (52)(818) 047-3100. https://monterrey.usconsulate.gov.
Nogales: Calle San Jose, Nogales, Sonora, telephone (52)(631) 311-8150. https://nogales.usconsulate.gov.
Nuevo Laredo: Calle Allende 3330, col. Jardin, telephone (52)(867) 714-0512. https://nuevolaredo.usconsulate.gov/.
Tijuana: Tapachula 96, telephone (52)(664) 622-7400. https://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/service.html.

Consular Agencies:

Acapulco: Hotel Continental Emporio, Costera Miguel Aleman 121 – local 14, telephone (52)(744) 484-0300 or (52)(744) 469-0556.
Cabo San Lucas: Blvd. Marina local c-4, Plaza Nautica, col. Centro, telephone (52)(624) 143-3566.
Cancún:  Plaza Caracol two, second level, no. 320-323, Boulevard Kukulcan, km. 8.5, Zona Hotelera, telephone (52)(998) 883-0272.
Ciudad Acuña:  Ocampo # 305, col. Centro, telephone (52)(877) 772-8661
Cozumel:  Plaza Villa Mar en el Centro, Plaza Principal, (Parque Juárez between Melgar and 5th ave.) 2nd floor, locales #8 and 9, telephone (52)(987) 872-4574.
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo:  Hotel Fontan, Blvd. Ixtapa, telephone (52)(755) 553-2100.
Mazatlán:  Hotel Playa Mazatlán, Playa Gaviotas #202, Zona Dorada, telephone (52)(669) 916-5889.
Oaxaca:  Macedonio Alcalá no. 407, interior 20, telephone (52)(951) 514-3054 (52)(951) 516-2853.
Piedras Negras: Abasolo #211, Zona Centro, Piedras Negras, Coah., Tel. (878) 782-5586.
Playa del Carmen:  “The Palapa,”  Calle 1 Sur, between Avenida 15 and Avenida 20, telephone (52)(984) 873-0303.
Puerto Vallarta:  Paradise Plaza, Paseo de los Cocoteros #1, Local #4, Interior #17, Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, telephone (52)(322) 222-0069.
Reynosa:  Calle Monterrey #390, Esq. Sinaloa, Colonia Rodríguez, telephone: (52)(899) 923 – 9331
San Luis Potosí:  Edificio “Las Terrazas”, Avenida Venustiano Carranza 2076-41, Col. Polanco, telephone: (52)(444) 811-7802/7803.
San Miguel de Allende:  Dr. Hernandez Macias #72, telephone (52)(415) 152-2357 or (52)(415) 152-0068.

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Feb 28 2009
SunPower Corporation Solar Systems

SunPower Corporation was founded a quarter-century ago and has produced the world’s most efficient and powerful solar systems, leading the way in product innovation.

Thousands of homeowners worldwide are turning to SunPower for their solar system installations. They know there’s no faster way to increase the resale potential on their homes than a SunPower solar system. SunPower has installed the most solar systems in North America.

Our Solar System may include:

  • The best looking and most efficient solar panels.
  • The largest, best-in-class, global network of certified dealers.
  • A 25 year product warranty.
  • Our monitoring systems ensure performance and peace of mind. This web-based monitoring provides busy customers access to their home solar systems performance in real-time.
  • Our SunPower financing partners offer pre-negotiated competitive rates and flexible plans based on their special situation.
  • With Government incentives customers can now take advantage of available federal, state and local tax incentives that can save them up to 45% off a solar system.
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    Feb 28 2009
    Suze Orman – 2009 Action Plan

    February 28, 2009-  NBC Show with Suze Orman

    2009 Action Plan.

    Some advice for 2009.

    1. Don’t pay all your credit cards, keep some credit stash the cash. Credit card companies are not extending credit.

    2. Signup for cobra, individual insurance plans, check it out before you get laid off.

    3. Retirement. – look at it in perspective, don’t roll 401k into IRA.

    4. Real Estate – would sell if you neeed the money, sell if you need to sell.

    US Bank is paying upwards of 4% for a 5 year account.

    Emigrant Direct bank pays some of the best rates. Current at around 3%.
    Account Highlights
    o No Fees. No Minimums.
    o Open your account online. It’s quick and easy.
    o No need to change your checking account. Your AmericanDream SavingsAccount™ will be linked to your current checking account.
    o Up late? Access your account 24/7 at EmigrantDirect.com.
    o Have a question? Visit our FAQ page.
    How do I open a “My Way” Certificate of Deposit?

    saveyourself.com also offers a way to save $100 per month and you get $100 at the end of the year. This is from ameritrade.
    FAQs about the Save Yourself Account

    Q. What is a TD AMERITRADE Save Yourself account?
    A. The Save Yourself account is a brokerage account at TD AMERITRADE that you can open to follow the Save Yourself Plan. The account, with a special competitive Money Market Deposit Account (MMDA), is part of the savings goal associated with the plan. The MMDA is designed as a place where you can keep money/save money until you are ready to invest.
    Q. What is the interest rate associated with a Save Yourself account?
    A. The Save Yourself account from TD AMERITRADE features a special high-yield MMDA with a 0.50% Annual Percentage Yield (as of January 2, 2009). Interest rates are subject to change after the account is opened.
    Q. Is a Save Yourself account FDIC-insured?
    A. Yes. Cash in an MMDA is held at TD Bank USA, N.A. and is insured by the FDIC (not covered by SIPC) for up to $250,000 for non-retirement accounts (under the new legislation, effective October 3, 2008, through December 31, 2009), $250,000 for Individual Retirement Accounts (“IRAs”) and certain other retirement accounts.

    This means that your money is protected because the FDIC insurance would cover your deposits, dollar for dollar, including principal and any accrued interest, up to the insurance limit.
    Q. Why is TD AMERITRADE offering a Save Yourself account?
    A. It’s our hope that clients who take advantage of this offer by following Suze’s insightful five-step Save Yourself Plan, will be well on their way to gaining more confidence about their financial situation and the future direction of it.
    Q. Is this only available to women?
    A. No. Even though Suze’s book is geared toward women, her Save Yourself Plan is designed for everyone.
    Q. Can I open an Individual Retirement Account and receive the $100 bonus?*
    A. No. The $100 bonus is available only with the non-retirement Save Yourself account.
    Q. Can I open a second account and get another $100 bonus?*
    A. No. There is a limit of one $100 offer* per client.
    Q. How can I get more information on opening a Save Yourself account?
    A. If you have questions, you may call a TD AMERITRADE Client Services representative 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 866-834-2538.

    Good financial advisor ask you about your situation, if it doesn’t feel right, walk.

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