Who doesn’t want a bigger savings account? With more money in the bank, you can take more vacations, pay off debt, make home improvements and even purchase a house. Unfortunately, saving money is easier easier said than done.

Many people have good intentions, but when it comes to actually saving, they drop the ball. It’s not entirely their fault. Nothing in this world is designed to make saving money simple. There’s the higher cost of housing, food and fuel. And because employment raises can be few and far between, most people earn just enough to cover their living expenses. But even if your present financial situation isn’t conducive to saving, you can take your savings account to the next level. I recently read a story about a newlywed couple who paid off $52,000 of consumer debt in 18 months, and there is a man who dug himself from under $80,000 of debt. Of course, no two stories or circumstances are alike. But if you work with what you have, you can increase your personal savings.

1. Increase Your 401(k) Contributions. 

Stop dragging your feet with regards to retirement planning. Even if you’re in your early 20s or 30s, it’s never too early to think about retirement. If your employer offers a 401(k) plan, talk to the benefits manager about joining the plan. And if you already participate in the plan, review your finances to see if you can increase your contributions. The money in your 401(k) retirement plan isn’t liquid like your bank savings account, and if you take an early withdrawal you’ll get hit with a penalty. However, if you lose your job or stumble upon other financial hardship, you can tap into this fund and cover expenses.

2. Open a Certificate of Deposit.

Some people frown upon certificate of deposits because cash in these accounts is unavailable for a certain number of months or years. But if you’re serious about saving, a certificate of deposit can take your savings to the next level. This is one of the safest investment strategies, and by opening a CD, you’re essentially investing your cash with the bank. But there’s a catch. Unlike money market and personal savings accounts, you cannot visit an ATM and withdraw cash from a CD at will. Funds in this account are tied up for the duration of the term, which can be six months to five years. A certificate of deposit can work if you’re bad with saving your money. These accounts force you to leave your cash in the bank, which isn’t exactly a bad thing. The longer you keep your money in the CD, the higher your return.

3. Contribute to an IRA

Don’t rely on a 401(k) or employee pension plan to get through retirement. These accounts will provide income during your retirement years, but it may not be enough. Be smart and take advantage of other retirement options, such as an individual retirement account (IRA). An IRA isn’t a specific investment account, but rather a portfolio of different investments. You can open an IRA with your bank, a financial advisor or a brokerage firm. And with an account, you can choose to invest in bank CD’s, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, money market accounts, etc. IRAs grow your personal net worth, and help contribute to a better retirement. In 2013, the contribution limit for an IRAs is $5,500 ($6,500 if you’re over the age of 50).

4. Bank Saving Options

Banks know the value of a personal savings, and many financial institutions make it easy for account holders to build their nest egg. Not only can you open one of many different types of savings accounts, some banks give the option of automatic savings. The specific features of this program vary depending on the bank, but they’re all designed to increase your savings faster and effortlessly. For example, for each debit card transaction, some banks will automatically deduct and transfer $1 from an account holder’s checking account to his savings account. And with roundup programs, some banks roundup every debit card transaction to the nearest $1 and then deposit the difference into the account holder’s savings account.

5. Take 10% Off the Top

Nobody every said saving money was easy, and if you’re ready to build a liquid financial cushion, make every effort to pay yourself first. Sure, it’s a hard concept to grasp, especially if you’re living paycheck-to-paycheck. But if your landlord increased your rent, or if your employer has to deduct more from your check for health insurance, you would probably find a way to live without the extra money. Not to say that your finances wouldn’t feel the pinch, but you’ll eventually adjust. This is how you have to approach saving your money. There are a million things you can do with 10% of your income – go shopping, hang out with your friends, order the best cable package and hire someone to help around your house. But these choices don’t have long-term benefits. The more cash you put aside, the easier it is to survive a financial crisis. And maybe 10% is a stretch – can you put aside 5% of your income? It’s not so much about the percentage – it’s all about consistency and prioritizing.

5 Ways to Take Your Savings Account to the Next Level is a post from: Lifed

Dating Can Be Difficult And Expensive, But With These Inexpensive Dates You Can Pull Off Just About Anywhere, It Doesn’t Have To Be.

Everything today is more expensive than it used to be. Gas, food, movies — you name it, and it’ll probably cost you. But don’t sign away the life rights to your firstborn just yet. These inexpensive dates will allow you more freedom to step out with that special someone and not have to sacrifice your financial future.

1. Retrace Your Steps.

Who This Is For: Couples Who Are At (Or Have Passed) Significant Milestones In Their Life Together

What’ll It Cost: Depends on how much you’re reliving. We suppose it could be anywhere from $0 to $1 jillion.

If that first date was expensive, don’t recreate the whole thing. Just find one inexpensive something-special that you did together that evening and then redo it. In George Santayana’s “Reason in Common Sense,” a portion of his larger work, The Life of Reason, the writer states famously, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” While we can see what Santayana was getting at from a leadership POV, the past doesn’t have to be such a bad thing with regard to your love life. This is a fun, nostalgic way for veteran couples to stir up the romance before it goes missing for good. I personally used this one on the night I proposed marriage to my wife. Luckily, she said yes, and after we finished breaking the news to our families, we went out for dinner and revisited all the locations of our first date.

2. Roku Together.

Who This Is For: Couples Who Are Past The First Date Jitters

What’ll It Cost: With many of the channels free-of-charge, all it really takes is the purchase of a Roku (about $80 new, we got ours for $20 from a Facebook friend, who was getting rid of his, and it works perfectly, so shop around).

If not a Roku, apply the same logic to whatever device you’re thinking about getting. We’ve called this section “Roku Together,” but in reality, you don’t have to own a Roku to make this one work. It could be anything: media center/apps on your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3, Blu-ray or flat-panel television with SmartTV function, your laptop. The point is that you find a good how-to video of mutual interest and then, together, try to recreate the project. Obviously, cooking works the best. Channels like Chow.com offer a variety of step-by-step tutorials on food preparation that can be quite fun to tackle as a team. And if cooking isn’t your thing, there are also a variety of special interest videos you may want to consider — hunting, martial arts, fitness. Just tap in to your individual interests and your couples dynamic to determine the best subject matter.

3. Sport It Up.

Who This Is For: Young And Established Couples

What’ll It Cost: An initial investment in equipment and supplies (if needed); free ongoing.

Playing sports together and unleashing that competitive side can be fun and sexy for couples, who are looking to kindle the fires of romance. Whether you’re playing tennis, racquetball, or air hockey, sports gives you an opportunity to let down your guard and explore romantic tension, which can be so important to establishing a lifelong connection. This is something that can be done by the modest and immodest. Whether you’re idea of sports is a pair of bowling shoes and an eight-pound ball or a tight tank, short skirt, and tennis racket, you’ll like seeing each other’s competitive sides. And in case you’re concerned about ending up with someone, who doesn’t like sports, there are both primary and specialty dating sites on the web that can help you find the right match. Personally, we think this is a good entry on the list of inexpensive dates because it can also help you weed out personality types, who are either too passive or too aggressive (if that’s not what you’re looking for).

4. Fairs, Festivals, And Local Events.

Who This Is For: Newbies And Couples Tired Of The Same Old-Same Old

What’ll It Cost: Free to flexible Every city has an entertainment guide.

It may be a website or a free magazine that you grab from the lobby of a coffee shop on your way to the parking lot after a meal. Find it, follow it, and plan your calendar around it. You can use it to discover local concerts, attend art exhibits, hit county fairs and book signings, or visit a farmers’ market. These are great ways to spend time together and learn more about your potential mate.

5. Wine Tasting.

Who This Is For: Foodies And Wine Connoisseurs

What’ll It Cost: $0 to $100. Any more than that, and you may have a problem.

If Arkansas can have a winery, then we’re pretty certain there’s one lurking in your state. A trip to a vineyard will usually get you some free wine samples and a great meal as many have restaurants on the premises. The views are incredible, the tastes are magnificent. The only problem is that you may need someone to drive you home if you both over-indulge. But even with that, the location is great for walking one off.

6. Pop Some Tags.

Who This Is For: Second Date And Beyond

What’ll It Cost: Up to you (and your significant other)

The Macklemore-Ryan Lewis rap tune “Pop Some Tags” has an important message that you can learn in the dating world. Sometimes being cheap is a good thing. By taking your date to thrift shops, consignment stores, (some) antique stores, and other “Mom and Pop” type stores, you can indulge that love of shopping for a fraction of the price. Along the way, you can also discover some forgotten gems, childhood memories, using those trips down memory lane to reveal more of yourself to the other person.

7. Couples Classes.

Who This Is For: Couples Without A Roku (See No. 2)

What’ll It Cost: $50 to $100 per month — maybe more, maybe less It’s hard to put a price on what a professional will charge to teach you things, such as mixed martial arts, ballroom dancing, or pottery, but whatever it is, can be worthwhile.

I once did a ballroom dancing class for about $35 per month (per person). We met twice per month, and there were two of us, so essentially I took the girl on two $35 outings each month. Talk about an affordable date! As for finding classes, your local Chamber of Commerce is a great place to start.

8. Heritage.

Who This Is For: Couples With An Appreciation For History

What’ll It Cost: $0 to ?????

You may be living in a more interesting place than you think, and what better way to discover just how unique your town is, than with someone who shares your interests? The story of a country is the sum of many parts. Major historical events have played out across every landscape from Florida to Washington State. Same goes for anyone outside the US. Find out what it is about your state, city, or town, that’s cool, and then dig deeper into the experience. A museum of history is the perfect starting point. Example from where I live: Fort Smith, Arkansas, was the hub of the American West and the birthplace of the US Marshals. It’s where the John Wayne/Jeff Bridges film True Grit takes place (or originates), and it’s not far from historic Civil War battle sites. If my town is that interesting, so is yours. You’ve just got to seek it out.

There is seriously no shortage of inexpensive dates that you can put into practice. Which will you choose?

8 Inexpensive Dates You Can Pull Off Just About Anywhere is a post from: Lifed

Whether you’re a child or an adult, there are free mobile game apps that start out as fun diversions but quickly turn into full-fledged, impossible-to-break addictions. You might laugh at others who just can’t break their Angry Birds habit (included in the list below of course), but once you try it, you’ll find that you can’t stop trying to go just one more level.

Many of these games have cult followings and others have grown to become some of the most popular mobile apps of all time. Many have become multi-million dollar licensing behemoths with branded merchandise of every type accessible through retail stores. The wider the audience appeal is, the bigger the potential profits are!

Check out the 10 most addictive free mobile game apps for people of all ages below. Is your favorite game included?

1. Angry Birds

At the top of the list of the most addictive mobile game apps, Angry Birds is also one of the most successful brand licensing stories in recent years. Angry Birds exploded in popularity shortly after it debuted, and today, you can buy Angry Birds shirts, lunch boxes, electronics, toys, and much more.

There is a reason why Angry Birds is so popular. It includes all of the elements that feed a mobile game addiction. Funny characters – check. Entertaining sounds – check. A lot of free levels and content – check. The list goes on and on, and with the launch of brand extensions like Angry Birds Space, Angry Birds Rio, Angry Birds Star Wars, and more, this is an addiction that few people will be able to break in the near future.

Get Angry Birds from iTunes or Google Play.

2. Minecraft

The free version of the mobile Minecraft Pocket Edition game gives users just enough content to hook them and motivate them to purchase the full version. Minecraft fans are loyal and vocal. Either you’re with them or you’re simply not cool.

Get Minecraft Pocket Edition Lite/Demo from iTunes or Google Play.

3. Temple Run

Don’t let the monkeys get you. Run, jump, duck, and turn–that’s all there is to it. Easy right? Try it and decide for yourself. You’ll be addicted after your first try, and you’ll want to download Temple Run 2.

Get Temple Run from iTunes or Google Play.

4. Subway Surfers

Keep running and avoid the subways and obstacles. Don’t get caught. Like Temple Run, it seems easy but it’s not. You’ll be addicted as soon as you’re caught the first time.

Get Subway Surfers from iTunes or Google Play.

5. Fruit Ninja

Slice the fruit but not the bombs. Even the Zen Mode is addicting!

Get Fruit Ninja from iTunes or Google Play.

6. Candy Crush

It’s a match-three game with candy. What’s not to love? Ask yourself that question when you’ve reached level 36 and the chocolate keeps replicating or when you’ve made it to the dreaded level 65. You can get help by connecting with your Facebook account and asking them to share additional lives with you or by paying for upgrades, but with persistence (and a willingness to feed your addiction), you can make it on your own.

Before you start this game, you should know that you can only play a certain number of levels before you have to ask friends for help or pay to access more.

Get Candy Crush from iTunes or Google Play.

7. Tetris

There is a reason why this classic game has been around for so long. It’s completely addictive. Many have tried but few have succeeded in resisting the allure of a moving puzzle. This game is free from Google Play, but if you need to download it from iTunes to use on your mobile device, the cost is $0.99.

Get Tetris from iTunes or Google Play.

8. Jetpack Joyride

The creators of the highly addictive Fruit Ninja also created Jetpack Joyride, so it’s not surprising that this game is equally addictive. How can anyone not love a game where you get to break into a secret laboratory, fly with cool jetpacks, and fight evil scientists?

Get Jetpack Joyride from iTunes or Google Play.

9. Falldown

Falldown is a simple game with simple graphics, but it’s incredibly addictive. In fact, it could be argued that the simplest game premise is often the most addicting. If that argument is true, then Falldown is one of the best pieces of evidence. Download it and you’ll see that trying to keep the little ball on screen is harder than it looks. Be warned, you’ll quickly find yourself saying, “Just one more try,” again and again.

Get Falldown from iTunes or Google Play.

10. Bubble Worlds

Shoot the bubbles at bubbles of matching colors to destroy them and release the bananas. It might sound like a boring concept, but the addition of obstacles, lightning, and replicating bubbles makes it challenging and very hard to stop playing. Unfortunately, Bubble Worlds is only available for Android devices right now. Similar games that are available on both Android and iOS devices and are equally addictive include Bubble Mania (iTunes or Google Play) and Candy Dash (iTunes or Google Play).

Get Bubble Worlds from Google Play.

10 Most Addictive Free Mobile Game Apps for All Ages is a post from: Lifed

You’ve got a growing baby bump and, naturally, you want to do everything you can to protect it. Yet, in our modern world, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to avoid potentially dangerous toxins and chemicals altogether.

It’s a common experience for a woman who has discovered she is pregnant to take a closer look at the products in their shower, medicine cabinet, and makeup bag and recoil in fear after seeing all of the scary-sounding chemical names that she has been putting on or in their body, and possibly exposing their fetus to. Fortunately, the dangerous products are easy to avoid, as long as you know what to look for, and there are plenty of safe alternatives you can use to stay looking and feeling at your best throughout your pregnancy. Read on to discover which products you should avoid during pregnancy and what to replace them with.

Anti-aging Creams with Retinoids

By far, retinoid or retinol-containing products are the number-one type of beauty product you need to avoid during pregnancy. These vitamin-A compounds are associated with birth defects and are classified as category “X”, meaning they are unsafe for use during pregnancy. While oral retinoids, such as the acne medication Accutane, are especially dangerous during pregnancy, topical retinoid creams, such as those found in certain prescription anti-aging and acne medications, are thought to be dangerous during pregnancy as well. While over-the-counter products typically don’t contain retinoids in very high doses, be sure check your anti-aging products for retinoids, as you ideally do not want any retinoid exposure during your pregnancy.

Popular prescription creams with retinoids: Tazorac (tazarotene), Retin-A (tretinoin), Differin (adapelene)

Non-prescription creams with retinoids: Neutrogena Ageless Intensives Deep Wrinkle Serum, Afirm, Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraclulous Anti-Aging Retinoid Pads, anything with “Retinol”, “Retinyl”, “Retinoids”, or “Vitamin A” on the label.

Safe alternatives: Use a retinoid-free moisturizer/anti-aging cream. According to Fit Pregnancy, Aveeno Positively Ageless Rejuvenating Serum is a good anti-aging cream for pregnant women.

Acne products with salicylic acid

Salicylic acid is a chemical that belongs to the aspirin family. It has a mild peeling effect, and is thus used to chemically exfoliate skin to help with acne. Beta hydroxyl acid (BHA) is another form of salicylic acid. While salicylic acid has only been shown to cause birth defects and other pregnancy complications when taken orally, it is also best to avoid topical salicylic acid as well. Very small amounts of topical salicylic acid to spot treat acne may be safe, but it is important to avoid using salicylic acid scrubs and face/body peels containing salicylic acid if you are pregnant.

Safe alternatives: Use a gentle cleanser and oil-free cosmetics to help reduce pregnancy acne. See if your doctor can prescribe a safe topical antibiotic if pregnancy acne is severe.

Sunless tanning products

Sunless tanning products, including self-tanning sprays and lotions, as well as the spray-on tans you get at a tanning salon, contain the product dihydroxyacetone, or DHA. Some studies have shown DHA to be mutagenic, or to cause mutations. While DHA is not absorbed by the skin, particles of this chemical tanning agent may be inhaled during application, particularly when spray-on products are used. The effects on pregnant women have not been extensively studied, but it is best to avoid this product in pregnancy.

Safe alternatives: While UV tanning isn’t recommended during pregnancy (especially not in the case of tanning beds, which can potentially elevate your body temperature to unsafe levels for pregnancy), there’s nothing wrong with going outside and getting a little sun each day. While providing your skin with some natural color (though you should not expose your skin to the point that you burn or tan deeply), small amounts of sun exposure during pregnancy can help increase your vitamin D levels and provide mood-boosting effects to combat pregnancy depression. Keep in mind that your skin may be more sensitive to sunlight during pregnancy.

Hair treatments

The effects of hair dye and straightening treatments on pregnant women are not well-examined, but some studies have shown that hair salon workers who are exposed to these harsh chemicals on a regular basis are at increased risk for cancer and adverse pregnancy outcomes. Little, of any, of these products is absorbed through the skin; however, breathing in these chemicals for extended periods of time may be a concern. While some doctors may approve an occasional hair dye or treatment during pregnancy, be sure your facility is well-ventilated or take the proper ventilation precautions if dying your hair yourself at home. To be on the safe side, avoid getting any hair treatments in your first trimester of pregnancy.

Safe alternatives: According to BabyCenter, pure Henna (Lawsonia inermis) dye, which provides a red-orange color, is considered safe. Fast-acting or colored henna is not pure and may contain potentially dangerous chemicals or metals.

Products with phthalates

Phthalates are plasticizing agents found in certain cosmetics and beauty products. This group of chemicals has not been proven to cause birth defects in humans, but animal studies indicate these compounds have disturbing reproductive effects, disrupting hormonal levels and interfering with male sexual development. Unfortunately, these substances are not typically listed on product labels; however, there are some ways you can avoid them. Avoid products with strong fragrances (including products that use the word “fragrance” on the label), as these commonly contain phthalates. These include body sprays, room sprays, body washes, and many others. Phthalates are also found in nail polish and hair spray – though these chemicals aren’t absorbed through the nails or hair, they may be inhaled during application.

Safe alternatives: To minimize phthalate exposure from nail polish and hair spray during pregnancy, WebMD recommends using a nail polish that is labeled as phthalate-free or polishing nails in a well-ventilated area, and using a hair mousse or gel instead of a spray that gets in the air. When it comes to scented skin products like body washes, lotions, and sprays, choose phthalate -free products made from natural ingredients, and check labels for the word “fragrance.”

Hair removal creams

Hair removal/minimizing creams, also called depilatories, commonly contain a chemical called thioglycolic acid. This is a harsh, irritating chemical whose reproductive effects are not known – but the fact that it is strong enough to cause the hair to separate from your skin is not a good sign. To hide the strong scent of this chemical, hair removal creams typically contain strong fragrances, which may contain phthalates. To be on the safe side, avoid these harsh products.

Safe alternatives: Shave or wax instead. It is a myth that shaving causes body or facial hair to grow back darker or thicker.

(Some) herbal products

While most women take a good look at any medications they are taking during pregnancy, fewer may stop to think about herbal supplements they are taking. Nevertheless, “natural” does not always mean “safe.” Dangers can be especially pronounced if the herbal product is taken orally. Some herbs act as uterine stimulants, have hormonal effects, or may cross the placenta. Avoid the following herbs during pregnancy, as they are classified as “Unsafe” or “Likely Unsafe”:

Black Cohosh – when used orally

Blue Cohosh – orally

Dong Quai – orally

Ephedra – orally

Goldenseal – orally

Passionflower – orally

Pay D’Arco – orally in large doses

Pennyroyal – orally or topically

Roman Chamomile – orally in medicinal amounts

Saw Palmetto – orally

Yohimbe – orally

Aloe, evening primrose, feverfew, ginseng, kava kava, and senna are also categorized as “Possibly Unsafe” when used orally in pregnancy, and the same goes for rosemary when it is used orally in medicinal amounts.

Safe alternatives: Talk to your doctor about which, if any, herbal supplements or topical products are safe to use in pregnancy. Generally, red raspberry leaf, ginger, and peppermint leaf, are considered safe and even beneficial during pregnancy when taken in the amounts contained in foods or teas.

Other crazy chemicals

In addition to the substances described above, there are many other potentially dangerous chemicals lurking in personal care products, including soaps, lotions, makeup, deodorants, and others. These have not been definitively proven to cause problems during human pregnancy at the small levels in which they are contained in beauty products, though chemicals like formaldehyde are classified as a “probable carcinogen” and research into the potentially dangerous effects of substances like parabens in pregnancy is ongoing.

As a general rule, it’s a good idea to buy mostly natural, organic personal care products, and to check health and beauty products for the following potentially harmful ingredients before you make a purchase. Natural personal care products are often sold at health food stores and online. To help ease your mind a bit, note that if you are applying the product to a small amount of your skin surface area (less than 10 percent), the risks are relatively low. Talk to your doctor if you have questions or concerns about these or other chemicals found in health and beauty products in regards to your pregnancy.

Parabens (benzylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben)
Sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate
Formaldehyde (imidazolidinyl urea, diazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol or bronopol, sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate)
Artificial colors (Red 28 Lake Aluminum, Red 30 Lake Aluminum, CI 75470, Acid Yellow 23 Lake Aluminum)
Triclosan
Oxybenzone*
Methylisothiazolinone (MIT)
Hydroquinone
Mercury compounds (phenylmercuric salts, acetate, nitrate)
PEG 20
Propylene glycol
Sodium benzoate

*Oxybenzone is an active ingredient in many sunscreens, which has been shown to be absorbed by the skin of the wearer. While it has been linked in one study to low birth weight in girls, the evidence against its use in pregnancy is not conclusive and some experts say its benefits (preventing skin cancer) outweighs its potential risks. However, there are safer alternatives, including sunscreen made with the minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which block sunrays without being absorbed by the skin.

Health & Beauty Products to Avoid During Pregnancy is a post from: Lifed

Love Is A Many Splendored Thing, But Only When It’s Taken Seriously. These Great Couples In History, 1900 To The Present, Are Prime Examples Of What A Relationship Should Be.

In today’s world, marriages and relationships are entered in to haphazardly. Still, everyone wants to find their one true love — that forever friend — whom they can live with, and for, for all the remaining days of life. The great couples in history you’re going to read about now were able to pull it off. Will your relationship be the next on this list?

7. Jackie Robinson / Rachel Isum Robinson

Jackie Robinson married Rachel Isum Robinson in 1946. A struggling baseball player coming into his own during the days of the Negro Leagues’ integration with Major League Baseball, Robinson was a pioneer. But he would be the first to tell you his accomplishments would have been impossible without the support his wife provided. The couple were married close to 26 years before a heart attack took Robinson early. For every bump in the road and indignity that society tried to thrust upon Robinson, Rachel stood by her husband’s side. Even after his MLB career ended, the couple continued fighting against injustice when it would have been very easy to step out of the public eye and rest on their laurels. They were supporters of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rachel devoted her professional life to nursing while growing up in an immature society that looked down on both her color and gender. She began the Jackie Robinson Foundation after her husband’s death to assist minority youth in achieving collegiate success and today, she and the foundation remain active forces in establishing equality for all.

6. Tanya Rider / Tom Rider

According to an ABC News report, Tanya Rider went missing on September 20, 2007. Once husband Tom Rider found out that his wife had not turned up to a shift, he knew something was wrong. Tanya worked two jobs and was as reliable of an employee as any company could ever have. Frantic, Tom began the hard job of convincing police to investigate the crime as a missing persons case. Through patient (and impatient) persistence, he eventually did, but would also fall under their radar of suspicion. As he sat down to take a polygraph test on the eighth day of his wife’s disappearance, the police received a call that Tanya’s car had gone off the road and overturned somewhere in the woods near the couple’s house. Amazingly enough, she was inside the vehicle — alive, but critically close to death. Throughout that turbulent week, Tom was the only one who believed his wife was still out there. He never gave up hope and without his persistence in the face of his wife’s almost certain death, authorities would have never found her until it was too late. Last we heard the Washington state couple were still together, and while it’s anyone’s guess what the future might hold, at that moment in history, Tom and Tanya Rider were perfect for each other.

5. Ronald Reagan / Nancy Reagan

No matter how you feel about politicians and their beliefs, you’ve got to include Ronald and Nancy Reagan as one of the great couples in history, at least for the 1900 to present day time period. The couple were married on March 4, 1952. Reagan, a divorced actor with political aspirations, was still recovering from his first wife (and the mother of two of his children), Jane Wyman, filing for divorce. Nancy Davis was a horrified young actress trying to enlist Reagan’s help with distinguishing her name from another Nancy Davis, who’d turned up on a Communist blacklist. If it wasn’t love at first sight, it was something very close to it. One of Nancy’s press secretaries had this to say about the couple later in life: “They never took each other for granted. They never stopped courting.” When Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Nancy was his fierce protector. When he eventually died in 2004, after 52 years of marriage, she could be seen kneeling down, resting her head on his coffin.

4. Victoria Wrubel / Steven Wrubel

The names Victoria and Steven Wrubel probably don’t ring any bells. After all, they’ve never been the subject of any movies or monumental historic events, save for one. Until April 11, 2013, they were the world’s longest living married couple at 83 years. That was the day that Victoria, at age 101, died. She was survived by her husband, who as of this writing is 103 years old. According to the Huffington Post, the new oldest living couple is Norman and Normah Burma, who have been together 82 years.

3. Xu Chaoqing / Liu Guojiang

When they first met, Liu Guojiang was a six-year-old boy, and Xu Chaoqing was a 16-year-old bride. It was her wedding day when she was approached by the young boy, who in keeping with local custom, wanted her to touch the inside of his mouth for good luck since he’d just lost a baby tooth. Nervous, Liu bit Xu, who turned a sharp eye to him. A nearby woman laughed: “Little rascal, when you grow up, you should find a pretty girl like this!” Liu did find that pretty girl. The same pretty girl, 10 years later, after four children and a recently deceased husband (due to meningitis) left her a widow. To escape village scrutiny, the couple would escape to the mountains of southwestern Chongqing and spend about 55 years together, having four children of their own and three from Xu’s prior marriage (her fourth from the first marriage died). Concerned for his wife’s safety, Liu built a 6,000-step “ladder of love,” so she could walk up and down the mountain without injury. Liu died in 2007. Xu followed five years later.

2. Perry Como / Roselle Como

Singer Perry Como met wife Roselle when the two were still in high school. Their relationship quickly turned to marriage upon graduation. It would be a decision neither would regret for the next 65 years. According to an obituary for Roselle, who died in 1998 — Como followed in 2001 — Perry referred to his wife as “my anchor.”

“I wasn’t always a success. In the early years there were some rough times when I thought I’d quit the business. Roselle always stood by me, never pressuring me either way,” Como added.

When asked why he’d never had an affair during the six and a half decades of marriage, Como said he “had a lot of opportunities,” but “never took advantage of the position I’m in where a lot of women throw themselves at you. Not because I’m a saint, because I’m not. It was because I knew what I had with Roselle was special. She’s special. … I would never have risked doing anything that might hurt Roselle. I would sooner have died. She is a wonderful woman. Her children and her husband come first. I never want for anything at home. She’s my ‘girl.’ She’s my best friend.”

1. Ida Straus / Isidor Straus

In 1912, Isidor Straus was known as the co-owner of Macy’s Department Store, but the events of April 15 would change that identity forever. Instead of forever being remembered as a successful businessman, he and wife Isidor would forever go down as one of the great couples in history thanks to their words and actions on the night their passenger liner, the RMS Titanic, hit an iceberg and plunged to her death. Eyewitnesses at Lifeboat No. 8 offered a moving account of true love and devotion. Isidor could not bear getting on a lifeboat with so many women and children being held back. He would not let his wealth and identity save him when so many Innocents were condemned to die. Ida, his wife of 40 years, saw there was no persuading her husband and instead of boarding the lifeboat, decided to give her spot to a newly hired maid. “I will not be separated from my husband. As we have lived, so will we die, together,” she was reported to have said. They were last seen arm-in-arm on the deck of the Titanic by departing lifeboats. The couple had seven children, and were survived by six at the time of their deaths.

Which of these great couples in history, 1900 to present, do you think were the greatest? Share your thoughts below.

Great Couples In History: The 7 Best From 1900 To Present Day is a post from: Lifed

Along with this financial education, some parents toy with whether to introduce their teenagers to plastic. On one hand, they might feel that cash is the safest method of payment at this stage in life. But on the other hand, some parents feel that it is important to get older kids into the habit of managing plastic. Teens who learn how to manage credit under the guidance of their parents typically make wiser credit decisions in their adult years. But there’s an even bigger decision - a prepaid credit card or a real credit card.

Each parent has to decide what’s best for his own kid, and several factors should be considered, such as the age of the kid and his level of responsibility. Fully understanding key differences between a prepaid credit card and a credit card can help you make the best choice.

• Qualifying

• A prepaid credit card is by far the easier to get. You can pick up these cards from any drug store, grocery store or gas station and activate the card in minutes. There is no application process, thus no qualifying. Anyone can get a prepaid credit card. This isn’ t the case with a credit card. Teenagers under the age of 18 cannot qualify for a credit card without a cosigner. This is where it gets interesting. In order for your kid to have a credit card, you’ll have to complete an application, authorize the credit card company to pull your credit and then wait for an approval (or rejection). And since this process results in a credit inquiry, getting your minor teenager a credit card can temporarily lower your credit score.

• 
  Overspending

• It’s impossible to overspend with a prepaid credit card. These cards are unique and your teen can only spend what he deposits on the card. This is the complete opposite with a credit card. Credit cards have predetermined credit limits, and with a credit card in his hand, your teen can spend freely up to this limit. Sure, you may give him a spending limit each month. But he’s a kid. And sometimes, a credit card is too much freedom. There’s the risk of overspending. If your teen maxes out his credit card – and some do – this can affect your personal rating as cosigner. And if he exceeds his limit, this creates a new set of problems, such as an over-the-limit fee and a reduced credit limit.

• Fees

• There are costs with a prepaid credit card. You have to purchase the card, plus pay a monthly fee and a reload fee. Because of these fees, some parents stay away from prepaid cards. However, these fees don’t compare with credit card fees. Think about this. Unless your teen (or you) pays off the credit card each month, he’ll pay interest on his balance. And let’s not ignore annual fees which are common with certain types of credit cards, such as secured credit cards and reward credit cards. Depending on the credit card company, there are also fees to pay the bill over the phone or take a cash advance. If your teen pays the bill late – which he is likely to do at least once – there is also a late fee. Do the math and a prepaid credit card make sense from a financial standpoint.

• Building credit scores

•  Look at the big picture and consider what you hope to accomplish. Do you simply want to introduce your teen to credit management and help him budget, or do you want to jump start his credit history? How you answer this question can determine whether a prepaid credit card or a real credit card is best. A prepaid credit card is nothing more than a fancy debit card. These cards, however, aren’t tied to a bank account like debit cards. You can deposit cash directly onto your prepaid card or transfer funds from a bank account. Although a prepaid card looks like a credit card and basically used the same way, they aren’t credit cards. And unfortunately, a prepaid credit card doesn’t build or help your teen’s credit history. A real credit card, on the other hand, will establish your kid’s credit history. These cards are issued by banks, and each month, the bank reports account activity to the three credit bureaus. If your teen pays his bill on time each month and keeps his balance low, he can build a strong credit score before moving out of your house.

Prepaid vs. Credit Card for Teenagers is a post from: Lifed

Jargon is used in every industry and profession, and business jargon ranks as one of the most commonly used forms of jargon. These over-used terms add little to the speaker’s statements, can be distracting, and are often grammatically incorrect.

Furthermore, numerous research studies have found that business jargon makes people think you’re lying and that using complex language in place of simple language makes other people perceive you as less intelligent. In other words, business jargon impresses few but annoys many. Here are 10 cringeworthy business jargon examples that you should omit from your vocabulary immediately. Yes, you might need to continue using them while you’re speaking with individuals who embrace the use of big words rather than just getting to the point. However, don’t forget that research shows the more succinct you are, the more trustworthy and intelligent people think you are.

1. SOP

Example: “We need a clear definition of SOPs.”

What It Means: SOP is an acronym for Standard Operating Procedures.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: Using an acronym to stand for a long name when a simpler term could be used is simply a tool to determine who is in the “in crowd” and who isn’t. If you don’t use it, you’re not one of us. Only you can decide if you want to play that game or not.

Tip: When you see the use of SOP in a job description, don’t apply.

2. Ideation

Example: “Let’s schedule an ideation session.”

What It Means: Ideation is defined as the process of forming ideas.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: Similar to replacing the word discussion or talk with the word dialogue (e.g., “Let’s have a dialogue about that later.”), ideation is an example of using a more complex word where a much simpler word could be used. Remember the research — your intelligence perception drops when you replace simple words with complex words where it’s not necessary.

Tip: The best way to handle “ideation” is “avoidation.”

3. Vertical

Example: “We’re ramping up in multiple verticals.”

What It Means: It depends on who you ask.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: In the words of Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride, “You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.” Verticals is used in numerous ways depending on who you’re speaking with.

Tip: Make sure you know which version of verticals your colleagues are using before you join the conversation.

4. Marketing Funnel

Example: “We’re going to push consumers through the marketing funnel.”

What It Means: To move consumers from awareness of a product, service, company or brand to purchase, re-purchase, loyalty, and advocacy.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: When I was in college, my Marketing 101 textbook referred to it as a pyramid. Now, it’s a funnel. The fundamentals of marketing process haven’t changed, but the cool kids are saying funnel now. If you want to be in the cool clique, use funnel.

Tip: It’s better to be smart than cool. Don’t get caught up in the funnel.

5. Lean In

Example: “Women in business need to lean in to get a seat at the executive table.”

What It Means: Making it look like you’re involved in a conversation or really listening by physically leaning in closer to the speaker. The term also has a metaphorical meaning, which refers to metaphorically leaning in to get noticed and seize opportunities in business and in your career.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: This term gained popularity with the release of Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s book, Lean In. Do you want to lean in or grab your opportunity? One is more passive than the other. It’s up to you to decide how you want to handle your career.

Tip: This term is so overused that it should be banned from business vernacular.

6. On Board

Example: “I’m not completely on board with that idea.”

What It Means: You disagree.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: Saying you’re not on board with something is an attempt to be non-confrontational and avoid boldly expressing your opinion. Most people use this term when they don’t want to take the blame if their idea or position fails later.

Tip: Be bold and state your opinion with confidence rather than passively suggesting that you’re not entirely on board with another person’s idea.

7. Thought Leader

Example: “He is a professional coaching thought leader.”

What It Means: A person is an expert on a specific topic and has some influence on how other people think about that topic.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: The term thought leader has become completely watered down in recent years with the growth of the self-proclaimed thought leader. It’s most often seen in the field of social media marketing where individuals who know how to use Facebook and Twitter but have very little (or no) marketing experience or education, claim to be social media thought leaders.

Tip: If you’ve got the experience and education, then declare yourself an expert. You’ve earned it. Let everyone else call themselves thought leaders.

8. Inbound Marketing

Example: “We need to invest in inbound marketing to drive our customers through the marketing funnel.”

What It Means: Led by the creation of quality content, inbound marketing refers to all online marketing tactics that drive consumers to interact with a brand or company and lead to conversions and/or sales.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: Inbound marketing is just a new term to refer to using the newer tools of social media, online content publishing, and direct marketing to engage consumers and develop pull marketing rather than relying on traditional push marketing tactics such as advertising. Someone created a term and marketed it well. A lot of people who don’t completely understand marketing jumped on the bandwagon. Someone is making a lot of money as a result.

Tip: Inbound marketing is a new term but it’s not a completely new form of marketing. Look smarter than the people around you and don’t use this term.

9. Low Hanging Fruit

Example: “Let’s go after the low hanging fruit first.”

What It Means: The easiest projects and goals that represent quick wins for the company.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: Aside from the argument against focusing on quick win projects rather than evaluating all projects and investing in those that will deliver the best results for the company in the long run, the term “low hanging fruit” is so overused that it now fails to communicate its intended message. In other words, don’t try to make your decision to do the easiest projects first sound more strategic than it really is.

Tip: Call them what they are — the easy, quick projects that will get the executives their bonuses this year.

10. Close the Loop

Example: “We need to close the loop on this project.”

What It Means: You need to complete the project, track its performance, and report the results. In other words, everyone needs to do their jobs.

Why You Shouldn’t Use It: If you have to point out that your team or employees need to close the loop, you’ve already failed. If you can’t actually finish the project and do everything you’re supposed to do, then closing the loop is the least of your worries.

Tip: Make sure you never have a reason to use the term close the loop.

10 Cringeworthy Business Jargon Examples that Should Be Banned is a post from: Lifed

Aside from not doing your job, there are many ways you can guarantee that you’ll get fired from your job.

Few people like every aspect of their jobs, and it’s highly likely that throughout your career, you’ll be asked to perform tasks and work with people you don’ t like. However, you’re being paid to do a job, and it’s your responsibility (as long as you’re still accepting your salary) to complete the work assigned to you.

Following are 10 of the easiest ways to get fired as well as tips to avoid them. You might not even realize you’re making some of these mistakes, so review your behavior and make sure you’re not providing your boss with reasons to fire you.

1. Not Showing Up

Repeatedly showing up late to work or calling in sick is not acceptable. Your coworkers depend on you to pull your weight, and opting out is not an option. Continually missing work is grounds for termination, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself out of a job if you’re guilty of skipping work too often. The only way to avoid this problem is to get yourself to work each day.

2. Refusing to Do Specific Tasks

Of course, if you’re asked to do something illegal or that is far outside of your job description and area of expertise, you should speak up and discuss it professionally with your boss (no complaining allowed). However, if a task falls within your job function, you have to do it. You’re not allowed to pick and choose which tasks you do. That’s up to your boss and your employer.

3. Refusing to Work with Certain People

Unless you can prove why working with another employee is a danger to you, you can’t pick and choose who you work with. You’ll come across many people that you don’t like throughout your career, but you have to learn to tolerate them and work with them. You’re not being paid to make friends. You’re being paid to perform a role. Your personal preferences shouldn’t get in the way. Speak to your boss and ask for guidance in learning to work with the other person.

4. Publishing Inappropriate Content on Social Media

Even if your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and other social media profiles are private, the content you publish on those sites can be seen by people outside of your personal connections. For example, that tweet you published on your private account can be viewed by the world if it’s retweeted by one of your followers with a public account. Be careful what you say on social media. Avoid complaining about your boss, your company, or your job and never publish proprietary information.

5. Working on Another Job During Work Hours at Your First Job

If you have a night job in addition to your full time day job or you’re starting your own company in your spare time, you should never spend time while you’re at your primary job doing anything related to those other jobs. It’s unethical and grounds for firing. If you need to make phone calls or send emails about your side job, do so during your lunch hour or breaks. Never do it during the time you’re being paid by your primary employer.

6. Making Too Many Personal Calls, Spending Too Much Time Online on Non-Work Related Activities

Your time at your job should be spent working, not making personal calls or browsing the web. Don’t check your Twitter feed or take a quick peak at your Facebook profile. Wait until your lunch hour for any personal activities. Of course, most employers understand that employees need to make occasional personal calls during work hours, such as calling doctors offices. Confirm what you’re allowed to do with your boss. If personal calls are permitted when necessary, don’t take advantage of the policy by abusing it. Limit your personal calls to ones you can only make during work hours. The rest should wait.

7. Stealing

Never take anything from your workplace unless you’re given express permission to do so. A box of paper clips might seem small, but taking it home and using it for your personal needs is stealing. If you need equipment or supplies at your home in order to do your job, request permission to have access to those items.

8. Using Company Resources for Personal Reasons

It is not okay to use the company printer to print out your personal correspondence. It’s not okay to bring home disks to load software on your personal computer, and it’s not okay to use company email for personal messages. Get your own printer. Buy your own software, and get a free email account through a provider like Google that you can access via your mobile device during your lunch hour. Never use company property and resources for personal reasons unless you’re given permission to do so.

9. Being Difficult to Work With

Are you difficult to work with? You might be without realizing it. If you come across as highly negative, as a complainer, or as a low performer, your reputation will land you on the metaphorical employee black list. You might not get fired immediately, but you’ll be paving a path to getting fired in the future.

10. Refuse to Work Late or Come in Early

There are times when a project needs to be completed by a specific deadline or an employee calls in sick. When that happens, you might be asked to work late or come in early. If you’re unwilling to be flexible and show that you’re willing to support the company as needed, you can bet your boss won’t be happy. Is this right? Of course not, but it happens. If your employer expects you to work a significant amount of extra hours that you’re unable or unwilling to commit to, you should look for another job. Even though you shouldn’t feel obligated to work these extra hours, the perception of you as not being a team player will put you on the path to a dead end career with the company (and possibly firing). It’s not right, but it’s often the reality. If this culture isn’t right for you, get out now.

10 Ways to Get Fired and How to Avoid Them is a post from: Lifed

Recruiters are often hired by seasoned professionals seeking management and executive roles or specialized roles in technology, science, and engineering. The recruiters are either paid on a retainer basis, which the job candidate pays, or they’re paid a predetermined amount by the employer.

Either way, there are specific things you can do to ensure your experience working with a recruiter to find your next job is as successful as possible. Following are five tips to help you get started in building a positive relationship with a recruiter.

1. Be honest about your background, experience, education, and accomplishments.

It’s your responsibility to make sure your recruiter has the information he or she needs to successfully place you in your next job. The recruiter’s reputation is on the line when he sends you for an interview with a prospective employer, and you don’t want to embarrass him or yourself.

Instead, give him all of the details he needs to successfully find the right jobs for you and to position you with employers as the right candidate for those jobs. You’re doing your recruiter and yourself a disservice if you only provide him with the parts of your story that paint you as the perfect candidate. Honesty will work in your favor in the long run.

2. Explain exactly what you want in a new job.

Don’t assume your recruiter knows what you can do and what you want in your next job. You need to spell out all of the details so there is no room for misinterpretation. Communicate your short- and long-term goals. Focus on the roles that you’re most interested in and be sure to explain the roles you’re not interested in, too.

It’s common for candidates to be vague in their job requirements to recruiters, because they think they might miss a great opportunity if a recruiter doesn’t think they’re interested. However, being vague does more harm than good, because the recruiter has a more difficult time trying to figure out what jobs are a good match for the candidate. Make your recruiter’s job easier by telling him specifically what you do and don’t want.

3. Be an active participant.

Recruiters juggle a lot of candidates and employers. It’s up to you to stay top-of-mind by communicating with your recruiter on a regular basis. Not only should you stay in close contact with your recruiter before you interview for any jobs, but you should also connect with him or her after each interview you attend. It’s important to go over the interview together and identify next steps.

4. Grill your recruiter for information about any company you interview with.

If your recruiter lands an interview for you, don’t go in without the information you need to pass the interview with flying colors. It’s highly likely that your recruiter has worked with the employer before and may have worked with the specific hiring manager in the past. That experience could provide you with essential information, which could improve your performance during the interview.

Ask your recruiter if he has placed any other candidates at the company. Also, ask him to share information about how the company interviews, the type of employees they typically hire, and any other information he can share based on his prior experiences. A good recruiter will provide as much information as possible to help you get the job.

5. Keep your recruiter apprised of your other job hunting activities.

Recruiters know that you’re using multiple avenues to find employment, but it’s not acceptable to work with multiple recruiters who might be pitching you to the same employers for the same positions. You should let your recruiter know about any other actions you’re taking to secure employment so efforts don’t overlap and the embarrassing moment when a hiring manager calls your recruiter to tell him that your resume was already submitted through another channel or recruiter doesn’t happen.

5 Tips to Work with a Recruiter and Land a Job is a post from: Lifed

Dick Tracy’s Two-Way Wrist Radio. Fahrenheit 451′s Wall Panel Televisions That Transfixed Society. Mark Twain’s Electroscope As Precursor To The Internet. These 10 Predictions That Missed The Mark (Completely) Don’t Have It.

The problem with predicting future events is that you risk your entire reputation on one day. The smart phonies — like Nostradamus — gauge most of their major predictions thousands of years in the future so they don’t have to be around when it all blows up in their faces. And then there are the ones, who in one fell swoop ruin whatever street cred they had left by reaching too far in the present. You’ll see a mix of both on this list. 

1. Sylvia Browne

On a 2004 appearance on The Montel Williams Show, the self-proclaimed psychic — aren’t they all? — told Louwana Miller that her daughter was deceased. But in May 2013, Miller’s daughter, Amanda Berry, was found alive along with two other women. Unfortunately, Ms. Miller wasn’t around to hear the news because she died in 2006 of what her family called “a broken heart” after giving up all hope in light of Browne’s mistaken prediction. Naturally, Browne has come under heavy fire from the Twittersphere with countless people calling her out on the BS.

2. Nostradamus

With Nostradamus you have to be careful. If each one of the man’s End of the World predictions had come true, than we would have seen this rock blow up three or four times by now. A lot of it is due to the interpretation of the people saying that he predicted it. The man’s prophecies were allegedly “good” through 3797, according to Discovery Science. The last anyone has attributed to him, to our knowledge, is the “King of Terror falling from the sky” prediction that he made for “1999 and seven months.” Last we checked, we’re still here.

3. Harold Camping

Harold Camping’s contributions to this list of predictions that missed the mark should actually get two entries instead of one since the president of Family Radio in California picked the wrong end-of-world date twice in the same year. Monumentally epic fail, it was. So much so that, when the date of the final prediction rolled around — October 21, 2011 — and no one suffered a fiery, brimstone-y death, Camping stepped down from his position in humiliation and disappointment. Yeah, maybe we can’t blame him. It sure is a disappointment when people you deem beneath you don’t suffer in agony for all eternity. What’s particularly interesting about this prediction is that many of Camping’s followers sold or gave away all they had, quit their jobs, etc., in order to ready for the event. Later, according to the Christian Post, several even came at him, fangs bared, on the radio program. Example: “You’re really pathetic, you know? I wasted all my money because of you. I was putting all my money and my hopes on you.” (Yeah. Camping’s pathetic.)

4. Dale L. Reistad

In 1963, Dale L. Reistad predicted that the check would no longer be around by the year 2000. Before you say, “But Life’d, I never use checks for anything any more; this man was right (though off by a few years),” consider this. As early as 2008, 73.5 percent of people still used checks or money orders for bill payments. It’ll probably take another generation before the check is gone altogether. And if services like Google Wallet continue to develop, you may be saying goodbye to the plastic credit card along with it.

5. Dick Rowe

In 1962, Decca Records rep Dick Rowe had a chance to sign the Beatles but ultimately decided to pass. The stories have varied wildly on how Rowe went about it, but tabloid The Daily Mail — grain of salt here, everyone — reported that the Beatles rep was told, “We don’t like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.” That rep has followed Rowe, but he later redeemed himself by landing a contract with The Rolling Stones.

6. Herman Kahn

In the 1966 Time Magazine article “The Futurists,” Herman Kahn predicted “a pleasure-oriented society full of ‘wholesome degeneracy.’” The article also stated that by 2000, industry would be “producing so much that everyone in the US will, in effect, be independently wealthy.” Checked the unemployment and underemployment rates lately, folks? Kahn also predicted human hibernation and robot slaves and figured that by now we would have underwater societies and interplanetary travel (by humans). Luckily for Kahn, he died in 1983 so any eggs thrown his way would have to be tossed posthumously.

7. Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill, in a 1932 article for Mechanics Illustrated, predicted mankind would eventually advance to the point of being able to grow parts of a chicken instead of killing the whole thing, putting a serious dent in the hunger problem. While there are some promising developments via 3D printer technology slowly bringing us towards the point of “growing” our own meat, we’re still a long way from making this entry on the predictions that missed the mark list feasible.

8. Harper’s Weekly

“The actual building of roads devoted to motor cars is not for the near future, in spite of many rumors to that effect.” This statement from the August 2, 1902, edition of Harper’s Weekly, was made right as the first major automobile push was coming off the assembly line. Anyone with foresight could have seen the wave of the future on the horizon, except Harper’s, which was out of business by 1916.

9. Karl Rove

In an October 2012 piece via Wall Street Journal, the political profit Karl Rove had this to say: “In addition to the data, the anecdotal and intangible evidence—from crowd sizes to each side’s closing arguments—give the sense that the odds favor Mr. Romney. They do. My prediction: Sometime after the cock crows on the morning of Nov. 7, Mitt Romney will be declared America’s 45th president. Let’s call it 51%-48%, with Mr. Romney carrying at least 279 Electoral College votes, probably more.” As we all know, that didn’t happen. Neither have many public appearances by Rove since the article was posted.

10. Aric Mitchell

Lord of the Rings won’t be a success. Yep. That’s right. I said that. Publicly. To more than one person. Just so you know I’m open to a little self-abuse as well, I’ll provide the numbers (as if you need them). To date, in theatrical gross only, the three films — not counting the related film The Hobbit — have grossed a shade under $3 billion on a combined budget of $281 million, according to Box Office Mojo. Now do you see why I’m qualified to write this article?

Those are our top predictions that missed the mark. Right. Wrong. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

10 Predictions That Missed The Mark (Completely) is a post from: Lifed