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.
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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.
 

Compliance December 22, 2010

EBSA Plans Hearing About Fiduciary Definition Change

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA) has announced a March 2011 hearing on a proposed rule changing the scope of the term “fiduciary.”
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An EBSA news release said the session will be March 1 and, if necessary, March 2 in Washington. According to the announcement, the Department expects to issue a formal notice with details on the public hearing and the submission of requests to testify in early January 2011.

To ensure that all interested persons have the opportunity to prepare and submit comments on the proposed rule, EBSA will be accepting public comments until February 3, 2011, two weeks after the close of the January 20, 2011 comment period provided in the proposed regulation (see “DoL Broadens Fiduciary Net“).

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“We recognize the significance of the proposed rule for plans, participants, beneficiaries and many plan service providers and therefore believe the steps we are announcing today will ensure broad consideration of all the issues and interests in this regulation,” said EBSA Assistant Secretary Phyllis C. Borzi.
 

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