Probably no one would be interested in this but me. Scooting through the Wall Street Journal, I saw an article on a business that made fabric flowers. I thought, "I remember a family two blocks away, where the Dad ran a company that made fabric flowers." He was silent and full of anger. This was explained to us: "He was in a concentration camp. He has numbers tattooed on his arm." I never saw them, because I never got that close.
Anyway, the company is now owned by his two children, both a little younger than I am.
Perhaps this should remind us to honor these old businesses that make things the old way.
RIP Harold Brand.
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Monday, August 9, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
College Textbook Prices and Big Pharma: International Editions
A while back, I was discussing the scary overpriced textbook trade and compared the industry to Big Pharma. An academic economist made the same point in the New York Times. I was so happy; I've never even taken Econ101.
Here is the comparison made yet again by an on-line seller of textbooks. Just as prescription drugs are cheaper out of the USA, so too college textbooks. You realize, of course, that these are the same books. Oh--the difference is that the International ones are marked International. Based on the comments, I would say that the textbook publishers tried to keep the international books from being sold in the US, just as Big Pharma lobbies to keep international prescription drugs out of the consumer's hands.
# Q: What's an International Edition Textbook?
A: An International Edition Textbook is simply the international counterpart to a US Edition. Most international editions have slightly different covers and many have different ISBNs on the outside covers (although some have the same ISBN as the US edition on the inside). These books were originally created to be sold in different regions, such as England. International edition textbooks have the same pagination and contents as the US Edition. All units and problem sets are guaranteed to be the same, or your money back!
# Q: Why are International Edition Textbooks so much cheaper?
A: Just like prescription medicine, textbooks are much cheaper overseas than in the US. TextbooksRus.com gets a hold of these books and passes the savings on to you!
# Q: Wait a minute, is it legal to buy International Edition Textbooks?
A: Yes! Textbook publishers would love to have people think otherwise, but courts have time and again asserted your right to purchase international editions. Still unsure? The United States Supreme Court recently ruled on this issue. You can find a New York Times article about their decision here
# Q: Why do you sell International Edition Textbooks?
A: Disgruntlement over textbook costs has been growing in the United States as prices have risen. As veterans of the textbook industry, we've seen a massive increase in demand for both used textbooks and especially international edition textbooks by students who are tired of paying $95.00 for an economics book or $140.00 for a chemistry book. They're happier buying the same book for $50.00 in an international edition.
# Q: Do you buyback International Edition Textbooks?
Yes! Just visit our buyback page at the end of your quarter or semester, type in the ISBN of your book and select the international edition copy. We buyback all types of books everyday, and we even pay for your shipping!
# Q: What about CD-ROM's and online access codes? Do International Editions come with these?
A: In most cases, yes. In rare cases, the CD may not be included. If the CD is not included with the book, this will be made clear on the product detail page. If you are sure you're going to need the CD-ROM to complete your class and want to make sure the book includes it, drop us an email at help@textbooksrus.com to make sure. Most professors do not require these materials, since many used books do not come with them.
# Q: This all sounds great, but I'm still not sure because I've never bought an International Edition Textbook before.
No problem, we've prepared some side by side comparisons of the US editions and International Editions. Check them out below!
Note that Amnazon and Half.com do not allow international editions to be sold on the sites. Based on the above info, I would guess that the online computer codes may be an issue if your scholar wants to buy an international edition.
I myself have no experience with these. Frugal Son only had to buy one textbook during his year in France. It cost around $14.00.
Here is the comparison made yet again by an on-line seller of textbooks. Just as prescription drugs are cheaper out of the USA, so too college textbooks. You realize, of course, that these are the same books. Oh--the difference is that the International ones are marked International. Based on the comments, I would say that the textbook publishers tried to keep the international books from being sold in the US, just as Big Pharma lobbies to keep international prescription drugs out of the consumer's hands.
# Q: What's an International Edition Textbook?
A: An International Edition Textbook is simply the international counterpart to a US Edition. Most international editions have slightly different covers and many have different ISBNs on the outside covers (although some have the same ISBN as the US edition on the inside). These books were originally created to be sold in different regions, such as England. International edition textbooks have the same pagination and contents as the US Edition. All units and problem sets are guaranteed to be the same, or your money back!
# Q: Why are International Edition Textbooks so much cheaper?
A: Just like prescription medicine, textbooks are much cheaper overseas than in the US. TextbooksRus.com gets a hold of these books and passes the savings on to you!
# Q: Wait a minute, is it legal to buy International Edition Textbooks?
A: Yes! Textbook publishers would love to have people think otherwise, but courts have time and again asserted your right to purchase international editions. Still unsure? The United States Supreme Court recently ruled on this issue. You can find a New York Times article about their decision here
# Q: Why do you sell International Edition Textbooks?
A: Disgruntlement over textbook costs has been growing in the United States as prices have risen. As veterans of the textbook industry, we've seen a massive increase in demand for both used textbooks and especially international edition textbooks by students who are tired of paying $95.00 for an economics book or $140.00 for a chemistry book. They're happier buying the same book for $50.00 in an international edition.
# Q: Do you buyback International Edition Textbooks?
Yes! Just visit our buyback page at the end of your quarter or semester, type in the ISBN of your book and select the international edition copy. We buyback all types of books everyday, and we even pay for your shipping!
# Q: What about CD-ROM's and online access codes? Do International Editions come with these?
A: In most cases, yes. In rare cases, the CD may not be included. If the CD is not included with the book, this will be made clear on the product detail page. If you are sure you're going to need the CD-ROM to complete your class and want to make sure the book includes it, drop us an email at help@textbooksrus.com to make sure. Most professors do not require these materials, since many used books do not come with them.
# Q: This all sounds great, but I'm still not sure because I've never bought an International Edition Textbook before.
No problem, we've prepared some side by side comparisons of the US editions and International Editions. Check them out below!
Note that Amnazon and Half.com do not allow international editions to be sold on the sites. Based on the above info, I would guess that the online computer codes may be an issue if your scholar wants to buy an international edition.
I myself have no experience with these. Frugal Son only had to buy one textbook during his year in France. It cost around $14.00.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Used Clothing in the Sixteenth Century
In the United States, once an article of clothing or a toy is taken out of the store, it depreciates by about 98%.
It was not always so. Here are the findings of Andrew Gurr, who writes on Shakespeare.
A pair of silk stockings might cost £2 or £4, depending on the quality and purchaser. A woman's gown might cost anything from £7 to £20 or more. The Earl of Leicester* paid £543 for seven doublets and two cloaks, at an average cost for each item rather higher than the price Shakespeare paid for a house in Stratford.
I got this paragraph from a wonderful book by Ann Jones and Peter Stallybrass called Renaissance Clothing and the Materials of Memory.
They detail the value of used clothing in the Renaissance marketplace. An amazing reminder of relative value and shifting value(s).
It was not always so. Here are the findings of Andrew Gurr, who writes on Shakespeare.
A pair of silk stockings might cost £2 or £4, depending on the quality and purchaser. A woman's gown might cost anything from £7 to £20 or more. The Earl of Leicester* paid £543 for seven doublets and two cloaks, at an average cost for each item rather higher than the price Shakespeare paid for a house in Stratford.
I got this paragraph from a wonderful book by Ann Jones and Peter Stallybrass called Renaissance Clothing and the Materials of Memory.
They detail the value of used clothing in the Renaissance marketplace. An amazing reminder of relative value and shifting value(s).
Friday, August 6, 2010
What's It Worth? Depends On Where it is.
Lucy Marmalade and I are still beaming about our trip to Buffalo Exchange. How nice to know that she has a gift card with $250.00 on it for the next year of shopping. We made a huge space in our closets too. Lucy says I'm not allowed to use the term feng shui--and mention that getting rid of stuff releases energy through one's environment. So I won't. But it's true.
One thing that always interests me is the question of value, what something is worth. Everyone who's ever known a dealer in anything has heard "It's worth what someone is willing to pay." In other words, value is determined not by the price tag on the item, but by what someone pays for the item.
Since I regularly go to thrift stores for relaxation and a spa-like feeling, I see lots of great stuff. Since I belatedly discovered the Buffalo Exchange last year, I often buy things that Lucy may or may not like: if she doesn't, I can take it to the Buf for credit. I also picked up a few things I thought we could get credit for: why not? My Goodwill is inundated with merchandise.
That is why I picked up a pair of men's SAS shoes that had never been worn. These are comfy shoes generally worn by old people. They cost around $100.00. I didn't think the Buf would bite, but I bought them anyway. They had been at Goodwill for more than a week. No one seemed to want them.
I also bought a pair of leather pants by Shin Choi, which sported a $538.00 price tag! These turned out to be too small for Lucy. I was sure the Buf would bite.
I usually don't watch when the buyer inspects my offerings: I turn into Chatty Cathy and get annoying. I did see the skinny and ubercool male manager ask the tattooed and also ubercool female other manager: "What are SAS? " "Comfort shoes," she replied, "30." So Lucy got $15.00 in credit. Neat!
When we got home, I looked through our bag of rejects. There were the leather pants, unloved and unwanted. Evidently, they are worth nothing.
Anyone know the technical terms for all this? Any economists out there?
One thing that always interests me is the question of value, what something is worth. Everyone who's ever known a dealer in anything has heard "It's worth what someone is willing to pay." In other words, value is determined not by the price tag on the item, but by what someone pays for the item.
Since I regularly go to thrift stores for relaxation and a spa-like feeling, I see lots of great stuff. Since I belatedly discovered the Buffalo Exchange last year, I often buy things that Lucy may or may not like: if she doesn't, I can take it to the Buf for credit. I also picked up a few things I thought we could get credit for: why not? My Goodwill is inundated with merchandise.
That is why I picked up a pair of men's SAS shoes that had never been worn. These are comfy shoes generally worn by old people. They cost around $100.00. I didn't think the Buf would bite, but I bought them anyway. They had been at Goodwill for more than a week. No one seemed to want them.
I also bought a pair of leather pants by Shin Choi, which sported a $538.00 price tag! These turned out to be too small for Lucy. I was sure the Buf would bite.
I usually don't watch when the buyer inspects my offerings: I turn into Chatty Cathy and get annoying. I did see the skinny and ubercool male manager ask the tattooed and also ubercool female other manager: "What are SAS? " "Comfort shoes," she replied, "30." So Lucy got $15.00 in credit. Neat!
When we got home, I looked through our bag of rejects. There were the leather pants, unloved and unwanted. Evidently, they are worth nothing.
Anyone know the technical terms for all this? Any economists out there?
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Swap Your Closet and Other Frugal Tips
Like many others, we are cleaning up and cleaning out. Back-to-school time seems to inspire the task, especially for us, all in school in one way or another.
Yesterday, Mr. FS and I accompanied Lucy Marmalade to her yearly appointment with Dr. Guarisco, dubbed "my ear's father," since he performed two lengthy and complicated operations on a dangerous condition.
FRUGAL TIP #1: If you have to drive an hour to the big city for an appointment, at least try to do something else while you are there. We decided to have some family time.
FRUGAL TIP #2: After the appointment, we headed on over to Buffalo Exchange with 4 bags of stuff. We got a choice of $150 in cash or $250 in credit. Instead of taking the cash as we usually do, we took the credit to fund future shopping trips for Lucy. This is in line with our vow to buy mostly second-hand this year. Instead of shopping our closet, we are swapping our closet! Cool!
FRUGAL TIP#3: We then headed over to the New Orleans Art Museum, which has free admission for residents on Wednesdays. There are so many free and low-cost things to do in every community. Seek them out.
Yesterday, Mr. FS and I accompanied Lucy Marmalade to her yearly appointment with Dr. Guarisco, dubbed "my ear's father," since he performed two lengthy and complicated operations on a dangerous condition.
FRUGAL TIP #1: If you have to drive an hour to the big city for an appointment, at least try to do something else while you are there. We decided to have some family time.
FRUGAL TIP #2: After the appointment, we headed on over to Buffalo Exchange with 4 bags of stuff. We got a choice of $150 in cash or $250 in credit. Instead of taking the cash as we usually do, we took the credit to fund future shopping trips for Lucy. This is in line with our vow to buy mostly second-hand this year. Instead of shopping our closet, we are swapping our closet! Cool!
FRUGAL TIP#3: We then headed over to the New Orleans Art Museum, which has free admission for residents on Wednesdays. There are so many free and low-cost things to do in every community. Seek them out.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Depreciation Appreciation
A post on depreciation at Early Retirement Extreme got me thinking on the topic of depreciation. Never borrow for depreciating assets is a personal finance truism I've read more than a time or two.
As usual for me, my success with the big stuff has been minimal.
CARS: We used to buy used cars--believing the oft-cited "It depreciates by 20-30% once it's off the lot. We did the math on our used Camry and discovered that we had, in effect, paid for the first owner's depreciation! Desirable cars retain their value and don't depreciate as much as you'd think. We've bought two new cars: a 1998 Camry and a 2003 Civic Hybrid, both still chugging away.
With the small stuff, we've done well. Consumer goods depreciate immediately after purchase and basically retain that value...forever. Unlike the proprietor of ERE, we do not live a minimalist lifestyle. We love owning books and CDs and have a fashionista daughter.
BOOKS: We used to patronize wonderful used bookstores in the various university towns in which we resided. At the time, we thought 50% off books was great! Now, we rarely spend over $1.00, and that's for a hardcover. I guess if we wanted to have a yard sale, we could sell all our 25 cent books for 25 cents. But usually we donate them back.
CDs: These used to be a major expense, but swapacd.com (affiliated with paperbackswap.com) has been a blessing.
CLOTHING: Even fashionista college students can find most of what they want at a good thrift store (luckily, we have one). "Mistakes" can be donated back or--sometimes--swapped at the Buffalo Exchange, which has been around for years, but which we only recently discovered. Lucy Marmalade used credit garnered at the New Orleans store to buy a pair of Frye boots at the San Francisco store.
Oh, how we appreciate depreciation. Do you?
As usual for me, my success with the big stuff has been minimal.
CARS: We used to buy used cars--believing the oft-cited "It depreciates by 20-30% once it's off the lot. We did the math on our used Camry and discovered that we had, in effect, paid for the first owner's depreciation! Desirable cars retain their value and don't depreciate as much as you'd think. We've bought two new cars: a 1998 Camry and a 2003 Civic Hybrid, both still chugging away.
With the small stuff, we've done well. Consumer goods depreciate immediately after purchase and basically retain that value...forever. Unlike the proprietor of ERE, we do not live a minimalist lifestyle. We love owning books and CDs and have a fashionista daughter.
BOOKS: We used to patronize wonderful used bookstores in the various university towns in which we resided. At the time, we thought 50% off books was great! Now, we rarely spend over $1.00, and that's for a hardcover. I guess if we wanted to have a yard sale, we could sell all our 25 cent books for 25 cents. But usually we donate them back.
CDs: These used to be a major expense, but swapacd.com (affiliated with paperbackswap.com) has been a blessing.
CLOTHING: Even fashionista college students can find most of what they want at a good thrift store (luckily, we have one). "Mistakes" can be donated back or--sometimes--swapped at the Buffalo Exchange, which has been around for years, but which we only recently discovered. Lucy Marmalade used credit garnered at the New Orleans store to buy a pair of Frye boots at the San Francisco store.
Oh, how we appreciate depreciation. Do you?
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Cloth Diapers and Education Funds?
I said to my son this evening: Using cloth diapers was the start of your education fund.
He scoffed, but then asked, "How long are kids in diapers?" I gave him the bad news, especially for boys, and multiplied by the two children in our family.
Four total diaper years X the $700/year that plastic diapers cost.
$2800 total or $1400 per child.
Not a bad beginning.
Unlike many writers on frugality, who recommend saving on the big stuff, I think savings accrue from a zillion little decisions.
Do you agree? If so, what were your most effective little decisions?
He scoffed, but then asked, "How long are kids in diapers?" I gave him the bad news, especially for boys, and multiplied by the two children in our family.
Four total diaper years X the $700/year that plastic diapers cost.
$2800 total or $1400 per child.
Not a bad beginning.
Unlike many writers on frugality, who recommend saving on the big stuff, I think savings accrue from a zillion little decisions.
Do you agree? If so, what were your most effective little decisions?
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