The Green Sheet Online Edition

Shortstack

Let's imagine for a moment that elves don't exist (wink, wink) and Santa Claus has to purchase all of his presents from actual stores, whether they be brick-and-mortar or online. The price to bring joy to children all over the world is a hefty one.

According to Credit Union National Association, in 1987 Santa's presents cost a grand total of $5,812,289,483.26. In 1996 the cost rose slightly to $6,350,023,426.30. And Santa had to spend a whopping $12,937,252,980.25 in 2006 to provide for everyone on the nice list.

Although numbers for 2007 aren't in, it's safe to say Santa will shell out at least $14 billion for goodies. We bet Santa wishes more kids were on the naughty list.

Which of these statements is true?

1. A technology group from Ohio has designed a prepaid card that also holds digital pictures.

2. Two men in Houston are suspected of using magnetic stripe cards to steal more than $100,000 from ATMs.

3. A data card security breach at a small coffee shop in California compromises hundreds of credit card numbers.

Point here for the answer.

MLScapes

"I had my credit card stolen two months ago," a guy says.
"Stolen? Oh God, how terrible!" says his concerned friend. "Have you told the police?"
"Nope."
"Why, for heaven's sake?"
"Well, my last two statements show me he's spending less than my wife did!"

^{Source: Betterjokes.co.uk}

Biz bytes

Indirect channel is a way of selling and distributing products to customers using wholesalers, distributors, agents, dealers, retailers or other intermediaries.

Indirect cost is a fixed or overhead cost that is not attributable directly to the production of specific goods. It is incurred even when a company has no output.

Loopy laws

If traveling to New Orleans for the Southeast Acquirers Association meeting in 2008, check the windows before hitting the hay. Snoring is prohibited in Louisiana unless all bedroom windows are closed and securely locked.