To set the record straight on e-cards and viruses - established companies like Blue Mountain do not send emails out that have viruses in them. I don't know about other companies, but there are quite a few out there. Blue Mountain did have a problem but it was over five years ago. Most viruses are sent through "phishing" - that is, the email SAYS it is from Blue Mountain or your bank, or Amazon, or some other trusted entity, when actually it is NOT sent from there. How to tell if you're being "phished"? Well, at the very bottom of a standard browser there is a title bar. When you put your mouse cursor over a link, the address that the link is going to appears in that bar. If it doesn't say amazon.com or bankofamerica.com or what-have you, it is not coming from that site. To try to fool you it may say amazon.something.com. That's not amazon.com. But something.amazon.com IS amazon.com. There HAVE been instances of phishers who have been able to show a fake address in that browser bar. But they were able to do this only on Internet Explorer browser as far as I know, and IE may have solved this issue, so make sure, if you MUST use IE, or any other Microsoft product, to keep it upgraded and up to date. And practice safe web surfing - when you search for something, don't go to just any site that pops up in the search results. Look at the description and check the address in that address bar before you click.

My brother, who owns a successful printing and publishing company in Central NY, had all of his employees bring in their dogs for pictures. He hired a professional photographer for the occasion and had Xmas props (antlers, scarves, etc.) for those who wanted them. The pictures were done on an individual basis, but put into a company card together (with the owners' names). It was SOOOO cute. On the inside of the card, Bob informed the recipients (his many clients) that a donation was being made in their name to the Wounded Warriers organization. Rather than receiving a ham or gift basket, his clients loved the card and the donation enormously.

No, these are bought by the companies in bulk, so they get a discount. It is like taking a coupon in, but it is a giftcard instead.

Keep in mind that by calling an 800 number, you are establishing a relationship, therefore an exemption. Ever see those For sale signs on houses with a number to call for info? Call it and you'll have realtors calling you within minutes. Again, you gave them unwitting permission. The DNC list is good but not perfect. Not all telemarketers respect it and those that don't won't have CID either. In my state it's illegal to use a recorded call without a person first introducing themself to get permission. Yet it's not enforced so it goes on. Vengeance is your best bet and have fun with them. Get an airhorn and blast them in the ear. Lead them on and waste their time. It'll be more fun and be as effective as reporting them. Ask them what color underwear they have on, if you can get the aluminum siding in paisley, if they'll sing the price list to you and keep putting them on hold. Take them to the bathroom with you after a chilifest and give vivid narration. Splash some water and muffle your voice and yell the phone fell in the toilet... can u hear me now???? Remember: No fear, no retreat, no surrender (to quote my wedding vows). Telemarketers are scum of the earth, the lowliest type of scum. The type that make gas station bathroom floors look clean. and Never, never, never buy from those scum! Don't even give them the time of day and maybe someday they will fade away...