Latin Post

First Posted: Apr 01, 2014 12:02 PM EDT

Plenty of attention has been given to the Samsung Galaxy S5 ever since it was recently unveiled, but what does this mean for Android users who still have its predecessor, the Samsung Galaxy S4?

One thing that we can expect right away is price cuts. The Galaxy S4 will eventually be phased out -- not quite yet -- but in the meantime people can keep their eyes peeled for specials and deals that could make a big difference.

One special deal to keep an eye out for is the accessories deal at Deal News. As of now, the tech giant is offering a special deal that allows customers to buy 3 or more accessories and in turn they receive a discount ranging from $5-30. Already among things that have been discounted include the Case-Mate Case for the Samsung Galaxy S4. According to Best Buy, the original price was $149.99 but now it has dropped down to $115.98.

In other sales, T-Mobile is offering the Samsung Galaxy S4 in a special deal that allows users to pay $26 per month instead of the $624 full retail price. No money is required up front in this particular deal. Even better, Sprint is offering users the phone for only $49.99 as long as people agree to a special two-year service agreement.

All in all, this is a great time to get the phone if you are someone who is willing to wait and does not mind getting the older version. Although getting an older version of a phone does not exactly sound desirable, it is more common than people might imagine; iPhone 4, iPhone 4s, and the iPhone 5 are all out of date but those are some of the most commonly seen phones in public right now. The companies update the phones so often that it is simply impossible for many people to keep up with each update.

On the Apple side, you can also find cases for your iPhone 5s. Amazon offers the Life Proof case for a variety of different prices hovering around the $80 range. The Life Proof case is special because it is water proof, shock proof, snow proof, dirt proof -- you get the idea. It basically can make it through anything. You can buy the 16 GB iPhone 5s for only $199 on Apple.com. This gives you the opportunity to jailbreak your phone (Evad3rs.com) and this is special considering that other brands of smartphones do not have the same capabilities.

What do you think about the new Samsung Galaxy S5 compared to the iPhone? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

Colleges that offer the best return on your investment

Art majors can get the most bang for their buck at Columbia University.

At a time of rising tuition and soaring college debt, the school students choose can make a big difference to their long-term financial health, according to a report on which colleges offer the Deal Today return on investment.

Harvey Mudd College, a private college in Claremont, Calif., offers students the biggest bang for their higher-education buck, according to the report from PayScale, a website that tracks pay data. During the first 20 years after getting a degree, graduates can expect to come out $1.1 million ahead of peers who skipped college and went straight to work after high school.

But return on investment depends a lot on a student's major.

For computer science majors, Stanford University offers the best deal, with a return of $1.7 million over the first 20 years of their career.

Related: Graduate student loans are ballooning

Education majors, on the other hand, may not make as much as computer scientists after graduation, but they can get the most for their money at Montclair State University in New Jersey. Education alums can expect a $189,000 return on their investment during the first 20 years after earning a degree.

"We need people to be teachers and social workers," said Katie Bardaro, an economist at PayScale. "But if you want to go into those fields, you need to understand the income potential so you can make the right choice about taking out loans and where you go to school."

Related: 529 college savings hits record high

Majors in liberal arts programs also can enjoy much better income potential if they pick the right school. Political science majors at Texas A&M University, for example, earn a 20-year return of almost $600,000 on average. At Columbia University, art graduates can expect to earn a return of about $478,000 on their investment.

In general, students who get the best bang for their buck major in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) -- and attend schools with well-known programs that help with job placement.

"When it comes to earnings, yes, it's all about STEM," said Bardaro.

PayScale's study looked at how much a college grad earned over the first 20 years of their career, minus the cost of tuition, room, board and books, taking financial aid into account. PayScale then compared that number to the pay of a high school grad who worked for 24 to 26 years.

First Published: March 26, 2014: 9:52 AM ET

Tanzania should strike fair deals with partners

<Deal Todayp>

REPRESENTATIVES of several firms from the Netherlands recently visited Tanzania and expressed their interest to invest in various areas including energy, infrastructure and transport sectors.

The representatives from Mammoet and other Dutch firms were in Tanzania to explore opportunities and were impressed by the country's economic outlook, particularly recent discoveries of natural gas.

One of the members of the delegation, Mr Ralph Lobbe, pointed out that the mission had already visited Mozambique, where like in Tanzania, there were also massive discoveries of natural gas. The Dutch have vast experience in oil and gas industry.

It is for this reason that Tanzania stands to benefit extensively from the cooperation with the Dutch firms. What is important is to ensure that proper preparations are done in exploitation of natural gas and fair agreements were reached with the development partners.

Just like all other investors, the Dutch firms are here in search of good, if not best returns for their investments. Tanzanian negotiators are also duty bound to vigilantly see to it that the country benefits as well.

Much as fiscal and other incentives are part and parcel of the promotion of investments, they must be done prudently to ensure the win-win situation prevailed to all parties involved.

Various commentators have repeatedly warned against agreements that might lead to losses and small achievements, leaving foreigners enjoy windfall profits as was the case with mining contracts.

The country currently boasts of having more than 40 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of natural gas reserves, but the truth is that such resources are not infinite.

At one point all these resources will be exhausted and the country is going to remain with nothing. For this reason we should use every cubic feet of natural gas obtained very wisely.

It is hoped that local institutions will be adequately involved in the process of exploitation of natural gas through the government, public institutions and in some cases private firms.

It is encouraging to note that some foreign contractors in natural and energy projects are involving local firms by subcontracting part of their work. This is a good spirit that must be applauded and allowed to continue.

The TouchArcade Show - 147 - A Quick GDC Wrap Up

<Amazon Dealimg src="http://toucharcade.com/wp-content/plugins/lazy-load/images/1x1.trans.gif">

As we mentioned last week, things were going to be a little weird with this week's episode of the podcast. Jared and I actually recorded this in our hotel room. The audio quality isn't great, but we figured you guys needed something in your podcast feeds. We chat about our favorite games of the week, what we're looking forward to, why Seabeard is so awesome, and my personal highlight: Meeting Flappy Bird creator Dong Nguyen.

Don't forget to shoot us emails with any questions, feedback, or anything else relevant or irrelevant to podcast@toucharcade.com. We read 'em all, even if they don't make it into the podcast. As always, you can listen to us with the links below... And if you like what you hear, please subscribe and/or drop us a review in iTunes. Much appreciated!

iTunes Link: The TouchArcade Show
Zune Marketplace: TouchArcade.com Podcasts
RSS Feed: The TouchArcade Show
Direct Link: TouchArcadeShow-147.mp3, 47.2MB

We'll be back with a full episode next week, so be sure to stick around for that.

Best St. Patrick's Day 2014 Deals and Discounts

St. Patrick's Day 2014 is right around the corner on March 17, and it's the perfect time to show your Irish side by sporting - and saving - some green. It's a great opportunity to get out and have some fun without needing to touch your savings account.

Related: Ally Bank High-Yield Deposit Accounts Help You Save Money

In partnership with BeFrugal.com, GOBankingRates rounded up some of the best St. Patrick's Day deals to help you show off your holiday spirit and hold onto your pot of gold.

St. Patrick's Day Deals & Freebies for Food & Gifts

• 1-800-Baskets: Get 15% off select St. Patrick's Day gifts with the Review LUCKY15 through 3/17.
• 1-800-FLOWERS: Promo code LUCKYSVNTN will get shoppers 17% off St. Patrick's Day flowers and gifts through 3/18.
• 7-Eleven: Text "DIETCOKE1″ to 711711 to get a small free Diet Coke Slurpee.
• Bonefish Grill: This coupon is good for $10 off a purchase of two lunch entrees through 3/29.
• Carvel: Get $2 off any cake (excludes small squares) at participating locations with this coupon. Expires 3/31.
• Cheryl's: This cookie gift seller offers a range of St. Paddy's Day-themed sweets, and promo code SPRNGSHIP will get shoppers free shipping through 5/11.
• Del Taco: Buy a bacon or sausage Egg & Cheese Muffin and get a second free with their on-site coupon. Good through 4/2.
• FTD.com:This gift site's St. Patrick's Day Sale has marked down gifts for the holiday, including chocolate-covered strawberries, Irish-themed jewelry, and flower bouquets. Markdown already applied, no coupon needed.
• Honey Dew Donuts: Get a green Pistachio Muffin for $.99 with coupon at participating locations through 3/31.
• Kay Jewelers: Select styles of St. Patrick's Day-themed, gold and green jewelry is discounted up to 50% for the jeweler's St. Patrick's Day Sale, through 3/17.
• Mimis Cafe: Buy one lunch or dinner entree and two beverages, and get a second entree free with this printable coupon. Valid through 3/23.
• Papa John's: Promo code SAVE25 will apply a 25% discount to all regular-priced menu items on an order placed on the pizza chain's website.
• Quiznos: Get $1 off a large sub or salad purchase with coupon, through 3/21. Coupon available on Quiznos website.
• Olive Garden: A free dessert will come with the purchase of entree when patrons use this coupon through 3/30.
• Red Lobster: Get a coupon for $10 off two Lobsterfest entrees by filling out a form on their website. Coupons expire 4/13.
• Regal Cinemas: Coupon is available on this link to claim a free small popcorn from the theater's concession stand through 3/27.
• Scoutmob Shoppe: Promo code STPADDY10 will get shoppers 10% off a collection of beer- and whiskey-themed items to honor St. Paddy's Day. Expires 3/17.
• Shari's Berries: Get 15% off a $29+ order of St. Patrick's Day chocolate-covered strawberries, pretzels and cake pops.
• Things Remembered: Get a set of four monogrammed Irish Coffee Mugs on sale for $25 through 4/6.

St. Patrick's Day Sales to Shop This Weekend

• American Apparel: 25% off St. Patrick's Day styles when using promo code LUCKY at checkout. Offer ends 3/17.
• BCBGeneration: Select items are up to 40% through 3/17 for the store's St. Patrick's Day sale. Plus, use the coupon code WELCOME2013 at checkout to get 20% off the order.
• Champion:Use promo code OFFER75 to get 20% off orders of $75 or more.
• Claire's: St. Patrick's Day 2014 items are buy one, get one free. Expires 3/17, no coupon code needed.
• Expedia: For a last-minute St. Patrick's Day celebration, Expedia is offering steep discounts on hotel rooms in Chicago for the holiday through 3/17.
• EXPRESS: Through 3/16, get 30% off online or in-store purchases with promo code 1258.
• HarryPotterShop.com: Harry Potter-themed apparel and collectibles are 17% off through 3/18.
• H&M: Get 20% off one item with coupon code 1616.
• PETCO: Get 17% off a $49+ order and free shipping through 3/17 when you use the promo code SHAMROCK.
• Roaman's: Promo code RDSTPATRICK will get choppers 30% off any order through 3/17.
• Samsonite: Get 20% off select items with an order of $100+, along with free shipping, by using promo code STPATS20. Expires 3/17.
• SmartWool: A 17% discount is applied to an entire order with promo code O'WOOLIES. Expires 3/17.
• Sperry Top-Sider: Purchase of green items earn shoppers free shipping with promo code GREENFS through 3/17.
• Stride Rite: This children's shoe retailer is offering 17% off one regular-priced item with the promo code GREEN17 on St. Patrick's Day only.
• Target, Corp.: Save up to 30% on home items. Use the code SAVE10 to get $10 off a $50+ purchase through 3/22.
• ThinkGeek: Get a free St. Patrick's Day Shirt with an order of $40 or more through 3/17, with the code ELVISH. Or buy the t-shirt by itself for only $5. And in honor of Pi Day and Einstein's birthday, the site is also offering a 20% discount on orders of $40 or more with the code PINSTEIN. All offers expire 3/17.

IPO Preview: Coupons.com

• Provides digital coupons.
• For Q4 2013 coup's P/E is less than Retailmenot's (SALE).
• SALE is up 73% since December 9, 2013.

Update: Since this article was submitted COUP priced at $16, the conclusion remains the same.

Based in Mountain View, CA, Coupons.com (COUP) scheduled a $130 million IPO on the NYSE with a market capitalization of $945 million at a price range midpoint of $13 for Friday, March 7, 2014.

The full IPO calendar is available at IPOpremium.

SEC Documents
Manager, Joint managers: Goldman Sachs, Allen & Company, BofA Merrill Lynch, RBC Capital Markets

Co-Managers: None

Summary
COUP operates a leading digital promotion platform that connects great brands and retailers with consumers.

COUP loss % of revenue was -7% in 2013, an improvement from -53% in 2013, and COUP moved to profitability in its seasonally strong December quarter.

The decrease in loss rate for all of 2013 was partially due to COUP's cutting sales and marketing expense to $62 million from $64 million, while top line revenue increased 50% to $168 million from $112 million.

It's unusual for an IPO to cut absolute sales and marketing expenses going into an IPO.

However, both companies were profitable in the December, 2013 quarter, with COUP having a lower P/E ratio, 158 to 340.

Valuation

The only public competitor is in the digital coupon segment is Retailmenot ( SALE), which IPO'd July 18, 2013 at $21 and closed the first day at $27.70 up 32%. It later peaked at $39.10 September 24, 2013 then fell.

On December 9, 2013 SALE was $26, and Feb 25 it closed at $45 up 73%, perhaps in anticipation of COUP's IPO shining an IPO light on the digital coupon space.

Conclusion
The first company to IPO in the digital coupon space was Retailmenot July 18th, 2013.

SALE is up 73% from December 9, 2013. See 'valuation' and chart below.

81% of SALE's float is owned by institutions, many of whom can be expected to add COUP to their portfolio as a way to play the digital coupon space.

Based on annualizing the December 2013 quarter, COUP is priced at a lower P/E than SALE, 158 to 340. Based on full 2013 year results SALE showed a profit and COUP showed a loss.

The rating on COUP is buy on the IPO.

To put the conclusions and observations in context, the following is reorganized, edited and summarized from the full S-1 referenced above.

SALE does have a higher gross margin of 94% compared to 73% based on the December, 2013 quarter.

Both SALE and COUP are seasonal businesses, because they get most of their profits in the December quarter.

Groupon is not in the same business league because GRPN's gross margin % of revenue is only 15%, which is not in the same ballpark as SALE and COUP.

Business
COUP operates a leading digital promotion platform that connects great brands and retailers with consumers.

During 2013, COUP generated revenue from over 1.3 billion transactions in which consumers selected a digital coupon or redeemed a coupon code offered through COUP's platform, an increase of 43% over the same period in 2012.

Market

In 2013, 315 billion total coupons were distributed, representing an aggregate discount value of $510 billion, with 2.8 billion redeemed representing an aggregate discount value of $3.5 billion, according to an annual industry report by NCH Marketing Services, Inc., or NCH, a provider of coupon audit and settlement services. Increasingly, CPGs (consumer package goods) and retailers are directing a greater proportion of their spending to digital promotions.

COUP's platform

COUP's platform serves three key constituencies:

• More than 700 CPGs (consumer packaged goods) representing over 2,000 brands;
• Retailers operating approximately 58,000 store locations in North America; and
• Consumers who (I) made an average of 17 million monthly unique visits to Coupons.com and COUP's other sites during 2013, (ii) visited the sites of COUP's CPGs, retailers and publishers, and (III) downloaded COUP's mobile apps more than seven million times.

Digital delivery
COUP delivers digital coupons to consumers, including coupons and Deal Now, and display advertising through its platform which includes web, mobile and social channels, as well as those of CPGs (consumer packaged goods), retailers, and COUP's extensive network of 30,000 third-party websites, or publishers, that display COUP's coupon and advertising offerings on their websites.

Platform distribution

COUP's platform distributes digital promotions at scale across multiple channels enabling CPGs and retailers to deliver promotions and media advertisements to consumers at the point when they are most engaged and likely to make a purchasing decision.

COUP's platform is comprised of promotional channels, including COUP's Digital FSI Network, which is COUP's network of owned and third-party websites that display COUP's coupons and advertising offerings, retail point of sale solutions, mobile solutions, publishing tools, which enhance the effectiveness of the promotions offered, and media advertising.

COUP's secure technology gives CPGs control over the number of coupons distributed and the number of CPG-authorized activations per coupon, which enhances the security of digital coupons.

Revenue generation
COUP generates revenues primarily from digital promotion transactions.

Each time a consumer selects a digital coupon on COUP's platform by either printing it for physical redemption at a retailer or saving it to a retailer online account for automatic digital redemption, COUP is paid a fee that is not dependent on the digital coupon being redeemed.

For coupon codes, COUP is paid a fee when a consumer makes a purchase using a coupon code from the platform. If COUP delivers a digital coupon or coupon code on a retailer's website or through its loyalty reward program, or the website of a publisher, COUP generally pays a distribution fee to the retailer or publisher which is included in cost of revenues.

COUP also generates advertising revenues through the placement of online advertisements from CPGs and retailers which are displayed with coupon offerings on COUP's websites and those of publishers.

COUP is paid a fee for the display of advertisements on a per impression or a per click basis. Advertising placements are generally sold as part of insertion orders for coupons as an integrated sale and not as a separate transaction.

Customers

CPG (consumer package goods) customers include many of the leading food, beverage, drug, personal and household product manufacturers.

COUP primarily generates revenue from CPGs through coupons offered through COUP's platform and to a lesser degree, through the display of advertising.

COUP retailers include leading grocery, drug and mass market merchandisers which distribute and accept coupons offered through COUP's platform.

COUP retailers also include a broad range of specialty stores, including clothing, electronics, home improvement and many others which offer codes through our platform.

Growth Plan

• Increase revenues from CPGs (consumer papackaged goods) already on COUP's platform.
• Deepen integration of retailers with COUP's platforms.
• Grow the current core CPG and retailer customer base and add new manufacturers and retailers from additional industry segments.
• Continue to grow consumer use of COUP's digital promotion offerings.
• Grow international operations.

Dividend Policy

No dividends are planned

Intellectual Property

As of December 31, 2013, COUP holds or has exclusive rights to 14 issued patents in the United States and nine patents that have been issued outside of the United States with terms expiring between 2016 and 2031.

Additionally, COUP has 45 patent applications pending in the United States and as well as additional patent applications pending in Europe and other international jurisdictions.

Competition

COUP competes against a variety of different businesses with respect to different aspects of its business, including:

traditional offline coupon and discount services, as well as newspapers, magazines and other traditional media companies that provide coupon promotions and discounts on products and

services in free standing inserts or other forms, including Valassis Interactive, Inc., News America Marketing Interactive, Inc. and Catalina Marketing Corporation;

providers of digital coupons such as Valassis' Redplum.com and News America Marketing's SmartSource, companies that offer coupon codes such as RetailMeNot, Inc, Exponential Interactive Inc.'s TechBargains, Savings.com, Inc. and Ebates Performance Marketing, Inc., and companies providing other e-commerce based services that allow consumers to obtain direct or indirect discounts on purchases;

Internet sites that are focused on specific communities or interests that offer coupons or discount arrangements related to such communities or interests; and companies offering other advertising and promotion related services.

5% stockholders

• Steven R. Boal 10.81%
• Michael Walsh 5.22%
• Passport Ventures, LLC 22.56%
• Entities affiliated with T. Rowe Price 11.66%
• Entities affiliated with Warren Spieker, Jr. 8.41%
• Abu Dhabi Investment Council 5.82%
• SMALLCAP World Fund, Inc. 5.25%

Use of proceeds

COUP expects to net $116.6 million from its IPO. Proceeds are allocated as follows:

• primarily for general corporate purposes, including working capital, sales and marketing activities, general and administrative matters and capital expenditures.
• for the acquisition of, or investment in, technologies, solutions or businesses that complement its business, although we have no present commitments or agreements to enter into any acquisitions or investments at this time.
• satisfy COUP's anticipated tax withholding and remittance obligations related to the settlement of COUP's outstanding RSUs.

Disclaimer: This AQXP IPO report is based on a reading and analysis of AQXP's S-1 filing, which can be found here, and a separate, independent analysis by IPOpremium.com. There are no unattributed direct quotes in this article.

Milk price, production comparison tool

Dairy producers are often exposed to not only the highly variable nature of milk Price Compare, but also the highly variable costs of the feeds they supply to their herds. This variability often creates a situation where dairy farmers are tasked with making many choices affecting milk production and feed costs without being able to visualize the outcome.

Milk price is affected by several factors including milk volume, milk components (fat, protein, and other solids), and any bonuses or deductions applicable to the producer. While milk volume is important, many of the performance indicators of today's industry overlook the value of a herd with slightly lower milk volume and higher solids. Additionally, feed choice may have an impact on milk volume or solids. The effect of using different feeds to boost milk volume or milk solids is not only hard to calculate, but also to compare and contrast.

An example of this situation would be a farmer making the decision to spend more money on new feeds to boost component production. If this feed were to increase the production of milk solids, it may be more economically justifiable than the current feed, even if it costs more. This new feed could be more economically justifiable if it increased milk components, milk pay price, and income over feed cost values.

In order to visualize and quantify the economic impact of changes to milk volume, milk composition, milk price, and feed costs to dairy farm profitability, the University of Kentucky and DFA have developed a dashboard tool. This tool can be found at: http://afsdairy.ca.uky.edu/productioncomparison.

This tool allows farmers to quantify the difference slight changes in milk production and component levels could have on milk price. An additional feature of this tool is to compare feed costs, and their impact on milk income. Within this tool, you will find places to input production values, milk check values, and feed costs. From these inputs, economic values are computed, giving a better picture of the viability of herds with varying milk prices and feed costs.

In short, this tool will then allow you to:

• Calculate your milk price
• Compare possible production scenarios and their effects on milk price
• Compare income over feed costs between different production and feed cost situations

Instructions

The arrows on the following pages will help to direct you in using the actual Milk Price and Production Comparison Tool. While the arrows in the following pages will not appear on the actual tool, using these pages as a guide will assist you in utilizing each element of the tool to its fullest potential.

Flipkart hits $1 billion in sales, a year ahead of schedule

BANGALORE: Indian ecommerce flag bearer Flipkart has hit $1 billion in sales. This is a coming of age for Indian ecommerce as the market leader hits the target a year ahead of schedule. Global ecommerce giant Amazon reached the same target seven years after its launch. Flipkart, launched in October 2007, has achieved this milestone a few months faster.

"We are really proud and excited to announce that we have hit a run rate of $1 billion GMV (gross merchandise value) one year before our target," said cofounders Sachin Bansal and Binny Bansal, in a joint message. "In March 2011 we announced that by 2015 we wanted to hit $1bn in GMV. At that point in time our run rate was $10 million."

Flipkart, which started out as an online retailer of books, has raised over $550 million in risk capital funding. The company, which is backed by South African internet major Naspers and investments funds like Dragoneer Investment Group, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, Tiger Global and Accel Partners, was valued at $1.6 billion when they raised $360 million last year.

The company, which started out as an inventory retailer, pivoted to an online marketplace in 2012. The company, which ships out over 1 lakh orders a day Coupon Codes an average, now has about 1,000 merchants on its platform.

The Bangalore-based firm, which has over 10,000 employees, has also grown beyond ecommerce. It spun out its payment solution PayZippy into a separate entity last year. This service is used by other internet companies like MakeMyTrip, Zansaar and Yepme. The company is also opening up its logistics arm, eKart, which supplies to 150 cities, to other online retailers.

The company is also increasingly focusing on mobile commerce, as over 20% of its sales already comes from handheld devices. Sachin Bansal, in an earlier conversation with ET, had said that in the near future Flipkart.com would be a m-commerce based marketplace."

Text for Redbox promo codes

<Promo Codep>

Now through March 3 Redbox customers can earn promotional codes for rental discounts just by sending a text message.

When you text DAYS to 727272 you'll be rewarded with one of three codes: 50 cents off a one-day rental, $1 off a one-day game rental, and rent one DVD, get one free.

Yellen blames the weather for weak economic data

The economy appears to have hit a soft patch this winter, but it's too soon to worry, according to Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen. She blames most of the recent weakness on the weather.

Over the last month, government data have pointed to cnn weather.com/2014/02/07/news/economy/january-jobs-report/">weak job growth, as well as declines in retail sales, new home construction and manufacturing.

"Part of that softness may reflect adverse weather conditions. But at this point it's difficult to discern exactly how much," Yellen told the Senate Banking Committee in a hearing Thursday. (Ironically, the hearing, originally scheduled for two weeks ago, had been postponed due to a snow storm in Washington.)

Related: A cold start for the U.S. economy

But here's the big question: If weather is not fully to blame, and the economy is indeed weakening, what will the Fed do? The central bank is currently in the process of winding down its bond-buying program -- a process Wall Street has nicknamed "tapering."

Cue a question from New York Senator Charles Schumer: "If it's not mostly weather, would you consider pausing or changing the rate of tapering?" he asked Yellen.

She replied with what has become a standard line for Fed officials, often uttered by Yellen's predecessor, Ben Bernanke.

"Asset purchases are not on a preset course," she said. "So if there's a significant change in the outlook, certainly we would be open to reconsidering, but I wouldn't want to jump to conclusions here."

So it seems the Fed could put the taper on hold, but only if the numbers start pointing to a lasting slowdown in economic activity.

By the time the central bank meets again in mid March, it will have received February reports on jobs, retail, construction and manufacturing -- but these too could be skewed by blizzards. It's not until its late April meeting that the Fed is expected to have a clean set of data unaffected by weather.

In the meantime, the Fed is widely expected to continue tapering at a steady pace, and Yellen seemed to confirm that plan Thursday.

"We expect to continue reducing the pace of purchases in measured steps, which would mean ending completely the purchases, winding down and ending some time next fall," she said.

In the rest of her testimony, Yellen once again stressed her deep concern for Americans grappling with bouts of long-term unemployment.

"These are spells that are very damaging to families, put great burdens on families both in terms of income and even health burdens ... burdens on children and marriages," she said.

Related: Fed debated how to signal a rate hike

For the last year, the Fed has said it's waiting for a 6.5% unemployment rate before raising its key interest rate.

The unemployment rate came awfully close in January, when it fell to 6.6%. Minutes released from the Fed's January meeting have since shown that officials are discussing a new communications strategy, given the unemployment rate has neared their goal but the economy still seems weaker than they would like.

Yellen addressed those concerns Thursday, by stressing she's looking at qualitative data and not just a numerical trigger. The unemployment rate alone, she said, is "not a sufficient statistic to measure the health of the labor market."

The Fed is also monitoring the numbers of part-time workers who want to work full-time and Americans who've been unemployed for more than six months.

Meanwhile, low inflation gives the Fed some leeway to continue stimulating the economy through low interest rates. The central bank typically aims for inflation around 2% a year, but lately, it's been hovering around 1.2%, after stripping out energy and food prices.

"Inflation is running well below our 2% target ... that gives us ample scope to continue to try to promote a return to full employment, and we're committed to doing that," Yellen said.

Yellen's prepared remarks were, for the most part, identical to those she delivered two weeks ago before the House Financial Services Committee. The Federal Reserve is required to report to Congress on monetary policy twice a year.

First Published: February 27, 2014: 9:59 AM ET

What to Expect When Best Buy Reports Earnings

Consumer-electronics retailer Amazon Deal Online is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings on Feb. 27. The company announced disappointing holiday sales last month, with same-store sales falling by 0.8% amid a difficult and highly promotional holiday season, and the stock was severely punished as a result. But, as I argued in a previous article, Best Buy's holiday was a setback, not a disaster, and same-store sales growth is not the only important number to consider.

With online retailers like Amazon.com posing a constant threat, Best Buy has made significant progress in becoming more competitive. Here's what to look for in Best Buy's earnings report.

What analysts are expecting
Analysts are expecting revenue of approximately $14.7 billion for the quarter, down 12.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Store closings and the sale of Best Buy's European business in 2013 are the main drivers of this revenue decline, and analysts expect full-year revenue to fall to $42.7 billion, down from $49.6 billion in 2012.

Earnings per share are expected to come in at $1.01, representing a 35% decline compared to the fourth quarter last year. Analysts have revised this estimate down from $1.61 before the holiday sales announcement, a large shift that might be an overreaction. Best Buy has beaten analyst estimates significantly in the past three quarters, and while the company talked about a reduced operating margin caused by intense competition, another earnings beat isn't out of the question.

Important things to look for
Best Buy's holiday sales report wasn't all bad news, and the earnings report and accompanying conference call should shed some light on the continued progress of the company's turnaround. Best Buy actually gained market share during the holidays, according to the company, and its Net Promoter Score, a metric used to quantify customer satisfaction, has been rising ever since CEO Hubert Joly took the reins in late 2012. A 400-basis-point increase during the holiday period is a sign that Best Buy is taking the necessary steps to improve the customer experience.

Online sales surged 23.5% over the holidays, a significant acceleration compared to the 10% rise during the previous holiday season. Part of Best Buy's strategy has been a heavy focus on improving its e-commerce channel, and those investments look like they're paying off. One driver of this growth has been the company's ship-from-store initiative, whereby online orders can be fulfilled from online distribution centers as well as directly from stores. The program has expanded to more than 400 stores, turning Best Buy's physical retail locations into a key e-commerce asset; over the holiday period, Best Buy actually had a lower average delivery time than Amazon.

The fact that Best Buy achieved faster shipping times during the holidays compared to Amazon is important, as it shows that having physical retail locations can be an advantage. Best Buy has more than 1,000 potential online distribution centers, spread throughout the country, and while Amazon has been aggressively expanding its distribution network, Best Buy's ship-from-store program is something that an online retailer can never match.

The conference call should provide some details on the progress of the ship-from-store rollout, which still includes less than half of Best Buy stores in the United States. Another update to look for is the progress of Best Buy's cost-cutting initiative, part of Joly's "Renew Blue" strategy. The company cut an additional $45 million in annual costs in the fourth quarter through Jan. 16, bringing the total number to $550 million. And Joly's commitment to more quickly and deeply lower the cost structure, stated in the holiday sales release, suggests that the original goal of $725 million in cost cuts may be a conservative estimate.

These cost cuts will help reduce the negative effects of aggressive pricing and are necessary for Best Buy to remain competitive with its online rivals. One area offering ample opportunity to cut costs is reverse logistics, which includes returns, replacements, and damaged products. The company estimates that $400 million in annual losses are associated with reverse logistics; and on the third-quarter conference call Joly stated that the first quarter of this year will see an initial quantity of returned items and open-box inventory available online.

This represents one of the biggest opportunities for Best Buy to cut costs, and investors should look for a progress update during Best Buy's conference call.

The bottom line
Best Buy's holiday season was disappointing to be sure, but the company's earnings report should make it clear that the long-term turnaround story is still intact. Best Buy is becoming more efficient, focusing on e-commerce, and taking advantage of its physical locations in order to boost online sales. While profits in the short term will take a hit, the panic caused by the holiday sales numbers was extremely overdone.

Retail winners
Best Buy isn't the only retailer worth watching. To learn about two retailers with especially good prospects, take a look at The Motley Fool's special free report: " The Death of Wal-Mart: The Real Cash Kings Changing the Face of Retail." In it, you'll see how these two cash kings are able to consistently outperform and how they're planning to ride the waves of retail's changing tide. You can access it by clicking here.

LivingSocial's Coupon is Set to be Punched by Amazon

NEW YORK ( The Deal) -- With Amazon Deal.com writing down its investment in LivingSocial to nothing, the future of yet another social media startup is very much in doubt. While the company insists it will soldier on, sources said it's more likely to end up absorbed by the online retail giant.

John Bax, the CFO of the Washington-based company said LivingSocial's board has elected to re-invest $260 million it recently reaped selling Korean e-commerce company TicketMonster to competitor Groupon .

Bax also insisted that cash received for the sale of Groupon shares that LivingSocial picked up as part of the TicketMonster transaction were likewise going back into the company.

The company's revenue fell to $399 million in 2013 from $455 million in 2012, and it lost over $180 million last year, according to a regulatory filing from Amazon.

Granted, it had lost $653 million the year before, but it had also dumped TicketMonster -- at a loss, since it had acquired it for a reported $350 million.

Amazon also said, in the same filing, that its "investment in LivingSocial has been reduced to zero due to our recognition of equity-method losses."

That's quite a comedown for a company that, in rosier times, reportedly valued itself at up to $15 billion, chatting up bankers for an initial public offering to follow Groupon's 2011 debut and raising hundreds of millions of dollars.

Despite Bax's insistence that LivingSocial was focused on the future, the CFO acknowledged that Amazon was a "likely" acquirer of the company, specifically noting that Jeff Bezos' company "has an interest in [LivingSocial's] local offers" business. So despite those continuing losses, LivingSocial is hoping that a right-sized business will soon turn a profit.

Along with its ownership of TicketMonster, LivingSocial's events business is no more.

Back in February 2013, LivingSocial had to fight off what it characterized as an inaccurate report regarding its last $110 million round -- the company raised a little under $1 billion -- after financial data site PrivCo reported the startup needed to secure emergency debt to stave off failure.

CEO and co-founder Tim O'Shaughnessy acknowledged the company raised "a down round, which I'm sure is not a shock to anyone," but didn't offer any clarity into the nature of the funding, other than to say "we hope to turn the corner to become profitable soon" and acknowledging "there were some bells and whistles" that came along with the round.

Bax said the comment about "bells and whistles," did not entitle Amazon, which led the last fundraising round, to anything specifically pertaining to M&A. But sources said that Amazon is the only potential buyer of LivingSocial's assets.

O'Shaughnessy said last month he would step down from his CEO role as soon as his replacement is found.

When O'Shaughnessy sought to quell questions over his company's future last February with a well-publicized staff memo, he stated, "we sold 7.5% of the company for $110" million, adding "this should give you some idea of the current valuation of the company."

That appeared to give the company a valuation of nearly $1.5 billion.

That was in stark contrast to Amazon, which said in a regulatory filing at the end of March that it valued its 31% stake at $36 million.

To be certain, LivingSocial hasn't been the only e-commerce startup to stumble upon hard times.

For instance, ideeli, another online retailer, sold to Groupon recently for substantially less cash than it raised.

Amazon declined to answer when a request for comment was sent to the company and Amazon and, separately, to Bezos.

Stock quotes in this article: AMZN, GRPN

Better transportation opened up bedroom communities

Thoughts and Perspectives

Many Friday nights we'd load up the car and head to the drive-in theater across the Wabash River in Westport, Ill., where one of the films we saw in 1959 was "The Legend of Tom Dooley." By being so young, the fact that the lead character was played by Michael Landon, later of "The Little House on the Prairie" fame, was lost on me until a little research was completed.

When Grandpa Douthitt got his Social Security check, we'd have to travel to Vincennes, which had a Kroger store. Grandpa always had a few things on his shopping list that he didn't believe he could get at Warren's store at home.

So, the trips to Vincennes became the highlight of the week as it allowed a break in the perceived monotony of small town life. Vincennes, the oldest city west of the Allegheny Mountains, was a wonderland of about 14,000 people with a JC Penney, sears tires, Kresge and other such big brands of the late 1950s and 1960s.

One of the cool things was that sometimes Dad would sit me on his lap and "let me drive" the car as we drove south out of Emison. Of course, I never really had control but what a thrill -- and it made my brother and sister jealous.

Naturally, Vincennes became the promised land after a teenager had cruised up and down every street and alley of our little town. We just needed a change in scenery. So, we'd run down U.S. 41 to Vincennes, stop at the Frostop Drive-In for a root beer and check things out. In reality, there really was not much more going on there but the scenery was just a little different -- the old routine broken.

One day sitting at the kitchen table after supper, my dad started talking about his days as a youngster. The Morrison family lived five miles west of town on a farm that provided the sustenance for what grew into a family of 13.

On Saturday night, Grandpa Morrison would load the kids up and take Grandma to the grocery store where she'd stock up on all she needed that was not raised on the farm. Grandpa and the older boys would go over to the Town Tavern for some refreshment.

But the thing which struck this young mind was Dad talking about how the town's streets and sidewalks were packed with people and it was often difficult to find a parking spot without leaving your car or truck a couple of blocks away.

Seriously?

That didn't look like the Oaktown I experienced on Friday and Saturday nights in the early 1970s. It was a pretty sleepy place in which the final neon light flickered off at the same time each night -- and not very late at that. The only things moving were over at the tavern or Cliff's Card Room across the streets and church kids didn't go there. They might get corrupted like my Uncle Judd Douthitt did in the 1930s down at the cabins south of town. They always had plenty of alcohol, and women, during the height of Prohibition. Legend has it they even had the gangster John Dillinger as a guest for a few nights as he hid out from Melvin Purvis and the FBI.

Dad explained that driving that five miles into town was a major adventure. It was like my weekly trips to Vincennes -- the highlight that broke one out of their usual environments.

A trip to Vincennes was a major expedition -- something we could not image even before U.S. 41 went from two lanes to four. Vincennes lay 13 miles to our south and it could take all morning to get there, and all afternoon to return -- depending upon how many flat tires one had.

Roads in the 1930s were nearly as smooth and pothole free as we expect today. Neither was the quality of the cars and even the tires. Dad talked about many times they might have to fix a flat two or three times on a simple trip from Oaktown to Vincennes. I often wondered if that was the reason Dad never wanted to drive places for sightseeing or family visits -- the fear that he'd break down with his wife and kids in the car and something go horribly wrong.

As I grew older and bought a new car, it was nothing for me to drive three or four or eight hours to a see a race two or three states away. The biggest change between the 1970s and the 1930s or 1940s was the improvement in the quality of vehicles and the roads used in the transportation system.

Today, my sister's children think nothing of piling into the car and driving from Vincennes to Evansville or Terre Haute for an evening of shopping. That's like going from Vinton to Davenport or Des Moines in Iowa. We don't give it a second thought.

And we don't think of just how big an impact the interstate highway system fostered by President Dwight Eisenhower changed our world.

It's common for people in a smaller community to the big box stores and the number of local people visiting the bigger cities for their offerings.

Maybe of bigger importance is the ability of people to travel to them.

NordStrom Coupons & Hottest NordStrom Promo Codes for 2014

Dallas, TX -- ( SBWIRE) -- 01/27/2014 -- There's much to celebrate and look forward to with the start of 2014. NordStrom, Inc., a leading fashion retailer that has been in operation for over a hundred years now, has continued to bring their keen fashion sense and their line of products and offers well into the 21st century. This year would be no different. Taking their 117 shops in 35 stores to just one online shop, the Nordstrom following can only expect more exciting offers, discounts, time limited sales and promos on nothing less than some of the top fashion brands in the industry.

2014 NordStrom Coupons and Coupon
First off on the Nordstrom list for 2014 are their NordStrom Promo Codes. Shoppers can enjoy a hefty $25 off on their first order priced above $50. Shoppers will only need to copy and paste the coupon code upon online check out of the item at NordStrom and they automatically enjoy a slash in their purchase.

For US shoppers, as much as 50% off discounts can be had on, baby gears, women's dresses, coats, sandals, men's clothing, and winter pieces on brands that include - but are not limited to Decleor, Dr. Martens, Dior, Cashmere, and Military.

To avail of these big discounts and price slashes, shoppers don't even need any codes. These offers are, however, good and valid only to US shoppers.

The list can only get better, and the discounts can only get higher. NordStrom has a lot in store for the active outdoorsmen with a 55% discount on all men's active and outdoor apparel, as well as on men's jeans. And while the men may have a lot of reason to dress up for, come Valentine's Season, NordStrom makes sure the women are not to be left under-dressed for their dates - outdoors or otherwise - with 65% discounts on all women's designer collections including sunnies, shoes, pants, capris, dresses, designer sweats, yoga, sports, and outdoor apparels.

NordStrom Special Offer
NordStrom special offers are regular things that shoppers can keep watch of. These special offers of NordStrom to their US shoppers come mostly in forms of rock-bottom prices for regular items such as the 2014 offers on all junior apparel and accessories starting at only $12, women's new arrival clothing starting at only $18, and women's designer items starting only at $45.

This NordStrom list of 2014 special offers extends beyond the closet. For shoppers who feel like they need to redo their home's 2014 look, home and garden deals are also available starting from $4.9.

Looking Ahead to Valentine's Day 2014 Deals
NordStrom knows that the next most awaited holiday after the New Year is the Valentine's Day. With or without dates, NordStrom understands that shoppers can't wait to prep up for the day. With this in mind, the Special NordStrom US Valentine's Deal can already be enjoyed as early as January with Valentine's Day gifts offered starting at only $6. The gift selection are as wide and as varied as watches, jewelries, dresses for Valentine's, or as safe as a gift card.

Another gift card promotion for the US market lets you buy a gift card between $25 to $1000. Offering a NordStrom gift card as low as $25 enables students, teenagers, and basically their non-earning following to make a good impression on their recipients as one with classy, impeccable tastes in brand selection.

The NordStrom Bi-Annual Sales
NordStrom regularly holds bi-annual sales. For kids' and women's clothing, these regular bi-annual sales are held in May and November. And just when shoppers are beginning to think that the mid-year June and July months are long and boring, NordStrom comes through for them with men's clothing sale at June, and the NordStrom Anniversary sale in July.

NordStrom Retail Credit Card and Debit Card
There's an even bigger, better way of enjoying more savings and rewards throughout the year with the NordStrom Rewards Card. Shoppers have the option of choosing between the NordStrom Retail, the NordStrom Debit Card, and the NordStrom Visa Signature Card.

With no annual fee and with very competitive APRs, the NordStrom Retail Credit and Debit Cards are classy addition to your wallet's shopping power. Every use of the card earns you 2 points for every net dollar spent at NordStrom, NordStrom.com, and NordStrom Rack. An accumulated 2,000 points entitles you to a $20 NordStrom Note that can be used to redeem any item of your choice at NordStrom.

What's great about the cards is that shoppers don't even need to wait to earn the 2,000 points to enjoy the cards' benefits and privileges. Simply by purchasing any item at $100 or above with your NordStrom card upon the day of application, shoppers can already enjoy a $20 NordStrom Note.

Contact Info:
Rita Xing
support@DiscountStory.com

George Clooney's Reddit AMA: The 10 Best Questions & Answers

It isn't exactly breaking news that George Clooney is funny and charming, but the actor-writer-director-heartthrob cemented his status as one of Hollywood's most delightful people Tuesday while answering a wide range of questions during a reddit funny.com/r/IAmA/comments/1wdzwq/hello_reddit_george_clooney_here_amaa/">Reddit AMA.

Among offering some sobering responses to queries about his work with the United Nations and advocacy for war-torn regions like Sudan, Clooney also busted out some hilarious replies to a host of more lighthearted questions, ranging from his plans to avenge Tina Fey's excellent Golden Globes zinger ("I'm working on getting them back in a big way") to who's the better the cobbler: him or Daniel Day-Lewis? (For the record, Clooney claims he's the superior shoemaker.)

Here's a roundup of some more of his best replies.

On playing basketball with Leonardo DiCaprio:

That was a fun day. It's always fun when you play people younger than you and win. We're playing a bunch of six year olds tomorrow.

On having poor fashion choices from early in his career come back to haunt him:

[E]veryone goes through awkward phases a lot of the time and sometimes it's very public which is always bad. Somebody was talking to me on set and said remember Merv Grifin? I was on in 1985 which is pretty odd, and they youtubed it and I come out in this horrible yellow shirt and yellow socks and a mullet. And the whole set is howling. This stuff lives on forever. So everyone has awkward phases, just hope they're not recorded for everyone to see for the rest of time.

On shooting "Gravity" with Sandra Bullock:

It's tricky cause Sandy drinks so much that oftentimes it's just hard to keep her upright. No, you know, Sandy and I have known each other for over 20 years and we both were struggling actors when we first met. ... She's somebody I adore, really, she's just fun to be in a room with. I'm sure people will assume people aren't quite who they appear to be on screen--they're shorter or taller or meaner or dumber--but Sandy is exactly what she appears on screen, an incredibly charming woman who's really just fun to hang out with. Very smart and centered, even though she does drink a lot.

On how Hollywood has changed for aspiring actors:

It used to be that you couldn't get a job until you were in the Screen Actors Guild, which you couldn't do if you weren't in the union, and its not like that anymore. That's how we have artists like Justin Bieber. The world is better for it now.

On working on Brad Bird's mysterious Disney flick, "Tomorrowland":

Brad is a really good guy with a wild imagination. If I don't screw it up it will be a great film. You have to be careful what you say because everything is top secret, so I don't want to ruin it by telling you that everyone dies in the end.

On "KY PRIDE":

Well, I hope you mean KY the state, and not KY jelly. Because, you know, I don't know how proud you should be about that. ... But we do have a very good basketball team this year....

On the books he's always wanted to read:

I've been spending the last year trying to get through the Cat in the Hat series. But, I'm still not there - I'm a slow reader.

On the movie he's most embarrassed by:

Well I wasn't thrilled with the nipples on the batsuit. You know that's not something you really think about when you're putting it on. You figure all batsuits have nipples and then you realize yours was really the first. Batman was just constantly cold I guess.

On the classic Reddit query, "Would you rather fight one horse sized duck or 100 duck sized horses?":

Can't I do both? No, I want the duck-sized horses, I could take them. The saddles on them are so cute.

On multitasking, and being the king of bringing AMAs full-circle:

I love riding motorcycles. ... And I do that, believe it or not, while I'm actually cobbling.

There's still plenty more awesome answers where those came from. Check out the entire AMA over on Reddit.

Parish pump Newhaven - January 10, 2014

Barcombe

BARCOMBE WI meet on Tuesday at 7.30pm in the village hall. The talk will be Peace Witness in Palestine and Israel by Patricia Cocknell. Visitors welcome. Subscriptions are now due for 2014.

KEEP FIT: Want to get fit in 2014, then why not try the Legs, Bums and Tums class at the village hall on Mondays from 8pm to 9pm? It's a fun and energetic class that will set you up for the week. Or Pilates on a Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 10.30am can improve balance, flexibility and circulation. Tai Chi on a Thursday morning, 11am to noon, is a chinese free new year cards exercise system that uses slow, smooth body movements to achieve a state of relaxation of both body and mind. There are plenty of other classes to choose from too. First taster class free and all classes at reasonable rates. Any queries 07925 857233 or see Notice Board in the hall.

DRAMA: New Drama Classes at the village hall starting on Tuesday. This is an exciting new development for Barcombe children. Infant groups 3.45pm to 4.30pm; Junior groups 4.30pm to 5.30pm. www.kaleidoscopetheatre.org.uk. Tel: 01273 473554. Get in touch soon to secure your place.

BONFIRE SOCIETY: The AGM is at 8pm on Monday February 17, in the function room of the Royal Oak.

VILLAGE HALL: For bookings contact Angela Murphy, booking secretary, on 07925857233 email: enquiries@barcombevillagehall.org.uk web: www.barcombevillagehall.org.uk

Bishopstone

TIDE MILLS community beach clean is at 10am on Sunday January 19. Meet at the beach end of Mill Drove (off the A259). Come along, grab a bag and litter picker, and help clean up the area for visitors and the local wildlife. For further information, email Jim Skinner (brian.skinner2@binternet.com) or phone 01273 517291; or contact Peter Mason (petermason@seaford2.freeserve.co.uk) or phone 01323 893096.

THE TOTAL for St Andrew's Gift Day has now reached over £5,000. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

THE STORMY WEATHER has made national headlines in recent weeks and created extra work for beach cleaners. A piece of medieval pottery found on the tide line by one of us at Tide Mills last week must, however, rank as the oldest bit of rubbish collected. The grog-tempered bit of pot is over 700 years old and even appeared on Facebook (Seaford Museum). Discerning locals will know that long before the tide mill the area had a salt industry where the pot would have been useful. It's an ill wind that blows nothing good.

Falmer

ELECTRICITY: Well, what a Christmas that was. Falmer joined thousands of other people early on the morning of Christmas Eve when the electricity went off. Later that day power was restored to all but seven houses. Hours were spent hanging on the end of the telephone listening to piped music while we waited to hear the latest update. As time wore on it became apparent that we were going to be without power on Christmas Day. I had been expecting my family to come down and join us for Christmas dinner, so what on earth was I going to do with the huge turkey I had ordered, the mountain of sprouts, and the Christmas pudding? What about the village hall, perhaps I could cook the meal there? At church on Christmas morning I discovered that Rosemarie was in the same predicament with family staying and lots of provisions, she had already decided to take over the hall and thankfully didn't object to us joining in. We pooled our resources and your intrepid Parish Pump correspondents plus families had a splendid time with roast turkey, all the trimmings, pudding, crackers etc. We were very lucky to have been able to do this, and lucky to have even had such a meal planned when some others have so little. We returned to our dark, cold houses well fed. The power cut continued for those few houses in Falmer until about 10pm on Friday, and we continued to spend many hours on the phone while the power network seemed to be less and less aware of what was going on. What a relief when we saw the lights coming on at last. Now I have to find room in my freezer for our turkey, at present frozen at the village hall.

QUEENIE: The wind and rain has been relentless over the last few weeks and one sad casualty has been Queenie the peahen. Unable to roost in her favourite tree because of the wind, it seems she fell victim to a fox. Queenie was quite a character and had already had a scare from a fox when she moved from Falmer North to Falmer South. June and Denis Plowman allowed her to use their garden as her base for the last few years and became very fond of her, just as we did when she lived on this side of the A27. Queenie first turned up back in 2008, she quickly made our garden her empire and terrorised the cats. Fond of cake, grapes and black sunflower seeds Queenie has been very well looked after in Falmer South and we are so very sorry that she is no longer with us.

FOX: We have had a few sightings of a very large fox recently, mostly in the early morning, but last week we were very surprised to see him streak past the window at about 9.30am. He is the biggest fox I have ever seen and is obviously not the least bit afraid of being seen. I am keeping my elderly, (but still feisty) cat in as much as possible as long as this fox is about.

Lewes

GIVE BLOOD: There will be a blood donor session at the Corn Exchange, High Street on Monday from 2pm to 4.30pm and from 5.30pm to 8pm.

BRIDGE CLUB: Tuesday November 26 Duplicate Pairs: 1, Rita Hartnell and Pat Elliott; 2, Martin Hall and Peter Gannon; 3, Jerry Emery and Richard Pearson. Thursday November 28 Duplicate Pairs: 1, Nigel Osmer and Peter Waters; 2, Tony Redshaw and Janice Bell; 3, Peter Cattermole and Jennifer Wilson. Tuesday December 3, 9th Ladder: 1, Mike Keeping and Richard Burnett; 2, Di Johnstone and Janet Cattermole; 3, Meic Goodyear and Ann Butterfield. Thursday December 5 Christmas Party: 1, Peter and Irene Gannon; 2, Roy Skan and Jerry Emery; 3, Peter Cattermole and Mickie Lodge.

HISTORY GROUP: Monday 7pm for 7.30pm at the Kings Church building, Brooks Road, Lewes History Group talk: Brewing in Lewes over 200 years. Oral historian, Dr Sam Carroll, will cover the new insights that the Ale and Hearty project has yielded on the social and agricultural history of brewing in Lewes, using examples of what has been collected over the project's duration; from archives, published sources and oral history interviews. All welcome. Free refreshments. Small entry charge on the door. www.leweshistory.org.uk

PHILATELIC SOCIETY: On Friday December 13, the society members met to celebrate its Christmas party with wine, soft drinks and light refreshments. The meeting incorporated a fine display of 'recent acquisitions' by the majority of the members. Grace Davies displayed her very informative and recently acquired postal collection as part of her Peace theme collection, whilst Roy Ferguson presented a very impressive collection of French miniature sheets and postal antiquities. The informal event was thoroughly enjoyed by all those attending with the occasional buying and selling of various stamps. The society now has a newly printed membership leaflet which can be made available to any member of the public and especially those who would be interested in becoming a member of this growing society. Please contact the secretary on 01273 472470. Chairman David Glen gave a brief report and announcements covering the forthcoming new year events and wished all the members a joyous Christmas and even more prosperous New Year. It was also announced that the next general meeting would be held tonight, Friday, at Christ Church, Prince Edward's Road at 7.30pm followed by the committee meeting on January 24 at the home of secretary Norman Sansom. All will be very welcome to attend the former general meeting.

FOOTPATHS GROUP: Our new year walks usually attract more walkers than usual but, unsurprisingly, only seven hardy souls joined Keith, the leader, for a walk around Stanmer on January 1. It had started to rain as we left the Ditchling Road car park at the top of Stanmer woods. We made our way through the woods amongst a myriad of paths, some quite steep and slippery, until we reached the recreation grounds at the bottom of the park. Here the full force of the rain and wind hit us and we made our way up to Stanmer village and its welcoming café. Here we enjoyed very welcoming hot drinks before deciding to take a short cut back up to our car park. Our programme of walks are always available from the Tourist Information Centre and new walkers are always welcome so, when the countryside dries up a little, do come along and join us.

ST JOHN SUB CASTRO service on Sunday will be at 11am. Everyone is invited to celebrate the Baptism of Jesus with Holy Communion or a blessing, whichever people prefer. Rev David Farey will take the service. During the Christmas period we sadly lost two of our friends, Rev Martin Sully, who was Rector of many years and came with me on occasions to enjoy Jazz at the Con Club, and is sorely missed by many. His Thanksgiving Service is tomorrow, Saturday, at 4pm at Christ Church, Tunbridge Wells. Also our dear friend Jean Bell, widow of Robert Bell, Martin's predecessor as Rector. On Christmas Day she sadly passed on and her funeral will be at St Anne's Church at 1pm on Monday. In Jean's memory donations can be made to Tear Fund c/o Cooper Funeral Directors on Lewes High Street. Finally many thanks to all those who have kindly contributed extra shopping for the Food Bank's collection. This, of course, is an ongoing need so please keep it up, tins/packets please to be left at the church.

Mobile Library

THE LIBRARY will be visiting the following areas this week. Today, Friday: East Dean village hall 11.10am to 12.10pm; Merrifield Court, Edinburgh Road, Seaford 1.15pm to 1.45pm; Mitchell House, Lexden Drive, Seaford 2pm to 2.20pm; Old Ben, Chyngton, Seaford 2.30pm to 2.50pm. Tuesday: Dene's Road Alfriston 9.30am to 10.10am; Selmeston village hall 10.30am to 11am.

Newhaven, Denton & South Heighton

FILM SOCIETY: If you want a bit of sunshine in your lives during this awful weather then the Hillcrest Film Society's first film of 2014 is the perfect choice. Tickets are on sale now for Little Miss Sunshine (15) which will be shown in the art room at the Hillcrest Centre on Saturday January 18 at 7.30pm. It features Olive, a little girl who dreams of winning the Little Miss Sunshine contest. In this sparkling comedy her dysfunctional family are determined she will reach the finals of this beauty pageant and travel across the country in their VW bus to make sure she does that. Cafe opens at 6.30pm. Tickets are £4.50 each and can be purchased from Hillcrest Centre reception Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4pm.

SOUTH HEIGHTON WI: Former town clerk and local historian Ian Everest will be talking to members on Monday at 2.15pm in South Heighton village hall. His talk is about The Women's Land Army Sussex Connections. Non members welcome to attend.

MERIDIAN FORUM: The annual general meeting of the Meridan Senior Citizens Forum will take place in the Anzac Room, Meridian Centre, Peacehaven on Tuesday from 10am to noon. Coffee is available from 9.45am and to assist with catering please telephone Kate Davies on 01273 516207 if you are going to attend.

GUEST HOUSE Storytellers. Tales from the Wild Woods is the theme of their meeting at the Hillcrest Centre on Tuesday. The evening comprises many European fairy and folk tales set in the ancient primal forests that once covered the whole of Europe. These forests sparked the imagination of the residents at this time and they used the beauty and rich gifts they provided combined with the darkness, the animals who lived in these forests and the spooky noises heard at night to conjure up great tales. You are invited to find a story set among lush green beech trees or snowy pines and share it with the group. To book a 10 minute slot email Anne-marie at amhbrighton@yahoo.co.uk or just come along and listen. The cafe opens at 7pm and stories begin at 7.30pm. Admission is £4/£3 on the door.

YACHT CLUB: Newhaven Yacht Club is holding a Skills Forum on Buoyage and Lights recognition on Tuesday at 7pm. For more details of the evening telephone Dave Batt on 07768 863554 or email him davidbatt@battco.net for more details.

MEECHING WI meet on Thursday at 9.45am in Meeching Hall, when there will be a talk on the Air Ambulance Service. New members/visitors always welcome.

MADS: Tickets are now on sale for Meeching Amateur Dramatic Society's traditional pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk which will be performed in Meeching Hall from Tuesday to Saturday, January 21 to 25 at 7.45pm. There will be Saturday matinees on January 18 and 25 at 2.30pm. Tickets are £8 for adults and £6 for children available from Meeching estate agents, Newhaven High Street, telephone 515566.

COASTWATCH: Newhaven branch of the National Castle Hill celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. They are planning a series of events to commemorate this and they will be reported here when the programme has been confirmed. It is a registered charity manned by volunteers that relies on contributions from the public which it serves so please support them as much as possible.

Peacehaven

WELCOME and thank you for continuing to read the Parish Pump. If your club or organisation is arranging an event do let me know. I will be pleased to give it publicity by including it in the weekly column.

HORTICULTURE: The Peacehaven Horticultural Society are holding their annual general meeting in the Anzac Room, Meridian Centre on Tuesday. Doors open at 7pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. It is an opportunity to renew your membership and new members are always very welcome. More details from secretary Alison on 589502.

BINGO: The first bingo session of the New Year is on Friday January 17 in the main hall, Community House starting at 7pm sharp. Eight games for £4 plus a flyer and a snowball game. There are cash prizes to be won and free refreshments during the interval half way through the evening. There is always plenty of free parking.

MISSING: The council have reported that during the recent stormy weather a relatively new notice board close to the Bastion Steps has been lost. If anyone has seen it the council offices would like to hear from you so they may recover it.

CINEMA: The next film to be shown in the main hall Community House Meridian Centre is Philomena on Wednesday January 22. It stars Judi Dench and Steve Coogan and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 each and are available from the information office . If you are a pensioner or unable to use public transport, CTLA are offering transport plus entry to the film for only £9.50. For further details contact the information office on 01273 585493.

MORNING MARKET: The Saturday market tomorrow has been arranged by INAA the local advice group in the Main Hall, Community House from 8.30am until midday. The next market on Saturday January 18 will be organised by the Rotary Club. To book a table contact them on 01273 516018.

COFFEE MORNINGS: The first coffee morning of January will be held by Mencap on Tuesday in the Community House foyer from 8.30am until midday. Further coffee mornings that week will be held by Peacehaven Players on Thursday followed on Friday January 17 by UKIP.

COUNCIL MEETING: There is a meeting of the Leisure and Amenities committee on Tuesday in the Anzac Room, starting at 6.30pm. Residents are welcome to attend and may ask questions during the first 15 minutes.

FORUM: The Meridian Mature Citizens Forum will hold their eighth AGM on Tuesday in the Anzac Room Meridian Centre from 10am to noon. There is coffee at 9.45am before the meeting starts. There will be a guest speaker, Alan Keys explaining about Patient Participation Groups and Elizabeth Mackie will talk about the re-organisation of the National Health Services. The talks will be followed by a question and answer session when there will be an opportunity to have your say about how you would like your surgery to operate. Following the meeting there will be tea,coffee and light refreshments. To help with the catering arrangements please contact Kate on 01273 516207 to reserve a place and to confirm you will be attending. If you are 55 years or over and not yet a member why not come along and join; it is entirely free.

MURDER MYSTERY: This very traditional style Agatha Christie murder will be enacted by professional actors on Saturday January 25, 7pm for 7.30pm in the main Hall Community House. Dress is optional but remember to bring your own food and drink. We are sure Poirot, Morse or Miss Marples could solve the mystery but the question is, could you? A similar mystery last year proved very popular. Tickets for this event at £12.50 are available now from the information office. For further information call them 01273 585493.

WRESTLING: You will be aware that due to a fire alarm in the Meridian Centre the wrestling match had to be abandoned. If you have not yet exchanged your old tickets for the new issue please contact the information office. Currently tickets for the rearranged match are being reserved for allocation to those who hold the old tickets. However from February 1 the tickets for the rearranged match will be on sale to everyone. So be aware and act now to avoid disappointment.

Polegate

THE COFFEE MORNING tomorrow, Saturday, at the Community Centre, is hosted by Byways Cat Care. All welcome in the lounge from 10am.

QUIZ EVENING tomorrow, Saturday, at Willingdon Community School at 7.30pm. Teams of up to six, £4 per ticket. Please contact Helen on 506145 for your ticket. This is a fundraiser to send a Senior Section Guide to Uganda and an Explorer Scout to the World Jamboree in Japan. Please support us.

RAMBLING CLUB walks on Thursday include Leisurely Walk, Sovereign Harbour South, two to three miles flat and easy, around harbour. Coffee at end. Bus 51, 9.19am from Polegate High Street. Meet at harbour Harvester, 10.30am, no stiles with Joan S. Hills, River and White Horse, nearly five miles around Frog Firle. Between Seaford and Alfriston, three stiles with Chris, or a longer walk of nearly 10 miles, Newick, field, paths and mainlyflat. Start Chailey Common, take picnic, 10 stiles with Paul and Barbara. Or look at website www.polegateramblers.org.uk or email info@polegateramblers,org.uk or telephone Carol on 484621

TRINITY DINERS next meal is on Friday January 17, at Trinity Church Hall. To book a place please telephone Jennie on 484189.

POLEGATE DRAMA group pantomime is Robinson Crusoe and the Caribbean Pirates. The pantomime will be running from January 18 to 26. Bookings taken at Archer and Partners, High Street.

GIVE BLOOD: There will be a blood donor session at the King's Centre, Edison Road, Eastbourne on Wednesday from 2pm to 4.30pm and from 5.30pm to 8pm.

PCaSO Eastbourne Support Group. Macmillan Specialist Dietician Penny Kaye was guest speaker for the last meeting of 2013. Her talk, entitled Food, nutrition and prostate cancer, provided an opportunity to consider some of the mixed messages about food. Looking at the recommendations and evidence from the World Cancer Research Fund, Penny presented a number of food options and alternatives for reducing risk even with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. The emphasis was on healthier food choices and how this may impact on living with prostate cancer and the side effects of treatments. Questions during discussion afterwards covered topics such as calcium intake, vitamin D levels and sunlight exposure for good bone health. Dietary choices which affect Pelvic Irradiation Disease, a possible consequence of radiotherapy, were also considered. Tea and coffee followed with a Christmas raffle which raised £33.

Ringmer

RINGMER DEBATES: The next in the series of Ringmer Debates takes place today (Friday) at 7.30pm in the village hall. The theme for this one is, Does politics have to be a grubby business? Entry is free, though donations are requested for tea and coffee.

SOUPER SATURDAY: Join us for lunch tomorrow (Saturday) in the village hall, noon to 1.30pm. There will be a choice of at least four homemade soups. The cost will be £2.50, which includes free refills. In aid of the Village Hall Appeal.

FOOTBALL CLUB: Tomorrow (Saturday) the first team are at home to Lancing in a SCFL Div 1 fixture with a 3pm kick off at The Caburn and the second team have no fixture at the time of going to press. Please check with the club or on the website www.ringmerfc.co.uk as, due to the current weather conditions, all fixtures are subject to pitch inspections etc. On Sunday the Veterans are due to play away to Nutfield in a Fred Pretty Cup fixture. On Tuesday evening the firsts are due to be at home again versus Selsey also in a SCFL Div 1 fixture with a 7.45pm kick off. On the social side, tomorrow, Saturday, evening a curry and race night takes place and all are welcome. On Monday afternoon the senior members post Christmas party takes place in the bar with things getting underway at 2.30pm.

ST MARY'S MEN'S CLUB: At Tuesday's meeting in the Church Room, the Kent, Surrey and Sussex Air Ambulance will relate how they can bring aid within 15 minutes at 150 miles an hour. Not to be missed. Visitors welcome. Note: A collection for a donation will be made.

CHURCH SERVICES: The services on Sunday are as follows: 8am Holy Communion, 9.45am Sung Eucharist with the Laying on of hands for Healing, 6.30pm Evensong.

ACOUSTIC MOODS: Talented local musicians will come together again for an unforgettable evening of folk, blues, rock and pop on Saturday February 8. Tickets at £7.50 are available now from Esther or Mark on 01273 813 698. Proceeds from this event will go the MS Society.

VILLAGE HALL APPEAL: We are still making applications for grants with the intention of building in September. Some of you will have received a consultation questionnaire that was specific to your own postcode. You can return your form to the village hall or phone me with your answers or someone will call to collect them. We will be widening the scope of the delivery of these q'naires. Do please respond. Grant bodies want to see that there is support for any project they fund. If anyone would like to send us a letter of support in addition to any of the q'naires it would help our cause a lot. Please send them care of Pam Bowmaker, chair of fundraising or Tel: 813625.

Rodmell & Southease

CHRISTMAS did not turn out to be the jolly time many expected this year, as many spent it cold, wet and dark, due to the floods and power cuts across the country. I could not be more grateful to be one of the lucky ones that did not get flooded, or, unusual for us, to not have a power cut. Whilst it must have been awful for the people who had to cope with dire situations, I feel we should be grateful to all the people who gave up their Christmas to make sure all the services could get back to some normality, even though for some it took a long time. As I was curled up in my comfy chair in front of the fire, watching people stuck at airports and on the roads, it was rather nice to be home, warm and dry for Christmas, even though I was coughing and sneezing with the usual Christmas bronchial problems, brought on, no double, by spending an evening carol singing in the rain. But it was a jolly good evening of singing, eating and drinking for around 25 of us. I made it to our Carol Service but not to Southease Carols by Candlelight this year. I hear from my friend Margaret Wooll that the tiny church of St Laurence in remote old Telscombe Village was absolutely packed for their Carol Service.

BIRDS: I am very worried about the lack of small birds coming into the garden this winter. I diligently put out food for them but it has not been touched and the only food that goes quickly are the kitchen scraps put on the bird table, which the jackdaws regularly come and clear, plus the seed I scatter regularly around the garden in the morning for the resident collared doves and the turtle doves which visit occasionally. We do however have our flock of sparrows plus the resident pheasants and a pair of blackbirds, but the wrens, robins and members of the tit family are ow rarely seen. The hanging bird feeders are usually well used but not this year. A friend in Kingston has also noticed the same problem in her garden.

PANTO: I hope to have some news about the famous Rodmell Panto soon. Hint, hint.

THANK YOU: I would like to say thank you to readers for their Christmas cards, phone calls and correspondence in 2013 and I wish you all the best for 2014.

Seaford

THE NATIONAL TRUST Seaford Association (NTSA) will meet on Wednesday at Cross Way, Steyne Road at 2.30pm. The talk, by Wing Commander Patrick Coulcher, will be about William Wordsworth, Life and Poetry. New members (including non NT members) are welcome. For further information about the NTSA visit our website on www.seaford-sussex.co.uk.

PANTO: Seaford Musical Theatre present Beauty and the Beast at the Barn Theatre, Saxon Lane on January 10 to 12 and 17 to 19. Tickets available from 01323 897426.

Willingdon, Wannock & Jevington

NATIVITY: Crowds attended the Church Street Nativity on December 20 on a very windy evening. By 6pm St Mary's Church was packed. Curate Fr Michael Maine welcomed everyone, and with the singing of 'Once in Royal David's City' everyone proceeded to the tower outside. From there it was through the church grounds and on to the Thai Restaurant where the three kings were waiting and then to the gardens of Flint House which represented the shepherds' fields. Fr Michael recounted the bible story and more carols were sung along the way. Finally the crowds reached the Wheatsheaf , where, after a lot of comings and goings from customers, the landlord Martin Hughes finally had the opportunity to direct the Holy Couple across Church Street to the barn. It was all very light hearted. A warmly wrapped baby was being cared for in the 'stable' as people flocked in to see him. The blue and silver star shining over the barn which Martin had erected could be seen twinkling in the sky. Mulled wine was served and a few more carols sung. Sarah and Lee Hurst were portrayed as Mary and Joseph, and their baby son was baby Jesus. Daughter Katie was a little angel. Lesley Etwell played the part of Gabriel, and the three kings were Pam and Paul Martin and Stuart Freeman. The shepherds were Sue Foster, and Geoff and Jan Grundy along with their children angels Brandon and Frankie. The main angels who accompanied the whole procession were Babs Owen and Rowena Brady but there were other angels popping up all over the place including Sophie Etwell and Charlie Bear and there was even a donkey (not a real one). Later in the evening the Long Man Morris Men came along to lead more carol singing, this time in the Wheatsheaf itself.

NEW VICAR: Although there is a large ministry team at St Mary's Church, there hasn't been a vicar in charge there since May 2013 when Canon Martin Onions left to become the Rector of Holy Cross Church in Uckfield. A new vicar has now been appointed for St Mary's but it is not clear when he will be moving here. He is Rev Kevin Agnew who is at present at All Saints Church Roffey in Horsham.

THE CHRISTMAS LUNCH at Trinity Church on December 20 was attended by the chairman of the parish council Cllr John Pritchett along with Cllr Fran Pritchett and Cllr Linda Francis. Cllr Pritchett presented the minister of the church, Rev David Yule, with a cheque for £5,000 which will be put towards the refurbishment of the kitchen, with new equipment including a dish washer. A hatch will be knocked through the wall to the main hall to make it easier for serving meals and drinks. Judging by the Christmas lunch, it would be difficult to improve on the quality of the food and the expertise of the catering volunteers led by team leader Jennie Macfadyen, but a new kitchen would certainly make life easier for them.

TRINITY DINERS meet at noon on the third Friday of the month at Trinity Church Hall. The next lunch date is January 17. Fruit juice is served followed by a main course, dessert, tea/coffee. The cost is £5.50. To reserve a place contact Jennie on 01323 484189 or email secretary@trinitylep.plus.com .

BOXING DAY SWIM: This was the 27th annual Boxing Day swim that members of Willingdon Football Club have organised and as usual it took place from the beach near the bandstand, although on this occasion the bandstand had been cordoned off ready for the much needed structural work on it to commence. But the day was sunny with no wind or rain and there was a decent sized crowd. There were 16 swimmers, mainly from the football club and from the chosen charity to benefit, Chestnut Tree House, and well-known local swimmer Peter Snashall also joined them.

NEW YEAR'S DAY was wet and blustery and the sea was very rough. It would have been madness for Graham Morris, chef at the British Queen, and his team of swimmers to attempt their sponsored swim, and so unfortunately it has now been postponed to a later date.

PANTOMIME: Willingdon Church Players' pantomime Dick Whittington and his Cat is being performed at Willingdon Memorial Hall at 7.30pm on January 22, 23, 24 and 25 with a matinee at 2.30pm on Saturday January 25. This is the first year that tickets have been available for a Wednesday. At present tickets are available for the Wednesday and Thursday evenings, but are completely sold out for the Friday evening. There are a small number left for the two performances on the Saturday, but check availability. Tickets are £6 for adults and £3 for children aged 16 years or under. Please contact Lesley or Roger on 01323 504901.

CARGO is the name of the group which will be entertaining customers at the British Queen from 8.30pm tomorrow, Saturday.

WASSAILING has been associated with Christmas and the New Year as far back as 1400 and was a way of passing on good wishes to family and friends. A bowl of an ale based drink, seasoned with spices and honey, would be passed around. Wassailing also celebrated the year's apple harvest and the trees were blessed. The largest apple tree was located and cider was poured into its roots and everyone would drink to the health of the tree for the coming year. Pots and pans would be banged to raise the sleeping tree spirit and also to drive away demons. Tomorrow, Saturday, the Long Man Morris Men are going to the Wheatsheaf at 7pm to re-enact this old tradition. There will be a torch lit procession from the pub and villagers are encouraged to bring along rattles and whistles and saucepans to bang. I am not quite sure if the Wheatsheaf has a particular apple tree in mind or if any alcohol will be wasted on it. At 8.30pm that evening accomplished musicians Andy and Paul, known as the Boogera Brothers, will be entertaining customers at the Wheatsheaf from 8.30pm.

THE HAPPY DAY BAND will be performing at the Wheatsheaf on Monday from 7.30pm on this special jazz night. To book a meal ring 01323 502069.

MEETING: Willingdon and Jevington Parish Council will hold a planning meeting at 7.30pm on Monday at Willingdon Community School. Meetings are open to the public. Ring 01323 489603 or 01323 489104 for information.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PANEL is a group of local residents and councillors who meet quarterly in St Mary's Church Hall to discuss issues which affect local people, relating to crime, vandalism and unsociable behaviour. The panel then selects up to three priorities to be targeted. PC Liz Keenan and PCSO Ali Beadon attend these meetings whenever possible. The next meeting is on Tuesday. If you have any issues which you would like discussed at the meeting, please contact PCSO Ali Beadon on 101 extension 68233 or on her mobile 07787 685755.

ST MARY'S CHURCH: The Sonbeams service takes place in church at 2pm on Wednesday for babies and pre-school children and their guardians. At 7.15pm the Taize Eucharist is held and at 7.30pm the youth club for eight to 14 year olds is held in the church hall. As it's the first day back after the holidays it is a free evening.

HISTORY: Polegate and Willingdon Local History Society will be meeting from 7pm to 9pm on Friday January 17 at St John's Church Hall Polegate. David Jones will be giving a talk on the Bluebell Railway. Please ring Margaret on 01323 484293 or Cyndy on 01323 486208 for further information.

There's a Specific Time and Day to Get the Best Airfare Deals - and the Reasoning Why Is Fascinating

Tracking trends for weeks - even months - before committing to buying a plane ticket is just plain unproductive. If you knew the secret about the On Sales times to buy, you wouldn't need to put yourself through the mental agony of clicking the "purchase" button and wondering "What if prices drop tomorrow?"

Peter Greenberg, CBS' travel editor, released his tips for LinkedIn's series on productivity hacks, explaining how he spends only "minutes" on buying airfare. Part of this is because he understands what a reasonable price is and what's not for a ticket, but he also knows "WHEN to book."

Greenberg has a very specific time and day on which to buy tickets: "Wednesday at 1 a.m., just one hour after Tuesday midnight," in the timezone where the airline's booking center is based.

Why?

"Most low airfares seem to appear between Sunday night and Monday night. And then, when people book those fares, they have 24 hours in which to purchase them," he wrote. "At midnight Tuesday, all the discount fares that weren't purchased come flooding back into the airline's computer systems. And that's when you strike."

You might be thinking, "this sounds like I can't book online." That's right, you can't. Greenberg wrote that this must be done over the phone. The perk of booking over the phone though, Greenberg noted, is that it's easier to get the good coach seats without them costing a little extra.

Watch Greenberg talk about his tips about the best time to book:

If you can't bring yourself to get on the phone with an actual person, which Greenberg acknowledged might be hard for some people these days, he does have a tip for online shoppers as well.

"Whenever possible, I shop for fares on one computer and then clear my cookies or book on another computer altogether. If you want to take it a step further, go to a different location," he wrote, citing "growing anecdotal evidence" that airlines are tracking various metrics on your computer that could drive up a price.

Here are a few of Greenberg's other tips:

Do NOT buy too early: "Unless you are planning travel for high-traffic days, like Christmas or July 4, you stand the best chance for the lowest possible fare 45 days out for domestic travel and 60 days out for international," he wrote. Most of this has to do with the companies comparing travel volume from the previous year and basing prices on that.

DO travel on off days: Business travelers are likely to fly Sunday night or Monday, then again on Fridays. Holidays often dictate peak travels days as well. "Flying midweek is often an effortless way to save money, and that's when you'll often find emptier and cheaper seats," Greenberg wrote.

DO consider time of the month: Greenberg recommends booking flights after the 7th of the month because "booking is busier right after payday on the first and 15th."

(H/T: Lifehacker, Quartz)