BestBlogPosts

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 23:32:49 GMT

Problems with a Whole Life Policy

© Steve PolyakWhen you buy life insurance, there are two basic kinds - whole life and term life insurance. Any other kind of life insurance is a variation of these two types. While term life insurance focuses on low cost, whole life focuses on having a cash flow or forced savings for retirement.

Each of these life insurance policies will meet different people's needs. However, whole life seems to fall short in several ways. While it does have a cash value that builds over time, it also is very poor when it comes to a return on your investment. If you really want a savings program that you can keep, a whole life insurance policy does not qualify.

With a term life insurance policy you get the pure insurance that you pay for. There are no other claims and the commissions are kept low. If you should die, you get the face value of the policy.

A whole life policy, on the other hand, promises insurance plus a cash value. The truth, however, is that you really only get one or the other in a standard whole life insurance policy. This is because the cash value portion actually is part of the face value. If you should die, your beneficiaries only receive the face value of the policy. This does not matter whether you have had the policy for one week or for 50 years. You do not receive the cash value and the death benefit.

When you consider how much you paid for whole life rather than term insurance, you would think that you could have had a lot of money saved over the years. Yes, that's true. Instead, it only means that you end up insuring yourself.

SmartMoney mentions that "there really are better ways to save for retirement," if that is your goal. You really would be much better off buying term life insurance and investing the difference into a savings program of some kind. This way, you will really get the insurance value and the savings account, too.
Posted by: FinanceMan      Read more     Source

Sat, 19 Jun 2010 23:17:49 GMT

Are you too old to start a new business?

© lilli2de
Apparently not, according to a trend spotted by Scott Shane at Small Business Trends: "....the incorporated self-employment rate is 4 times higher among those aged 65 to 69 than among those aged 25 to 34-and a whopping 25 times higher than among those aged 20 to 24."

Shane puts much of this down to increasing levels of unemployment, and the difficulties in getting re-hired, among the older population. But there is also much to recommend the entrepreneurial route to older folks even if they haven't been numbered among the casualties of the Great Recession. Although the tendency when we think of entrepreneurs is to think of young folks with their hair on fire staying up half the night working on products and proposals, as Shane points out, older entrepreneurs tend to have businesses that perform better and survive longer than their younger counterparts. Considering other recent evidence suggesting that caution and a conservative approach to business startup and operation is a greater success factor than gung-ho spirit, this should not be surprising.

Startups can be a lot of work, but older workers have hopefully learned how to work smarter, not harder, and can do what is necessary without burning the midnight oil. The attractions of success are even better for older entrepreneurs with families and interests outside their business; a schedule you set yourself, no one to report to, and a modicum of control over the progression of your life are not things to sneeze at as you head into your twilight years. Posted by: Mattew      Read more     Source

Thu, 01 Apr 2010 12:48:25 GMT

iSkin Solo FX iPhone Case

Oh the ubiquity of the black iPhone case! Leather, pleather, rubber, plastic.... I want something more fantastic!

Leave it to the geniuses of iSkin to give me the exciting cover my 3GS deserves! The iSkin Solo FX builds on the original Solo case by adding a designer pattern and a mirrored screen protector to the glossy case that gives you the look of a hard shell while offering the protection and gripability of a rubber skin. There is also a special edition of the FX that adds even more excitement to the texture and pattern.

The glamorous FX is made with Microban antimicrobial protection that inhibits the growth of all the nasty bacteria that tends to collects on one"s phone - another plus for me, the resident Popgadget germophobe. Color choices for the FX are Breeze (translucent blue), Lush (translucent green), Passion (translucent red), Sunset (translucent orange) and Vive (translucent purple). Like the perfect designer dress, the FX is low profile and cut out in all the right places (dock, camera, headphone jack, and ringer switch) while covering the essentials (volume and power controls). It"s also compatible with the iSkin revoClip for those that want fashion and dare I say i.... functionality.... in one.

Show your iPhone style with the FX (and your fear of germ.... oh, nevermind, that"s my fear of germs). Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:19:06 GMT

4 Reasons Why You Should Choose Glass Trophies

Awards and prizes have come a long way from just a 'pat on the back' to monetary and classy corporate rewards. Today, a huge percentage of employees' moral is driven by the shiny object lying in the cabinet on the CEO's shelf - the glass trophies that symbolize employee recognition and extraordinary achievements round the year!

Here are 4 reasons why glass trophies are the optimal choice of organizations and associations for rewarding achievements with:

1. Visually Enchanting: No other award can beat the visual appeal or glamour that a glass award brings along with itself. Not only is this regal glory because of the glass that is the core material of the trophy, but also the reflective nature which adds a wistful enigma to the award!
2. Looks Professional: They look thoroughly professional – more so because of their crystal-clean appearance and a transparent or translucent characteristic – which makes the awards seem much more sophisticated than they may actually be.
3. Feels Expensive: Even though glass or crystal does not cost much – they sure feel expensive. This has more to do with the vulnerable nature of the material as well as the maze of light reflections that make it appear diamond-like, especially under bright lights (such as on an award podium)!
4. Quality of Etchings and Engravings: More than wooden or enamel plaques, etchings or engraved messages appear much more professional than usual. This bodes well for corporate units that wish to engrave the achievements of feats of the winning team/individual.

So unless you wish to appear bland or laid-back in recognizing accomplishments, glass trophies can work the magic for you in more ways than one! Posted by: Heather      Read more     Source

Sat, 13 Mar 2010 19:56:46 GMT

CRM Solutions & Cloud Computing

© {Guerrilla Futures | Jason Tester}Cloud computing strategy can be adopted by small businesses for gaining short term costs and operational advantages of SaaS, CRM and several other benefits available.

One of the benefits of adopting CRM in the cloud is with respect to the price and affordability but price is not just the only attraction as it even offers an elastic infrastructure with shared cost model.

Cloud computing is a fairly new term which refers to scalable and virtualized computing resources available on the internet. It offers a number of benefits which includes elasticity, utility and ubiquity.

For competing with big enterprises, CRM for small businesses would need a lot of investment in fixed capital costs apart from operational costs. A cloud based approach can create a level playing field for small businesses. It also helps to link contrasting CRM components.

Cloud computing is more of a delivery based approach as compared to CRM specific approach therefore the final decision to opt for it would require some form of IT input. Cloud computing may not be for everyone but those who are at ease with it can find better integration with CRM solutions and at the same time avoid dedicated in house infrastructure. This would also mean lesser initial investment in CRM.
Posted by: Sue      Read more     Source

Sun, 28 Feb 2010 03:38:08 GMT

Wireless USB Headsets - Ensure You Know the Features before You Buy

World of Warcraft is one of the most famous today. As a result any new development in this regard will definitely attract people. Recently, Creative has launched an USB wireless headset which features "interchangeable panels that show your love for either the Alliance or Horde". It is known as a Sound Blaster which will enrich your experience of the World of Warcraft further. These kinds of headsets have been gaining popularity over the past few years. But before you go out to buy one of these you must know certain features that these devices incorporate, only then you will be able to identify a good modern wireless USB headset.

• Sound volume adjustment: The whole point of a wireless device is that you can leave your hands free to do other work. Hence, it is very necessary that the volume adjustment controls should be on the wireless USB headset only, so that you can change the volume whenever you want without having to move to your computer every time.
• Laser-driven audio drivers: if your USB headset features audio drivers that are driven by laser you will definitely enjoy uncompressed audio with stereo-quality. This feature provides a lot of accuracy in the audio which is the most important part of a headset.
• Wireless coverage distance: Keep a tab on the range that the wireless USB headsets can cover. Usually they can easily cover somewhere about 25 to 35 feet; that is within this radius you can easily move about without compromising on the sound quality. If any such device covers less distance then it is bound to be of inferior quality.
• Noise cancellation: This has now become a common feature in almost all headsets. This feature removes all background noises and filters the original sound only. The best of these will transmit the desired sound with minimum amount of undesired noise.
• Auto-mute with mute indicator: Most headsets feature microphone controls on the device itself. You won’t have to move to your computer to mute your microphone; you can do it right from the headset. Once your microphone is on mute an indicator will glow on the USB headset itself.

Posted by: Heather      Read more     Source

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 05:12:11 GMT

Microsoft Unveils Latest Windows Mobile

After much hype, hoopla, anticipation and speculation, Microsoft has unveiled the latest version of its Windows mobile-phone operating system, adding video game and music features in a bid to stop or at least slow market share losses to rivals Apple Inc. and Google Inc.

Windows phone 7 Series will be available at the end of year to tap into the holiday sales season. The program will feature an all-new design and connects with Microsoft's Xbox Live online game service and Zune music service.

Handset makers including Samsung Electronics Co., HTC Corp. and LG Electronics Inc. and network operators including Orange, T-Mobile and AT&T Inc. are expected to get on board with the new operating system once it is released. Posted by: Jeff      Read more     Source

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:31:57 GMT

8D World a Hit in China

I came across an excellent example of marketing a product in China. The story interests me both as a a China geek and an educator. The product involved is virtual world software designed help Chinese school kids learn English.

Educational gaming is, of course, big business. A company called 8D World is using the concept to teach English to kids in China. Their virtual world (Wiz World Online) requires participants to properly pronounce English words to get points in a virtual game.

The market for English language education in China is huge. There are about 50,000 for-profit English language schools in China a parents pay an average of $200 a month to send the kids to the schools. By comparison, Wiz World Online is $20 a month - a lot in China, but a lot less than sending kids to an English academy.

How well is Wiz World Online doing in China? Each year China has an English langauge competition for students. Last year 400,000 students took part. And China is incorporating Wiz World Online into this year's competition. Posted by: Wendy      Read more     Source

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 04:23:24 GMT

You Can't Take It All

You can't take it all with you. That's the first thing that you should know when you're thinking of purchasing a minaudiere. In a world where too much is never a bad thing, this kind of clutch reminds us that it's ok to keep it simple. Although various designers have made versions of these that have caught my eye, none other than this one by Oscar de la Renta has continued to remind me of how amazing it would be to have one in my collection. I'm just slightly accessories obsessed as the Editor in Chief of Kitten Lounge and an accessories stylist! I could spend hours thinking of the perfect accessory but this Darjeeling Minaudiere in red is perfect for this Valentine's Day whether you're out with a special someone or friends OR you're hitting the tents at Fashion Week!

In a world of hobos and cute over sized bags, this is the clutch that is adorned by birds and easily clasps together. Only your bare necessities will head out with you and you won't have to dig around the bottom of your bag to find whatever item you are looking for. This ensures that your bag isn't hiding an amazing detail of your outfit and it allows people to comment on your sense of style and how you came about finding such a piece to highlight the entire look. This is not only important for the day of love but any day where the focus needs to be on you! Posted by: Doreen      Read more     Source

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 03:56:58 GMT

Advantages of Men's Tailored Shirts

Properly designed and nicely fitted dresses can enhance our looks considerably. In many instances it has been seen that a nicely dressed man feels positive about his appearance and thus can present himself suitably in a public gathering. Many men prefer to wear tailored outfits. The market of tailored garments is huge and is developing each day. Garment dealers are not only making men's tailored shirts, but are also making tailored winter garments. Recently, a tailored jacket has been launched in the market. It gives a smart look since it is lined with a puffed jacket.

Among the tailor made outfits, shirts are widely used. There are various reasons behind the popularity of men's tailored shirt.

• men's tailored shirt.
• The main advantage of the men's tailored shirts is the fittings. These shirts fit your body nicely and thus it offers more room for your movements. Every person has a different shape of the body. In many cases readymade shirts fail to give the desired comfort since it is unable to fit the body properly.
• Many people need to move a lot while they are in their work field. If this is informed to the tailor, he will make the shirt in such a way that it will allow a person to move freely and look good as well.
• You have the option of selecting the fabric. Men's tailored shirts can be made with a fabric and design of your choice. This makes the cloth look innovative by adding uniqueness to it. While selecting the fabric it is very essential that you select one which is durable and its color should not flow out after washing.
• The buttons and collars can also be designed according to your choice making the shirt further creative.

You can get all the above benefits when you reach an experienced tailor. Stitching from an efficient tailor can make your shirt last long. You can also get numerous designs, fabrics and accessories when you opt for an efficient tailoring company. A good company will offer you quality products so that you don't have to shop around to purchase fabrics and accessories.

Benson & Brown is a quality garment dealer offering men's tailored shirts. You can get different fabrics, accessories like cufflinks and studs. Visit their official website to know more about their services and products. You can also get useful instructions on shirt care. The website has the provision of online shopping on all its products.
Posted by: Gina      Read more     Source

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:19:48 GMT

Avoiding Mistakes Celebrities Make

It may seem a bit strange to compare your relationship to that of a Hollywood star, or other celebrity, but why not, they're just people, like the rest of us.

In fact, one would think that with all the advantages most celebrities have that they would have an easier time maintaining a relationship. Some of the problems most people have, such as a shortage of money, which can cause enormous stress, aren't usually an issue for them.

Check out this article with links to relationship advice and celebrity break up news.

Photo Source:www.cnn.com Posted by: Susan      Read more     Source

Mon, 25 Jan 2010 04:56:55 GMT

Curious Chocolate-Covered Creations

It"s probably safe to say that melt-in-your-mouth milk chocolate or rich dark chocolate is a guilty pleasure for many of us. However, what if your go-to comfort food was an unconventional chocolate-coated edible, like an onion, or even an insect?

It seems that chocolate can go with almost anything these days. From sweet and salty chocolate-covered bacon to chocolate crickets on a stick, see what unusual things people are eating their with.

(thanks Jessie) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 04:07:04 GMT

Dining in the Dark

The idea of not being able to see your food or your dinner date might seem a bit gimmicky, but if going out to eat is largely about the experience than it"s tough to do better than Toronto"s first dine in the dark restaurant. Open since June, O.NOIR has so far proven to be more than a fad. Last week I finally made it by the corner of Church and Charles for my first completely dark dining experience.

Read my review of O.NOIR in the restaurants section. Posted by: Paula Potts      Read more     Source

Fri, 25 Dec 2009 05:14:48 GMT

Last Minute Christmas Picture Taking Tips

The holiday season is nearing its peak, and even with Christmas just days away, it's still not too late for a few more holiday photo taking tips.

This article has some unique ideas for holiday fun and the greatest part is that you can use most of these tips at almost any party or holiday event.

Charge up your digital camera's batteries, read these tips and get ready for some Christmas picture taking fun.

Take a camera with you whenever possible, and look around, you'll find a picture somewhere.

Photo Source:digital-photography-school.com Posted by: Karen      Read more     Source

Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:54:42 GMT

A different kind of airship

Reminiscent of a blimp, the Dynalifter is a combination airplane and heavier-than-air airship. Requiring almost no ground infrastructure, 30 to 80 percent of the Dynalifter’s lift is provided by helium while airspeed provides the rest of the lift needed to get it off the ground. The upshot being that when the Dynalifter is still, it is heavier than air and doesn’t require the huge ground-crew of airships in the past. It also takes off and lands like a plane and only uses a third of the fuel.

Currently under construction in a hangar outside Toledo, Ohio, this fascinating throw-back to the days when airships meant romance and intrigue is designed to go where no truck has gone before. Its manufacturer, Ohio Airships, hopes it will fill the transportation gap in developing countries like Africa, almost instantly improving their standard of living. Measuring 117 feet, the prototype should be ready to take off soon if all goes as planned. Now where can I sign up for that ride?

The Dynalifter® "Roadless Trucking" system, with transport costs and speeds comparable to trucking without the need of building a sophisticated highway network, could essentially be afforded by every developing nation. Such a system could, almost overnight, improve a nation"s standard of living and rate of growth.

Posted by: Redferret      Read more     Source

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 06:04:23 GMT

Smell the Final Fantasy

Lightning Eau de Toilette is described as having notes of peach, followed by rose, and then a feminine musk -- whatever that means. While it"s a little outlandish to have a video game-inspired fragrance, considering the wacky merchandising that we"ve seen attached to video games (energy drinks, life-sized sculptures, and the legions of fans that dress up like their favorite character at any comic book/anime convention), this is one of the classier promotions.

The fragrance is set to hit Japanese shelves one month after the game release, just in time for spring. Now loyal gamers can look and even smell like their favorite video games. What"s next, a cologne for Solid Snake?

Via Technabob Posted by: Sarah      Read more     Source

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 14:19:23 GMT

The 12 Days Of Squatchmas

The 12 days of Squatchmas is a digital advertising campaign for Jack Link"s Beef Jerky. The animated micro-site features different scenarios where Sasquatch is "messed with" through a series of winter and holiday-specific pranks.

(thanks Genesis) Posted by: Gerard      Read more     Source

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:46:59 GMT

Tips For Buying A Digital Camera

There's still time for holiday gift shopping for the digital photographer or by the digital photographer looking for a deal on digital SLRs.

The Internet is attracting more consumers every day as they realize the cost saving that can be had by e-shopping.

But how do you know if you're getting a good deal or a rip-off online especially for a big ticket item like a DSLR?

I suggest you check out this free guide to buying a digital camera on the Internet.

Take a camera with you whenever possible, and look around, you'll find a picture somewhere.

Photo Source:www.budzshots.com Posted by: Karen      Read more     Source

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 13:36:52 GMT

The Most Beautiful

by Andrew Grant

[In celebration of Criterion"s AK 100: 25 Films by Akira Kurosawa box set, GreenCine Daily will be looking at four rare films only now available on DVD this week.]



Likely the rarest and least-seen title in the AK 100 box set, The Most Beautiful (1944) is Kurosawa"s second directorial effort, made one year after his successful debut, the Judo-themed Sanshiro Sugata. A bit of a sophomore slump, this overt bit of war propaganda is hard to praise from both an aesthetic and narrative perspective, but it"s not without its merits.

Opening with a title card that reads "Attack and Destroy the Enemy" and set entirely in an optical instruments factory that makes lenses for assorted Japanese weaponry, The Most Beautiful is a self-described Information Bureau "Movie of the People," designed to stir up nationalist fervor for the Imperial war effort. After a rousing speech about spiritual power producing material might and a need to increase quotas, the film follows the lives of the female factory workers who are disappointed to learn that their expected productivity increases aren"t as aggressive as their male coworkers. With youthful idealism and aplomb, they long to prove that their patriotism is unyielding, and are willing to make any and all sacrifices to meet their goals. When not working seemingly endless shifts at the factory, they are either back in their dormitory singing loyalist songs, or marching and singing even more jingoistic songs. They even talk proudly in their sleep about their jobs. Posted by: ahillis      Read more     Source