Sometimes too much of a good thing is actually pretty bad--especially when it comes to your health. While you certainly don't want to skimp on healthy habits like exercising, sleeping and eating plenty of vitamin-rich food, overdoing any of these can be dangerous. Here's why.
Sleeping Too Much
Of course you want to be well rested, and most of us aren't. But oversleeping has its downsides, too. If you tend to get only six hours during the work week, but sleep nine to 10 hours on Saturday morning, don't be surprised if you wake up with a headache, says Margaret Lewin, MD, clinical assistant professor of medicine at Weill Medical College of Cornell University in New York City and medical director of Cinergy Health. "When you're asleep, you breathe in and out more slowly, so you get rid of less carbon dioxide," she says. When you sleep in on the weekends, carbon dioxide can build up a bit and lead to headaches. You may also wake up with a pounding head if you sleep past the time when you normally have a cup of coffee.
While a headache might be the biggest downside to sleeping in periodically, if you always feel like you need a ton of sleep--or if you feel like you need a lot more than you used to--talk to your doctor. People who get excessive amounts of sleep are more prone to depression, heart disease and even early death, says Dr. Lewin.
Taking Too Many Vitamins
Vitamins--whether they're from food or pills--are essential ingredients your body needs for so many functions. But did you know you can actually "overdose" on them? According to nutritionist Lyssie Lakatos, RD, women need to be cautious about fat-soluble vitamins like A, because they can build up in the body's fat stores. (Extra water-soluble vitamins, like C, are easily excreted in the urine after your body uses what it needs.) (See Choosing a Vitamin Supplement.)
You'll find vitamin A--which is important for vision, reproduction and a strong immune system--in many types of fruits and vegetables, as well as in eggs and milk. The problem is that many foods are also fortified with large amounts of vitamin A, plus it's commonly found in multivitamins. "If you have a serving of vitamin A-fortified cereal with milk, take a multivitamin and eat an egg, you will probably exceed the recommended level for the day," says Lakatos. Do this once in a while and it's not a big deal, but over time the results aren't pretty: Lakatos has seen clients who've had hair and eyebrows falling out, rough skin and cracked lips as a result of an A overdose. One major culprit: energy bars. "Many contain a lot of vitamin A, and some people eat several of them daily." Whenever possible, get your vitamins from whole foods instead of "bars" and consider whether you really need a multivitamin (ask your doc if you're not sure).
Exercising Too Much
True, most Americans are so sedentary that they aren't in any danger of moving too much. But what happens when couch potatoes get inspired to step up their exercise big time? Ouch. "People who are new to exercise are more prone to injuries since they are often excited to start or just want to get it over with,'" says Carly Cummings, a personal trainer and founder of Hyp-Yoga Inc. "The biggest tip I can give to beginner exercisers is to remember that this is a journey that you will continue for the rest of your life, so pick something you really enjoy. If you're forcing yourself to do something and pushing through pain, then injury is more likely to happen."
If you're new to exercise, start slow and always warm up first. Before you try intense activities like running or kickboxing, make sure you're comfortable just walking, then jogging a little, etc. "Building up to a group exercise class is also a good idea. Don't be afraid to go into a class and only stay for the first half," says Cummings.
Using Too Much Hand Sanitizer
Experts say that alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help you stop the spread of germs and avoid getting sick. That's especially important this time of year, when colds and flu are going around. But don't think you can skip the soap and water. "Sanitizer is good if you need to cleanse your hands after getting off the subway or before lunch and you don't have access to a sink," says Dr. Lewin. "But if you use it several times in a row without washing [with soap and water], some of the gel can build up and bacteria will start to stick to it." A good rule: If you've already used sanitizer three times in a row on a given day, get yourself to a sink.
Eating Too Much Fiber
Fiber is great for keeping your digestive system healthy and your blood sugar levels on an even keel. It's also a friend to dieters, since it helps you stay full. But if you're not getting very much right now, you need to slowly work your way up to those recommended 25 grams per day. Otherwise you may find your tummy aching. "Some of our clients have reported flatulence, diarrhea and stomach cramps from eating too much fiber," says nutritionist Tammy Lakatos Shames, RD, who is the coauthor (with twin sister Lyssie) of The Secret to Skinny.
Be especially careful about all those products that have extra fiber added to them. "Companies have been adding isolated fibers like inulin and polydextrose to foods such as Stonyfield Farm yogurt, Weight Watchers cereals and Fibersure fiber supplement, claiming that they are as good as the fiber that's naturally found in whole grains, fruits and vegetables," says Lakatos Shames. "Although there isn't good evidence to support or deny this, inulin may cause gas or other stomach distress, and polydextrose may result in ‘a laxative effect from excessive consumption,' as the packages warn."
Brushing Your Teeth Too Much
We all want to keep those pearly whites sparkly. Good oral health has been linked to a lower incidence of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. But don't scrub too hard or too often, warns Dr. Lewin. "All toothpastes contain small amounts of abrasives [to get rid of stains], and if you use too much you can start wearing away the enamel." And, brushing too vigorously can damage your gums and cause them to recede. She recommends brushing two to three times a day using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and a toothbrush with soft-medium bristles.
Washing Your Face Too Often
If your skin is oily or acne-prone, you may be tempted to scrub it several times a day. But over-washing can irritate sensitive skin and aggravate conditions like acne. "The goal of washing is to eliminate dirt and bacteria, not to strip the protective layers off your skin," says dermatologist and Woman's Day advisory board member Debra Wattenberg, MD. "For most people, washing your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser is sufficient."
Getting Too Many Medical Tests
You've probably seen ads for heart scans and even full-body CT scans that claim to catch diseases early on. But unless your doctor has recommended a particular test for you, think twice. While most traditional X-rays--like the kind you get at your dentist's office--expose you to minimal amounts of radiation, CT scans are more detailed and therefore expose you to higher levels, which could increase your cancer risk over a lifetime.
"A lot of procedures are done because patients are curious, not because they're medically necessary," says Dr. Lewin. Even if your doctor is the one to suggest a test, there's nothing wrong with asking if you really need it, how much radiation it will expose you to and if there's a lower- (or no-) radiation option worth considering. For example, a regular colonoscopy doesn't expose you to any radiation, but a virtual one does because it uses CT scans (and the prep, which is the worst part, is the same for both types of colonoscopy). (See Colonoscopy or CT Colonography.)
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Ten Big Companies That Are Veering Toward Bankruptcy
Despite a few green shoots in the economy and a rocketing stock market, many large companies are still struggling to avoid bankruptcy.
A new report by Audit Integrity identifies some high-profile names "that have the highest probability of declaring bankruptcy among publicly traded firms."
Which companies appear the worst off? We took the list and removed any company with a market cap under $3 billion. We then ranked the remaining names by a simple measure of the market's perceived bankruptcy risk - Market Cap (MC) divided by Enterprise Value (EV). The less MC vs. EV, the less residual shareholders' value (above what debt holders can claim) the market is pricing-in for the company. Thus a lower MC/EV means the market thinks the company is more likely to go bankrupt.
1. Hertz
When you have tons of debt financing your fleet of cars, falling rental demand really hurts.
While the company raised new capital in May for some breathing room, Fitch and Moody’s actually cut their ratings for the company in July.
Ignoring the downgrade, shares kept rallying and are now at over five times the March $2 low. Best of luck.
Market Cap (MC)/Enterprise Value (EV) = 32%
2. Textron
What a tough time to be selling business jets.
Textron wrote down $2.3 billion its backlog this year after it canceled a new jet design, and demand for its other aircraft-related offerings has plummeted.
Shareholders may be heartened by the company’s ability to push back some debt maturities lately, but deteriorating credit quality at the company’s leasing arm makes the outlook uncertain at best.
MC/EV=39%
3. Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel is bleeding customers, and could lose as many as 4.4 million net post-paid subscribers this year.
This is a huge problem when you have large amounts of maturing debt over the next few years.
A recent Deutsche Telekom acquisition rumor offered some hope, but that appears to have faded. Facing a difficult road ahead on its own, the company better keep its lawyers on speed-dial.
MC/EV=41%
4. Macy's
Does anyone even shop at department stores anymore?
Same store sales will likely keep falling at Macy’s right through 2009. With $2.4 billion of maturing debt over the next five years, the company is trying to cut costs, and has already reduced its dividend.
Hopefully the US consumer will bounce back soon, and actually want to shop at Macy's.
MC/EV=47%
5. Mylan
In a classic case of management empire building, Mylan overpaid big time when it bought Merck’s generic business back in 2007 and is now stuck with $5 billion of long-term debt as a result.
From 2007 – 2008, the company lost over $1.3 billion very much due to goodwill write-downs.
While the company could earn $300 million this year, they’ll have to earn far more than that in the future to make their debt manageable.
MC/EV=51%
6. Goodyear
Demand for Goodyear tires has sunk, and the company is saddled with massive debt and pension obligations.
It doesn’t help that The United Steelworkers union prevents the company from proper cost control by forcing factories to stay open.
Shareholders have to wonder how much value will be left of the company after bondholders and the union members have their way.
MC/EV=53%
7. CBS
Weak advertising and falling license fees have sent CBS's earnings off a cliff in 2009.
If they remain depressed for too long, the company could have trouble refinancing $3.2 billion of debt coming due over the next five years.
It will really come down to whether or not CBS’s earnings collapse is merely cyclical, or the result of structural trend whereby traditional TV is dying.
As a business blog, we can't help but feel partly guilty here.
MC/EV=55%
8. Advanced Micro Devices
When will AMD actually make money again? The question is becoming more important by the day since it carries over $5 billion in long-term debt.
After losing almost $3 billion from 2007 – 2008, analysts expect the company to lose more money in 2009 and 2010.
While the shares rallied from their February $2 low, they still appear stuck in a long-term down trend from $40 highs way back in 2006.
MC/EV=55%
9. Las Vegas Sands
Las Vegas Sands over-expanded and over-levered in the last few years and now has over $10 billion in debt to deal with.
Despite jumping 13 times from their March low, Las Vegas Sands shares still face an uphill battle.
Conditions in Las Vegas are horrible, Asian expansion isn’t enough, and if this lasts too long then LVS will end up in bankruptcy court looking like it bit off more than it can chew.
MC/EV=60%
10. Interpublic Group
As one of the largest advertising and marketing companies in the world, IPG was slammed by the global recession.
As the company’s CEO said during recent second quarter results, the downturn “is proving steeper and more lasting than expected”.
Revenues have fallen double digits and the company’s exposure to General Motors as its largest client hasn’t helped.
MC/EV=80%
A new report by Audit Integrity identifies some high-profile names "that have the highest probability of declaring bankruptcy among publicly traded firms."
Which companies appear the worst off? We took the list and removed any company with a market cap under $3 billion. We then ranked the remaining names by a simple measure of the market's perceived bankruptcy risk - Market Cap (MC) divided by Enterprise Value (EV). The less MC vs. EV, the less residual shareholders' value (above what debt holders can claim) the market is pricing-in for the company. Thus a lower MC/EV means the market thinks the company is more likely to go bankrupt.
1. Hertz
When you have tons of debt financing your fleet of cars, falling rental demand really hurts.
While the company raised new capital in May for some breathing room, Fitch and Moody’s actually cut their ratings for the company in July.
Ignoring the downgrade, shares kept rallying and are now at over five times the March $2 low. Best of luck.
Market Cap (MC)/Enterprise Value (EV) = 32%
2. Textron
What a tough time to be selling business jets.
Textron wrote down $2.3 billion its backlog this year after it canceled a new jet design, and demand for its other aircraft-related offerings has plummeted.
Shareholders may be heartened by the company’s ability to push back some debt maturities lately, but deteriorating credit quality at the company’s leasing arm makes the outlook uncertain at best.
MC/EV=39%
3. Sprint Nextel
Sprint Nextel is bleeding customers, and could lose as many as 4.4 million net post-paid subscribers this year.
This is a huge problem when you have large amounts of maturing debt over the next few years.
A recent Deutsche Telekom acquisition rumor offered some hope, but that appears to have faded. Facing a difficult road ahead on its own, the company better keep its lawyers on speed-dial.
MC/EV=41%
4. Macy's
Does anyone even shop at department stores anymore?
Same store sales will likely keep falling at Macy’s right through 2009. With $2.4 billion of maturing debt over the next five years, the company is trying to cut costs, and has already reduced its dividend.
Hopefully the US consumer will bounce back soon, and actually want to shop at Macy's.
MC/EV=47%
5. Mylan
In a classic case of management empire building, Mylan overpaid big time when it bought Merck’s generic business back in 2007 and is now stuck with $5 billion of long-term debt as a result.
From 2007 – 2008, the company lost over $1.3 billion very much due to goodwill write-downs.
While the company could earn $300 million this year, they’ll have to earn far more than that in the future to make their debt manageable.
MC/EV=51%
6. Goodyear
Demand for Goodyear tires has sunk, and the company is saddled with massive debt and pension obligations.
It doesn’t help that The United Steelworkers union prevents the company from proper cost control by forcing factories to stay open.
Shareholders have to wonder how much value will be left of the company after bondholders and the union members have their way.
MC/EV=53%
7. CBS
Weak advertising and falling license fees have sent CBS's earnings off a cliff in 2009.
If they remain depressed for too long, the company could have trouble refinancing $3.2 billion of debt coming due over the next five years.
It will really come down to whether or not CBS’s earnings collapse is merely cyclical, or the result of structural trend whereby traditional TV is dying.
As a business blog, we can't help but feel partly guilty here.
MC/EV=55%
8. Advanced Micro Devices
When will AMD actually make money again? The question is becoming more important by the day since it carries over $5 billion in long-term debt.
After losing almost $3 billion from 2007 – 2008, analysts expect the company to lose more money in 2009 and 2010.
While the shares rallied from their February $2 low, they still appear stuck in a long-term down trend from $40 highs way back in 2006.
MC/EV=55%
9. Las Vegas Sands
Las Vegas Sands over-expanded and over-levered in the last few years and now has over $10 billion in debt to deal with.
Despite jumping 13 times from their March low, Las Vegas Sands shares still face an uphill battle.
Conditions in Las Vegas are horrible, Asian expansion isn’t enough, and if this lasts too long then LVS will end up in bankruptcy court looking like it bit off more than it can chew.
MC/EV=60%
10. Interpublic Group
As one of the largest advertising and marketing companies in the world, IPG was slammed by the global recession.
As the company’s CEO said during recent second quarter results, the downturn “is proving steeper and more lasting than expected”.
Revenues have fallen double digits and the company’s exposure to General Motors as its largest client hasn’t helped.
MC/EV=80%
Friday, September 11, 2009
World's oldest person dies in Los Angeles at 115
LOS ANGELES – Although she liked her bacon crispy and her chicken fried, she never drank, smoked or fooled around, Gertrude Baines once said, describing a life that lasted an astonishing 115 years and earned her the title of oldest person on the planet.
It was a title Baines quietly relinquished Friday when she died in her sleep at Western Convalescent Hospital, her home since she gave up living alone at age 107 after breaking a hip.
She likely suffered a heart attack, said her longtime physician, Dr. Charles Witt, although an autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
"I saw her two days ago, and she was just doing fine," Witt told The Associated Press on Friday. "She was in excellent shape. She was mentally alert. She smiled frequently."
Baines was born in Shellman, Ga., on April 6, 1894, when Grover Cleveland was in the White House, radio communication was just being developed and television was still more than a half-century from becoming a ubiquitous household presence.
She was 4 years old when the Spanish-American War broke out and 9 when the first World Series was played. She had already reached middle age by the time the U.S. entered World War II in 1941.
Throughout it all, Baines said last year, it was a life she thoroughly enjoyed.
"I'm glad I'm here. I don't care if I live a hundred more," she said with a hearty laugh after casting her vote for Barack Obama for president. "I enjoy nothing but eating and sleeping."
Her vote for Obama, she added, had helped fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing a black man elected president.
"We all the same, only our skin is dark and theirs is white," said Baines, who was black.
The centenarian, who worked as a maid at Ohio State University dormitories until her retirement, had outlived all of her family members. Her only daughter died of typhoid at age 18.
In her final years, she passed her days watching her favorite TV program, "The Jerry Springer Show," and consuming her favorite foods: bacon, fried chicken and ice cream. She complained often, however, that the bacon served to her was too soft.
"Two days ago, when I saw her, she was talking about the fact that the bacon wasn't crisp enough, that it was soggy," Witt said.
She became the world's oldest person in January when Maria de Jesus died in Portugal at 115.
The title brought with it a spotlight of attention, and Baines was asked frequently about the secret to a long life. She shrugged off such questions, telling people to ask God instead.
"She told me that she owes her longevity to the Lord, that she never did drink, she never did smoke and she never did fool around," Witt said at a party marking her 115th birthday.
At the party, Baines sat quietly, paying little attention as nursing home staffers and residents sang "Happy Birthday" and presented congratulatory notices from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and others. But she laughed when told the Los Angeles Dodgers had given her a cooler filled with hot dogs.
With Baines' death, 114-year-old Kama Chinen of Japan becomes the world's oldest person, said Dr. L. Stephen Coles of the Gerontology Research Group, which tracks claims of extreme old age. Chinen was born May 10, 1895.
The oldest person who ever lived, Coles said, was Jeanne-Louise Calment, who was 122 when she died Aug. 4, 1997, in Arles, France.
It was a title Baines quietly relinquished Friday when she died in her sleep at Western Convalescent Hospital, her home since she gave up living alone at age 107 after breaking a hip.
She likely suffered a heart attack, said her longtime physician, Dr. Charles Witt, although an autopsy was scheduled to determine the exact cause of death.
"I saw her two days ago, and she was just doing fine," Witt told The Associated Press on Friday. "She was in excellent shape. She was mentally alert. She smiled frequently."
Baines was born in Shellman, Ga., on April 6, 1894, when Grover Cleveland was in the White House, radio communication was just being developed and television was still more than a half-century from becoming a ubiquitous household presence.
She was 4 years old when the Spanish-American War broke out and 9 when the first World Series was played. She had already reached middle age by the time the U.S. entered World War II in 1941.
Throughout it all, Baines said last year, it was a life she thoroughly enjoyed.
"I'm glad I'm here. I don't care if I live a hundred more," she said with a hearty laugh after casting her vote for Barack Obama for president. "I enjoy nothing but eating and sleeping."
Her vote for Obama, she added, had helped fulfill a lifelong dream of seeing a black man elected president.
"We all the same, only our skin is dark and theirs is white," said Baines, who was black.
The centenarian, who worked as a maid at Ohio State University dormitories until her retirement, had outlived all of her family members. Her only daughter died of typhoid at age 18.
In her final years, she passed her days watching her favorite TV program, "The Jerry Springer Show," and consuming her favorite foods: bacon, fried chicken and ice cream. She complained often, however, that the bacon served to her was too soft.
"Two days ago, when I saw her, she was talking about the fact that the bacon wasn't crisp enough, that it was soggy," Witt said.
She became the world's oldest person in January when Maria de Jesus died in Portugal at 115.
The title brought with it a spotlight of attention, and Baines was asked frequently about the secret to a long life. She shrugged off such questions, telling people to ask God instead.
"She told me that she owes her longevity to the Lord, that she never did drink, she never did smoke and she never did fool around," Witt said at a party marking her 115th birthday.
At the party, Baines sat quietly, paying little attention as nursing home staffers and residents sang "Happy Birthday" and presented congratulatory notices from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sen. Dianne Feinstein and others. But she laughed when told the Los Angeles Dodgers had given her a cooler filled with hot dogs.
With Baines' death, 114-year-old Kama Chinen of Japan becomes the world's oldest person, said Dr. L. Stephen Coles of the Gerontology Research Group, which tracks claims of extreme old age. Chinen was born May 10, 1895.
The oldest person who ever lived, Coles said, was Jeanne-Louise Calment, who was 122 when she died Aug. 4, 1997, in Arles, France.
Friday, September 4, 2009
ഇന്റര്നെറ്റിന് 40 വയസ്സ്
കാലിഫോര്ണിയ: ലോകത്തെ ആശയവിനിമയത്തിന്റെ സുപ്രധാനഘടകമായി മാറിയിരിക്കുന്ന ഇന്റര്നെറ്റിന് നാല്പത് വയസ്സുതികഞ്ഞു.
1969 സെപ്റ്റംബര് രണ്ടിന് ലോസ് ആഞ്ജലസില് കാലിഫോര്ണിയ സര്വ്വകലാശാലയിലെ പ്രൊഫസര് ലിയോനാര്ഡ് ക്ലിന്റോക്കിന്റെ ലാബിലാണ് ഇന്റര്നെറ്റ് എന്ന സങ്കല്പം ആദ്യമായി ഉരുത്തിരിഞ്ഞത്.
രണ്ട് കമ്പ്യൂട്ടറുകള് 15 അടി നീളമുള്ള കേബിളിലൂടെ ടെസ്റ്റ് ഡാറ്റകള് വിനിമയം ചെയ്യുന്ന പരീക്ഷണമാണ് ഇന്നത്തെ നിലയിലുള്ള ഇന്റര്നെറ്റായി വികസിച്ചത്.
ഇപ്പോള് ഇന്റര്നെറ്റ് എന്ന് നമ്മള് വിളിക്കുന്ന അര്പാനെറ്റിന്റെ തുടക്കം അന്നായിരുന്നു. പിന്നീട് സാന്റ് ബാര്ബറയിലെ കാലിഫോര്ണിയ സര്വ്വകലാശാലയും ഉത്താ സര്വ്വകലാശാലയും 1969 അവസാനത്തോടെ അര്പാനെറ്റ് ശൃംഗലയില് ചേര്ന്നു. അങ്ങനെ അങ്ങനെ ആ നെറ്റ് വര്ക്ക് വളര്ന്നുകൊണ്ടേയിരുന്നു.
1970ലാണ് ഇമെയില് രംഗപ്രവേശം ചെയ്തത്. പിന്നീട് ഇപ്പോള് വ്യാപകമായി ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്ന ഡോട്ട് കോം, ഡോട്ട് ഓര്ഗ് തുടങ്ങിയ ഇന്റര്നെറ്റ് അഡ്രസുകളുടെ സംവിധാനം 1980ലാണ് രൂപം കൊണ്ടത്.
ബ്രിട്ടീഷ് ഗവേഷകനായ ടിം ബര്ണേഴ്സ് ലീ രൂപം നല്കിയ വേള്ഡ് വൈഡ് വെബ്ബ് രംഗത്തെത്തിയതോടെ ഇന്റര്നെറ്റ് വിപ്ലവത്തിന് തുടക്കമായി. ഇന്ന് ലോകത്ത് നൂറുകോടിയിലേറെ ആളുകള് ഇന്റര്നെറ്റിനെ ഏറ്റവും നല്ല ആശയവിനിമയോപാധിയായി കണക്കാക്കുന്നു.
1969 സെപ്റ്റംബര് രണ്ടിന് ലോസ് ആഞ്ജലസില് കാലിഫോര്ണിയ സര്വ്വകലാശാലയിലെ പ്രൊഫസര് ലിയോനാര്ഡ് ക്ലിന്റോക്കിന്റെ ലാബിലാണ് ഇന്റര്നെറ്റ് എന്ന സങ്കല്പം ആദ്യമായി ഉരുത്തിരിഞ്ഞത്.
രണ്ട് കമ്പ്യൂട്ടറുകള് 15 അടി നീളമുള്ള കേബിളിലൂടെ ടെസ്റ്റ് ഡാറ്റകള് വിനിമയം ചെയ്യുന്ന പരീക്ഷണമാണ് ഇന്നത്തെ നിലയിലുള്ള ഇന്റര്നെറ്റായി വികസിച്ചത്.
ഇപ്പോള് ഇന്റര്നെറ്റ് എന്ന് നമ്മള് വിളിക്കുന്ന അര്പാനെറ്റിന്റെ തുടക്കം അന്നായിരുന്നു. പിന്നീട് സാന്റ് ബാര്ബറയിലെ കാലിഫോര്ണിയ സര്വ്വകലാശാലയും ഉത്താ സര്വ്വകലാശാലയും 1969 അവസാനത്തോടെ അര്പാനെറ്റ് ശൃംഗലയില് ചേര്ന്നു. അങ്ങനെ അങ്ങനെ ആ നെറ്റ് വര്ക്ക് വളര്ന്നുകൊണ്ടേയിരുന്നു.
1970ലാണ് ഇമെയില് രംഗപ്രവേശം ചെയ്തത്. പിന്നീട് ഇപ്പോള് വ്യാപകമായി ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്ന ഡോട്ട് കോം, ഡോട്ട് ഓര്ഗ് തുടങ്ങിയ ഇന്റര്നെറ്റ് അഡ്രസുകളുടെ സംവിധാനം 1980ലാണ് രൂപം കൊണ്ടത്.
ബ്രിട്ടീഷ് ഗവേഷകനായ ടിം ബര്ണേഴ്സ് ലീ രൂപം നല്കിയ വേള്ഡ് വൈഡ് വെബ്ബ് രംഗത്തെത്തിയതോടെ ഇന്റര്നെറ്റ് വിപ്ലവത്തിന് തുടക്കമായി. ഇന്ന് ലോകത്ത് നൂറുകോടിയിലേറെ ആളുകള് ഇന്റര്നെറ്റിനെ ഏറ്റവും നല്ല ആശയവിനിമയോപാധിയായി കണക്കാക്കുന്നു.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
ചാറ്റിംഗ് - ചില നൂതന ആശയങ്ങള്
ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ക്ലാസ്സ് - 4500 നൂതനാശയങ്ങള് കിട്ടി
ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ഒരു കലയാണ് , ചിലര്ക്ക് അത് ജന്മാനാ തന്നെ പൈതൃക
ഗുണമായിക്കിട്ടുന്നു , മറ്റ് ചിലര് സ്ഥിരൊത്സാഹത്തോടെ
ആര്ജ്ജിച്ചെടുക്കുന്നു , എന്നിരുന്നാലും ശരിയായ ഒരു പരിശീലന പദ്ധതി
നിങ്ങളുടെ ഉള്ളിലെ ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ജീനിനെ പരിപോഷിപ്പിക്കാനുതകും എന്ന
വിശ്വാസത്തോടെയാണ് , ഈ ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ക്ലാസ്സ് ഇവിടെ ആരംഭിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത് .
അധ്യായം - ഡാ
നമ്മള് എന്തു സംസാരിക്കുമ്പോഴും "ഡാ " എന്നു ചേര്ക്കണം..എന്നാലെ
നമ്മളോടൊപ്പം ചാറ്റ് ചെയ്യുന്ന വ്യക്തിക്ക് ഒരു ഇമ്പ്രെഷന് കൊടുക്കാനാണ്
, അല്ലെങ്കില് നമ്മള് വെറും രാജ്യമാണെന്ന് [country] അവര്
തെറ്റിദ്ധരിക്കും
for ex : - iam going da , you come da , poda , same to you da , good
morning da ,
നമുക്കൊരു തെറ്റിദ്ധാരണയുണ്ട് ആണുങ്ങളെയാണ് നമ്മള് “ഡാ” എന്ന്
വിളിക്കുന്നത് , അത് തികച്ചും തെറ്റാണ് , ഫെമിനിസത്തിന്റെ ഈ
കാലഘട്ടത്തില് പെണ്കുട്ടികളെയാണ് നമ്മള് കൂടുതലായി “ ഡാ “
വിളിക്കേണ്ടത് , എന്നാലെ നമ്മളും മോഡേണാവൂ ..
for ex : ഇത് ഒരു ആണ്കുട്ടിയും പെണ്കുട്ടിയും തമ്മിലുള്ള സംസാരമാണ് ,
A: yesterday i not sleep daa
B: me too daa
A : i luv u daa ,
B: i luv u 2 much daa
A. po daaa
ഇതിലാരാ ശരിക്കും “ ഡാ “ ശരിക്കും “ഡീ” എന്ന് ദൈവത്തിന് പോലും
തിരിച്ചറിയന് കഴിയില്ല, അങ്ങനെയായിരിക്കണം ചാറ്റ് ചെയ്യേണ്ടത് .
പിന്നെയുള്ള ഒരു കാര്യം buddy , guys, lols , yaap. oops, nops എന്നൊക്കെ
ഇടക്കിടക്ക് പറയണം ഒരു കാര്യോമില്ലെങ്കിലും , ഞങ്ങട “ ഗഡ്ഡി “ എന്ന വിളി
ത്രിശൂര് പൂരത്തിനു വന്ന സായിപ്പിനു ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടിട്ട് മൂപ്പരത് അത്
buddy ആക്കി മാറ്റി ഇംഗ്ലീഷിലിട്ടതാണ് , പിന്നെ “ guys “ എന്നൊക്കെ
ചാറ്റിങ്ങില് അടിക്കുമ്പോള് അക്ഷരം മാറി "gays " എന്നായാല് അടി
പാഴ്സല് വരുന്നത് കൊണ്ട് അവിടെ ഒന്ന് ശ്രദ്ധിക്കണം . LOLs എന്ന
വാക്കുണ്ടാക്കിയ സായിപ്പിന്റെ നിഘണ്ടുവില് അതിനര്ത്ഥം " laughing out
loudly " ചിരിച്ച് പണ്ടാറമടങ്ങുക , പക്ഷെ നമ്മള് അതൊന്നും
കാര്യമായെടുക്കരുത് , നമ്മളുടെ LOLs ന്റെ ഉദ്ദേശം വേറെ ആണ് , വളരെ ലോലമായ
ഹൃദയമുള്ള ആളെന്നോ , ലോലമായ മനസുള്ള ആളാണെന്നോ അല്ലെങ്കില്
നാട്ടുമ്പുറത്തെ ലോലന് എന്ന പേരായോ എങ്ങനെ വേണമെങ്കിലും എടുക്കാം ,
പക്ഷെ LOLs ഒഴിവാക്കി ഒരു പരിപാടിയില്ല , അമ്മൂമ്മ സീരിയസ് ആയി ഡേറ്റും
കാത്ത് കിടക്കുന്നതിന് അനുശോചനം പറയാനായാലും ക്രൈസിസ് വന്ന് കമ്പനി
പൂട്ടിപ്പോവാന് പോകുന്ന മെസ്സേജാണെങ്കിലും പറയണം LOLs , ഇംഗ്ലീഷുകാരോട്
പോവാന് പറ , നമ്മള് തീരുമാനിക്കും അര്ത്ഥോം പര്യായൊമൊക്കെ .
for ex :
how r u da ..lol
iam fine daa lol
how is crisis in ur company
very bad situation da ..lol
iam sorry daa lol
രണ്ടാം അധ്യായം - [chating special മലയാളം ]
“കൂട്ടം “ മലയാളത്തെ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുന്നത് കൊണ്ട് ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പദങ്ങള്
മലയാളീകരിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണ് , ഇംഗ്ലീഷില് ചാറ്റ് ചെയ്യില്ല എന്ന്
നിര്ബന്ധബുദ്ധിയുള്ള മലയാളികള്ക്ക് വേണ്ടി മലയാളത്തില്
പരിഭാഷപ്പെടുത്തിയതാണ് .ഇത് പൊതുവില് ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്ന കുറച്ച് പദങ്ങള്
മാത്രമാണ് , അടുത്ത ക്ലാസ്സില് അല്പം കൂടി വിപുലമാക്കുന്നതായിരിക്കും
good morning - നല്ല കാലത്ത്
whats up - എന്താണ് മുകളില്
get lost - നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട് പോയി
carry on - ചുമന്നോളൂ
take care - സൂക്ഷിച്ച് എടുക്കൂ
fine - പിഴ
great - വലുത്
catch you later - നിന്നെ പിന്നെ പിടിച്ചോളാം
you Rockking - നീ പാറ രാജാവ്
മൂന്നാം അധ്യായം [ American english ]
ഇത് അമേരിക്കന് ഇംഗ്ലീഷിന്റെ കാലമാണ്, അമേരിക്കന് ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പലതും
മലയാളത്തില് തെറി പോലെ
ഒക്കെ തോന്നുമെങ്കിലും അതാണ് ഇപ്പോഴത്തെ ട്രെന്റ് , എന്തെങ്കിലും
പറയുമ്പോള് അതില് "wannaa " gonnaa " എന്ന് കൂട്ടിപ്പറയുക ,
ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ഒരു കലയാണ് , ചിലര്ക്ക് അത് ജന്മാനാ തന്നെ പൈതൃക
ഗുണമായിക്കിട്ടുന്നു , മറ്റ് ചിലര് സ്ഥിരൊത്സാഹത്തോടെ
ആര്ജ്ജിച്ചെടുക്കുന്നു , എന്നിരുന്നാലും ശരിയായ ഒരു പരിശീലന പദ്ധതി
നിങ്ങളുടെ ഉള്ളിലെ ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ജീനിനെ പരിപോഷിപ്പിക്കാനുതകും എന്ന
വിശ്വാസത്തോടെയാണ് , ഈ ചാറ്റിങ്ങ് ക്ലാസ്സ് ഇവിടെ ആരംഭിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നത് .
അധ്യായം - ഡാ
നമ്മള് എന്തു സംസാരിക്കുമ്പോഴും "ഡാ " എന്നു ചേര്ക്കണം..എന്നാലെ
നമ്മളോടൊപ്പം ചാറ്റ് ചെയ്യുന്ന വ്യക്തിക്ക് ഒരു ഇമ്പ്രെഷന് കൊടുക്കാനാണ്
, അല്ലെങ്കില് നമ്മള് വെറും രാജ്യമാണെന്ന് [country] അവര്
തെറ്റിദ്ധരിക്കും
for ex : - iam going da , you come da , poda , same to you da , good
morning da ,
നമുക്കൊരു തെറ്റിദ്ധാരണയുണ്ട് ആണുങ്ങളെയാണ് നമ്മള് “ഡാ” എന്ന്
വിളിക്കുന്നത് , അത് തികച്ചും തെറ്റാണ് , ഫെമിനിസത്തിന്റെ ഈ
കാലഘട്ടത്തില് പെണ്കുട്ടികളെയാണ് നമ്മള് കൂടുതലായി “ ഡാ “
വിളിക്കേണ്ടത് , എന്നാലെ നമ്മളും മോഡേണാവൂ ..
for ex : ഇത് ഒരു ആണ്കുട്ടിയും പെണ്കുട്ടിയും തമ്മിലുള്ള സംസാരമാണ് ,
A: yesterday i not sleep daa
B: me too daa
A : i luv u daa ,
B: i luv u 2 much daa
A. po daaa
ഇതിലാരാ ശരിക്കും “ ഡാ “ ശരിക്കും “ഡീ” എന്ന് ദൈവത്തിന് പോലും
തിരിച്ചറിയന് കഴിയില്ല, അങ്ങനെയായിരിക്കണം ചാറ്റ് ചെയ്യേണ്ടത് .
പിന്നെയുള്ള ഒരു കാര്യം buddy , guys, lols , yaap. oops, nops എന്നൊക്കെ
ഇടക്കിടക്ക് പറയണം ഒരു കാര്യോമില്ലെങ്കിലും , ഞങ്ങട “ ഗഡ്ഡി “ എന്ന വിളി
ത്രിശൂര് പൂരത്തിനു വന്ന സായിപ്പിനു ഇഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടിട്ട് മൂപ്പരത് അത്
buddy ആക്കി മാറ്റി ഇംഗ്ലീഷിലിട്ടതാണ് , പിന്നെ “ guys “ എന്നൊക്കെ
ചാറ്റിങ്ങില് അടിക്കുമ്പോള് അക്ഷരം മാറി "gays " എന്നായാല് അടി
പാഴ്സല് വരുന്നത് കൊണ്ട് അവിടെ ഒന്ന് ശ്രദ്ധിക്കണം . LOLs എന്ന
വാക്കുണ്ടാക്കിയ സായിപ്പിന്റെ നിഘണ്ടുവില് അതിനര്ത്ഥം " laughing out
loudly " ചിരിച്ച് പണ്ടാറമടങ്ങുക , പക്ഷെ നമ്മള് അതൊന്നും
കാര്യമായെടുക്കരുത് , നമ്മളുടെ LOLs ന്റെ ഉദ്ദേശം വേറെ ആണ് , വളരെ ലോലമായ
ഹൃദയമുള്ള ആളെന്നോ , ലോലമായ മനസുള്ള ആളാണെന്നോ അല്ലെങ്കില്
നാട്ടുമ്പുറത്തെ ലോലന് എന്ന പേരായോ എങ്ങനെ വേണമെങ്കിലും എടുക്കാം ,
പക്ഷെ LOLs ഒഴിവാക്കി ഒരു പരിപാടിയില്ല , അമ്മൂമ്മ സീരിയസ് ആയി ഡേറ്റും
കാത്ത് കിടക്കുന്നതിന് അനുശോചനം പറയാനായാലും ക്രൈസിസ് വന്ന് കമ്പനി
പൂട്ടിപ്പോവാന് പോകുന്ന മെസ്സേജാണെങ്കിലും പറയണം LOLs , ഇംഗ്ലീഷുകാരോട്
പോവാന് പറ , നമ്മള് തീരുമാനിക്കും അര്ത്ഥോം പര്യായൊമൊക്കെ .
for ex :
how r u da ..lol
iam fine daa lol
how is crisis in ur company
very bad situation da ..lol
iam sorry daa lol
രണ്ടാം അധ്യായം - [chating special മലയാളം ]
“കൂട്ടം “ മലയാളത്തെ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുന്നത് കൊണ്ട് ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പദങ്ങള്
മലയാളീകരിച്ചിരിക്കുകയാണ് , ഇംഗ്ലീഷില് ചാറ്റ് ചെയ്യില്ല എന്ന്
നിര്ബന്ധബുദ്ധിയുള്ള മലയാളികള്ക്ക് വേണ്ടി മലയാളത്തില്
പരിഭാഷപ്പെടുത്തിയതാണ് .ഇത് പൊതുവില് ഉപയോഗിക്കുന്ന കുറച്ച് പദങ്ങള്
മാത്രമാണ് , അടുത്ത ക്ലാസ്സില് അല്പം കൂടി വിപുലമാക്കുന്നതായിരിക്കും
good morning - നല്ല കാലത്ത്
whats up - എന്താണ് മുകളില്
get lost - നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട് പോയി
carry on - ചുമന്നോളൂ
take care - സൂക്ഷിച്ച് എടുക്കൂ
fine - പിഴ
great - വലുത്
catch you later - നിന്നെ പിന്നെ പിടിച്ചോളാം
you Rockking - നീ പാറ രാജാവ്
മൂന്നാം അധ്യായം [ American english ]
ഇത് അമേരിക്കന് ഇംഗ്ലീഷിന്റെ കാലമാണ്, അമേരിക്കന് ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് പലതും
മലയാളത്തില് തെറി പോലെ
ഒക്കെ തോന്നുമെങ്കിലും അതാണ് ഇപ്പോഴത്തെ ട്രെന്റ് , എന്തെങ്കിലും
പറയുമ്പോള് അതില് "wannaa " gonnaa " എന്ന് കൂട്ടിപ്പറയുക ,
Monday, August 24, 2009
20 Lazy Ways to Save Money
While the media can't decide if the recession is nearing its end or not, we do know that there hasn't been a tremendous surge in wages, job creation or the stock market. Consequently, most of us are staying pretty conservative on our spending. Here are a few relatively simple ways to keep an eye on your pennies while you're waiting for that brighter economic future to arrive.
1. Schedule automatic payments. Have (at least) your fixed monthly bills paid automatically to avoid missing a payment and having to fork over extra money for late fees and/or interest. You can set up auto pay features through your bank's online bill paying service or by arranging it directly with the company or service provider.
2. Eat your groceries. Did you know that Americans regularly throw away nearly 15% of the food they buy at the grocery store each year? That can add up to hundreds or, depending on your supermarket budget, thousands of dollars each year. Save money by actually eating what you buy. Not sure how? Bypass the bookstore and borrow a cookbook from the library!
3. Bundle services. If you're paying different vendors for similar services you may be overpaying. Call your communications providers to see what price you'll be quoted if you switch and bundle your internet, phone and cable TV services.
4. Pay off credit card. If you're not paying off your credit card balance each month you're paying interest and, for most Americans, it's a pretty steep rate. Pay it off and you could save a tidy sum by eliminating your interest charges.
5. Mark your calendar. Whenever you rent something - library books, videos, etc. – mark it on your calendar and save money by avoiding those quickly mounting late fees. Many stores and libraries also now offer email reminders to help the constantly harried so sign up for the extra help!
6. File your taxes on time. Or if you need to file an extension at least pay what you owe on the due date. You'll avoid annoying notices from the IRS and, more importantly, save on penalties, fees and interest.
7. Roll it over. If you're switching jobs and you can't leave your 401(k) invested with your current company, roll your 401(k) into either your new employer's 401(k) or an IRA within the 60-day window instead of withdrawing the money. By doing so you'll keep the money invested - and earning interest - and avoid those nasty taxes as well as the additional 10% penalty.
8. Switch credit cards. If you're carrying a balance on a high interest rate credit card check out other card issuers to see if you could transfer your balance to one with a lower interest rate and fewer fees. Use sites like Creditcard.com or Bankrate.com to compare card rates, and pay careful attention to how long those terms last so you don't wind up paying a higher rate and erasing any potential savings.
9. Use your privileges. Are you an AAA member? Do you belong to the AARP? What about your local credit union? Check organizations you have memberships with to see if they offer buying privileges or discounts.
10. Rent instead of buy. You might be excited to expand your driveway but don't let your enthusiasm overtake good sense. Hold off on buying that jackhammer and think before you spend on big-ticket items or items that you'll use once or infrequently (like movies and books).
11. Buy instead of rent. Don't pay the exorbitantly high prices charged by rent-a-center type stores for items you'll use regularly and keep long-term like computers, furniture and appliances.
12. Ask. That's right, just ask. You can't be paying any more than you currently are, so why not ask if you can get the interest rate lowered on your credit cards or loans? Also, ask for a discount on services like your wireless phone, trash removal or pet care instead of switching to another vendor, and of course ask "is that the best you can do" on any big ticket purchases like cars, appliances and furniture.
In a tight economy it might be worth the seller's while to cut the price instead of losing the sale, and you'll both benefit in the end!
13. Just say no. To the extended warranty that is. They hardly ever make financial sense. Weigh the repair or replacement cost (and if you would even need or want to repair or replace it down the road) against the cost of the warranty and graciously pass when offered.
14. Have the awkward conversation. Americans average more than $750 yearly on holiday gifts and that's probably much more than most would like to spend. If your gift-giving is costing you more than you can realistically afford there's a good chance it’s more than your relatives can afford (or would like to spend) as well. Take the plunge and broach the subject. Offer a more reasonable alternative (say, limit giving to children or put a dollar amount on gifts per person). More than likely your relatives will be grateful SOMEONE finally raised the subject and you’ll save money in the process.
15. Eat at home. If the idea of cooking for yourself seems like too much work at least opt for take-out instead of dining out - you'll save on the tip, the alcohol and most likely the cost for appetizers or dessert.
16. Balance your checkbook. It might take a few minutes but it's something you should be doing anyway and it can pay off huge dividends by helping you avoid bouncing a check and incurring steep overdraft fees (not to mention a little embarrassment)!
17. Stick with your bank. When withdrawing cash drive or walk the extra minute it takes to use your bank's ATM and avoid the fee that could come with another bank's machine. Better yet - switch to a bank that doesn't charge fees!
18. Use your TV. If you're paying for cable why not use all of it - and save some money in the process? Cancel the video membership and watch movies through cable movie packages you're already paying for or check out your free "on demand" shows. Drop the gym membership and work out at home to channels like FitTV, and bag the magazine subscriptions and watch the same shows (like Martha Stewart) on TV instead.
19. Quit those bad habits. Smoking, overeating and drinking are costly habits to maintain. Okay - this is the "lazy" way to save, not necessarily the easy way. But you can save boatloads of money in two ways by saying sayonara to your favorite vices: (1) You'll save money by cutting out on the regular spending it's costing you, and (2) you'll probably save on insurance premiums and long-term health costs. It's the ultimate win-win.
20. Forget the pet. Sure it sounds heartless but did you realize that welcoming home a little Fido can cost you an average of more than $1,500 a year - or $15,000 over 10 years? Feline fluffies are pricey too - just under $1,000 a year or approximately $9,000 for 10 years of care. Looking at the long-term picture, that's a new car or the down payment on a home! Keep walking right past that pet store and keep the money in your pocket instead.
The recession won't last forever, but in the meantime take advantage of these lazy ways to stay on track financially, and develop some pretty good money management habits for the future!
1. Schedule automatic payments. Have (at least) your fixed monthly bills paid automatically to avoid missing a payment and having to fork over extra money for late fees and/or interest. You can set up auto pay features through your bank's online bill paying service or by arranging it directly with the company or service provider.
2. Eat your groceries. Did you know that Americans regularly throw away nearly 15% of the food they buy at the grocery store each year? That can add up to hundreds or, depending on your supermarket budget, thousands of dollars each year. Save money by actually eating what you buy. Not sure how? Bypass the bookstore and borrow a cookbook from the library!
3. Bundle services. If you're paying different vendors for similar services you may be overpaying. Call your communications providers to see what price you'll be quoted if you switch and bundle your internet, phone and cable TV services.
4. Pay off credit card. If you're not paying off your credit card balance each month you're paying interest and, for most Americans, it's a pretty steep rate. Pay it off and you could save a tidy sum by eliminating your interest charges.
5. Mark your calendar. Whenever you rent something - library books, videos, etc. – mark it on your calendar and save money by avoiding those quickly mounting late fees. Many stores and libraries also now offer email reminders to help the constantly harried so sign up for the extra help!
6. File your taxes on time. Or if you need to file an extension at least pay what you owe on the due date. You'll avoid annoying notices from the IRS and, more importantly, save on penalties, fees and interest.
7. Roll it over. If you're switching jobs and you can't leave your 401(k) invested with your current company, roll your 401(k) into either your new employer's 401(k) or an IRA within the 60-day window instead of withdrawing the money. By doing so you'll keep the money invested - and earning interest - and avoid those nasty taxes as well as the additional 10% penalty.
8. Switch credit cards. If you're carrying a balance on a high interest rate credit card check out other card issuers to see if you could transfer your balance to one with a lower interest rate and fewer fees. Use sites like Creditcard.com or Bankrate.com to compare card rates, and pay careful attention to how long those terms last so you don't wind up paying a higher rate and erasing any potential savings.
9. Use your privileges. Are you an AAA member? Do you belong to the AARP? What about your local credit union? Check organizations you have memberships with to see if they offer buying privileges or discounts.
10. Rent instead of buy. You might be excited to expand your driveway but don't let your enthusiasm overtake good sense. Hold off on buying that jackhammer and think before you spend on big-ticket items or items that you'll use once or infrequently (like movies and books).
11. Buy instead of rent. Don't pay the exorbitantly high prices charged by rent-a-center type stores for items you'll use regularly and keep long-term like computers, furniture and appliances.
12. Ask. That's right, just ask. You can't be paying any more than you currently are, so why not ask if you can get the interest rate lowered on your credit cards or loans? Also, ask for a discount on services like your wireless phone, trash removal or pet care instead of switching to another vendor, and of course ask "is that the best you can do" on any big ticket purchases like cars, appliances and furniture.
In a tight economy it might be worth the seller's while to cut the price instead of losing the sale, and you'll both benefit in the end!
13. Just say no. To the extended warranty that is. They hardly ever make financial sense. Weigh the repair or replacement cost (and if you would even need or want to repair or replace it down the road) against the cost of the warranty and graciously pass when offered.
14. Have the awkward conversation. Americans average more than $750 yearly on holiday gifts and that's probably much more than most would like to spend. If your gift-giving is costing you more than you can realistically afford there's a good chance it’s more than your relatives can afford (or would like to spend) as well. Take the plunge and broach the subject. Offer a more reasonable alternative (say, limit giving to children or put a dollar amount on gifts per person). More than likely your relatives will be grateful SOMEONE finally raised the subject and you’ll save money in the process.
15. Eat at home. If the idea of cooking for yourself seems like too much work at least opt for take-out instead of dining out - you'll save on the tip, the alcohol and most likely the cost for appetizers or dessert.
16. Balance your checkbook. It might take a few minutes but it's something you should be doing anyway and it can pay off huge dividends by helping you avoid bouncing a check and incurring steep overdraft fees (not to mention a little embarrassment)!
17. Stick with your bank. When withdrawing cash drive or walk the extra minute it takes to use your bank's ATM and avoid the fee that could come with another bank's machine. Better yet - switch to a bank that doesn't charge fees!
18. Use your TV. If you're paying for cable why not use all of it - and save some money in the process? Cancel the video membership and watch movies through cable movie packages you're already paying for or check out your free "on demand" shows. Drop the gym membership and work out at home to channels like FitTV, and bag the magazine subscriptions and watch the same shows (like Martha Stewart) on TV instead.
19. Quit those bad habits. Smoking, overeating and drinking are costly habits to maintain. Okay - this is the "lazy" way to save, not necessarily the easy way. But you can save boatloads of money in two ways by saying sayonara to your favorite vices: (1) You'll save money by cutting out on the regular spending it's costing you, and (2) you'll probably save on insurance premiums and long-term health costs. It's the ultimate win-win.
20. Forget the pet. Sure it sounds heartless but did you realize that welcoming home a little Fido can cost you an average of more than $1,500 a year - or $15,000 over 10 years? Feline fluffies are pricey too - just under $1,000 a year or approximately $9,000 for 10 years of care. Looking at the long-term picture, that's a new car or the down payment on a home! Keep walking right past that pet store and keep the money in your pocket instead.
The recession won't last forever, but in the meantime take advantage of these lazy ways to stay on track financially, and develop some pretty good money management habits for the future!
Millions face shrinking Social Security payments
WASHINGTON – Millions of older people face shrinking Social Security checks next year, the first time in a generation that payments would not rise. The trustees who oversee Social Security are projecting there won't be a cost of living adjustment (COLA) for the next two years. That hasn't happened since automatic increases were adopted in 1975.
By law, Social Security benefits cannot go down. Nevertheless, monthly payments would drop for millions of people in the Medicare prescription drug program because the premiums, which often are deducted from Social Security payments, are scheduled to go up slightly.
"I will promise you, they count on that COLA," said Barbara Kennelly, a former Democratic congresswoman from Connecticut who now heads the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. "To some people, it might not be a big deal. But to seniors, especially with their health care costs, it is a big deal."
Cost of living adjustments are pegged to inflation, which has been negative this year, largely because energy prices are below 2008 levels.
Advocates say older people still face higher prices because they spend a disproportionate amount of their income on health care, where costs rise faster than inflation. Many also have suffered from declining home values and shrinking stock portfolios just as they are relying on those assets for income.
"For many elderly, they don't feel that inflation is low because their expenses are still going up," said David Certner, legislative policy director for AARP. "Anyone who has savings and investments has seen some serious losses."
About 50 million retired and disabled Americans receive Social Security benefits. The average monthly benefit for retirees is $1,153 this year. All beneficiaries received a 5.8 percent increase in January, the largest since 1982.
More than 32 million people are in the Medicare prescription drug program. Average monthly premiums are set to go from $28 this year to $30 next year, though they vary by plan. About 6 million people in the program have premiums deducted from their monthly Social Security payments, according to the Social Security Administration.
Millions of people with Medicare Part B coverage for doctors' visits also have their premiums deducted from Social Security payments. Part B premiums are expected to rise as well. But under the law, the increase cannot be larger than the increase in Social Security benefits for most recipients.
There is no such hold-harmless provision for drug premiums.
Kennelly's group wants Congress to increase Social Security benefits next year, even though the formula doesn't call for it. She would like to see either a 1 percent increase in monthly payments or a one-time payment of $150.
The cost of a one-time payment, a little less than $8 billion, could be covered by increasing the amount of income subjected to Social Security taxes, Kennelly said. Workers only pay Social Security taxes on the first $106,800 of income, a limit that rises each year with the average national wage.
But the limit only increases if monthly benefits increase.
Critics argue that Social Security recipients shouldn't get an increase when inflation is negative. They note that recipients got a big increase in January — after energy prices had started to fall. They also note that Social Security recipients received one-time $250 payments in the spring as part of the government's economic stimulus package.
Consumer prices are down from 2008 levels, giving Social Security recipients more purchasing power, even if their benefits stay the same, said Andrew G. Biggs, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington think tank.
"Seniors may perceive that they are being hurt because there is no COLA, but they are in fact not getting hurt," Biggs said. "Congress has to be able to tell people they are not getting everything they want."
Social Security is also facing long-term financial problems. The retirement program is projected to start paying out more money than it receives in 2016. Without changes, the retirement fund will be depleted in 2037, according to the Social Security trustees' annual report this year.
President Barack Obama has said he would like tackle Social Security next year, after Congress finishes work on health care, climate change and new financial regulations.
Lawmakers are preoccupied by health care, making it difficult to address other tough issues. Advocates for older people hope their efforts will get a boost in October, when the Social Security Administration officially announces that there will not be an increase in benefits next year.
"I think a lot of seniors do not know what's coming down the pike, and I believe that when they hear that, they're going to be upset," said Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who is working on a proposal for one-time payments for Social Security recipients.
"It is my view that seniors are going to need help this year, and it would not be acceptable for Congress to simply turn its back," he said.
By law, Social Security benefits cannot go down. Nevertheless, monthly payments would drop for millions of people in the Medicare prescription drug program because the premiums, which often are deducted from Social Security payments, are scheduled to go up slightly.
"I will promise you, they count on that COLA," said Barbara Kennelly, a former Democratic congresswoman from Connecticut who now heads the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. "To some people, it might not be a big deal. But to seniors, especially with their health care costs, it is a big deal."
Cost of living adjustments are pegged to inflation, which has been negative this year, largely because energy prices are below 2008 levels.
Advocates say older people still face higher prices because they spend a disproportionate amount of their income on health care, where costs rise faster than inflation. Many also have suffered from declining home values and shrinking stock portfolios just as they are relying on those assets for income.
"For many elderly, they don't feel that inflation is low because their expenses are still going up," said David Certner, legislative policy director for AARP. "Anyone who has savings and investments has seen some serious losses."
About 50 million retired and disabled Americans receive Social Security benefits. The average monthly benefit for retirees is $1,153 this year. All beneficiaries received a 5.8 percent increase in January, the largest since 1982.
More than 32 million people are in the Medicare prescription drug program. Average monthly premiums are set to go from $28 this year to $30 next year, though they vary by plan. About 6 million people in the program have premiums deducted from their monthly Social Security payments, according to the Social Security Administration.
Millions of people with Medicare Part B coverage for doctors' visits also have their premiums deducted from Social Security payments. Part B premiums are expected to rise as well. But under the law, the increase cannot be larger than the increase in Social Security benefits for most recipients.
There is no such hold-harmless provision for drug premiums.
Kennelly's group wants Congress to increase Social Security benefits next year, even though the formula doesn't call for it. She would like to see either a 1 percent increase in monthly payments or a one-time payment of $150.
The cost of a one-time payment, a little less than $8 billion, could be covered by increasing the amount of income subjected to Social Security taxes, Kennelly said. Workers only pay Social Security taxes on the first $106,800 of income, a limit that rises each year with the average national wage.
But the limit only increases if monthly benefits increase.
Critics argue that Social Security recipients shouldn't get an increase when inflation is negative. They note that recipients got a big increase in January — after energy prices had started to fall. They also note that Social Security recipients received one-time $250 payments in the spring as part of the government's economic stimulus package.
Consumer prices are down from 2008 levels, giving Social Security recipients more purchasing power, even if their benefits stay the same, said Andrew G. Biggs, a resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington think tank.
"Seniors may perceive that they are being hurt because there is no COLA, but they are in fact not getting hurt," Biggs said. "Congress has to be able to tell people they are not getting everything they want."
Social Security is also facing long-term financial problems. The retirement program is projected to start paying out more money than it receives in 2016. Without changes, the retirement fund will be depleted in 2037, according to the Social Security trustees' annual report this year.
President Barack Obama has said he would like tackle Social Security next year, after Congress finishes work on health care, climate change and new financial regulations.
Lawmakers are preoccupied by health care, making it difficult to address other tough issues. Advocates for older people hope their efforts will get a boost in October, when the Social Security Administration officially announces that there will not be an increase in benefits next year.
"I think a lot of seniors do not know what's coming down the pike, and I believe that when they hear that, they're going to be upset," said Sen. Bernie Sanders, an independent from Vermont who is working on a proposal for one-time payments for Social Security recipients.
"It is my view that seniors are going to need help this year, and it would not be acceptable for Congress to simply turn its back," he said.
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