She was to win, because she is ‘Clinton’ – a national leader who spent childhood at Penn State. She was to win big, say by whopping 30% margin but closed only at 10% margin in this huge state. Hmmm! What an argument?
Does it matter really that Hillary won, a State which is a true representative of America in terms of demographics? Does it matter to get only 215 thousand additional votes against rich and popular Barack Obama?
Well, if I have to report and write exactly in same stereo type fashion as being adopted by CNN or MSCNBC for last 90 days, then it does not matter. Hillary is still way behind, thus she should just quit because famous anchors of CNN / MSCNBC Wolf Blitzer (Situation Room) / Keith Olbermann (Countdown) says so. Have you seen their program of-late? Do find time to watch it. They and their guest will convince you why Hillary should quit on a yesterday basis as practically CNN and MSCNBC has become the quasi mouth-piece of Obama campaign.
But, I would like to change the course and attention on few facts on ground, which is true from day one, in this democratic primary race between Hillary R. Clinton and Barack Obama.
First thing first, a new comer in national politics, with no credible tested Senate or Service back-ground (other than Chicago), Mr Obama has done a terrific job. Go to any place in America, be it universities, mall, high-end restaurants or intellectual clubs, you will not miss the presence of Mr Obama in discussions. He is charismatic, he is great looking and he speaks well. Wow, we have a new messiah for all good things and hopes for America. This notion practically got reflected again by massive margin win at college and corporate crowd of Philadelphia vis-à-vis rest of the Penn State. Actually he managed to sweep over 100K votes alone in this city predominantly dominated by students, white collar and of course African Americans. Win is a win is a win – so what it is an elite win!
Hillary down on national polls, campaign contribution, media and super-delegate support, still managed to pull an impressive victory against many odds and exit polls. She proved once again, and particularly to all nay-Sayers (CNN / MSCNBC), that she understands American people and American politics. She proved the point, (like McCain -Republican nominee) that American Presidential race cant be won by throwing money or buying media or by clicking with only 1-2 groups (read African and white collar Americans) but by connecting with all i.e. Whites, Asians, Latinos, Jews, Catholics, Veterans, Immigrants and Masses.
We should not be worried with the final out-come of this race now or its impact on Democratic Party as now it is an even fight ahead. Let the best person win the nomination and serve the country.
However, I must highlight that, out of blue, surprisingly 3 set of people (working independently and without intention) deserve to be credited for her stunning victory yesterday besides Penn Governor Ed Rendell and Phil Mayor Michael Nutter. They are :
1. Sean Hannity (Hannity’s America) – Fox News
2. Lou Dobbs (Lau Dobbs tonight) – CNN
3. ABC sponsored primary debate on 16th April 2008
The above 3 actually pointed for the first time at different occasions in last 30 days that Mr Obama needs to be checked further before accepting his words and plans as Gospel Truths. For the first time in last 6 weeks, we saw a weak, human like politician as Mr Obama was not prepared to take the criticism and direct heat from media, critics and masses as Hillary or John McCain face every day.
It is surprising to see that international brands and balance news channels like CNN and MSCNBC are so against H.R. Clinton that some times you wonder what crime has she committed against these national channels, which refuse to find any virtues in her past and present work. Come on guys (Wolf B, Keith O, Anderson C), if like Fox news, you also hate your ex-president Mr Bill Clinton and cant stand him, then for heaven sake, for professional journalism, judge Hillary based on her achievement and delivery so far and not just because she is Mrs. Clinton. If America, the most progressive county in the world (with 55% population as women), is not ready for first Women President yet, then America should shop preaching about democracy across the world. Media should high-light this on a daily basis if they claim to be Free and Fare.
Before signing off, here are few questions that must be answered by all stake holders of Democratic Party:
1. Barak Obama has not won a single big State with diverse population base like New York, California, Florida, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. So, if he is chosen nominee then how could he ever compete with aggressive Republicans led by John McCain.
2. The Primary math is not in favor of Hillary Clinton. Every body knows it and talks about it. No Brainer there. So, the argument is that she should quit. But a larger strategic question is that even Mr Obama can’t get to the finish line at the end of the Primaries on his own. He will have to woo Super-delegates to achieve that. So, why this double-standard of one candidate quitting mid-way?
3. If the argument is that Super-delegates should not go against the will of people, then same argument holds true for delegates from battle-ground states to support Hillary, whole-heartedly and now as she is being the winner there.
In conclusion, I must acknowledge that indeed, it is a Big-Deal that Hillary Clinton won yesterday with convincing double digit margin at Pennsylvania. It was a Game-Changer.
Manish Jaiswal
for
News and Reviews
http://www.newsandreviews.in/index.php?blog=7&p=228&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1
It is a vacation time and also a good time to travel to United Stated for business. Soon, students will also start preparing to arrive in the land of opportunities for their academic pursuits.
America is a great country but one thing will hit you first, from the time of landing, that she is a true capitalist economy. Some thing which we take for granted i.e. cart to carry luggage at the airport. Well you may end up paying US 2-3 dollars for the cart, depending upon which airport you are landing. Of Course the Airports are clean and elegant. The Visa Officer will smile at you and will welcome you to United States but soon you will realize that you will be spending money on every thing, perhaps except for water and restrooms. No sooner you are out of the airport and if you are lucky, you will be greeted by your family members / office colleague, so you may get a free ride home. But if you are like us, when we arrived in USA, we had to do every thing on our own. Hunting for a cab to a grocery store, to a Medicine shop. Now you have to do every thing on your own, so what you were rich and famous in your native country. Welcome to America. Welcome to Self Help world. Welcome to the country where there is ‘No Free Lunch’ well, for almost every thing. Cheers and welcome to the most advanced country on planet earth!
Sure, we all have image and impression of America. What our friends have told, what we have seen in Hollywood movies, growing up watching. For students coming for under-grad or graduate studies (F1 / J1), they adapt well into the American culture. For workers coming on H1B or L1 Visa, they also kind of settle fast well as they have peer groups to take care of initial needs. I am sure, for rest of the population coming to America, experiences a big shock, some time quite intimidating. Well, I would avoid general statement here but would seriously recommend the following to carry or do before landing into America or soon after landing here.
1. House Search : Google a couple of options and you may get a house of your choice in your budget
2. Social Security Number (SSN) : Once you are sure of your address, be it office or stay, immediately apply for Social Security Number. Your local SSN office could be searched through Google
3. Mobile Phone : Based on your Visa status, you can get your mobile phone immediately. Remember, for better post paid plan, it is good to have SSN. Go for GSM phones as CDMA phones will not deliver your SMS to your native country, where network is based on GSM. AT&T and T-Mobile are good mobile options in America.
4. Grocery Store: Hunt your nearest grocery store. They are your life line. You will get tired eating Pasta / Pizza and Burger. Home food will give smile on your face for sure.
5. Driving License: Indeed, carry your International Driving License. It will help you drive till you get your USA Driving License. Some states like NJ will not ask you to go for driving test if you have a valid International License from your country, say India.
6. Bank Account and Credit Card: This should also be done within first week of arrival in United States. Based on your passport, bank will open a Checking or Savings account. Start with checking account. If you have dealt with Citi or HSBC banks in your host country, then you may get your Credit Card also fast, so carry your past credit card statements. To get a Credit Card is a big challenge in America. Without a Credit Card, you will not be able to build a credit history and without your credit history, you will not get a Credit Card in USA. It is like ‘an egg or chicken’ situation, which every immigrant to America face.
Well, if you have done these 6 things in your first 15 days of your arrival, then you are kind of ready to roll and explore new America. It is a process driven country hence you will never face problems in getting things done that is within the Policy Framework.
However, it is important for me to high-light that 6 steps mentioned above will not be required, should you be coming to United States for a short trip or for meeting your relatives on B1-B2 Visa. I am sure, your friends and relatives will take care most of your needs. But it is pertinent to share with you that one thing you must carry before entering United States i.e. Your Health Insurance Policy.
What ever your age or back-ground (student / Tourists or Professionals), coming to United Stated without adequate Travel Medical Health Insurance is like going to Mount Everest without Oxygen. America is a clean county with very high-end of medical advancements but it is extremely expensive county for any kind of health related treatment. Unlike your native country (say India), where Doctors could be available on a phone call, in America that is not possible. Since medical expenses are high, you may not be in position to bear the cost, should you fall sick. Trust me, even your family members, however close they are (even if they are doctors) will not be able to help you or bear your medical cost, should you fall sick.
Consider this
For a trip to a doc for a normal check-up, (of course after appointment perhaps next week), you may spend over USD 300/-. Unlike India, most of the critical drugs are available through Prescription only, which means you will have to visit a doctor to get that small piece of Prescription to get your medicine. Again the drugs are very-very expensive. God forbid, should you need to be taken to emergency room, you may get a bill of USD 3000/- plus for say 2 hrs of stay there. Incase, you need to be hospitalized then God only knows what will be the bill. It could be as high as USD 10,000/-. Can you really afford that?
I know, a lot of people tell me that one is fit and fine. I am going to States for 10 days only, so why do I need to carry a Medical Insurance with me? Well, matter of fact is that USA weather can change 3 times in a day. It is sunny now, but could start raining in the afternoon or you may witness wind speed never experienced in your life before. Please understand that America has extreme weather across 50 states vis-à-vis your native country. So, even if you are fit and resourceful, you are strongly advised to carry a Travel Medical Insurance before coming to this beautiful country. Change of weather could impact your health without warning and trust me you would not want to fall sick here.
Your Heath Insurance options
Fortunately, now you have many options to choose from to get a decent travel insurance policy for United States. Incase you are coming from India then you may want to check-out Bajaj Allianz / Tata-AIG / ICICI Lombard. Or if you don’t want to waste your time searching all insurance company website for a good plan then an easier way is to compare and buy your choice policy from India InsuranceMall (Click Travel).
Incase, you are going to stay long in United States, say 60 days plus, then I would recommend you American Global Health Plans. They are perfect for students, H1 workers and old visitors above age 65. You could compare, buy and print your choice policy from USA InsuranceMall (Click Visitor).
Here is a 6 point quick summary on virtues of taking Health Insurance for America
1. Medical cost in America is very steep. Let Insurance Company bare that risk not you.
2. Doctors are not available on call. In the emergencies your Insurance Company could help
3. American Emergency Rooms are available for all on 24X7, but post treatment bill could be unbearable for you or your loved ones. Focus on trip than on paying bills.
4. Very few medicines are OTC (over the counter) in America, so you will need a doctor for prescription drugs. They are expensive.
5. For J1 / F1 and H1 Visa holders, it is mandatory to have Health Insurance in USA
6. Your Indian Overseas Travel or American Global Health Insurance is available online at InsuranceMall
I am sure if you are prepared for your journey then trip to United States will be a memorable one. It is an amazing country. People are friendly and wealth all around, will sure impress you. Do visit USA as she is worth visiting once in a life time. Just prepare a bit before arriving here.
Buy Insurance. Stay Safe.Cheers!
Manish Jaiswal
for
Press Release
Mumbai, India April 10, 2008 -- Apollo DKV, with its vision, “To provide affordable and innovative health insurance solutions to every citizen of India and become their first-choice partner in positive health”, today announced its tie-up with Bonsai Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd., a leading Insurance Broker in the General Insurance segment for online insurance shopping through its website http://www.Insurancemall.in . The tie-up would offer customers a comprehensive solution for purchasing health insurance products over the internet.
In its continuing endeavor to make healthcare accessible to the people of India, Apollo DKV’s strategic plan is to bring world-class insurance experience to consumers across India. This tie-up is yet another step towards offering unparalleled product range and value to its customers. The company plans to have a national presence across 25 cities by the second year of operations and spread to over 100 locations by 2010.
The tie-up will provide the common man with indigenously developed ‘quote-engines’ to compare, choose and buy Insurance online. The website also offers complete portfolio management (renewal auto-reminders to advisory) and claims assistance on policies purchased. The website endeavors to give the common Insurance buyer complete power of information and decision making.
Speaking on the tie-up, Mr. Chandrasekhar, CMO, Apollo DKV, said, “Apollo DKV is putting in a concerted effort at expanding the health insurance category and making it more affordable and accessible. Partnerships like this with Bonsai Insurance Broking for purchasing online Insurance reiterates our commitment towards the same and would enhance customer satisfaction.”
Commenting on the tie-up, Mr. Manish K. Jaiswal, CEO and MD, Bonsai International Group ( www.BonsaiInternational.com ), said, “It is our pleasure to be associated with Apollo DKV a highly respected health insurance company from one of Asia’s leading healthcare group and a highly trusted brand in India. At Bonsai, we always provide exciting and interesting deals for our partners. Through this tie up we are looking at a fruitful association of building relationship with the loyal customers of Apollo DKV.”
About the promoters:
The Apollo Hospitals GroupApollo Hospitals group is a pioneer and leader in corporate healthcare in India and currently owns and manages 42 large tertiary care hospitals, 60 primary care clinics, and the largest retail pharmacy chain of over 600.
The other interests of the group include, wellness and disease management, holistic medicine, clinical research, Medical BPO, IT in health care, Medical and paramedical education and third party administration of health insurance.
Apollo Health City, Hyderabad the first functional health city in Asia, truly represents the integrated nature of the group housing under one roof.
The uniqueness of the Apollo hospitals is in uniting the exceptional clinical success rates and superior technology to match the best in the West with centuries-old traditions of Eastern care and warmth. The hospitals in the group have treated over 14 million patients from 55 countries.
Apollo Hospitals being the country’s largest provider network has excellent relations with all the insurers in India, currently underwriting health insurance and will continue its good relations with all the insurance companies as a provider of care.
DKV
DKV is the European market leader and one of the world’s top five private health insurers. In 2006 the company reached a gross premium income of € 5bn with 7.3 million customers. With its Think Healthcare!® strategy DKV provides insurance coverage, healthcare services and medical care from one single source. DKV is represented across Europe (Belgium, Germany, Great Britain, Luxembourg, Norway, Spain, Sweden) as well as in Asia, i.e. China, South Korea and India. DKV’s headquarters are based in Cologne, Germany. The company is a member of the ERGO Insurance Group and thus part of the Munich Re Group, one of the world’s largest reinsurer. Further Information at www.dkv.com
About Bonsai International Group (BIG):
Bonsai, founded in 2004 is an integrated full service financial services group of companies into Insurance Broking and Money Changing. The website is part of Bonsai’s vision to provide customers with tech-leveraged innovative solutions. Headquartered at Mumbai and offices in Bangalore and New Jersey-USA, Bonsai has served over 200000 customers in the last two years through the offline medium.
More information at www.bonsaiinternational.com
About InsuranceMall.in
www.InsuranceMall.in launched in June 2007 by Bonsai Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd., is India’s First Neutral Insurance Shopping Website providing complete Insurance solutions claims assistance. The website endeavors to give the common Insurance buyer complete power of information and decision making while shopping for Insurance.
For more information please visit http://www.InsuranceMall.in
Media Contact
Mahavir Chopra
+919867594264
+912230503050
Indian website set to become the Widest Neutral Insurance Shopping Website in the world.
India’s First Neutral Insurance Shopping Website – http://www.InsuranceMall.in today announced the launch of its Motor and Life Insurance “quote-engines” making it one of the most comprehensive neutral websites in the world, offering the customer choice to compare and buy from the widest range of Insurance products underwritten by leading Insurance Companies.
The success of www.InsuranceMall.in reinforces the vision of industry watchers who predict the future of distribution in cost-effective modern channels like Bancassurance, Corporate Retail/Worksites, Internet, Mobile and allied technology.
“India is poised to set new global benchmarks in innovative customer service in Insurance. The features offered on InsuranceMall would be unheard of anywhere across the globe.” said CEO and MD, Bonsai International Group, Mr. Manish K. Jaiswal .
The website currently offers Compare & Buy Option in Health, Personal Accident, Critical Illness, Home, Travel, Student, Motor and Life Insurance which comprises close to 99% of the complete Personal Lines range making it one of the most comprehensive website across the world. According to internal sources, the Motor Insurance Quote Engine in particular is a path-breaking development ready for real time product improvements in the future. “We are proud to declare that our in-house quote-engine for Motor Insurance is completely flexible and ready for any new product or feature introduced in the market”, said Mahavir Chopra, Director – eBusiness.
On the landmark achievement and as a part of giving back to the society, http://www.InsuranceMall.in announced a program: “Buy one, Gift one” - insuring one needy individual against Personal Accident per purchase of Rs. 500 on its website. “We also plan to provide our expertise and free advice to NGOs and other similar institutions for Insurance related matters”, said Niraj Jain, Principal Officer – Insurance.
About InsuranceMall.in
www.InsuranceMall.in launched in June 2007 by Bonsai Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd., is India’s First Neutral Insurance Shopping Website providing complete Insurance solutions claims assistance. The website endeavors to give the common Insurance buyer complete power of information and decision making while shopping for Insurance.
About Bonsai Insurance:
Bonsai Insurance, founded in 2005 is an integrated full service Insurance Broking services company. The website is part of Bonsai’s vision to provide customers with tech-leveraged innovative solutions. Headquartered at Mumbai and offices in Bangalore and New Jersey-USA, Bonsai Insurance has served over 200000 customers in the last two years through the offline medium.
If you'd like more information about this topic contact –
Mr. Mahavir Chopra
Email : mahavir@bonsaiinternational.com
Phone : +91-9867594264
Today NY Times has picked up to pressing stories a) Inflation and b) Dollar Decline. On face of it, these are 2 different subjects facing the country but my assessment is that it has same cause and effect.
America and American life Style – cherished by all, draws the strength on 3 core factors i.e.
Consumption ; Production and Trading (IMPEX). I call it CPT Index. There is no country in the world which has as high CPT Index as America. The Fed and The American government enjoyed relative success for last 60 yrs without hitch because they managed Inflation well. Business houses like Wall Mart / Dollar store etc did a great job in terms of negotiating very hard with Chinese Vendors and importing every thing –cup to dress to IPod from China at perhaps 1/10 price vis-à-vis an American Produced Market Price (APMP). So far, it was a great Run for American Economy in last 15 years, when American mass production (low end manufacturing) moved to Chine. So, what is wrong now?
Nothing but a genuine fear in the mind of American lawmakers that how to pay back China over USD 1.4 Trillion Trade Deficit. A quick solution for all problems is to let the Dollar decline and let American Exports (high end manufacturing) take the front stage once again. This is what is happening. Of Course, some proud Americans are feeling bad about the currency decline (though it is market driven, but I think it is managed now by Fed), but for Capital Economy of America, business and survival comes first, so few egos could take a back seat now.
But now I see a complex situation arising and I am sure, it will give a wake-up alarm for all the Top Economists of America. Though, the dollar has declined and Exports are growing, but the villain of all “Inflation” is rising beyond a manageable level, which could topple the Republican Government. To manage this quickly, Fed will stop Rate Cuts further, which means, Sub-Prime-Mess going out of control in 2008.
Here is the MKJ Predication for 2008. Dollar will continue to slide vis-à-vis Euro / Dollar and Indian Rupees, till Chinese continue to hold the currency in firm hand to boost their Exports further. Stock market will surprisingly remain steady and Inflation will hover around disturbing 5%. Americans will eventually learn to accept a week dollar and a new world order.
By
Mansh K. Jaiswal
2017928924 / 6466443049
Why Bonsai Insurance Broking (www.insurancemall.in )is good for you.. customers
For many people, insurance is a bewildering topic. Most people know that they need insurance, but don't understand much about it or how to go about covering the risk in a satisfactory manner. Furthermore, the law requires some insurance, such as auto insurance and mandatory workers comp. Other kinds of insurance make good sense because it can help protect and replace important and valuable assets.
When it comes to buying insurance, there are many choices and decisions. Because an independent broker does not represent and work for only one company, the broker is in a position to better advise and serve the customer by offering many alternatives.
While many insurance companies offer similar products and coverages, each company is unique with respect their own options, pricing, and many other variables. Bonsai’s job is to know what those variables and options might be, advise you, the insurance customer, and help you get the best coverage for your specific need and budget.
In the interest of achieving a fair and competitive insurance environment, we dedicate a revolutionary and one of its kind Insurance portal in India for you i.e. www.insurancemall.in . Insurance Mall (IMI) is powered by IRDA accredited, Bonsai Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd. which is a 100% subsidiary of Bonsai International Group. We are the largest Online / Retail Insurance Broker & Foreign Exchange Company in India and work with all business partners & insurance companies. Request a meeting / confirmation to close this tie-up.
Spread the word that now Indian customers has a choice to chose the Insurance Products; Insurance Companies and Covered risks from the luxury of home.
Rs 10K (USD 250/-) award for Best Blog on www.insurancemall.in
My dear Blogger :
Thank-You
I have been reading about your thoughts, feedback and lateral-views with huge interest for last 6 months. Indeed, the passion you bring-in is unparallel and honestly very motivating. In NUT-SHELL, you are doing a fantastic job of KEEPING US HONEST in our approach and Corporate Karma.
An Invitation
This mail of mine is to invite your attention on what we do and would appreciate your critical comments (good, bad, ugly) on a creation of a Business-Search Engine for Insurance in . We would love to call it TAJ but in business world it is known as www.insurancemall.in .
Insurance’s Role in the growth of Indian Economy
You know that Indian Economy is growing at raid pace of 9% year-on-year and it is just the tip of the Ice-burg. We are confidence that will cross double digit mark soon and will maintain the momentum for long-long time, with some required mid-course corrections. THREE key sectors will lead the revolution of change and sustained growth in coming times. Believe you me, they will be a) Agriculture b) Insurance c) Retail . These 3 sectors will create Jobs / Wealth and Security for INDIANS.
Bonsai and www.insurancemall.in
We at BONSAI INTERNATIONAL GROUP, the Holding Company, recognize the changing times and the potential of Insurance hence worked hard to give Indian’s, first of its kind , State-of-the-art, Insurance Portal where one could Compare Policies, Design Policies and Buy Policies On-Line. Currently Insurance Market in is USD 20.00 Billion but the policies are sold or rather pushed through Agents (Mostly Off-Line Methods) leaving customers wonder most of the time, what could or would have been a better Product, Premium or the Cover. Thus, the insurance penetration in is the least amongst developed countries. So, most of us are either Under-Covered or Not Covered at-all. However, the heartening fact is that, with the Advent of IRDA / New Insurance Companies and Competition, the Industry is now growing at the rate of 60% year-on-year, and hence BONSAI is trying to explore the huge and growing opportunity through the launch of www.insurancemall.in . Both Non-Life as well as Life Insurance Products will be available at Insurance Mall portal but currently we are offering Auto / Health / Travel and Home Insurance Policies for you.
The award of USD 250/- for the best published Blog
May I request you to Register and Surf the site. Compare Policies and give us the feedback. For your comments and time, we are happy to announce Rs 10,000 as Reward for best published Blog by the Individual. More on company and about us is available at company site www.bonsaiinternational.com .
Thanks in anticipation..
Manish Jaiswal
CEO
email : manish@bonsaiinternational.com
Press Release – INSURANCE, INDIA
3rd April 2007
Bonsai International Group (www.bonsaiinternational.com), BIG, an integrated Travel & Financial Services Company, announces the formal launch of India’s first path breaking initiative in e-distribution of Insurance – www.insurancemall.in . The portal is first in India to provide a click|compare|buy option across all Insurance products and companies to the user.
www.insurancemall.in (I M I) an in-house product from Team Bonsai, is an unbiased and user friendly tool which allows the user to compare, choose and buy (like any mall) Insurance underwritten by any Insurance company at a click of a mouse. Additionally it provides the user, free services such as portfolio management (advisory and reminders), claims assistance, online assistance etc.
The Insurance Portal, www.insurancemall.in gives customers’ a much needed choice and convenience , says Bonsai’s CEO Mr. Manish Jaiswal, that may help increase Insurance Penetration in INDIA. The site www.insurancemall.in is a secured site for transaction and is powered by Bonsai Insurance Broking Pvt. Ltd.
By
Mahavir Chopra
CFO – Bonsai International Group
mahavir@bonsaiinternational.com
B-510, Galleria, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai.
Mumbai. INDIA 400076
P. +91 22 30503050 F. +91 22 40053050
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