Company Offers Cash for Retired Cell Phones
December 18, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) (PRWEB) For years December has traditionally been the most active month for new cell phone purchases and subsequently cell phone retirement. It’s also the time when consumers can use some extra spending money. RMS Communications Group, Inc. helps cell phone users address both issues by paying cash to people who sell their retired cell phones using their website; www.CellForCash.com.
According to a recent report from M:Metrics, 12 percent of U.S. mobile users who bought a new phone last year did so in December, which marks a 40 percent increase in device sales during that month. “December is consistently the highest-performing month for new device purchases, and the operators have responded by embellishing their handset portfolios in time for the holidays,” Paul Goode, senior analyst, M:Metrics said in a statement.
Surveys suggest that less than 10% of U.S. consumers dispose of their old cell phones either by selling them or through other recycling methods. This leaves more than 11 million cell phones to pile up every month in the homes of America.
James Mosieur, CEO of RMS, says the stockpile of cell phones continues to rise regardless of recycling alternatives. “Most people don’t realize their old cell phone may be worth something. Of those who do, the vast majority have no clue how much it’s worth let alone how to sell it.”
This is where CellForCash.com comes in. The website lists the value of over 600 different models of cell phones. Prices range from $5 to well over $200.00. If your cell phone does not qualify for payment the company will recycle it for free. Users simply find their cell phone, submit their information and CellForCash.com will send a return box with a pre-paid label affixed. Payment will be sent 30 days after receiving your cell phone.
“For almost every new cell phone purchased, one is retired” said Mosieur. “We estimate that nearly $500 million worth of cell phones are collecting dust when they should be collecting interest.”
Getting cash back isn’t the only pay off, there an environmental benefit as well. In the last 12 months the CellForCash.com website has helped RMS divert almost 200 tons of electronic material from the waste stream.
About CellForCash.com
CellForCash.com pays cash for used cell phones and makes the process simple by displaying the phones it will buy and the prices it will pay for them right on the web site. It also provides sellers with pre-addressed, postage-paid mailing boxes. The site lists over 600 models from 21 manufacturers including Apple, Motorola, Nokia, LG, Rim and Samsung. For more information visit the web site at http://www.CellForCash.com
Long Island Band Push Play at Fillmore NY Irving Plaza
December 17, 2007
(New York, N.Y.) Long Island’s own teenage rock stars, Push Play will be holding the release party for their new CD “Deserted” this Saturday, December 22nd 2007 with doors opening at 6pm at Fillmore NY at Irving Plaza in NYC, NY. This show is the culmination of many months of hard work; it’s not every day that a band that does not reside on a major label gets a chance to headline this legendary venue - especially not teenagers.
The Fillmore NY at Irving Plaza is located at 17 Irving Place on the corner of East 15th Street in New York City. Irving Place is located between 3rd Avenue and Union Square East.
Tickets are $30.00 and are available at pushplaysite.com, ticketmaster.com and livenation.com and at the door on the night of the show for $35.00. (Ticket includes entry into the pre-show party, the concert and one non-alcoholic beverage. A percentage of CD sales are earmarked for EAC (Education and Assistance Corp), based in Nassau County.)
For driving directions please click here: (Google Maps)
The closest available subway station is the “Union Square - 14th Street Station” which can be accessed by the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, or W trains. The Fillmore NY @ Irving Plaza is located one block east of Union Square.
For more information on Push Play, please check out their website at http://www.myspace.com/pushplayrox
ABOUT PUSH PLAY
Destined to make an impact on the musical landscape, Push Play offers great melodies, driving beats and a firm determination in reaching their goals.
“We are the new generation and we need to set higher standards. That’s why a portion of the proceeds from our CD sales and concerts will be set aside for a variety of charities.” Push Play is the new breed of rock star.
And with countless gigs, radio & film appearances, interviews and songwriting sessions under their belt, it’s hard to believe the members of Push Play all under the tender age of 18. But upon witnessing them live and listening to the maturity in their prose and the complexity of the compositions, you get the feeling that these boys are for real. And you would be right.
Long Island Aquarium Plans Upcoming Winter Events
December 17, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) Atlantis Marine World (AMW) has decked its halls and is waiting for your visit with lots of special events planned this winter season.
Priceless Parrot Preserve will be visiting on December 26 through December 31. The only 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in New York dedicated to the permanent care of abused, unwanted, exotic birds, PPP rescued and cares for all of the parrots inhabiting the AMW’s exhibit, Amazon Aviary. Visit with them to learn about and interact with these endangered animals.
Through December, visitors can decorate their very own holiday ornament and place it on a special tree displayed in the Aquarium. Also, visitors can drop off new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items. All monies raised or items received goes directly to Operation Holiday Spirit, a 12-year-old toy and food drive run by Long Island Beach Buggy Association (LIBBA). Families in need, right here on Long Island, receive these generous donations.
The Aquarium is also offering for the first time a family New Year’s celebration, “Fishes, Wishes, and Gourmet Dishes!” on Monday, December 31 from 6:30 to 11:00pm. There will be plenty of great food and great fun, plus entertainment not found anywhere else on New Year’s Eve — the Aquarium’s captivating exhibits and displays. Kids are invited to their very own “Winter Wonderland,” which includes unlimited Submarine Simulator rides, animal encounters, Ray Bay feeding, face painting, sand art, crafts, movie and story time, and more! Prices are: Children 3-11: $49.00; Adults 12+: $85.00; Children Under 3: Free. Guests can call 631.208.9200, ext. H2O (426) for reservations.
The upcoming months offer plenty of time for exploration, discovery, and family fun. On December 22, Atlantis Marine World will launch a special exhibit at its Focus Tanks called, “New Year’s Babies,” that offers a close-up, interactive look at some of the babies in our Aquarium. There will also be special behind-the-scenes tours that invite guests to take a look at the breeding program. From February 16 to 24, the Aquarium will offer Reptile Encounters and Live Animal Interactions at 1:00pm each day, with special guests Reptile Edventures and Reptile Rob. On Friday, February 22, the Aquarium will host a reptile-themed sleepover for its Members. Again, guests can call 631.208.9200, ext. H2O (426) for reservations.
Atlantis Marine World, Long Island’s Aquarium, is located in downtown Riverhead on 3.2 acres along the scenic Peconic River. By capturing our visitors’ imaginations and emphasizing the importance of marine life and environmental conservation and preservation, Atlantis Marine World’s mission is to provide visitors with an interactive and exciting educational experience. Atlantis Marine World is also the home of The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, New York’s only authorized marine mammal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation center.
On the web: http://www.atlantismarineworld.com
Ron Paul Raises $6 Million in One Day, Revolution in High Gear
December 17, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) Whoever said Presidential Candidate Ron Paul didn’t have a chance at winning the primaries is clearly mistaken. Ron Paul, raised over $6 million on Sunday, in a one-day fundraising effort, out raising his rivals and making history as the largest single-day online fundraising haul in U.S. political history. This is actually the campaigns second record setting day as donors dropped $4.2 million into his campaign back on Nov. 5th. His campaign spokesman Jesse Benton said Sunday’s haul put the campaign over $18 million in fundraising for the fourth quarter, 50% more than its goal of $12 million with two weeks to go. The campaign reported that 24,940 of the donors who contributed during the Dec. 16 haul were new supporters.
Despite most mainstream media’s intent on ignoring him, grassroots efforts prove that support for the 10-term Republican congressman from Texas is clearly alive and well. The fact that Ron Paul supporters are enthusiastic and willing to work in the trenches disseminating information about him should alert any intelligent person that there is something important about the Ron Paul message and that it needs to be investigated more thoroughly. Ron Paul has been quoted as saying, “There is a revolution going on in this country and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Ron Paul supporters, acting independently from his official campaign, have also raised $235,000 to sublease a 197-foot long blimp with the message: “Who is Ron Paul? Google Ron Paul.” Organizers are flying along the Eastern Seaboard. Their goal is to remain in the air until the Jan. 8th New Hampshire primaries. Paul supporters say the presidential blimp is the first of its kind and they continue to create websites like thisnovember5th.com and teaparty07.com, paint their vehicles with political messages, and use aggressive techniques like their “operation front door” where meetup groups go door to door canvasing in every state accross the country. The grassroots work is raising not only awareness but millions of dollars in revenue for the campaign.
The events on Sunday marked the 234th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party, when colonists boarded a British ship and dumped more than 300 chests of tea overboard to protest tea taxes. Paul has stood out from the Republican field with his strong interest in a swift removal of troops from Iraq as well as abolishing the Federal Reserve and the income tax. He believes that controlled and conservative spending oversees along with new foreign policies can help rebuild Americas current financial situation.
Long Island Charity Brings Hope to Kids at Oheka Castle
December 16, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) The 13th Annual Toys of Hope Children’s event benefitting over 300 needy children was held on December 12th 2007. Children ages 3-5 were treated to a party with clowns, a DJ, Spongebob, Elmo, Dora the Explorer, and many other celebrities and sports figures who helped make it a day these children will never forget.
Each child was taught that Long Islanders really do care about their lives while they danced and sang, met Santa, and took home a generous sized gift bag of items for themselves and their family. In addition the event included a special surprise visit by Donovan Patton, the star of Nickelodeon’s daytime children’s television program Blue’s Clues, who stopped in and made time to dance, cheer, take pictures and sign autographs with each one of these underprivileged children.
The closed party which was by invitation only was sponsored and made possible by the Pat Covelli Foundation, Cambridge Who’s Who, and hundreds of volunteers and supporters.
The mission of Toys of Hope is to provide toys, books, clothing, activities and other items to needy and homeless children and their families. The guiding principal behind the Toys of Hope mission is that all children, regardless of financial status, race, religion or nationality, are deserving of those things which can help give them a happier and more fulfilling life. A new toy can mean everything to a needy or homeless child. It provides fun and enjoyment and gives a child a sense of pride in having something of their very own. Toys of Hope also provides essential items to needy families so that they can become more self sufficient and in turn help to improve their children’s lives.
Toys of Hope operates all year round and relies solely on volunteers to accomplish its mission. There are no paid employees and one hundred percent of all funds contributed goes towards helping needy and homeless children and their families.
Toys of Hope is made possible by generous sponsors. You or your organization can become part of the Magic by becoming a sponsor of Toys of Hope. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of this wonderful organization taking part in providing toys, books, clothing, and other items to needy and homeless children please contact Toys of Hope. Your help is greatly needed. To become a Toys of Hope sponsor call 631-470-0254.
To make a monetary donation by credit card or to help provide new toys and/or volunteer for this organization, please visit www.toysofhope.org
Toys of Hope founder, Melissa Doktofsky, expressed a special thank you to the Oheka Castle, Nickelodeon and Viacom International, Long Island Exchange, Long Island Press, Newsday, News 12, RNNTV, Cambrige Who’s Who, Pat Covelli Foundation, Kaled Management Corp., Mark L Vaimberg CFP, North Shore BPW, Ultimate Class Limo, MRG Productions, Marken Music Inc, Magical Party, Magician David Funn, Nickelodeon, HBO, Venusaluna and all who helped shine a holiday light on this spectacular event.
Long Island Part Time Singer Joins Metal Band Anthrax
December 15, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) Dan Nelson, a part-time singer and personal trainer from Levittown Long Island has been chosen by the veteran group Anthrax to become their latest lead singer. Nelson, 31, contacted Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano through a social networking site.
“We sent music back and forth, got together, and jammed for 10 hours straight,” Nelson said in a statement issued by the band’s publicist. “After 10 hours, he said, ‘I think you’d be right for Anthrax.”
The Anthrax line-up is now comprised of Dan Nelson, guitarists Ian and Rob Caggiano, bassist Frankie Bello and drummer Charlie Benante.
In an October 2007 interview with MTV.com, guitarist Scott Ian said that he, drummer Charlie Benante and bassist Frank Bello have spent most of this year writing and fine-tuning a batch of new songs, which Ian said are along the lines of the band’s critically acclaimed 2003 album, “We’ve Come for You All“. “We know that we want to make a proper follow-up to ‘We’ve Come for You All’, which we all loved,” he said. “But we want it to be even better: heavier, faster, hookier. As songwriters, you try to improve on your craft. And fortunately, we’ve got the time to make that happen. We have no deadline at all because we’ve got no label deal, so my attitude is, ‘Let’s make the most metal record we’ve ever made in our lives,’ and I would have to say that’s coming to fruition.”
Anthrax was among metal’s biggest names in the 1980s and early 1990s, known for its speed, intensity, and genre-crossing 1991 collaboration with Public Enemy on the rappers’ “Bring The Noise.”
Photo: Dan Nelson, New Lead Singler Anthrax
On the web: http://www.anthrax.com
NY Knicks Taste their Fourth Defeat on the Trot
December 15, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) NY Knicks tasted their fourth defeat in a row in the NBA, when they went down 117-110 to SuperSonics on Thursday. Now, Knicks share the East’s worst record alongside Miami at 6-15. Interestingly, P.J. Carlesimo’s Miami owned the league’s second worst record (6-17), before they eventually scored their convincing enough victory over the NY Knicks. This win came as a big relief for the Sonics, who were earlier thrashed by 27 in Chicago on Tuesday.
Isiah Thomas, Knicks’ coach, was obviously disappointed at the results, and he admitted that his team lacked the killer instinct, the heart to pull off a win from a tight corner. Clearly, the Knicks lacked the firepower in the latter half of the match to keep up with the scoring pace of the Sonics players, who held on to the seven point lead in the end. ‘The thirst was not there for us’, he said about his team’s overall performance in the game.
Carlesimo, on the other hand, was satisfied with his team’s display, and he selectively pointed out Durant for his all-round display, and scoring when the team needed it most.
“He played with a lot of poise,” Carlesimo quipped. “He is pretty good.”
Both teams are trying to better their poor win-loss records, and now the NY Knicks have a few more grey areas to attend before they take on the Bulls in their next match.
Common Cents: A Call Answered
December 14, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) In 1961, when incoming President John F. Kennedy urged Americans to think about what they could do for their country instead of vice versa, a federal worker named Nancy Potter had already devoted 12 years to public service. She would spend another 51 years on the job before retiring recently from the U.S. General Services Administration.
GSA is an agency few have heard of, and the GSA Office of the Financial Officer is probably as remote as a lunar crater to most Americans. For the record, GSA is the government’s procurement arm, providing billions in goods and services to other agencies so they can concentrate on their own core missions. The in-house financial office handles strategic planning, budgeting and financial management.
That is where Ms. Potter labored, in relative obscurity, for more than six decades. The word “obscurity” may conjure negative stereotypes of government workers, who too often are lampooned by those who would rather find fault than solutions. By contrast, Ms. Potter made significant contributions in many areas, including the creation more than 30 years ago of a special fund used to finance the cost of acquiring, repairing, altering, and operating federal buildings. Not very sexy but a much smarter way to handle Uncle Sam’s real estate holdings. The Federal Buildings Fund is recognized today as a truly innovative model in how to wisely manage taxpayer dollars.
And so it was no surprise that on a recent day in mid-December, well-wishers filled the GSA auditorium to capacity and special friends told stories that shed light not only on the guest of honor, but also on the concept of public service. Our modest auditorium is 94 years old, same as the historic building itself, which was once home to the U.S. Interior Department. Ms. Potter was there the day the building re-opened in 1949 as the General Services Administration. It was exciting, she told us. And different from today. Stamps cost three cents and you could buy a new car for $1,650.
The room got quiet when she spoke next. “Why did I stay so long?” she said. “The answer is simple: I valued the work. I’m passionate about the programs. I believe in what we do. I believe in our team.”
As a government official, my only disappointment is that average Americans did not get to see Ms. Potter make her gracious exit. We live in a time when “good” news rarely reaches the front page, which makes it seems at times like the only news out there is bad news. Not true. Good news is everywhere and good people abound in our government.
Sometimes they show up after 63 years of dedicated public service in a gray suit in a government auditorium.
“When I walked in here as a 16-year-old federal employee,” Ms. Potter recalled, “I felt important and excited to be working so close to Capital Hill and the White House. As I prepare to leave GSA, I may not be 16, but I am no less excited by the important work this agency does for our customer agencies and the American people.”
Nancy Potter’s parting gifts this holiday season were a good-news story that should be blared throughout the nation, a legacy that President Bush correctly said “reflects the spirit of America,” and a dramatic call to public service made the most effective way possible: by example.
Lurita Doan is Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration
Supporters/Media Await Congressman Ron Paul’s Status With Bated Breath
December 14, 2007
By Carl Fiser
(Long Island, N.Y.) “How is Ron Paul doing?” is the question of the day. Presidential candidate Ron Paul started off his campaign slowly, but it has gained strength and momentum with time. But from where in the woodwork is the strength and support coming? Is the support really even there? Is it still just a vociferous 50,000 on the internet? Are the traditional polls reported on by the major news networks correct? Could he still be in the single digits despite the clamor? Is Ron Paul’s Presidential campaign in need of resuscitation? Come on already, people! Is this not one of the oddest, contradictory things you’ve ever witnessed? Something is going on, and I want to get to the bottom of it!
Here, we have a man running for President of the United States. He’s seems like a decent, upstanding family man, served in the military, is a medical doctor and a ten-term representative in Congress. He’s not running for President like Donald Trump was running for President. He’s not Howard Stern or Al Sharpton. He’s not some quick-quipping novelty from Texas who is just out there on a soap box to tell us what’s wrong with our country. When he goes on the radio, the telephones light up like a Christmas tree - so I am told. When he appears on television, ratings soar - relatively speaking. One would think that such a star, such a ratings booster, would get the ol’ invite more often. I’ve seen video of people holding Ron Paul signs up around Hillary and Romney and Giuliani and McCain, at functions that were supposed to be theirs. Every so often, on my way home, some man holds up a Ron Paul sign to passing cars on Merrick Road . The other day, I saw a handmade banner hanging over a bridge on the Wantagh Parkway that read “Google Ron Paul If You Love America”. We’re still a year from the election! Are these people nuts, or are they excited for a logical reason? Are they a small, vociferous swath, or are they a pervasive presence?
So, I’ve been asking my family and friends here on Long Island what they think of Ron Paul. More than half hadn’t heard of him. So, I’m thinking, maybe the polls are right. If less than half of my family and friends recognized the name Ron Paul, then it’s possible that less than half of those being polled would know him enough to vote for him in a poll. Putting this into numbers, let’s say that 1 out of every 4 people recognize his name as a candidate. Of that 25%, perhaps 1 out of every 4 people would vote for him in an election. Now we’re talking about 6.25%, and maybe that’s why he’s polling in the single digits. Some of you disagree. Some of you suggest that the polls are skewed because they are designed to marginalize Ron Paul.
All conjecture aside, now that I think I’ve shown cause for the poll numbers, let’s get to the meat of this article. Why do only 1 in 4 Americans recognize the name Ron Paul? Rep. Paul is a serious contender, and I feel that all Americans should know their choices. What? Wait. You question whether he is a contender at all? But I just explained above that he is as serious as any of the other candidates. On top of that, he has this grassroots effort to get a blimp in the air with his name all over it. He’s a top money-raiser, too, with $5 million last quarter, $11.4 million so far this quarter and some big internet fundraiser happening on December 16th to commemorate the Boston Tea Party. He’s leading the Republican pack where the dollars are concerned. Anyway, this contender should be getting more press - at least as much as his peers - and that’s the point of me writing to you today. As a journalist, I don’t give a hoot if Ron Paul wins or loses, but I demand that the choice of Americans not be impaired or diverted by media outlets. It is unethical and un-American, not to mention dangerous, for the press to have undue influence over who Americans choose to serve them in public office. Of course, I know that it happens all the time. I am not blind to that fact. But, regardless of whether those at a particular network or periodical love, hate or are indifferent toward a candidate, the candidate should still get fair coverage and fair time.
This candidate I speak of, Ron Paul, has been excepted from polls, excepted from coverage and been given fewer questions at debates. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Stop telling me that it’s not happening! He has been laughed at, ridiculed and deflated. While other candidates are treated respectfully, like contenders, in interviews, Dr. Paul is not. “What’s success for you in this campaign?” “To win,” Ron Paul answered. “That’s not going to happen,” replied George Stephanopoulos on This Week With George Stephanopoulis - 7/8/07. “You probably are not going to win, and you know that, right?” Joy Behar, The View, 12/4/07. “I think we both know that the Republican Party is not going to give you the nomination,” was part of a question asked by Mark Strauss and aired to Ron Paul at CNN’s debate on 11/28/07. Additionally, he is asked either or both of the following questions whenever televised: (1) Which of your Republican opponents would you endorse for office, and (2) Are you going to run as an independent? Are my peers trying to convince Americans that a vote for Ron Paul is a wasted vote? That’s what it sounds like to me.
Some of you may remember me as the writer who penned “Ron Paul Bears Empty Pot For Americans” in which I compared the Congressman to a character in a story who was rewarded for his truthfulness. Many questioned the title, as many will probably question the title of this article, but such titles are necessary, necessary to break the word of his candidacy through to you. In fact, many times, when you read a seemingly negative title or seemingly negative words about Ron Paul, keep in mind that it may be the only way to get Ron Paul’s name out in public and shave down some of the imbalance. One of the most obvious examples of this was when a writer named Ken Layne wrote a story that was featured on AOL’s home page on the morning of December 7th. He used words of ridicule both for Ron Paul supporters and their plan to launch a Ron Paul blimp, but in so doing, that writer greatly raised awareness that there was a deadline that very night by which $200,000 had to be raised in order for the blimp idea to fly. In fact, Mr. Layne most probably helped to save the blimp idea. There are people - hidden people - all over the place, at all levels, doing their best to ensure that Americans get a fair shake at this election process. Some of them not only want to ensure even coverage of the candidates but also are closet Ron Paul fans. For one reason or another, though, they cannot say so.
Before I conclude this interactive article, I’d like briefly to comment on the comments I received to the “Empty Pot” article. In the hours shortly after publication, I received so many accolades, I feared that I had only reached those who already knew and loved Ron Paul. Although I appreciated the sentiments, I viewed the article as a failure. However, in the ensuing days, I saw more and more comments from people who had not been familiar with the name Ron Paul. Some of those newcomers disagreed with the “Paul system” of adhering strictly to the Constitution. Some were enthralled with his concepts, and still others promised to research him more thoroughly. Also, there are two particular groups of comments that I wish to address, and it may seem like I’m being partial, but I’m willing to take that risk.
Some comments intimated and others downright shouted that Ron Paul has been an impotent legislator and therefore would make an impotent President. In response, I must point out that a congressman is just 1 of 435 representatives in the House. The House of Representatives is half of the Legislative Branch of the Federal Government. The Legislature is 1 of 3 branches. That gives any given congressman .00038 worth of a say in Washington. Now, if that congressman were elected President, he or she would then account for one-third of the Federal Government. Not only would his or her exposure be 1,000 times greater, but arguably, his or her mathematical influence is increased to .33333, and that’s 877 times more of a say than a single congressman. Therefore, the assertion that the insurmountable stone walls a congressman encounters in Congress will necessarily make him an ineffective President holds no water. The second group of comments made attempt to argue that Ron Paul would never beat Hillary Clinton because he does not have enough name recognition. Well, if it’s not obvious to you that anybody who gets the Republican Party’s nomination will be catapulted into a household name, then you don’t know much about the world.
In conclusion, we need answers. I know that those who will read this article are familiar with the opportunity to make comments at the end, but I propose that this be a first of its kind. This article is incomplete, and I am asking not that you merely comment on the article, but that you finish it with your comments. I want to read and learn. Just as I’ve shared my unique perspective on who recognizes Ron Paul in my neck of the woods called Long Island, I’d like you to share what you think his recognition level is in your area. Am I way off base with anything I’ve said? I need real answers from real people across the country because the signals out there are conflicting. I await the truth of the situation with bated breath.
Ex-Microsoft Manager Arrested For $1 Million in Domain Scams
December 12, 2007
(Long Island, N.Y.) Carolyn Gudmundson had it made as a Microsoft manager but it seems she spent a lot of her time with the company stealing money. In fact, in the end she stole more than $1 million from Microsoft Corp, Expedia Inc, and another California company. The official charges include 11 counts of wire fraud and seven counts of mail fraud. Gudmundson was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday and was released on her own recognizance on Friday.
Apparently Carolyn Gudmundson, 44 of Kirkland, Washington, had access to a company credit card with Microsoft for the use of making domain name purchases and starting in the year 2000, she would submit doctored or fraudulent receipts with incorrect domain prices for reimbursement. There were even some cases where the manager would submit expense reports where she didn’t even have receipts - but she was reimbursed in good faith.
In addition to the frauds that she perpetrated against Microsoft the woman also went a step further and made deals for domains which were already settled through previous agreements between Microsoft and Expedia. Apparently Microsoft had paid for domain names registered to Expedia and Gudmundson was submitting invoices to the travel site and was being reimbursed for the expenses that she had incurred through buying the domains, although the domains had already been transfered, and paid for in the past. Gudmundson also apparently told a manager at an acquisition company, Marksman Inc, that someone by the name of G.M. Lossman was owed money from a transfer of a few domain names to Microsoft. The funds were sent to Gudmundson’s mother’s home and the checks were cashed.
Carolyn Gudmundson’s arraignment is scheduled for December 13th and reports are that she will plead not guilty. The former Microsoft manager is facing up to 20 years in prison for her crimes and fines of up to $250,000.
