I've started this blog as an open forum to discuss current topics in the news in a "Point - Counter Point" manner. By using this method of debate, I seek to encourage all to lend their voices and opinions by weighing in on the current days topics up for discussion. Welcome to POINT - COUNTER POINT.
With a number of features, fans can stay up-to-date with nearly everything Madonna-related. There's a tab for news, her music videos, track downloads, photos and even what her fans are saying about her on the fan page.
True, the "It's Britney!" app does much of the same, but here’s the crucial difference: Spears’s app is selling for $1.99 while Madonna’s is completely free.
Well it seems like we are in for another burst of snow this week. Below are some tips on how to shovel your snow without throwing your back out.
Shovelers should follow a few simple rules:
• Stay in shape. People who are in shape year-round have less to worry about when the flakes start falling.
• Work up to it. Warm up inside, and incorporate stretches (especially for the hamstrings) as well as core-strengthening exercises such as mini sit-ups, crunches, or working an exercise ball.
• Don't try to do it all at once. Shovel small amounts of snow at a time, especially if the snow is heavy and water-laden. "If you're not used to exercising or you've had a back problem in the past, the smart way of approaching this is to do a little bit at a time," says Dr. Khabie. Shovel for 5 or 10 minutes, then go back inside for 10 minutes to do more stretching.
• Practice proper technique. The AAOS advises pushing the snow-containing shovel instead of lifting it. But if you do have to lift, "do more of a knee squat, your back arched as if looking to the sky," Goitz advises. Don't bend from your waist. When disposing of the snow, keep the shovel close to your body and, again, squat with your legs, Goitz says. Walk over to where you're going to dump the snow, as opposed to leaning over and throwing it. By no means should you rotate or twist your body. "That's the worst thing you can do for your back in general," says Burger. "That's how you herniate disks."
• Pick the right tools. Ergonomic shovels "tend to take the stress off the back," Khabie says. Adds Burger, "The bent handle gives you a better angle. You don't have to go down so far and you don't have to go all the way back up."
• Layer with warm clothing. Being underdressed will leave you vulnerable to a painful strain. "You don't want to go out there and really freeze because it will tighten up your muscles," Khabie says.
• Wear snow boots with good traction. "If your feet slip, it throws off your entire balance," Khabie says. "Find a good, sturdy snow boot that's made to be out in the snow."
Consider keeping a set of spikes in your car, Burger adds. "They take two minutes to put on -- versus six weeks off from work if you injure yourself."
The cardinal rule is to practice a bit of common sense. As with any exercise, if you're out of shape, have had back injuries in the past, or have a history of heart disease, check with your doctor before tackling that snowdrift. This is wise even if you don't have heart problems but have high blood pressure or diabetes, or are overweight -- all of which are risk factors for heart disease.
Below are some pictures taken by a friend of mine during the past snow storm. Max Sitnikov, with his camera and gear in hand went out and documented the blizzard showing the beauty of the snowfall.
For more on Max Sitnikov, who is originally from Belarus, check the following link for the Sheephead Bites article; http://www.sheepsheadbites.com/2010/02/local-photographer-captures-beauty-in-the-blizzard/#disqus_thread
Ok this commercial is funny and cool! But will it make you want to wear old spice. Not this man - wore it when I was younger and just couldn't get over the smell. LOL
Wondering what you need to know about the new credit card rules?
Next week new credit card provisions from the 2009 Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act (CARD) will take effect, making it easier for consumers to understand their credit card bills and how interest charges are determined.
"Good Morning America" financial contributor Mellody Hobson explained what you should know about the credit card changes.
Two of the Credit CARD Act changes are already in place.
Consumers now have 21 days to send their payments in instead of 14 and credit card companies must give consumers 45 days notice if their terms change, instead of 15 days.
Although Hobson notes that one important exception to the 45-day notification rule is if your credit card company decides to reduce your credit limit – the company can do that without any warning.
Should this happen, Hobson said to call the company and ask for it to be reversed. If the company refuses, then pay any remaining balance as soon as possible since lowering your credit limit could affect your credit score.
On Feb. 22 another change will take effect that should help consumers better understand their credit card terms and debt, Hobson said.
New Credit Card Rules
Beginning on Monday, credit card bills must make clear how long it will take the consumer to pay off the balance and how much interest the consumer will pay if he or she only pays the minimum amount every month.
For example, if a consumer has $5,000 in credit card debt with a 14 percent APR, the credit card company must disclose that it would take 10 years to pay off the balance plus nearly $2,000 in interest fees if the consumer only paid the minimum balance every month.
Fee and Interest Rate Changes After the Credit CARD Act was passed in May 2009, credit card companies pre-emptively raised certain fees and interest rates in order to replace the $50 billion in revenues they expected to lose, Hobson said.
In fact since June 2009, the top 12 banks and credit unions have increased their rates by approximately 23 percent, Hobson explained.
While the Credit CARD Act does not put a cap on increased interest rates, credit card companies must give customers 45 days notice on any change and they are not allowed to raise the current interest rate on consumers' existing debt, Hobson said.
Also, consumers can no longer be charged an additional fee for paying over the phone, by an electronic transfer or by mail, Hobson said. An extra charge will only apply if the consumer uses live services to expedite a payment.
Although the Credit CARD Act now requires 45 days notification of account changes, Hobson said it is still the consumer's responsibility to monitor all of the terms of their credit card statement.
Web Only Tip: Universal Default
The practice of universal default is also banned for existing credit card balances, Hobson said. This is when a card user's interest rate is increased based upon payment records for unrelated accounts, such as utility bills.
Changes Affect College Students
The last thing a college student needs is more debt. A Sallie Mae study found that in 2008, college seniors with at least one credit card graduated with an average of $4,138 in credit card debt.
To protect young people from incurring debt the Credit CARD Act has made it more difficult for college students to get a credit card, Hobson said.
Credit card companies can no longer offer a card to someone under 21 without a co-signer or proof of proper income, Hobson explained. Nor can the company increase the limit on the card unless both the co-signer and the student agree. Offering inducements to sign up for cards - such as free t-shirts or beach towels – on or near a campus are also banned.
Hobson recommends that if your child does need a card, to add him or her as an authorized user on your own credit card.
Being an authorized user will help teach them to live within their means and also help them build up their credit history and could improve their credit score if you make on-time payments, Hobson said.
