As if Valentine's Day wasn't bad enough

"A new worm has been detected by PandaLabs which is using Valentine's Day to spread itself through email greeting cards. The network security company is calling it a new variant of the Waledec Storm worm ... The Waledac.C worm spreads by sending a fake Valentine's Day greeting card using email. The recipient then clicks on a link to download the fake card which downloads the Waledec Storm worm."

The piece goes on to explain that Valentine's Day is one of the biggest days of the year for hackers to spread viruses. For someone who is expecting something lovely and sweet in their inbox, this is a huge pain in the ass. And for someone who isn't -- it's downright cruel.

"To make matters worse, the e-card entices the user to click on a row of hearts or roses by stating, 'Guess, which one is for you?'"

So, this VTD, don't open e-mails from strangers claiming to be sending you e-love. Clearly, it's not safe. Protect yourself. Wait for something in your true mailbox. It takes longer to get there, but usually it's worth it.

We're blushing

BUST -- a 15-year-old national magazine that is "fierce, funny, and proud to be female" had some sweet things to say about us and our "Get Toasty" card in a recent blog post:

"This little card from PEP Greetings is too adorable, and so are the ladies behind it."

It's true! We ARE adorable. And easily flattered.

Finally taking down those holiday cards?

I know you have them. Stuck to your fridge. All around the door jam. In that special display holder on your kitchen counter that someone gave you last year. Or, if you're like me, they are all over the kitchen counter and littering your dresser tops.

But now it's time to say goodbye to the holidays. Box up the ornaments, the garland and the menorah. Bring in the lights. But those cards -- handwritten greetings from family and friends. Glitter. Stars. Smiling reindeer. Peppermint-laced martini glasses. Warm blues, greens and reds. Are they destined for the trash? Can they all fit in another stack of shoeboxes (or in my case, Kate Spade boxes)?

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, an organization that cares for abused, abandoned and neglected children, hopes not.

"Over thirty years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude’s Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year’s Christmas cards into "new" cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique "thank you," they requested the children sell them the special cards... since then, the Program expanded to include all occasion greeting cards… the children participate in making the new recycled cards by removing the front and attaching a new back made with recycled paper. The new card is a beautiful, “green” card made by the children and volunteers. We are accepting used, all-occasion greeting cards thru February 28, 2009. Mail your donations to:

St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Card Recycling Program
100 St. Jude's Street
Boulder City, NV 89005"

You can also order their recycled cards online. I would encourage it -- as long as you consider ordering some of ours too.

And I hope you realize that if you still have your tree up, it's a major fire hazard. You can recycle that too. Just let it go.

Do not bend

Envelopes are important. If they are too thick, they can feel wooden (and add to postage rates). If they are too thin, they can tear and get jammed at the PO, and no one wants a card in a plastic bag.

We are proud of our envelopes. Made of medium cardstock and thick enough to hold up in the mail sorters, but thin enough to be able to hold up to the light and get a peek of what is inside. If you're into that.

And we promise -- no baggies in your mailbox. Unless, of course, you're into that too.

Beating card

"Get Fuzzy" is an often amusing comic strip, and considering the amount of times it makes references to Maine, lobster and now greeting cards, I sometimes wonder if I am writing it in my sleep...



Thanks to Patrick for the link.

I've got your M&A activity right here

Dear American Greetings: I know we're just launching things, but everyone seems to like the cards we've released so far and the talent level Doreen and I can offer is worth way more than the several million dollars you're shelling out for Recycled Paper Greetings. I know you probably got them at a fire-sale price, but they're in Chapter 11! Were they paying their illustrators and writers in gold? Are you sure you want to deal with folks with those types of business practices? We are a safe bet -- well run, young, smart and full of fresh ideas. All we require is a fully stocked bar. Health insurance would be nice too.