Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Nation's Top Retailers to Work For

At a time when almost 10% of us are unemployed, many are seeking and accepting jobs in a place they never would have considered before they lost their executive position or found themselves on the other end of a pink slip.

Some will find, over the holidays, when taking a temporary job to make money for Christmas, that there are some really decent retail employers out there, amongst all the horror stories that you hear about working in retail.

Forbes has done their homework and has compiled a list of the top 10 Best Employers in Retail. The retailers that made this list have a number of things in common. Their owners, presidents, CEOs, et al, all have high favored rankings among their employees. They seem to "get" their employees and know how to relate to them. They offer healthy discounts, remarkable incentives and that regular "pat on the back" that goes so far to encouraging employee loyalty and morale. They offer flexible schedules and seem to take an interest in their employees' futures. These guys know that many people that work in retail are "just passing through" on their way to something better. The difference is that these retailers accept it and even expect it and offer a helping hand up to every single employee that makes their best effort.

So, number 10 on the published list of 100 is still a fantastic place to be! Best Buy is the home for tech gurus. With the latest in technology always available, not only do tech gurus get "hands-on" fun, they ingest an amazing amount of information that will surely help them in their future endeavors. They get first dibs on new products, a decent employee discount and they get to work in a place that is known as flexible and friendly.

Sitting at number 9 on this prestigious list is L.L. Bean, Inc. This company encourages their employees to follow their passions. They have a "use room" where employees can check out outdoor gear at their Freeport, ME headquarters and one of the perks for L.L. Bean employees is access to their cabins situated along the Rangeley Lakes. Their Maine headquarters rivals just about any retail store, described by their employees and customers as "awesome".

Number 8 is Nordstrom. This up-scale department store is touted as having a "friendly" workforce and a work environment that is more like being around family. The store pays commission, which in some atmospheres can harbor unhealthy competitiveness and make for "back-stabbing" and "name-calling", seeming to foster the feeling in their employees that their "hard work is rewarded" and therefore; commission is a good thing.

Unashamedly coming in at the number 7 spot is Costco Wholesale. When asked, employees will tell you that the competitive pay and the benefits keep them happy and working here. Supervisors make $20.96 and cashiers average $15.39 an hour. That, and the fact that Costco employees absolutely love Jim Sinegal, their CEO, with the second highest employee approval rating, only following Overstock.com's CEO, Patrick Byrne, makes for a good relationship amongst the employees and staff, which in turn makes it a great place to work.

Somewhat surprisingly, Hot Topic made the list at number 6. The employees love punk/rock music and are encouraged towards self-expression through their dress. They also enjoy flexible work schedules that allow them to attend, and be reimbursed for, concerts. Hot Topic has some of the most quirky, but loved, employee bonuses.

Coach, a world-class luxury leather outlet, seems to attract Type-A personalities, or the 'powers-that-be' are very good at picking them out. But, since Coach doesn't pay commission, their sales people must be highly motivated to succeed. Coach has a goal-based system that isn't attractive to slackers and seems to bring out the very best in an over-achiever. They don't care about the extra money, as long as they get "bragging rights". Coach can brag on their 5th place ranking, out of the top 100!

Nike seems to be favored for their office setting and culture above all else, which has them sitting nicely at the number 4 spot. A highly innovative competitor in athletic apparel, its employees seem to be caught up in the same kind of excitement. They live it and breathe it and love going to work.

Maurices is a small-town specialty retailer that seems to cater to the fun-loving, young-at-heart. Their product line seems to be the draw for their customers, who one manager says are "great"-98% of the time. Employee discounts are generous and they have an exceptional management-training program that many times is sorely missing in retail environments. According to their employees, Maurices' deserves the number 3 ranking.

Recreation retailers have some big boots to fill when it comes to meeting or exceeding REI, the retailer who is the first runner up for the top position. The employees here value the communication and workplace recognition that is passed from the top on down, far surpassing other just as well-known recreation retailers.

And the number one retailer to work for? Overstock.com got achieved that status. Let's start at the top. The CEO/Chairman Patrick M. Byrne has a 92% approval rating among his employees, the highest on the list. This Salt Lake City-based online company is known for its deep discounts and really inexpensive shipping costs, but the employees love it for entirely different reasons. They say the atmosphere is fun and relaxed and that keeps the nauseous office politics that run rampant in other organizations, to a bare minimum. Kudos to Overstock.com. Keep up the good work!

So, if you find yourself looking for a retail position, either to fill a financial void or because you have no other choice, you might head first to the internet to do a little research. A quick search will turn up current and former employee comments about the companies they work(ed) for, while further research will tell you if they are financially stable and what their opportunities for advancement are.

Sammy lives too far out in the country to think about working at any retailer, though she researched this article for daughters that live in metro areas. Sammy, herself, has started a second career, freelance writing, to make ends meet during these tough economic times. She also has a vegetable garden that is expanding every year. She supplies her 7 children and 14 grandchildren fresh fruits and vegetables throughout the year, by growing,harvesting and preserving what she has grown herself. Sammy also shops online in order to save time and money and has found that Garden Harvest Supply always comes through with quality products and on time delivery. This year she is starting a perpetual asparagus bed and has pre-ordered her asparagus plants for spring planting. She has also ordered her organic vegetable seeds, which she will start indoors in April, transplanting to her Oklahoma garden in May.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Health Care Reform - Unconstitutional?

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act has become so controversial especially because it is deemed unconstitutional that many states are filing a lawsuit against it. If this was written genuinely for the interests of the people then it should have had a fight in the Supreme Court Justices.

However there's a lot of shady transactions and compromise involved. If you want further information with regards to this, you can see it in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution.

Federal law falls under the blanket of laws that stretch from sea to shinning sea and must remain equal for all citizens. The Federal Government does not have the ability to initiate and pass laws that are state specific or group specific and this is where the difficulties with the health care reform come into play.

Some of its provisions lean in favor towards only a few states. This is not according to the Commerce Law in our Constitution. It is now up to each state government to decide to participate or not. It will be intriguing to see how each state government will deal with the problem of changes.. Don't forget, that when the dust settled at the end of the War Between the States (Civil War), it was the individual states that assumed power to the Federal Government for the good of a strong, stable Union.

Let's find out how the single payer health insurance reform will unfold. Are they going to add provisions to the law? Will the Republicans win in their call to have it repealed?

What will happen to people who will still refuse to purchase Will these individuals be refused access to other adjoining states? The health insurance reform bill is considered to fall under the interstate commerce clause. Only time will be the judge as to how this new health insurance reform will be implemented.

Sunday, November 07, 2010

Predicting the Future - Four Tips to Hone Your Intuitive Skills

Nobody is left who lived between the two World Wars to relate to us what it was like and what were the signs approaching...

The Great Depression of the 1920s lasted over ten years and was followed by the rise to power of Adolf Hitler in Nazi Germany. If history has the habit of repeating itself this current recession could well last another 5 or 10 years and usher the rise to power of the antichrist - the champion of globalisation, dividing the planet into ten regions under the umbrella of a revamped UN mashed European Union and combining all religions into one. It doesn't take a genius to see it is just around the corner.

So what would constitute four easy pointers to watch for?

Globalisation: Every time an industry is uprooted by unfair foreign competition we lose a piece of our independence. Every time we give up something as a nation we were quite capable of doing ourselves we become enslaved to global trade for our sustenance. Nations are being robbed of their identity. When elections worldwide turn into a popularity contest you can see how people are eagerly waiting for some charismatic figure with a compelling propaganda to make the great deal of the century (a 7 years peace treaty between Israel and its neighbours...)

Political correctness. Unnatural ideas are being pushed onto people under the guise of "tolerance" and "diversity" and "equal rights". New mumbo jumbo words are being coined to labels things we do not understand nor can control. Carbon footprint, bio-diversity, global warming are terms that were unheard of 10 years ago.

Collapsing birth rate in the western civilization. Within 20 years the next generation will be missing in action. Governments are panicking that there won't be enough taxpayers to fund all the looming pensions soon due to be paid to people who live longer and longer. Their answer is to open wide the doors to immigration. This creates social and racial unrest as the newcomers do not integrate in the society.

Destruction of the family unit. The divorce rate is so high that an entire generation of children is coming up - not having experienced the loving care of a stable home, and looking up to the role models of a man and woman committed to each other for a lifetime. People will enter adulthood with issues - not the strength to cope with any challenge.

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For more articles like this check out the author's website

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

What Visa Fears Most About The New Debit Card Legislation

New legislation - the Durbin Amendment was signed into law by Barak Obama on July 21st, 2010. The amendment grants the Federal Reserve power to set debit interchange rates, taking control away from Visa. These are "unchartered waters" for Visa, and a cause for alarm. What will the Fed do, and how will Visa respond?

Visa's Chief Financial Officer, Byron H. Pollitt Jr., says that U.S. debit transactions produce 16% of their net revenues. Couple that with the fact that new legislation, the Durbin Amendment (which was signed into law by Barak Obama on July 21st, 2010), grants the Federal Reserve power to set interchange rates, taking control away from Visa.

These are "unchartered waters" for Visa, and a cause for alarm. The greatest fear for now is the fear of the unknown. How will 16% of net revenues be effected? What can they do to offset the potential loss of income?

Until this legislation it was the card associations - Visa and MasterCard, which had exclusive power over interchange. This was a fact which caused lobbyists from the National Retail Federation (NRF) to cry "foul". According to the NRF this amounted to nothing less than a monopoly, which resulted in excessive profits for the associations at the expense of the nations retailers.

To respond Visa has formed "strategy teams", to consider a whole range of possible outcomes, along with appropriate actions to take. As you would expect, Visa is doing all it can to "educate" the Fed on how the debit card industry works and all the potential ramifications of their decisions.

A "Loophole" of Sorts

One fact about the new legislation which most people aren't aware of is the new laws only apply to debit card issuing banks with $10 billion dollars or more in assets. Critics charge issuers may use this as a loophole and either reposition assets or find other ways around the legislation's intent.

Stay tuned for more on how the Dodd-Frank Financial Reform Act, along with the Durbin Amendment, will effect the card associations profits, the nations retailers, and our overall economy.

Virgil Stanphill works as a Consultant in the Payment Processing Industry. If you need fast cash for your business you can get help here.

If you want to qualify for some of the best credit card processing programs in the industry you can visit his blog and learn more here.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

The Year 2012 - The End of the World

A lot of different disasters have been happening to the Earth lately. Massive earthquakes, super typhoons, global warming, floods, and even other severe crisis and disasters have been shaking up people's view about the state of our beloved planet. Some say these events are signs that all point to the Year 2012 Apocalypse.

Many different points of views that all point towards this major event have been causing a wave of panic and unrest among many. People have started asking many questions regarding the 2012 prophecies and are trying to find out if this will really be the end of the world as we know it.

It is hard to determine what is true and what is a hoax. It's hard to verify fact from fiction with the many websites spreading rumours, viral campaigns, and doomsday movies? Can this widespread panic be a cause of genuine fear, or is it just a product of man's power to manipulate facts for their own personal gain? It is a sad fact that people are getting more and more restless in their search for answers.

If you take a closer look at the facts you will find out that Science, Religion, and even parts of History all believe that the earth as we know it will come to an end in 2012. The Bible, Nostradamus, the Mayans, and even countless scientific theories all provide speculations about the year 2012 Apocalypse.

So the big question is: will the world really end 2012? Some say apocalypse 2012 will take place, others say it won't. Some have their Faith to hold onto, while others turn to Science for answers. One acceptable answer to the big question is that it will depend on the amount of energy of the Earth. This theory is based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics which justifies the possibility of Heat Death or the eventual stopping of the mechanical movement of the Earth due to its total and irreversible loss of energy.

Whichever way people choose to look at it, one simple truth really matters, and it's that all good things must come to an end. And if God made all things "good", then maybe it's just a matter of time before the earth comes to an end too.

Sometimes, answers to seemingly hard questions are just right at our fingertips. Maybe the end of the world doesn't really rely on the cycles or movements of Comets, or Mayan beliefs, or even the wrath of God. Maybe the coming of the Apocalypse is an unavoidable fact that everyone has deal with whether they like or not, and that the end of human existence whether it be in some days or in 2012, will only depend on the way Man takes care of our world.

Will The World Really End In 2012? Get The Truth! Visit Year 2012 At http://www.year-2012.org/

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Santa Clarita Rotary Club Veteran's Project - Showing Our Fallen Heroes and Families That We Care

My Rotary Club, located in Santa Clarita, California, does great work in our community. Recently they honored the 8 young men who have given their lives for our country during the past three years. Watching the moving ceremony and dedication made me think about how fortunate I am to be a part of this caring community, as well as a member of the Rotary Club.

We always allow our guests to speak, and having former military is quite an honor. One of the speakers was a former member of the United States Air Force, and he described our community as an island. This brought some laughter, because Santa Clarita is located in the middle of the desert. He went on to explain that what he meant was that we were unlike other cities and towns in California in that we are so concerned with the families of these fallen heroes, and with helping the young men and women who are returning from their time overseas in the armed forces.

I also found out that we are one of the only states within the United States that does not offer a license plate to honor our soldiers. That would be a great thing if we could purchase that to start a fund to help these brave warriors and their families.

Our Rotary Club has a garden where we now have marble tiles with the names of those who have died serving their country. This is a great honor and it is important for us to remember that these people have made the ultimate sacrifice to uphold the values we all share.

Connie Ragen Green has been a member of the Rotary Club of Santa Clarita since 2006. Find out more about this club by visiting http://www.AdventuresoftheSCVRotaryBell.com, and find a club near you by going to http://Rotary.org.

Thursday, August 05, 2010

What Are the Views That Employers Hold to the Certificate Fever?

For the recently hot social situation of certificate fever, employers have their own opinions.

One University investigated from 102 enterprises and institutions shows, 70% of enterprise leaders express the view that, although many university students hold many certificates, but they have paid less attention on their major learning and professional capacity. 30% of the leaders hoped the university student has the practical application ability. The standard to hire employee emphases on student's practical ability, this is the most employer's view.

Project Manager Mr. Huang indicated that, the genuine good company does not regard these certificates as important as you think; the qualifications certificate only indicates they have passed the related test, but it does not mean that university student has the ability which matches with the certificate. Therefore, the employer thinks the actual operative ability is of more significance.

(Shanghai) Power Advancement Company human Manager Li Xiangdong tells the university student do not place too much energy on various certificates. He said that, the students must understand many certificates are useless, in particular computer certificate. According to Li Xiangdong's introduction, the new staff all has three month-long training period in the his company, company in each month can carry on the inspection to their work, if the first month-long inspection result is not ideal, they will carry on the reminder and the suggestion to them, so is the second month. If they do not have any improvement, then they have to leave.

Meanwhile some employer regards more on the credentials. Bank of China Shanghai Branch Human affairs Training office director said, Bank of China must recruit more than 100 the university student every year, requesting English and computer capacity which the graduate must have stands out the most rigorous test.

The SenDa group a mister indicated that, they are willing to pay extra wage for the staff to get a certain technology certificate, some enterprises even give staff's wages difficultly according to the credentials rank.

University students may feel surprise to know the opinions of employers holds for them, for they regard it would be better for them to seeking a job and being more competitive among all employees with more certifications. Actually, this attitude needs to be corrected as soon as possible.

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Friday, July 16, 2010

Barefoot Bandit Busted But 5 Reasons He'll Buy a Nice Pair of Shoes

The authorities finally caught up with the infamous "Barefoot Bandit" in the Bahamas... but here is 5 reasons he will be buying a nice pair of shoes. We all love a good story and for two years Colton Harris-Moore gave us a heck of a yarn while managing turn himself into modern day folk lore with his Houdini like evasion of authorities. After avoiding police for over two years, they finally nabbed the Barefoot Bandit (yes he was actually barefoot when they caught him) after a high speed boat chase in the Bahamas yesterday.

While they say crime does not pay, in this case it may. Colton has amassed over 60,000 Facebook supporters over the past two years and it looks as though he is going to be able to buy himself a nice new pair of shoes in the end. Here are five reasons why:

1. Harris-Moore's crimes were not violent or serious in nature: While Colton is infamous for the grand nature of his thefts, from nabbing $600,000 Cessna airplanes (and flying them with little aviation experience) to highjacking just about every vehicle Consumer Reports covers... none of his crimes have been violent in nature. He has not physically harmed any of his victims. This has largely help feed his lore. In the end, Colton is looking at a large stack of larceny, burglary, theft and evasion charges (Nebraska has issued an arrest warrant). However, his theft of boats, cars, and small planes keeps him well out of the league of the world's criminals that eat liver with some fava beans and a nice Chianti.

The list of Colton's latest alleged crimes include the following:

June 1st: Astoria, Oregon - stole boat and car

June 9th: McMinnville, Oregon - stole car

June 10th: Ontario, Oregon - stole car

June 18th: Yankton, South Dakota - stole car, reportedly broke into a house ate food and showered, homeowner caught him, Colton escaped

June 20th: Norfolk, Nebraska - Colton caught on surveillance tape, police say he stole another car and committed several burglaries including a restaurant and theft at an airport

June 24th: Dallas City, Illinois - police recover car believed to have been stolen by Colton

End of June: Danville, Illinois - police report Colton stole car he then drove to Bloomington, Indiana

July 4th: Colton believed to have stolen Cessna Corvalis from Monroe County Airport crashed off coast of Abaco

July 5-7th: Search for Colton Harris-Moore Continues in Bahamas. Includes FBI and Bahamian Police

2. Harris-Moore had a tough childhood: By all accounts, Colton had a miserable childhood. The product of a alcoholic mother and father, Colton became a skilled outdoorsman spending a great deal of time in the woods to the north of Seattle, in Pugust Sound. His mother has often stressed how difficult his childhood has been over the years and in fact Colton's spree started with his escape from after sneaking out of the window of a Juvenile detention centre over two years ago. Any judge or jury will surely take this into consideration.

3. Even some of Harris-Moore's "victims" are pulling for him: After John Miller had his $600,000 Cesna swiped by Colton, folks urged him to Google the "Barefoot Bandit"... so he did. Friends told Miller to google Barefoot Bandit. "And up pops this little baby face of a young kid that looks like he's 12-years-old." Miller said he started to soften up. He read Colton had had a hard life, with an alcoholic mother and father. He remains angry but also wonders how the kid pulled it off. Bottom line... if Miller's own victims soften on the kid, it's likely as judge or jury will as well.

4. Harris-Moore already has well known competent legal counsel: It was not long after his arrest before the Barefoot Bandit had a well known, competent entertainment lawyer by his side. Who needs a hefty retainer to plop down when the publicity this case will garner is all O. Yale Lewis (A Seattle entertainment lawyer who has represented the likes of Courtney Love and the family of Jimi Hendrix) will need to plunge head first into this case. Have no fear as it seems the Bandit is in good hands with his defense.

5. Let the entertainment deals begin to flow: Part of the reason Harris-Moore's mother obtained O. Yale Lewis is because the entertainment deals are already flowing. Colton's mother, Pamela Kohler says she needs an attorney to handle her "entertainment" interests, and she said a deal for a book about her son is in the works. Given Colton's popularity, the book deal is just a stepping stone to larger deals, interviews and likely a movie about his exploits.

In the end, telling his unique tale to the right people are finally going to get the Barefoot Bandit a nice pair of shoes.

Attorney Don McPartland is a litigation attorney with Secor, Cassidy & McPartland, P.C. (http://www.legalrazor.com)

Donald C. McPartland
http://www.legalrazor.com

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Save Dolphins And Support The RSPCA And Save Animals From Euthanasia

Many of us have dreamed of giving many thousands to our favourite charity, but of course most of us don't have the money to do it. That doesn't mean it isn't possible however. One Western Australian veterinary surgeon is hoping that thinking a little bit out of the box will allow people to save dolphins and support the RSPCA and save animals from euthanasia

All of this can be achieved by the power of leverage. Leverage can turn small donations into larger ones that will continue to grow with time and be potentiated with success. There are three important organisations in our region of the world that we would like to tell you a little bit more about.

The Dolphin Discovery Center in Bunbury Western Australia is a non-profit organisation committed to dolphin research, education, conservation and tourism. The Centre was opened in 1994, and is the first Centre in Australia dedicated entirely to dolphin research. Dolphin research into feeding patterns, social group interactions, population dynamics, breeding, water quality and mans impact on dolphin behavior and survival is critical for the survival of the species. Man over harvests, over pollutes and damages the environment of the worlds' oceans. Understanding the impact of man upon dolphins is very important for the survival of dolphins for future generations to enjoy. It is important to save dolphins.

The RSPCA is a global organization which protects animals against cruelty. The RSPCA in Western Australia is desperately underfunded and is unable to provide an adequate service to such a vast land mass as Western Australia. The RSPCA in Bunbury Western Australia was forced to close and is serviced by a single officer from Perth. The support of the RSPCA is important to maintain a balance between humans and animals.

Western Australia is overrun with feral animals and abandoned animals. Animals are dumped on animal refuges in alarming numbers and they are dumped in the environment where they take a huge toll on Australian native wildlife. The South West Animal Refuge is a non-profit organization set up by dedicated volunteers to save animals from euthanasia and to ensure re homed animals are sterilized and fostered out to caring families. It is possible to save animals from euthanasia.

You can join a global action to help build a perpetual donation to several charities. In celebration of "think globally, act locally" we have decided to develop "the gift that keeps on giving". The power of leverage will save dolphins by contributing to vital research and conservation, help

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Hilarious Prank Call Contest Using Call Display Spoofing

Recently, a group of students from a well known university ran a contest in which participants competed against one another to create the best prank call. The students were tasked with performing a prank call that was innocent and non-harming, creative, and unique. The students completed the prank calls using the popular call display spoofing service, SpoofTel, and had each of their calls recorded. It was the choice of each participant whether or not he or she wanted to utilize the voice changing option.

The contest ran for a two week period and the winner of the contest was to win the $150 grand prize. The winner of the prank call contest was chosen by a group of four members from the student union, the group that organized the contest.

"The contest gained an unexpected number of participants," states one of the organizers, whom we'll call Sheila. "I was happy to see the variety of participants and a nice number of female participants this year." This is the second year in which the school has run such a contest, according to the student union.

The judges received quite a lot of entries but had to narrow it down to a few select favorites. They were kind enough to share excerpts from some of the "best" prank calls that were entered.

One young male made a phone call to his girlfriend and pretended that he had been taken away by the government to serve in the army against his will. "I'm sorry honey, they took me," it began. He went in to quite a story about how government agents came to his work and took several of the males away for the purpose of serving in the army as they were short on men. The girlfriend was in disbelief at first but as the phone call went on she became more and more worried to the point of actually believing him. When he started to laugh and told her it was a joke, she just began to scream and no one could understand a word she was saying.

The winner of the contest was well deserving of the prize money. The hilarious and unexpected circumstances that played out during his phone call surely contributed to his win. This guy decided to phone his mother and essentially just act silly. When she answered the phone he began to explain that he had "a higher purpose" and it was "time to let his people know." She kept asking him what he was talking about and told him stop being silly. However, he continued with random gibberish for several minutes. He talked about knowing "where the enemy hides its resources" and "we'll need more bumper cars if we're going to succeed." During the phone call there was a knock on the door and he answered it with his mother still on the line. There were some muffled voices on the recording and he came back yelling "mom, what are you doing?" She stated that she believed he was on drugs and had his father come to take him to the hospital. She wouldn't believe him when he told her it was a joke.

We congratulate the winner of the prank call contest and wish all of next year's contestants the best of luck.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Disaster Hits Close To Home For Asset Location Expert

There had been false alarms before in Saint Bernard Parish, a community rich in heritage, adjacent to the Ninth Ward in New Orleans. By the time Katrina came along it had become almost routine. So on August 28, 2005 when a mandatory evacuation was ordered, Charles and Rosena Seruntine boarded up three buildings, taking only the clothes on their back. They would be back in a few days after the storm passed, just as they had done before. When they drove away in two cars sporting four children and three dogs, little did they know that their world as they knew it would be forever changed.

FEMA would not allow the Seruntines to return for over three weeks. Charles indicated in an interview to KATC-TV that, "We've been in three states, in five different hotels." Desperate for information, FEMA would only tell the Seruntines that there was “a lot of water.”

The Seruntine family home in Arabi, Louisiana was 2,800 square feet of luxury, evidence of Charles’ success in the asset location business. Charles was 21 when he began work in negotiations at a national debt recovery firm. He rose rapidly in the ranks to the legal division where he eventually headed up the agency’s asset investigation department. It was only natural that eight years ago he would start his own firm. First Guarantee Associates, LLC boasts an impressive client list, servicing some of the most successful collection specialists, attorneys and governmental entities.

When FEMA finally allowed the Seruntines to return, they would enter the boarded-up residence through a back door which had been kicked in by rescue teams. The receding waters had confirmed their worst fears: the family home was a total loss. Katrina would claim their daughter’s home, too and lift the building which housed First Guarantee Associates off its foundation. “We are starting over. We are back where we were when we first got married,” explains Seruntine.

Historically, the floodwaters of the Mississippi River have played an integral role in the destiny of Saint Bernard Parish. It was the floodwaters which left behind a rich soil, creating a thriving agricultural industry. It was those floodwaters, too, which played a part in the brewing tension with its celebrity neighbor. Tension dating back to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, when in the face of a monster storm, engineers bowed to local pressure by diverting floodwaters into Saint Bernard to save New Orleans. That decision destroyed a prosperous community and fueled resentment toward the Big Easy which continues to smolder to this day.

Katrina has done little to quell this bad blood, for once again Saint Bernard has taken a punishing blow. And once again it has taken a back seat to its popular neighbor. One of the hardest hit parishes, this bustling community of 67,000 people was erased overnight by Katrina. There is no real estate inventory; every building in Saint Bernard Parish was destroyed. This is where the tragedy at St. Rita’s nursing home took place. Yet much of the media attention has been focused on the French Quarter, argue Saint Bernard residents, noting much of the resources have been diverted to their sexy sister while they sit in obscurity like a forgotten stepchild. FEMA has become a four-letter word in this parish.

Today Saint Bernard Parish is an eerie sight. In an attempt to describe his community, Seruntine asks, “Have you ever seen ‘The Day After Tomorrow’?”

Out of the 67,000 residents in the parish, all but 203 fled the storm. 127 bodies have since been recovered. Although there were a handful of survivors, the balance are reported as ‘missing’. St. Bernard’s 25,000 homes were declared a ‘total loss’. With neither residents nor businesses, the parish government lost its tax base overnight. It will take at least five years to rebuild the community.

The nightmare for the Seruntines continually evolves, but never ends. Because so many homes were destroyed, available housing has soared 40-60%. But investment real estate Seruntine owns in the flood area has dropped. His investment lots prior to Katrina were selling for $80,000. Investors are now offering him $5,000. In November 2005 Seruntine bought a smaller home at twice the cost of his former residence. He’s since discovered it’s infested with termites.

Largely ineligible for government assistance, the help for Charles Seruntine would be grass roots. His 22 employees kept the business together. Members of the collection community rallied to his support. Sometimes that support would come by way of a sympathetic phone call, a check in the mail or a Wal-Mart gift card.

Seruntine makes no effort to hide his anger, “If Katrina was a woman, I would have shot her in the head a hundred times.” He is angry at the government engineers for failing to shore up the levees. He is angry at the insurance companies for denying his claims. He is angry too at FEMA and the media for their inattention to his parish’s plight. But most of all he regrets losing everything accumulated over two decades, especially family photos and keepsakes which were washed into the canal. “How do you replace 20 years of Disney World snowglobes?” he asks.

Seruntine’s business, conducted largely by email, is up and running. He continues his fight with the insurance companies and the federal government. His legal battles are expected to take 10 years to resolve. The scars of Katrina, however, will never fade.

Ramona Featherby is a judgment collection specialist in San Diego and past president of CAJP. http://discoverassets.com/

Disaster Hits Close To Home For Asset Location Expert

There had been false alarms before in Saint Bernard Parish, a community rich in heritage, adjacent to the Ninth Ward in New Orleans. By the time Katrina came along it had become almost routine. So on August 28, 2005 when a mandatory evacuation was ordered, Charles and Rosena Seruntine boarded up three buildings, taking only the clothes on their back. They would be back in a few days after the storm passed, just as they had done before. When they drove away in two cars sporting four children and three dogs, little did they know that their world as they knew it would be forever changed.

FEMA would not allow the Seruntines to return for over three weeks. Charles indicated in an interview to KATC-TV that, "We've been in three states, in five different hotels." Desperate for information, FEMA would only tell the Seruntines that there was “a lot of water.”

The Seruntine family home in Arabi, Louisiana was 2,800 square feet of luxury, evidence of Charles’ success in the asset location business. Charles was 21 when he began work in negotiations at a national debt recovery firm. He rose rapidly in the ranks to the legal division where he eventually headed up the agency’s asset investigation department. It was only natural that eight years ago he would start his own firm. First Guarantee Associates, LLC boasts an impressive client list, servicing some of the most successful collection specialists, attorneys and governmental entities.

When FEMA finally allowed the Seruntines to return, they would enter the boarded-up residence through a back door which had been kicked in by rescue teams. The receding waters had confirmed their worst fears: the family home was a total loss. Katrina would claim their daughter’s home, too and lift the building which housed First Guarantee Associates off its foundation. “We are starting over. We are back where we were when we first got married,” explains Seruntine.

Historically, the floodwaters of the Mississippi River have played an integral role in the destiny of Saint Bernard Parish. It was the floodwaters which left behind a rich soil, creating a thriving agricultural industry. It was those floodwaters, too, which played a part in the brewing tension with its celebrity neighbor. Tension dating back to the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, when in the face of a monster storm, engineers bowed to local pressure by diverting floodwaters into Saint Bernard to save New Orleans. That decision destroyed a prosperous community and fueled resentment toward the Big Easy which continues to smolder to this day.

Katrina has done little to quell this bad blood, for once again Saint Bernard has taken a punishing blow. And once again it has taken a back seat to its popular neighbor. One of the hardest hit parishes, this bustling community of 67,000 people was erased overnight by Katrina. There is no real estate inventory; every building in Saint Bernard Parish was destroyed. This is where the tragedy at St. Rita’s nursing home took place. Yet much of the media attention has been focused on the French Quarter, argue Saint Bernard residents, noting much of the resources have been diverted to their sexy sister while they sit in obscurity like a forgotten stepchild. FEMA has become a four-letter word in this parish.

Today Saint Bernard Parish is an eerie sight. In an attempt to describe his community, Seruntine asks, “Have you ever seen ‘The Day After Tomorrow’?”

Out of the 67,000 residents in the parish, all but 203 fled the storm. 127 bodies have since been recovered. Although there were a handful of survivors, the balance are reported as ‘missing’. St. Bernard’s 25,000 homes were declared a ‘total loss’. With neither residents nor businesses, the parish government lost its tax base overnight. It will take at least five years to rebuild the community.

The nightmare for the Seruntines continually evolves, but never ends. Because so many homes were destroyed, available housing has soared 40-60%. But investment real estate Seruntine owns in the flood area has dropped. His investment lots prior to Katrina were selling for $80,000. Investors are now offering him $5,000. In November 2005 Seruntine bought a smaller home at twice the cost of his former residence. He’s since discovered it’s infested with termites.

Largely ineligible for government assistance, the help for Charles Seruntine would be grass roots. His 22 employees kept the business together. Members of the collection community rallied to his support. Sometimes that support would come by way of a sympathetic phone call, a check in the mail or a Wal-Mart gift card.

Seruntine makes no effort to hide his anger, “If Katrina was a woman, I would have shot her in the head a hundred times.” He is angry at the government engineers for failing to shore up the levees. He is angry at the insurance companies for denying his claims. He is angry too at FEMA and the media for their inattention to his parish’s plight. But most of all he regrets losing everything accumulated over two decades, especially family photos and keepsakes which were washed into the canal. “How do you replace 20 years of Disney World snowglobes?” he asks.

Seruntine’s business, conducted largely by email, is up and running. He continues his fight with the insurance companies and the federal government. His legal battles are expected to take 10 years to resolve. The scars of Katrina, however, will never fade.

Ramona Featherby is a judgment collection specialist in San Diego and past president of CAJP. http://discoverassets.com/

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Katherine May Not Have Been Michael's Only Parent Who Bonded the Jackson Family

Katherine was not the only Jackson parent who had an unconditional love for Michael, not the only one who nurtured and bonded the family, nor the only one who was always there, always supportive. Joseph Jackson, as widely reported, was a hard taskmaster, his relationship with his famous son evoked mixed emotions from the singer. And Joe Jackson wasn't always easy to understand.

Michael expressed in his 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey, "I just wish I could understand my father". The singer acknowledged his father had a great difficulty showing affection, which was more a cause for concern for him than any spanking he received growing up.

In his Oxford speech Michael said that if he did a great show, his father would tell him it was a good show. And if he did an OK show, he would say nothing. The music legend further stated, "My father was a managerial genius and my brothers and I owe our professional success, in no small measure, to the forceful way that he pushed us." While Katherine appeared to be the only parent who sought legal custody of Michael Jackson's children, his father was quoted by ABC News as saying he believed the two of them were ideally suited to take care of and raise their grand children "to be strong Jacksons."

In Michael's last months of life, Joe says his ability to gain access to his son was limited -- hampered by the star's inner circle and security personnel. For months Katherine too had been unable to get in contact with MJ due to the same inner circle. She had to contact Debbie Rowe who got in touch with Arnold Klein, Michael's dermatologist, who informed Michael that his mother was trying to reach him.

Joseph said that his son, who seemingly surrounded himself with those who didn't have his best interests at heart, "didn't know any better."

The extended-family patriarch, commenting on missed opportunities to teach his son street smarts to better judge those seeking to take advantage of his success, said: "Maybe that I might have -- should have learned 'em a little more how the streets are instead of -- instead'a keepin' them -- close together."

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Wednesday, April 07, 2010

A Penny For Your Thoughts - Should They Be Eliminated?

In the last several years, there's been a lot of debates about the possibility of no longer minting pennies in the United States. Some people think it's utterly ridiculous to even consider. Others think that it's ridiculous that we even had them in the first place.

The reason that some people like the penny is that it's practically in their blood to save their pennies for a rainy day. There are even rhymes about how picking up a penny is good luck. People have jars and piggy banks full of them. However, those people don't understand the fact that pennies are rapidly becoming impractical.

First of all, there's the cost to consider. You might not be aware, but it actually costs more to mint a penny these days than the completed penny is actually work. After all, it does take a couple days to mint a coin and a lot of materials, workers and machinery to make it happen.

There's also the inconvenience to consider. After all, it's difficult to calculate with pennies involved. If we got rid of the penny, things would always be in multiples of five. There'd be no more instances of calculating in terms of numbers like 37 cents or 89 cents. It would be much easier for kids and foreigners to figure out the math while shopping.

So, is it worth it to keep pennies for nostalgia, even though they aren't practical? Well, that depends on who you ask. One thing's for sure, though. As long as people are taking the time and resources to make pennies, we should respect that and save them for a rainy day.

Alan Kelly has been writing articles about coins for the past two years. He also enjoys writing about hobbies, like why you should use plastic playing cards and how to find quality giant playing cards.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Budget Cuts and Emergency Vehicle Response Times - The Efficiency of Life and Death

For those who are involved in the life and death career path of emergency response, they realize that who survives and who perishes is often in their hands when seconds count. And as long as we are counting, let me tell you what I've recently counted. I've observed a number of very alarming articles of needless deaths from slow emergency response times. Worse, most of them are due to budget cuts of staff, new equipment, and/or the latest GPS/GIS technologies to speed things along while maintaining safety.

Not long ago, I had the chance to interview Jonathan Reed on this topic of the response times of emergency vehicles. And worked to identify some of the problems and he reasoned that we need to pay more attention to; "Probability Zone" and the needs and prediction of needs which "have been well mapped and are studied/reviewed often."

Perhaps, you do not realize, but Los Angeles has some great software which is able to predict about how many crimes will occur where on any given date, and it is scary how accurate it really is, meaning they can use this to schedule police. Well, the same thing can be used for fire and ambulance teams. Jonathan proposes that we; "integrate these systems; real-time information of volumes of cars from traffic cameras so crews can avoid traffic jams. Integrating traffic lights with GPS positions of crews so that intersections can be cleared, and roads prepared for services to decrease their journey time."

Think about what he is saying and all the information we already have - first let's look at Google Maps, GIS data gathering companies, ESRI software, Battelle traffic research, not to mention all the data collected by various first responder teams. Why not integrate it all.

Another challenge is the one about human obstacles, such as blocked intersections, grid lock, drivers who do not hear sirens or will not move over? "As at the minute people can only start to move once they see or hear the emergency vehicle, quite often meaning they have to slow down repetitively en route," states Jonathan Reed.

Indeed, his comments makes sense to me, like "packet" routing on the Internet. A smart grid for traffic flows, with artificial intelligence timing how best and most efficient to get the emergency vehicles to their destination quickest, setting a priority. We could use the same algorithms used in Finite Capacity Scheduling Models for manufacturing with regards to emergency expediting - after all - really it's the same basic theory. Kind of putting in a "Rush Order" without screwing up traffic flows, which is what happens now.

So, I agree this needs fixing especially in urban areas such as LA, Seattle, Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver, Portland, KC, OKC, Baton Rouge, Orlando, Tampa, Miami, J-Ville, Atlanta, Boston, NYC, Philly, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Louisville, Nashville, Memphis, Chicago, Detroit, Indianapolis, Green Bay, etc. And all the second tier cities of 400-500K pop.

As we speak the City of Los Angeles, CA is cutting 10-ambulance crews and has made drastic cuts in police and fire. This article is not speaking to union grievances or even the political firestorm that has created - rather it speaks to reality. It speaks to getting the job done more efficiently when seconds count, and life and death hang in the balance. Please consider all this.

Lance Winslow is a retired Founder of a Nationwide Franchise Chain, and now runs the Online Think Tank. Lance Winslow believes in efficiency even at a car wash; http://www.carwashguy.com

Note: All of Lance Winslow's articles are written by him, not by Automated Software, any Computer Program, or Artificially Intelligent Software. None of his articles are outsourced, PLR Content or written by ghost writers.

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

The Individual and Society

The modern rules of the society encourage individualistic attitudes and also separation. Touching each other in society is always considered as a sexual advancement and people stay away from each other due to this. The rights of individuals are given more importance and take precedence in the society.

So, as time goes by, people are getting lonelier. However, from a sociological point of view individuals are a part of the bigger society and they are not separate. An individual leads two lives, one in society and one with themselves. Any decisions that they may take in their personal life will affect the societal life also. In the end the definition of a society is it contains several individuals who are leading their lives with respect to their means and as well as the society.

There is a direct relationship of dependence between the individual and the society. If there is nobody to interact with, then we all will feel lonely and actually can develop serious mental and physical problems. Therefore, interaction with the society is a must. However, this interaction is very controlled and moderated.

The social research separates the society from the individual. They see them both as two different beings. Individual is a person who is free and independent, and acts at his own will. A society functions in a pre-determined way. The society controls the individual, but the individual cannot control the society and its functions. Society can also lead the individual to live in a certain way and establish their identity at the same time.

About Author:
Kum Martin is an online leading expert in the education industry. He also offers top quality tips like:

Learning to read stocks, Types of Engineering

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Producing a Healthy Population on a Budget - Who in the World is Getting the Job Done? Part 1

Are you familiar with the saying that if you want to become successful at something, find someone who has what you want and do what they do?

Applying this simple wisdom to the healthcare debate, I decided to see what I could turn up. Out of all the countries in the world, which nations have the populations with the best health measured by the highest life expectancy, and how is this accomplished?

I was hoping to come across a comprehensive study by some think-tank or prominent university giving detailed statistical analysis of factors affecting life expectancy and health, showing which nations around the world have the healthiest populations, and how they accomplish this, but I couldn't find anything substantial.

I will attempt to provide some rudimentary findings in this article.

I started with searching for life expectancy rates in the different nations. I figured that life expectancy was the simplest measurement of the health of a populace. Here is the Top 10 List:

Countries with Highest Life Expectancy

  1. Macau (part of China) -- 84.36
  2. Andorra -- 82.51
  3. Japan -- 82.12
  4. Singapore -- 81.98
  5. San Marino -- 81.97
  6. Hong Kong -- 81.86
  7. Australia -- 81.63
  8. Canada -- 81.23
  9. France (metropolitan) -- 80.98
  10. Sweden 80.86

50. United States 78.11

Why do people living in these countries on average outlive the rest of the world?Does universal health care coverage play a key role? What about the lifestyle of these groups? What about factors that can't be changed, but still play a role such as wealth and demographics of the populations?

Wouldn't it be important to have an in-depth understanding of why these populations are so long-lived before undertaking any expensive, extensive, and potentially revolutionary changes to our own health care system?

As it turns out, each of the nations that made the top ten are relatively wealthy when compared with many other parts of the world, but those with the highest life expectancy are certainly not the wealthiest. From this, I must conclude that wealth may play a role in life expectancy, but there are clearly other factors involved.

Japan is noted for its extraordinarily low obesity rate - only 3% of Japanese citizens are obese (while in the United States, a full 32% of the populace is obese)! Since several of the top killers of Americans are chronic illnesses that occur with a significantly greater prevalence in the obese (heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes), it would make sense that America's portly and out-of-shape populace is a literal drag on the nations's life expectancy. Japan's relatively lower rates of these chronic diseases gives further credence the significant role of obesity in life expectancy.

An interesting side note about Japan's low obesity rate is how they avoid this modern plague - Japanese children are taught to eat only until 80% full, fresh vegetables and fish are eaten in abundance, sweets are eaten occasionally, and more people in Japan get exercise in their daily lives than in America. I think we can learn a lot about a healthy lifestyle from the Japanese!

In terms of demographics, some of the countries in this top-ten list have a tiny population size with a racially homogenous populace (such as San Marino, Andorra, Macau, and even Sweden). Others have larger populations, but still a very homogenous population such as Japan and Australia (92% of the Australian population is of European descent). But Canada, France, and Singapore all have a good degree of racial diversity.

A quick look at demographics reveals that having a small, homogenous populations may be positively associated with higher life expectancy, but it is clearly not the main player in the life expectancy game.

Next I wanted to look at the health care systems of each of the countries on this top-ten list. Unfortunately, a complete statistical analysis of the health care systems of nations with high life expectancies is beyond the ability of my poor little brain, and beyond the scope of a blog entry. But here's what I can say so far:

Each of the nations and nation-states with the highest life expectancies appear to give access of at least basic health care to even the poorest of their citizens. If someone is having a heart attack, they won't be turned away. If someone is mauled in an accident of some type, they will receive care. Any person with a chronic illness will receive at least basic care in a public clinic of some kind.

I have much more research to do to compare how this differs from what is currently offered to the poor in the United States under the Medicaid and Medicare program. I'm sure there are may be some significant differences, and I would like to know what they are.

In my research on health care systems, I made a very surprising find that I want to share. Did you know that in the list of countries with highest life expectancies that there is a country that is less affluent than the U.S. that has an infant mortality rate one-third less than that of the U.S., that spends one-seventh of what the U.S. government spends on health care for its populace, and its population lives an average of almost four years longer?

What country is this, and what are they doing right?

And did you know that there is a part of the world where a push to give each and every citizen health insurance has succeeded at insuring almost everyone, but has increased the cost of health care for many of its citizens while showing little or negligible increases in their actual health, while practically bankrupting its government in the process?

Stay tuned for the scoop. Julie Behling invites you to become a follower of her blog at http://www.juliebehling.com.

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Making Relationships Work - Haiti Brings Us Together Once Again

Our hearts are heavy. We have all watched in horror as the aftermath of the earthquake in Haiti unwinds leaving a catastrophe for survivors and aid works to comprehend and work through. And now, we witness the real courage of the families left without news or closure as they wait for news of their loved ones.

There are some that believe we as people have become immune and desensitized to horrific visions of injuries and death. After watching the events unfold in Haiti, that statement can no longer be true. We have been forced to watch and endure the pain of the families and orphaned children left behind and feeling the agony of families as they helplessly watch this unforeseen tragedy unfold.

It has been joy and happiness on one hand when survivors are found. And then grief and sorrow when hearing the news there were no survivors at some of the search locations. Our hearts ache at public outcries to aid workers to look here or there and in doing so, that life is not found. We view our television sets with incomprehension as we observe the mass graves and hear stories of the smell attached to death.

The little girl, Anika we watched as her rescuers freed her from the concrete that held her captive with one of her legs caught underneath as it also subsequently dealt the fatal blow that would take her life the next day. Anika's family called her the pride of their family as we all watched in disbelief of her death. We as silent voyeurs watched and in silence grieved with her family for their precious lost life.

Brittney, from Massachusetts one of four missing in Haiti, we watch as her dad pleads for the President to rescue his daughter. His pleas are our pleas. His anguish becomes our own silent anguish as we watch him question her whereabouts and safety. We reach for him to comfort his pain as only strangers can do through our thoughts and prayers.

There are reports of a number of the elderly and abandoned that because of their location and plight they do not have access to the food and water being dropped where most of the survivors are located. We watch as the survivors from the earthquake run towards the aid as the weak and elderly remain behind as nothing more than a faded memory as they are left to fend for themselves.

Those left behind could have been neighbors, family or friends, no matter they have been forgotten because after all it is survival of the fittest. Those that can save themselves with unabashed selfish abandonment for those who couldn't walk nor run to obtain the nourishment and water they need to survive as they lay patiently waiting for death to claim them.

Sometimes when remembering how it takes a group effort to conquer obstacles, we often hear the African proverb, it takes a village. We have proven this to be true by gathering our five and ten dollar bills and creating millions. And, by working together we all provide aid in an attempt to save a country, to save its people, the injured, the hungry and thirsty, and the dying.

Some have made light of the Haitians misfortune wanting to attach negative beliefs that their plight is about sin, politics and race. Despite the rhetoric we as people have transcended the criticism. When tragedy strikes the divisiveness that separates our nations ceases to matter. This catastrophe and others before it is still an overpowering reminder that we are our brothers' keeper.

So we come together again as we have in the past as one with the sole purpose of helping others, something that brings the best out of all us. At one point while rescuers are working, the Haitians emotions overflows and with unsuppressed anticipation, they begin chanting, "USA! USA!" as another survivor is found and removed from the ruins of their city.

This collective body of people, doing what they do best helping those in need no matter the location or devastation as they give of themselves unselfishly. We can afford to beam with pride that we are Americans despite our differences, we are Americans. More articles from this author can be found at http://www.makingrelationshipswork.net.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Current News - Do You Like to Argue But Hate to Lose?

Some news articles really excite me while other articles make me upset. For example, this morning there was an economic article about job losses in America. The article said that there was a net loss of jobs in December 2009, which was a bit of a surprise to economic forecasters. I was not surprised by this current news. Last month, in November, when the job loss situation improved significantly there were a lot of journalists projecting the beginning of an improved job market going forward. The economists who issued the statistics in November warned against that kind of optimism and recommended a wait and see approach. That made sense to me; hence I was less surprised by the December backslide into job losses.

The point is, news is emotional stuff. What happens is the news sets off a whole network of memory associations, and these associations produce an emotional reaction. My memories of the economists' warnings in November allowed me to feel dismissive of the journalists optimism and therefore not surprised by December's job losses. On the other hand, if you have no knowledge or memories about a news item then you can only process it intellectually, there are no emotional memories involved.

So skip forward a few hours and find me in a discussion with my son about the employment report. He was disappointed and argued that the numbers were merely a seasonal oddity. He didn't remember the November statistics or the warnings to "wait and see." At any rate, I didn't want to argue with him or make him feel worse about an already disappointing situation, but to myself I just noted the process. Since I had a memory reference, my emotions were brought into play rather than just reacting to current news.

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