I received a wonderful gift today that I feel compelled to share with you. Those of you who know me personally will appreciate this gift's perfection! (Thank you very much Donnie and Dad.)
This is the Verilux CleanWave germicidal UV-C light which penetrates micro-organism's cell membranes and damages the DNA preventing the growth of germs on surfaces. Fox News tested this product in the "Deal or Dud" part of the program and proved it worked. CleanWave eliminated 99.9% of the MRSA (Mulidrug-Resistant Staphyloccus Aureus Bacterum) in 1 second on nonporous surfaces. Tested by the United States independent third party laboratories...was proven to be a fast and effective sanitizer. Great for those with children, those with compromised immune systems, day care and school facility.......... well, I guess just about anyone ;-)
I realize that I sound a little like a "germaphobe," however this is a proven, chemical free, way to stop the spread of viruses, etc. I'm all for that! Check out the website and you can read further. Oh, did I mention rechargeable? No using paper towels or cloth. Just really GOOD STUFF.
Check here for most recent recommendations on products new & old, new services, tips for saving money, and ideas to repurpose common everyday items into something special. Please feel free to share your own ideas for everyone too!
Friday, December 24, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Well with the impending "wintery mix" looming, I thought it timely to conduct my own taste test for the Hot Chocolate served at local establishments. Here are the ratings, let me know what you think or if there is somewhere I omitted that is a true contender!
10. Hardee's (don't bother)
9. Texas steak house (just don't waste the calories)
8. Krispy Kreme ( would be last, but donuts and drive-thru give extra credit)
7. Sheetz
6. Barnes and Noble
5. IHOP
4. McDonald's with chocolate syrup on top (plus they have a drive-thru)
3. Wake Forest Tea Room.
2. Brugger's with extra whip
AND THE WINNER IS.........
1. Starbucks with extra whip! You can actually taste the real chocolate. YUM , it is really good. It is also the most expensive.
GOOD STUFF! Now you know. :-) Have to say it.........LET IT SNOW!
10. Hardee's (don't bother)
9. Texas steak house (just don't waste the calories)
8. Krispy Kreme ( would be last, but donuts and drive-thru give extra credit)
7. Sheetz
6. Barnes and Noble
5. IHOP
4. McDonald's with chocolate syrup on top (plus they have a drive-thru)
3. Wake Forest Tea Room.
2. Brugger's with extra whip
AND THE WINNER IS.........
1. Starbucks with extra whip! You can actually taste the real chocolate. YUM , it is really good. It is also the most expensive.
GOOD STUFF! Now you know. :-) Have to say it.........LET IT SNOW!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Good stuff at Raleigh's Crabtree Mall. YUM!
"Where the Hog meets the Log!"
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
GreenOpolis GOOD STUFF ;-)
GreenOpolis.com is an idea that is long over due. I noticed a strange machine in front of the RiteAide at Falls of Neuse and I-540 and as is often the case, my curiosity got the best of me. As I had a few minutes to kill and nothing better to do, I decided to see what this weird contraption was all about. As you approach, you can see that it is a recycling receptacle. After you begin to investigate further, you realize it is so much more. You begin by getting your "Tracking Pass" and setting up your account. Then each time you bring items for recycling to the machine you scan your card and earn points. This is the love child of Pepsico and Waste Management. These two companies have partnered with many businesses to offer discounts, coupons, free offers, etc. that the account holder may choose as they accumulate points.
This is a site you must check out and please register. I feel sure that there will be more locations available very soon. This is selected for our "Good Stuff" folder because it combines two of my deepest passions, recycling and shopping for deals. Until more locations are available, you can simply just plan to take your cans when you will be near one. Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse, Reduce....... Earn points! Ok it doesn't start with an R, but it is still good stuff!
This is a site you must check out and please register. I feel sure that there will be more locations available very soon. This is selected for our "Good Stuff" folder because it combines two of my deepest passions, recycling and shopping for deals. Until more locations are available, you can simply just plan to take your cans when you will be near one. Recycle, Repurpose, Reuse, Reduce....... Earn points! Ok it doesn't start with an R, but it is still good stuff!
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
When Good Stuff is used to make something very BAD ;-(
Well I grew up loving Cheerwine. It was a special treat available only in western areas of NC and therefore we only got to have it when we went home to the mountains. I have very fond memories of those days and was excited when it became more readily available in our area. Just as did many of you, I also grew up going to Krispy Kreme for "hot donuts." In fact, the best school field trip ever was our visit to the downtown Raleigh Krispy Kreme in the 3rd grade. At the end of the tour we each got two hot donuts and milk. How wonderful! Try getting that past the school board these days. Anyway, I tell you this so that you may understand I am a fan of both products mentioned.
Thus you might think that Krispy Kreme "cheerwine" donuts would be the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, it is not. This is a prime example of when two wonderfully good things are combined to make something awful.
I can only compare the filling flavor to the juice of jarred cherries being mixed with Krispy Kreme's regular iced filling. Then the donut is glazed with chocolate and sprinkles are added on top. The flavor of the filling is just an insult to your taste buds, the chocolate is ok, but then the sprinkles make for a weird texture combination. I really wanted to love this donut. I think this one is one for the strike out column. On a further note, you can not even buy these donuts at the Krispy Kreme locations. You have to get the from one of the participating grocers.
Back to the drawing board (or should I say mixing bowl), for Krispy Kreme.
I still love an original hot donut, best in the world!
Thus you might think that Krispy Kreme "cheerwine" donuts would be the best of both worlds. Unfortunately, it is not. This is a prime example of when two wonderfully good things are combined to make something awful.
I can only compare the filling flavor to the juice of jarred cherries being mixed with Krispy Kreme's regular iced filling. Then the donut is glazed with chocolate and sprinkles are added on top. The flavor of the filling is just an insult to your taste buds, the chocolate is ok, but then the sprinkles make for a weird texture combination. I really wanted to love this donut. I think this one is one for the strike out column. On a further note, you can not even buy these donuts at the Krispy Kreme locations. You have to get the from one of the participating grocers.
Back to the drawing board (or should I say mixing bowl), for Krispy Kreme.
I still love an original hot donut, best in the world!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Himalayan Salt is full of "The Good Stuff"
If you have not tried Himalayan Salt, put it on your shopping list. This salt from the Himalayas is known as "white gold." Together with pure spring water, Himalayan Crystal Salt offers all the natural elements exactly identical to the elements in your body . It is reported to be over 250 million years old and comes in a variety of colors, sizes and shapes. Use in cooking and you will get noticeably improved flavor.
According to a number of sources the health benefits of Himalayan Salt include:
Regulating the water content throughout your body.
Promoting a healthy pH balance in your cells, particularly your brain cells.
Promoting blood sugar health and helping to reduce the signs of aging.
Assisting in the generation of hydroelectric energy in cells in your body.
Absorption of food particles through your intestinal tract.
Supporting respiratory health.
Promoting sinus health.
Prevention of muscle cramps.
Promoting bone strength.
Regulating your sleep -- it naturally promotes sleep.
Supporting your libido.
Promoting vascular health.
In conjunction with water it is actually essential for the regulation of your blood pressure.
According to a number of sources the health benefits of Himalayan Salt include:
Regulating the water content throughout your body.
Promoting a healthy pH balance in your cells, particularly your brain cells.
Promoting blood sugar health and helping to reduce the signs of aging.
Assisting in the generation of hydroelectric energy in cells in your body.
Absorption of food particles through your intestinal tract.
Supporting respiratory health.
Promoting sinus health.
Prevention of muscle cramps.
Promoting bone strength.
Regulating your sleep -- it naturally promotes sleep.
Supporting your libido.
Promoting vascular health.
In conjunction with water it is actually essential for the regulation of your blood pressure.
I just like the flavor it gives foods, especially when grated over meat and veggies being grilled. Enjoy , Good Stuff .
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Knight and Day is Good, Good, Good stuff ;-)
Great summer movie, this is Tom Cruise doing what made us all love him. There are a few twists and turns, great adventure and Cameron holds her own too. Of course you will need to leave logic at the door, but there is action, romance in the best sense of the word and a lot of laughs. This is why we pay the price of admission....GOOD STUFF.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Toy Story 3 is GOOD STUFF!
Most movie sequels are usually not as great as the original and by the time the 3rd, 4th, etc. are insufferable, but Toy Story 3 is the exception and exceptional! Disney Pixar manages to keep all the original elements authentic while keeping the story fresh. As in the first two, Toy Story 3 is as enjoyable for adults as it is for children. It has a wonderful story full of opportunities for later discussion about giving to others, what makes a family, and right vs. wrong. The beautiful thing is that they are able to do it while making you laugh and with out beating you over the head with the moral. This is the GOOD STUFF and the summer movie to see! Enjoy and spring for the big popcorn.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
NC Aquarium @ Fort Fisher is full of GOOD STUFF!
Waters of the Cape Fear
Are not as scary as in the original or the re-make of the movie. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher welcomes visitors to tour the facility and take a journey down the Cape Fear River. You will get to see the octopus, pictured above, up close and personal. Visitors also get to meet Luna, a rare albino alligator, snakes, box turtles, moray eels, sharks, sea horses and so much more. They are well staffed and ready to explain the habits and habitats of all the residents of the conservatory. Holding 235,000 gallons, Cape Fear Shoals is the largest of the aquariums saltwater exhibits and is a two-story/360 degree view of a replica of an offshore reef.
Beautiful!
Are not as scary as in the original or the re-make of the movie. The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher welcomes visitors to tour the facility and take a journey down the Cape Fear River. You will get to see the octopus, pictured above, up close and personal. Visitors also get to meet Luna, a rare albino alligator, snakes, box turtles, moray eels, sharks, sea horses and so much more. They are well staffed and ready to explain the habits and habitats of all the residents of the conservatory. Holding 235,000 gallons, Cape Fear Shoals is the largest of the aquariums saltwater exhibits and is a two-story/360 degree view of a replica of an offshore reef.
Beautiful!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
YUM!!! Britt's Donuts are GOOD STUFF!
They are only open certain times of the year and certain times of the day, there is only one variety of donut and bring cash! YES, they are that good. It is worth the drive to Carolina Beach, time and the stop at the ATM. I have been a life long Krispy Kreme fanatic, but Britt's are in a class all their own. Go, go now..... and bring me one.... no two! I don't have any idea what their secret is, but they are GOOD STUFF.
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Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Good folks doing GOOD STUFF! Please check them out.
Have you ever thought to yourself, if we could raise money this could be cured? Well, read how one lady heard the call and answered! Please read about this thrift store which has managed to raise over $1 MILLION dollars for Alzheimer's Research in just 10 years! That is just phenomenal! All of the funds raised are designated to stay in North Carolina too. You may wish that you could help...... YOU CAN! Even though they are located in Fuquay-Varina they do offer some pick up services. Go to their site at: guardiananglethrift.org to learn more. Good stuff!
"Guardian Angel Thrift. located at 742 N. Main Street, Fuquay Varina, NC, is a Non Profit thrift store whose proceeds support Alzheimer's Research. With a dedicated staff and lots of help from volunteers, we have over 26,000 square feet of thrift goods, including clothes, ornaments, collectables, books, furniture and dishes."
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
PRAZONE
Great news! Now you will be able to purchase original t-shirt designs by Todd Coats EXCLUSIVELY at this website: http://www.cafepress.com/prazONE
GOOD STUFF!
There are only a few designs shown so far, but keep checking for new ones.
GOOD STUFF!
There are only a few designs shown so far, but keep checking for new ones.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Now this is really "Good Stuff." If you are tired of mulching every year with
the standard cedar chips or pine bark, etc. and you want to save time, money and your back, this is for you! Rubber Mulch is made from recycled rubber such as old tires. It looks great and comes in many designer colors. It is also the perfect thing to put under and around play/swing sets. It may be a little more expensive at first, however in the long run saves you time, energy and money while giving you a great look. It runs about $13.50 for a 20 lb. bag or you can have it delivered by the pallet. I have seen it in black, brown and red. Here are some reasons to consider this for your natural areas, around ornamental landscaping and play areas:
- It doesn't float away when it rains.
- It is good for the environment as it repurposes old tires and other items.
- It doesn't fade.
- It doesn't smell.
- It doesn't mold.
- It discourages weeds.
- It does not attract insects.
- It is soft and does not settle and become hard like some sands.
- It gives your landscape a great look coming in many colors.
- It is readily available at your local home improvement stores.
- NO SPLINTERS ;-) Now that's good stuff!
Give this a try, I think you will be amazed with the look and feel you get from this product and feel good about helping the planet.
If you have any tips regarding products like this, please send them to me so that I may share your tip.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Cindy Selects a great way to save $$ on all your GOOD STUFF!
plasticjungle.com
If you are a bargain enthusiast, like myself, you will want to visit this site and bookmark it for future use. "Plasticjungle.com" sells gift cards for over 1,400 retailers and restaurants at discount rates. NO CATCH! It is free and so is the shipping. Most of the discounts are between 3% and 5%, however some are more. You can even sign up to be alerted when particular cards become available! This is a great way to give more as a gift or to use and save money for yourself. There is also a page where you can sell unwanted and/or unused gift cards for up to 90% of the value for cash. This is much more practical than forcing yourself to pick out something you don't want or need just to use the card.
I also was happy to find out that "Plasticjungle.com" has a service that allows gift cards to be donated to a non-profit and the ability to set up a non-profit fundraiser for donations of gift cards. What a great way to put that gift card from Uncle Stanley for the "worm farm" to good use!! HEE HEE. Really, check it out. Anything that keeps more $$$ in your pocket is GOOD STUFF! And they all said..........AMEN!!!!
If you are a bargain enthusiast, like myself, you will want to visit this site and bookmark it for future use. "Plasticjungle.com" sells gift cards for over 1,400 retailers and restaurants at discount rates. NO CATCH! It is free and so is the shipping. Most of the discounts are between 3% and 5%, however some are more. You can even sign up to be alerted when particular cards become available! This is a great way to give more as a gift or to use and save money for yourself. There is also a page where you can sell unwanted and/or unused gift cards for up to 90% of the value for cash. This is much more practical than forcing yourself to pick out something you don't want or need just to use the card.
I also was happy to find out that "Plasticjungle.com" has a service that allows gift cards to be donated to a non-profit and the ability to set up a non-profit fundraiser for donations of gift cards. What a great way to put that gift card from Uncle Stanley for the "worm farm" to good use!! HEE HEE. Really, check it out. Anything that keeps more $$$ in your pocket is GOOD STUFF! And they all said..........AMEN!!!!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Not GOOD Stuff! by Cindy Selects
» Watch the TV Commercial |
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Cindy Selects a great way to carry all your GOOD STUFF!
Ever wish you had a way to keep all the "little" tools handy while still showing a bit of style? Yesterday I whipped up this handy little "task apron" out of coordinating fabric remnants. It only took about an hour and is perfect with pockets for small tools, scissors, tape measure, etc. It is made out of a very durable canvas material so that it will hold up, however it is very light weight.
This stylish "task apron" is perfect for doing crafts, sewing, working on small home projects, or a day out in the garden. That's why Cindy Selects this as todays "Good Stuff!"
Hope you will make one of these for yourself. Please send pictures if you do. Also, would love to hear your ideas and comments.
aaaaaaaAAAACHHHOooooooo.... I mean have a super day!
This stylish "task apron" is perfect for doing crafts, sewing, working on small home projects, or a day out in the garden. That's why Cindy Selects this as todays "Good Stuff!"
Hope you will make one of these for yourself. Please send pictures if you do. Also, would love to hear your ideas and comments.
aaaaaaaAAAACHHHOooooooo.... I mean have a super day!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
AAAHHHHHchooooooooo! Not that you needed a forecast to tell you this........
Reported Levels
Tree pollen count for 04/06/10:
Very High
Most active tree pollen types:
- Pine
- Oak
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Pennies are GOOD STUFF
A couple of weeks ago I was given a great tip by a florist. When putting tulips or gerber daisies in a vase, put a penny in the bottom instead of the packet of plant food they give you! Works very well! This tip is really GOOD STUFF!
Happy Spring everyone!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Easter Center Piece Thats Fun, Pretty & Practical....Good Stuff!
As long as I can remember, Easter has been steeped in many family traditions. Decorating Easter Eggs was and is always a big deal. One of our funny traditions was my Father trying to make the perfect black egg. It was one of the family traditions passed to him as a child. This year I decided to try a new way to decorate for Easter/Spring and make a show case center piece to display decorated eggs. I took 3 plastic plant liners and filled them with potting soil. I then planted the quick sprouting grass seeds in each in 3 very thick layers. Follow the directions for the seed and in just 3 or 4 days your container will look like the one above. I like to use clear ones so that my 4 1/2 year old can see the seeds sprout and the grass and roots grow. All a part of God's miracle. Once it is full of grass and just about a day before your egg decorating, you may want to trip your grass so that it is about 2" in height. It is a great way to decorate for spring and for Easter and to display all those eggs :-) I already have mine on my table and have a few decorations in them getting ready for the big day.
Just imagine putting one of these in a white wicker basket with your eggs or other decorations. How cute! If you give this a try, and I hope you will, please send me your ideas. I would love to see how you take this idea and run with it. Best of all, once Easter is over, you can plant this in your yard's bare areas or compost. Completely natural and THAT'S GOOD STUFF! That's why Cindy selects this as the best decoration idea for this Easter. God bless.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
A quick and easy apron for your Little Chef
If you have a "Little Chef" like me, you always need aprons for them to wear. The one I recently made is obviously for a little girl, but they are easily made for boys too. All you need is a plain or decorated kitchen towel, some ribbon, a little thread and a couple of minutes. For this one, I ruffled the ribbon at the bottom and sewed it to the hem. This particular towel already had the embroidered flowers! Then fold in half, right sides together then fold the top half back up in half again to form the pockets. Sew sides and pockets, add your ribbon for ties and any other decorations you like and your done! Those of you lucky enough to have an embroidery machine, adding a name would be perfect.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Valentine idea to make for children
If you have children, then you have plenty of broken or partially used old crayons like the ones you see here. Don't just throw them away, you can make fun shaped crayons your kids and their friends will love. Just take a look at the ones I made for Valentines Day. It works great for school , friends and they are a good alternate to candy! Wonderful idea for birthday party bags, Christmas, Easter, etc.First, you will want to gather unwanted crayons. Reach out to friends too. Then remove paper wrapping and sort by color. I like to reuse soup, fruit & vegetable cans for this. Make sure the cans are washed and dried. Fill the cans with like colors about 1/3rd to 1/2 full.
Place the cans in an 8x 8" pan (the deeper the better) filled about half full with water. Place this pan on top of the stove on low heat until crayons are melted. You may have to stir and some crayons will melt at different rates due to their composition. I like to use bamboo skewers for stirring.
When hey are ready, they will look like the picture on the right. Use a pot holder, "ove-glove" or some other protective holder to pick up the cans as they and the wax therein will be HOT. Carefully pour into your mold and allow to cool. After a few minutes you may notice a "well" or dip in the middle of the crayon created as it cools. You can do a second pour to level this out.
I like to use molds like these for crayons. They are silicone ice cube trays and can be found at any "Dollar Store, " etc. These work great as they make it easy to get the crayon out. If you have any difficulty removing the crayons, just put the tray in your freezer for a few minutes and they should pop right out. Take an assortment of a few colors and put in a treat back or wrap with tissue and curling ribbon. You can also give it with an activity book or coloring page, etc.
This craft also works for partially used candles. Just add a wick shortly after you pour the melted candles.
Use your imagination, the possibilities are endless. If you come up with a cute twist, please send me photos of your creation and I will share with everyone.
**********It should go without saying, but NEVER LEAVE CRAYONS Or CANDLES on ANY HEAT SOURCE UNATTENDED! This craft is meant for ADULTS, or to be done with ADULT SUPERVISION. **********************
Saturday, February 6, 2010
A few new purposes for that cereal box.
In our house we always have cereal and that adds up to lots of cereal boxes. I thought I would share with you a few of the ways we make good use of this resource. I know that all of you have cereal boxes that you throw out or recycle each week just like this one.... ok, I'm pretty sure they don't make this kind any longer, but it's snowing and I want junk food. (ignoring the fact that the magician looks like the devil!)
One of the things I like to do is take the empty box and cut the top off, using a straight edge cut about a 45 degree angle off each side and clip the front. Then using glue and left over fabric (paper works too), cover the boxes to match the room or season. These work great to toss daily mail in, hold on to coupon packs, or magazines. Here are a few photos for you. Of course you can decorate them until your hearts content with ribbons, buttons, etc.
There are lots of other great things you can make that are fun too. Let your imagination take off. This will get you started:
Monster puppets .... gift boxes......
One of the things I like to do is take the empty box and cut the top off, using a straight edge cut about a 45 degree angle off each side and clip the front. Then using glue and left over fabric (paper works too), cover the boxes to match the room or season. These work great to toss daily mail in, hold on to coupon packs, or magazines. Here are a few photos for you. Of course you can decorate them until your hearts content with ribbons, buttons, etc.
Monster puppets .... gift boxes......
snow man.... houses or building blocks
Or cut them using some of the images on the front or back into these standard post card sizes, write your note, address and stamp. You have a funny, or healthy, or game postcard to mail a quick message and they are less expensive to mail!
USPS Standards for sizes of a Postcard:
• Maximum size is 6” long X 4 1/4” high
• Minimum size is 5” long X 3 1/2” high
• Maximum size is 6” long X 4 1/4” high
• Minimum size is 5” long X 3 1/2” high
If you have a particularly funny or pretty or informative image, cut it into a bookmark, punch a hole in the top and tie on your ribbon. (kids love these).
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Enough already!
Enough is enough!
According to the News and Observer, once again bloated Corporate America is making the employees pay for their bad decisions. (Article listed below). OK, I understand that the economy tanked, people and insurance companies balked at the ridiculous prices for some drugs, but is the answer to suffer those who actually are the back bone of your business? How is that another Triangle employer SAS has literally "managed" not ever to have had employee layoffs or reductions? Perhaps the drug manufacturers could focus more on the outrageous salaries paid to the CEO's, CFO's, VP's, and Board Members. A good idea might be not paying bonuses to Presidents, CEO's when they don't EARN them! I know these are radical ideas, but I'm sick and tired of mismanagement by the top being overlooked or even rewarded. Stop the insanity! We as consumers, employees, or average citizens can not sit idly by being thankful it was not us. We must demand that every other alternative must be taken before job cuts can even be considered. When jobs (any jobs) are cut, or lost due to being "outsourced," we all feel the consequences. Let these companies know it is not acceptable. Write, e-mail or call them. Also, write to our Gov. Beverly Purdue and encourage her to work with the companies to find alternative savings and revenue.
According to the News and Observer, once again bloated Corporate America is making the employees pay for their bad decisions. (Article listed below). OK, I understand that the economy tanked, people and insurance companies balked at the ridiculous prices for some drugs, but is the answer to suffer those who actually are the back bone of your business? How is that another Triangle employer SAS has literally "managed" not ever to have had employee layoffs or reductions? Perhaps the drug manufacturers could focus more on the outrageous salaries paid to the CEO's, CFO's, VP's, and Board Members. A good idea might be not paying bonuses to Presidents, CEO's when they don't EARN them! I know these are radical ideas, but I'm sick and tired of mismanagement by the top being overlooked or even rewarded. Stop the insanity! We as consumers, employees, or average citizens can not sit idly by being thankful it was not us. We must demand that every other alternative must be taken before job cuts can even be considered. When jobs (any jobs) are cut, or lost due to being "outsourced," we all feel the consequences. Let these companies know it is not acceptable. Write, e-mail or call them. Also, write to our Gov. Beverly Purdue and encourage her to work with the companies to find alternative savings and revenue.
N&O article by Wolfe: "Drug maker GlaxoSmithKline, which has cut hundreds of Triangle jobs in the past two years, will announce another large round of layoffs Thursday when it reports its latest financial results, a British newspaper reports.GlaxoSmithKline employs about 5,000 people in this region, mostly at its North American headquarters in Research Triangle Park but also at a factory in Zebulon. GSK, which is based in London, has been slashing expenses under CEO Andrew Witty to offset slowing sales of best-selling drugs amid increasing competition from cheaper, generic medicines.Now the company is preparing to announce plans to eliminate 4,000 jobs, nearly half at its research hubs, one of which is at RTP, the Sunday Times of London reports. GSK "will scale down activities at research facilities in Britain, across Europe and in the United States as it builds its activities in emerging markets," the newspaper reports. The company employs about 100,000 worldwide."Some say the pharmaceutical industry has hit a wall, with the pace of new discoveries slowing and worries about the potential for price controls down the road," said N.C. State University economist Michael Walden. "Both these conditions would point to cost-cutting measures, and labor is usually the largest cost to cut."GSK's layoffs could hurt the Triangle's economy as researchers and scientists are thrown out of work."For every job lost, especially the high-paying jobs at companies such as GSK, it has a multiplier effect on the economy as that money is not circulated in this region," said W. Clay Hamner, a professor at UNC's Kenan-Flagler Business School. "The housing market gets weaker, the service sector loses customers, etc. ... It also affects demand for office space, air service, hotel rooms, restaurants, etc."GSK officials typically refuse to share detailed information on how layoffs affect its Triangle work force. Nearly a year ago, the company cut an undisclosed number of workers at a customer response center in RTP Company spokeswoman Mary Anne Rhyne declined to comment on the Sunday Times report, citing the "quiet period" that comes before quarterly and year-end results are announced."We have said that we are continuously seeking to simplify our business and ensure that we are positioned to meet the current and evolving needs of the marketplace," she said.GSK announced a first cost-cutting initiative in October 2007, eliminating thousands of jobs worldwide, and then it expanded that effort in February 2009. Hundreds of local employees have lost their jobs in those moves. The company sells products including the asthma treatment Advair, flu drug Relenza and smoking-cessation aid Nicorette. Under Witty's leadership, GSK has been buying promising new products and companies to bolster its pipeline of medicines. The company has been expanding in emerging markets such as India, where demand for new drugs is booming. "The testing and development of new drugs will be more profitable if developed there," Hamner said. "Also, research is cheaper and very good in places such as India today."In a recent setback for GSK, fourth-quarter sales of H1N1 flu vaccines weren't as brisk as anticipated. France and other countries reduced orders as the panic over a pandemic eased. Most other large drugmakers have taken similar cost-cutting steps in recent years. Last week, rival Astra Zeneca announced plans to slash an additional 8,000 workers.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Must have on a snowy day!
If you are like us and buried under snow and ice, then you are probably drinking hot chocolate by the gallon too! Here are two things you will wish you had purchased before the storm hit and will make sure to have in time for the next storm!!!! YUM!!!!
LIFE IS GOOD!
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