I Make My Own Hours

Or so I'm told often by those who ask about my work. Let's see, today my 1 p.m. changed into a 10 a.m., my 6 p.m. turned into a noon, my 2 p.m. got postponed until tomorrow, my 3 p.m. moved to 2 p.m., and my 4 p.m., oh yeah, my 4 p.m. stayed a 4 p.m. I really need to do a better job of setting my own hours.

Geez, I Was Just Kidding

In late October the Fed cut their funds rate, the rate that banks charge each other, to 1%. So I sarcastically said, "Well what's next? Are they going to cut it to zero?" Umm, yep.

In a historic move: Central bank reduces the federal funds rate to a range of zero to 0.25%.

And if that doesn't work?

2008 - The Year In Pictures

Some truly dramatic images. MSNBC.

Tis The Season For Bogus E-mails

I don't understand why people continue to forward e-mails without verifying the validity of the claim being made. Two e-mails currently making their rounds involve barcodes and gift cards. The first one claims that you can avoid buying products that are made in China by reading the first three digits of the barcode. The e-mail provides a list of barcodes and countries. The first three digits can only tell you where the barcode itself was issued which is irrevlavent to where an item is made. The second e-mail tells you not to buy gift cards from certain stores that will be going out of business after January 1st. The list is fraught with misinformation and lies.

Before forwarding any of these friendly tips to 100 people, do everyone a favor and go to Snope.com or UrbanLegends.about.com first.

Gotta go, I've got business to handle. There's a rich widow from Nigeria that wants to give me $100 million if I just give her my bank account information.

Personal Branding

My new favorite blog is The Personal Branding Blog by Social Media Specialist Dan Schawbel. I've just discovered it and can't stop reading it. There are great tips from experts on how to brand yourself in today's marketplace, something that's especially vital for signing agents and all those who are self-employed. Today's topic focuses on personal ethics, including the dilemma we face when we observe others performing illegal or unethical acts (say, a signing agent who backdates or falsifies their qualifications?).

Why Do You Ask, Does My Political Preference Matter?

Yesterday I received a call asking if I was a Notary Republican. Well as a matter of fact I am. Is that acceptable or would you prefer to call a Notary Democrat instead?

The Economic Blame Game - NCAA Tournament Style

Having trouble deciding who's to blame for the worldwide financial crisis? Check out this innovative idea from the Grand Rapids Press. They took 32 reasons for the worldwide economic situation and pitted them against each other in a NCAA bracket format. The winner may surprise you.