Thea's Blog

Six Things to NEVER Share on Social Media

Thea Reid — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:27:56 +0000

The whole social networking phenomenon has millions of Americans sharing their photos, favorite songs and details about their class reunions on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter and dozens of similar sites. But there are a handful of personal details that you should never say if you don’t want criminals — cyber or otherwise — to rob you blind, according to Beth Givens, executive director of the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse.

The folks at Insure.com also say that ill-advised Facebook postings increasingly can get your insurance canceled or cause you to pay dramatically more for everything from auto to life insurance coverage. By now almost everybody knows that those drunken party photos could cost you a job. And experts now say that debt collectors are throwing away their phone books in favor of trolling social networking sites to find deadbeats, too.

You can certainly enjoy networking and sharing photos, but you should know that sharing some information puts you at risk. What should you never say Facebook, Twitter or any other social networking site?

Your Birthplace and Date

Sure, you can say what day you were born, but if you provide the year and where you were born too, you’ve just given identity thieves a key to stealing your financial life. A study done by Carnegie Mellon showed that a date and place of birth could be used to predict most, and sometimes all, of the numbers in your Social Security number.

Vacation Plans

There may be a better way to say “Rob me, please” than posting something along the lines of: “Count-down to Maui! Two days and Ritz Carlton, here we come!” on Twitter. But it’s hard to think of one. Post the photos on Facebook when you return, if you like. But don’t invite criminals in by telling them specifically when you’ll be gone.

Home Address

Do I have to elaborate? A study recently released by the Ponemon Institute found that users of Social Media sites were at greater risk of physical and identity theft because of the information they were sharing. Some 40% listed their home address on the sites; 65% didn’t even attempt to block out strangers with privacy settings. And 60% said they weren’t confident that their “friends” were really just people they know.

Confessionals

*So many people make this mistake!*

You may hate your job; lie on your taxes; or be a recreational user of illicit drugs, but this is no place to confess. Employers commonly peruse social networking sites to determine who to hire — and, sometimes, who to fire.

Need proof? In just the past few weeks, an emergency dispatcher was fired in Wisconsin for revealing drug use; a waitress got canned for complaining about customers and the Pittsburgh Pirate’s mascot was dumped for bashing the team on Facebook. One study done last year estimated that 8% of companies fired someone for “misuse” of social media.

Password Clues

If you’ve got online accounts, you’ve probably answered a dozen different security questions, telling your bank or brokerage firm your Mom’s maiden name; the church you were married in; or the name of your favorite song.

Got that same stuff on the information page of your Facebook profile? Are you playing games where you and your friends “quiz” each other on the personal details of your lives? You’re giving crooks an easy way to guess your passwords.

Risky Behaviors

You take your classic Camaro out for street racing, soar above the hills in a hang glider, or smoke like a chimney? Insurers are increasingly turning to the web to figure out whether their applicants and customers are putting their lives or property at risk, according to Insure.com.

So far, there’s no efficient way to collect the data, so cancellations and rate hikes are rare. But the technology is fast evolving, according to a paper written by Celent, a financial services research and consulting firm.

What else do YOU think should be left off of Facebook and Twitter?

Courtesy of CBS Money Watch
(Credit: Getty Images and iStockPhoto)

Gift Guide Online Joins SOPA Protest for January 18 Blackout

Thea Reid — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 03:00:22 +0000

On Wednesday, January 18, Gift Guide Online, along with Google, Wikipedia, Reddit and thousands of other websites, will take part in a massive Internet blackout protest. The blackout is a protest against proposed legislation in the United States—the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) in the U.S. House of Representatives, and the PROTECTIP Act (PIPA) in the U.S. Senate—that, if passed, would seriously damage the free and open Internet.

SOPA & PIPA are two US bills racing through Congress that threaten prosperity, online security, and freedom of expression. The PROTECT IP Act is dangerous, ineffective, and short-sighted. The House version, SOPA, just introduced by Rep. Goodlatte is far worse. By blacking ourselves out, even at the expense of lost revenue, all participating Web sites hope to raise awareness of what we know is a dangerous bill that will attempt to curb online piracy in an inherently unconstitutional manor.

At Gift Guide Online, we support everyone’s right to freedom of thought and freedom of expression. We believe in a free and open Internet where information can be shared without impediment. We believe that new proposed laws like SOPA and PIPA, and other similar laws under discussion inside and outside the United States, do not advance the interests of the general public but instead the special interests of those that lobby and pay to have their bidding done at the legislative level. SOPA threatens, rather than protects, property rights, and also threatens the Internet for all Americans (despite all the talk about this bill being directed only toward “rogue” foreign sites, there is no question that it targets U.S. companies as well).

Hollywood appears to have grown tired of those pesky DMCA laws that help protect innovation, economic growth, and creativity- rather than outdated business models- so they are trying to rewrite the rules and regulate the Internet without regard for the consequences posed on the rest of us. Please join Stop American Censorship and SOPA Strike, or Blackout SOPA if you’re on Twitter, Facebook or Google+.

On Jan 24th, Congress will vote to pass internet censorship in the Senate, even though the vast majority of Americans are opposed. We need to kill the bill - PIPA in the Senate and SOPA in the House - to protect our rights to free speech, privacy, and prosperity. It’s time to stand up for the Internet. Please join Gift Guide Online, as well as thousands of websites and individuals, in protesting SOPA and PIPA.

Gift Yourself 20% off, JackThreads Coupon Code

Thea Reid — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:12:32 +0000

You can’t spell selfish without elf! Orrr, put the elf back in selfish!

Uhh, just use coupon code: Selfish to save an extra 20% on all clothes and accessories in this sale at JackThreads. Sale ends soon so saddle up the reindeer and get extra s/elfish.

LuvCharlie Store Closing, Says Goodbye with 70% off Coupon Code

Thea Reid — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 04:57:56 +0000

Chicago based LuvCharlie is closing it’s online boutique on October 12, 2011. As LuvCharlie.com goes the way of the dinosaurs, it bequeaths onto us an extra 70% off (!!) coupon code.

The leftover selection is much smaller than their usual haul (I was hoping to snag a Goddis sweater at a ridiculously low price and landed on a blank page) so make your life easier and shop by category as opposed to designer. And still there are great deals on the Sale and Outlet pages, never-mind that you can use code GOODBYE for an extra 70% off of already slashed prices!

There are still some good staples and statement pieces left for you to grasp with your evil clutches as you say GOODBYE to the online boutique. There’s only a few days left so take time out this Columbus Day weekend and give LuvCharlie some love for the last time.

Always Sunny in Philadelphia Tees by Sub_Urban Riot

Thea Reid — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 12:27:14 +0000

“The Gang Comes to JackThreads”Our favorite Paddy’s Pub-owning, glue-huffing bums make a cameo appearance on JackThreads tonight, showcasing t-shirts created by their buddies, Sub_Urban Riot, which they’ve rocked throughout their illustrious seven season run.When they’re not covered head-to-toe in green spandex or working their pecs, The Gang sports these notoriously inane tees featuring the likes of a Deer/Bear hybrid called a “Beer,” rep’ing their “Flipadelphia” flip-cup tournament, or simply paying homage to a majestic black panther in the moonlight.Now you can pop one of these bad boys on yourself, and instantly become a master of friendship and karate for everyone.Shop This Sale

Team America: World Police Sing- and Swear-Along 2011

Thea Reid — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 22:00:56 +0000

Catch an interactive screening of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s delightfully filthy 2004 comedy during the Team America: World Police Sing- and Swear-Along (92YTribeca, 200 Hudson St at Canal St; 212-601-1000, 92ytribeca.org; 10pm; $13; includes one beer). Audience members are invited to croon along with such songs as “America, Fuck Yeah!” and “Montage.” The best part: the catharsis you will get from shouting the f-word (and other profanities) in unison.

RueLaLa PayPal Exclusive Sales- Marc Jacobs, Simone Perele, Edun, Majorca 1890

Thea Reid — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:51:25 +0000

MARCH 30, 2011 11AM ET



		Sign us up for offbeat retro. For cheery footwear, handbags, sunglasses, and jewelry from a revered designer. We’re smiling. Marc by Marc Jacobs - Footwear & Accessories is here.



		Aside from the birthday suit, skivvies and bras are the building blocks of every outfit. A collection where color and daintiness reign supreme. Simone Pērēle is here.



		At its heart, socially and environmentally aware. On its sleeve, consciously stylish. Printed tees, silk cargos, and military jackets to feel good about. EDUN is here.



		Add a touch of elegance and glamour to any outfit. Organic man-made pearls from Spain evoke the calming charm of the Mediterranean in soft, shimmering hues. Majorica is here.



		Bring on the beauty. Hairspray, smoothing therapy set, wrinkle treatment, and more. Be a knockout. The Salon: AHAVA, Freeze 24-7, philosophy, and more is here.



		Gizmo after gizmo. Everything we never knew we needed. A foot massager, personal groomer, wine aerator, and more. The Sharper Image is here.



		Nothing says unwind more a prime hotel in a prime location. Foodie central. Shopping mecca. Theater district. Trump International Hotel & Tower - Chicago is here.

MAR
31

Kenneth Cole - Jewelry & Watches

Birkenstock Collections

Birkenstock Collections - Men’s

Heys USA - Luggage & Watches

Sue Wong

Nambe

The Regent Palms - Turks & Caicos

APR
01

Adventures by Disney - Hollywood

APR
02

Cinzia Rocca

TOD’S - Men’s Footwear

Madison Avenue Couture - Chanel

Honeydew Intimates

AllTheRageOnline Sale- 35% off ALL ORDERS $15 or more, NO CODE REQUIRED!

Thea Reid — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:49:16 +0000

All The Rage Online is having a sitewide sale. Take 35% off ALL ORDERS $15 and over. No code required!

FREE UPS Ground Shipping On Orders $75 or more.

alltherageonline.com is your source for fashion jewelry, trend jewelry and prom accessories at the best prices all the time. All The Rage Jewelry has been featured in CosmoStyle, Cosmo Girl, ELLE, Essence, Glamour, InStyle, In Touch and countless other magazine spreads. See the full range of Magazine Featured Accessories or check out the latest Best Selling earrings, bangles and rings that fashionistas can’t seem to live without right now!