Posts from — August 2009

Wealth creation is no linger the domain of just a few selected business people. Creating wealth is now open for anyone with the courage to take it on. If you are a business minded individual who isn’t afraid of risk wealth creation is there for you.

Try Googling ‘wealth creation,’ ‘wealthy entrepreneurs’ or anything similar, and you will be presented with books, courses, a mind-boggling array of advisors and consultants and a host of ‘fast buck’ deals all hinging on real estate. However, ‘The Future of Wealth’ survey produced by Barclays Bank in association with the Economist Intelligence Unit in 2008 states that entrepreneurs are now emerging as “the dominant source of riches.” It does not end there, the International Financial Services private banking and wealth report, also from 2008 states unequivocally that the main source of growth in private wealth, worldwide, “…originates from those involved in building successful businesses.”

A wealthy entrepreneur might be the CEO of an enterprise providing a worthwhile income, or they may have sold that enterprise and moved on. Either way, they have created wealth for themselves, their shareholders and their employees, and it is in their genes for most of them to go through the process again. For them, it is not so much the money but the buzz that comes from pushing the risk-vs.-reward dynamic to its limits, and that dynamic is something that only entrepreneurs understand. Banks, with the risks they increasingly exposed themselves to over the past decade or two, were exploiting wealth that had been created by the real risk-takers, entrepreneurs. Perhaps the time is long overdue when banks should revert to being the plumbing of the economy, and nothing else.

To get an idea of the kind of private wealth that is available for investment, (and it is already widely recognized that alternative investment is at the top of the agenda for wealthy individuals) we can call on yet more authoritative reports. According to The Scorpio Partnership, a consultancy that provides research services to the global wealth management industry, there is currently $11.4 trillion of private wealth under management. The annual World Wealth Report 2008 from Merrill Lynch Capgemini estimated that in 2007 the value of funds managed on behalf of 9.5 million high-net-worth individuals worldwide was $40.3 trillion.

But there is a problem in re-cycling the wealth, or at least some of it, created by successful entrepreneurs into capital-starved start-up and growth companies. And this has always centered on getting the information from those early-stage companies in front of the wealthy entrepreneurs who might want to invest in them. Research conducted by Growthwire, a deal-flow newswire for early-stage investors, showed that there are 10 million investors seeking out deals, and 1 million early-stage capital raisings at any one time, worldwide. From a media standpoint, this is a colossal market that even some of the biggest players, including Dow Jones and Reuters, have tried addressing, each with their own take on the issues involved. These issues include confidentiality, quality control and compliance with a global cauldron of conflicting regulation in this particular investment stratum.

The main challenge for any of them is that, unlike the mainstream capital markets where deals are high-value and low-volume, the early-stage investment market is comprises of hundreds of thousands of low-value deals at any one time. This mass of information needs to be aggregated from quality-controlled sources and distributed according to investor preferences. Whichever company gets the formula and technology right, be it Dow Jones, Growthwire or Reuters, they will dominate an investment stratum that fuels half of every developed economy in the world. On top of that, they and the wealthy entrepreneurs they will be serving will most likely be the driving force behind global economic recovery and onward growth.

As a global force wealthy entrepreneurs will undoubtedly be the driving force behind the new economy. Join in and take your place in the wealth creation heroes.

Are reading glasses really necessary? What about just getting over the counter reading glasses, will those help at all. It seem that at one point or another our vision is going to fail and many of us blame age for our poor vision.

Although this statement holds some truth, it doesn’t tell the whole story.

As the eye ages, its lens hardens and loses the ability to shape, making it harder to focus on nearby objects. Many adults will eventually develop this condition. Known as presbyopia, most cases become noticeable around age 40 and continue to worsen until age 60 — which leads to the notion that old age causes bad eyes.

There are other factors that can effect our eyes health and our ability to see properly.

Other factors can also lead to vision problems, so adults experiencing vision changes should discuss all of their symptoms with their doctor, as well as any life changes, medications or supplements. A basic eye exam is all you need to diagnose presbyopia.

There is something you can do about it and it is not expensive.

Luckily, presbyopia treatments are easy and inexpensive. Many patients don’t even need prescription glasses. Over-the-counter reading glasses are safe, effective and affordable.

“Reading glasses assist the natural lens in focusing on nearby objects by doing some of its work,” explains ophthalmologist Dr. Ernest Sutcliffe.

Dr. Sutcliffe recommends Magnivision glasses, which come in 300 styles and are available at drug stores, mass retailers and supermarkets nationwide. Magnivision glasses offer quality acrylic lenses designed to reduce distortion.

The company even makes reading sunglasses, for those who want to read at the beach or anywhere else outdoors. Magnivision SunReaders combine the protection of sunglasses with enhanced magnification. The bottom segment of the lens magnifies while providing maximum UVA/UVB protection.

No one can prevent presbyopia, but taking certain actions can help protect vision. For example, scheduling regular eye exams, controlling chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, wearing protective eyewear during sports and in the sun and eating a nutritious diet can help maintain eye health. Using adequate lighting while reading or doing other close-up work can also help ease eyestrain.

It can be difficult to go around with poor vision but reading glasses and over the counter reading glasses specifically can help you see better and get though the day a lot easier.

This article explores the three most common fire extinguisher types and the scenario in which you should use a particular type. It’s important that you learn how and when to use a safety device including fire extinguishers.  Obviously the more you learn the better prepared you will be in a life or death situation. Let begin by going over the three most common types of fire extinguishers.

The three most common extinguisher types are the Water, Carbon Dioxide, and the Dry Chemical extinguisher which in it has three classification ABC, BC, and DC classes.

The water fire extinguisher is also sometimes referred to as a APW or Air Pressurized Water.  They normally are silver looking and stand about 2 feet tall. If they are completely full they weigh in the neighborhood of 25 pounds. The APW fire extinguisher is recommend for use with Class A fires such as paper, cloth, or wood type fires.

One of the most important safety tips you need to know regarding APW extinguishers is that they are not to be used to extinguish a flammable liquid fires. Using a water extinguisher will likely cause the fire to be spread and will undoubtedly make conditions worse. Also try not to use an APW on electrical fires. Water is a good conductor of electricity and can potential create a condition where someone can get electrocuted.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Fire Extinguisher Type

The Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher used pressurized CO2 as the chemical with which to suppress fires. CO2 extinguisher are usually identified by their red color and horn that is used to spray the carbon dioxide. They also have a pressure gauge. Co2 extinguishers can be small weighing 5 pounds or less or can be pretty big weighing as much as 100 pounds.

CO2 fire extinguishers work by displacing the oxygen that is need to keep a fire going with the non-flammable carbon dioxide. Another advantage is that when the carbon dioxide is released it is very cold so it also cool the fire. The best use of this type of extinguisher is for electrical and chemical fires.

The third and final fire extinguisher type we will look at is the Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher. Dry Chemical fire extinguishers come in  3 classes. “DC” which stands for dry chemical. ABC means this type of fire extinguisher can be used for A,B, and C class fires. BC should be used for Class B and C fires only.

As we noted earlier all of these extinguisher types can be useful when in a situation where professionals cannot get to quickly.  It is important that you know how and when to use a fire extinguisher. Also make sure your fire extinguisher is checked yearly to ensure it will be ready when you need it.

When it comes to hearing loss many adults and their children have slightly different opinions as to how it should be addressed. This articles takes a look at hearing loss in mature adults and and the things you can do to improve hearing. We will take a quick look at a hearing loss study conducted by Siemens Corporation that indicated there is a serious miscommunication  among parents and their children when it comes to taking steps to diagnose hearing related problems.

A new Applied Research study sponsored by Siemens called “The Cost of Hearing Loss” has found that 72 percent of boomers believe that their hearing is average or better. However, children of Boomers say that 70 percent of their family members have suggested their father have his hearing tested and 64 percent have suggested the same for their mother. Yet, only 32 percent of Boomers say a family member has suggested they have their hearing tested.

Conducted in May 2009, the survey studied 500 respondents, consisting of 250 Boomers and 250 children of Boomers. The majority of boomers believe their hearing is better than average, while their spouse and children wish they would have their hearing tested.

Even when hearing assistance is needed, many stigmas still discourage those with hearing loss from considering hearing devices:

* 75 percent of Boomers currently do not use nor are they considering hearing aids.

* 34 percent say they look awkward.

* 29 percent say they make you look old.

* 25 percent say they are uncomfortable.

* 23 percent say they are too hard to buy.

* 20 percent say it is because they don’t work.

* 15 percent say they make you look weak.

There is a significant disconnect between Boomers and their children about the consequences of hearing loss. Hearing loss affects a great number of people around the world. And it affects them in a variety of ways. Over time, hearing loss can lead to anxiety, depression, isolation and loneliness. By leaving hearing loss untreated, a physical condition may also become a psychological one. It is important to seek a solution promptly.

There are several different styles of hearing instruments, not to mention multiple design and color options that make the devices inconspicuous. Each hearing instrument is designed and fitted to each person’s hearing needs. Types include custom, behind-the-ear (BTE), behind-the-ear open-fitting and receiver-in-canal (RIC).For more information, visit www.usa.siemens.com/hearing.

Hopefully this article on hearing loss was helpful, and the resources we have provided can be of good use to mature adults with impaired hearing or the beginning of hearing loss problems.

Out on the road and don’t want to ask for directions. Let the Magellan line of GPS help you not only get to where you are going but also help you save gas. Today we are going to take a look at how a GPS navigation device can help you on your travels.

Your efficiency behind the wheel can affect your bank account. If you get lost too often, you’ll waste gas while putting unnecessary miles on your automobile. And in a down economy, when every penny counts, few Americans can afford taking “the scenic route.”

If your sense of direction or map-reading skills prove subpar, you might want to consider purchasing a GPS device. Today’s GPS devices are relatively inexpensive and offer a wide range of useful services and may actually save you money in the long run. Here are a few ways in which a GPS device can improve your efficiency behind the wheel:

- You won’t get lost. With a GPS device, you’ll easily find your way to your destination, no matter how labyrinth-like the backcountry roads. GPS devices tell you what road you’re on, so there’s no getting lost down unfamiliar roads. If you do take a wrong turn, your GPS will offer new directions until you get back en route.

- You won’t miss your exit. GPS devices offer highway lane assistance, so you’ll know when your exit’s approaching. For example, the Magellan Maestro 4700 tells you street names, when to turn and when to change lanes. 3D landmarks give you visual cues for maneuvers. The device includes built-in AAA TourBooks, which provide ratings and descriptions on AAA-approved places to stay, dine and save. A OneTouch menu lets you access your favorite places and searches instantly, while a voice-command feature simplifies navigation. Avoiding unnecessary exits, U-turns and backtracking will improve your fuel efficiency.

- You’ll avoid traffic. Idling in traffic wastes fuel and raises stress levels. A GPS unit with an integrated live traffic receiver and a subscription service will give you real-time traffic reports and offer alternative routes when roads become jammed.

- You won’t go out of your way to find services en route. You can program your GPS for several destinations, helping you plan the most efficient route possible. When traveling to new areas, you can use your GPS to find the nearest ATM, bank, coffee shop, restaurant or hotel so you don’t waste time hunting for the services you need. For more information, visit www.magellangps.com.

In conclusion Magellan has some of the better GPS devices on the market. Check one out and save yourself a lot of time, gas, and wear on your vehicle.

Let’s talk about Applebees nutrition for just a moment. First of all you amy or may not know that the restaurant in the midst of a class action lawsuit because the nutrition information it was posting was incorrect. However that does not mean that all the nutrition information Applebees puts on their menus or website is wrong.

If you visit some food sites or diet sites you will find Applebees nutrition information posted. These are just some of the place you many want to take a look at for information. Like most of us I like to dine at Applebees and would be seriously ticked off if the information I was reading about protein, carbs, fats, etc. was incorrect.

Let’s just hope that Applebees nutrition information gets better so that we can all eat happier.