Dos and Don'ts of Online Holiday Shopping

Shopping online -- especially during the height of the holiday season -- can save time, money and a lot of headaches. The fact that you can purchase gifts for everyone on your list at any time of the day or night in the comfort of your own home is enough of an incentive for many Internet-savvy shoppers to stay far away from the mall from Thanksgiving through New Year's.

For shoppers going green this holiday season, a 2009 study by the Carnegie Mellon Green Design Institute showed that shopping via the Internet is not only more energy efficient, but its carbon footprint is one-third smaller than that of bricks-and-mortar retail establishments. So whether you're shopping online to save time or save the planet, it pays to take note of a few simple guidelines.

Do:

* Verify that you're dealing with a reputable retailer. To ensure that you're dealing with a trustworthy merchant, always confirm that there is a physical address and phone number you can use to contact the seller in the event that you have problems or questions.

* Make sure that the Web site is secure. Always scan online shopping sites for evidence that they are secure. Some sites feature a lock icon in the browser's status bar while others might have a Web site address that begins with "https:" (the "s" at the end stands for "secure").

* Get all of the facts about your transaction. Make sure you know what you are buying and the total cost of the item -- including shipping and handling fees. Verify that the item can be returned for a full refund if you are not satisfied and who is responsible for the return shipping cost. Next, determine if the seller charges a restocking fee for returns and when you can expect to receive your purchase.

* Pay with a credit card or online payment service. When you make online purchases using a credit or charge card, the transaction is protected by the Fair Credit Billing Act, which gives consumers the right to challenge and dispute unauthorized charges. Some online retailers also guarantee that cardholders will not be responsible for unauthorized charges made on the Internet.

* Print and save your order confirmation and receipts. For returns or to dispute charges, it always pays to have a paper trail.

* Compare online prices. In most cases, multiple online retailers sell the same item, so be sure to check around for the lowest price. An easy way to comparison shop is by visiting one of several reputable online price-comparison sites.

* Look for free shipping deals. If you're making multiple purchases, look for Web sites that offer free shipping for larger orders.

Don't:

* Submit any financial information other than your credit card number. If a message asking for financial information such as your Social Security number or bank account information pops up while you are shopping or checking out, cancel the transaction immediately and leave the site. Reputable online retailers will never request that kind of information.

* Pay with a debit card, cash or wire transfer. These types of transactions can be difficult -- even impossible -- to refute or reverse. When shopping online, stick to credit or charge cards.

* Buy from spammers -- or scammers. Never make purchases in response to e-mails with tempting offers that seem too good to be true. Most likely, they are.

* Buy from a Web site that doesn't "feel" legitimate. Go with your gut. If the site doesn't feel right, don't go through with the transaction.

For more information on online shopping safety, visit the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Web site at www.ftc.gov.

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Install Latest Technology Windshield Wipers for Safer Driving This Winter

(MS) -- There's no predicting bad weather. It may come upon you during any season. However, bad weather during winter takes on a far more 'frightening' hue -- especially if you happen to be on the road. When heavy rain, sleet, and blowing wind and/or snow make it hard to see the road ahead, properly functioning windshield wipers become your most valued source of driving safety. But what if you take it a step further this year and install the latest technology wipers designed for just this kind of weather?

"This winter, motorists should consider upgrading to advanced technology 'bracketless' blades for peace of mind and safer driving, no matter what the weather," suggested Tom Vasis, Group Product Manager, Wiper Systems for Bosch, the world's largest supplier of wiper blades to vehicle manufacturers and the aftermarket. "Premium bracketless blades -- sometimes referred to as 'beam blades' -- are specifically designed to improve driving visibility in snow, mist, drizzle and heavy rain," he said.

Why Go For Wiper Blades Based

On Advanced Technology?

As modern windshields have become more curved due to a growing emphasis on aerodynamics for the sake of fuel efficiency, in 2005 a 'bracketless' wiper blade for the front windshield, Bosch ICON(TM) appeared on the scene. This was not surprising since Bosch has been an innovator in automotive windshield wipers since 1927, when it first introduced the electric windshield wiper. The most significant aspect of bracketless technology is its even distribution of pressure along the entire length of the blade, which results in a more clean and perfect wipe in rain, sleet or snow, with no missed spots or streaks.

The bracketless Bosch ICON features a combination of dual rubber technology, a weather shield connector system and an aerodynamic wind spoiler. Air flowing over the wind spoiler creates down force, helping it to hug the windshield uniformly and the enclosed bracketless steel tension springs prevent snow and ice build-up. ICON's bracketless blades consistently provide the best wipe available.

According to Vasis, bracketless wiper blades represent an upgrade for most vehicles that are currently equipped with conventional blades. The correct fit for a vehicle is based on a combination of the blade length and the curvature of the windshield. Bosch recommends consulting the catalog on its Web site for the exact part number for any application.

Furthermore, because wiper blades such as ICON are designed for the driver or passenger side of the windshield, much like a right and left glove, it ensures a cleaner wipe. Plus the fx dual-rubber compound reduces 'chatter'and makes for a longer performance life -- up to 20 percent longer life than other premium wiper blades, Vasis said.

Choices Widen as Technology Develops

The wiper blade portfolio from suppliers such as Bosch reflects a wide array of choices based on technology developments over the years. For instance, Bosch Evolution(TM) -- also based on patented bracketless technology -- is an all-season wiper blade. It represents a more affordable tier in premium bracketless wipers designed to provide excellent performance and value. With only 13 part numbers, Evolution covers 95 percent of vehicles with pin arm, hook arm and side lock wiper blade applications.

It is estimated, Vasis said, that 40 percent of new U.S. domestic vehicles will be equipped with bracketless blades by 2010.

For more information on bracketless technology, Bosch ICON and Bosch Evolution, visit: www.boschautoparts.com.

CAPTION: The most significant aspect of bracketless technology is its even distribution of pressure along the entire length of the blade. This results in a more clean wipe in rain, sleet or snow, with no missed spots or streaks.

CAPTION: Air flowing over the wind spoiler creates down force, helping it to hug the windshield uniformly and the enclosed bracketless steel tension springs prevent snow and ice build-up.

technorati keywords: windshield wipers safe driving winter Bosch ICON

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Social Gaming Fun for the Whole Family

(MS) -- Finding quality time to spend with family is becoming more and more difficult, with the stress of busy work and school schedules and the upcoming holiday season. In order to spend valuable time together many families have started to gather to experience the age-old tradition of family game night but with a high-tech twist -- they are playing videogames. This holiday season, videogame publisher Activision Publishing is delivering several new ways for families to experience game night -- they can jam in a family band, learn to skate like Tony Hawk, rock the house with a turntable and save the world as only a super hero can. These games appeal to all ages and the sociability of being able to experience them as a family makes game night something to truly look forward to.

Ascend to Superstardom

with Friends and Family

This holiday season, families can come together and ascend the virtual stage as they rock their way to superstardom with Band Hero(TM), the highly-anticipated music game featuring chart-topping artists and great sing-along hits from today and yesterday. From the same people who brought the popular Guitar Hero(R) series, Band Hero features the hottest chart-topping hits from everyone's favorite acts, including Maroon 5, Taylor Swift, No Doubt, Lily Allen, and The All-American Rejects. Band Hero allows families to create the band they always dreamed of using any combination of guitar or drum controllers and vocals, providing rockers and performers of all ages the chance to experience and interact with their favorite music. Parents and their children will be able to sing any way they want with the all-new Sing-Along mode, which is like karaoke, and up to four players can showcase their vocal chops without worrying about scores or failing out. Rated "E10+" by the ESRB, Band Herois perfect for families looking to spend some fun, quality time together this holiday season.

"Riding" is the new way to play!

Few athletes have defined their sport the way Tony Hawk has defined skateboarding for generations of action sports fans. Now, his new game Tony Hawk(R): RIDE(TM) is set to reinvent video games with its unique motion sensing, hands-free skateboard controller. Players of all experience levels can step on the board and have a blast challenging friends and family in an active, social gaming experience. Set to be at the top of every kid's wish list this holiday, the skateboard controller allows families to play together as they physically control the action by performing cool moves on the board that directly translate into amazing tricks in the game. By getting players off the couch and on the board breaking a sweat, Tony Hawk: RIDE, which is rated "E10+" by the ESRB, is a great choice to add fun with the family this holiday season.

Scratch and Mix the Hottest Hits

With the most diverse and international collection of music ever assembled in a music game, DJ Hero(TM) brings the party from nightclubs, block parties and dance halls to living rooms across the globe with an all-new interactive music experience that will appeal to every family member's musical tastes and allow players to hear music in a fresh, new way. Players can start the party by scratching, crossfading and sampling to 93 unique never-before-released mixes from some of the biggest acts in hip-hop, pop, rock and dance. DJ Hero allows up-and-coming turntablists of all ages to live out their superstar DJ fantasies with multiple gameplay modes such as DJ vs. DJ and guitar/DJ. Rated "T" for Teen (Mild Suggestive Themes, Lyrics) by the ESRB, DJ Hero is ideal for family get togethers, kids' birthday parties, dorm room cram session breaks or for fans looking for the coolest way to experience a new take on their favorite music.

Team Up as a Family of Marvel

Super Heroes and Super Villains

Families can now spend the holidays playing as some of the most popular Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains in Marvel(TM): Ultimate Alliance 2! In the highly anticipated sequel to 2006's award-winning Marvel: Ultimate Alliance, the game follows a storyline inspired by Marvel's popular Civil War comic-book storyline and enables up to four family members or friends to play at one time, online or off. Families can assemble their dream team from a roster of famed super heroes, including Spider-Man, Wolverine, Captain America and Iron Man and utilize interactive game dynamics that encourage teamwork, communication and strategy. Players can combat their enemies in graphically rich, real-world environments and must work together to make the ultimate choice: Will you fight for Super Hero registration with Iron Man or choose to defend personal liberty with Captain America? Rated "T" for Teen.

Holiday shoppers can find these games and more in retail stores nationwide. For more information, please visit www.activision.com.

CAPTION: A game like Band HeroTM is perfect for families looking to spend some fun, quality time together this holiday season.

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