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How about a letter from the President of the United States? See if you're being watched with a Bugscanner, cynical-but-honest calendars, Fattowels, or a day or pampering for the ladies, or tips on how to buy jewelry, Ben's gotcha covered in his 2003 holiday picks list!
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Ben's 2003 Holiday Gift Picks
Air Date: November 26, 2003
The official start of the official holiday buying season is less than 48 hours away, so it seems appropriate that our un-common sense expert and Dallas Morning News columnist Benjamin Dover joins us with some unique gift-giving tips as we head out to the malls. The first tip is that you need to do your homework before you bite on those deals offered by some of the big national jewelry store chains, right?
You betcha. In fact, I've researched this extensively and added an entire new section on buying diamonds and high-end watches to the website that's worth reviewing before you go to the malls or on-line, for that high-dollar purchase. There are a lot of landmines out there that consumers needs to be careful of in the next few weeks...including treated diamonds and some excellent synthetics--fakes.
Buying for guys is always easier than buying for the girls: And gift certificates are the easiest thing to get the lady in your life, as long as you've got some idea of where to go and what to get.
Hair extensions are hot this year...and the best in North Texas and perhaps, the entire nation is a guy they call The Dream Weaver, Adrian Kirby.
For cut-and-color? You've gotta connect with Cassie Sanders & Scott Schmidth at Perry Henderson's Salon [in Oak Lawn and worth the drive]...call 'em to make an appointment: (214) 522-2870.
Throw in a manicure/pedicure from Lisa Le while you're there and buddy, you're set...at least until Valentine's Day.
You're no fan of the cable companies, are ya Ben? Nope...but I am a fan of the Dish Network and especially their DVR, as in Digital Video Recorder. There are so many terrific deals out there and the fact is, they change deals and have deals-of-the-day like most of us change our underwear. Bottom line? Better service and more bang for your TV-watching buck from my Dish provider of choice, locally-owned SatPro Network. I've done all of the apples-to-apples comparing on the website, too.
What's this device? It looks like a remote for your car! Actually the next three items are all home-grown...this first one I found from an article written by Dallas Morning News technology write Doug Bedell last month. It's called the Bugscanner...and it fits on your key-ring and allows you to scan a room or an office for hidden microphones or cameras.
Are hidden bugs a big a problem? You'd be surprised. People - women in particular - are discovering pinhole wireless videocams planted in tanning booths, hotel rooms, restrooms, retail dressing rooms and bedrooms. A sub-$400 videocam, powered by a 9-volt battery, can transmit a video stream 700 feet or more, depending on conditions. That means a neighbor who once babysat your cat could be sitting there four or five houses away, watching on the big screen any time you are changing clothes or being intimate. It's like nanny cam gone bad.
So who's the most likely beneficiary of a Bugscanner? EVERYONE! From women worried about their privacy is places like bathroom or tanning salons or when they're traveling and staying in hotels on the road, to men concerned about their privacy in their offices. One local bank has bought a boatload of these and given them to their executives so they can scan their offices and meeting rooms on a regular basis.
How much do they run, and where can folks can order the Bugscanner? What price security? This time, pretty cheap...only $34.95...and they're easy to order on-line at www.bugscanner.com.
I remember these towels from last year... You bet. Fattowels.com is another local company and another local success story. These towels really are amazing. They're the biggest, fattest towel on the face of the planet. And they're terrific gifts because they are so Texas-like and bigger-than-life. But this year they've added "Fattowels Lite," not as big as the original, but alot more thick and plush than your usual set of bath towels.
And folks can people order these where? Easy...point and click your way to www.fattowels.com
This next item I'm familiar with because we actually have one of these in the newsroom, and it's another local company? :-( Despair.com Yeah...I really love this one. This company's gotten great write-ups in The Wall Street Journal and other national publications....they've gone after the motivational/inspirational thoughts market with their own brand of cynical products from www.depair.com. They've got calendars and mugs and plaques....they've even got decals for shredding machines that are self-explanatory [show full-screen of the shredder with the decal on it] and they're just hilarious. Really clever stuff and it's alotta fun...and it's another local success story. All available at www.despair.com.
And this is another popular item that I recognize, flowers from Hawaii? Oh yeah...not just any flowers, but shipped-direct-from-Hawaii flowers from Tropical Colors. There's several things that are very cool about giving these. #1 They're unique...and alot better than a crummy bottle of wine or some other afterthought that's gonna be re-gifted. #2 They're incredibly affordable...in fact these are only $45, including shipping via FedEx from Hawaii...and finally #3: They last. If you change the water every few days, you'll get at least 2-3 weeks out of them, Very cool...available on-line at www.tropicalcolors.com.
And finally, I know this is one of your favorites: Sheets of uncut currency...and it's the real deal, isn't it? Yes! You can get 'em in $1 and $5 and $10 and I think $20, too. Of course you'll pay a bit of a premium, but the gift is the wrapping paper. Wrap an empty box...just be sure to keep the paper...
All of the Ben's 2003 Holiday Gift Pick ideas are posted on his award-winning website here, as well as all of the contact website addresses and phone numbers for all of the products.
It's finally here. Ben's 2003 Holiday Gift Picks List: Wanna get a letter from the President? How about a sheet of uncut $1/$5/$10/$20 bills? Maybe you're at a loss for the perfect gifts for the woman in your life. Maybe you've got someone on your gift list who already has "everything....." Outta the box solutions...all here and all $$$ affordability rated.....
Struggling with your monthly house payment? You might not have to if you take this shot of Dover Mortgage-related Common Sense! Especially for Texans (God bless the intelligent voters that allowed Proposition 6 to pass last month), homeowners over the age of 62 in Texas (other states age-limits will vary) can eliminate their monthly house payments if they know where to go. Oh yeah...here's where you can find more info on how to stretch those fixed-budgets.....
Diamonds are still a girl's best friend. Here's how to buy 'em right, getting maximum bang-for-your-buck: It doesn't matter where you live on the planet, I've got the absolute best, Internet-based resource for diamond rings, tennis bracelets...or even high-end watches like Rolexes.
Bait-and-switch is such a common landmine for consumers trying to finance (or re-fi) a mortgage. Don't get caught in their expensive traps--but take the Dover-proven route to stress-free finance, and take advantage while interest rates are STILL at incredibly-low levels! Interest rates are still lower than they were a year ago, so read what the big shots are saying about the future of those (still) incredibly-low interest rates. And since we're on the topic of good timing, what are you waitin' for? Cash in and lock in the lowest rate in decades by re-financing your current mortgage and cut 10 to 15 years off your term! It's easy to get educated about the process first...and the price is right! (Free!) Everything you need to know can be found on-line; get your own copy of Bens' 2003 Home Buyer's Guide by clicking here.
Don't get taken in by radio-commercial claims from car leasing companies out to get you hooked and then set to wear you down and beat the emotional (and maybe financial) daylights out of you! Check out Ben's free Smart Car Seminar automotive acquisition tips right here!
Here's the first and last automobile leasing company you'll ever need to deal with, no matter where you live: Ben's no-brainer choice is Dallas-based Manufacturers Auto Leasing: They have loyal clients across the entire state of Texas and around the nation. Why? Because they'll take care of you better than anyone else out there!
By the way: If you're facing one of those upside-down scenarios (car business term meaning you're financially buried), or maybe you simply want to bail on your current vehicle and need someone to get creative on your behalf, Manufacturers Auto Leasing is the best in the business. Period.
Don't bite on those silly ads in the paper or on TV for jewelry that appears too good to be true. Because it is!!! Looks like a severe case of bait-and-switch when you start comparing print/TV ads to the actual item offered in their stores! You might want to use your head the next time you're shopping for jewelry, higher-end watches--even sports memorabilia! Ben's easy pick? No matter where you live, this is an easy choice: Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange. Yes--you really can safely spend this sorta dough on-line...and with a company that's out to sell you jewelry--not financing! Check 'em out for yourself at www.dgse.com.
Time to get off your butt and start making travel plans for the lonnnnng Christmas holiday weekend coming up fast! (You're on the clock and it's now 28 days away): Stretch your travel budget and get your holiday travel planning handled now. Check out Ben's no-brainer choice for hotel room or condo deals: www.hotels.com.
Still looking for a cool birthday (or other special occasion) gift that'll keep on giving, all year long? Then give 'em a subscription to the Dose of Dover...the most reliable source of insights and no s*** ideas available on the planet. (You can afford it...it's free!) Time to share the wealth! Sign-up for a subscription to the weekly Dose of Dover Newsletter right here!
If you (or someone you know) is even remotely thinking about joining some non-profit credit counseling service, hiring a debt re-negotiation company or filing for bankruptcy, read this first: Trust me, you'll be more informed and a lot more grateful 10-minutes (or less) from now.....
It's probably time you got that unfinished business with your pals at the IRS handled for (hopefully) good: Tie down those tax-related loose-ends on your terms and get a deal worked out before it's too late. Non-filers...innocent spouses...941 (payroll taxes) for the entrepreneurs amongst us: Know all your options and learn why hiring an Enrolled Agent probably makes the most sense.
It's time to level the playing field! Check out the long-awaited new edition of Back Off! The Definitive Guide To Stopping Collection Agency Harassment:
Read sample chapters from the new book!
Get the inside scoop on those "non-profit" credit counseling agencies.
Read all about the biggest thugs operating under the noses of authorities, rogue collection agencies that terrorize unwitting consumers.
Got credit problems? (Know someone who does?) Wanna know more about the inner-workings of that black hole known as the credit reporting bureau? You can get a digital copy of Ben's 1993 (#5) bestseller Life After Debt on-line, right now. Read how right here.....
Wanna buy your first home...or a bigger home...or just re-finance? Interest rates are STILL at incredibly-low levels: Ben's no-brainer choice for any/all of your mortgage needs? Easy...do it all on-line or on the phone with the official mortgage company of www.benjamindover.com and your first (and only) stop: W.R. Starkey Mortgage. Hit their website or call their main Dallas-Fort Worth office toll-free: (888) 282-6632.
'Tis the season to dig deep and give to the charity of your choice. Just make sure they're legit. Check out my special section devoted to helping you make the best charitable choices this holiday season--or any time of the year. Also included: My personal charities of choice for the 2003 holiday season.....
Why not be a hero this holiday season for a change? Instead of showing up at someone's house with a cheapo bottle of wine that either nobody will drink or it'll end up being "re-gifted" somewhere down the road, bring something that's sure to set you apart! Screw-off tops or canned cranberry sauce can be the quickest way to be de-invited for future events so spend a few bucks and do a little planning today to bring beautiful flowers, direct from Hawaii with you. Ben's affordable choice? Tropical Colors. Order on-line or give 'em a call toll-free (remember to call after 1p ET/12n CT/11a MT and 10a PT because of the time difference): (800) 965-9732.
Still looking for a cool birthday (or other special occasion) gift that'll keep on giving, all year long? Then give 'em a subscription to the Dose of Dover...the most reliable source of insight and no s*** ideas available on the planet. (You can afford it...it's free!) Time to share the wealth! Sign-up for a subscription to the weekly Dose of Dover Newsletter right here!
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