Deals & People December 27, 2010

Schwab Undergoes Surgery on Christmas Eve

While most of the nation was at home preparing for the holidays, Charles Schwab was in the hospital. 
Reported by
According to a statement from Charles Schwab Corporation CEO and President Walt Bettinger, “Chairman Charles R. Schwab underwent successful heart valve replacement surgery on Friday December 24th. He is resting comfortably and recuperating well from the surgery and expects to return home in the next few days. Everyone at Schwab wishes him well for a speedy recovery.”
Diversions December 23, 2010

The Most Annoying Word or Phrase Is…

For the second year in a row, the Marist Poll finds that “whatever” is the most annoying word or phrase in conversation.
Reported by

Cited by 39% of respondents, the count that suggests it was less annoying than last year (or perhaps less used), when it drew the support of 47%.  Still, the older you are, apparently the more annoying you find the phrase.

Younger Americans, those 18 to 29, were most put off by “like” –to the tune of 44%.  However, among those ages 30 to 44, 37% say “whatever” gets on their nerves the most.  Forty-six percent of Americans ages 45 to 59 and 40% of those ages 60 and older agree.

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“Like” was second-most (un)popular overall, with 28% finding it the most annoying, while “you know what I mean” was considered the biggest verbal gaffe by 15% of the population.  “To tell you the truth” grates the most on 10% (hey, why would I lie?), while “actually” receives the dubious distinction from 5%.

Three percent are unsure. Whatever.

In 2009, the rankings (after “whatever”) were “you know” (25%), “it is what it is” (11%), “anyway” (7%), and “at the end of the day” (2%). At that point, like, 8% were unsure.
 

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