The following article was posted on Yahoo's home page. I am hopeful you can benefit from the information. The article was written by Karen Burns who is an author, the name of her book is mentioned at the end of the article.
Fact: Job hunters obsess about resumes. Who wouldn't? There's so much to get right--functional versus chronological, objective statements (pro and con), key words, templates, references, font size, white space, action verbs, employment gaps, placement and style of bullets, typos, and whether to include hobbies (probably a "no" on that last one).
So much, in fact, that we often forget the most important ingredient of a really great, interview-obtaining, new-job-snagging resume: It needs to be written specifically for the job you're after.
Does that mean you have to do a new resume for every single position you apply for? Yes, that's exactly what it means.
[See 21 Secrets to Getting the Job.]
Fear not, this is not as laborious as it sounds. You don't have to start from scratch each time. All you need to do is edit--or refocus--your "master" resume to sync with the job in question. How?
--First, read and reread the job description. Study it. Ponder it. Identify the words and phrases the employer uses to describe the position.
--Next, take a look your work accomplishments, certifications, education, and experience. You should be keeping lists of all this stuff. This is the raw data you draw on to craft your resumes and cover letters, too.
--Then ask yourself which of your credentials can honestly be described using the same words and phrases the employer uses in the job description. --Finally, take those words and phrases and use them to describe yourself in your resume. From this point, all you have to do is plug in info from your master resume. See, it's not a total rewrite. In fact, most of your resume will stay the same. You'll find that customizing your resume gets easier each time you do it.
[See more job advice at U.S. News Careers.]
A few more thoughts to consider:
--If you use a career objective at the top of the page, it should include the exact job title of the position you're seeking.
--Remove experience/qualifications that have nothing to do with the job in question. You want to make it easy for employers to see the credentials they most care about.
--Try to figure out what credentials are of highest importance to the employer and put those first. Pretend you are in the employer's shoes and ask yourself, "What's my biggest need? What's most important to me about this job?" Talk to your mentor and contacts in the field. Try to find people who are already doing the job you want and ask them, "What is the most important part of your job?"
--If your past job titles are ambiguous, overly jargony, or don't obviously relate to the job you're applying for, rephrase them in laymen's terms--in a way that shows how those past jobs qualify you for this new job.
So, what's the worst mistake you can make on your resume? Failing to customize. It's a new employment market out there. A cookie-cutter resume just doesn't cut it anymore. You need to show your potential employer that you're applying for this job, not just any job. Good luck.
Karen Burns is the author of the illustrated career advice book The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Use, recently released by Running
Press. She blogs at www.karenburnsworkinggirl.com.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Infant Formula Recall: Bug Contamination
According to Matthew Perrone, a health writer for the Associated Press, there is a recall on Similac baby formula.
WASHINGTON – Drugmaker Abbott Laboratories said Wednesday it is recalling millions of containers of its best-selling Similac infant formula that may be contaminated with insect parts.
The voluntary action affects up to 5 million Similac-brand powder formulas sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some Caribbean countries. The company said the products may contain a small beetle or larvae, which could cause stomach ache and digestion problems.
The recall does not affect any liquid formulas or other Abbott-brand products.
A company spokeswoman said Abbott uncovered the insects last week in one section of a manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan.
"We immediately shut down that one area and began an investigation," said Abbott's Melissa Brotz. "We're in the process of resolving it now." Abbott manufactures Similac at several U.S. sites. Brotz said the company has been consulting with the Food and Drug Administration, which determined there was no "immediate health risk" from the contamination.
Consumers can enter the lot number on their containers online to determine if they are subject to the recall. The products should be returned to Abbott for a full refund.
"Delivering anything less than the highest quality infant formula is unacceptable to us," said Brotz. "We will do whatever is necessary to maintain the trust of parents in the coming weeks."
The affected products were sold in plastic containers and various can sizes, including 8-ounce (227-gram), 12.4-ounce (352-gram) and 12.9-ounce (366-gram).
Similac is the best-selling infant formula in the U.S. Abbott's nutritional products — which include adult brands like Ensure — had sales of $5.3 billion last year.
Abbott expects to lose $100 million in connection with the recall. However, the North Chicago, Illinois, company confirmed its third-quarter earnings guidance between $1.03 and $1.05 per share. Shares of Abbott Laboratories fell 16 cents to $51.99.
WASHINGTON – Drugmaker Abbott Laboratories said Wednesday it is recalling millions of containers of its best-selling Similac infant formula that may be contaminated with insect parts.
The voluntary action affects up to 5 million Similac-brand powder formulas sold in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam and some Caribbean countries. The company said the products may contain a small beetle or larvae, which could cause stomach ache and digestion problems.
The recall does not affect any liquid formulas or other Abbott-brand products.
A company spokeswoman said Abbott uncovered the insects last week in one section of a manufacturing plant in Sturgis, Michigan.
"We immediately shut down that one area and began an investigation," said Abbott's Melissa Brotz. "We're in the process of resolving it now." Abbott manufactures Similac at several U.S. sites. Brotz said the company has been consulting with the Food and Drug Administration, which determined there was no "immediate health risk" from the contamination.
Consumers can enter the lot number on their containers online to determine if they are subject to the recall. The products should be returned to Abbott for a full refund.
"Delivering anything less than the highest quality infant formula is unacceptable to us," said Brotz. "We will do whatever is necessary to maintain the trust of parents in the coming weeks."
The affected products were sold in plastic containers and various can sizes, including 8-ounce (227-gram), 12.4-ounce (352-gram) and 12.9-ounce (366-gram).
Similac is the best-selling infant formula in the U.S. Abbott's nutritional products — which include adult brands like Ensure — had sales of $5.3 billion last year.
Abbott expects to lose $100 million in connection with the recall. However, the North Chicago, Illinois, company confirmed its third-quarter earnings guidance between $1.03 and $1.05 per share. Shares of Abbott Laboratories fell 16 cents to $51.99.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
What Does the Patient's Bill of Rights Mean for Us?
The following message was emailed from the White House on behalf of the President:
Good morning,
Six months ago, Gail O'Brien didn’t know whether or not she would be able to treat her cancer. Betsy Burton wasn't sure if she could afford to keep paying the skyrocketing premiums for her employees' health insurance. Paul Horne was struggling to make ends meet after his prescription drug coverage hit the "donut hole." The thing about these stories is that they could happen to anybody. Millions of Americans -- maybe even you or someone you know -- have been struggling for years with our broken health care system. These stories are what inspired me to fight for the Affordable Care Act and made me so proud to sign this landmark legislation into law six months ago. Every day, I hear from Americans like Gail, Betsy and Paul, and a few of these folks have stepped forward to bravely share their stories with the entire country. Take a minute to hear what they have to say:
The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. And starting tomorrow, the Patient's Bill of Rights goes into effect, ending some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry and putting you, not your insurance company, in control of your health care. Here's what the Patient's Bill of Rights means for you:
No more discrimination against kids with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies can no longer bar families from purchasing coverage because of a child's pre-existing condition.
No more lifetime coverage limits. Insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage you can receive.
Young adults can now stay on their parent's plan. Young adults can stay on their parent's health insurance plan up to age 26 if their job doesn't provide health care benefits -- a huge relief for many parents and recent college graduates.
Free preventive care. If you join or purchase a new plan, the insurance company will be required to provide preventive care like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, pre-natal and baby care without charging you any out of pocket costs.
Freedom to choose your own doctor. If you purchase or join a new plan, you have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurer network.
No more restrictions on emergency room care. Insurance companies will not be allowed to charge you more for out of network emergency services if you purchase or join a new a plan.
This is a long-overdue victory for American consumers and patients. For years, millions of Americans have been at the mercy of their insurance companies as they jacked up rates, denied coverage or dropped patients all together.
Now, some opponents of this reform have pledged to "repeal and replace" all of the progress we've made over the past six months. But I refuse to go back to the days when insurance companies could deny a child health care due to a pre-existing condition or impose a lifetime limit on care for a cancer patient. Those days are over.
The Affordable Care Act provides basic rules of the road that make our health care system work for consumers. It cuts costs and will help us begin to get our fiscal house in order. And most importantly, it provides Americans with the peace of mind that their insurance will be there for them when they need it.
To learn more about the Patient’s Bill of Rights and the Affordable Care Act, visit:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama P.S. Last week, I surprised Gail O'Brien by calling her at home. You can see what happened here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Good morning,
Six months ago, Gail O'Brien didn’t know whether or not she would be able to treat her cancer. Betsy Burton wasn't sure if she could afford to keep paying the skyrocketing premiums for her employees' health insurance. Paul Horne was struggling to make ends meet after his prescription drug coverage hit the "donut hole." The thing about these stories is that they could happen to anybody. Millions of Americans -- maybe even you or someone you know -- have been struggling for years with our broken health care system. These stories are what inspired me to fight for the Affordable Care Act and made me so proud to sign this landmark legislation into law six months ago. Every day, I hear from Americans like Gail, Betsy and Paul, and a few of these folks have stepped forward to bravely share their stories with the entire country. Take a minute to hear what they have to say:
The Affordable Care Act is already making a difference in the lives of millions of Americans. And starting tomorrow, the Patient's Bill of Rights goes into effect, ending some of the worst abuses of the insurance industry and putting you, not your insurance company, in control of your health care. Here's what the Patient's Bill of Rights means for you:
No more discrimination against kids with pre-existing conditions. Insurance companies can no longer bar families from purchasing coverage because of a child's pre-existing condition.
No more lifetime coverage limits. Insurance companies can no longer put a lifetime limit on the amount of coverage you can receive.
Young adults can now stay on their parent's plan. Young adults can stay on their parent's health insurance plan up to age 26 if their job doesn't provide health care benefits -- a huge relief for many parents and recent college graduates.
Free preventive care. If you join or purchase a new plan, the insurance company will be required to provide preventive care like mammograms, colonoscopies, immunizations, pre-natal and baby care without charging you any out of pocket costs.
Freedom to choose your own doctor. If you purchase or join a new plan, you have the right to choose your own doctor in your insurer network.
No more restrictions on emergency room care. Insurance companies will not be allowed to charge you more for out of network emergency services if you purchase or join a new a plan.
This is a long-overdue victory for American consumers and patients. For years, millions of Americans have been at the mercy of their insurance companies as they jacked up rates, denied coverage or dropped patients all together.
Now, some opponents of this reform have pledged to "repeal and replace" all of the progress we've made over the past six months. But I refuse to go back to the days when insurance companies could deny a child health care due to a pre-existing condition or impose a lifetime limit on care for a cancer patient. Those days are over.
The Affordable Care Act provides basic rules of the road that make our health care system work for consumers. It cuts costs and will help us begin to get our fiscal house in order. And most importantly, it provides Americans with the peace of mind that their insurance will be there for them when they need it.
To learn more about the Patient’s Bill of Rights and the Affordable Care Act, visit:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama P.S. Last week, I surprised Gail O'Brien by calling her at home. You can see what happened here:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/healthreform
Friday, September 17, 2010
Acid Attack A Hoax
According to AOL on line reporting, The Washington state woman who said a stranger threw acid on her face admits she inflicted the injuries on herself and made up the attack story, police said today.Bethany Storro told police an unknown woman threw acid on her face outside a Starbucks in Vancouver, Wash., causing disfiguring burns.Bethany Storro, 28, had claimed an unknown woman approached her outside a Starbucks in Vancouver, Wash., on Aug. 30. Storro said the woman asked her, "Hey, pretty girl, want something to drink?" then threw acid in her face.Storro suffered disfiguring burns on her face. Police released a composite sketch of the attacker, described as a black woman with a ponytail, but they were unable to find any witnesses who had seen the incident. "During the course of the investigation, several discrepancies began to emerge regarding the alleged attack," Vancouver Police Chief Clifford Cook said today, according to KOMO News.Police served a search warrant at Storro's home this morning and removed several items. They did not say what those items were.After the search, police interviewed Storro again, and they said she admitted she made up the whole thing.
This is a police sketch of the woman who Storro said threw acid on her face."She is extremely upset and very remorseful," Cook said, according to The Columbian newspaper, which first
raised suspicions about her story. "In many ways, this just got bigger than she expected."Police said they did not know a motive for the hoax. Clark County Senior Deputy Prosecutor John Fairgrieve told The Columbian his office would review the case. He said Storro could face charges of making a false or misleading statement to police, which is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Fairgrieve said prosecutors would take into account Storro's mental health before making any decision on charges.Reports of the attack made national headlines, and Storro made several media appearances. She had been scheduled to go on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" but canceled the appearance.Filed under: Nation, Crime, Top Stories
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Alternative Ways to Purchase Event Tickets
According to Lou Carlozo the are a number of alternative ticket sellers for the hottest ticket in town, Not so long ago, snagging a ticket to a concert or sporting event was as simple as sauntering up to a booth with cash in hand. Holy Hot Stub: You could buy a ticket to the first Super Bowl in 1967 for $10, and not worry about missing the action. The game wasn't even a sellout. Tickets to the last Beatles concert ever in 1966, just four months earlier? Between $4.50 and $6.50 (with more than 17,000 empty seats at Candlestick Park).
So why is it that today, if Lady Gaga staged 45 minutes of synchronized sneezing, or Miley Cyrus announced "Hanna Montana's Lipsynch Bonanza 2010," that tickets would be so freaking hard to get? Among other things, the ways people gain admission have multiplied faster than you can say "boy band." People use computers and charge cards; smartphones and ticket agencies; search engines and public auction sites. So numerous are the options, we wouldn't blame you if you thought you needed a ticket just to queue up to buy some tickets.But really, it's not that bad. Your friends at WalletPop have done the requisite research -- manning the phones, laptops and long lines so you don't have to -- all in the name of giving you a reserved seat to the bargain hunting. Care to join the show? Join us, then: We reserved a seat just for you, and you're just in time to watch the curtain rise on another Savings Experiment.That's the ticket: What options do I have?
To get a sense of how ticket buying works these days, it helps to know your options -- though not all of them, it's worth noting, seem either fair or attractive.First, there's ticketing's 800-pound gorilla -- or Snidely Whiplash, if you prefer: Ticketmaster. Remember them? They're the company that arena rockers Pearl Jam famously took on for their convenience charges. Well guess what? Ticketmaster won, and Eddie Vedder still has to explain that terrible cover version of "Last Kiss" -- though that's a debate for another time. But there's no debate that Ticketmaster's so-called "convenience charge" ranks as one of the most despicable monikers in the biz. Imagine if they called real estate taxes "public service enhancement fees," or parking tickets a "vehicle reminder certificate."
A convenience, in the true sense of the word, makes you feel good -- not like you've been ripped off thanks to someone's ability to spin the language. For every ticket Ticketmaster sells, that convenience charge amounts to roughly 20% of the total order price. On top of this, Ticketmaster also tacks on a non-convenient processing charge (less than $3 per order), and additional taxes. So all told, a $30 general admission ticket has about $9 worth of fees -- including a $2.50 printing charge. Hmmm. That must be some expensive ink and paper they use. You might think LiveNation would offer a more viable option, but since they're part of the same company that owns Ticketmaster, you're just going to get redirected to them. That leads us to option number 2, StubHub. Their service charges are lower -- about 10% of the ticket with a minimum of $5 -- but their shipping costs can run unreasonably high, in the $15 to $20 range. If you can print your own tickets, you're in luck. But that's only good for limited numbers of tickets, so be careful. It's also possible that certain high-demand concerts simply won't be listed there.
Additional sites do exist, among them TheTicketisRight.com, Lastminutetickets4less.com,Ticketsinventory.com and Ticketluck.com. But as with StubHub, watch out for delivery charges. Occasionally, these services will have better prices and and more availability. But you could spend a lot of time shopping around. What to do?Ticket freak, meet Seatgeek Seatgeek's unofficial motto is "We do math to save you money." Well, then: Since I hate math, love saving money and now have someone else to do the math for me, I think that's worth a definite look-see.Essentially, this is the go-to search engine for finding concert tickets. Seatgeek doesn't sell tickets; rather it gives you a list of sellers from five of the most popular online ticket vendors, showing you where the seats are and how much they'll cost (with fees included in the estimate). You can even set a price range, so it will only search for what you can afford.Also, Seatgeek has a "price forecast" that combines several market factors, as well as the history of sales, to figure out if it's worth buying tickets now -- especially if they're selling fast, or won't get any cheaper. It will also tell you whether you should hold out, as prices will likely hit a "sharp decrease." Geeky? You bet. But saving dough is way cool, thus Seatgeek has become a very popular site.
We highly recommended it.Note that Seatgeek can take a little while to load, but it's worth the wait, since it's a one-stop shop on the Internet for finding the cheapest concert ticket, or exactly where you want to sit for the big game. Also Seatgeek's estimates of how much a ticket costs do not include shipping, so beware, as most concert tix don't have an online printable option.Craigslist: Worth sticking your toe in for a stub?I continue to be an outspoken critic of Craigslist for many reasons. My personal experiences have been flaky, to say the least. One woman offering a couch refused to part with it until I and other interested parties answered a quiz: Most right answers wins! (Huh?) Another man listing a piano refused to return my calls. It simply fails to inspire the same kind of accountability in sellers that eBay does, and stories about people being victimized via Craigslist now seem to make headlines with increasing frequency.
Make no mistake: To work Craigslist, you will need patience, keen negotiating skills and a nose for sniffing out bargains as opposed to scams. But if you're a savvy shopper, it's a pretty decent option for scaring up tickets. Make sure to use a secured payment method such as Paypal, and beware of any after-dark rendezvous in a parking lot. Comparing the ticket vendors head to headWe chose a double bill of Arcade Fire and Spoon at two venues: in Nashville (at the Ryman Auditorium) and New York (at Madison Square Garden).
Here's what we found:TicketmasterRyman: $49 + $11.09 in taxes/fees (for lower level) = $62.59 ... or $39 + $10.49 taxes/fees (for balcony) + $2.50 printing fee = $51.99. Ticketmaster sold out as of July 26.MSG: $49.50 (standard admission) + $10.70 taxes/fees (per ticket) + $2.50 printing fee = $62.70. Best seat: 200sStubHubRyman: No tickets available. MSG: $32 (sec. 340) + $6.40 service fee + $4.95 printing fee = $43.35 (cheapest option) ... or $75 (floor seating) + $7.50 (service fee/ticket) + $4.95 printing fee = $87.45. Cheaper than Ticketmaster (if you have option to print online), but seats are not as good (one section higher).Theticketisright.comRyman: $167 + $5.00 delivery = $172MSG: $45 (100s sec.) + $9.00 service fee + $5.00 delivery = $59CraigslistRyman: $110-220/ticket (sold out show, no tickets on Ticketmaster or StubHub)MSG: $50-60 each (prices negotiable)
You can see that Craigslist does offer the option of buying tickets sold out elsewhere, and that where you buy tickets for other shows depends on a number of variables, including where you'd like to sit. Taking a swing at sports tixTwo key differences exist between sporting events and concerts: 1) sporting events have season ticket holders who, depending on the city and team, are often happy to sell their unused tickets for a reduced price, and 2) tickets can almost always be printed at home (from Ticketmaster and StubHub only) which saves a bundle on shipping ($10-15). StubHub is the uncontested winner for sports. Printable tickets are not an issue for sporting events; season ticket holders always have that option, so it's likely available on StubHub, and for prices below face value. Remember that StubHub gives people the option to sell their tickets, so it's become a popular destination for folks trying to unload passes for games they won't get out to see. Comedy, tragedy, seats for me: Scoping out theater eventsIn the theater world, it's the Big Apple, and everything outside it.
Let's look at New York first.TKTS Booths: There are three of these around the city, each usually open from 3-8 p.m. These provide discounts between 20-50% off full price of select Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, for performances that day (or next- day for matinees). There's a $4 service charge per ticket, but some downsides: Long lines (with only three booths), limited availability and hit-or-miss selection of shows. Plus, it's cash only. Student rush/lottery: This offers the best discount to Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Check a show's website to make sure that this is an option; often shows will hold a lottery for tickets a couple of hours before the show (see sites, time of lotteries vary). Since this is a crap shoot, resist making ironclad plans until you know what you can scoop up. But if you do get in, you'll pay about $20 a ticket. TDF (Theater Development Fund): This members-only option provides newsletters and huge discounts for various shows and performances. More than 80,000 qualified theater lovers who enjoy discounts of up to 70% on admissions to hundreds of Broadway, Off Broadway, music and dance productions each year.
To qualify for TDF membership, you must belong to one of the following groups: full-time students, full-time teachers, union members, retirees, civil service employees, staff members of not-for-profit organizations, performing arts professionals, the armed forces or clergy.Box Office purchases: Broadway tickets online cost an additional $7 per ticket plus a handling fee. Eliminate these costs by walking to the theater and buying your tickets there.Outside of New York, try these options for cheap seats:Goldstar.com: Most helpful in major cities: Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. It lists events going on in the area and provides significant discounts to those events with a (free) membership. Sometimes events are free, too.TKTS-type programs: These exist in cities around the U.S. in various forms. Search for non-profits in the area that support theater and the performing arts to find locations near you.
One example is Atlanta Performs' AtlanTIX.Youth discounts: Many local theaters and organizations have special discounts for young theatergoers, but info on such programs must be found on the theater's/organization's websites.Making the ticket schtick stick: Our best ticket advice condensedAs you try to make sense of shopping the best ticket prices, remember that you'll do best weighing several options, and jumping into the fray early rather than later in the sales cycle. That said, you can do well for same-day theater tickets, for example, provided you're flexible with what you see and where you'll sit. For small concerts, small bands, small venues and medium/large venues that will not sell out, it's usually best to simply buy your ticket at the door, or pick it up at will call. There are no printing or service charges and hopefully, this can be done without Ticketmaster and their fees. It's possible to find tickets on Craigslist for a discounted price (if it's a non-returnable ticket that the seller doesn't intend to use), but it's only a shot in the dark. Keep in mind concerts that cost $15-$30 aren't going to have major bargains anyway.
When a show is big/popular enough where tickets are severely limited on Ticketmaster, a better option will be StubHub and/or Craigslist. Ticketmaster will have the price to beat -- that is, if tickets are plentiful -- but StubHub will have more options if seating arrangements can vary. Craigslist is the best place to search for hidden gems. People often buy too many tickets, expecting to sell at a profit when the concert sells out. But if it doesn't, these people will be left desperate to sell their extras, probably at face value or cheaper; most people in this situation are willing to negotiate a price. Always check Craigslist; it's worth a shot, often people are friendly and willing to negotiate. That said, exercise proper caution when dealing with strangers here.
StubHub will likely have better sections and seating options (unless it's general admission). But these come with StubHub's burdensome shipping issue-- if there's no printable option, expect $15-$20 in shipping fees, on top of their 10% service fee. Don't expect to find too many bargains on StubHub.For sold out shows, Ticketmaster is usually not the answer. To them, a sold out show is a sold out show. But do keep in mind that in some cases, tickets go back on sale -- if a person's credit card, for example, denies the charge after they've "purchased" the tickets. Your best bet, though, is to check out StubHub, Craigslist, eBay, or sites suh as lastminutetickets4less.com or theticketisright.com – you won't get a discounted price, but you will find a ticket to the show.
For those with nothing to lose, show up at a concert venue and hour before the show and see if a last-minute pool of tickets has been released. Bands often hold tickets for industry big shots, media or friends; if those tickets go unclaimed, they're released for last-minute sale. As you might've guessed, these seats are usually the best in the house. For theater events, check out the show/theater's official site first. Details on how to receive discounted tickets are spelled out for most shows. Local non-profits that support the performing arts could also have discount ticket initiatives that are well worth checking out.For sports, look to StubHub for a healthy market on tickets being unloaded by season ticket holders who want to get rid of seats to events they can't attend. Check out Seatgeek.com as you begin your quest for the best ticket price.And so, we bring the curtain down on this version of the Savings Experiment. We hope that you enjoyed the show, and that the next time you stand in line, get on the phone or fire up the web browser to land a ticket, you'll think of us and the splendid time we spent together in search of entertainment bargains.
You might even say that all the world's a stage, and all the men and women are merely savers.
Read more.
So why is it that today, if Lady Gaga staged 45 minutes of synchronized sneezing, or Miley Cyrus announced "Hanna Montana's Lipsynch Bonanza 2010," that tickets would be so freaking hard to get? Among other things, the ways people gain admission have multiplied faster than you can say "boy band." People use computers and charge cards; smartphones and ticket agencies; search engines and public auction sites. So numerous are the options, we wouldn't blame you if you thought you needed a ticket just to queue up to buy some tickets.But really, it's not that bad. Your friends at WalletPop have done the requisite research -- manning the phones, laptops and long lines so you don't have to -- all in the name of giving you a reserved seat to the bargain hunting. Care to join the show? Join us, then: We reserved a seat just for you, and you're just in time to watch the curtain rise on another Savings Experiment.That's the ticket: What options do I have?
To get a sense of how ticket buying works these days, it helps to know your options -- though not all of them, it's worth noting, seem either fair or attractive.First, there's ticketing's 800-pound gorilla -- or Snidely Whiplash, if you prefer: Ticketmaster. Remember them? They're the company that arena rockers Pearl Jam famously took on for their convenience charges. Well guess what? Ticketmaster won, and Eddie Vedder still has to explain that terrible cover version of "Last Kiss" -- though that's a debate for another time. But there's no debate that Ticketmaster's so-called "convenience charge" ranks as one of the most despicable monikers in the biz. Imagine if they called real estate taxes "public service enhancement fees," or parking tickets a "vehicle reminder certificate."
A convenience, in the true sense of the word, makes you feel good -- not like you've been ripped off thanks to someone's ability to spin the language. For every ticket Ticketmaster sells, that convenience charge amounts to roughly 20% of the total order price. On top of this, Ticketmaster also tacks on a non-convenient processing charge (less than $3 per order), and additional taxes. So all told, a $30 general admission ticket has about $9 worth of fees -- including a $2.50 printing charge. Hmmm. That must be some expensive ink and paper they use. You might think LiveNation would offer a more viable option, but since they're part of the same company that owns Ticketmaster, you're just going to get redirected to them. That leads us to option number 2, StubHub. Their service charges are lower -- about 10% of the ticket with a minimum of $5 -- but their shipping costs can run unreasonably high, in the $15 to $20 range. If you can print your own tickets, you're in luck. But that's only good for limited numbers of tickets, so be careful. It's also possible that certain high-demand concerts simply won't be listed there.
Additional sites do exist, among them TheTicketisRight.com, Lastminutetickets4less.com,Ticketsinventory.com and Ticketluck.com. But as with StubHub, watch out for delivery charges. Occasionally, these services will have better prices and and more availability. But you could spend a lot of time shopping around. What to do?Ticket freak, meet Seatgeek Seatgeek's unofficial motto is "We do math to save you money." Well, then: Since I hate math, love saving money and now have someone else to do the math for me, I think that's worth a definite look-see.Essentially, this is the go-to search engine for finding concert tickets. Seatgeek doesn't sell tickets; rather it gives you a list of sellers from five of the most popular online ticket vendors, showing you where the seats are and how much they'll cost (with fees included in the estimate). You can even set a price range, so it will only search for what you can afford.Also, Seatgeek has a "price forecast" that combines several market factors, as well as the history of sales, to figure out if it's worth buying tickets now -- especially if they're selling fast, or won't get any cheaper. It will also tell you whether you should hold out, as prices will likely hit a "sharp decrease." Geeky? You bet. But saving dough is way cool, thus Seatgeek has become a very popular site.
We highly recommended it.Note that Seatgeek can take a little while to load, but it's worth the wait, since it's a one-stop shop on the Internet for finding the cheapest concert ticket, or exactly where you want to sit for the big game. Also Seatgeek's estimates of how much a ticket costs do not include shipping, so beware, as most concert tix don't have an online printable option.Craigslist: Worth sticking your toe in for a stub?I continue to be an outspoken critic of Craigslist for many reasons. My personal experiences have been flaky, to say the least. One woman offering a couch refused to part with it until I and other interested parties answered a quiz: Most right answers wins! (Huh?) Another man listing a piano refused to return my calls. It simply fails to inspire the same kind of accountability in sellers that eBay does, and stories about people being victimized via Craigslist now seem to make headlines with increasing frequency.
Make no mistake: To work Craigslist, you will need patience, keen negotiating skills and a nose for sniffing out bargains as opposed to scams. But if you're a savvy shopper, it's a pretty decent option for scaring up tickets. Make sure to use a secured payment method such as Paypal, and beware of any after-dark rendezvous in a parking lot. Comparing the ticket vendors head to headWe chose a double bill of Arcade Fire and Spoon at two venues: in Nashville (at the Ryman Auditorium) and New York (at Madison Square Garden).
Here's what we found:TicketmasterRyman: $49 + $11.09 in taxes/fees (for lower level) = $62.59 ... or $39 + $10.49 taxes/fees (for balcony) + $2.50 printing fee = $51.99. Ticketmaster sold out as of July 26.MSG: $49.50 (standard admission) + $10.70 taxes/fees (per ticket) + $2.50 printing fee = $62.70. Best seat: 200sStubHubRyman: No tickets available. MSG: $32 (sec. 340) + $6.40 service fee + $4.95 printing fee = $43.35 (cheapest option) ... or $75 (floor seating) + $7.50 (service fee/ticket) + $4.95 printing fee = $87.45. Cheaper than Ticketmaster (if you have option to print online), but seats are not as good (one section higher).Theticketisright.comRyman: $167 + $5.00 delivery = $172MSG: $45 (100s sec.) + $9.00 service fee + $5.00 delivery = $59CraigslistRyman: $110-220/ticket (sold out show, no tickets on Ticketmaster or StubHub)MSG: $50-60 each (prices negotiable)
You can see that Craigslist does offer the option of buying tickets sold out elsewhere, and that where you buy tickets for other shows depends on a number of variables, including where you'd like to sit. Taking a swing at sports tixTwo key differences exist between sporting events and concerts: 1) sporting events have season ticket holders who, depending on the city and team, are often happy to sell their unused tickets for a reduced price, and 2) tickets can almost always be printed at home (from Ticketmaster and StubHub only) which saves a bundle on shipping ($10-15). StubHub is the uncontested winner for sports. Printable tickets are not an issue for sporting events; season ticket holders always have that option, so it's likely available on StubHub, and for prices below face value. Remember that StubHub gives people the option to sell their tickets, so it's become a popular destination for folks trying to unload passes for games they won't get out to see. Comedy, tragedy, seats for me: Scoping out theater eventsIn the theater world, it's the Big Apple, and everything outside it.
Let's look at New York first.TKTS Booths: There are three of these around the city, each usually open from 3-8 p.m. These provide discounts between 20-50% off full price of select Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, for performances that day (or next- day for matinees). There's a $4 service charge per ticket, but some downsides: Long lines (with only three booths), limited availability and hit-or-miss selection of shows. Plus, it's cash only. Student rush/lottery: This offers the best discount to Broadway and off-Broadway shows. Check a show's website to make sure that this is an option; often shows will hold a lottery for tickets a couple of hours before the show (see sites, time of lotteries vary). Since this is a crap shoot, resist making ironclad plans until you know what you can scoop up. But if you do get in, you'll pay about $20 a ticket. TDF (Theater Development Fund): This members-only option provides newsletters and huge discounts for various shows and performances. More than 80,000 qualified theater lovers who enjoy discounts of up to 70% on admissions to hundreds of Broadway, Off Broadway, music and dance productions each year.
To qualify for TDF membership, you must belong to one of the following groups: full-time students, full-time teachers, union members, retirees, civil service employees, staff members of not-for-profit organizations, performing arts professionals, the armed forces or clergy.Box Office purchases: Broadway tickets online cost an additional $7 per ticket plus a handling fee. Eliminate these costs by walking to the theater and buying your tickets there.Outside of New York, try these options for cheap seats:Goldstar.com: Most helpful in major cities: Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. It lists events going on in the area and provides significant discounts to those events with a (free) membership. Sometimes events are free, too.TKTS-type programs: These exist in cities around the U.S. in various forms. Search for non-profits in the area that support theater and the performing arts to find locations near you.
One example is Atlanta Performs' AtlanTIX.Youth discounts: Many local theaters and organizations have special discounts for young theatergoers, but info on such programs must be found on the theater's/organization's websites.Making the ticket schtick stick: Our best ticket advice condensedAs you try to make sense of shopping the best ticket prices, remember that you'll do best weighing several options, and jumping into the fray early rather than later in the sales cycle. That said, you can do well for same-day theater tickets, for example, provided you're flexible with what you see and where you'll sit. For small concerts, small bands, small venues and medium/large venues that will not sell out, it's usually best to simply buy your ticket at the door, or pick it up at will call. There are no printing or service charges and hopefully, this can be done without Ticketmaster and their fees. It's possible to find tickets on Craigslist for a discounted price (if it's a non-returnable ticket that the seller doesn't intend to use), but it's only a shot in the dark. Keep in mind concerts that cost $15-$30 aren't going to have major bargains anyway.
When a show is big/popular enough where tickets are severely limited on Ticketmaster, a better option will be StubHub and/or Craigslist. Ticketmaster will have the price to beat -- that is, if tickets are plentiful -- but StubHub will have more options if seating arrangements can vary. Craigslist is the best place to search for hidden gems. People often buy too many tickets, expecting to sell at a profit when the concert sells out. But if it doesn't, these people will be left desperate to sell their extras, probably at face value or cheaper; most people in this situation are willing to negotiate a price. Always check Craigslist; it's worth a shot, often people are friendly and willing to negotiate. That said, exercise proper caution when dealing with strangers here.
StubHub will likely have better sections and seating options (unless it's general admission). But these come with StubHub's burdensome shipping issue-- if there's no printable option, expect $15-$20 in shipping fees, on top of their 10% service fee. Don't expect to find too many bargains on StubHub.For sold out shows, Ticketmaster is usually not the answer. To them, a sold out show is a sold out show. But do keep in mind that in some cases, tickets go back on sale -- if a person's credit card, for example, denies the charge after they've "purchased" the tickets. Your best bet, though, is to check out StubHub, Craigslist, eBay, or sites suh as lastminutetickets4less.com or theticketisright.com – you won't get a discounted price, but you will find a ticket to the show.
For those with nothing to lose, show up at a concert venue and hour before the show and see if a last-minute pool of tickets has been released. Bands often hold tickets for industry big shots, media or friends; if those tickets go unclaimed, they're released for last-minute sale. As you might've guessed, these seats are usually the best in the house. For theater events, check out the show/theater's official site first. Details on how to receive discounted tickets are spelled out for most shows. Local non-profits that support the performing arts could also have discount ticket initiatives that are well worth checking out.For sports, look to StubHub for a healthy market on tickets being unloaded by season ticket holders who want to get rid of seats to events they can't attend. Check out Seatgeek.com as you begin your quest for the best ticket price.And so, we bring the curtain down on this version of the Savings Experiment. We hope that you enjoyed the show, and that the next time you stand in line, get on the phone or fire up the web browser to land a ticket, you'll think of us and the splendid time we spent together in search of entertainment bargains.
You might even say that all the world's a stage, and all the men and women are merely savers.
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Friday, September 10, 2010
Ron Artest Auctioning Championship Ring for A Great Cause
The fact that Ron Artest(notes) is promoting mental health in schools today is amazing in its own right. Considering Artest went from throwing medicine in the garbage to being a government-approved mental-health spokesman in a matter of years, he knows as well as anybody the effectiveness of seeking out help. If that were the end of Artest's foray into mental-health awareness, that would be more than enough.But since that was only the first graph of a blog post, that's not the end of the story. And really, since it's Ron Artest, there should be no surprise that there's more. Here's the latest development, which just might be more surprising than Artest's school speaking adventure. From NBA.com's Scott Howard-Cooper:
Artest finally won a title in June after 11 regular seasons of trying ... and now he's planning to sell the championship ring as a fundraiser to put more psychologists, psychiatrists and therapists in schools.
"I'm never going to put it on," he said.
Artest plans to soon announce details of what he hopes will become a worldwide auction, and he takes possession of the jewelry in an Oct. 26 pre-game ceremony before the Lakers open against the Rockets. It's an incredible gesture. But it's even more meaningful as a statement.
"You work so hard to get a ring, and now you have a chance to help more people than just yourself, instead of just satisfying yourself," he said. "What's better than that? For me, this is very important."
Awesome? Awesome. No one was happier to win last year's title than Ron Artest, so to see him give up something that obviously means the world to him — just to help people — is really cool. Better than cool, actually. Splendid? Heartwarming? Delightful? No words, really, but let's go with "astonishing." Yeah, that fits.
Ron Artest is a complicated dude — one day he's getting pulled over for driving a miniature race car and the next he's selling his championship ring for charity. Seems like a chill bro, nowadays. Pretty decent basketball player, too.
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