Question: Why Get an Online Education?

Because its just as good as an education from a bricks and mortar campus! I got my degree online (an MBA) and it was a great experience. Being able to still travel with my job and being able to continue my educational pursuits made perfect sense.

For a great example, check out the online degree programs offered by Western Governors Online University. WGU is a fully accredited online university and has been featured in articles by Time Magazine, Fast Company and the NBC Nightly News. That's an important thing I demand from an online degree program -- Accreditation. It means your degree will hold as much weight as any other out there from a campus-based school.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the tech sector is staying strong in this down economy. It makes a lot of sense to act now and work towards an online IT degree today. This way you will be able to improve your career and accelerate it while the rest of the jobs market is sluggish. Technology, especially Information Technology, is a huge growth industry and if you want to build a solid career, its the place you want to be.

This post was sponsored by WGU. Thanks for Reading.

Question: Where Does Money in a Market Fund Go?

A Money Market Fund is an bank account or investment account where in the cash is invested in very short term low risk securities. These are often short term bonds and overnight lending. Why the setup like this? Two reasons -- first, to guarantee the money will never go down in value. Second, to provide depositors a reason to keep their money in the bank. Getting something on your money is better than nothing and the 0.5% to 2% return on a money market fund is nothing to laugh at. The money in the fund is guaranteed by the bank as if it were a savings account. The money is used as the bank likes but its FDIC insured.

Question: Where is Health Care Cheaper?

Anywhere but here! No seriously folks, the U.S has the most expensive health care in the world. Of course its also the best but that doesn't necessarily mean it is the most value. The industry of medical tourism is flourishing thanks to high quality health care around the world. From spine surgery Mexico to dental surgery India, people are traveling outside of the U.S just to seek medical treatment. You can save thousands of dollars even after travel expenses!

Question: Should I Buy a Hybrid Car Next Time?

Sounds like a no-brainer, doesn't it? Buy a hybrid car and save big money on gas. But it actually is more complex than that. Basically there are three modes of cost savings and one mode of higher costs. All four need to be considered and determine whether the savings outweigh the costs and after how long.

Higher Costs:

1. Hybrids cost more than non-hybrids -- Between $2000 and $20,000 more for a hybrid than the identical model in non-hybrid form.

Costs Savings:

1. Gas! -- Save $100 to $500 on fuel per year.
2. Tax Credits! -- Save $1500 on some hybrid models.
3. Higher Resale!

Question: Do I Need a Call Center?

Does your business need the use of call centers? Well it all depend what type of industry you are in and what you want accomplished. If you are selling a product on TV, then you need a group to manage the phone calls and place the orders. If you are offering 24/7 customer service via phone, then you need a group of trained personnel to handle the calls. The Internet is great and useful but it sometimes just can't replace having someone available on the other end of the phone.

Question: In Business, What is Communication Management?

In Business and Project Management, a Communication Management Plan is the document which describes how communication will take place during the project. It addresses the needs of the project in terms of communication and plans out how these needs will be met. It can include an org chart with contact information, a plan on which regular meetings will take place, and how changes to the plan will be communicated to the team and stakeholders.

Question: Why Daytona?

Why not? Whether you are a Nascar fan or not, Daytona Beach could be a great vacation spot for you. Sure they have the Daytona NASCAR Museum and Experience -- a real sight to behold. But it also is a great American beach with lots to see and lots to do. Check out these daytona beach hotels for an example of how inexpensive your Daytona Vacation can be. We go there every year and it doesn't get old. An Atlantic - Ocean beach you can drive on with miles of fun and sun -- check it out in 2010.

Question: What is the Future of Media?

I find it very interesting how the public’s concept of “ownership” is rapidly changing when it comes to media. There has been little resistance to the movement from physical ownership to digital rights. I see our current position as only a step along the path. I think Steve Jobs only got it half right when he recently said,
Never say never, but customers don’t seem to be interested in it … The subscription model has failed so far

Very true Steve, but what we consider ownership has gradually changed. Take a look at this illustration.
Over time, people have taken the idea of media ownership from the purely physical to the entirely digital. At this given point in time, people buy and download music to their computers. Is this the end? No way and you’re foolish to think otherwise. The next step is buying the “digital rights” to play a song whenever, wherever you want. It’s not a subscription model, but instead just another way to think about ownership. Steve Jobs got it right when he said “People want to own their music” but that does not necessarily mean download. Take a look at this illustration for my next point.

The ease of use of digital media is what has driven it’s popularity. People could not take music with them when it was LP based. Then Cassettes and CDs came along with the era of the Walkman and people could take it with them. But you had to remember to bring along your favorite CDs (or mix tapes) with you or else your CD player would be of no use. Then came MP3 and digital storage which allowed people to bring their entire music collection with them everywhere they went. But you still have to remember to synchronize your new purchases and carry the same listening device with you. The next step is total freedom from having to remember to do these things. When you own the digital rights to a song, you can listen to it anywhere in the world, anytime, on any device you “log in to”. Your friend’s MP3 player — sure. The headrest of an airline seat — why not. Your car? Your office computer? Your running shoes? Yes, Yes and Yes. This is the future — it’s only a matter of time!

Question: Should I Buy Diamonds Online?

Yes, its possible and safe if you know how to do it. I actually bought my wife's engagement ring from the Internet and it turned out great. Here are my tips though -- whatever you are looking for from a diamond ring to a Diamond Initial Pendant, make sure you buy from a reputable online seller. That's the number one tip. Also look for graded diamonds. Getting a certificate from a gemologist is a good thing to have too. Happy shopping!

Question: What are Some Keyboard Shortcuts in the New Windows 7?

Geeks love shortcuts -- especially those which you don't need a mouse to do. You just tap for finger son the keyboard and pull up magic. Its a throw back to the old DOS days. Here is a list of Windows 7 shortcuts:
Global keyboard shortcuts:

* Win+Space operates as a keyboard shortcut for Aero Peek.
* Win+Up and Win+Down are new shortcuts for Maximize and Restore/Minimize.
* Win+Shift+Up vertically maximizes the current window
* Win+Left and Win+Right snap the current window to the left or right half of the current display; successive key presses will move the window to other monitors in a multi-monitor configuration.
* Win+Shift+Left and Win+Shift+Right move the current window to the left or right display.
* Win+ + and Win+ − (minus sign) zoom the desktop in and out.
* Win+Home operates as a keyboard shortcut for Aero Shake.
* Win+P shows an "external display options" selector that gives the user the choice of showing the desktop on only the computer's screen, only the external display, with the same output on both (clone), or on both displays with independent desktops (extend).

Question: What is a Netbook?

A netbook is like a notebook, only smaller. You know what a notebook (or laptop) is right? Well netbooks are just smaller, ultraportable versions of the laptops. They usually have less features but they are primarily for connecting to the Internet where you can surf, watch shows and read! They also cost a lot less than notebook computers -- as low as $200. Its great for tasking to Starbucks or somewhere else with Free WiFi and enjoying a cup of coffee!

Question: What Are Libraries in Windows?

In the new Windows 7, Libraries are like virtual folders. They group similar data in virtual collections -- this way the original files can be wherever they are on your computer but you will be able to find them together in your library. Its like it is ion the Internet -- you don't know where everything is but you know its there and that's good enough! Virtual folders are described in a .library-ms file that aggregates content from various locations. Searching in a library automatically groups all the data together!

Question: When is Black Friday?

Black Friday is the day after U.S. Thanksgiving, when stores open up early and there are crazy deals for shoppers. On Thanksgiving all the retailers will put out their ad in the paper and advertise their wares and the next day stores open at 5am or earlier. So how can you prepare for Black Friday 2009? There are many websites out there which show "sneak previews" of the ads. Just Google it. You will be able to find all the nest deals on digital cameras, bell tv plasmas, iPods, and toys. This way you will have a game plan before the big day and you can maximize your shopping experience!

Citigroup Breakup!

Is a Citigroup breakup just around the corner? Well it came one step closer a few months ago as Citigroup Inc agreed to get together with Morgan Stanley on its brokerage business. Citigroup’s Smith Barney brokerage firm will merge with Morgan Stanley’s wealth management division.

Lets see how far Citigroup goes before they announce their latest quarterly results in a couple of weeks. On October 22 Citigroup is expected to announce another bad quarter of losses.

Question: What Flooring Material is Most Eco-Friendly?

Which flooring material is most eco friendly? Is it tile flooring, wood flooring, bamboo flooring, linoleum, or carpet? Well when it comes down to manufacturing, each of these products take a lot of natural resources to create and ship, but when it comes down to durability, there are some real winners. Natural materials like bamboo and tile will last a long time due to its durability while other materials like carpet and linoleum are more prevalent to wear and tear.

A Low Tech Life Saver

Here’s an interesting fact that you may not be up on — what could the first technological solution to collision avoidance be? Well here is a hint — it was invented over 100 years ago! What could it be? The good old car horn, of course! I was reminded of this fact in an article from Slate magazine. The horn was on the first model T when it rolled off the assembly line and its been with us ever since. Low tech? Yes. Responsible for saving countless lives and people from injury? Absolutely! Let’s give a honk for the horn.

Question: Will Barcodes Be Used in the Future?

Think about this one -- will barcodes exist in the future? I mean, barcodes have always been like a "futuristic" idea with barcode scanner machines scanning people's neck tattoos, cars and products. But I feel like barcodes will not be int he future. Instead, RFID will be the prevalent technology. The "barcodes" will be hidden as tiny RFID chips and they will be read wirelessly. No more barcodes in the future!

Imagine That Auto Show!

With the North American Auto show in full force this week in Detroit, lets take a moment to think back to a simpler time in the American Auto Industry. Forget having to decide between GPS Navigation and AWD — can you believe there was a time when you couldn’t even pick your car color? No seriously — the Model T came in only one color between 1914 and 1925 - Black. Why’s that? High tech answer - black enamel paint back then dried a lot quicker than the rest and this meant efficiency on the production line. Pure genius. Here are some original specifications of the 1908 Model T:
• 4 cylindler, 4 cycle, 20 horsepower engine
• Artillery wood type wheels
• 10 gallon gas tank
• 1200 lbs weight
• Price $750 from the factory

Question: Will Old People Look Younger in the Future?

Here's something that's crossed my mind before -- will all these wrinkle cream products out there actually make old people in the future look better an younger than old people from the past? I mean, the proof is in the pudding and the future. When people who have taken good care of their skin and used these products for 30 years hit old age, will they look better than "regular" old people?

The Worst January in Years! Is 2009 Over Yet?

Remember back in January? The last week ended the worst January ever for the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500. For the month of January 2009, the Dow lost 8.8% and the S&P 500 lost 8.6%. The one bright spot? The Nasdaq didn’t do so bad — at least it wasn’t a record. The Nasdaq lost 6.4% in January, which was not the worst on record. The worst Nasdaq January was a 9.9% loss last year in January. Will anyone make any money in this market? All I can say is keep on buying securities and get your dollar cost average lower and lower. The future will one day be bright again and you will love all the low price stocks you bought.