Donn is being bullied by QVC for their Carlswald based marketing. He is being sued for defamation. Now I'm no lawyer, but I'm sure truth is a defence to defamation, as is it being in the public interest. If someone asked me whether to buy services from QVC, I would strongly recommend against it for the below reasons based on my experiences (and reiterated by a wealth of negative complaints on hellopeter, even with them diluted through their user of different company names, and several blogs).

P.S. The exact link between QVC and the marketing front is unclear, but based on their (now removed) documentation sent to Donn, and the information from commentators below, there definitely seems to be one. Given the years of bad press, QVC certainly can't claim they didn't know/endorse this. Either way, make up your own mind, don't take my stuff as gospel.

Update II: It appears these guys get your number after applying for insurance quotes. If you comment, please indicate if you have recently applied for insurance and through whom you applied.

Update: This page originally documented my experiences, but given the number of commentators and changing tactics, it is regularly updated. I can't vouch for the accuracy of, nor take responsibility for, the commentators information, or that of HeloPeter's. Also, while this fits my personal definition of a scam, until that is tested in a court, they are at most using disingenuous marketing tactics. Either way, don't waste your time.

I got a phone call from 'Divine' today telling me I was one of 15 lucky people who had made it to the final draw for a Cheverolet Spark. This appears to be part of a possible ongoing scam (or network marketing) run by a company that keeps changing it's name. They are currently EcoWorld and appear to have been previously Prestige Business Solutions, which others claim use the trickery to try and get you to buy a time share at the Quality Vacation Club.

Divine told me that Anna, the "events coordinator" would be phoning me tomorrow morning to give me the address. She did phone, but I declined to go, and I advise you do the same.

I was interested to see if my political leanings (as described by the Political Compass test) had shifted since having left University, gotten a job, started paying taxes, converted to Catholicism and having grown older.

It is interesting to note that my results are very similar to what they were in 2004, and less libertarian and economically right wing than they were in 2006. Me and Nelson Mandela are still home boys though.

Economic Left/Right: -7.38
Social Libertarian/Authoritarian: -3.13

If you've decided you want to make better coffee, here are my tips for the changes that will yield the biggest results. These aren't comprehensive, just some quick tips for quickly making better coffee.

1. Don't use instant, use proper Arabica grounds.
2. Espresso is the best, then French press, then percolator. A Moka Express or Brikka are quick ways to get into espresso.
3. Use hot milk. This makes a big difference in taste, 30-40s in the microwave should do it. A French Press can be used with hot milk to make decent froth for cappuccino too.
4. Grind your own beans. A grinder is cheap, and freshly grinding your own beans just before you make a cup makes a subtle increase in flavour. Remember to store your beans in an airtight container in a cool dry place (not the fridge).