February 11 Issue #5
A tribute to Black History Month
Oldest living couple
Healthy Fast-Food Alternatives
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FRONT COVER THIS ISSUE THE LONGEST COUPLE CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MO. NO MORE SATURDAY MAIL JUSTICE LEAGUE HOROSCOPE SHAKIRA BABY BOY GRAMMY BAN SOME CLOTHES 2ND STORM OF 2013 FRUITS OF DESIGN ROMANTIC IDEAS FOR VALENTINE 80’S OUTFITS COMING BACK NEWS SHOULD YOU SAVE OR PAY DEBIT FANCY VALENTINE DESSERT STREET PROFORMERS ANNOUNCEMENT ADVERTISING
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Conn. Couple Named ' John and Ann Betar weren't supposed to get married. Her father had arranged for her to wed another man, but she and John fled Bridgeport and eloped in New York. That was more than 80 years ago. The couple is still happily hitched, a fact that has led to their naming as the "longest married couple" in the U.S. for 2013 by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Christian marriage group based in San Bernardino, Calif. The Betars are scheduled to receive a plaque and other gifts from the group at their granddaughter's home in Fairfield on Saturday. They told the New York Daily News that there are no secrets to a long marriage, only a few simple rules. "We just live with contentment and we don't live beyond our means," John Betar said. "Just go with the flow." AP John and Ann Betar, of Fairfield, celebrate... View Full Caption John and Ann Betar, of Fairfield, celebrate their 80th anniversary at St. Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Church, in Bridgeport, Conn. on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. The couple has been named the "longest married couple" in the U.S. for 2013 by Worldwide Marriage Encounter, a Christian marriage group based in San Bernardino, Calif. The Betars are scheduled to receive a plaque and other gifts from the group at their granddaughter's home in Fairfield on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/The Connecticut Post, BK Angeletti) MANDATORY CREDIT Close
'Longest Married' in US John's now 101 years old and Ann is 97, and they're still living in their home along the Fairfield shore. They had five children, 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Two of their children died in their 60s. Ron and Judy Pekny of Worldwide Marriage Encounter say the title of "longest married couple" is based on nominations the group received, so there may be some couples who have been married longer. John and Ann grew up across the street from each other in Bridgeport, and John used to drive Ann to high school in his Ford Roadster. They fell in love. When her father arranged for her to marry someone else, they eloped in Harrison, N.Y., about 25 miles north of New York City. John went on to open a grocery store in Bridgeport. Ann Betar told the Hearst Connecticut Media Group around their 80th anniversary in November that family has been a key to their longevity. "That's what makes life what it is," she said. "We were fortunate enough to live long enough to see this ... and it's really one of the most gratifying things in the world to see your great-grandchildren, to see your grandchildren become adults." John Betar added, "That's what keeps us alive. We live for them."
Celebrating Black Black History Month, or National African American History Month, is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. The event grew out of “Negro History Week,� the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history
Origins of Black History Month The story of Black History Month begins in 1915, half a century after the Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery in the United States. That September, the Harvard-trained historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), an organization dedicated to researching and promoting achievements by black Americans and other peoples of African descent. Known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the group sponsored a national Negro History week in 1926, choosing the second week of February to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. The event inspired schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations, establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.
history month In the decades the followed, mayors of cities across the country began issuing yearly proclamations recognizing Negro History Week. By the late 1960s, thanks in part to the Civil Rights Movement and a growing awareness of black identity, Negro History Week had evolved into Black History Month on many college campuses. President Gerald R. Ford officially recognized Black History Month in 1976, calling upon the public to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Since then, every American president has designated February as Black History Month and endorsed a specific theme. The 2013 theme, At the Crossroads of Freedom and Equality: The Emancipation Proclamation and the March on Washington, marks the 150th and 50th anniversaries of two pivotal events in African-American history.
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Postal Service to say goodbye to mail delivery on Saturdays John Gress / Reuters / REUTERS It's been debated for months and months, but on Wednesday the United States Postal Service finally will announce it's not going to deliver first-class mail on Saturdays anymore. The postal service's announcement, planned for about 10 a.m. EST, is expected to say that packages, mail-order medicine, and express mail will continue to be delivered on Saturday, but not letters, bills, cards, and catalogs. Post offices which are now open on Saturdays will continue to be open on Saturdays. The move is meant to save the financially struggling agency about $2 billion annually as it wrestles with the rising popularity of email and social media eating away at its core business of delivering mail, and with the climbing costs of providing health benefits to its workers. In January, the USPS' board of governors directed management to accelerate the restructuring of postal service operations in the face of declining revenues. It said that the USPS could no longer afford to wait for legislation to salvage its business.
The agency reported an annual loss of a record $15.9 billion for the fiscal year ended Sept. 30, triple the prior year's loss and capping a year in which it was forced to default on payments to a health benefit trust fund managed by the Treasury Department. The rising costs for future retiree health benefits accounted for $11.1 billion of the losses. The USPS is an independent agency of the government. It does not get tax money to fund its day- to-day operations, but it is subject to congressional control, and congressional foot-dragging. On Jan. 27, the USPS raised postage stamp prices by one cent to 46 cents to help raise revenues. “ We are currently losing $25 million per day,” Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe warned in January. The move is another milestone in the long-running political dance between Congress and Postal Service managers over how to finance the delivery of mail to 151 million addresses, nearly 40 percent of the world's "snail mail" volume. Though its Capitol Hill critics complain that Postal Service should be made to operate “more like a business,” Congress has created a set of rules that all but guarantee billion-dollar losses. Those losses are almost entirely the result of the now-defaulted “pre-funding” requirement for retiree health insurance and other accounting charges. The Postal Service faces other constraints. It's banned from setting up retail outlets, for example, that could generate profits to help subsidize delivery costs. Worse, it is barred by Congress from charging the full cost of providing the service it is required to deliver. The Associated Press and NBC News' John Schoen contributed to this report.
That 'Justice League' movie may need a new script By DonKaye_ParallelUniverse There haven't been any official announcements -- and let's face it, you don't exactly make official announcements about this kind of thing -- but it's rumored that warner Bros. Pictures has sent its latest "Justice League" script into the Phantom Zone.
The news comes from Badass Digest, which cites multiple anonymous sources who claim that the screenplay by Will Beall has been tossed for one simple reason: it's terrible. That's not surprising, considering that Beall's screenplay for "Gangster Squad" was pretty weak too. But Beall might not be totally at fault here. One of the problems with the script was that aside from the villain (Darkseid) and the five main members of the League (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern and the Flash), other superheroes have apparently been shuffled in and out of the storyline by studio execs, seemingly at random. With hundreds of millions of dollars on the line, and no sure way to crack the script, the studio is said to be getting nervous about the entire enterprise. While that means that they could scrap the movie altogether, a more likely scenario is that they'll see how "Man of Steel" does this summer, and if this latest effort to reboot Superman takes off (and the trailer does look terrific), then "Justice League" might move forward again. That probably entails getting a whole new script, or at least a new writer, and with no director attached either, you have to wonder if "Justice League" will even be ready in time to do battle with "The Avengers 2" in the summer of 2015. Weren't we just talking about this earlier this week? Whether you're a Marvel or DC fan, there's no question that Marvel is eating not just DC's lunch, but its breakfast, dinner and bedtime snack when it comes to getting its heroes up in the screen. Comics writer Mark Millar, who's now at Fox trying to create a second Marvel universe, rubbed salt in the wound when he told Sci Fi Now a few days ago that producing a "Justice League" movie was "an excellent way of losing $200 million."
This week Horosc Aries Mar 21 – April 19 The support and assistance you need on Monday? You're going to get it, as a friend who can be of help is ready and waiting. Tuesday and Wednesday, luck is slightly less on your side, so try not to let frustration get the best of you and remember that not everything can go your way all the time. Things will be going your way again by Thursday. It's one of those up-and-down weeks. The fun to be had on Friday is of the spontaneous, unexpected variety (the best kind of fun), but Saturday and Sunday are more evenkeeled and quietly satisfying Taurus April 20 – May 20 The urge to splurge will be overwhelming on Monday. Hold on to your wallet when you go shopping! A loved one will reveal a secret on Wednesday. Once the facts are known, you'll be stunned. Your aura will radiate with a special glow when the Moon in Taurus sextiles Neptune on Friday. You'll make a favorable impression on everyone you meet. Household chores will require your attention on Sunday. Making a dent in the laundry will take more time than you think!
Cancer June 21 – July 22 A flash of insight will come your way on Monday. Use your newfound wisdom to resolve a perplexing problem. Try to take it easy on Wednesday. It isn't wise to sweat the small stuff. Self-doubt will finally vanish on Friday. You'll have the confidence to overcome a challenge. A lover may ask you to make a commitment when Mars trines Saturn in your romance zone on Saturday. If you're single, you may connect with a trustworthy new partner! Leo July 23 – Aug 22 Rejuvenate your lifestyle on Monday. It's time to be all that you can be! You may have the chance to relocate to a new area on Tuesday. Consider the pros and cons before packing your bags. Call some friends and invite them over for a party when the Moon sextiles your ruler Sun on Thursday. You'll be in the mood to have fun! Don't hurry through a task on Sunday. If you cut corners, you'll regret it later.
Gemini May 21 – June 20
Virgo Aug 23 – Step 22
You may be irritated by your employer's behavior on Monday. Remember to treat this person with respect. He or she signs your paycheck! Positive thinking will flood your mind on Thursday. You'll look at the world through optimistic eyes. A minor health issue could flare up on Saturday. It might be time to schedule a checkup with the doctor. You'll wear your heart on your sleeve when the Moon enters Gemini on Sunday. Emotions will guide your actions this weekend.
Reconciliation with a former foe is possible on Monday. This person wants to make amends. Your sense of personal power will rise to new heights when Mercury, your ruling planet, sextiles Pluto on Tuesday. No one will be allowed to intimidate you! Look at the big picture regarding a certain matter on Friday. Don't get bogged down in the petty details. A loved one may ask for your assistance on Sunday. Concentrate on the needs of others this weekend.
cope Predictions LDM APP Libra Step 23 – Oct 22 Capricorn Dec 22 – Jan 19 Tension may erupt at work on Monday. Rely on your diplomacy when interacting with colleagues. The timing will be right on Tuesday to start a particular project. Get ready to go ahead with your plans! A partner will be in an affectionate mood when the Moon sextiles your ruler Venus on Thursday. If you're single, it's a great time to ask someone special on a date. Take the high road on Saturday. Don't let anyone talk you into questionable activities. Scorpio Oct 23 – Nov 21 You'll have a very prophetic dream when Mercury sextiles your ruling planet Pluto on Tuesday. Write down your nighttime reveries for future reference. You may be prone to impulsive behavior on Wednesday. Think a certain matter through before taking any action. Pamper yourself on Thursday. Get a massage, soak in a warm tub, or eat some ice cream. An ex may contact you on Saturday. Don't lose your cool when dealing with this person! Sagittarius Nov 22 – Dec 21 A family member may knock on your door when the Moon in your home zone squares Jupiter on Monday. Your relative may ask to become a permanent houseguest! You'll be eager for excitement on Wednesday. Be cautious if you do anything risky. A cherished wish will finally come true on Thursday. Congratulate yourself for never losing hope in the matter. Search for serenity on Sunday. It's OK to toss aside your worries once in a while.
Listen closely to what a co-worker has to say on Monday. This person has information that might help your career. Banish negative people from your life on Tuesday. Associate with folks who have your best interests at heart. Pat yourself on the back on Thursday. You deserve to be congratulated for the kindness you show to others! Determination should be your middle name when Mars trines your ruler Saturn on Saturday. Don't quit until you reach the finish line. Aquarius Jan 20 – Feb 18 Make yourself happy on Tuesday. Find time to do an activity that you truly enjoy. Pursue your goals with gusto when the Moon sextiles the Sun in Aquarius on Thursday. You'll have the right stuff to succeed! You may have a date with destiny on Friday. A fated experience will turn your life in a different direction. A friend may ask you to go to a party on Saturday. Consider saying yes. Mingle with others this weekend. Pisces Feb 19 – Mar 20 You may experience fuzzy thinking when the Moon in Pisces conjuncts Mercury on Monday. Don't make any important decisions until your brain clears. You may decide to revamp your image on Tuesday. Buy an outfit that flatters your body type. A friend may give you a hot stock tip on Thursday. Consider following this person's financial advice. You'll dig in your heels regarding a certain issue on Saturday. Compromise won't be an option in this particular matter!
Shakira gives birth to a baby boy! Shakira's newborn son Milan Pique Mebarak in the arms of his father, FC Barcelona soccer player Gerard Pique, in Barcelona, Spain. Milan was born in Barcelona on January 22. Shakira is sharing the first public photograph of her recently born baby, with father Gerard Pique planting a kiss on his infant son's cheek. The 36-year-old Colombian singer announced Monday on Twitter that the photo of "my two angels" could be seen on the website of UNICEF. She has urged people to donate to a baby shower on behalf of needy children helped by the U.N. children's agency
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Grammys bans 'breasts, buttocks, and genitals,' advises against 'sheer see-through clothing that could possibly expose female breast nipples' When it comes to the Grammys, CBS execs have skin on their minds. Just days after the Tiffany Network accidentally broadcast MVP quarterback Joe Flacco dropping the F-bomb during the Super Bowl, a memo has leaked in which CBS brass urge music industry luminaries to keep Sunday's Grammy telecast squeaky clean. "Please be sure that buttocks and female breasts are adequately covered," reads the memo, distributed to awards show attendees and their representatives. "Thong type costumes are problematic," reads the memo, first published on Deadline.com.
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Monster storm dumps more than 3 feet By Ian Johnston and Erin McClam, NBC News Parts of New England woke up Saturday to the largest snowfall on record — more than 3 feet in places, with more to come — after a monster blizzard that packed hurricane winds, knocked out power and marooned cars. Transportation in much of the Northeast was at a standstill. The governors of Connecticut and Rhode Island ordered all roads closed so plows could work. ―This is a record-setting storm,‖ Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy said. ―Unless you face an emergency, please stay put.‖ At least three deaths were blamed on the storm, including an 81-year-old woman who was clearing snow and was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver. At least 645,000 people were without power, including 410,000 in Massachusetts and 172,000 in Rhode Island. Most major airports were closed — either officially or practically, with no flights taking off or landing. More than 5,300 flights were canceled, according to the website FlightAware. The three major New York airports were expected to struggle back to life starting at 9 a.m. Portland, Maine, had 29.3 inches of snow at 8 a.m. ET, making it the worst snowstorm in that city’s history, the National Weather Service said. Milford, Conn., had 38 inches on the ground, and the town of Hamden, outside New Haven, reported 34 inches.
Fairfield, Connecticut. Photo from Jennifer Buchanan
of snow on parts of Northeast The storm ranked as the second-biggest on record in Hartford, with 22 inches; the third-biggest in Worcester, Mass., with 28 inches; and the third-biggest in Providence, R.I., with 19.5 inches. Snow was still falling across much of New England on Saturday morning, making the totals certain to increase. Photo by Robert Dones Brooklyn NY
Photo by Barbara Perez Son Joseph looking at the snow Nashua NH
Boston had 21.4 inches, making it the No. 6 all-time snowstorm. Public trains and buses there were shut for a second day Saturday. Central Park in New York recorded 8.1 inches. The National Weather Service recorded peak wind gusts of 83 mph in Cuttyhunk, Mass. — the strength of a Category 1 hurricane. There were gusts of 72 mph in Westport, Conn., and 76 mph in East Boston. Plum Island, N.Y., had gusts of 75 mph.
Photo sent of his car
27" in Leominster, MA... Photo from Melissa Aikey
George Cartagena Jr Nashua NH
Fruits with a Look How do you like your next event to look a little more special and have everyone speak about it. Well try having fruits design shown on your next event email us
A Duck made of an apple. Strawberries shape like Rose. Melon looking like Swans. These are some of the things that we can do to help your next events.
Skip dessert and try chocolate wine for Valentine's Day By Linnea Covington, TODAY contributor
Pairing chocolate with wine is nothing new, but some wine makers have been pairing them in the bottle. The result, a rich, dessert-like beverage that, when done right, tastes similar to a smooth port – a perfect treat for Valentine’s Day. Of course, wine geeks aren’t eager to push this vino. ―I think it's just as bad as wine coolers, ‖ said Jonathan Cristaldi, a wine educator and consultant at The Noble Rot. ―It creates more unfortunate associations for wine. Sweet and chocolate? Who needs this? Drink chocolate milk or Bailey's.‖ Maybe wine snobs don't approve, but hey, some of them taste pretty good. For example, coming out of California is ChocolatRouge, a wine made with chocolate flavors sourced from cacao beans. There, the owners sampled chocolate from across the globe to pick the ones they thought paired best with their wine, and in the end, their Dark Red blend tastes like a slightly sweet velvety dessert wine rather than an overly cloying drink. Trentadue’s Chocolate Amore is a delicious port that uses Merlot grapes to create the base, and then, includes a natural chocolate extract to finish the blend. Another port-based option to try is Joseph Filippi Winery’s chocolate-infused Fondante Ciello, which is produced in the Cucamonga Valley in California. Want something more exotic? Try Vinedo De Los Vientos Alcyone Tannat, an Uruguayan wine made from the tannat grape. It’s a perfect fill-in for dessert – it’s rich, smooth and like drinking the center of a molten chocolate cake. There’s also chocolate wine that looks and tastes like chocolate milk. New Jersey-based Opici Wines produces their Cocoa di Vine, which when served chilled, tastes like a Nestle drink with a little buzz. Unlike its dark counterpart, this vino is made with the Pedro Ximenez grape, or Spanish sherry. Owner Don Opici writes on the website that, ―We tried several different chocolate formulas using a red wine base and didn’t find an appealing flavor profile. It wasn’t until we combined the chocolate with a white-wine base that the delicious aromas and flavors jumped out of the glass.‖ Of course, you can always skip the bottled combinations of chocolate and wine and instead enjoy them separately. Cristaldi says that the combination generally doesn’t go well together because ―the sweetness and bitterness and acid of chocolate tends to heighten the same characteristics in the wine.‖ He isn’t alone in this assertion. At Lakewood Vineyards in New York’s Finger Lakes wine region, winemaker Chris Stamp said he has struggled to find the right pairings for the annual Seneca Wine Trail’s chocolate and wine event happening at around 30 wineries this coming weekend. ―It took me a lot of long and hard searching to find these, but I have been surprised a few times that some things can go together,‖ he said. ―You want to use higher cocoa and less sweet chocolates, and try to pair with a fruit that has some acid.‖ Juliette Pope, beverage director at Gramercy Tavern, shared her tips for pairing the two. "If you have chocolate with berries or other fruit, go for a vintage port," she said . She suggests trying Dow’s Vintage Port 2007, or, for a less expensive option, their ruby port. For a more exotic and expensive option, Recioto della Valpolicella is a good bet. "If [you’re eating] chocolate with nuts and/or caramel and/or anything else in that vein, go Malvasia from Blandy’s or Leacock’s, or a sweeter style of Oloroso sherry," Pope added.
Romantic Ideas By Julie Spira, Online Dating Expert and founder of CyberDatingExpert.com With both the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day just 11 days apart, both men and women are looking forward to one of their favorite days of the year. If your expectations are high where you’re expecting an engagement ring, or you’re looking forward to spending quality time with someone you’ve just started dating, here are five fun Valentine’s Day ideas that won’t break the bank. Enjoy In-Room Dining – If you’ve waited until the last minute and realize that his or her favorite restaurant is already booked, pretend you’re on vacation and opt for an in-room dining alternative. Let her know that you’ll be bringing the appetizers and main course. Allow her to contribute the dessert to the menu. Create great ambiance with candles, music, and perhaps a bouquet of red tulips if roses aren’t in your budget. Take a Dance Class – Dancing to tango music can be very sexy. Dress up for the occasion and find a class near you. If tango isn’t your style, try salsa or hip-hop as an alternative. It will get your body moving and can get you in the mood for a romantic evening to remember.
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for Valentine
Book His-and-Her Massages – Having warm oil rubbed on your body is sensuous. If your relationship hasn’t moved in that direction yet, book Swedish massages for the two of you, so you both can enjoy the experience and compare notes afterwards. Create a Digital Scavenger Hunt – We know you’re attached to your mobile phones and tablets, so create a little mystery with your very own personalized scavenger hunt. Not sure where to start? Begin the day with a text message saying ―Happy Valentine’s Day‖ along with the first clue. When she arrives at the destination, send her a second clue requesting a Skype or FaceTime chat where you can wish each other a happy Valentine’s Day, video style. Third, send another text message on where you’d like her to go next. Have her pampered with a manicure or pedicure to get ready for your big date night. Fourth, at the end of the day, post an e-card greeting on her Facebook page for her and her friends to ―like.‖ Finally, send her a digital invitation with the exact location for your Valentine’s date. Remember to take photos along the way and share them on your Facebook, Pinterest, or Instagram accounts.
Skate Away – Whether it’s ice-skating or roller-skating, take your valentine to the closest rink in town. You’ll find yourselves reminiscing about your childhood while you get a little physical activity. Remember to catch her if she falls. Remember, at the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is as important to women as the Super Bowl is to the men. Make both of these dates memorable for the two of you.
80’s outfits that are coming back The 80’s was a good time for many. It is so good that the fashion is coming back. Looking around make you think that you should not have gave those clothes away. If only you would have known.
Chicago remembers teen victim of city gun violence Mourners, including first lady Michelle Obama, recalled the 15year-old who was killed in a gang violence incident just days after performing at President Barack Obama's inaugural. "You don't know how hard this really is, and those of you who do know how hard this really is, I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Cleopatra Pendleton told the packed South Side church. "No mother, no father should ever have to experience this." Hadiya Pendleton was shot and killed Jan. 29 as she stood with
friends at a neighborhood park about a mile from President Barack Obama's Chicago home in the Kenwood neighborhood. Just days before, the band majorette was among the performers during events for Obama's inauguration. Police say Pendleton was an innocent victim in a gang-related shooting. Her godfather, Damon Stewart, said someone on Facebook had asked what made Pendleton's death more noteworthy than those of more than 40 people who had already been slain in Chicago this year — many without so much as a mention in local newspapers. The response, he said, was obvious. "She's important because all those other people who died are important," Stewart said. "She's important because all of those lives and voices of those families who were ignored, she now speaks for them. ... I don't believe in coincidence. God needed an angel. God needed to send somebody for us to change. ―Police have said the shooting appears to be a case of mistaken identity involving gang members who believed the park, which is north of the University of Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, was their territory. No charges have been filed. Pendleton's death brought new attention to Chicago's homicide rate and the national debate over gun violence. Pendleton's slaying came in a January that was the city's deadliest in a decade. In 2012, Chicago recorded 506 homicides.
22-year-old N.J. woman leaps to death off George Washington Bridge A young up-and-coming fashionista jumped to her death off the George Washington Bridge Wednesday, police sources said.
Ashley Riggitano, 22, leaped from the span about 4:45 p.m. the sources said. The Paramus, N.J., native was a recent graduate of the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising in Manhattan and had started her own jewelry business, MissFits. Riggitano's family in New Jersey could not immediately be reached for comment.
Should you save By Kimberly Palmer, U.S. News & World Report If you're lucky enough to have some "extra" money in the form of a recent raise, unexpected gift or freelance earnings, you might be wondering how to spend it. Should you put it toward paying off debt, save it or splurge? The savings-versus-debt debate is a common one, so let's take a closer look at which option makes the most sense. Here's a five-step guide to making the smartest money moves:
No. 1: Do you already have an emergency savings account? We all need an emergency fund, even if we still have high-interest credit card debt to pay off. That's because emergencies can happen at any time -- we could suddenly need a root canal, a plane ticket home or washing machine repairs. At a time when credit is tight, we can't necessarily count on credit cards and other sources of loans to be there when we need them, so we need a stash of cash for these types of emergencies. You should aim to have at least three months' worth of expenses stored away. Even if money is tight or you're just out of school, putting a portion of your paycheck aside for a rainy day should be a top priority -- even more important than paying off debt. If you already have an emergency savings account, continue to the next question. No. 2: How much is your debt costing you? Many people don't make this simple calculation, but it shows just how costly debt is. To do the math for your own, make a list of all your loans -- auto loans, mortgage, credit card debt and anything else you owe on. Next to each amount, write down the interest rate. (If you don't know off the top of your head, look it up!) Multiply the two numbers -- that's how much each loan is costing you per year. A $10,000 car loan at a 6% rate costs about $600 a year. Keep that number in mind as we move on to the next step. No. 3: How much would your savings earn? If you do save this cash infusion, where would you put it? In a bank account that's earning a 1% return? Or into a money market fund, which might pay you more? In the current market, it's difficult to earn much more than 2% without taking on more risk. Pull out your notepad again and write down the total amount of cash in question, then multiply it by the rate of
or pay off debt?
Give yourself license to spend. By Donna_Freedman on Wed, Jan 23, 2013 Recently, I was one of six personal finance writers participating in a Google Hangout on the Air. The theme for the live video presentation was "Spend Less, Save More in 2013." (View the archived program on YouTube here.) During the discussion, Melissa Tosetti, who blogs at The Savvy Life, suggested a strategy that I think makes a lot of sense: Use a "spending book." This is not the same as a price book, which frugalists create to determine grocery prices. A spending book is a small notebook in which you write down things you need to buy (graduation gift, 50 pounds of rice) and also things you want to buy (new bestseller, trip to Hawaii). At once a reminder and a disciplinary tool, the spending book helps aim your dollars in the direction you desire. Specifically, it helps you focus on what you need right now, versus being distracted by bells and whistles.
return you could get on the money. Now, take a moment to compare your findings from steps two and three. Would paying off a chunk of your debt save you more money than you could earn by saving the cash? If so, then you're better off getting rid of the debt. That's a valuable piece of information that will help you make the final decision. No. 4: What are your expected earnings in the near future? If you expect to receive an additional windfall in the near future, in the form of a freelance check, gift from parents or any other income boost, you have a little more flexibility. If you'll have more money to work with soon, perhaps you can pay off debt as well as save. No. 5: What are your financial goals? If you have big plans that require a lot of cash, such as starting a small business, buying a house or traveling around the world, you probably want to pad your savings account so it contains more than just an emergency fund. Of course, paying off debt can also be helpful, because then you can embark on these new financial adventures without the added weight of old loans. But you still need cash to make those big goals happen. The final answer will depend on how you answered the questions above -- and it might involve a mix of spending, saving and paying off debt.
Healthy Alternative
Fancy Valentine's Day Desserts
Though you could just as easily present your loved one with a box of chocolates, why not spend a bit more time making your valentine a sophisticated, rich dessert that can be enjoyed together.
Black Pepper–Raspberry Sorbet with Prosecco Chef James Holmes of Olivia, in Austin, topped raw oysters with this sweetsavory sorbet before deciding it would make an excellent cocktail with Prosecco. A good-quality, store-bought raspberry sorbet is a fine shortcut.
Photo by: Jody Horton
Recipe: Black Pepper–Raspberry Sorbet with Prosecco
Vanilla Zabaglione with Raspberries The ethereal Italian dessert sauce zabaglione (known in French as sabayon) consists of egg yolks beaten with sugar and the Sicilian fortified dessert wine Marsala. Steeping vanilla seeds in the Marsala adds lovely flavor, while folding in whipped cream increases the decadence factor. Recipe: Vanilla Zabaglione with Raspberries
Photo by: James Baigrie Provided by
Godfatheer of Bucket Drummers In the 70's and 0's when time was tough and kids did not have everything kids have now. We was force to go outside and do things.
A A
100% dd to 100% dd to
Well Larry Wright was a young boy who took what he knew and took what he can have and started playing on buckets in my neighborhood in the bronx on 167st. His skills landed him a role on Mariah Carey first video "Someday" I seen him playing at 14th st station and can tell you that he still got it. The sounds that come out of there you forget that he is not playing on drums. It is good to see someone from my childhood but it is greater to see someone still doing what they love.
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ANNOUNCEMENT Happy 28th birthday to Brother Rham Gianan Feb 10 From: Reah Gianan
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Happy Birthday MOM Feb 18 From your Kids We Love you.
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