Traditionalists might balk, but the holiday shopping season is already underway. Skeptical? Head to your local department store and you'll be inundated by Christmas trees and ornaments. Bargain hunters, though, know that the real deals are more than a month away.
Black Friday, traditionally, is when retailers truly slash prices. Early birds can save hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars off of their holiday bills. Switched.com checked with a few elves, who gave a sneak peek at what you can expect deal-wise this year.
Blu-ray Players and Movies: Blu-ray is shaping up to be the biggest door buster of this year's Black Friday. de Grandpre expects at least one retailer will offer a Blu-ray player for just $49. Look for bargains on Blu-ray films as well, with last year's hit titles (such as "Iron Man") to fall as low as $5.
Laptops: With the proliferation of Netbooks this year, it's never been easier to find affordable portable computing, but Dan de Grandpre, CEO of DealNews.com says it will get even cheaper on Black Friday. Look for well-equipped Netbooks to sell for $199 – and basic 15" laptops to go for as little as $249.
HDTVs (Pretty big): The holidays are typically the best time to buy a new TV – and Black Friday is the time to do it. If you're looking for a normal sized set, you're in luck. Piper Jaffrey analyst Mitch Kaiser says he expects to see 32-inch LCD sets for as low as $299. GottaDeal.com is estimating 37-inch plasma and LCD sets will fall to $399 or less.
HDTVs (Really big): Need something bigger? How about a 46-47 inch LCD set for $599 – a 25 percent savings? Or a 52-inch LCD for $999? Dealnews says you can expect both. Plasma deals will be a little harder to come by, but a 50-inch set should run roughly $899.
HD Camcorders: You've wanted to shoot your child's school play in HD for a while, but haven't been able to spring for the pricey camcorder. This might be the year. Low-end, flash-based 720p models could drop as low as $60 (though you won't be able to zoom with those). Expect a high quality 1080p HD camcorder for $349.
GPS: While navigation systems have dramatically expanded their reach this year – even making it onto the iPhone – there's still a market for car-based systems. Dealnews predicts you'll be able to find a no-name entry-level system for $49, while a Garmin or Tom-Tom brand will be as low as $69.
Digital Picture Frames: Showcasing your digital pictures consistently gets cheaper. This year, skip the 7-inch screens and focus on the 8- or 9-inch ones, which should be available on Black Friday for as little as $30.
Monitors: Computer monitors might not be the sexiest of gifts, but they're usually welcomed with open arms – and they'll be cheap this year. Name brand 22-inch LCD models may go for as low as $99, while 24-inch models will drop below $150.
Memory: Don't know anyone who needs a monitor? External hard drives are always popular, since they're an easy way to back-up data. Dealnews expects a 1TB drive to fall as low as $49 this year. Gottadeal is looking for 8GB flash drives to hit $15.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TVGenius said 10:31AM on 7-06-2009
Yeah, if you read closely, the further you get into the copy you'll notice their 'drug-free' world isn't just referring to the kind you go to jail for, they're referring to legal drugs too.
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Meow Macao said 10:58AM on 7-06-2009
Scientology is much more than just a weird and wacky Hollywood fad, in which celebrities make fools of themselves and provide material for gossip magazines. Beyond its status as a "religion" in the USA, which it obtained through a secret deal with the Internal Revenue Service, and which give it extraordinary benefits not permitted to any other group, Scientology is also a multi-national criminal racket. The average person would be shocked to learn the amount of influence Scientology wields, mostly due to blackmailing and intimidation of government officials. Scientology's primary goals are to "clear the planet" and to "obliterate" the mental health profession, replacing it with Scientology. They are prepared to do this by any means necessary, and are adept in using their many front groups, such as Foundation for a Drug-Free World, Way to Happiness Foundation, CCHR, Narconon, etc. to portray the cult as concerned humanitarians. They are NOT concerned humanitarians. Their criminal organization needs to be shut down. You can learn more at http://www.xenu-directory.net, and get involved in the effort to hold them accountable at http://www.whyweprotest.net
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tana green said 11:51AM on 7-06-2009
Scientology advocates no drugs. Like insulin, like vaccinations. They do not believe in disease. Some kind of pseudo scientific brain(and wallet) control. They are thieves and liars. They certainly make bad friends.
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Ladyluv10100 said 1:09PM on 7-06-2009
hmmm, I am not one that follows any religion, also I am not one to follow rumors or gossip. If you simply go to the about us page on The Way to Happiness site you will clearly see its relationship to L. Ron Hubbard. Not so sure about the unproven claims made like "secret deal with the Internal Revenue Service, and which give it extraordinary benefits not permitted to any other group, Scientology is also a multi-national criminal racket." This seems to be over the top especially when you search under .gov records and cannot find such claims.
Using sites such as http://www.xenu-directory.net, and http://www.whyweprotest.net are not at all reliable. I've notice that not only do you find anti-Scientology information but you will also find Anti-African American information, Anti-Jew information, sexiest comments, and much more. The sites are more Anti-American and Pro KKK / Nazi then anything else.
I think the best way to find the truth is to do your own research. Maybe ask a Scientologist who is actively practicing Scientology and make your own judgment afterwards.
FYI: It seems as though the Scientology YouTube channel are answering questions from commentators. Check it out. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgsFh87RCU0&feature=channel_page
Make your own judgment people. Sites like whyweprotest.net won't give you all the facts. On top of that they are hate group sites that hate everything.
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Kirk Reed said 4:24PM on 7-06-2009
Ask a scientologist such as yourself Ladyluv? I don't think so.
One of scientology's top officials who has left the church has confirmed that the deal with the IRS was made under pressure of thousands of lawsuits against them. Read the St. Petersburg Time articles if you want proof.
Marty Rathbun also confirmed that Miscavige, your tiny, psycho leader beats his staff on a regular basis. Rinder confirmed it.
Brace yourself for a ton of lawsuits headed your way...again.
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Ed C said 7:24PM on 7-07-2009
I understand your desire to alert the public to what you feel is a matter for concern, however this sensationalist article only serves to indicate a misunderstanding and potential bias.
First of all, the fact the organizations are run by Scientologists has been widely understood since their founding. This does not make them "front groups". This is not a new revelation, either. There's nothing covert about it.
Perhaps for your next article, you can take a look at the thousands of Catholic run medical facilities that are covertly passing themselves off as "hospitals", refusing to mention on their main page or in their advertisements that they staff priests, receive funding from Catholics, and even maintain hidden chapels within their building. I think that's your big break into the mainstream. Just tweak the tinfoil hat routine you've got a bit, and the money will be rolling in. Start with this one if you like.
http://www.stmichaelshospital.com/
Not only does it not directly mention the religious nature of it's facility, it further deceives the public by mentioning it's relationship with the University of Toronto, clearly a Vatican indoctrination center run by Jesuits of some kind. You'll find plenty of information just as credible as the Anti-Scientology garbage you've conditioned yourself with about how Jesuits and the Vatican run the world. Don't worry about the Scientologists, the Pope is the real deal. :p
When you're done realizing the ridiculousness of your article, I hope you continue to write about what you are passionate about, perhaps not forgetting to fact check your premise ahead of time.
There are a number of organizations which receive funding from the Church of Scientology, not all of which are even staffed solely by Scientologists. There's nothing secretive about the connections. As you said yourself, L Ron Hubbard is clearly mentioned as it's inspiration. I'm not sure why it is you seem so surprised and disturbed that organizations inspired by the works of L Ron Hubbard might receive funding or have formal or informal ties to the Church of Scientology. Kind of makes sense, wouldn't you agree?
Best of luck,
Ed.
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Mikee said 11:23AM on 7-08-2009
Just another wackjob scientologist defending their crazy religion with the kind of fanatacism that would make an extremist muslim blush.
Nice try, Ed, but you're never going to convince anyone that your scam isn't a scam.
Meow Macao said 2:51PM on 7-06-2009
"Ladyluv10100" is a confirmed Scientologist, usually going by the handles "Louanne," LouanneLee," and "Luana1980." She is a member of Scientology's Office of Special Affairs (OSA), Scientology's internal "intelligence agency" (like the CIA, but crazy, ill-informed and more devious). Yes, this "religion" actually has an internal intelligence agency! Louanne's task is to help produce an endless stream of pro-Scientology press releases, make pro-Scientology comments on message boards, etc. etc.
A very common approach for Scientologists on message boards is to say 'I'm not a Scientologist, but..." As you can see, Ladyluv10100 uses a similar approach: "I am not one that follows any religion..."
Scientology believes that disease, illness and injuries are only caused by the presence of "suppressive persons" near the sick or injured person. If you are sick, it is because someone you know has bad feelings about Scientology.
Nobody really cares what Scientology believes, unless these beliefs cause them to hurt people. Scientology does hurt people, breaking up families, driving people into bankruptcy, etc. etc. etc. That's why this cult needs to be stopped.
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Ed C said 3:17PM on 7-08-2009
I'm sure the irony of your post is lost on you due to years of psych drugs or electroshock treatments.
Scientologists do not go around posting on forums claiming not to be Scientologists. You have not "confirmed" anyone's identity. You are an internet troll, and judging by your comments and user name, you are affiliated with a hate group and pedophile ring named "Anonymous".
If anyone needs to worry about their credibility, it is you and your fellow perverts and criminals, whose practices, legal and otherwise, are now common knowledge.
Meow Macao said 5:33PM on 7-08-2009
>>I'm sure the irony of your post is lost on you due to years of psych drugs or electroshock treatments.
Exactly, Ed C, and don't forget my two lobotomies.
>>Scientologists do not go around posting on forums claiming not to be Scientologists.
Oh yes you do! Stop lying, for once in your life. Also, shouldn't you stop speaking in generalities about "Scientologists"? lol
>>[everything else you said]]
Listen, Ed, Scientology is doomed. It's over. You cannot win. You have already lost. Get used to it, because that's reality.
PS: There are no OT powers. If there were, Anonymous would not exist.
anthony said 5:21PM on 8-16-2009
Scientology!!! please be away from it.. the "bridge", "purification rundown", "auditing", OT levels! feel sorry for weak people that follows this!.. I worked for Scientologists without knowing.. I learnt everything they did and believed as I wanted to investigate.
They are weird people and very abusive...don't believe in law, they use their own rules, don't believe in illness, and for them everything is the "cosmos" and a "suppresive person" that causes the bad cosmos.. !! I was kicked out of their company because I got ill and had to take medication drugs.. Their way of management is crap, full of stupid theories, and they apply formulas for everything!.. including managing your own life. They think they can fix everything.. if you are ill they will give you assists, touches, etc.. all that scientology crap that for them is enough!..
They hate doctors.. and don't allow you to see one.. a girl I knew almost died of peritonitis because their scientologist parents didn't take her to hospital and themselves and another healer were curing her with their crap.. until it was almost too late and they had to call the ambulance.. believe what! they complaint about the hosptitals being crap! and blaimed the Doctors for being useless with the treatment.. because the operation was complicated as she already had peritonitis stupid people!!!!.. the doctors did the job they would never do and saved her life!!! idiots....
And no mention the stupid OT levels, OT = Operative Tethan.. or in other words with Extraterrestrial Powers...
They will trap you to start the bridge and start stealing your money until it's too late.. perhaps they make you sign the "life-time" contract to join their staff..
Scientology is the most dangerous cult Ive ever seen.. BE CAREFUL of "FREE STRESS TESTS" that you can find at events, etc.. they only steal your information, make you buy books and then you became a victim registered in their database! They use stupid machines called EMETERS that they believe they read your thoughts!.. how stupid that is!! reading thoughts is not possible, yet they belived on that and make you believe too.. but they mask this as STRESS tests.. to get u interested so then you can be an easy target.
Jeanne said 11:06PM on 7-06-2009
Yeah, real secretive. I guess that's why Scientology promotes that they sponsor all of these programs on the Scientology site at http://www.scientology.org -- so no one will know the relationship and they will have to "discover" it. Duh.
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xenubarb said 10:57AM on 7-07-2009
Of course Scientology boasts about Narconon on its main website.
But your statement is a bit disingenuous, because strangely, Narconon websites don't mention any connection at all, or they flat out deny it. Or they state that their program is "based on the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard."
There are many videos online showing Narconon representatives denying any connection with Scientology.
And (here's the kicker) people seeking help with substance abuse problems are more likely to visit a Narconon site than Scientology's self-serving PR pages.
So, that's a big fat 'duh' back at you, "Jeanne."
You admen who are reading this can see how the Scientology patter (and it is a patter, the tactics are written and drilled by the Scientologists allowed on the internet to defend their cult) depends upon the public's mental laziness to promote itself. In this example, one might visit Scientology.org and confirm that they do brag about Narconon on their website. But will they then search out Narconon websites to discern whether this is a two way promotional street?
Chances are, they wouldn't.
The Scientology promotional machine absolutely depends upon half-truths and laziness to hoodwink the public and officials into swallowing their misleading bolonium.
xenubarb said 4:31PM on 7-07-2009
Scientology and its front group Narconon have been so widely exposed, the organization has been forced to resort to dishonest, covert recruitment for its drug rehab program.
By putting up websites purporting to be "drug education and referral" sites, they promote Narconon by recommending it to concerned family members seeking help and information.
Here is a recent account of one such case; a woman who was steered to Narconon while seeking help for her husband. She had no idea that Narconon is associated with Scientology, and is now suing for a refund in court.
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2009/07/06/18605842.php
It's an interesting article, and exposes this scam for what it is; Scientology training without any relationship to drug education or rehabilitation.
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shawn said 10:35PM on 7-08-2009
I have been a Microsoft Systems Architect/Engineer for nearly 15 years. I mostly work on improving the conditions and workability of a given Microsoft environment for large corporate infrastructures. I typically work with large teams, from stakeholders, engineers, administrators, help desk folks, etc. By sheer virtue of my particular position, it is my job to observe (discover) non-optimal situations which require change or sometimes immediate aggressive means to remediate. If these problems involved others, which 99% of the time does, I would find myself in the unfortunate situation of second and third guessing my own knowledge, or becoming hesitant to respond or communication. I absolutely hated "rocking the boat" (even though sometimes it is necessary). I hated creating waves. For nearly 10 years, despite being a fairly effective Microsoft expert, I couldn't get free of this cage. This was my dilemma, my ruin! I couldn't get past this despite all my experience and knowledge. This problem wasn't just localized to my job, but also barred me from being completely effective in my marriage, with my parents and friends.
LRH says: "It could be said that the purpose of therapy is to awaken a person in every period of his life when he has been forced into 'unconsciousness'. Dianetics wakes people up."
After a specific and targeted set of Scientology sessions which provides relief from the hostiles and sufferings of life, my hesitation with my job, my marriage, family, friends, etc completely and utterly vanished. The all so familiar coping was just gone. The “second guessing” introversions evaporated. Not where I had to think about it, but was actually gone. Kinda like one day you realize you haven’t had or needed that old pair of sneakers – you shrug and move on. I had completely gotten rid of my hesitations, the back-off which had troubled and hampered my abilities for such a long, long time.
I could probably write a fairly hefty novel on how Dianetics and Scientology has improved my life, response time, IQ, ability to think quicker, etc. Some people don't believe hope is possible – heck, just look around! Those groups or people who utter otherwise are wrong! Help and Improvement is possible.
Pick any topic of your choosing- if you want to find out about cancer, Hinduism, computers, Pepsi, the KKK or any topic, perhaps their philosophies, beliefs, practices, products, etc, the absolute WORST place to get the TRUE skinny would be a disgruntled person or a “hate” website. Due to the enormous amount of false data available on the web, these sources are seldom reliable sources. If one really wants accurate data on a subject, read a book on the topic, or perhaps visit their website. Go to the library and check out a book. I’m personally intrigued by those who try to discourage people from finding out. Feel free to visit any Church of Scientology, and walk around. It’s a free country isn’t it? Look for yourself and believe what you see and know, not what others think or tell you (including me). Look for yourself.
www.Scientology.org
Thank you and warmest regards,
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Meow Macao said 12:47AM on 7-09-2009
The "Church" of Scientology is a vicious and dangerous cult that masquerades as a religion. Its purpose is to make money. It practices a variety of mind-control techniques on people lured into its midst to gain control over their money and their lives. It was started in the 1950s by a science fiction writer named L. Ron Hubbard in fulfilment to his declared aim to start a religion to make money.
Scientology is a confused concoction of crackpot, dangerously applied psychotherapy, oversimplified, idiotic and inapplicable rules and ideas and science-fiction drivel that is presented to its members (at the "advanced" levels) as profound spiritual truth.
The results of applying their crackpot psychotherapy (called "auditing") is to weaken the mind. The mind goes from a rational state to an irrational one as the delusional contents of the subconscious mind are brought to the surface and are assumed to be valid. It also makes a person more susceptible to suggestion since it submerges the critical thinking faculties of the mind into a partial subconscious state. It results in a permanent light hypnotic trance, and thenceforth that person can be more easily controlled. The person will, to a much greater extent, believe and do whatever they are told. And of course this is used to the full in persuading them to hand over further money and dedicating themselves further to the cult.
The results of applying their oversimplified and inapplicable rules in life is to lose the ability to think rationally and logically. A person loses the ability to think for themselves and so they lose the ability to challenge incorrect ideas. This makes them easier to control. It also isolates and alienates the person from society so that they withdraw from normal society and into their "Scientology" society. This further increases their susceptibility to the influence of their group. They end up being afraid of society, believing all society to be controlled by a group of drug companies, psychiatrists and financiers all of whom report to more remote masters. In other words they are in a state of mass paranoia. They therefore avoid reading newspapers and the like since they fear it will disturb their safe Scientology world. It is a downward spiral into madness.
The science fiction content of Scientology is revealed to them after they have reached the state they call "Clear", meaning freed from the aberrations of the mind. However, perhaps "brainwashed" would be a more applicable word to describe the mental state of someone who has survived the near entire delusional contents of their subconscious mind brought to the surface and presented to them as "truth". On the "advanced" levels (called OT levels) above the state of "Clear" they encounter the story of Xenu. Xenu was supposed to have gathered up all the overpopulation in this sector of the galaxy, brought them to Earth and then exterminated them using hydrogen bombs. The souls of these murdered people are then supposed to infest the body of everyone. They are called "body thetans". On the advanced levels of Scientology a person "audits out" these body thetans telepathically by getting them to re-experience their being exterminated by hydrogen bombs. So people on these levels assume all their bad thoughts and faulty memories are due to these body thetans infesting every part of their body and influencing them mentally. Many Scientologists go raving mad at this point if they have not done so already.
On a superficial level, the Church of Scientology seems reasonable. The insane content of it is only revealed to a person when the early stuff has done its work and made them more susceptible. After a short while a person "believes" that Scientology is doing them good. They are then persuaded to help their new-found group further by donating money and/or working for the organisation for almost no money. Many people do exactly that.
"Ethics" is used to good effect to trap a person. A person's natural tendency to do good is worked upon. Yes - they want to be more ethical, but what is ethical? This is where a clever trick is pulled! "Ethics" is redefined by Scientology in such a way that to be ethical is to be a better Scientologist and obey the "church". Young people, not yet made cynical through the machinations of life and politics, are very keen to contribute to the world and to be ethical. So the "ethics" trick works easily into persuading them to join the "church". Many of them join an elite group called the "Sea Org" where they become brainwashed slaves. There they work a hundred hour week for almost no pay. There they are subject to every cruel whim of their masters. It is a living hell that they endure because of the conditioning they have received and this now perverted sense of ethics that they have accepted. The "Sea Org" is the ultimate in brainwashed slavery. They are expected to work harder and harder to achieve ever higher targets of production. If they fail to meet their targets there are various penalties. One of them is to be put onto a diet of beans and rice and to miss sleep. Another is to be sentenced to a period on the RPF (Rehabilitation Project Force). This is the equivalent to "hard labour". Such is the extent of their brainwashing that they actually write "success stories" when they complete their sentences.
There is no doubt at all that L. Ron Hubbard incorporated brainwashing techniques into Scientology to put people under his control. He even wrote a "brainwashing manual" which is still in existence today. However there was a cruel twist in his scheme. He fell victim of it himself. In creating his devoted slaves, the Sea Org, he created an audience that believed every word he said. Now L. Ron Hubbard had an over-active imagination plus delusions of grandeur. The negative feedback he would obtain by being part of normal society was replaced by the positive feedback from his devoted followers. Through this his imagination got the better of him and combined with his delusions of grandeur, his thinking became increasingly bizarre which, on acceptance, led on to more bizarre thinking and the idea that he and Scientology had the job of saving the entire universe. He wanted to take over the world in order to further Scientology's aims to save the universe and so branches of Scientology were set up to try to influence governments and gain positions where they could influence to world to a high degree.
So, what started out as a mass confidence trick backed up with brainwashing became a monstrous and insane organisation with fantastic, fanatical ideals. Because of this change, the Church of Scientology survived the death of their founder. It is like a runaway monster machine that tramples on society and people's lives that is very difficult to stop.
http://leavescientology.blogspot.com/
http://askthescientologist.blogspot.com/
http://www.xenu-directory.net/
Vic said 11:10AM on 7-09-2009
I’m not a Scientologist, but have looked in to its beliefs. I certainly have seen a bit of unjustified slanderous crap coming from a select few of Xenu and Anonymous crazed followers – seems to be the same bunch too.
Xenu or whoever your are - Via uTube, MySpace, etc. I've been approached by a few goons like you (cycling through false aliases), who hide behind masks and false names, attempting to recruit people into your little cult for a sum of money. Over drinks, several friends have mentioned experiencing same unwelcomed offers too.
I'm curious; how much are you paid, and by whom, to surf from sight to sight to sight to sight to sight (cowarding behind your protective and safe keyboard) to go after Scientology?
Mr. Hubbard’s drug rehab (Narconnon) technology saved my son’s life! He would be dead otherwise! I will forever be grateful to those underpaid folks who cared enough to help!
Until you and your little band of idiotic followers decide to really do something to help, other than make trouble, SHUT the heck up. Leave this arena to the professionals who know how to really make a difference.
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Meow Macao said 11:09PM on 7-09-2009
Hilarious posting!
Meow Macao said 11:50PM on 7-09-2009
#4
Ladyluv10100 said 1:09PM on 7-06-2009
hmmm, I am not one that follows any religion, [+ Scientology propaganda]
#5
Meow Macao said 2:51PM on 7-06-2009
A very common approach for Scientologists on message boards is to say 'I'm not a Scientologist, but..." As you can see, Ladyluv10100 uses a similar approach: "I am not one that follows any religion..."
#6
Ed C said 3:17PM on 7-08-2009
Scientologists do not go around posting on forums claiming not to be Scientologists.
#16
Vic said 11:10AM on 7-09-2009
I’m not a Scientologist, but... [+ Scientology propaganda]
Ed C said 4:09PM on 7-09-2009
"Meow Macao", or should I say "Dr. Lilly Von Marcab".
Again more irony as you suggest "Stop lying for once in your life". I believe some might call that "projection". Something you should be familiar with, I assume, as an individual who has flooded the internet with false news stories claiming to be a psychiatrist, which by the way is illegal.
If I were you, I'd hope nobody contacts the institution you claim to have received your "psychiatric training" at for a comment. I suspect they would frown upon a mentally disturbed individual affiliated with criminal, child abusing groups such as yourself passing themselves off as a PhD graduate.
Hope you're behind "7 proxies". If not, you might want to come up with a background story. Psychiatrist is a protected title. That's something you should have looked into before appropriating it and illegally passing yourself off as a doctor. If I were you, I'd focus on your more immediate reality before it catches up to you.
The only one who has been "lying" here is you.
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