Unemployed former executive kills self and family

Karthik Rajaram, a former financial analyst for PricewaterhouseCoopers and Sony Pictures murdered his wife, mother-in-law and three children in a murder-suicide in Sorrento Pointe, California, an upscale suburb outside of Los Angeles. The once successful executive was experiencing financial difficulties after losing his job and was unable to find work despite his track-record of success. It's being reported that he felt his life circumstances were because he was a failure and saw his situation as a tragedy that had befallen him. Former associates and family describes two sides to Rajaram, on one hand a kind, family man, the other an emotionally unstable, high-strung and intense man. The stress and embarrassment Rajaram felt proved too much to handle which lead to his breakdown and ultimately deadly actions.

Although this guy was completely selfish in his actions its evident he was suffering from some form of mental illness way before his current financial problems. Certainly sad but also this is the reality of the emotional and mental stress the current economic crisis is having on many families. With predictions that the economy will go from bad to worse before it gets any better, I'm expecting to see a rise in these types of criminal behavior across the nation. They say desperate times brings desperate measures but I say hard times brings out the true character of a person.

Source

$1.5 billion resort opens in Dubai

Dubai, a once small desert town, has transformed itself into an ultra modern tourist stop for the extreme wealthy (thanks to Americans excessive dependence on foreign oil). Despite reports from analysts of the possibility of global financial turmoil, Dubai's continues to dream big (with hopes of being the next world leader) and opens a $1.5 billion dollar hotel/resort. The resort has a $25,000-a-night suite, an aquarium with dolphins flown in from the South Pacific, all atop an island built in the shape of a palm tree only the rich will enjoy. (Story)

It should be no surprise to you that America is partially responsible for the extraordinary success of this and several other Middle Eastern countries. Then why is it that we as Americans are moving backwards in time as a country (Great Depression) as opposed to moving forward? And why are wealthy American individuals not investing and giving back into their own country?

We are failing as a nation. While many Americans are struggling with the decision to choose between food and gas. Hollywood big wigs, the ridiculous overpaid celebrities, greedy politicians, and Wall street crooks will flock to this "wealthy-only class" attraction.

Your thoughts?

(Photo Credit: REUTERS)

Fired employees murder CEO

A group of angry laid-off employees of an Italian-headquartered manufacturer of car parts, bludgeoned to death the chief executive who had dismissed them from a factory in the suburb of Delhi, India.

Read full story here.



I wouldn't be surprised if more stories like these began to occur here in the states with more and more people out of savings and on the foreclosure brink. Watch out Wall Street swindlers.

EveryDayBuzz Freebie Alert - Visit Walt Disney World in 2009 and get in free!

(Photo Credit: Disney)

In 2009, everyone will be able to come to a Walt Disney World theme park on their birthday and get in free. Yes you heard right, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has announced that anyone showing up with a valid ID including proof of birthdate will receive a free ticket on that exact day in 2009 for one of the theme parks at Disney World or Disneyland in California.

"Disney officials announced the promotion as their effort to cash in on what they described as a growing trend called "celebration vacations" -- trips to vacation spots that people take to celebrate big birthdays, big anniversaries, honeymoons and other momentous personal occasions.

The promotion also will give Disney a new tool to help assure that its theme-park turnstiles keep moving in the next year even if the teetering national economy starts dragging down the tourism business." (Link)

I guess drastic times calls for drastic measures. Especially coming from a company that rarely gives away anything for free. It's a great incentive though and who doesn't like Disney World.

Will you be taking advantage of this promo?

Boutique medicine - Would you pay for this service?

According to the Society for Innovative Medical Practice Design, a professional society of concierge physicians, there are at least 5,000 physicians practicing concierge medicine, also referred to as boutique medicine. That is a significant jump from the reported 500 doctors who practiced in 2005 with an expected continued increase among doctors today. So what exactly is this concierge medicine, its basically suppose to be a type of deluxe health care service provided by physicians to its patients who wish to receive more attention or 24 hour access to their doctor. Those willing to shell out the extra cash for this service would in return receive prompt service, doctor's cell phone number, same day or next day appointments that will start on time and last as long as needed.

Is this ethical? Am I the only one who finds this to be absurd? So low-to mid-income patients don't deserve prompt service with appointments that start on time and thorough, comprehensive physical examinations? Sounds to me like a money-making ploy from greedy and immoral physicians who discriminate against those who cannot afford to pay for this type of higher-quality health care service.

Your thoughts? Who do you think will benefit from this service, doctor or patient?

(Link)