Quotes of the Day

Ripple has no miners. Instead, transactions are powered through a "centralized" blockchain to make it more reliable and faster. Ripple in particular has gone this route because it wants to work with big banks and therefore wants to combine the best elements of fiat money and blockchain cryptocurrency. [2019] - Kiana Danial

Zinc lozenges appear to shorten colds by about 3 days, with significant reduction in nasal discharge (by 34%), nasal congestion (by 37%), hoarseness (by 43%), and cough (by 46%). The best way to take zinc for the common cold is lozenges containing around 10-15 mg of zinc taken every 2 waking hours for a few days, starting immediately upon symptom onset as either zinc acetate or zinc gluconate without binders such as citric acid, tartaric acid, glycine, sorbitol, or mannitol. Efficacy against more serious infections such as pneumonia may only be present among those with preexisting zinc deficiency. [2023] - Michael Greger

For a retired or soon-to-be-retired client, we might suggest a 60/40 (stocks/bonds) portfolio only if that portfolio is very, very well-diversified with different kinds of stocks and bonds, and the client has at least two years of living expenses in cash and near-cash (short-term GICs, high-quality and very short-term bonds). But in most cases, we'd prefer to see a 50/50 portfolio. [2013] - Russell Wild

If you're having problems getting a fair settlement from the insurer of a policy you bought on our own, try contacting the provincial department that overseas insurance companies or the provincial regulator. You can find the phone number online or possibly in your insurance policy. Hiring a public adjuster who, for a percentage of the payment (typically 5-10 percent), can negotiate with insurers on your behalf is another option. When all else fails and you have a major claim at stake, try contacting a lawyer who specializes in insurance matters. Expect to pay at least $150 per hour. [2019] - Eric Tyson

Stone fruit are summer fruits known for sweet flesh bursting with juice, and a pit in the center, the stone. You’ll recognize them instantly: peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, cherries, mango, and even lychee. Two studies from the U.S. National Cancer Institute and the University of Illinois at Chicago showed that consuming two medium-size stone fruits per day is associated with a 66 percent decreased risk of esophageal cancer and an 18 percent decreased risk of lung cancer in men. Plums have three times the amount of cancer-fighting polyphenols compared to peaches. [2019] - William W Li