$$$ Maker

Some People Are So Creative With Their Money Making Skills

Outside England 's Bristol Zoo there is a parking lot for 150 cars and 8 buses.
For 25 years, its parking fees were managed by a very pleasant attendant.....
The fees for cars ($1.40), for buses (about $7).

Then, one day, after 25 solid years of never missing a day of work,
He just didn't show up; so the zoo management called the city council
And asked it to send them another parking agent.
The council did some research and replied that the parking lot was the zoo's own responsibility.
The zoo advised the council that the attendant was a city employee.
The city council responded that the lot attendant had never been on the city payroll.

Meanwhile, sitting in his villa somewhere on the coast of Spain or France or Italy is a man who'd apparently had a ticket machine installed completely on his own and then had simply begun to show up every day, commencing to collect and keep the parking fees,
estimated at about $560 per day -- for 25 years.

Assuming 7 days a week, this amounts to just over $7 million dollars ......

And no one even knows his name.

~Thanks for sending this email to me Dad!

Shoegasm

Just died and gone to shoe heaven.

images via weheartit ~ Dina Hansen, Danielly Souza, Eatyouupspityouout

Ways Your Appearance Affects Your Paycheck

This is a great article. I have read these facts before in a book "Why Beautiful People Have More Daughters" by Alan S. Miller and Satoshi Kanazawa

Provided by the Business Insider, February 19, 2011:

How successful you become is mostly up to you. Success also depends on how you're perceived by others. Numerous studies have shown looks can impact career advancement.

Some say physical appearance matters even more to employers than a cover letter.

Researchers have found that facial structure, hair color, and weight all can affect our paychecks. We can't help our genes, but some of them may be helping us more than others.

Here are a a list of physical attributes that boost careers:

If you're a 6-foot tall male

Men who are at least 6' tall make an average salary of $5,525 more than their shorter, 5'5 counterparts, says Harvard University.  Another study polled half of all the Fortune 500 companies about the height of their CEOs.  On average, male CEOs were three inches taller than the average man at just under 6'.

If you're a skinny woman New York University sociologist Dalton Conley conducted a study and discovered that a woman's weight negatively impacts her household income and "job prestige." In fact, a 1% increase in body mass results in a 0.6 percentage point decrease in family income.

Another study by Jay Zagorsky titled "Health and Wealth" found that Caucasian women get the most financial slack for higher weight, seeing their wealth drop 12%. In comparison, African-American women who are overweight only see a 7% drop. Men weren't affected.

If you're a woman who's three inches taller than her colleagues

For every three inches taller than average they are, women earn 5 to 8 percent more money than women of average height.

If you're symmetrical

Have one eye that's smaller than the other? It could be costing you some of your paycheck. Symmetry is perhaps the greatest sign of perceived beauty, and people who are attractive make a considerable amount more than everyone else.

If you smile a lot

Rick Wilson of Rice University studied "Fiscal Attraction."  He found a correlation between good looks and success. In particular, the better a person looks, the more other people trust them, and trust is a quality most leaders possess. One of his findings also showed that subjects ranked people who were smiling as more trustworthy than people with straight faces.

If you're attractive

Yale's Daniel Hamermesh conducted a study, “Beauty in the Labor Market.” He found that people with above average looks typically received premiums in pay of 5% or more, and that less attractive people "suffered  a salary penalty of up to 9%." Hamermesh also writes that attractive men earn 9% more than unattractive men, and attractive women earn 4% more than unattractive women.

But not if you're too attractive

Normally, being pretty is a good thing. It's been proven time and time again that attractive people make more money.  Cute babies are held and played with more than others, teachers have higher expectations in the classroom for good-looking children, and hiring decisions are made largely (but often subconsciously) on looks.

One study, Physical Attractiveness Bias In Hiring, shows that beauty can be beastly.  When women apply for jobs typically handled by men, they are discriminated against. One of the researchers says, ""In these professions [such as manager of research and development, director of finance, mechanical engineer and construction supervisor], being attractive was highly detrimental to women," said Johnson. This was only the case for women.  Extraordinarily attractive men weren't found to be discriminated against.

If you have hair on your head but not on your face

According to The Times, "facial hair has long been considered a potential blight on career advancement." They report the results of a survey: "60% of businessmen without beards or moustaches feel that these features are a bad sign. Some feel that the person can’t be bothered to shave and others that they are hiding something."

63% of men also report that hair loss or balding has negatively affected their careers.  US News and World Report discusses how plastic surgery can boost careers, in particular hair implants. "In the corporate world, there's a lot of emphasis on image, and image goes with self-confidence," says Antonio Armani, a Beverly Hills, Calif., cosmetic surgeon who specializes in hair transplants. "I think a lot of people do invest money in improving their looks because they feel this is one way they can go up the corporate ladder."

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery also reported that two thirds of its members, both men and women, wanted cosmetic surgery because they wanted to "remain competitive in the workplace."

If you're a woman who wears makeup

According to TheGlassHammer, a website designed for women executives, "there is strong statistical evidence to show that women who wear make-up in business get better jobs and are promoted more quickly." And a survey reported in The Times shows that "64 per cent of directors said that women who wore make-up look more professional and 18 per cent of directors said that women who do not wear make-up “look like they can’t be bothered to make an effort”.

If you dress conservatively

Harvard Business Review writes about how dressing professionally and conservatively can advance careers: "Women, in particular, believed that dressing the part was a vital factor in attaining success: 53% of them felt aspiring female execs needed to toe a very conservative line, avoiding flashy make-up, plunging necklines, too-short or too-tight skirts, and long fingernails — exactly the sort of sartorial no-nos UBS spelled out. "Indeed, half the women surveyed and 37% of the men considered appearance and EP to be intrinsically linked; they understood that if you don't look the part of a leader, you're not likely to be given the role.

Far from imagining that appearance is a personal matter, they perceived that looking well-turned-out engenders self confidence, a trait they considered the bedrock of authentic leaders."

If you have great posture

According to Harvard Business School's study, "Power Posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance," sitting in a position that oozes confidence (i.e. legs up on your desk, chest puffed out, or leaning forward) will make people deem you powerful.

Why?

It raises testosterone levels by roughly 20% and lowers the stress hormone cortisol by the same.  The reverse is also true. If you slouch, cross your legs, or look weak, it works against you.  Sitting powerfully for just two minutes can make a psychological difference.

According to the study, "High-power posers were more likely than low-power posers to focus on rewards— 86.36% took an offered gambling risk (only 13.63% were risk averse). In contrast, only 60% of the low-power posers took the risk (and 40% were risk averse).

Finally, high-power posers reported feeling significantly more “powerful” and “in charge.”

How The Kardashians Made $65 Million Last Year

For everyone who hates on the Kardashians..... I don't think they care and neither would I. 

From Necole Bitchie
Let me tell you one thing, Kris Jenner is a PIMP! I need to get on her level.

According to a cover story in this month’s Hollywood Reporter, Kris Jenner turned her modern day Brady Bunch into an empire worth $65 million last year. Although the Kardashian clan is most known from their 30 minute reality show, the six figure income per show that is split between the family is only a small part of their overall revenue.
I gagged at the breakdown…
For example, Kris commands anywhere from $100,000-$250,000 for an appearance by Kim Kardashian at an event or party in the States and up to a million dollars internationally. On top of that, she is rumored to have a seven figure deal with a Las Vegas club for a set number of appearances throughout the year. (think back to all of the bashes in Vegas with her celebrity friends…yea, she gets paid for that. Whether she breaks her celebs friends off with some loot for partying with her is debatable).
Want Kim to tweet about your product? Be expected to pay a minimum of $25,000 per tweet just for a shout out.
If you noticed, the Kardashians are always in the weeklys (OK!, US & People) and of course they get paid for that too. Exclusive stories about anything from Kourtney’s weight loss after the baby to a blurb about who Kim Kardashian is hooking up with next can bring them a pay day of 10 grand or more. “Certain paparazzi agencies have agreements with the family to stage photos, sell them and split the profits”. Most recently, Kourtney and her boyfriend Disick turned an afternoon laying poolside together into a $7,500 payday
Super Mom-manager Kris Jenner also negotiates six figure deals for the girls to cover Magazines. For example, news of Kourtney’s pregnancy in 2009 was sold in a package deal for $300,000 to Life & Style magazine. “That included multiple stories: the pregnancy announcement, sex of the baby, birth announcement, first baby photos and body-after-baby reveal.” OK! Magazine paid $300,000 for the official photos and announcement of Khloe Kardashian’s wedding to Lamar Odom. Not only did they get paid for the photos, but everything from the invitations to Khloe Kardashian’s 9 carat engagement ring were “donated” by vendors in exchange for the product promotion that would come from the media circus surrounding the wedding.
Besides negotiating six figure deals with the Weekly, club appearances and staging paparazzi shots, she’s negotiated seven figure endorsement deals for Kim that includes Sketchers, Sears, a collection with Bebe, jewelry lines and Quick Trim diet pills. Kim, Khloe and Lamar all have their own fragrances, and there are multiple spin off shows to accompany their hit show “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”.
Kris admitted to the Hollywood Reporter that she does worry about over-exposure and that she doesn’t want to get to a place where people are thinking “Enough is Enough”.

“My fantasy is to have Keeping Up With Kardashians, Season 26,” Kris says. “Who knew it would be this profitable? I should have had more kids.”

Opulent and Outrageous iPad Cases

From alligator skin folios to diamond-crusted sleeves, these blinged-out designer iPad cases define over-the-top.

Chanel iPad Case

In the past year, designers have been flocking to the iPad to create just the right covering for Apple’s loyal and protective fans. Now the possibilities are seemingly endless, from cheap neoprene sleeves to rich leather cases. We tracked down the most expensive, extravagant, and ridiculous iPad cases, many of which cost more than the iPad itself. If you don’t have enough friends vying for a chance to play with your fancy toy, all of these coverings are sure to elicit a few gasps and ahhs.

Chanel iPad Case

$1,555, chanel.com

The classic, quilted-black leather of the Chanel fashion house makes its way into the tech world with the brand’s iPad case. While outrageously expensive at about three times the price of an actual iPad, at least this opulent case has timeless design on its side.

Louis Vuitton iPad Case

Louis Vuitton iPad Case

$390, louisvuitton.com   

Another designer take on iPad protection, Louis Vuitton’s case sports the brand’s iconic logo pattern and is diminutively priced compared to the Chanel. Ownership of a small yapping dog is required.

Padova iPad Case

Padova iPad Case

$569, orbino.com

If you couldn’t care less about PETA and prefer to cover your iPad in exotic skins instead of mere leather, the Padova case in Cognac Ostrich is the one for you. Yes, real ostrich.

Tod's iPad Case

Tod’s iPad Case

$4,900, tods.com

Finished in genuine alligator, this case wins the award for least design for the price. For nearly five grand, this Tod's iPad case should come with an iPad already inside, but instead looks like any other leather or faux-alligator case on the Web.

Oscar de la Renta iPad Case

Oscar de la Renta iPad Case

$390, oscardelarenta.com

This python clutch from famed designer Oscar de la Renta has a degrade pattern and at least looks luxurious for the cost. However, that snake print probably won’t go with your wardrobe season after season.

David August iPad Case

David August iPad Case

$6,900, davidaugustinc.com

We’re not so sure what warrants the sky-high price tag on this one, but Hollywood clothier David August has released an Italian-crafted case made from exotic alligator skin.

Crystal Case for the iPad

Crystal Case for the iPad

$35, crystalcase.com

The price tag on this one doesn’t quite live up to the rest of the list, but the ridiculous factor is still there. If you need more sparkle in your life, Crystal Case makes a gaudy creation known as “Purple Splash” just for your iPad.

Crystal Roc iPad Case

Crystal Roc iPad Case

$966, crystalroc.com

For the glitter connoisseur who has money to spare, Crystal Roc sells an iPad case entirely covered inSwarovski’s Xilion Cut crystals. The case is customizable for even more atrocious glitter action.

Prada iPad Case

Prada iPad Case

$420, neimanmarcus.com

For the diehard Prada fan comes a simple red nylon case for the iPad. Nothing special about this one, except for the bright color and Prada name, but at $420 this is starting to look like a steal.

Ed Hardy iPad Case

Ed Hardy iPad Case

$40, edhardyshop.com

Must we say anything? If you insist on dousing your wardrobe with Ed Hardy prints, why not do it to your iPad too?

Mervis Diamonds iPad Case

Mervis Diamonds iPad Case

$20,000, mervisdiamonds.com

If the Swarovski crystals were just not nice enough for you, cover your iPad in real diamonds for the low price of 20 grand. When the next iPad comes out, you will have a nice picture frame worth a whole lot of money.

Salvatore Ferragamo iPad Case

Salvatore Ferragamo iPad Case

$390, salvatoreferragamo.com

A seemingly low-priced option in comparison to other designers, the Salvatore Ferragamo iPad case has a stylish, classy design and comes in unique colors.

Alaia iPad Case

Alaia iPad Case

$715, net-a-porter.com

A luxurious and colorful accessory for your iPad, the Alaia case is laser-cut from powder pink and coral leather. The look is young, hip, and modern. The price tag, not so much.

And the most bizarre entrance award goes to...

Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga will be born again live at the Grammys. She arrived on the red carpet moments ago in a huge egg shaped object….. A promotional ploy for her new single “Born This Way”, I’m sure.

Find a Cure for Crohn's & Colitis

Andrew Bernstein's Fundraising Page

Help Us Find a Cure For Crohn's & Colitis

Hello everyone! Thank you so much for checking out my webpage. I am currently training to run a half marathon with Team Challenge and raise money for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Crohn's disease is a chronic (ongoing) disorder that causes inflammation of the digestive or gastrointestinal (GI) tract which most commonly affects the small intestine and/or colon. When a flare up occurs, it causes TREMENDOUS pain for days or weeks. The symptoms are so severe, that often, the patients will need hospitalization and surgery. Approximately 1.4 million Americans are affected with Crohn’s disease including my mother. My mother had to have three major surgeries in her 20’s in which she had about 6 inches of her small intestine removed and has been hospitalized for several months due to this disease. When giving birth to my sister, there were complications from the Crohn’s. At one point during her labor, things looked dire and the doctor had to ask my father “Dr. Bernstein…you may have to choose between your new daughter or your wife, they both may not make it. Which would you like me to save?” Fortunately, both survived, but my mother could not have any more children…that’s where I came in. For years I’ve wanted to give back to my parents who put in so much time, energy and love in raising me. I came across the Team Challenge brochure and thought that this was an incredible opportunity to give back to my mother! The money raised from your contributions, will help the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation find a cure. Your donation will be 100% tax deductible and can help change the lives of 1.4 million Americans afflicted with Crohn’s and Colitis. You can check out the website at http://www.ccfa.org/ and the Team Challenge website at http://www.ccteamchallenge.org/ . My mother is a woman I respect tremendously for her huge heart, incredible values and the infinite love and support she has given me for the past 31 years! She is the kind of woman that lights up a room and makes a lasting impression on everyone she meets. Now it’s my time to give back to her and all of those afflicted with Crohn’s and Colitis. Thank you so much for your support! Please Click here if you want to make a donation

As Valentine's Day Quickly Approaches

"The good that happens is called a blessing, the bad is called life..."

As we grow up we learn that even the one

person that wasn't supposed to ever let you

down probably will. You will have your heart

broken more than once and its harder every

time. You'll break hearts too so (remember)

how is felt when yours was broken. You'll

fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new

love for something an old one did you'll cry

because time is going by too fast and you'll

eventually lose someone you love, so take

too many pictures laugh too much and love

like you've never been hurt because every

60 seconds you spend upset is a minute - -

of happiness you'll never get back.

Rihanna And Chris Brown Make Amends?

Has Rihanna forgiven ex-boyfriend Chris Brown for the 2009 felony assault that landed the "Deuces" singer on probation? Maybe so. The red-headed pop star extended a gesture this week: She approved Brown's request to have his restraining order modified, an attorney for the "S&M" singer told E! News.

Brown, who was praised last week by a Los Angeles Superior Court judge for successfully completing his required domestic violence courses, must return to court to have the restraining order terms amended. Under the new guidelines, Brown will be allowed to interact with Rihanna as long as he does not annoy, molest or harass her.

Rihanna's support of lifting the restraining order may surprise some who believe she has been holding a grudge against Brown and conveying messages of retaliation in her songs and videos, "Hard," "Love The Way You Lie," and "S&M."

UCLA clinical psychologist Dr. Gail Wyatt, who has done extensive research on domestic violence and sex therapy, is concerned that Rihanna's music is sometimes "over-interpreted" by the public and media. "I don't think that it's very easy to understand how a person feels in public," she said. "So it's difficult to assume that her behavior or experience is being lived out through certain music unless she says it is."

Wyatt added that the shocking imagery and messages in the music Rihanna has released since the altercation with Brown could merely be a way to maintain media coverage. "We really don't know whether it's connected to her own personal experience or a need to find something different to sing about in order to keep a person in front of the media," Wyatt said.

Rihanna has expressed her desire to help young girls in tumultuous relationships. Making a public service announcement could be an effective way of raising awareness. "Rihanna can help people make that leap by doing ads and saying, ‘Don't let what happened to me happen to you'," Wyatt said.

Wyatt feels celebrity gossip distracts people from their own problems and she advises anyone facing domestic violence to seek out professional help. "You really need to sit in a private room and talk about what you've been through, what you've seen, and have a professional who is trained in sex therapy to help you break the cycle of violence in your own relationship."

Rihanna and Brown have worked hard to turn their lives around in the two years since the incident. On Saturday, Chris Brown will be appearing on "Saturday Night Live," and Rihanna will be performing at the Grammys on Sunday.

Project Runway Winner Christian Siriano Fall 2011 Runway Show

Gabrielle Union at Christian Siriano Fall 2011 Runway Show

Actress Gabrielle Union was among the celebrity guests that sat front row at the Christian Siriano Fall 2011 Runway show last night in New York.  Although, the Fall line of clothing was suppose to be the focus of the show, it was the shoes that stole the show.  The chunky heels worn by the models were designed by Christian Siriano for Payless and was also the cause of a few stumbles and a model actually hit the floor before the show was over.  Those heels gave a new meaning to “ankle breaking heels”.

Take a look at Christian Siriano’s shoes below

The Christian Siriano line is priced in the $50 dollar range at Payless but you’ll be lucky to snag a pair.  They sell out quick!

There will come a time when you believe everything is finished, and that will be the BEGINNING!

Pavon

Hello!

I love this dress!  

I need to get this asap!

Already bought this one!

SUZIE KETCHAM QUITS BASKETBALL WIVES

If you’ve been keeping up with season two of the VH1 hit reality series Basketball Wives, then you’re no stranger to the animosity that’s been transpiring between broadcast journalist hopeful Suzie Ketcham and, well, almost everybody else.

After Suzie’s mean girl acting, drink-throwing, and water-tossing during Season 1 and the Reunion Special, she caught a lot of internet shade from viewers, fans, and haters worldwide who were none-to-pleased with her behavior. Though she seems to have learned from her mistakes and has taken a more kind and softer approach during Season 2, a source revealed to TMZ that she can’t handle the pressure of being in the spotlight. The source also claims that Suzie won’t be returning to Basketball Wives next season because she “couldn’t take the heat.” The randoms trash-talking her every Sunday on twitter didn’t help either.

Well you know what they say, “If you can’t take the heat….”

Log off twitter!

I can imagine that dealing with the Mean Girls of Miami every week can be draining. Perhaps, an actual Basketball wife will take her place.

via- NecoleBitchie.com 

*I couldn't agree more.... they should rename the show Ex-Girlfriends, Ex-Fiances, Ex-Baby's Mamma's, and Ex-Basketball Wives... that would at least make more sense... or they could just call it NBA Relationship Drama and Cheating Players and Girlfriends. Call it what it really is at least but guess that isn't quite as catchy. These girls on this show are not all innocent either. From Royce being Dwight Howard's baby mamma and where is their child the whole time the show is being taped. You can't even tell from show that she has a child. Who get's your kid off to school or daycare in the morning and who cooks your child dinner every night or tucks them in bed? Very strange to me to watch that and have these questions and being a mom myself may make my perceptive just a little bit different. I also have some inside info that Evelyn was not the innocent party in her break up with Antoine Walker. She was also cheating on him with numerous men in NYC so it's wonder that wedding didn't go through. She still has this to say ((in her defense)) below in an interview with Necole Bitchie"

"Necole Bitchie: So basically in a nutshell, if you date someone famous or like an athlete, are you suppose to have an open relationship; “you do you, just don’t let me find out about it”. I’m just trying to figure out the mind frame behind this..

Evelyn: I think that’s the easiest way. I fought it the whole 10 years. I knew and I think for me, I went from this little girl not really having a lot growing up to having too much. That can f*ck you up. I’m driving around in Bentleys and I’m wearing Gucci minks thinking life is great and I’m 25 with this guy living this amazing lifestyle but at the same time, being that I did stop working and I revolved my whole life around him, it’s like you lose yourself. It’s one of the hardest things to get back. He has total control of your life. Like if Antoine wanted to say “I’m cutting your credit card off next week” because we had an argument” he can do it and what am I going to do about it? So I do think if you can have that understanding and have an open relationship than that’s probably the best way because chances are he’s going to do it anyway

Necole Bitchie: Evelyn, What made you leave your relationship with Antoine after 10 years?

Evelyn: Let me just clear something up because people are like “oh my God she left when the money ran out”, No! Mine and Antoine’s relationship was done from like two years ago but no one wants to pull that trigger. It’s dysfunctional, we are sleeping in two different rooms in the house. I had already moved out once. I had Jennifer carrying plasma tvs out of my house but it’s like a thing where I have a teenage daughter. It’s uncomfortable and she knows that mom and Antoine aren’t just fighting over the toilet seat being up. She knows what’s going on so I knew I had to get myself out of the situation and I had to get my daughter out of it. We are all walking on egg shells and I’m like “I can’t live like this”. It was a very dysfunctional situation towards the end and I did it more so for her."

*Oh well now Evelyn Lozada and Cincinnati Bengals star Chad Ochocinco are engaged! After only four months of dating, Chad popped the question in Cincinnati with a 10-carat engagement ring!