There is over $5 BILLION belonging to 8.2 million people and businesses in California sitting in the State of California Unclaimed Property (UCP) database at www.sco.ca.gov/col/ucp. 

If there is no activity in an account for over 3 years and the business cannot reach the owner (often due to address changes, death, etc.), the money reverts to the State.  You'll see unclaimed interest, dividends, savings accounts, rebates, insurance settlements, rebates, etc. in the database.

The UCP website has a handy search engine at http://scoweb.sco.ca.gov/UCP/ that lets you search for unclaimed property by name and city.  There are nearly 26,000 unclaimed property listings just in Thousand Oaks!  Aleta Smith, you are owed $421 in dividends!  Claim your money!  Darrell Taylor, Verizon owes you $50!  Crystal Hawkins, 21st Century Insurance owes you $305!

This database is for real.  I found money for 3 people and business that I know in there!  It makes it fairly easy to claim the property.  You can fill out on online form, print and mail with required documentation (usually need a photo ID, a document showing your Social Security Number, your address and something showing the property is yours).  The State must pay you within 180 days.

The database also lists property that is still with the business that you can claim directly, prior to reverting to the State.

So check it out!  You might find some spare cash in there for you, a friend or a relative!  And for unclaimed money in other states, check out www.unclaimed.org.

There has been a groundswell of interest in the return of the Hydrox cookie.  In fact, thanks to a reference to this June 13th CVG posting from several other websites, it is apparent to me that many, many people are anxiously awaiting arrival of the Hydrox "beginning in late August."

So I've been Googling around looking for Hydrox for sale, to no avail.  I even looked for Hydrox on eBay, hoping for maybe even an old 1999 package of them.  No luck. 

It is almost the "late August" time frame so I checked the www.HydroxCookies.com website for updates.  Where will I be able to buy these cookies, for pete's sake!?  Nothing.

So I did what any typical sugar-driven, compulsive, cookie addict and geek would do.  I wrote to Kelloggs Customer Service and asked them where I will be able to buy the Hydrox and, oh, could I obtain a box in advance so I can taste them and write about them at www.ConejoValleyGuide.com?

THE CLUE...!!!

Kellogg's wrote me a nice response that I have copied and pasted below.

It seemed like we were getting way too many telemarketing calls...usually right around 8 p.m. while struggling to get the kids bathed and into bed.  And I thought we had signed up for the National Do Not Call Registry years ago.  So here's a brief "refresher" on how the Do Not Call Registry works and what it can and cannot do.

What It Does

If you register your phone number in the National Do Not Call Registry, telemarketers must stop calling that number within 31 days.  The Registry applies only to personal phone numbers, both home phone and cell phones.  The law does not apply to business lines.

What it Doesn't Do

If you buy goods or services, they can call you up to 18 months even though your number is on the Registry.  If you want them to stop calling you sooner, you must tell them in writing.  The Registry does not apply to political, charity and survey calls.  If you inquire or apply to a particular vendor, they can call you for up to 3 months, even if you are on the Registry.

How Do You Register?

Register at www.donotcall.gov.  It only takes a

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UPDATED 7/14/08!  Here's a list of over 90 summer camps and programs in the area with contact information, in no particular order.

1. Conejo Recreation and Park District camps, large variety, including surfing, science, engineering with Legos, sports, performing arts, cultural enrichment, archeology, african safari, basketball, cheerleading, engineering, fashion camp, golf, lacrosse, math, multimedia, photography, robots, day camps with different weekly themes, "little folks" day camps for ages 4-7, etc. 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ages 6-14 in T.O. and Newbury Park www.crpd.org 805.495.2163
2. Boys & Girls Clubs of Conejo & Las Virgenes www.bgcconejo.org 805.449.1309
3. Ventura County Council Boy Scouts summer camps http://www.vccbsa.org/
4. iD Tech Camps at CLU/Pepperdine www.idTechCamps.com 888.709.8324
5. Camp Summertime at Calamigos Ranch in Agoura/Malibu for ages 4 to 14  www.campsummertime.com 818.706.7335
6. New West Symphony Summer Music Camp in Thousand Oaks 7/21-7/25 for 3rd-5th graders 805.777.7886
7. Silverfin Lacrosse Summer Clinic at Peppertree Park in Newbury Park, 6/24-8/5, ages 9-18, www.tolacrosse.com/silverfin or call 805.760.1171
8. Westlake Montessori School Summer Camp www.westlakemontessori.com/summer_camp.html 805.495.2962
9. City of Agoura Hills Department of Community Services summer camps (brochure available at http://ci.agoura-hills.ca.us/Index.aspx?page=70)
10. Skatelab Summer Camps in Simi Valley, http://www.skatelab.com/skatepark/camp.php 805.578.0040
11. Lazy "J" Ranch Camp in Malibu 140 acres in Malibu www.LazyJRanchCamp.com 310.457.5572
12. Little Oaks School Day Camp in Thousand Oaks, ages 4-12 www.littleoaksschool.com 805.495.5513
13. Phoenix Ranch Day Camp in Simi Valley, ages 5-13, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. www.phoenixranch.org/camp.html 805.526.0136
14. Agoura Hills Dance summer day camps, ages 2-14, www.agouradance.com 818.991.8883
15. Fashion Design Camp for middle school students and up at Sheldon's Art Academy in Oak Park www.sheldonsartacademy.com 818.706.9444
16. Summer climbing camp at Boulderdash Indoor Rock Climbing in Thousand Oaks www.boulderdashclimbing.com 805.557.1300
17. Childrens Theatre Experience Summer Camp in Thousand Oaks, ages 8-18, www.ctexperience.com/programs/summerCamp.asp 800.514.2787
18. Fitness by the Sea Kids Camp in Malibu 6/23-8/29 ages 5-14 www.fitnessbythesea.com 310.459.2425
19. Camp Keystone Summer Day Camp in Agoura Hills www.campkeystone.com 818.889.2224
20. Art Camp in Agoura Hills, day camp for 7-11 year olds www.summerartacademy.com 818.386.1108
21. Broadway Theatre Camp 7/7-7-10, 7/14-7/24 ages 6+ www.talentlabonline.com 805.557.4942
22. Little Oaks School Day Camp 4 1/2 to 12 years www.littleoakschool.com 805.495.5513
23. Plank Institute Summer Science Camp at Pepperdine University, 1 week residential 8/3-8/8, for incoming 7th-9th graders, www.plankinstitute.com or 800.377.5265
24. Knuckleheads Gym Summer Fun Fitness Day Camp begins 6/16 www.knuckleheadsgym.com 805.499.8700
25. Academy of Dance and School of Performing Arts Summer Camp 7/14-7/24 and 8/11-8/21 in Thousand Oaks www.academyofdance.us 818.889.1515
26. Girl Scouts of Central Coast summer camps http://www.girlscoutsccc.org/ 800.822.2427

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ChaCha is a free service that allows you to call a toll-free number, ask a question, and receive a text message response on your cell phone in minutes!  No need for an Internet browser!

I tried it at lunch as soon as I read about it.  Dialed 800.224.2242 (or 800.2chacha) and asked a simple question:  "What is the time and date of the next Lakers playoff game?"  I hung up and within a minute received a text message that confirmed my question and told me I would receive an answer soon.

A minute later the next text message said the "L.A. Lakers play Denver 5:30 p.m. EDT on TNT.  Lakers lead series 2-0."  So they gave me even more than I asked!

After lunch I tried one more:  "Who was the 5th President of the U.S. and how old was he when he died?"  (I'm embarassed to say I don't know either answer off the top of my head.)  After the initial reply confirming the question, I heard back:  "James Monroe was the fifth President of the United States (1817-1825).  He dies in New York at the age of 73."  So once again, not only did they respond quickly, but with even more than what I asked!  Kind of fun!  Maybe I'll have a more pressing question for my next call, like what will the winning lotto numbers be or something like that.

You can also type and text your questions to them at "ChaCha" or 242242. 

What's also cool is that they send you a link to the ChaCha website (www.ChaCha.com) with the answer, along with a link to the source website and information about the person who did the search for you.

Huh?  A real live person?  Yes, ChaCha uses 10,000 people who provides answers for 20 cents apiece.  Wow, a possible Google search competitor?  Well, I think this service is fun with simple questions but not quite ready to replace more complex search engine queries.

How will ChaCha make money if it is free (other than the cost of receiving text messages) and they pay people 20 cents to research your question.  I don't have the answer but I'm sure advertising would be part of it.  Check it out and enjoy!

Blu-ray Disc (or BD) players were first launched in June 2006 as an alternative to HD (High Definition) DVD players.  Later that year Sony included Blu-ray technology in its new PlayStation 3 players and since then have sold over 10 million.  In February 2008, HD DVD maker Toshiba announced "game over" to HD DVD.  And thus Blu-ray has become the high-def format of choice.

This was Sony's revenge I suppose for the Betamax format losing out to JVC's VHS video recording format in the mid 1980s.  For the million or so HD DVD purchasers, you were brave!  But good luck finding DVDs in this now obsolete format.

What is Blu-ray?  Blu-ray is a high-definition technology that uses a blue laser to read the disc (DVD players use a red laser).  Blu-ray screen resolution is 1,080 horizontal lines versus 480 for DVDs.  That added resolution can make for a stunning picture.  But you need a high-def TV to enjoy it!  BDs have 6 times the storage capacity of DVDs.

Will BD make DVD go obsolete soon?  My personal opinion is no, given the fact that hundreds of millions of DVD players are in use and continue being sold.  But BD will gradually creep into the DVD market.  I would imagine that BDs will grow in popularity at similar rate to the growth in high-definition TVs vs analog TVs.

Should I buy one?  If you own a PlayStation 3, perhaps use that to play BDs until BD player prices start falling from their current $400 price tag.  Heck you can buy a PS3 for $400 today.  But if you enjoy being an early adopter and don't mind the fact the prices may drop towards Christmas, go for it!  One thing to make sure though is that your BD player is "backwards compatible" with DVDs.  Most are but make sure to check.

Blu-ray Discs also cost slightly more to rent today, but not that much more.  A local Newbury Park Blockbuster rents BDs for about $1 more than DVDs. 

The American Automobile Association has over 50 million members, including 6 million in Southern California.  If you are not a member (roughly half of Southern California households are not members), you should consider becoming one.

You get a number of things for a basic $47 per year membership ($71 for two adults).  Towing service up to 7 miles, discounted rental cars, emergency fuel delivery, locksmith service, access to AAA offices and services, free maps and traveling planning, etc.  For additional fees you can upgrade these basic services.

But where membership can really pay off are savings on products and services.  There are over 100 ways to save money as a AAA member and here are a few that really stand out:

• Getting a AAA rate on a hotel like Hyatt, Marriott, Sheraton and others can easily save you 5% to 10% on your room, which can more than pay for your AAA membership with a 5 night stay.
• Use AAA for a 6% discount on all purchases at Dell.  The savings on just $800 in purchases would cover the basic membership fee.
• Target is offering a 10% discount on all online purchases for AAA members (see www.AAA.com/target). 
• Save 10% on up to 4 adult entrees at El Torito.
• Save 10% on Amtrak rides and 10% to 15% on airport parking at LAX.
• Save up to 10% or more at various family entertainment venues, like Knotts Berry Farm, Aquarium of the Pacific, Universal Studios, Legoland, Sea World and other Southland attractions.

So even if you don't think you'll need roadside assistance or towing, it could really pay off having a AAA membership.  Visit the Auto Club of Southern California website at www.aaa-calif.com for more information.

A buddy of mine tipped me off to www.VenturaGasPrices.com, a website dedicated to providing detailed information about gas prices throughout Ventura County.  VenturaGasPrices.com is part of www.GasBuddy.com, a national network of over 170 websites tracking local gas prices.

So if you are looking to save a few bucks, take a look at this site before gassing up.  Tonight I saw that premium gasoline at the Oxnard Costco is $3.11 per gallon as compared to $3.47 per gallon at the Chevron located at Thousand Oaks Blvd. and Rancho Road.  That difference would amount to over $6 on an 18 gallon tank.  Might be worth a trip to some of you.

For those who enjoy charts and historical data, there is a nice tool on the site that allows you to see gas price trends in throughout the country for periods up to 6 years.  That is, if you can stomach the fact that gas prices have doubled in the last 5 years.  (Whereas the price of ExxonMobil stock has tripled in that same period.)

Ah, time to start checking out those hybrids.  Love the fact that city mileage is higher than highway mileage on a hybrid!

Familiar with local 2-1-1 phone service?  2-1-1 provides a quick, easy way to obtain local information for these types of services:

• Basic human needs, such as food, shelter, clothing and other support
• Physical and mental health resources, including intervention services, crisis counseling, support groups, counseling, drug and alcohol intervention and health insurance programs
• Employment support, including unemployment assistance, job training, education assistance, transportation help, etc.
• Support for elderly and disabled individuals, such as convalescent care, home health care, meal services and transportation services
• Children, youth and family support, including childcare, after school programs, family resource centers, mentoring, recreation, tutoring, protective services, etc.
• Volunteer opportunities and donations

Another benefit of using 2-1-1 is that it reduces burden on our overtaxed 9-1-1 service, particularly during times of critical need.

2-1-1 was first implemented over 10 years ago in Atlanta and is now available to nearly 200 million Americans across the country.  Ventura County was the first county in California to launch 2-1-1 service on February 11, 2005.  The Ventura County 2-1-1 service is staffed 24 hours a day and is managed by Interface Children Family Services with the support of the Ventura County United Way, First 5 Ventura County and the Community Commission for Ventura County. 

Donations for Ventura County 2-1-1 service can be made to Interface by clicking this link.

For more information check out www.211ventura.org or dial 2-1-1.  Some cell phone users may have to dial 800.339.9597.  In addition, a very comprehensive "blue book" of Ventura County health and human services is available online on the Interface website by clicking here.

Last night in Thousand Oaks, I was one of the very fortunate parents to attend Jim Trelease's final public lecture after 24 years on the road promoting childrens' reading and literacy.  Jim's famous book, "The Read-Aloud Handbook," is in its sixth edition and has provided support and tools to parents and teachers thoughout the world, selling over 2 million copies.

Jim is passionate about what it takes to encourage children to read.  Here are a few tidbits from the lecture:

1. Children spend 900 hours at school each year, which means the remaining 7800 hours per year are spent elsewhere.  Take advantage of those hours outside of school by reading to your children.  Don't assume they will learn to read in those measly 900 hours!
2. Children become good readers not only by being read to, but by finding books that are enjoyable to them.  Jim's website (www.trelease-on-reading.com provides plenty of great examples).  Read whatever peaks your child's interest.
3. Reading aloud to your children regularly and as much as you can is the single most critical factor in helping your child to read.  A child must hear a word in a meaningful context a dozen times to become part of their vocabulary.  The more words a child hears, the more words they eventually will comprehend, speak, read and write.

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Try taking a nap for a powerful antidote to feeling sluggish and tired.  I personally feel extremely invigorated with a solid 20 minute, uninterrupted nap in the middle of the day (right after lunch is usually a good time, following the lead of my 2 year-old).

You don't want to nap too long, just 20 to 30 minutes...sleep too long and you'll feel groggy instead of refreshed.  Or take a long nap of 90 to 120 minutes to get past the grogginess cycle.

Napping is still not widely accepted in our society but is gaining momentum.  One company, MetroNaps of New York, sells a napping device called an EnergyPod™ that provides a comfortable semi-enclosed space for napping in comfort in a work setting.  Companies like Proctor & Gamble, Cisco and PriceWaterhouseCoopers are experimenting with this device. 

Since most companies don't have this $12,000 contraption, what is the best strategy for napping during the workweek? Well, if you work close to home you could go home for a nap.  But this isn't feasible for most of us.  If you work in an office you could shut the office door at lunchtime and snooze on the floor of your office.  I have resorted to this but it certainly is not the most comfortable approach (remember to lock your door and silence the phone).

Or you could nap in your car, which also is not that comfortable unless you have a car large enough to lie down in.  I have resorted to catching a front seat powernap in a shady spot at the park.  Of course the other issue is noise.  This is where I've been lucky to find a really neat product called Pzizz.

Pzizz is a $50 software program that produces an unlimited number of timed sleep "soundtracks" - music, sounds and voices that make power napping a snap.  I've used Pzizz hundreds of times and swear by it.  Nap soundtracks can be exported into iTunes and loaded onto your iPod for easy portability.  I crave my 20 minute Pzizz "energizer" naps.  My wife makes fun of me but I'm telling you, after just 20 minutes of Pzizz I'm a new man.

Bottom line:  Most of us don't get enough sleep and our bodies and minds are paying the price for it.  If you can't sleep more at night, then consider taking regular naps to help bring energy to your life!

Check out a relatively new service from Catalog Choice that helps you reduce the number of catalogs mailed to your home.  I dread visits to the mailbox this time of year as I know 80% of the materials will be catalogs that I neither want nor need.  This free service allows you to select catalogs from a list of 1,000 or so and ask that they not be mailed to you.  Can't beat this deal!  www.CatalogChoice.org

GreenDimes.com is another website that helps you reduce unwanted mailbox clutter.  In fact, my wife signed up a few months ago.  It costs $15 (one time).  I've noticed a remarkable reduction in catalogs and junk mail over the past few weeks!  It takes 3-4 months to kick in.  www.GreenDimes.com. 

41Pounds.org charges $41 for 5 years of ridding your mailbox of not only catalogs, but all sorts of junk mail, like coupon mailers, magazine offers, credit card offers, etc.  If you want a more complete approach to gaining control over your mailbox, this may be your best choice.  They say 80 to 95% of your bulk mail will be eliminated within 4 months.  That could make this service your #1 choice even though there is a cost to it.   41 is roughly the number of pounds each of us receives each year in bulk mail (I think this is more like 411 pounds in my family).  www.41Pounds.org