First 'Astroturfing' Case Prosecuted in New York

Have you ever heard of 'astroturfing'? It has to do with the Internet, it's dishonest, and New York officials just completed the first investigation in the country aimed at stopping the practice. When you work with reputable suppliers like bundles.usdirect, you know you'll never be subject to such unsavory practices.

Astroturfing involves companies using employees to post fake positive reviews of products on company Internet web sites in an effort to encourage unassuming consumers to buy the product in question. Policing the entire Internet may sound nearly impossible. But New York officials in July announced the investigation against Lifestyle Lift, which has locations in 40 different cities that resulted in a $300,000 penalty. After getting complaints, investigators with the Secretary of State's office in New York determined that Lifestyle Lift was astroturfing. Both the Federal Communications Commission and state attorney general offices throughout the country have the authority to look into false advertising and deceptive advertising claims. Lifestyle Lift promised to stop its astroturfing, as part of an agreement that included the fine and a promise to act ethically on the Internet. Hopefully, that $300,000 will catch the attention of other companies who will think twice about tricking consumers surfing on the Internet.

Add Me To The Do-Not-Call List!

Have you ever driven past someone making an illegal turn or some other traffic violation and found yourself wishing there was a policeman there to catch them? I'm not sure why, but I find myself thinking that way a lot. Maybe that's why when I heard that the Federal Trade Commission was handing down fines against some violators of the Do Not Call List I felt a strange feeling of satisfication. It's wrong and when other companies see that real fines are being dished out, maybe everyone will start respect the Do Not Call Registry.

I was absolutely giddy when I learned that earlier this year, the FTC handed out fines against a pair of resort companies that were using telemarketing to try to sell vacations and timeshares. Both companies involved - a group of businesses referred to as the Westgate defendants and another group called the All in One Vacation Club defendants - had many numbers from the Do Not Call Registry, according to the FTC. The All in One group tried to argue that they only called consumers who filled out forms to win vacation packages and specifically told consumers they would be called for marketing efforts. But the FTC wasn't buying that argument, pointed out that the fine-print language on the back of the entry wasn't enough for a consumer to expect a call, despite being on the Do Not Call List.

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Patrick Swayze Will Forever Be Young in My Garage

If you've seen any entertainment news on TV or on the internet over the past few days, you've probably seen the sad news about Patrick Swayze.

The hit movie "Dirty Dancing" was still popular in the theaters when my wife and I bought our first house nearly more than 20 years ago. I still remember walking into the garage as we were moving in to the house, opening a cabinet and seeing a huge poster of Swayze as dance instructor Johnny Castle.

My wife wouldn't let me take down the poster that day, saying Swayze was "too gorgeous" to be thrown away. I remember Swayze as one of those male actors who got the girls but somehow made me want to watch him as well. He was a regular guy who often found himself in less than regular situations.

After a 20-month battle with pancreatic cancer, Swayze, 57, passed away. I reminded my wife about the poster and asked if she was finally ready for me to take it down. "No," she said. "He'll ALWAYS be too gorgeous."

Another Outburst from Kanye West

One of the great things about having a good TV service and internet access is that you never miss a current event.

Now, I'm not saying I'm one of those people who see conspiracies in virtually everything controversial that occurs. But the thing I've been wondering since Kanye West burst onto the stage during the MTV Video Music Awards and stole the spotlight from Taylor Swift is this: How much have you been reading or hearing about him in the past weeks and months? Sure, he's one of the biggest stars in the country, but it's something completely different to be apologizing on every television show and to be talked about on virtually every news show and on blogs and tweets around the country. So I'll say it: Was this all planned?

DIRECTV Provides Entertainment For Everyone

One of the products I just LOVE is DIRECTV. Being unemployed for 7 months would drive most people insane. But with over 200 channels to choose from there is always something to watch whether it is cartoons with my son or watching MTV with my friends. Another nice feature with DIRECTV is the Satellite Radio that is included. Now I listen to commercial free music, do the dishes, and take care of all the housework at the same time. I find it to be a win-win situation! Another feature I LOVE is the DVR because it is so easy to use. My son is obsessed with "The Mickey Mouse Club" on the Disney Channel. As soon as he hears Mickey's voice on the television he starts screaming, running around in circles and says "Hot dog, Mommy, hot dog!!" I love to pull up the list of recorded shows and let him enjoy them whenever he is in the mood. DIRECTV is a life saver but it is also a money saver. It is very convenient to be able to have my Qwest home phone and Internet bundled with my DIRECTV bill. I think a majority of people would rather get 1 bill instead of 3.