Diversions June 23, 2011

Amazing that Wi-Fi Came to Planes Before This…

At the 49th International Paris Air Show, many hi-tech features are being introduced. None may be as prominent or noticeable to travelers as this one.     
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Many travelers have done it and probably all flight attendants have had to deal with it. Imagine – the drinks have all been distributed, possibly meals too but that’s doubtful, and the flight attendants can rest their feet for a few minutes at the back of the plane. Not before long they hear it… “Ding!” Someone in seat 22A needs assistance.

The flight attendant makes his or her way past the people in line for the bathroom, gets asked various other requests along the way, and finally arrives at seat 22A, only to hear “Oh, sorry, I was just trying to turn on the light and I hit the call button by accident.”

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At the Paris Air Show, Boeing unveiled a new interior to its all-time best-selling 737 model that features (among other things) a redesigned flight attendant call button. The button is placed farther away from the other buttons and is shaped differently as well.   

“I feel we came up with a really good improvement,” Beverly Wyse, Boeing’s General Manager for the 737 program, told a Reuters reporter at the air show. She also said that 83% of the airlines in Boeing’s long order book for the 737 opt for the new interior.

Air travel is still a long way from being easy, but at least this is a “push” in the right direction.

Products June 22, 2011

DALBAR Launches Fiduciary Designation Program

DALBAR, Inc. has developed a fiduciary designation program, called the 401(k) RF Designation, which identifies advisers capable of acting as fiduciaries and cements it in writing.
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The 401(k) RF Designation is awarded after “rigorous” training and testing to ensure that designees are fluent in the language and regulations of ERISA, DALBAR announced. Training for the designation is provided by a number of Qualified Training Organizations or through a self-study program.

Candidates are required to have grounding in 401(k) before the training begins. In addition to the training, candidates undergo a background check and supervised testing covering fiduciary practices and the technical requirements of ERISA. Holders of the 401(k) RF Designation receive credentials that enable plan sponsors to meet the regulatory requirements of prudent selection of advisers. These credentials highlight the advisers capabilities and make any necessary disclosures.

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DALBAR said the 401(k) RF Designation was designed to comply with the upcoming Department of Labor regulations in the areas of fee disclosure, investment advice, and the proposed redefinition of what constitutes a fiduciary. The designation is authorized by the Fiduciary Standards Board (formally the Foundation for Fiduciary Studies) and the content is based on the most current 2010 Fiduciary Standards.

DALBAR, Inc. is an independent firm specializing in evaluating, auditing and rating business practices, customer performance, product quality and service.

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