For the first time since 1992, federal regulators have closed over 100 banks across the United States, a sign that the financial crisis is not yet over for financial institutions that have suffered heavy losses from the weakness of the real estate market. Seven banks were closed just yesterday, which brings this year’s total to 106.
While the situation is far from reaching 1992’s levels of bank closures, which topped 179 as the result of a savings-and-loan crisis, the fact that 106 banks have been closed spells a lot of trouble for the employees of the banks and the communities which …read more

It is true that many credit card issuers are cutting perks and rewards programs. If you are concerned about your perks, here are some things that can help you make sure you are getting the best credit card perks for you:

Watch out for “Platinum”: Interestingly, a “platinum” card may not have better perks than a “gold” or “silver” card from another issuer. It seems like “platinum” would offer the best deal, but it doesn’t always.
Understand the terms of your credit card reward program: One of the best things you can do is to read the fine print. You want to …read more

Have you heard? Last week, three Boston area Hyatt hotels fired 98 housekeepers and replaced them with out-of-state (read: less expensive) workers. The worst part? They tricked them into training their own replacements.
Wow!

The “debate” about health care reform continues. But of a little more interest to me is an article I read earlier today on MarketWatch. This article, from Kristen Gerencher, describes one health insurance company that is gravitating toward what is known as “value-based” health insurance. And, quite frankly, this type of health insurance looks better than what we have now.

If you read Tuesday’s interview with Tim Sanders, you know that you CAN save the world at work, just as Tim recommends in his book of the same name.
Today, I have 2 copies of the book to give away to you, dear readers.
Win Saving the World at Work
It’s very simple: Explain what you are doing to make the world at work a better place in the comments box.

One of the things that we have heard a lot about — from both political parties — is how we need to go out and spend money in order to help the economy. The bottom line is that our economy has evolved (or devolved?) to a point where debt-fueled consumer spending accounts for about 2/3 of the economic activity. This sort of spending leads to short-term, somewhat explosive growth. It means the boom times are bigger (as are the bust times). While dramatic economic growth may seem like a good thing, the truth is that the sort of economic model …read more

Dunkin’ is the most litigious brand out there. -  Attorney Robert Zarco Is Dunkin’ Donuts aggressively litigating its own franchisees for profit? That’s the claim being made by franchisee attorney Robert Zarco, who states “By far and away, Dunkin’ is the most litigious brand out there.’’  Sound outrageous?  What’s outrageous is that Dunkin’ Donuts franchisees are embroiled in more than 350 lawsuits with their franchisor.  According to the Boston Globe, Dunkin Donuts franchisees ” are accusing the company of aggressively targeting shop owners in an effort to terminate store agreements and collect hefty penalties for alleged contract violations.”

I pretty much walk around in a permanent state of awe whenever I find myself in the company of talented, creative people.
While I thoroughly enjoy seeing any kind of excellence in action, I tend to embrace the moment by standing around watching with my mouth hanging open.
I’m guessing I’d be speechless if I ever met the Ukrainian girl in the following video.

The Dr. Phil show recently announced that they would be hitting the road to meet their audience or followers. It seems that Dr. Phil’s team wants to reach out and extend their brand with this action. Could this be a smart move on their part by taking the show to the people which could help them reach more people? Another tool that Dr. Phil is using to brand is his website.

One of my favorite authors of all-time is Tim Sanders. I wrote about his first book Love is the Killer App in Be a Lovecat.
Recently, Tim re-launched his new book Saving the World at Work and I am excited to share an interview about this powerful book with you.
Saving the World at Work: Interview with Tim Sanders
Phil: What’s the major premise of Saving the World at Work?