New Jersey Drivers Get A Bad Reputation!

Every time I see a licence plate from New Jersey, I have to be extra careful while I'm driving. New Jersey has a reputation of being some of the most aggressive drivers in the nation.

Many drivers I've encountered from New Jersey had poor manners behind the wheel. Among some of the violations I've seen are, no signalling between lanes, tailgating, and cutting off cars when switching lanes.

So it's no surprise that NJ Car Insurance rates are among the highest in the nation. Garden State drivers paid an average premium of $1,152 a year in 2006, second to the District of Columbia. 1 In 2003, state insurance regulators in Trenton implemented caps on insurers preventing them from raising Car Insurance rates.

The result, Auto Insurance companies have been able to sell policies in New Jersey and customers have benefited with lower prices. This, despite the highest rates in the nation.

1 National Association of Insurance Commissioners

The New Address Sign!

I just got a new job and the next line of business will be a new home. When I do find the right home, I intend on making it my own with a new address plaque.

One website I found has a huge selection of address signs to choose from. "justaddressplaques.com" looks like the place to go to. They offer both commercial and home address plaques, plus some of the lowest price to boot. In addition, they offer mailboxes. Their selection is endless!

For instance, I collect anything moose. This selection I found is a Moose Wall Address Plaque.



This durable recycled cast aluminum address plaque is an easy and decorative way to personalize any home. It's not only lightweight and durable, its also is a rust and maintenance-free. If I were to purchase this item, the website would send it to me with free shipping.

Check out "justaddressplaques.com" today!

Starting a New Job Tomorrow!

I'm pleased to announce that I will be starting a new phase in my television career, as I start work with Rogers TV in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Last week, I accepted their position as Live Eye Coordinator. My duties will include setting up live shots for their daily morning show and sporting events, editing various programs and training their volunteer staff on broadcasts.

My first day of work for the new company is November 16th. It's a far cry from the TV news business I've been used to. In fact, it's a relief from the usual bullshit I had to go through for the last 12 years.

Rogers is one of the most recognizable brands in Canada. They have a wide range of products and services, including wireless and home phone, cable TV and high-speed Internet. They also own the Toronto Blue Jays and their home, the Rogers Centre.

The company prides itself in hiring diverse and highly motivated individuals. I look at this new endeavor as a fresh new start. I'm proud and eager to continue my broadcasting career, delivering my unique work ethic to the largest cable operator in Canada.

For those of you who are subscribers to Rogers Cable within Ottawa and it's vicinity, you can watch on channel 22.

See you there!

Say NO To The Proposed Merger Between Comcast and NBC!

The mega-merger of Comcast and NBC is bad news for consumers. It spells higher prices, fewer choices and less innovation.

But Washington and Wall Street have already bought into the idea that it's a done deal. That's why "Smooth Jazz and More" Internet radio is joining forces with Free Press.net and speaking out to stop this bad merger.

Sign on to our call to action and we will deliver a public message to President Obama, who has pledged "to reinvigorate antitrust enforcement," and to officials at the Department of Justice, Federal Trade Commission and Federal Communications Commission who have the power to stop this mega-merger.

Tell Washington: Say “No” to the Comcast and NBC Merger: free.convio.net/comcast_nbc_email

To learn more about the deal, visit freepress.net/comcast.

More Extended Warranty Policies Pop Up!

When I had the 2003 Dodge Caravan, I had a three year warranty on the vehicle that would cover it in case I experienced any problems. As the end of the three year policy approached, I was bombarded by calls from companies telling me to purchase an extended warranty with them.

The extended warranty business has steadily increased, as insurance companies look to take advantage of car owners holding on to their cars longer due to the rough economy.

In some instances, having an extended warranty is beneficial. Most policies won't cover an oil change or a tune up, but for large jobs such as the drive train, the engine or the electrical system, an extended warranty can save thousands of dollars from leaving your wallet.

One website called, Repairpal.com has an easy to use repair price estimator to figure out what you stand to pay for such instances. They cover many areas across the United States including Houston auto repair shops and gives many quotes on cars, including the 1998 Acura Integra.

Though some policies are pricey, the peace of mind is worth it.

Information Technology - The Career To Be In!

With so many men and women out of work, many have decided to go back to school. Some have chosen to go into Information Technology. This specialty has boomed in the last 15 years.

With the advent of Microsoft and Apple, more software is being invented and implemented in every day usage. Companies around the world are find shortages of IT professionals. The shortage of qualified personnel is forcing companies to hire from different countries under a H-1 immigration status.

One company is doing it's part to train qualified IT workers by offering courses online. Network Learning Institute (NLI) was founded by top professionals for the purpose of training IT and Network professionals, improving their skills, accelerate their career growth and increase their overall value in the workplace. Classes can be taken online or at a specified location.

Among the different classes offered by NLI, they include Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Cisco Certification in CompTIA Network+, and many others courses. By completing these courses, many IT workers can vastly improve their salary. Starting salary for IT workers can be between $50,000 and $90,000 dollars a year. IT Managers can earn six figures.

Do you have what it takes to be an IT professional? Find out today by calling or registering online for a free consultation with one of Network Learning Institute's professional career counselors.

Lost In Translation, Revisited!

In the 2003 film, "Lost in Translation", Bill Murray plays an aging film star who travels to Japan to film an ad for whisky. In several exchanges, the director speaks to Murray's character in several long sentences with passion, followed by a brief, inadequate translation from the interpreter. The scene, like all the film's Japanese dialogue is played without subtitles.

I find myself in the same situation when I travel to French-speaking Quebec. Since moving to Canada last year, I've learned that it is beneficial to most people to learn both English and French. This is extremely important for government jobs and those living in or near Quebec, where French is the main language.

I've had to adapt to my new surroundings by using online translation services. Though they help, they're also prone to incorrect translations. I've considered other foreign language software programs, but they cost hundreds of dollars.

But I have found one website that helps business savvy workers called "Translia". This innovative translation service platform enables thousands of translators to work together, delivering translations through unique and collaborative technologies.

Online registration is free and there's no minimum word count or charge limit. Individuals can translate one word or as many as a million words. Executives can use the site for business card translation with foreign business workers.

Take advantage of the site's free translation service. In this global economy, "Translia" looks like a good bet!

Lou Dobbs Leaves CNN, Good Riddance!

You know, there was a time when I actually liked watching Lou Dobbs on CNN. He was a reliable source for business news. It was when he started putting his own "marks" on his show that pretty much ruined it for me.

According to TV critics, the change to Dobbs started right around 2001, soon after the terrorist attacks. To be honest, it seems like that's when everyone started going a little looney. For some, his anti-immigrant message was intolerable.

What did it for me was is constant reminders of President Obama's birth certificate and whether it was legitimate. I thought that was it for Dobbs on CNN. His credibility was completely lost.

Don't be sad, right-wing "nuts". He'll be back! After his non-compete is up, he'll be on the Faux Business Channel, before you know it! Then he'll have a real forum that supports his agenda.

Bye, Lou! Don't let the door hit you on the way out!

Faux News Busted Again! Using Fake Video, Passing It Off As Real!

Jon Stewart has called out Fux News, once again.

This time, the comedian and host of the "Daily Show" on Comedy Central pointed out video shown on Sean Hannity's interview with right wing 'nut', Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Bachmann. Stewart mocked Hannity for inflating Bachmann rally attendance and trying to pass 9-12 rally footage off as real footage from her.

Citing no evidence, Hannity estimated on his radio show that 20,000 attended the Fox-promoted, GOP health care protest. However, MSNBC reported that D.C. Capitol police estimated the crowd at only 4,000. Prior to the rally, Hannity said crowds at the event -- which he and other Fox News figures heavily promoted -- would be "massive." Conservative media previously inflated crowd estimates for the 9-12 March on Washington.

Story originally reported by Media Matters.



Don't expect any retractions!

Celebrating 40 Years Of Sesame Street

It's hard to believe, but this past week Sesame Street went on the air 40 years ago in 1969.

Allot has changed during that time, and there are grandchildren and great-grandchildren that have literally grown up on Sesame Street.

Personally, I love the parodies they make of established shows, such as the one video shown below for Monsterpiece Theatre, first done back in 1981.



As you can see, I love Cookie Monster. My favorite son was "C" is for Cookie, first done back in 1974.



But my all-time favorite was this sketch with Ernie and Bert, made back in 1971.



I can name more of my favorites, but I'd be here all day. Let's all hope Sesame Street continues to bring more generations of children happiness and learning for many years to come!

Flying To London Just Got Easier!

I had the chance to go to London a couple of years ago when I was taking a writing class at Syracuse University. The group was part of a seminar and festival of writers who specialized in labour issues. It would have been a great way to improve my writing craft, meet different writers and visit a place I've never been to before.

Back then, prices were sky high compared to today's rates. Plus, because ratings period was when the event took place made it impossible for me to take time off. Today, I noticed British Airways has a seat sale going on until November 19th.

So I got my creative juices flowing and put together an itinerary for a dream trip to London. I put together a trip scheduled to fly out of Pearson International Airport out of Toronto and landing in Heathrow, just outside of London between March 4th and March 8th 2010.

I was able to adjust my itinerary to get a flight on a day that would be cheaper to fly out of. The result, a round-trip airfare to London from Toronto came out to be $784 dollars (Canadian). The amount includes taxes, fees, charges (security & insurance) and surcharges.

That's not bad, really. You can also upgrade to three different classes, including business and first class. And it's not just England. You can find great deals to the Middle East and Asia. Keep in mind, this sale is only available from Canadian destinations.

HD Radio App For iPhones! The Costs Is Steep!

The Wall Street Journal reported on its online blog that iPhone users can now access HD Radio through a new app. However, the cost of the new app may be more than what it's worth.

The new app requires a Gigaware HD Radio receiver accessory, which costs $80 and is only available at Radio Shack. Headphones are also required, not just for listening purposes, but also to act as antennae for the receiver.



I couldn't see myself plucking down $80 bucks for the HD experience on radio when I can get the same programming on the Internet for free.

That's just plain ridiculous!

A New Way To Get A New Smile!

In 1988, I was finally able to purchase braces for my teeth. They were badly in need of reconstruction and there was no other way of straightening them out. As an adult, I needed this change for my future. $3,800 dollars later, my teeth are in the best shape of my life.

Which leads me to an alternative to braces I just found called "Lumineers". Lumineers are basically, dental veneers.

Veneers are a thin layer of restorative material placed over a tooth surface, either to improve the aesthetics of a tooth, or to protect a damaged tooth surface. There are two main types of material used to fabricate a veneer, composite and porcelain.

Lumineers can be installed by a dentist one at a time or a with the use of a LumiTray. A LumiTray is a dental tray in which 6 to 10 veneers are pre-placed all at once. Lumineers can also be placed over crowns and over dental bridge work.



In most cases, only two doctor visits are necessary. No shots or anesthetic are required and no post-operative sensitivity has been reported by patients.

Cosmetic dentistry has come along way through the years. I just wished this would have been around when I needed it.

Freedom Communications' Top Executives Piliage The Company

According to a bankruptcy filing, top executives at Freedom Communications were paid million of dollars out of the company's MBO bonus program.

The program paid out more than $3.7 million to Freedom’s top executives during the past year, including expenses such as partner distributions, automobile reimbursements, club memberships and, for at least one executive, housing allowances, according to federal bankruptcy filings.

At least 49 Freedom executives, including publishers at various newspapers across the country, dipped into the MBO bonus program during the 12 months leading up to the company’s bankruptcy filing in September.

Freedom CEO Scott Flanders received two MBO payments totaling more than $1.1 million during that time, including a $400,000 bonus only weeks before the company filed bankruptcy. Others, such as Orange County Register Publisher Terry Horne and Community Newspapers Division President Jonathan Segal, received bonuses totaling six-figures.

Other executives befiting from the program had their names published in the bankruptcy filing.

Source: AZ Capitol Times.