Word of the Day: Conference Call

OK, this is a weird one. Why do you see so many ads for free conference calls? I read somewhere that it's a function of telephone exchange. Something like long distance carriers have to pay local exchanges some kind of fee to do the hookup, particularly in rural areas. That's why there free conference call services always have some area code you've never heard of. Whatever this system of subsidy is, it seems outmoded, but I guess someone is making money off of it Free conference call.

Word of the Day: Hosting

Hosting. Again, in the Internet context, it probably has a specific meaning, like web hosting. Or other types of IT hosting. I guess paying $5 or $10 a month can really add up, that's why you see so many web hosting ads out there.

Word of the Day: Donate

I think in this context, donate means donate a fairly high value item. Such as donate your old car to KQED/NPR. Which I have done twice. I guess the sell the car off and make a little money off of it. At least they can do that more efficiently than you can. Car donation.

Word of the Day: Credit

Credit has a specific meaning in accounting, but in general it just means, will someone lend you money? Generally for a long period of time, because you're supposed to be able to pay it off, it's a mere formality, at least if it's the AAA kind. E.g., Home equity line of credit. Credit card. I don't think you call a long-term loan credit. You call it a mortgage.

Word of the Day: Mortgage

Ah, another one of those financial words. Home mortgage. ARM. Second mortgage. Refinanced second mortgage. Ah, I've never be able to afford a house in the SF Bay Area.

Word of the Day: Insurance

Insurance is a financial instrument with an expected negative rate of return. If not, the insurance companies couldn't make money. But the customers are willing to pay for that to guard against the large negative event that has an extremely large negative utility (bankruptcy, penury). Car insurance. Auto insurance. Home insurance. Renter's insurance.

Word of the Day: Cord Blood

Should you store or bank cord blood when you have a kid. As a source of stem cells for your kid, or his/her siblings, or you?