[MobileRatty] tag: insurance

Celebrating (Almost) 90 Years of United Artists

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:49:59 +0000

The United Artists 90th Anniversary Prestige Collection ($609.99) includes 90 classic films from the UA back catalog. The set includes five 007 films, eight "Best Picture" Academy Award winners and a broad range of titles such as Spencer Tracy's "Judgement at Nuremburg, " Fiddler on the Roof" and "Night of the Hunter." Inexplicably, I count thirteen "pan and scan" versions in the collection. Widescreen has become the norm in the 21st century, and the vast majority of film aficionados would appreciate being able to watch all of these films as they were screened in the cinema.

Although intended to commemorate UA's 90th anniversary, the collection inexplicably fails to include any films by the company's founders. It starts with 1944's noir "The Woman in the Window" and the vast majority of the films in the collection date from the 1950s through the 1970s. Still, there are some excellent titles in this set and they work out to a mere $6.78 each. Besides, where else are you likely to see "Raging Bull," "Bowling for Columbine" and "The Pink Panther" on the same shelf?

United Artists was founded in 1919 by Mary Pickford, Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D. W. Griffith - giants of the early film industry. The four stars saw their studio as a chance to control their own destiny, rather than being at the whim of other studios. The arrival of "talkies" virtually ended the careers of Pickford, Fairbanks and Chaplin. The company struggled and foundered after WWII.

In 1952, the company was taken over by Arthur Krim and Robert Benjamin, a couple of lawyers with a daring plan. Their revamped UA didn't own expensive studios, opting instead to lease space and finance projects by independent producers. The company prospered while traditional studios faltered, forming a record division and producing TV shows such as Gilligan's Island and The Fugitive. However, things took a turn in 1967, when the company was sold to insurance giant Transamerica.

The film industry's roller coaster performance very likely gave Transamerica's executive team ulcers, as they grappled with wildly variable cash flow that was anything but usual in the insurance industry. Krim and Benjamin's relationship with Transamerica soured, and they left the company in 1978 to found Orion Pictures. The final nail in the company's coffin was the release of the epic western Heaven's Gate, which was a bomb at the box office. UA was purchased by MGM and became little more than a shell, although the company was recently resurrected in a high profile (and so far less-than-successful) move to give Tom Cruise additional control over his films.

Well-heeled readers can buy the UA 90th Anniversary set at Amazon. The rest of us will have to opt for the smaller 30-disc set or frequent trips to the local video store.

Treadmill Bed Helps the Obese to Exercise

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:13:27 +0000

In the US, hospitals have no shortage of cash: Unlike countries which provide free healthcare, US institutions can throw whatever widgetry they like into wards and add the cost to the patient's (or insurance company's) bill. America is also the home of obesity.

This lucky coincidence means that if we see Nebraskan inventor Charles Filipi's new hospital bed/ treadmill combo (we offer the name Bedmill) anywhere soon, it will be in the States. The patent application details a regular hospital bed with a treadmill at the foot. Sick fatties need only to flick a switch to be upended onto the moving conveyor, whence they can exercise their weak bodies and burn off a few calories without leaving their beds.

For the terminally lazy, the bed could even become a chair with the treadmill underneath, eliminating the need to even support their own immense weight. Unfortunately, Filipi missed out several key features, the most important being a popcorn dispenser and a large-screen TV. Add those in and we'll think about upgrading our Medicare package.

Patent Application [WIPO via ABC News via Medlaunches]

Finding a Good Web Host

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 23:22:44 +0000

When a number of items increase, we make a directory of it. Suppose there were very few phone numbers we have to deal with then we would just memorize them and there was no need of a directory. Similarly the number of web host has increased and there was a need of a web hosting directory. However this directory is online directory and it does more than just listing web host in alphabetical orders. Most important feature is the web hosting rating so that you can come to know instantly which web host is performing better than others. This saves your time which we used to spend before asking people in online forums and communities and wait for a proper reply. Now because of this rating, we can come to know about the best host within seconds.

When buying host, you must have some basic information about what you are going to use and what does the host offer. Basic thins are like platforms which are mainly Windows and Linux platform of hosting. There are other things as well like Cold fusion which s a web programming language of the server-side nature. It supports a variety of popular databases such as dBase, FoxPro, MS Access and Paradox. This technology gives a developer the ability to create dynamic content. Cold Fusion is essentially a simple tag-based language. When integrated into a web hosting server, it enables the creation of well designed personal sites, e-commerce sites, publishing systems and more. You can come to know about all if you read web hosting tutorials. These tutorials are available for free at web hosting directory so do take advantage of them in increasing your knowledge about web hosting.

You would also like to checkout web hosting awards and obviously a web hosting which has got many awards must be having something good in it. However don’t just go with awards, you should also consider other things like web space, bandwidth, monthly price of the package etc and most important is customer support. A good web host provides prompt customer support.

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Saibao Chinese electric Car scores US-NCAP 4 stars

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 04:45:30 +0000

Chinese electric Car Saibao jointly developed by China's Tianjin Qingyuan Electric Vehicle Company and Hafei Auto Group recently passed Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)'s 40mph frontal offset impact test. This is the first time a Chinese electric vehicle has passed the test. Saibao, scored US-NCAP (United States New Car Assessment Program) 4 stars. Injury measures on all body regions of the test dummy fell well within the safety limits, and the car's high-voltage electric engine as well as all the other key electric assemblies remained untouched after the crash. Saibao's excellent performance in the test demonstrates China's ability in developing vehicles that are both eco-friendly and safe.The new Hafei Saibao electric car with lithium-ion batteries can reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h and one charge can last the car for 160 km. The model also supports quick charge.

Verizon Wireless Shows Off Its Blitz

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:37:00 +0000

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Just in time for back to school, the builder and operator of the nation’s most reliable wireless network announced that the Verizon Wireless Blitz™ is available online at www.verizonwireless.com and in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores. Designed for the heaviest of texters, the Blitz comes complete with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and easy access to a dedicated My Messaging key, making this the must-have phone at schools from coast to coast.

The Blitz is a text messaging powerhouse with a 2.2-inch screen – ideal for browsing the Web or checking e-mail. The phone is a music player ready for any party – on or off campus. It is equipped with an MP3 player that can access Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music with Rhapsody’s library of more than 5 million songs that can be downloaded to a PC and side-loaded with the included USB cable, synchronized with a Bluetooth® speaker or played right from the speakerphone. Most music downloaded onto the PC using V CAST Music with Rhapsody is free of digital rights management software, which means the music can be played on multiple devices.

Additional features of the Verizon Wireless Blitz include:

Expandable microSD™ memory port with up to 4 GB support
1.3 megapixel camera features:
Self-timer: off, three, five or 10 seconds
Color effects: normal, antique, black and white, and negative
Resolution adjustment landscape: 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120
Capture mode: portrait and landscape
Dedicated camera key
Self-portrait mirror
Supported Bluetooth profiles: headset profile, hands-free (car kits) profile and advanced audio distribution profile (stereo)
Media Center-capable – downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers, location-based services and more
Mobile Web-capable – customizable, enhanced wireless access to the latest in news, sports, weather and more
Mobile Email – access to MSN® Hotmail®, America Online® and Yahoo!® e-mail accounts
Mobile IM capabilities
Picture messaging
VZ Navigator(SM) – get visual and audible directions to thousands of destinations, locate businesses and other points of interest, get maps of a location and share directions with others
Chaperone® Child-capable – allows the Blitz to have its location shared with family members via the Chaperone Web site, the Chaperone Parent application or Child Zone® SMS Alerts
Speakerphone with dedicated speakerphone key
Voice commands
Calculator, calendar, alarm clock, world clock, notepad and stopwatch
Phonebook with up to 1,000 entries
Speed dialing
TTY/TDD-capable
Display: 220 x 176 pixels, 262K Color TFT
Dimensions: 3.5” x 2.6” x 0.7”
Weight: 5.1 ounces
Headset jack: 2.5 mm
SAR: head 1.19 W/kg; body 0.694 W/kg
Handset insurance: yes
Hearing aid compatibility = M3
Usage time: up to 280 minutes or
Standby time: up to 280 hours
The Verizon Wireless Blitz is available for $69.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year customer agreement. Customers can sign up for V CAST Music with Rhapsody for a $14.99 monthly subscription.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

VIBE Machine Kills One, Sends Another to Jail

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:03:43 +0000

A couple out of Mount Vernon, Washington has been peacefully "treating" patients with a convincing sounding Vibrational Integration Bio-Photonic Energizer, aka The VIBE Machine. Then, all of a sudden, to their dismay, the feds and state authorities bust in and drag the "clinicians" to jail. What would cause so much ire from the authorities, you ask?

Seattle Times has the answer:

The federal charges stemmed from an extensive investigation by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Washington state Department of Health. The state investigation showed Brandt earned $807,950 in treatment fees since 1995.
At least one person — a 32-year-old Bellingham man — died while being treated by the Brandts with an unproven machine, according to a search warrant.

Donald Brandt treated the man, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer, for more than a year although the man's physician had recommended immediate surgery to save his life. After refusing surgery and spending several thousand dollars on the device treatments, the man died Dec. 14, 2004, of cancer, leaving a wife and three young children.

Here are the claims we found about the Vibe Machine from "The Center For The Future":

What is the VIBE Machine?
The VIBE Machine is an electronic device that brings the vibrational level of your body back to its natural state of being.

How does the VIBE Machine work?

The VIBE Machine uses the principle that lifeforms can absorb radio wave energy to strengthen the cells of the body against physical imbalances. The device creates a strong electromagnetic field that raises the vibration of your cells to their optimal frequency. By sitting next to the machine, one receives the benefits of this energy field.

What are the benefits of using the VIBE Machine?

Rising costs of medical treatments, prescription drugs and health insurance makes the VIBE Machine a shrewd investment in your current and future well-being. Using and / or owning a machine can put you in the driver's seat for postive preventive healthcare.

This Device promotes a feeling of well-being and energy and will restore balance to the systems of your body!

Owning a VIBE Machine is a great way to benefit yourself and others. Building your own VIBE business can also allow you to contribute greatly to your community in exciting and rewarding ways. Are there others you know of that have need of this technological breakthrough?

Retail Price
$17,800.00

VVerizon Wireless Launches the UTStarcom Blitz Smartphone

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:23:55 +0000

Verizon Wireless has launched the UTStarcom Blitz. The smartphone is sesigned for the heaviest of texters. The Blitz comes complete with a slide-out QWERTY keyboard and easy access to a dedicated My Messaging key, making this the must-have phone at schools from coast to coast.

The Blitz is a text messaging powerhouse with a 2.2-inch screen; ideal for browsing the Web or checking e-mail. The phone is a music player ready for any party, on or off campus. It is equipped with an MP3 player that can access Verizon Wireless' V CAST Music with Rhapsody's library of more than 5 million songs that can be downloaded to a PC and side-loaded with the included USB cable, synchronized with a Bluetooth speaker or played right from the speakerphone. Most music downloaded onto the PC using V CAST Music with Rhapsody is free of digital rights management software, which means the music can be played on multiple devices.

The Verizon Wireless Blitz is available for $69.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year customer agreement. Customers can sign up for V CAST Music with Rhapsody for a $14.99 monthly subscription.

Additional features of the Verizon Wireless Blitz include:

Expandable microSD(TM) memory port with up to 4 GB support
1.3 megapixel camera features:
Self-timer: off, three, five or 10 seconds
Color effects: normal, antique, black and white, and negative
Resolution adjustment landscape: 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, 160 x 120
Capture mode: portrait and landscape
Dedicated camera key
Self-portrait mirror
Supported Bluetooth profiles: headset profile, hands-free (car kits) profile and advanced audio distribution profile (stereo)
Media Center-capable downloadable games, ringtones, wallpapers, location-based services and more
Mobile Web-capable customizable, enhanced wireless access to the latest in news, sports, weather and more
Mobile Email access to MSN Hotmail, America Online and Yahoo! e-mail accounts
Mobile IM capabilities
Picture messaging
VZ Navigator get visual and audible directions to thousands of destinations, locate businesses and other points of interest, get maps of a location and share directions with others
Chaperone Child-capable allows the Blitz to have its location shared with family members via the Chaperone Web site, the Chaperone Parent application or Child Zone SMS Alerts
Speakerphone with dedicated speakerphone key
Voice commands
Calculator, calendar, alarm clock, world clock, notepad and stopwatch
Phonebook with up to 1,000 entries
Speed dialing
TTY/TDD-capable
Display: 220 x 176 pixels, 262K Color TFT
Dimensions: 3.5" x 2.6" x 0.7"
Weight: 5.1 ounces
Headset jack: 2.5 mm
SAR: head 1.19 W/kg; body 0.694 W/kg
Handset insurance: yes
Hearing aid compatibility = M3
Usage time: up to 280 minutes or
Standby time: up to 280 hours

Is this LG Prada II?

Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:27:40 +0000

We’re not sure whether we should believe the image above or not, but it certainly looks appealing — at least where I stand. The apparent successor of the LG Prada phone may come with a full slide-out QWERTY keyboard. That would certainly be a good addition, as I’ve never liked typing on the original device. The full keyboard makes the device look more like the HTC Touch Pro, although I doubt it will be as powerful as HTC’s smartphone.

Don’t get me wrong - I don’t want to put LG’s plans down. As a matter of fact I can’t wait to give the LG Prada 2 a try. Hopefully, it will come with a 3G radio and a WiFi on board. And yes, I would love to see it run some smartphone OS, even though I doubt that will happen. Stay tuned…

[Via: Boy Genius Report]

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Microsoft Surface Goes to Australia for the First Time

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 11:59:46 +0000

It looks like the Microsoft Surface is reaching outside of the US and over in Australia. The Australian Marketing Agency Amnesia is the first company outside of the US to receive the Microsoft Surface. They decided to celebrate by documenting the unpacking and assembly of the system. One of the things they mentioned was how easy and fast it was to assemble, turn on, and start using. For those that don’t know, the Microsoft Surface is a coffee table size screen that has a projector, underneath, displaying images onto the screen. Placing your fingers on the screen allows you to interact with the display and use the many features that the system comes with.

[via Engadget]

Fuelly.com review (Verdict: He likes it!)

Tue, 19 Aug 2008 21:22:22 +0000

My best pal Michael Schulte is a automative fanatic in every sense of the word: not just a prize-winning autocross racer, but an absolute nerd when it comes to maintenence and statistics of even his daily drivers. Mike's the kind of guy that starts a file folder for every day the day he purchases it, stashing away car brochures and magazine reviews on the off chance he might someday need to put his cars in a museum. After Fuelly.com launched, I knew a the website designed to help manage gas mileage and more would be right up his alley. I asked him to write up his impressions after a week or so using Fuelly. – Joel

In my driving infancy I relied on an Excel spreadsheet, logging gas mileage and fuel cost; I also kept a folder or pocket in the glove box for miscellaneous service paperwork that I thought I should archive. That idea has expanded over the years: at some point I developed a full blown obsessive/compulsive need to track total operational costs for my automobiles: framing — in clear plastic sheet protectors placed in a three-ring binder — every receipt of maintenance and every part purchased, the better to track things like insurance costs, 1/4-mile times, and even horsepower-per-dollar.

There's a full record available for each one of my cars, even the daily driver. I am fully aware of my disorder, but I have found over the years that there are thousands of gear heads, penny pinchers and green freaks that share part — if not all — of my obsession.

Thanks to a tip from Joel [My pleasure – Ed.], who is fully aware of my problem [Boy am I, Mr. What-Do-You-Mean-You-Lost-the-Receipt – Ed.], I took a peek at Fuelly.com. Now I have been using Gas Buddy for a few years in addition to my other methods for tracking fuel economy and cost efficiency of my vehicles, so I was a bit reluctant to go through my personal records and input these figures into yet another site. Still, after browsing the barely launched site I noticed a lot of great features that made me pull out the numbers and start plugging them in.

While knowing exactly what sort of mileage I get on average out of my car is nice, being able to share that data with others easily and compare it to people who might have the same car as me is fantastic. Even better: EPA Estimates for each particular model can also be compared. Once you input a few fill-ups — being able to do this right from the pump via mobile web is awesome — it becomes clear exactly how useful this site is.

There are handy suggestions and techniques that tell how to get better economy and figures associated with the car that show exactly what I would’ve saved had I kept my foot a bit more shallow in the throttle. Statistics are right there in your face for "Average MPG", "Current MPG", "Your Best MPG" — as well as trending information with clean, concise graphs, total fuel-ups over the life of the car, best pricing and the ever-important fuel operating cost per mile.

I’ve since spend a few minutes each day over the last week or so locking in my personal figures for each one of my cars. I started with my daily driver, a 2002 Honda Civic Si (Nickname: The Shoe), and put in all the my fill-ups for 2008. I moved on to the almost-brand-new 2008 Honda Civic EX-L that my soon-to-be-wife drives.

I’m currently in the process of sticking in the rest of the figures for The Shoe, although there are 158 fuel-ups in there already. There will be 100,000 miles of data soon. You can — if you dare! — sift through it. Try to find my experimental attempt to become a hyper-miler.

It’s not all about bottom-line fuel efficiency though. I guess it’s sort of fun for me to see the little graphs and figures, too. In a time where getting the most out of a gallon of gas is on everyone’s mind, I still happen to own two extremely inefficient Nissan 300ZXs that I take to the track, autocross and drag race. (I personally bring the overall average of the site down by several ticks.) Still, it’s interesting to see that if driven with a light right foot (as I try to do on my way to such events) that they too can achieve respectable mileage.

And though it sort of hurts, it’s interesting to know that I pay almost the same amount for regular pump gas today as I did for Aircraft fuel — the Racer's Friend™ — in 2004.

The website! [Fuelly.com]