Simply Stunning

This seemed to fly a little under the radar the last few weeks, but this year’s Superbowl commercials created much controversy.  Ever since the infamous wardrobe malfunction, you can’t broadcast anything on TV or the radio unless 100.00% of society is OK with it.  99.9% of society?  Sorry, that won’t cut it.

The most recent example includes a General Motors commercial featuring a depressed robot and a Snickers commercial featuring two men who accidentally end up in an awkward lip-lock. 

Both of these commercials faced intense immediate opposition from various awareness groups, all threatening the respective companies to remove these commercials from the airwaves or else.

It just absolutely baffles me.  Am I being insensitive here?  I thought the commercials were entertaining…….as Superbowl commercials typically are.  Since when has political correctness taken precedence over freedom of speech.  Are these companies pushing it too far?  If these commercials are as negative as some would argue, won’t these two companies suffer financially from the bad press they are generating, and get their just desserts?    Who is right and who is wrong?  I believe this issue runs much deeper than a few silly commercials.  I would love to hear your thoughts.

On a side-note, I’m pretty dumb when it comes to this fancy blog stuff.  Can anyone tell me how to embed a video in my post, as opposed to linking said video?  I see everyone else doing it, and I want to be part of the cool group too.  Any help would be greatly appreciated

Worthless Savings Accounts

Does anyone ever get sick and tired of earning next to nothing on your savings account?  You go to your local bank, open a savings account, and start socking away a little money at a time, hoping to one day save enough for that car, engagement ring, or house.  In reality, you are losing money on the deal.  The interest you are earning probably isn’t even enough to keep up with inflation.  I checked with a few local banks in the past few days:  0.85%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 0.20%?!?!  You might as well stuff a handful of $20 bills under your mattress. 

Fortunately for us folks living in the 21st century, we have the Internet.  All it takes is a couple clicks and you can get yourself a sweet savings account earning 4-5%.  What’s the catch?  You’ll have to take 10 minutes out of your day and be willing to make a lot more money than you currently are.

There are many great savings accounts out there that offer fantastic rates, but two of the more popular ones are ING Direct and Emigrant Direct.  ING Direct currently offers a 4.50% return and Emigrant Direct is sitting at 5.05%.  Which one is better?  There are people on each side of this argument, but they are both great choices.  Personally, I have an ING Direct account because of its user-friendly website and rock-solid reputation.  I also have friends that swear by their Emigrant Direct accounts.  Either way, you can’t go wrong. 

All you need to do is take a few minutes of your time to sign up for an account and deposit a couple bucks.  There are no minimums, no fees, and no hassles.

Give it a shot.  What do you have to lose?  Happy Valentine’s Day (or depending on your situation, Happy Single’s Awareness Day!).