Quotes of the Day

Almost any bank will give you 1/4 percent to 3/4 percent rate reduction just for asking; a quality mortgage broker will be negotiating on your behalf to get these reduced rates. You can even get more in some circumstances. With personal lines of credit, it's not unheard of to receive below the bank's prime rate if it is secured on a piece of property. [2009] - Don R. Campbell

The eight essential compatibility characteristics: romantic impulsivity, personal energy, outlook, predictability, flexibility, decision-making style, emotionality, and self-nurturing. The first four of the eight key personality characteristics are linked together because they usually produce compatibility when they are shared by each person in a couple. However, when a couple does not share the second fours characteristics, the relationship can still thrive; in fact, these differences between them might add to chemistry or attractiveness of the relationship. [2006] - Pepper Schwartz

In any given year, the stock market can go crazy, rising or dropping by 30 percent or more. Dispassionate, intelligent investors can rebalance their portfolios if they're too far from the stock/bond allocation they set for themselves. If the stock market falls heavily in a given month, the investor will find that his portfolio now has a lower percentage in stocks. He should add to his stock indexes. If the stock market rose considerably during another month, he should add to his bond index. [2017] - Andrew Hallam

Meeting for the first time can be awkward. Whether you're a lady or a gent, take the initiative and go in for a hug. It starts the vibe off on the right foot. Avoid common phrases like "Nice to meet you," unless your match says them first. Sitting next to each other will enhance the likelihood that sparks will fly, so perch on a couple of barstools, lounge on a couch, or share the same side of a booth. Try to avoid sitting across from each other at a table, if possible. [2013] - Laurie Davis

Reflux treatment with acid-suppressive medications alone (e.g. PPIs, "purple pills") is not useful as a diagnostic test. If a chronic cougher does not respond to antireflux medication, it does not prove anything. Reflux may still be the cause of the cough. [2014] - Jamie Koufman