Articles written by Les Jacobs - Page 3

What is Helium

About me - Les Jacobs

An experienced reporter and editor who has worked for the Economist Intelligence Unit, Foreign Trade magazine, ChinaOnline.com and several trade publications - including CompuTrade International - I have been freelancing for the past several years, providing

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Politics, News & Issues > People in the News Why Don Imus show had to be cancelled: 1 of 4

I don't think Don Imus is a racist. I also don't think he meant to be offensive when, on April 4, 2007, he called members of the Rutgers University women's basketball team "nappy-headed ho's" on his nationally broadcast radio show.I also give Bernard McGuirk, executive producer of Imus' show, the benefit of the doubt when he ... More..
Business > Business News & Issues Solving the subprime mess with "negative equity certificates": 1 of 4
The Office of Thrift Supervision (part of the U.S. Department of Treasury) is considering a proposed solution to the subprime mortgage mess using so-called "negative equity certificates." It's a plan that would aid homeowners who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are currently worth - 10 percent of all U.S. homeown... More..
Politics, News & Issues > International News When international trade leads to the erosion of political rights: Spotlight Vietnam: 1 of 4
Don't blame trade for Vietnam's erosion of political rights. There was political suppression in Vietnam long before they opened up to the outside world.The same is true for China.Yes, advanced technology has made it easier for these governments to suppress their people and stifle freedom of expression, but stopping trade with... More..
Personal Finance > Stock Market Getting started in the stock market: 6 of 23
If you know nothing about the stock market, but want to start investing, one way to "put your toe in the water" is to buy shares of a stock index fund.You can do this with as little as US$50 a month. T. Rowe Price will allow you to open a retirement account with that initial amount, provided you continue to make direct deposi... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Theories of Spirituality Applying 'The Secret' to your life: 15 of 54
It's easy being negative, but being positive makes you happier, and it makes people around you happier too. That's what "The Secret" is. (It's also a DVD with that message.)I have a friend who, during his high school years, was extremely negative. Things were going very poorly for him his senior year and every time I met him ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Military (Other) Should the US close the military prison on Guantanamo Bay?: 7 of 25
Yes, because Guantanamo Bay is almost certainly holding innocent civilians behind bars. We know this because some, possibly many, of the captives were turned in by bounty hunters and personal enemies, not by U.S. military personnel. And because terrorists don't wear uniforms, it's impossible to know for sure who the enemy is.... More..
Health & Fitness > Dental Treatment Do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? Cause and treatment: 2 of 7
Do you see blood when you rinse your mouth after brushing your teeth? Is there blood on the string when you floss? Do your gums hurt when you floss?These are all signs of gingivitis, also known as periodontal disease, a health condition that, if not properly treated, can ultimately lead to tooth loss from the destruction of t... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Babies (Other) Book recommendations for babies and small children: 2 of 7
My triplet toddlers love books. They can't read yet (they're only two and a half), but they flip through books constantly, fight over them and want to take them everywhere they go.How did they get this way? My wife and I have been reading to our boys since they were born, and we've been careful to choose stories that both the... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice What to do when you've offended the locals while on vacation: 3 of 10
Make sure you know how to say "I'm sorry" in the local language, and when you apologize, show you really mean it. Look genuinely contrite.This can be difficult at times, I know. Especially if the offense was unintentiontal.You may get angry with yourself for being so stupid, or feel irritated at the locals for being so sensit... More..
Arts & Humanities > Internet Writing & Blogging Benefits of writing for Helium: 13 of 43
It will help hone your writing skills and better organize your thoughts.Have you ever read an article and wanted to immediately write a letter to the editor or simply pontificate on the subject?Chances are you have, and then couldn't be bothered to write the letter. And when you started to expound on the topic, your partner (... More..