Recycle your cell phone and get a $25 gift card to the Microsoft Store
https://www.facebook.com/event.php…9210359162
Microsoft Store Locations:
Scottsdale, AZ
Costa Mesa, CA
Mission Viejo, CA
San Diego, CA
Lone Tree, CO
Oak Brook, IL
Bloomington, MN
Bellevue, WA
Bring your old phone to your local Microsoft Store and we’ll recycle it – and reward you for it with a $25 gift card.
You can trade in any type of mobile phone, regardless of brand, service provider or date of purchase. Just bring the phone itself – no cords, manuals, chargers or original packaging are required in order to get the gift card.
Limited time offer available through 2/20/2011. Not available online and not valid for landline phones. Cannot be redeemed for cash. Limit two phone trade-ins per customer. Gift cards can only be used in store and may not be redeemed online. Additional terms and conditions apply to gift card use: https://bit.ly/fDVwYp.
Store hours may vary per location. Find your local Microsoft Store here: www.microsoftstore.com/locations
They ask for your name and email address in the store.
It looks like the gift cards are stackable.
The phone does not have to be working.
The back of the gift card reads:
“The Microsoft Gift Card (this “Card”) may be used for making purchases at participating Microsoft locations.
This Card is issued by Microsoft Corporation, a Washington Corporation (“Microsoft”), in the State of Washington.
This Card does not expire. Microsoft does not charge any fee for this Card. The terms and conditions applicable to this Card are available on our website https://www.microsoftstore.com/giftcards. Please read the terms and conditions prior to using this Card. Your use of this Card will constitute your acceptance of the terms and conditions”.
Costco has started to carry El Torito Fire Roasted Salsa.
A twin pack of fresh salsa.
The salsa is very good.
The twin pack is great for storage and usage.
The salsa is a little running, it actually could be a little more chunky.
Roasting the tomatoes and jalapenos with an open flame gives this chunky salsa its unique fire roasted flavor
Ingredients:
The SKU is 564768
2 – 24 Oz containers
Manufactured for El Torito (866) 732-5639
3305 E. Vernon Ave., Vernon, CA 90058
CardMunch Scan Your Business Cards on your phone.
Do you have an iPhone? you can now download a free app, called Card Munch. It enables you to scan cards and save the contacts to your iPhone. It’s FREE and owned by LinkedIn.
Welcome to CardMunch! Your CardMunch application and web account are set up and ready to go. Feel free to scan a few business cards and see the results come straight to your phone.
Tip: Have you visited cardmunch.com yet? Your contacts are synced up to your web account, so you never have to worry about losing a business card again.
– Log in to view your contacts and manage your account.
– Find out exactly how much time you saved using CardMunch
– Ask questions and request features using the green ‘Feedback’ button.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do to improve your experience. We are committed to making CardMunch your go-to business card solution and we look forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
The CardMunch Team
ComAround Free™ is a service loaded with helpful information for those occasions when you run into problems or get stuck when busy on your computer. ComAround Free™ enables you to simply search and click for answers amongst thousands of guides and instructions for standard software packages such as Microsoft Office, Windows and Adobe, to name but a few. In this way, they help thousands upon thousands of individuals to relieve their headaches when working at their computer.
It’s easy and it is free – and it’s always online.
This website launched in June 2010 free for everyone, has a solid background and a 20 year long history within the IT support industry and online self-help services for the business market.
There is a huge need of this kind of service.
Register today it’s FREE.
Lots of questions, will the online site continue to run, when will stores close, etc
Here’s the letter from the CEO:
BANKRUPT BORDERS CEO’s Letter to Customers
February 16, 2011
Dear Valued Customers:
For generations, Borders stores have been beacons of enlightenment and education, where readers young and old can explore their passions and find that special book that speaks to them personally. As Borders moves forward, our commitment to you is to be a best-in-class book seller — whether in our stores or on
Borders.com — where you can purchase books and other related products that stimulate, and in turn, satisfy your reading interests.
However, in light of the ongoing impact of the difficult economy of the past few years and the rapidly changing retailing environment for books and related products, it is essential that Borders restructure itself so it can be viable and reposition its business to be successful over the long term. We determined that the best path for Borders to have the ability to achieve this reorganization is through the Chapter 11 process, which Borders commenced February 16. Among our goals under this process are: putting in place a sound financial structure, enhancing Borders’ technology to better benefit our customers, continuing to make
available a highly attractive Borders Rewards program, and introducing new and exciting products related
to our book offerings — all while providing you great customer service .
Throughout this process, we want you to know that:
* Borders stores are open for business. Borders pioneered the in-store experience, providing customers with a vast assortment of books in a warm and relaxing environment — and we intend
to build on this. Our stores will continue to be community gathering places where families can gather to enjoy enriching events including author readings and signings, book clubs as well as kids’ storytime and parties.
* Borders.com is operating as usual. We are fulfilling online orders as customers choose from
among millions of books, music, movies as well as other entertainment items.
* Our Borders Rewards programs, including Borders Rewards Plus, remain in effect. Customers can continue to earn and redeem their Rewards in stores and on Borders.com and they’ll also continue receiving coupons. As always, we are honoring gift cards, which can be redeemed in stores and online at Borders.com.
* Borders will continue to maintain its strong national presence. Our nationwide network of stores is foundational to the Borders brand. Borders, however, will be closing underperforming
stores within our network over the next several weeks. Should your local store be affected, please visit Borders.com to find another Borders store near you, or to purchase from our vast selection of
books and other merchandise on-line.
We are committed to Borders being the destination of choice for our customers across the country for years to come. Thank you for your support and continued loyalty.
Sincerely,
Mike Edwards
President and CEO, Borders, Inc.
=================================================================
BORDERS GROUP BANKRUPTCY NEWS covers the bookstore chain’s journey
into Chapter 11 as the Ann Arbor-based bookseller attempts to
restructure its operations. From the first FREE four issues of BORDERS GROUP BANKRUPTCY NEWS, a $180 value being given away for free.
To receive BORDERS GROUP BANKRUPTCY NEWS, please complete the form below and return it by fax or e-mail to:
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Telephone (215) 945-7000
Fax (215) 945-7001
E-mail: peter@bankrupt.com
BORDERS GROUP BANKRUPTCY NEWS is distributed to paying
subscribers by electronic mail. New issues are published on an
ad hoc basis as significant activity occurs (generally every 10
to 20 days) in the Debtor’s cases. The subscription rate is
US$45 per issue.
Newsletters are delivered via e-mail; invoices, transmitted
following publication of each newsletter issue, arrive by fax.
Re-mailing of BORDERS GROUP BANKRUPTCY NEWS is prohibited.
Distribution to multiple individuals at the same firm is provided
at no additional charge; folks outside of your firm should set-up
and pay for their own subscriptions. Subscriptions may be
canceled at any time without further obligation.
We have published similar newsletters tracking
billion-dollar insolvency proceedings since 1990, starting
with Federated Department Stores. Currently, we provide
similar coverage about most billion-dollar corporate
restrucutring proceedings.
We also co-publish the TROUBLED COMPANY REPORTER, tracking
more than 3,000 experiencing financial distress or
restructuring their balance sheets in a judicial proceeding.
You can request a free 30-day trial subscription to the
TROUBLED COMPANY REPORTER at https://bankrupt.com/freetrial/.
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(Distribution to multiple professionals at the
same firm is provided at no additional cost.)
BORDERS GROUP BANKRUPTCY NEWS is distributed to paying
subscribers by electronic mail. New issues are published on an ad
hoc basis as significant activity occurs (generally every 10 to 20
days) in the Debtors’ cases. The subscription rate is US$45 per
issue. Newsletters are delivered via e-mail; invoices, transmitted
following publication of each newsletter issue, arrive by fax.
Re-mailing of BORDERS GROUP BANKRUPTCY NEWS is prohibited.
Borders Group Files for Reorganization Relief Under Chapter 11
Secures Commitment for $505 Million in Debtor-in-Possession Financing
Borders to Continue to Conduct Business in Ordinary Course
Chapter 11 Provides Borders with Best Route to Reorganize and Reposition Company for the Long-TermANN ARBOR, Mich., Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ —
“It has become increasingly clear that in light of the environment of curtailed customer spending, our ongoing discussions with publishers and other vendor related parties, and the company’s lack of liquidity, Borders Group does not have the capital resources it needs to be a viable competitor and which are essential for it to move forward with its business strategy to reposition itself successfully for the long term. To position Borders to remedy this condition, Borders Group, with the authorization of its board of directors, has filed a petition for reorganization relief under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. This decisive action will give Borders the opportunity to achieve a proper infusion of capital in order to have the opportunity to have the time to reorganize in order to reposition itself to be a successful business for the long term,” said Mike Edwards, Borders Group President.
“In this regard, operating under Chapter 11, Borders has received commitments for $505 million in Debtor-in-Possession (DIP) financing led by GE Capital, Restructuring Finance. This financing should enable Borders to meet its obligations going forward so that our stores continue to be competitive for customers in terms of goods, services and the shopping experience. It also affords Borders the opportunity to move forward in implementing the appropriate business strategy designed to reposition Borders to be a potentially vibrant, national retailer of books and other products,” Mr. Edwards emphasized.
The company said that it is serving customers in the normal course, including honoring its Borders Rewards program, gift cards and other customer programs. Additionally, the company expects to make employee payroll and continue its benefits programs for its employees.
Borders said that it has many strengths upon which to build a solid plan of reorganization and implement a new business model for Borders to address the changing needs of the American reader. “For decades, Borders has been a beacon of engagement – a highly frequented destination for consumers and a significant venue for authors and vendors to showcase new books and merchandise. We have the ability, based on our brick and mortar presence nationally; the on-line capabilities we have in place; the loyalty of, and access to, our customers; and the products and services we offer to be an important and easy access destination of exploration and purchase for readers across the country,” commented Mr. Edwards.
The company noted that, among other initiatives and subject to court approval, Borders plans to undertake a strategic Store Reduction Program to facilitate reorganization and its repositioning. Borders has identified certain underperforming stores — equivalent to approximately 30 percent of the company’s national store network — that are expected to close in the next several weeks. At the same time, the company noted that a major strength of Borders is its national presence, and its extensive network of remaining stores as well as Borders.com, will continue to run in normal course. The company emphasized that the closings were a reflection of economic conditions, cost structures and viability of locations, among other factors, and not on the dedication and productivity of the workforce in these stores.
“We are confident that, with the protection afforded under Chapter 11 and with the support of employees, publishers, suppliers and creditors, and the reading public, a successful reorganization can be achieved enabling Borders to emerge from the process as a stronger and more vibrant book seller,” concluded Mr. Edwards.
“We are very pleased to be able to make this commitment to Borders as support for their plan to re-organize the company,” said Tim Tobin, Managing Director, Retail Restructuring, GE Capital, Restructuring Finance.
The Chapter 11 petition for relief was filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York. Completion of the company’s DIP financing arrangements is subject to approval of the Bankruptcy Court and the satisfaction of certain conditions provided in the financing commitments received by the company from the lenders providing such financing.
Additional information about the reorganization is available at www.bordersreorganization.com or by telephone at (877) 906-7675.
Groupon Deal of the Day:
A deal a day great things to do, eat, see, & buy in your area. Shop Groupon.com today!
Groupon Canada:
Groupon in Canada
We all love our pets. From goldfish to dogs, from hamsters to horses, they provide love, companionship and comfort. Sadly, every so often our little friends get ill, sometimes seriously so. What can you do in such situations? Well, obviously you take them to a veterinarian who can diagnose the problem and offer help. Sadly such services are often expensive. Costs can range from a fistful of dollars for some medication, all the way up to hundreds for surgery. Of course, for many owners, being hit with such a huge bill at once can be a serious problem and they can’t afford it. This often leads to the poor animal being put down.
There is an alternative though. If you have a pet, make sure you get insurance. For a manageable monthly premium, pet insurance can help cover the costs of any vet’s visits that your furry friend may require, from worming shots to operations. 24Petwatch.com is one such firm, offering a flexible range of insurance packages, including comprehensive cover for cats and dogs. The benefits of insuring your pet with 24Petwatch.com though don’t just extend to covering vet’s bills. They can also offer you discounts on a range of other pet related expenses including micro chipping. Do you have more than one animal you need to insure? Why not take advantage of their group discount, offering further piece of mind for your pet and your wallet?
24PetWatch.com, your pet’s future, insured.
BREAKING NEWS… Sprouts and Henry’s are planning to join forces! You may have heard the rumors or read about this online and now, at last, it can be confirmed: we’re bringing together two branches of the same family tree. Check for more details.
Here’s the press release:
SOURCE Smart & Final Stores LLC
– Transaction Further Strengthens Smart & Final’s Financial Position
– Smart & Final Plans Continued Investment in Its Business
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Smart & Final Stores LLC today announced that an agreement has been reached by Smart & Final to sell its Henry’s Farmers Market subsidiary to Sprouts Farmers Market. Private equity firm Apollo Management L.P. (“Apollo”) will be the majority owner of the combined Sprouts-Henry’s company. Apollo will also remain the principal equity owner of Smart & Final.
“The sale of Henry’s provides Smart & Final with a healthy financial return on our 3 1/2 year investment in the Henry’s stores, and the cash proceeds will further deleverage our already strong balance sheet. Smart & Final is a dynamic company with solid growth prospects in each of our store banners,” said Dave Hirz, president of Smart & Final. “With our steady cash flow and an undrawn $150 million revolving credit facility, we have ample liquidity to actively reinvest in our business with a 2011 capital program that includes at least two new stores and over 40 store remodeling projects. I believe the outlook for our company is very positive.”
The proposed transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter 2011, and Smart & Final will continue to support its 43 existing Henry’s Farmers Market and Sun Harvest stores with various administrative services for an extended period after closing through a transition services agreement.
As closely held companies, Smart & Final and Sprouts do not disclose financial information. Specific terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Originally founded in 1871 in downtown Los Angeles, Smart & Final Stores LLC operates approximately 250 retail stores, excluding the Henry’s & Sun Harvest banners. Under the Smart & Final, Smart & Final Extra!, Smart Foodservice Cash & Carry and SmartCo Foods banners, the company operates non-membership warehouse stores for food and foodservice supplies in California, Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho and northern Mexico. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.smartandfinal.com.
©2011 PR Newswire. All Rights Reserved.
This site has some interesting information from last month when the sources reported the talks had been taking place:
Eat People: And Other Unapologetic Rules for Game-Changing Entrepreneurs
How entrepreneurs find the next big thing-and make it huge.
The era of easy money and easy jobs is officially over. Today, we’re all entrepreneurs, and the tides of change threaten to capsize anyone who plays it safe. Taking risks is the name of the game-but how can you tell a smart bet from a stupid gamble?
Andy Kessler has made a career out of seeing the future of business, as an analyst, investment banker, venture capitalist, and hedge fund manager. He evaluated the business potential of the likes of Steve Jobs and Michael Dell before they were Steve Jobs and Michael Dell. His eye for what’s next is unparalleled.
Now Kessler explains how the world’s greatest entrepreneurs don’t just start successful companies-they overturn entire industries. He offers twelve surprising and controversial rules for these radical entrepreneurs, such as:
• Eat people: Get rid of worthless jobs to create more wealth for everybody
• Create artificial scarcity for virtual goods
• Trust markets to make better decisions than managers
Whether you’re at a big corporation or running a small business, you’re now an entrepreneur. Will you see change coming and grab on to opportunity or miss the boat?
About the Author
Andy Kessler is a former hedge fund manager and the New York Times bestselling author of Wall Street Meat. Cofounder and president of Velocity Capital Management, he previously worked at AT&T Bell Labs, PaineWebber, and Morgan Stanley. He is a frequent contributor to The Wall Street Journal op-ed page and has also written for The New York Times op-ed page, Wired, Forbes, and the Los Angeles Times.