tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-106301372011-10-26T08:33:37.302-07:00Igloonoreply@blogger.comBlogger4301100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-35756159530812138252008-06-25T20:14:00.000-07:002011-04-12T22:13:46.990-07:00

Summer is here and probably you are already traveling or still planning a vacation. Here we are giving a few tips that you must consider in these days of identity theft and other kinds of frauds while you are out in the middle of your travel:Interact with trustworthy companies only for your travel needs. If you're not sure about a company's reputation, check it out with the Better business Bureau

Igloonoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-60765867890498499702008-06-12T17:16:00.001-07:002008-12-08T23:37:23.982-08:00

Diabetes affects over 150 million people in the world today. According to American Diabetes Association,"There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease". Here are some

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-82863040528792145632008-05-26T07:35:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:24.146-08:00

Summer is slowly spreading its presence all over the country. Everybody loves the warmth of the sun, but when you leave your skin unprotected from from its damaging rays, you're playing with fire. So, as you are planning to pack for a summer vacation, make sure you include the following: sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-77914346238648403782008-04-22T09:17:00.000-07:002008-04-22T21:23:57.950-07:00

Today is Earth Day. ...And, among so many things that we can do for our beloved earth and its environment, we can at least start with some small steps first.Please care to recycle your old cell phones and empty printing cartridges and help in keeping thousands of tons of potentially hazardous plastics and metal out of landfills and incinerators per year. You may find the following facts

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-59690229704738016522008-04-16T17:04:00.000-07:002011-10-25T17:20:34.055-07:00

In many cases of illness, the best care still calls for actual human touch. Still, in some special situation, if you're sick, you may not feel like wasting time in a doctor's office waiting room. And here comes a solution for such cases.With the penetration of internet into all aspects of our daily life, health care couldn't remain aloof from all those advancements. It started with educational

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-12332771942111521472008-04-08T19:07:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:24.511-08:00

Foreclosure Benefit: Before 2007, taxpayers often owed income tax on the value of their home loan after that loan was cancelled through a foreclosure proceeding, otherwise known as "cancellation of indebtedness income." But now homeowners who went through foreclosure in 2007 have Congress to thank for the Mortgage Forgiveness Debt Relief Act of 2007. So, for 2007 tax return, if you had

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-16980355278867401622008-03-26T21:09:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:24.671-08:00

Spring is here. Temperature is rising and summer is not that far away. Perhaps, it is time to think about your summer vacation -- especially if you are interested in spending the summer in a home away from home.In recent years, swapping or exchanging homes located throughout the world is gaining more and more popularity as an attractive part of taking vacation. For an annual membership of around

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-18349376322245050042008-02-26T16:46:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:24.776-08:00

If you have an analog TV, you need to be ready by February next year so that you have proper equipment to convert the digital broadcast signal. The conversion of broadcast television from analog to digital is scheduled for completion on February 17 of 2009.For broadcasters, the intervening 12 months would be a challenging time to make sure that they have done all that they can to prepare for the

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-55663950014251304762008-02-19T09:52:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:24.922-08:00

Apple today slashed the price of the 1GB iPod Shuffle from $79 to $49, making it the most affordable iPod ever.The 37.9% price cut is even steeper than the $200 (33%) cut in iPhone prices that Apple announced last September. The company took advantage of rapidly falling memory prices to offer its customers the lowest entry point in the iPod’s six year history.Apple also announced that a new, 2GB

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-22450055207938080102008-02-16T18:04:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:25.025-08:00

While filing your year 2007 tax return, you need to be careful about a new twist in the clause for charity donations.In previous years, charitable givers didn't need receipts for cash donations under $250, while claiming a deduction for such donations. For 2007 tax return, however, you need substantiation for any amount that you give. Unless you possess a receipt, you can no longer take a

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-21488739567054928982008-02-06T22:43:00.000-08:002008-02-06T22:48:16.862-08:00

Our today's topic is Permanent Insurance which includes whole life, universal life and variable universal life policies. You may consider these policies, if you need protection for life but also want to build cash value on a tax-deferred basis for a variety of financial goals. The Whole life policy have been the most popular form of permanent insurance but universal life and variable universal

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-24730058325815174072008-01-26T23:05:00.000-08:002008-01-26T23:18:32.935-08:00

Life Insurance is an essential part of our life but many of us are completely unaware of its pros and cons. Many consumers pay their premiums and feel secure but do not find time to check exactly what kind is most suitable for their individual conditions and what benefits they are entitled for. We are presenting here some basic facts about most common types of Life insurance.There are two basic

Igloonoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-40443367122061084612008-01-16T20:02:00.001-08:002008-01-16T20:11:25.011-08:00

Berkeley, Caltech, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Yale, .... - Where are you planning to send your junior next fall? Will that depend on the food quality of the canteens of those great universities?This is probably the time when you are sitting with your (High School leaving) kid to select a college for his/her future and applying for his/her college aid (see our past posting). Probably you

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-73552436984317066752008-01-09T19:35:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:25.407-08:00

Due to the demise of many marginal mortgage lenders, many feel that there would not be any possible way for them to fulfill the dream of home ownership. You may, however, explore a few other alternative ways. We recently discussed how you may explore the possibility of renting a home to buy. Today we discuss another possibility -- that of seeking financing from the seller so that he/she can carry

Igloonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-59945541070080214822008-01-03T08:50:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:25.540-08:00

If your youngster(s) are going to college this year, this is the time to start your work for submission of financial-aid paperwork. The deadline for such applications usually fall on a date between March 1 to March 15.The key form involved in this process is called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may download the form and related instructions from: FAFSA Form. This site

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-68089502661959461162007-12-28T08:31:00.000-08:002007-12-29T09:22:50.640-08:00

'Friends don't let friends drive drunk'Each year, the number of accidents and crashes spike on New Year's Eve. So, during this holiday season, try your best to avoid such mishaps and also help your guests to stay safe, too, if you are hosting a party, by following these simple tips:o Ensure that all guests have a ride to and from the party in a car driven by a nondrinking designated driver.o Plan

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-34071854261815921442007-12-20T08:42:00.001-08:002008-12-08T23:37:25.693-08:00

Many of you will start your travel today or tomorrow for Christmas holidays. Here are a few advanced tips ... just in time before you start your well-deserved break from work:Schedule your travel daysIf you can, try to travel during off-peak days. As can be easily guessed, tomorrow Friday, Dec. 21, is expected to be one of the busiest days. Other peak travel times are expected to be the days

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-4510125007194844062007-12-13T16:36:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:25.860-08:00

Attention to safety can go a long way toward keeping your holiday celebrations festive. Whether you're installing decorations or planning to do so, following these tips can help prevent injuries and damage:Keep sidewalks and walkways clear of decorations. Repair any cracks in walkways or loose steps and make sure walkways aren't slippery.If you host a party, serve plenty of appetizers and provide

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-42735282013760588092007-12-10T22:11:00.001-08:002007-12-11T09:05:46.904-08:00

Holiday season is approaching fast. Malls and stores throughout USA are showing the start of another shopping spree! And with the holiday season come lots and lots of catalogs to your mailbox. Some people enjoy it but many of you may not! Want some relief from those more than 18 billion catalogs that overload U.S. mailboxes each year? Here are some tips for what to do:The best way isn't to call

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-1298701070982922082007-12-03T10:05:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:26.016-08:00

Chevrolet CorvetteKelley Blue Book has released its annual list of Top 10 cars that should retain more of their original value by 2013 than the average vehicle.On average, a vehicle will retain just 35% of its original value after five years of use. In other words, buying a new car today for $20,000 will mean you can expect to get just $7,000 for it after five years. Note that unpopular color,

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-24266628557164703762007-12-01T12:03:00.000-08:002007-12-01T12:57:51.445-08:00

If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you have exactly 4 more weeks -- until Dec. 31 -- to select a new "Part D" prescription drug plan for 2008. Many of you may find rising costs and coverage changes for specific drugs that you use.About 24 million people are already enrolled in Medicare, the federal health insurance program for those 65 and older and the disabled. The prescription-drug plans are

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-54462212405292239052007-11-27T19:08:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:26.179-08:00

'Rent a home to buy' is quite a old idea. It's a plan that is not right for everyone and may not be right for most.Here is how it works. You agree to rent the property for a period of time normally for several years allowing sufficient time to build the down payment. A portion of the rent being paid by you is applied to your down payment for an agreed-upon price. The amount to be applied to your

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-52553282889523938052007-11-21T07:56:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:26.384-08:00

Many of you will start your travel today for the Thanksgiving day weekend. Here are a few advanced tips ... just in time before you start your well-deserved break from work:Know what you can carryIt's worthwhile going through the website of the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and getting familiar with the new security procedure in order to avoid your frustrations after arriving at the

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-85660273279595285162007-11-02T19:01:00.000-07:002007-11-02T19:17:17.823-07:00

Last week FBI, Better Business Bureau and California prosecutors issued warnings concerning potential disaster related fraud schemes in connection with the Southern California wildfires. Many of these schemes are Internet-based scams representing themselves to be disaster relief charities.In a new development to that story of phising, IRS issued a warning about a new scam e-mail that appears to

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-48354602924344952742007-10-12T20:35:00.000-07:002007-10-12T20:48:55.119-07:00

All consumers will soon be able to freeze their credit reports to help prevent identity theft. A security freeze means that your file cannot be shared with potential creditors. Most businesses will not open credit accounts without first checking a consumer's credit history. If your credit files are frozen, even someone who has your name and Social Security number would probably not be able to get

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-36547183543527432462007-10-01T09:28:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:26.584-08:00

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month: Many mammogram facilities offer their services at special fees during this period.Not all insurance companies pay for mammograms, and not every woman is eligible for the government's program intended for low income families. If your insurance company does not cover mammogram and/or you cannot afford to pay for this important test, the following

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-49174547525863978392007-09-29T22:00:00.000-07:002007-09-29T22:02:20.598-07:00

Most of us don't give much thought to insurance aspect of car rental until we're offered coverage at the rental car counter. It can be a costly mistake if there's an accident and the driver doesn't have adequate coverage. At the same time, drivers shouldn't have to pay for insurance that duplicates coverage on their personal auto policies or is available via some credit cards.The two most

Igloonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-92205583579669644962007-09-15T21:51:00.000-07:002007-09-29T21:54:44.517-07:00

While buying a new car, some dealers might tell you that you have to get the recommended service items regularly done 'at their shop' to keep your warranty in effect.The subtly-forwarded incorrect part of this statement is 'at their shop'. You do not need to follow this, if you do not want. You can get service done anywhere; you can even do it yourself. Just keep records and receipts, should any

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-15068657937146909272007-09-02T09:33:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:26.762-08:00

image: Samsung BlackjackOn its website, AT&T is giving away the Samsung BlackJack to customers who sign a two-year commitment to a $50-per-month data-and-voice plan. Samsung BlackJack is a great-looking smartphone with a full keyboard for email and text messages. It can be purchased for $100 after a $100 rebate in AT&T stores. There are other internet-only deals for free phones available in their

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-88732560013043807232007-08-26T18:02:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:27.240-08:00

You do not necessarily have to add another room to get more bang for your buck. Simple things like windows and landscaping may also do the same job. Here are 5 such remodeling projects:New Windows: It's amazing what new windows can do for your perspective and for your home's curb appeal. In recent years, vinyl models have dramatically improved in quality while falling in price. Although they come

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-89424755084891278422007-08-14T22:38:00.000-07:002007-08-14T22:49:01.128-07:00

Mattel voluntarily recalled 63 magnetic toys sold at retail prior to January 2007. Magnetic toys recalled within the U.S. include 44 Polly Pocket™ toys, 11 Doggie Day Care® toys, 4 Batman™ toys, 1 One Piece™ toy, and the accessory part of 2 Barbie® toys. For additional information regarding the magnetic toy recall, contact Mattel at (888) 597-6597, or visit the company’s Web site at http://

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-51490894345499981082007-08-13T19:11:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:27.494-08:00

In a fresh development on the Chinese toothpaste issue, U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Web site posted a statement today that the company Gilchrist & Soames has voluntarily recalled tubes of Chinese-made toothpaste after tests showed some samples contained diethylene glycol (DEG), a chemical used in anti-freeze.You may recall that FDA advised consumers on June 1 to toss out Chinese-made

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-2535720093741189982007-08-06T19:47:00.001-07:002008-12-08T23:37:27.739-08:00

Having a good credit score is good for so many things: getting a lower rate mortgage, getting good deals on credit cards and also for hunting a job. Some people tend to cancel their old unused credit card accounts under a wrong impression that getting rid of fat in your wallet mightimprove your credit score.Instead of closing out old accounts, leave them be. The FICO calculator looks at your

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-77120388859814398992007-07-26T22:15:00.000-07:002007-07-26T22:16:43.981-07:00

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 10% to 15% of the energy load of a state is consumed by standby power. This wastage takes place through many electronic devices in your home that are always on, even when you think they're off. These "miscellaneous" devices include computers, digital video recorders, power tools and chargers for cellphones--which drain even when not charging

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-79577281391540076082007-07-18T18:12:00.001-07:002008-12-08T23:37:28.108-08:00

In an apparent bid to take on Apple's heavily hyped iPhone, the BlackBerry maker Research In Motion Ltd. released its first dual-mode, Wi-Fi/cellular device, the 8820. The new 8820 supports Unlicensed Mobile Access technology, which allows users to move between cellular and Wi-Fi networks without losing a connection. The company said the new model features support for EDGE networks as well as

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-8971453237184226422007-07-10T22:00:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:28.275-08:00

For legal matters in general, visit American Bar Association Tel: (800) 285-2221.Halt is an organization for Americans for legal Reform. They offer information and assistance on a variety of topics. Their site: HALT, Inc. Email: HALT@HALT.org, Tel: (888)-FOR-HALT, (202) 887-8255.If you think arbitration might resolve your grievances, visit American Arbitration Association Tel: (800) 778-7879.For

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-67871201493973968902007-06-28T22:07:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:28.406-08:00

The buzz over Apple's entry into the cellular phone market has been building up for last six months and finally tomorrow the Apple iPhone goes on sale.Coming with $500 or $600 price tag which may make many potential consumers hesitant to acquire one, iPhone is one of the best-designed consumer products ever. It is more of a multimedia device than a regular cell phone and is fun to use. The

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-51020857403298149492007-06-23T09:45:00.000-07:002008-04-22T21:14:45.908-07:00

Please care to recycle your old cell phones and empty printing cartridges and help in keeping thousands of tons of potentially hazardous plastics and metal out of landfills and incinerators per year. You may find the following facts interesting:o 78% of homes have inkjet printers.o Only 5% of inkjet cartridges are recycled.o 300,000 cartridges end up in a landfill each year.o 5000 tons of plastic

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-19485510746961384252007-06-08T19:24:00.000-07:002007-06-09T09:29:44.766-07:00

The Bush administration today suspended a new policy that would have required passports for Americans who travel by air to Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The policy has overwhelmed the State Department with passport applications and in some cases disrupted summer travel plans. The suspension should allow the State Department to catch up with the massive surge in applications.In a

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-82265023069202066022007-06-02T10:27:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:28.451-08:00

Diabetes affects over 150 million people in the world today. According to American Diabetes Association,"There are 20.8 million children and adults in the United States, or 7% of the population, who have diabetes. While an estimated 14.6 million have been diagnosed with diabetes, unfortunately, 6.2 million people (or nearly one-third) are unaware that they have the disease". Here are some

Igloonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-27416336168718820272007-05-29T11:09:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:28.602-08:00

Our posting today starts with a special word -- Kleptomaniac -- people who feel compelled to steal at any opportunity. According to an estimate, every year US retailers lose about 10 billions due to shoplifting. The ratailers, of course, make sure that the amount is extracted from average consumers like you and us through higher prices for their merchandise.People steal things that they want to

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-79794928784187673452007-05-25T04:25:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:28.654-08:00

Many of you will start your travel today for the Memorial day weekend. Here are a few advanced tips ... just in time before you start your well-deserved break from work:Know what you can carryIt's worthwhile going through the website of the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and getting familiar with the new security procedure in order to avoid your frustrations after arriving at the airport

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-4331517177806659772007-05-24T21:10:00.000-07:002008-06-25T20:15:27.486-07:00

Many of you would be travelling to enjoy the Memorial Day weekend. Here we are giving a few tips that you must consider in these days of identity theft and other kinds of frauds:Interact with trustworthy companies only for your travel needs. If you're not sure about a company's reputation, check it out with the Better business Bureau ( BBB) or the Attorney General's office in the state in which

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-30571629133004201352007-05-23T20:58:00.000-07:002007-05-23T21:15:00.557-07:00

Road travel in the forthcoming Memorial Day weekend could be more expensive, as AAA announced today that gasoline prices hit an all-time high, $3.22 a gallon. According to AAA, since May 4, the average price for a gallon of gas has been above $3. In the last month, it has jumped 13%. Many experts predict prices will climb higher during the busy summer driving season. But others do not expect a

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-17203474095273232542007-05-19T07:04:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:28.698-08:00

Summer is slowly spreading its presence all over the country. Everybody loves the warmth of the sun, but when you leave your skin unprotected from from its damaging rays, you're playing with fire. So, as you are planning to pack for a summer vacation, make sure you include the following: sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of 15

Igloonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-70607215195641611952007-05-09T12:14:00.000-07:002007-05-13T12:45:23.144-07:00

During the month of May, if you are a Bank of America customer, you can get free admission to more than 95 museums across the Northeast and in California and Florida. You need to produce your Bank of America ATM, check or credit card or MBNA credit card.Several museums in California and Florida and the following states of Northeast are participating in this program named "Museums On Us":

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-74264432204055173612007-05-05T11:19:00.000-07:002007-05-05T11:38:44.445-07:00

United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced that it has received enough H-1B petitions from foreign nationals who received graduate education in the U.S. to meet the Fiscal Year 2008 congressionally mandated exemption limit of 20,000. The final receipt date for these exempt H-1B petitions was April 30, 2007.US Businesses use the H-1B program to recruit foreign workers in

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-33284641061331945762007-05-03T22:58:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:28.844-08:00

If you are a member of airline mileage programs, be warned: Without account activity, you could lose those miles you've worked so hard to accumulate.Low-cost carriers like Southwest and Jet Blue tend to have programs that expire miles after a set period of time. They simply nullify those points after a year, if you do not use those and there's nothing you can do about it. Most major carriers,

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-13696503924303499022007-04-22T11:19:00.000-07:002007-04-22T11:22:29.224-07:00

Whatever be your age, you may need help regarding care issues of yourself or your elderly relatives. You may approach the folowing organizations for various kinds of help and information:Support:Children of Aging Parents 800-227-7294The Family Caregiver Alliance 800-445-8106National Shared Housing Resource CenterGovernment Programs: The Elderly Locator 800-677-1116The National Council on The

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-45826990777856617342007-04-14T06:10:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:28.997-08:00

Your 2006 taxes are due by midnight of Tuesday, April 17, 2006. In case you are not prepared to submit yet, here are some useful information:Individual Extension: You can now use Form 4868 to obtain a single automatic 6-month extension -- until October 15th. Perhaps you are aware that the Form 2688, which was meant for getting a second extension, was eliminated after 2005. By filing for an

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-24399133834886716452007-04-08T16:38:00.000-07:002007-04-08T16:49:29.160-07:00

Last week, Elizabeth Edwards, wife of presidential aspirant John Edwards and the mother of two young children, appeared with her husband on the campaign trail and confessed to having failed to get a mammogram. She was diagnosed with breast cancer nearly four years ago. The cancer went into remission after chemotherapy and radiation, but resurfaced and has spread to her ribs. It is incurable."I do

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-83983955479418693182007-04-02T22:29:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:29.113-08:00

The Airline Quality Rating Report has been compiled annually since 1991. This year, the study looked at 18 airlines and was based on Transportation Department statistics. The study is a collaboration between researchers at the University of Nebraska at Omaha and Wichita State University and examines 15 things important to consumers.Those factors include on-time performance, mishandled baggage and

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-39658959036551651222007-03-19T20:56:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:29.277-08:00

Today, the nonprofit organization, Produce for Better Health (PBH) Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) unveiled a new nationwide public health initiative, "Fruits & Veggies—More Matters", the next generation of the 15-year-old “5 A Day for Better Health” program, to encourage Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables.Since 1990 the Dietary Guidelines for

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-66035546714109725332007-03-15T20:52:00.000-07:002008-12-08T23:37:29.366-08:00

Spring is here. Temperature is rising and summer is not that far away. Perhaps, it is time to think about your summer vacation -- especially if you are interested in spending the summer in a home away from home.In recent years, swapping or exchanging homes located throughout the world is gaining more and more popularity as an attractive part of taking vacation. For an annual membership of around

Igloonoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-25856087990223620342007-03-04T13:52:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:29.481-08:00

One year back, if you wanted to purchase a Toyota Prius, you had to put your name in a waiting list and to wait for three to four months. Some customers were so enthusiastic to have one that they agreed to pay more than the sticker price.But things have changed since then. The price of gas fell to around the two-dollar mark from three; Many people who wanted a Prius have acquired one; And Toyota

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-67894913512601080732007-02-21T21:34:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:29.640-08:00

By now, everyone knows how to register their own telephone numbers in the National 'DoNotCall' registry ( http://www.donotcall.gov/ ) to get rid of those nagging calls in the evening and weekend from mortgage banks, phonecards etc. Note that the registry still does not save you from calls of charity organizations, but avoiding charity calls is easier than avoiding people trying to sell you

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-35503954641767756092007-02-15T07:02:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:29.815-08:00

The Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to eat certain jars of Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter because of the risk of contamination. The affected jars have a product code on the lid that begins with the number “2111.” The affected jars are made by ConAgra in a single facility in Sylvester, Ga., the FDA said. Great Value peanut butter made by other manufacturers is not

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-61829960857683530162007-02-13T23:44:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:30.205-08:00

Today Microsoft Corp. released its February set of security updates, including critical fixes for bugs in Office and the scanning engine used by the company's security products.In total, 6 of Microsoft's 12 updates are rated as "critical," the other 6 have the less-serious rating of "important." Among the patches is a widely anticipated update for Microsoft Word, which fixes 6 bugs in Microsoft's

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-23055410597858782442007-02-08T21:58:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:30.341-08:00

The FDA issued its first ever approval for an over-the-counter (OTC) diet pill – Alli, the marketing name for the generic drug orlistat. It is a reduced strength version of the prescription drug Xenical.Alli is expected to be available in stores nationwide by summer and the price, not yet final, is projected to be less than two dollars per day. It is only approved for those age 18 and older. The

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-38360767226505569102007-01-30T20:25:00.000-08:002007-01-30T20:34:10.247-08:00

Back in 2004, Equifax, Experian and Transunion - all three credit reporting agencies joined forces to offer a one-stop free credit report center. This initiative was taken under terms of a new law that, among other things, guarantees every consumer a free yearly look at his/her credit record. The law is called the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, or FACT Act (visit www.ftc.gov/credit )

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-91326790071592426302007-01-28T07:51:00.000-08:002007-01-30T07:55:00.433-08:00

The HSBC Direct Online (HSBCdirect.com) announced that it would give 6.00% APY interest to new money deposited in any old or newly opened savings account until April 30th, 2007. Currently, this is the highest rate among all savings accounts in USA and it has no minimum deposit or fee requirements. It's even better than 3-month CD rates (highest level is near 5.5% APY) because you can withdraw

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-23222747297393082152007-01-25T20:08:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:30.442-08:00

If you want relief from all those credit card offers that come to your mailbox, which, for example, are trying to attract you with 0% interest for 6 months, while taking away 4% of the amount as transaction fee which effectively becomes a loan for 8% APY? [They are not as Free as they look like.]Well, there is a way. Simply remove your name from the lists credit bureaus provide to card-issuing

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-59928240778900685672007-01-20T19:01:00.000-08:002007-01-20T19:36:33.168-08:00

Many of us ignore the importance of teaching ideas and concepts of personal finance to our kids but it is a crucial part of their development and growing up as a responsible individual.If they cannot manage their personal savings and planning for their future, just a good education may land them on a good job but they may fail to utilize that advantage of having a good job.There is no hurry, of

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-8290125257008797642007-01-17T18:43:00.000-08:002008-01-16T20:02:00.010-08:00

Berkeley, Caltech, Harvard, MIT, Princeton, Stanford, Yale - Where will you send your junior Genius? Will that depend on the food quality of the canteens of those great universities?This is probably the time when you are sitting with your (High School leaving) kid to select a college for his/her future and applying for his/her college aid (see our past posting). Probably you are taking into

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-61276653871762564662007-01-15T18:35:00.000-08:002007-01-20T18:40:13.400-08:00

The veterinary care is an 18 billion dollar (per year) industry catering to more than 71 million U.S. households who have a cat or dog. As more and more prescriptions for pets are being written, the related business of pet health insurance is growing fast.Pet policies are similar to our own health insurance with all familiar terms and phrases like annual premiums, deductibles prevalent in the

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-43170605383718744222007-01-11T09:14:00.000-08:002007-04-08T16:38:22.882-07:00

Not all insurance companies pay for mammograms, and not every woman is eligible for the government's program intended for low income families. The following organizations can help you identify free and low cost mammograms in your area:1) The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org 800-ACS-2345. Contact their local office.2) YWCA's Encore Plus program: Contact local office. The National office at

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-37934664562624588122007-01-09T18:44:00.000-08:002007-01-09T19:10:07.463-08:00

Many Americans are finding out the hard way that even with healthcare insurance, they are not immune to the rising cost of prescription medications. As a result, nearly one out of five insured patients decides not to fill a prescription when met with a co-pay cost that they couldn't afford.There are some programs available to assist the uninsured and/or with lower levels of income but consumers

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-26839392457804585342007-01-04T20:01:00.000-08:002008-01-03T08:50:14.330-08:00

If your youngsters are going to College this year, this is the time to start your work for submission of financial-aid paperwork. The deadline for such applications usually fall on a date between March 1 to March 15.The key form involved in this process is called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You may download the form and related instructions from: FAFSA Form. This site

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-15715697974469149922007-01-03T20:00:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:30.821-08:00

From Tuesday, January 23rd U.S. travelers will need a passport to fly back into the country from any destination outside the U.S., including Mexico, the Caribbean and Canada. Until the new rules, travelers could often complete such a trip with the proper photo identification and birth certificate alone.As a result, the number of people applying for passports is increasing. Despite the rush,

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-71989605033823918122006-12-31T22:00:00.000-08:002007-01-03T20:23:06.989-08:00

We wish all our readers a very happy and safe 2007! We sincerely thank all of you for your continuous support.

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-90689948900909229222006-12-21T22:45:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:30.852-08:00

Christmas travel is going to be rough this year with bad and snowy or foggy weather in some of the states disrupting airline schedules. We can expect more delays and other airport annoyances. Here are a few advanced tips ... just in time before you start your well-deserved break from work:Know what you can carryIt's worthwhile going through the website of the Transport Security Administration (

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-1150941833929227192006-12-20T18:40:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:30.869-08:00

Attention to safety can go a long way toward keeping your holiday celebrations festive. Whether you're installing decorations or planning to do so, following these tips can help prevent injuries and damage:Keep sidewalks and walkways clear of decorations. Repair any cracks in walkways or loose steps and make sure walkways aren't slippery.If you host a party, serve plenty of appetizers and provide

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-15628032818113163182006-12-19T19:24:00.000-08:002006-12-21T22:46:18.041-08:00

The winter holiday season is the peak period for U.S travel and also for break-ins, with about 400,000 burglaries each year. But there are simple steps you can take to boost your defenses.Delete old voice mails and call home while you're away to collect messages. If your voice mail gets full, that's a sign you're traveling.Advertise your alarm system. Yard signs are far more effective than window

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-65924278659179118572006-12-18T07:05:00.000-08:002006-12-21T22:41:53.611-08:00

If you are going abroad in the forthcoming holidays, here are 6 tips for getting good exchange rates for dollar:First for credit cards and checks:Before you go abroad, check out what fees your credit-card company will charge you for international transactions. For traveler's checks, try to exchange them at a branch of the bank that issued them. Check the back of your ATM card or credit card for

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-58920081647075053262006-12-13T22:19:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:31.479-08:00

On Monday, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) took a long overdue first step toward banning lead in children’s metal jewelry. It is known for decades that lead can cause permanent developmental damage in children or even death. The CPSC voted to move forward with a ban on any children’s metal jewelry containing more than 0.06 percent lead by weight.The holiday shopping has already

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-30160843352363170192006-12-11T20:02:00.000-08:002007-12-10T22:12:55.146-08:00

Holiday season is approaching fast. Malls and stores throughout USA is showing the start of another shopping spree! And with the holiday season come lots and lots of catalogs to your mailbox. Some people enjoy it but many of you may not! Want some relief from the more than 18 billion catalogs that overload U.S. mailboxes each year? Here are some tips for what to do:The best way isn't to call the

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-49870273051572260392006-12-10T22:53:00.000-08:002008-12-08T23:37:31.682-08:00

This time, like all other time before, bears uncertainty in all aspects of life. So, if you are planning a vacation or tour abroad, it is good to have an insurance that can bring you back home in case of any emergency. In case of an emergency your regular health care insurance may provide only the medical cost but they donot bear the cost of bringing you back to the comfort of your home or

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-32689185240374524662006-12-03T15:34:00.000-08:002006-12-03T15:35:25.298-08:00

Even before you face the interview board for a new job, there is a strong possibility that the interviewer has already formed an opinion about you – through information contained in your credit report. Increasing numbers of companies are requesting credit reports to assist them in the job hiring process.Essentially, your credit report is your financial resume and employers use it as an indicator

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-86894539330845719192006-11-29T07:56:00.000-08:002006-11-30T20:03:55.583-08:00

Currently, for most of the country, the maximum limit for mortgage loan is $417,000. This limit is typically increased each year by the level of home-price inflation. The conforming loan maximum is the largest loan that can be purchased by mortgage giants Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Loans larger than the maximum, known as jumbo loans, typically carry higher interest rates by one-quarter to

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-22631221312525799232006-11-27T19:54:00.000-08:002006-11-27T19:59:21.123-08:00

Thanksgiving is over and it's time to finish the year with traditional festivities. Christmas is less than one month away and, sooner than we think, the year 2007 will knock the door. It's also time to give and forgive. But do not forget to be careful -- to ensure that your act of giving goes to right places and becomes maximally effective.Not long after the Tsunami devastated south Asia in 2004,

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-3836002900482912942006-11-22T05:04:00.000-08:002006-12-21T22:37:30.460-08:00

Thanksgiving day travel is going to be rough this year with bad weather in eastern states disrupting airline schedule. We can expect more delays and other airport annoyances. Here are a few advanced tips ... just in time before you start your well-deserved break from work:Know what you can carryIt's worthwhile going through the website of the Transport Security Administration (TSA) and getting

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-59539426565784602112006-11-21T06:15:00.000-08:002007-05-24T21:10:02.477-07:00

Many of you would be travelling to enjoy the Thanksgiving weekend. Here we are giving a few tips that you must consider in these days of identity theft and other kinds of frauds:Interact with trustworthy companies only for your travel needs. If you're not sure about a company's reputation, check it out with the Better business Bureau ( BBB) or the Attorney General's office in the state in which

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-60705122553552449462006-11-20T20:16:00.000-08:002006-12-21T22:26:26.753-08:00

With the forthcoming Thanksgiving holidays arrives one of the peak periods for U.S travel and also for break-ins, with about 400,000 burglaries each year. But there are simple steps you can take to boost your defenses.Delete old voice mails and call home while you're away to collect messages. If your voice mail gets full, that's a sign you're traveling.Advertise your alarm system. Yard signs are

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-14076609964158740522006-11-19T18:54:00.000-08:002007-05-23T20:58:47.872-07:00

Road travel during the forthcoming Thanksgiving holiday period could be more expensive, as gasoline rose 5 cents a gallon on average over the past two weeks. The bi-weekly Lundberg Survey, which checks pump prices at 7,000 gas stations around the U.S., showed that through Friday, self-serve regular was averaging $2.23 a gallon.Here are a few websites which may come to your use for finding gas

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-37764137108940407452006-11-12T08:04:00.000-08:002006-11-12T08:18:56.869-08:00

It's decision time again for those aged 65 and older — and any friends or family members who help them with financial decisions. Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, seniors can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan — a benefit program launched in 2006 to help older adults and disabled people lower their prescription drug costs. Benefits will begin Jan. 1. Seniors who signed up for a plan during

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-19991011440713135292006-11-09T10:24:00.000-08:002006-11-09T10:32:30.116-08:00

Perrigo Co., one of the largest domestic makers of store-brand over-the-counter drug and nutrition products, said it had found trace amounts of metal in a small number of 500 milligram caplets of store-brand acetaminophen, a pain-killer. The company advised customers to call 877 546-0454 with questions or comments.Perrigo's customers include Wal-Mart, CVS, Longs Drug Stores, Kroger, Safeway,

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-54300113319651467782006-11-07T20:17:00.000-08:002006-11-07T20:20:08.583-08:00

Many home-owners are at risk with their adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) or its variants. Rising interest rates and falling home values are creating an atmosphere of panic among some borrowers who had extended their ability of purchase by selecting such ARM or interest-only mortgages and are now finding their monthly payments at unaffordable level.But not in all cases the borrowers' greed of

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-64741946765093989172006-11-01T20:53:00.000-08:002007-04-22T11:20:45.211-07:00

Over 10 million American suffer from Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low-bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, thus leading to weak bones and a greater risk of fractures. About 34 million more are believed to have low-bone mass. Eighty percent of those affected are women. According to Surgeon General's report, half of all Americans over 50 will have weak bones by the year 2020, if

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-58442347044982958862006-10-30T19:24:00.000-08:002006-10-30T19:47:01.755-08:00

The US Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security have extended their passport requirement deadlines. US citizens now have until June 1, 2009 (extended from January 1, 2008) to get a passport for land and sea travel to and from Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, the Carribean, and Barmuda.So, if you are planning a Mexico or Carribean cruise before June, 2009, you do

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-65227232447197141402006-10-28T15:53:00.000-07:002006-10-28T16:21:00.662-07:00

This holiday season will see a war among game consoles. Sony PlayStation 3 video game console will launch on Nov. 17 and will be available for a base price of $499. Nintendo will go live with next generation Wii on Nov. 19 and it will sell for $249. both will compete with Microsoft’s Xbox 360, which was launched last year and carries a price tag of $299.Sony claims its computer hardware is the

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-29587164080420867402006-10-25T20:35:00.000-07:002006-10-25T20:49:11.818-07:00

People who buy certain Windows personal computers this holiday season will be offered free or heavily discounted coupons to upgrade to Microsoft's new operating system, Windows Vista. Vista is currently scheduled to be released to consumers sometime in January. The cost to upgrade or buy a new version of Vista at full retail price will range from $99.95 to $399, depending on the version.The

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-21587829541978055842006-10-23T20:33:00.000-07:002006-10-23T21:56:52.748-07:00

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, about 10% to 15% of the energy load of a state is consumed by standby power. This wastage takes place through many electronic devices in your home that are always on, even when you think they're off. These "miscellaneous" devices include computers, digital video recorders, power tools and chargers for cellphones--which drain even when not charging

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-65188381473649227642006-10-19T06:44:00.000-07:002006-10-19T06:53:22.141-07:00

Microsoft has released Internet Explorer 7 (IE 7) for Windows XP, which comes with significant security enhancements, making everyday tasks easier.IE 7 delivers a new look and enhanced capabilities which were already present in browsers like Firefox. Tabbed browsing is one such feature. With tabs, users are able to view multiple sites in a single browser window, and switch from one site to

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-64608292696236269182006-10-17T20:44:00.000-07:002006-10-17T21:01:33.675-07:00

Toyota PriusToday the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy released the 2007 Fuel Economy Guide to help consumers make well-informed choices when purchasing a new vehicle. Fuel economy estimates, which appear on the window stickers of all new cars and light trucks prior to sale, are determined by tests conducted by manufacturers and EPA according to EPA

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-39864417439073392702006-10-14T11:12:00.000-07:002006-10-14T11:24:32.858-07:00

A public alert issued by the Food and Drug Administration today warned diabetics to watch for counterfeit versions of test strips commonly used to monitor blood sugar levels. The test strips, for use in glucose monitors made by a Johnson & Johnson company, were distributed nationwide.The phony test strips are for use with various models of LifeScan Inc.'s OneTouch brand of blood glucose monitors.

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-47709077891888217012006-10-13T20:24:00.001-07:002006-10-13T20:24:58.201-07:00

After you buy your new home, you may want to further invest in it by completing some remodeling projects to increase the value. If the projects are extensive enough, you may decide to hire a professional to do the work. When hiring someone to work on your home, it is important that you make your selection carefully and choose someone whom you know is reliable.According to the Federal Trade

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-33800333180924547582006-10-11T15:32:00.000-07:002006-10-11T15:42:53.594-07:00

As part of its monthly patch distribution, Microsoft has issued a series of new security updates for Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office products (such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint). Several of the vulnerabilities addressed by the patches are categorized as critical. If left unpatched the vulnerabilities could allow hackers to remotely execute code (such as a worm) on vulnerable PCs.

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-46506886433813293502006-10-09T18:06:00.000-07:002006-10-09T18:13:27.207-07:00

Oil prices and the travel boom have driven cruise prices up from last year, but there's a little -known way to get a steal. Here is thesecret!Fall is "repositioning" season, when cruise lines move their fleets from summer ports, like Alaska and New England, to the Caribbeanfor the winter. Hitch a ride and pay up to 75% off regular rates.The drawback? These cruises tend to be longer than usual,

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-66043289635234213182006-10-04T21:38:00.000-07:002007-03-15T20:51:58.931-07:00

Christmas is not far away and probably this is the time to prepare for a vacation with your family and kids.In recent years, swapping or exchanging homes located throughout the world is gaining more and more popularity as an attractive part of taking vacation. For an annual membership of around $50, you may enlist your home on an exchange site. If someone is interested in your home, they will

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10630137.post-1155609155637655312006-10-02T19:21:00.000-07:002006-08-15T19:01:15.616-07:00

Have you ever dreamt of taking a vacation driving an RV in countryside for a few weeks? We thought we should help you by giving some tips for RV rental today.RV Types: The first question that comes to every RV-dreamer's mind is: What type of RV should I rent? The size you rent depends on how many people will be traveling. The vehicles most commonly available for rent are Type A motorhomes (

Igloonoreply@blogger.com0