WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog/media/feedlogo.gif WalletPop Blog http://www.walletpop.com/blog en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/'Mean' Joe Greene finally gets his award -- 30 years after famous Coke ad airshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/mean-joe-greene-finally-gets-his-award-30-years-after-ad-airs/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/mean-joe-greene-finally-gets-his-award-30-years-after-ad-airs/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/17/mean-joe-greene-finally-gets-his-award-30-years-after-ad-airs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

"Mean" Joe Greene finally got what was coming to him -- and it wasn't a blindside tackle. Thirty years after appearing in one of television's most iconic ads, the former Pittsburgh Steelers player and four-time Super Bowl champion was finally given an award for his part in a 1979 Coca-Cola commercial that has been cited as one of the best in television advertising history.

The ad shows the defensive tackle limping off the field and into the locker room, when a young fan stops Greene to tell him just how great he is and offers him a bottle of Coke. After a bit of coaxing, Greene accepts the drink and shows his gratitude by flipping his jersey to the youthful admirer. The ad concludes with the brand's famous tagline at the time, "Have a Coke and a smile."


Continue reading 'Mean' Joe Greene finally gets his award -- 30 years after famous Coke ad airs

'Mean' Joe Greene finally gets his award -- 30 years after famous Coke ad airs originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>coca-colacokefootballmean joe greeneMeanJoeGreenenflsmileDavid ScheppTue, 17 Nov 2009 16:45:00 ESTMassachusetts top spot for best health insurers, survey showshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/massachusetts-top-spot-for-best-health-insurers-survey-shows/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/massachusetts-top-spot-for-best-health-insurers-survey-shows/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/13/massachusetts-top-spot-for-best-health-insurers-survey-shows/#commentsFiled under: ,

health careCritics of health-care insurance overhaul legislation, currently being debated in the U.S. Senate, have charged that any change to the existing system will result in greater numbers of unhappy patients. A new survey of satisfaction among consumers with health coverage, however, shows promise that it is possible to cover everyone and still have satisfied patients.

Continue reading Massachusetts top spot for best health insurers, survey shows

Massachusetts top spot for best health insurers, survey shows originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>best medicade providerbest medicare providerBestMedicadeProviderBestMedicareProviderhealth carehealth care providersHealthCareHealthCareProvidersnational health careNationalHealthCareDavid ScheppFri, 13 Nov 2009 16:00:00 ESTFrugal consumers push companies to embrace new age of thrifthttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/frugal-consumers-push-companies-to-embrace-new-age-of-thrift/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/frugal-consumers-push-companies-to-embrace-new-age-of-thrift/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/11/frugal-consumers-push-companies-to-embrace-new-age-of-thrift/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

glad bagsConsumers are notoriously fickle in their allegiances and interests -- remember those food-assembly kitchens that were all the rage a few years ago? But the recession has sobered buying habits, and increasingly, more companies are viewing Americans' recent conversion to thrift as a long-term trend, not simply flash-in-the-pan fascination.

In an attempt to cash-in on this new sensibility, businesses are keen on promoting their products as a good deal. That's why, for example, Clorox Co. isn't raising prices on its improved trash can liners and Campbell Soup Co. has reduced the promotional price of its V8 brand vegetable juice by 17%, according to the Wall Street Journal (subscription required).

Continue reading Frugal consumers push companies to embrace new age of thrift

Frugal consumers push companies to embrace new age of thrift originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bargainsburger kingBurgerKingcampbell soupCampbellSoupcheerfast foodFastFoodfood assembly kitchensFoodAssemblyKitchensfrugal consumerFrugalConsumerfrugalfoodfrugalityfrugallivingmcdonaldsprocter and gambleProcterAndGamblethrifttidetide laundry detergenttidedetergantTideLaundryDetergentv8 vegetable juiceV8VegetableJuiceDavid ScheppWed, 11 Nov 2009 14:00:00 ESTHey y'all! Index finds happiest U.S. states are in nation's vast heartlandhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/09/hey-yall-index-finds-happiest-u-s-states-are-in-nations-vast/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/09/hey-yall-index-finds-happiest-u-s-states-are-in-nations-vast/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/09/hey-yall-index-finds-happiest-u-s-states-are-in-nations-vast/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Think you're seeing a lot more glum faces in your neighborhood? That's likely the case if you live in one of four states with high home-foreclosure rates: Florida, Nevada, California and Arizona. Those normally majestic, carefree states ranked as the least happiest, at least when it comes to money matters, a new survey shows.

And where might you find some of the most smiley people? According to Mainstreet.com's Happiness Index, dead in the center of the country, where some of the country's least densely populated states can be found. Nebraska was at the top of heap, followed by Iowa, Kansas, Oklahoma and Montana.

Continue reading Hey y'all! Index finds happiest U.S. states are in nation's vast heartland

Hey y'all! Index finds happiest U.S. states are in nation's vast heartland originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>debt to incomeDebtToIncomefeaturedforeclosureshappiest statesHappiestStateshappinessHappiness indexHappinessIndexstatesDavid ScheppMon, 09 Nov 2009 12:00:00 ESTCustomers cry fowl after Boston Market fails to learn from chicken coupon mistakehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/02/customers-cry-fowl-as-boston-market-doesnt-learn-from-chicken-c/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/02/customers-cry-fowl-as-boston-market-doesnt-learn-from-chicken-c/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/11/02/customers-cry-fowl-as-boston-market-doesnt-learn-from-chicken-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

You'd think any fast-food chain would have taken a lesson from KFC and the Great Free Chicken Fiasco of 2009 and avoid offering customers an outrageous deal via the Internet, where word of just about anything -- good or bad -- can spread faster than greased lightning.

Nevertheless, Boston Market stepped into similar pile of fowl doo-doo last week when it offered its loyal customers a coupon for a $1 chicken entree via its Web site. While not free, it was still one hen of a deal. For $1, diners got a choice of a quarter white or 3-piece dark chicken dinner, along with mashed potatoes and cornbread. Vegetables weren't part of the deal.

Continue reading Customers cry fowl after Boston Market fails to learn from chicken coupon mistake

Customers cry fowl after Boston Market fails to learn from chicken coupon mistake originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>kentucky grilled chickenKentuckyGrilledChickenkfcOprahDavid ScheppMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:30:00 ESTMedical costs finally see the light of day, thanks to new Web siteshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/29/medical-costs-finally-see-the-light-of-day-thanks-to-new-web-si/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/29/medical-costs-finally-see-the-light-of-day-thanks-to-new-web-si/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/29/medical-costs-finally-see-the-light-of-day-thanks-to-new-web-si/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Advocates for lower cost health care have for some time argued that arming consumers with data about the costs of medical procedures would help drive down prices.

Insurers, however, have kept a tight lid on what they pay doctors and other health care providers, arguing that such information is proprietary and disclosure would put them at a competitive disadvantage.

But now a bevy of new Web sites can help consumers learn just how much services costs, reports the Wall Street Journal (subscription required). The sites cull information from a variety of resources, including insurers, government agencies, Internet companies and health-care providers.

The sites, nearly two dozen of them, aren't perfect, the Journal notes, but they can provide a rough idea of typical costs in your area.

Continue reading Medical costs finally see the light of day, thanks to new Web sites

Medical costs finally see the light of day, thanks to new Web sites originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>aetnaanthemblue cross blue shieldBlueCrossBlueShieldchampus tricareChampusTricarecignadoctors feesDoctorsFeesdrug costsDrugCostshealth carehealth care insurancehealth care reformHealthCareHealthCareInsuranceHealthCareReformhmoHumanainsurancekaiser family foundationKaiserFamilyFoundationmedical copaysmedical costsmedical expensesMedicalCopaysMedicalCostsMedicalExpensesppoprescription drugsPrescriptionDrugsunisuredunited health groupunited healthcareUnitedHealthcareUnitedHealthGroupWellpointDavid ScheppThu, 29 Oct 2009 12:30:00 ESTFood industry responds to demands to 'keep it simple, stupid'http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/28/food-industry-responds-to-demands-to-keep-it-simple-stupid/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/28/food-industry-responds-to-demands-to-keep-it-simple-stupid/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/28/food-industry-responds-to-demands-to-keep-it-simple-stupid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's been clear for some time now that the recession has taken its toll on consumers, leading them in many instances to winnow purchases down to the bare necessities. And the food industry, always on the outlook for a new gimmick to sell its wares, is paying attention.

It's one reason you may have seen the word "simple" or "simply" appearing on more packaging. Marketers such as Starbucks, Kraft and Campbell's are paring down ingredients and using simpler language on their product labels, as a way to appeal to a new generation of thrift-seeking consumers.

Continue reading Food industry responds to demands to 'keep it simple, stupid'

Food industry responds to demands to 'keep it simple, stupid' originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>babiesbaby foodBabyFoodbeech-nutcampbellcampbells soupCampbellsSoupcatsCSC brandsCscBrandsdogskraft foodsKraftFoodsmintelnaturapet foodPetFoodstarbucksthriftDavid ScheppWed, 28 Oct 2009 15:30:00 ESTPriced to own? Studios seek to stem losses by restricting rentals of new DVD releaseshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/28/priced-to-own-studios-seek-to-stem-losses-by-restricting-rental/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/28/priced-to-own-studios-seek-to-stem-losses-by-restricting-rental/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/28/priced-to-own-studios-seek-to-stem-losses-by-restricting-rental/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

In a seemingly Scrooge-like move, Hollywood studios may soon restrict newly released DVDs to sales-only for several weeks before allowing them to be available for rental from places such as Netflix, Blockbuster or your local video store.

Keen on reversing the trend of falling DVD sales and dwindling revenues, movie studios are considering such plans that would likely begin next year, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing people close to situation at several studios. And what does DVD-by-mail giant Netflix have to say about it?

Continue reading Priced to own? Studios seek to stem losses by restricting rentals of new DVD releases

Priced to own? Studios seek to stem losses by restricting rentals of new DVD releases originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>20th century fox20thCenturyFoxblu-raydvdhi-defhollywood studiosHollywoodStudiosnetflixredboxreed hastingsReedHastingsuniversal picturesUniversalPictureswarner brosWarnerBrosDavid ScheppWed, 28 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTAs viewers flee, Leno's job security slips along with ratingshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/27/as-viewers-flee-lenos-job-security-slips-along-with-ratings/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/27/as-viewers-flee-lenos-job-security-slips-along-with-ratings/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/27/as-viewers-flee-lenos-job-security-slips-along-with-ratings/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Jay Leno's move to prime time was viewed by some as a savvy show business decision. A popular, well-known comedian, the former host of the Tonight Show would provide NBC with a cheap, talk-show alternative to the network's previous line-up of dramatic programming, which is costly to produce. Or so it was thought.

With ratings numbers continuing to fall, however, NBC affiliates aren't feeling nearly as sanguine as the network itself, the New York Post reports. After a solid start last month, ratings have a slipped to a quarter of what they once were. That has local news programs nervous, as they count on viewers of 10 P.M. shows to stick around for the 11 P.M. news. (Unless you're in the Central or Mountain times zones, where everything is on an hour earlier.)

Continue reading As viewers flee, Leno's job security slips along with ratings

As viewers flee, Leno's job security slips along with ratings originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>abccbsjay lenoJayLenolocal affiliateslocal newscastsLocalAffiliatesLocalNewscastsnbcnetworktonight show with jay lenoTonightShowWithJayLenoDavid ScheppTue, 27 Oct 2009 09:00:00 ESTSarah Lawrence once again tops list of pricey collegeshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/23/sarah-lawrence-once-again-tops-list-of-pricey-colleges/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/23/sarah-lawrence-once-again-tops-list-of-pricey-colleges/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/23/sarah-lawrence-once-again-tops-list-of-pricey-colleges/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Think your kid's college bill is pricey? Think again. For the second year in a row, Sarah Lawrence College has the dubious distinction of being the nation's most expensive place to attend college -- a whopping $54,410 for the current 2009-10 school year, including tuition, plus room and board, according to data compiled by CampusGrotto.com.

Of course, for that price, students get the distinction of attending one of the finest colleges in the country. Most of the colleges in the 100 most expensive colleges ranking are private liberal-arts universities in the Northeast.

CampusGrotto notes that while the current school year saw one of the smallest increases in costs in decades, expenses still rose 4.3%. By contrast, the annual rate of inflation in the United States fell 1.3% in September. Many of the colleges on the list now cost around $50,000 a year to attend.

Continue reading Sarah Lawrence once again tops list of pricey colleges

Sarah Lawrence once again tops list of pricey colleges originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>bronxvillecollege educationCollegeEducationdegreesdiplomanew yorkNewYorksarah lawrenceSarahLawrencestudyDavid ScheppFri, 23 Oct 2009 13:00:00 ESTRecession takes a toll on cemeterieshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/20/recession-takes-a-toll-on-cemeteries/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/20/recession-takes-a-toll-on-cemeteries/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/20/recession-takes-a-toll-on-cemeteries/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There's an old saying about death being a recession-proof business. After all, come hell or high water (or maybe because of them), somebody's going to die. But the nation's cemeteries are facing a tough row to hoe as recession-weary consumers pare down burial plans and escalating real-estate prices crimp land purchases.

That's leaving some in Provincetown, Mass., to wonder if the town cemetery, with just six plots left, won't soon run out of space, reports USAToday. While the Cape Cod community has set aside money to acquire two acres of adjacent land, it isn't certain the town council will release the money to fund the purchase, when other needs, such as schools and street maintenance, are also under the surgeon's knife.

Continue reading Recession takes a toll on cemeteries

Recession takes a toll on cemeteries originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>burialcatholic dioceseCatholicDiocesecemeteriescremationdeathdyingfeaturedp-townphoenixplotsprovincetowntown budgetsTownBudgetsDavid ScheppTue, 20 Oct 2009 09:00:00 ESTFacebook FarmVille users take to farming like ducks to waterhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/16/facebook-users-take-to-farming-like-ducks-to-water/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/16/facebook-users-take-to-farming-like-ducks-to-water/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/16/facebook-users-take-to-farming-like-ducks-to-water/#commentsFiled under: ,

FarmVille is the most popular application on social-networking site Facebook, having attracted more than 56 million users worldwide since its introduction in June. And to what does FarmVille owe its popularity? Simply, it's addictive, according to comments by fans and users on forums across the web.

And First Lady Michelle Obama, the first cultivator of White House-grown fruits and vegetables since the days Eleanor Roosevelt, would likely be happy about that fact. That's because as a virtual farm, FarmVille allows users to manage and harvest crops and generally run a basic farm, as well as visit others' farms, perhaps giving participants greater insight in what it takes to run a real farm.

Continue reading Facebook FarmVille users take to farming like ducks to water

Facebook FarmVille users take to farming like ducks to water originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>appsfacebookFarmvillefeaturedsocial networkingsocial networksSocialNetworkingSocialNetworksDavid ScheppFri, 16 Oct 2009 18:00:00 ESTConsumer groups urge Congress to regulate dealer financinghttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/15/consumer-groups-urge-congress-to-regulate-dealer-financing/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/15/consumer-groups-urge-congress-to-regulate-dealer-financing/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/15/consumer-groups-urge-congress-to-regulate-dealer-financing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anyone who has ever bought a car and had the purchase financed by a dealership knows what a sweaty-palm experience it can be.

Even the savviest of consumers are likely to blanch after the credit manager runs all the numbers and comes up with a payment that seems way higher than anticipated. And what about all those extra costs? Are they really legit?

It's these concerns and more that are the impetus behind several groups' opposition to an auto-dealer exemption from legislation being fashioned by Congress to create a new consumer watchdog agency. Members of the House Financial Services Committee are expected to vote on the legislation Thursday.

Continue reading Consumer groups urge Congress to regulate dealer financing

Consumer groups urge Congress to regulate dealer financing originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>automobileautomobile dealersAutomobileDealerscarscash for clunkersCashForClunkersdown paymentsDownPaymentsfinancinginterest ratesInterestRatessuvstrucksDavid ScheppThu, 15 Oct 2009 16:00:00 ESTChoosing smoke alarms not so easy, latest report findshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/12/choosing-smoke-alarms-not-so-easy-latest-report-finds/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/12/choosing-smoke-alarms-not-so-easy-latest-report-finds/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/12/choosing-smoke-alarms-not-so-easy-latest-report-finds/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Think finding a reasonably priced smoke alarm that can also detect carbon monoxide fumes is a no-brainer? Think again. Product-testing giant Consumer Reports' latest assessment of carbon-monoxide and smoke alarms revealed that it's difficult to find one product to meet most homeowners' needs.

CR's test of 25 alarms, published in its November issue, showed that safety is far too complex. It noted, for example, that some smoke alarms that use ionization technology, while good at detecting fires that suddenly erupt, such as paper, were lousy at detecting smoldering fires, say, in a mattress. The opposite was true for photoelectric alarms.

Continue reading Choosing smoke alarms not so easy, latest report finds

Choosing smoke alarms not so easy, latest report finds originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>carbon monoxide detectorsCarbonMonoxideDetectorsco detectorsCoDetectorssmoke alarmsSmokeAlarmsDavid ScheppMon, 12 Oct 2009 10:00:00 ESTPepsiCo draws conservative ire for backing gay rightshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/09/pepsico-draws-conservative-ire-for-backing-gay-rights/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/09/pepsico-draws-conservative-ire-for-backing-gay-rights/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/09/pepsico-draws-conservative-ire-for-backing-gay-rights/#commentsFiled under:

A group of religious conservatives, ever on the outlook for another group or entity at which to wag a collective, scolding finger, have ratcheted up rhetoric aimed squarely at PepsiCo for its alleged support of "the homosexual agenda."

The American Family Association, which has been promoting a boycott of Pepsi since January, said in a statement Tuesday it has secured more than 500,000 signatures from those pledging to stop buying Pepsi products, which include soft drinks, salty snacks, juices and oatmeal (as if there were anything less wholesome than oatmeal, for chrissake).

Continue reading PepsiCo draws conservative ire for backing gay rights

PepsiCo draws conservative ire for backing gay rights originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>american family associationAmericanFamilyAssociationcorporate sponsorshipCorporateSponsorshipgay rightsGayRightsgod hates fagsGodHatesFagshuman rights campaignHumanRightsCampaignproposition 8Proposition8religious conservatismReligiousConservatismsame sex marriageSameSexMarriageDavid ScheppFri, 09 Oct 2009 14:30:00 ESTWaiter who gets stiffed by 'Hung' star pays with his jobhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/07/waiter-who-gets-stiffed-by-hung-star-pays-with-his-job/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/07/waiter-who-gets-stiffed-by-hung-star-pays-with-his-job/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/07/waiter-who-gets-stiffed-by-hung-star-pays-with-his-job/#commentsFiled under: ,

As lowly a career as waiting on tables can be at times, it does have its perks, especially if you happen to work in parts of Los Angeles where the stars mingle and dine. But sometimes even that can backfire on you, as in the unfortunate case of Jon-Barrett Ingels, who had the misfortune of serving Hung star Jane Adams at the Barney Greengrass restaurant in Beverly Hills where he was employed until just a few weeks ago.

The key words are "was employed," since Ingels, 31, no longer works there. Here's what happened, according to the Los Angeles Times' Brand X blog: A few weeks back, Adams dropped into the swanky bistro for soup and lemonade. But went it came time to pay the bill, it became apparent that something was amiss. As Adams, feverishly fished through her purse, she realized, "I left my wallet in my car!" Ingels recalled Adams saying."I'm so sorry!"

Continue reading Waiter who gets stiffed by 'Hung' star pays with his job

Waiter who gets stiffed by 'Hung' star pays with his job originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>barney greengrassBarneyGreengrassbeverly hillsBeverlyHillscable tvCableTvdine and dashDineAndDashhbohungjane adamsJaneAdamslos angelesLosAngelesDavid ScheppWed, 07 Oct 2009 18:00:00 ESTiPhone apps double as marketing campaignshttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/06/iphone-apps-double-as-marketing-campaigns/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/06/iphone-apps-double-as-marketing-campaigns/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/06/iphone-apps-double-as-marketing-campaigns/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you think all those thousands of free or low-cost iPhone apps that developers are frantically banging out are being created merely for goodwill or enjoyment, think again. As much as any other gewgaw or gimmick companies offer there is a plan that explains the madness, and it's mostly about marketing.

When Stanley Works, the famous maker of hand and power tools, developed its iPhone app, it did so with the idea of introducing the venerable brand to a new generation of consumers, the New York Times reports. Some 400,000 downloads later, the company christened the effort a success, even without knowing whether the app resulted in the single sale of a new hammer or saw.

Continue reading iPhone apps double as marketing campaigns

iPhone apps double as marketing campaigns originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>androidappappleappsblackberrycharminfeaturedgoogleiphonemacstanley worksStanleyWorksDavid ScheppTue, 06 Oct 2009 09:00:00 ESTCash-strapped Detroit sees bodies pile up in county morguehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/03/cash-strapped-detroit-sees-bodies-pile-up-in-county-morgue/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/03/cash-strapped-detroit-sees-bodies-pile-up-in-county-morgue/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/03/cash-strapped-detroit-sees-bodies-pile-up-in-county-morgue/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As if playing host annually to Devil's Night each October weren't enough, Detroit has another ghoulish problem on its hands as bodies pile up in the county morgue. With so many families out of work and the city's coffers strapped, no one can afford to bury the 67 bodies that have accumulated at the Wayne County Medical Examiner's building.

So for now, the bodies remain frozen. The morgue's chief investigator, Albert Samuels, told CNNMoney.com that he hasn't seen anything like it in the 13 years he's been on the job. "Some people don't come forward even though they know the people are here," said Samuels, a former Detroit cop. "They don't have the money."

Continue reading Cash-strapped Detroit sees bodies pile up in county morgue

Cash-strapped Detroit sees bodies pile up in county morgue originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>burialcremationdeathDetroitdyingfeaturedmorgueDavid ScheppSat, 03 Oct 2009 14:00:00 ESTLOL! Wisconsin group finds the future the hard wayhttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/01/lol-wisconsin-group-finds-the-future-the-hard-way/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/01/lol-wisconsin-group-finds-the-future-the-hard-way/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/10/01/lol-wisconsin-group-finds-the-future-the-hard-way/#commentsFiled under: ,

WTF?! That's likely what members of a three-decades-old Wisconsin lobbying group said amongst themselves after they learned that the initials for Wisconsin Tourism Federation had become a very popular abbreviation for a crude inquiry that litters all-too-many text messages, Twitter and Facebook entries.

The organization, which has 16 members, became the butt of jokes, as it were, for its WTF logo, which was displayed prominently on the group's Web site -- that is, until July when it was quietly replaced with a new one.

Continue reading LOL! Wisconsin group finds the future the hard way

LOL! Wisconsin group finds the future the hard way originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>advertisingSellingTourismTravelWisonsinDavid ScheppThu, 01 Oct 2009 19:00:00 ESTCaffeine habit leads to $200K in damage at St. Louis collegehttp://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/22/caffeine-habit-leads-to-200k-in-damage-at-st-louis-college/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/22/caffeine-habit-leads-to-200k-in-damage-at-st-louis-college/http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/09/22/caffeine-habit-leads-to-200k-in-damage-at-st-louis-college/#commentsFiled under: ,

Community colleges may hold the promise for a brighter future, according to President Obama, but officials in St. Louis, Mo., likely wish the dimwit who left a coffeemaker running overnight causing $200,000 in damage at a campus there would have thought twice before calling it an evening.

Insurance is expected to cover about half of the damage caused at St. Louis Community College by the waterlogged coffee maker, which reportedly leaked an estimated 10,000 gallons of water onto four flours of the college's Forest Park facility, destroying 115 computers and damaging furnishings.

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Caffeine habit leads to $200K in damage at St. Louis college originally appeared on WalletPop Blog on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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]]>business insuranceBusinessInsurancecoffeecoffeemakercommunity collegeCommunityCollegeinsuranceSt. LouisSt.LouisDavid ScheppTue, 22 Sep 2009 13:30:00 EST