Latest Posts

Opioid Addiction the scourge of our times… Is there hope?

June 17, 20160

It is difficult to turn on the news or visit any online property which delivers news without finding new and disturbing information about the opioid epidemic plaguing our society.  The truly discouraging issue here is that this lethal epidemic started in our own doctor’s offices and because of big Pharma’s desire for profit.  It seems hard to believe now that the pharma companies did not know how addictive and dangerous these drugs were when they pushed them on the medical industry who were compliant in believing that the drugs were not addicted.   This epidemic is reaching all walks of society and nobody is untouched by it.  … Read the rest

Information

Growth of the US Storage Industry

July 29, 20150

As a nation of consumers it is surprising how much stuff Americans hold on to. Rather than disposing of things, we shove them in boxes, hide them in closets, basements, and attics, or, if all else fails, rent an offsite storage unit.  While most people use a storage unit in the case of a major change such as marriage, death, divorce, or crisis, some people just need a place to stash extra stuff. As the nation has prospered and refused to dispose of things we hold valuable, an entire industry has grown to support it.  In fact, the storage industry in the US is one of the fastest growing facets of the economy.… Read the rest

Business

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How Digital Media Revolutionizes Car Repair

May 25, 20150

Back in the old days (more than 15 years ago), the only way to attract more customers to a vehicle repair shop was through traditional advertisement, or “word of mouth” customer recommendations. The shop could pay a lot for the former, but had no control over the latter. Today, the digital revolution is changing the way everyone does business — from how customers find and support their favorite mechanics to how DIY enthusiasts perform vehicle maintenance.

For Shops

Digital media, including social media, offers a chance to engage, inform, and attract customers, all for little time or cash investment, if it is done properly.… Read the rest

Automotive

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Impact of the Sony Hack

December 23, 20140

You would be hard pressed to find someone who hasn’t heard about the recent hack of Sony Pictures servers.  Hackers were able to access, copy, and release private emails, photos, film scripts, and other documents.  Many people have focused on the embarrassment caused to the company or the loss of revenue as content is leaked online and other projects halted or suspended.  Ultimately the impact of this hack will be felt for years to come.

Financial Impact

The most obvious financial loss is associated with the release of the movie “The Interview.” Originally slated for wide scale release on Christmas Day, the movie was pulled when theater chains refused to show it under threat of terrorism. … Read the rest

Business

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The Costs of Hosting the World Cup

June 25, 20140

People from all around the world are uniting over the soccer matches taking place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil right now. Crowds erupted when Chile beat Spain just days ago. Maracana Stadium thundered with tens of thousands of people, and it thunders still today. And people from all over, from Europe to Latin America to Africa, have come together to celebrate the sport of soccer. People from Rio de Janeiro and all over Brazil are proud of their city and country, and grateful to be in the international spotlight. That being said, there were and continue to be some hefty costs associated with hosting the World Cup.… Read the rest

Money

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April is National Car Care Month

April 1, 20140

After the rough winter most drivers experienced around the country, April is the perfect month to give our car’s a little TLC. How convenient, then, that April is National Car Care Month, reminding us to keep our vehicle in top condition.

The Car Car Council, a non-profit organization helping motorists “Be Car Aware,” believes that a few simple steps can keep our cars running smoothly and safely, even after brutal winter conditions.  The Council’s Executive Director, Rich White, says “Since most Americans rely on their vehicles nearly every day to get to work, school and everywhere in between, taking a little time for car care now can save headaches and money in the long run.”

Consumer education is the focus of Car Care Month and of the Car Care Council’s ongoing “Be Car Aware” campaign. … Read the rest

Automotive

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March Madness Reaches New Level with $1B Contest

March 25, 20140

basketball courtEvery year much of the country goes “mad” about college basketball.  People who have rabid school loyalties as well as those who actually care about basketball fill out their dream bracket to predict who will win each game up to and including the national championship.  It would be impossible to calculate how many people participate in office pools, dorm challenges, and family bets about individual games or for the best overall bracket.

In 2014 the ante was upped considerably with one contest offering $1 billion to anyone who submitted a perfect bracket.  The contest was run by Quicken Loans and insured by Berkshire Hathaway, but it was the brainchild of Berkshire’s Warren Buffett.… Read the rest

Sports News

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Bitcoin: Coming to an ATM Near You?

February 27, 20140

In a move that sounds like it is straight out of a video game, Bitcoin is moving into the ATM industry. The still emerging digital currency that you may or may not have heard about (it’s not like they run commercials) is coming into its own as a way to access your money without being regulated by a federally-backed financial institution. The ATM’s are called Robocoin machines and they allow consumers to purchase bitcoins or have their funds directed to a private account. The question many are asking is can this cutting edge, yet rather odd currency go mainstream?… Read the rest

Currency

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New Season for the Choral Arts Society of Washington

February 9, 20140

The Choral Arts Society of Washington, D.C. is preparing for their 2013-14 season — the first season that was planned by Artistic Director Scott Tucker.  The season will kick off on November 10th and include a schedule of five programs, including three performances of the annual Christmas concert.

Tucker joined the Choral Arts Society in 2012 just in time to usher in the 2012-13 season. Since that season had already been scheduled, this year will be the first opportunity Tucker has to put his mark on the music being performed.

An Academic Background

Prior to his appointment to the Choral Arts Society of Washington, Tucker was a professor and Director of Choral Music for 17 years. … Read the rest

Education, Music

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How Expensive Are the 2014 Sochi Olympics and Why?

February 5, 20140

The Olympics have never been known to be an inexpensive event to host, but the 2014 Sochi Olympics are putting all the old financial statistics to shame. Taking place between February 7, 2014 through February 23, 2014 in Sochi, Russia, the 2014 Winter Olympics have reached an astronomical price tag of $50 billion dollars and counting, making it the most expensive Olympic Games to date. To get a better understanding of why the 2014 Sochi Olympics are so exceedingly expensive, we will breakdown the expenses for you. Read on for a look at what is making the Sochi Olympics the most expensive Olympic Games to date.… Read the rest

Sports News

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