AP9 Articles

AP9 Consumer Gateway Welcomes You!

AP9 Consumer Gateway was created is to educate consumers about our membership discount programs and our company, Adaptive Marketing LLC®. Adaptive Marketing offers a variety of membership programs that are each designed to meet a specific need, including discounts on everyday shopping needs, home care, healthcare, travel, entertainment, personal security and much more. Feel free to peruse any of the AP9 Consumer Gateway categories that appear to your left to find out more about us, our AP9 discount programs and our partners.

As you browse through our AP9 Consumer Gateway weblog you’ll come to understand how membership programs can enhance your lifestyle by saving you time and money. As we, at Adaptive Marketing, are sure you’re already aware there are many companies in the marketplace that promote many different types of membership programs. At AP9 Consumer Gateway, you’ll even learn how to differentiate between reputable companies, like Adaptive Marketing, from less desirable companies whose programs offer sub-standard value and service.

Our goal here is to also educate consumers on important issues that hit close to home, including privacy issues like identity theft, fraud, phishing (spoofing people into revealing personal information) and computer safety. It’s at AP9 Consumer Gateway that you’ll also learn savvy shopping tips and other time and money-savers.

And perhaps most important of all, AP9 Consumer Gateway provides the opportunity for an interactive dialog between you and our company. Please feel free to share with us your thoughts and experiences. By knowing what’s important to you, we can continue to improve our program service levels and provide fresh content here that addresses your questions and concerns.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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DealMax Says That Clothes Can Make the Man

DealMax (SM), a multi-tiered discount-shopping program from Adaptive Marketing LLC®, is committed to helping men look their best this summer. Men's summer fashion is all about blending style with comfort, but choosing the right balance can sometimes be tricky.

No matter how hot the weather is, many men still expect to look professional -- in both work and casual environments. With the hottest months of the year still to come, DealMax has put together some summer clothing essentials that will help the sharp-dressed man stay sharp, while he beats the heat.

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TodaysEscapes Gives Members Tips on Keeping Air Travel Packing Costs Down

Todays Escapes (SM), a travel discount membership program by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows only one simple cure for wanderlust -- travel. These days, though, what's packed (and how much "stuff" there is) needs to be factored into the trip's overall cost. Like many businesses, airlines are struggling, and now they've started assessing fees for checked bags -- especially for oversized items.

It's just a guess, but the late Jack Kerouac probably didn't have too many worries about extra packing fees and the like when he penned his now-famous On the Road back in 1957. For travelers back then, it was just "make plans to go"...and whatever was going to happen eventually did. But the modern traveler isn't so lucky; continued concerns over rising fuel costs and a generally sluggish economy have led to increased baggage costs.

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24 Protect Plus Provides Tips to Keep Kids Safe Having Fun While Bike Riding

24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, understands that the joys of bicycle riding are not without risks. In fact, statistics show that some 300,000 kids end up in the local E.R. every year with anything from bumps and bruises to far more serious injuries -- all from bicycle-related mishaps.

Almost everyone can remember when they first learned to ride a bicycle: The sense of accomplishment they felt when the training wheels were removed and they zoomed down the street at breakneck speed. From 24ProtectPlus's view, though, it's the "breakneck" part of things that can be a cause for concern. Bicycle riding is a blast, yes, but overlooking important safety measures could lead to a wild ride of another kind -- a one-way ticket to permanent injury.

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Shopping Essentials Keeps Consumers One Step Ahead on Shoe Trends

The "Carrie Bradshaw" effect is not a new trend imposed by the main character of the TV show and movie "Sex and the City." Women have always loved shoes, and even though those four girls from the show turned some shoe designers into fashion icons, many women don't even need top-label shoes. All they want is beautiful shoes to complement an outfit. Summer 2008 is perhaps the best time for women to show off their most gaudy shoes, reports Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. The savings offered by this program also help a lot of women put more shoes in their closets for less.

Shoe trends this year include bright colors, patent finishes, sandals and flats with straps and sparkle, and heels designed to defy gravity. Open-toe and peep-toe shoes are also a common summer denominator. But no matter how beautiful the shoes are, they won't look so good if the feet aren't taken care of. Pedicures are, therefore, another must of the season. AP9 ShoppingEssentials presents the most popular trends for women this summer:

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Shopping Essentials Takes a Look at Hot Make-Up Trends for This Summer

Each season, cosmetic lines tell consumers a different "color story," which basically is the group of colors that go together with the fashion trends for the same season. Summer 2008 is all about clothing with bright, bold colors, and the make-up has to match accordingly. When it's time to refresh the make-up bag to bring in the bright and golden shades for the summer, wise shoppers use the savings they get from savings programs like Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

From bright red lips and accentuated eyebrows to the neo-bohemian dark eyes and girly, electric-blue eye shadow, women can play with it all this summer. One thing all women should remember, notes Shopping Essentials, is that no color will look good on a damaged skin, so before any make-up is applied, moisturizing (with an SPF factor of at least 30) and foundation are key. Apply the first one, and wait 20 minutes or so before applying a light, preferably liquid foundation.

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Passport to Fun Offers a Preview of Not-to-Be Missed Movies This Summer

One of the best ways to cool down during hot summer evenings is to go to the movies. Members of Passport to Fun, a premier recreation and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, know that they can count on their money-saving benefits to get movie tickets for almost half the price.

The beginning of the summer came not only with sky-high temperatures, but also with the May 2 release (the official kick-off day for all summer movies) of "Iron Man," an action-packed film that has disappointed only a few demanding viewers. June has had its share of awaited releases, with titles like "Kung Fu Panda" (June 6), "The Incredible Hulk" (June 13), and the comedies "Get Smart" and "The Love Guru" (June 20), all flicks for different audiences.

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Todays Escapes Encourages Members to Stay Work-Free While on Vacation

Todays Escapes (SM), a travel discount membership program by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows what a grind work can be. And that's why it's crucial to recharge and refresh with some time off, whenever possible.

The proverb, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy," has been around for a few thousand years, thanks to an Egyptian sage named Ptahhotep (believed to be the saying's original author, written in about 2400 B.C.). More than 4,000 years later, that friendly advice still applies. In fact, according to a 2007 survey conducted by Robert Half International, a professional staffing and consulting organization, 51 percent of executives said employees are more productive after a vacation than before one.

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DealMax Honors "Old Glory" with Tips on Proper Flag Etiquette

DealMax (SM), a multi-tiered discount shopping program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, prides itself on knowing a little something about everything -- including proper handling of the American flag. Nationalistic feelings over the "Stars and Stripes" seem to have been on the rise in recent years, and AP9 DealMax wants to help honor America -- by the book -- the way history intended.    

Back in 1916, then-President Woodrow Wilson officially declared June 14th as National Flag Day. Prior to that, though, and thanks to a dedicated New York City kindergarten teacher named George Balch, the first "unofficial" Flag Day celebration took place at the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia, PA, on June 14, 1891. (Apparently, Balch arranged a special day for his students to honor the flag in June 1889; his idea was adopted by the New York State Board of Education and was later recognized elsewhere.)

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Simply You Wishes a Great Night’s Sleep Every Night to Every Consumer

The day is over, the body feels tired, the bed is comfortable, and yet it's hard for some people to fall asleep. Others wake up in the middle of the night or too early in the morning, and it's also difficult -- or impossible -- to fall back asleep. What to do? Simply You (SM), a membership discount savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^® that provides members with savings on items to help them improve their quality of life, knows that one very important element in living a better life is good sleeping habits.

Simply You Wishes a Great Night’s Sleep Every Night to Every Consumer

According to a recent poll by the National Sleep Foundation, the majority of American adults experience sleep problems. However, few are aware of the effects of these problems, the benefits of appropriate sleep, and methods to prevent and manage sleep issues. Luckily, as SimplyYou reports, implementing simple lifestyle changes can improve the symptoms of mild to moderate insomnia without any prescriptions or intensive medical treatments.

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DealMax Shares the 5 Secrets of Finding the Ideal Wedding Dress

The time has come. He's proposed, she's still getting used to wearing the ring, and family and friends are asking for details about the wedding. When is it? Where? Is it a day or an evening wedding? Will it be a big reception? Has the wedding dress been found yet? DealMax, a premier membership discount program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that if planning a wedding is a daunting task, choosing the ideal wedding gown can be almost as overwhelming.

DealMax Shares the 5 Secrets of Finding the Ideal Wedding Dress

On average, a bride will try on at least 17 gowns and visit at least three different bridal boutiques before finding the perfect dress. The most important thing brides have to remember is that the "ideal dress" is not necessarily the one a particular celebrity wore on her wedding or one that resembles Cinderella in every way, but the one that fits her best, according to her body shape, size and style.

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Credit Diagnosis Provides Tips on Spending Less While Traveling

Traveling is a passion for many and a necessity for others, and it's no secret that during this summer season, soaring gas prices will force some avid travelers to stay off the roads. But despite the record gas prices, millions of people will drive or fly to national and international vacation spots, reports Credit Diagnosis (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®.

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Home Savings Mall Suggests Throwing an Amazing Block Party

Block parties are a great way to tighten the bonds of the community and create memories for children and adults alike. Home Savings Mall (SM), a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reports that throwing a block party is not as hard and complicated as people might think. It requires planning and teamwork, but with those two elements, half of the work is completed.

"Planning" is the key word for a successful block party. One person can act as the "supervising leader," while other neighbors take care of specific tasks, such as "food commissioner" or "entertainment chief", etc. The goal is to have people handle tasks they know or like, so they can enjoy the planning process and willingly cooperate when needed.

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ShoppingEssentials, from Adaptive Marketing LLC, Offers Special Deals on Beauty Products for the Hands

Hands can tell a story just by the way they look: wrinkly, stained, supple, dry, soft, etc. They also play an important role in communication, since people often use their hands to emphasize what they want to say. Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount shopping program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reports that hands are indeed the first body parts that show age, and they need more pampering and care than people usually give them.

The skin on the hands is thin and delicate, and therefore requires special care. Ironically, such an important and fragile part of the body gets a very rough treatment. People wash clothes and dishes, scrub floors or perform other heavy-duty activities without any protection. But there are some useful and simple tips anyone can follow to keep hands healthy and soft, like the ones provided here by ShoppingEssentials:

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Privacy Matters Identity Explains the Effects of Business Credit Cards on Personal Credit Reports

Privacy Matters Identity (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, encourages its members and all consumers alike to closely monitor their use and payment of business credit cards. Why? Because business credit card charges can affect a person's credit score. However, the effect those charges have will depend on the individual -- more specifically, on how that person chooses to handle the company's credit card.

As with anything related to someone's credit history, business credit card activity can affect a person's chances for getting a mortgage -- since any activity on a credit report can affect one's credit score and financial prospects. So, to avoid undue credit problems, there are a few things to do, according to Privacy Matters Identity:

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Passport to Fun Gives Tips to Kids on Staying Safe This Summer

Passport to Fun (SM), a premier recreation and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that summer is just around the corner. And that surely means plenty of outdoor fun for kids. Still, all that open-air activity can translate into exposure to dangerously hot temperatures, water safety hazards -- even trouble from pesky insects and other animal life.

And the same goes for all the "grown-up kids" out there; kids who understand that "Mother Nature" means business are largely influenced by their adult role models. Let the kids have fun, sure, but don't forget to tell them there's more to summertime safety than beating the heat.

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24 Protect Plus Helps Pets Keep Their Cool in the Summer Heat

24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows how much fun summer can be. Gatherings with family and friends seem to increase markedly as the mercury rises. And since pets are often part of those summertime festivities, 24 Protect Plus wants to offer some helpful tips on how to keep pets safe and having fun.

Domesticated pets like dogs, cats and parakeets all need help with those summertime "do's" and "don'ts." Plain and simple, our pets count on us to protect them. Like 20th-century Scottish veterinarian/writer James Herriot (born James A. Wight) said, "I hope to make people realize how totally helpless animals are, how dependent on us, trusting as a child must that we will be kind and take care of their needs." With that in mind, 24ProtectPlus has some important summertime safeguards for all those creatures great and small:

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Passport to Fun Helps Provide Heart-felt, "Thank You" Gift Ideas for Teachers

Okay, pop quiz: "Where would we be without teachers?" Passport to Fun (SM), a premier recreation and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that question has many different answers. And this May, teachers everywhere will be honored; May 6 is National Teacher Day.

All too often, teachers' efforts go largely unappreciated; we just expect them to educate, mentor and guide students, with little or no fanfare. And even though history suggests that the roots of National Teacher Day are unclear, one thing is certain: Everyone has had a teacher who made a difference, who made the seemingly impossible, more than possible. So isn't it time we gave them their proper due?

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Shopping Essentials Offers Ideas on What to Give Expectant Mothers on Mother's Day

Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, says "dig deeper" when deciding what to give a mother-to-be on Mother's Day.

If you feel lost, you're not alone. Most people have a hard time with this situation. The most important thing to remember at this point is that no matter what you give her, the present must be for her, not for the baby.

That's why Shopping Essentials recommends going beyond the obvious and thinking about the pregnant mother's needs and desires during this special time in her life. Pay more attention to her comments, hear what she has to say about the changes she's going through, try to put yourself in her situation … this will give you many valuable ideas. Gift cards make excellent presents during this time, because they allow the mother-to-be to get what she wants the moment she wants it. Remember that pregnancy can be a nine-month emotional roller coaster.

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24 Protect Plus Gives Pointers on How Not to Leave All Your Money at the Pump

As gas prices rise day by day and the average price in the U.S. heads for numbers no one ever thought possible, gas-saving advice abounds. And yet many people keep driving carelessly, paying more and more money every time they stop at the pump. 24 Protect Plus (SM), a premier security program provided by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows well the pain of many concerned consumers and recommends taking extra measures to make the most of the gas in their tanks.

The top recommendation, and the most logical one, is to drive less. This might not be entirely possible for people living in rural or suburban areas, but there are always little tricks everyone can use to cut down on driving: carpooling or walking are two such options. Here are other practical suggestions that AP9 24ProtectPlus has put together:

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Shopping Essentials Presents Spring Fashion Tips

Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, says that, this spring, “old is new.” Early spring fashion trends point to floral-printed garments. And while that may not be anything new, the way these flowers and floral prints are being worn, and how designers have chosen to combine them, is the foundation of Spring 2008.

This year, designers seem to be very focused on color combinations. They’re relying heavily on combining basic neutrals, like white, off-white, light beige and grays, with brighter colors that are simply a must: energizing reds, cool waterborne blues and eco-friendly greens. With that in mind, take a look at some further Spring 2008 fashion insights, courtesy of AP9 ShoppingEssentials:

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