Resumé Letters ~ Are They Truly Needed~??

Are resumé letters a necessity in garnering employment in today's fast~paced and ever~changing world?  Below you will find the benefits of resumé letters and why they are an important detail to include when seeking employment.   
Basically a cover letter is a letter of introduction and is a viable marketing tool in which one uses to sell themselves to prospective employers.  Job seekers will send a letter along with their resumé to briefly explain their suitability for the desired job position.  Typically employers use cover letters as a method of "screening" out applicants who do not carry the credentials in which an employer is looking for.  

There are three basic types of resumé letters, ones that are used as a letter of introduction, one that inquires about possible positions in a company and the networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search.

Generally, a cover letter is one page in length, divided into a header, introduction, body and your closing.  The header in your letter uses the standard business letter style, in which your address, the contact information and the date are included at the top and your introduction states briefly the position in which you are applying for, it is an advantageous move to make this as eye~catching as possible to capture your employer's interest.

The body of your letter is geared to highlight your main job points, why you are interested in the position and what value you would be to the employer and/or company.  You can also include briefly, your skills, qualifications and past experience as well as, your availability date.  Remember not to overdo it in this area, this is just to highlight key features about yourself so that the employer feels the necessary need to read your resumé.  Your closing sums up your letter and where you leave your "instructions" for the employer, as in, a future date in which you will be contacting them for further updates.  Bear in mind though, most employers prefer the indirect approach of simply saying that you look forward to hearing from them in the near future.  

A resumé letter is your foot in the door and improper use will turn an employer off, while a well~polished letter will make you shine above the other candidates.  Make the letter an expression of yourself while remaining professional and you will find more opportunities coming your way.  Remember, you are selling yourself and if you don't like what you read, is any future employer?

  **  This is a sponsored post for Pongo, however, all the points and views are my own~!!  **

Air Charter Services ~ Jet~Setting Made Affordable~!!

Air Charter Service is quickly becoming the choice for travellers as it is exclusive and pleasurable for all walks of life.  Patrons of air charter enjoy security, confidentiality, luxury as well as, hassle~free departures and arrivals using local airports or air terminals.

When you use charter services you will avoid the commercial airports as well as, security lines, baggage check lines and delayed flights.  It is, without a doubt, the future in aviation as more people are looking to travel without any of the hassles found on commercial flights.  

Special events and occasions deserve something unforgettable and what better way to spruce an event up than by hiring a charter plane service to get people to their destinations quickly and efficiently.  These days many charter services are making it affordable for people to travel in luxury and comfort, where once it was reserved for the elite group of people such as celebrities, politicians and the affluent.  

The expenses of renting an air charter service can be reasonable, depending on the distance and the number of people travelling.  Many companies offer group rates making the excursion even more affordable, especially over long distances.  It is very important to always check the safety rating of any air charter service that you would hire. As well, you may wish to take into consideration the experience and credentials of the pilot before you agree to board the airplane.  Yes, you will pay less for an inexperienced pilot however, why put your life at risk for monetary convenience?  

Why consider charter over commercial?  It gives you, the patron, more flexibility over your schedule, you avoid the long lines, the missed connections and the long drives to locations located far from the airports.  You will find that you will be offered security, safety and convenience by hiring a private plane to deliver you to your next event, truly, what more could you ask for?  

  **  This is a sponsored post for Clear Jet, however, all the points and views are my own~!!  **

Business School ~ A Viable Option For Your Future~!!

Have you ever considered going back to school??  Or maybe your considering school for the first time.  A huge advantage to ones future is taking the necessary steps in the proper direction and a possible solution to consider would be to attend a business school.  As you are well aware, business is an ever growing field and the job possibilities are endless to consider if you have a business degree behind you.  From sales to marketing to promotion to CEO, each area of a business or corporation requires knowledge of business and one should strive to ensure that the proper building blocks are in place to put you on a path to success.

Many times people don't often go to college or university after high school.  There are many reasons, some personal, some financial and other spiritual, no matter your reasons, they were  sound ones then and now you have come to a point in your life where serious direction is needed or else, why would you be here?  

There have been many celebrities over the years who didn't continue on with higher education and later, went back and corrected something they felt was missing in their lifes; it gives one a sense of accomplishment.  Did you realize that Howard Stern dropped out of university right after high school but then went back and got his degree in Communication??

Warren Buffet dropped out of college and at his father's urging, he returned and not only graduated with his degree in Business but he worked full time while completing his three year course.  Sarah Palin jumped from course to course before finally graduating with her BSc in Communications~Journalism.  Tyra Banks dropped out of school at seventeen to pursue her modelling career, at 38 she has returned to obtain her degree in Business in order to successfully sell herself to the public.

Obtaining a degree in Business is something that can be dreamed and attained.  Begin by checking local business schools or courses in your area and enroll today, your future will be the better for it!

  **  This is a sponsored post for the University of Denver, however, all points and views are my own~!!  **

Drivers Needed ~ Are You A Truck Driver~??

In the early days of transport truck driving the ride wasn't as comfortable as it can be today.  Drivers needed comfort and stability to work hauling product across many miles of terrain and weather conditions could be dismal depending on where you were to take your wares.  In 1910, there were only an estimated 10,000 transport trucks in all of the United States, with most of them making deliveries around large populated areas only.  In the early days, tires were solid rubber, making the journey, long and tedious.    In the 1920's, when tires became pneumatic (air~filled), the hauling of goods began to pick up speed and retail growth boomed. 

When running lights were added to the trucks in 1912, it made it possible to run them at night, further opening doors to marketing venues across the country.  And to further promote distance and time, the fifth wheel  was added in the 1920's giving the semi~trailer more popularity in how the distribution of products was moved.  As more roads were paved allowing the semi's to travel unhindered to often unreached places, the popularity in the career grew and by the 1930's there were over 330,000 transport/cargo trucks gracing America's newly formed highways.

Today, approximately 3.2 million Americans drive transport trucks across the highways and byways of North America.  However, with the rules inacted with the 1935 Motor Carrier Act, drivers have rules and regulations that have to be adhered.  Drivers are only allowed to spend 60 hours per week behind the wheel or eleven hours per day.  

Driving truck can be a grueling and lonely experience often spending many hours on the road, away from family and loved ones.  The job can tax your health and your sanity and is often the result of a high turnover rate on employment.  A CDL ticket is a must have in the industry and one needs to pass both a written and driving skills test.  Anyone interested in obtaining a career in truck driving should take advantage of many of the truck driving schools that are located in almost every city.  Because driving long~haul trucks can be a dangerous job, proper training and knowledge is the key to a successful career.

  **  This is a sponsored post for MTS Driver Recruiters, however, all the points and views are my own.  **

Going Platinum

Can reality trump fiction?  That was the question of the day on April 24th, at the launch of the firm Planetary Resource’s plan to mine metals from asteroids and return them to Earth, at the Museum of Flight in Seattle.

It sounds like a James Cameron film—fittingly, Mr. Cameron is one of the company’s backers.  The team behind the firm insists they aren’t joking.  The founders are Peter Diamndis, designer of the x Prize awarded in 2004 to Paul Allen and Burt Rutan for the first private space flight, and Eric Anderson, whose company Space Adventures has sent seven tourists into orbit.  Larry Page and Eric Smith, the chief executive and the chairman of Google, respectively, are involved in the project, too.  As is Charles Synmonyi, the engineer who managed the creation of Microsoft Office software (and who has visited space twice via Mr. Anderson’s company).  With a list of backers like that, the least you can do is take them seriously.

Most asteroids consist of unconsolidated lumps of leftover rubble from the birth of solar system.  Many, too, are chunks of small planets that have slammed into one another of the past several billion years.  These particularly have caught the eye of Planetary Resources, because the planet forming processes of melting mineral, and then stratification into core, mantle, and crust, will have organized to concentrate valuable materials into usable ores.  For example, platinum and its allied elements are rare on the Earth’s surface, but are likely more common in our metal-rich core.  It’s likely the same case for planets shattered and turned to asteroids.  Indeed, the discovery of a layer of rock rich in iridium—a relative of platinum—was the first indicator for geologists that an asteroid impact killed the dinosaurs.

Most asteroids hover between Mars and Jupiter’s orbits.  But enough of them are near-Earth asteroids (called NEAs) to be worth investigating as mineral sources—if that can be accomplished economically.

Don’t Count your Chickens
First we must locate a likely prospect.  Today, we know of about 9,000 NEAs, primarily through ground-based programs keeping tabs on bodies that might hit Earth.  That catalogue is a good starting point, but Planetary Resources would like to go further.  They intend to launch a series of small telescopes to seek out accessible asteroids whose orbits near Earth frequently enough for the mined resources to be returned at regular intervals, a plan that will cost a few million dollars.

That isn’t projected as too challenging, but it is seceded by a tougher phase.  In over a decade, when suitable targets have been identified, the company will send another kind of spacecraft to examine what’s been mined.  This is projected as significantly harder than getting telescopes into orbits, but is nevertheless considered conceivable with existing technology.  It is the process from this step onward that is more conceptual.

There are two basic ways to retrieve the materials.  One way is to drop a payload on a large NEA every time its orbit passes Earth.  That’s why the telescopes would try to detect asteroids with appropriate orbits.  This approach will require intelligent robots that can work without instruction for years, mining and processing desirable material.  The second process would be to retrieve smaller asteroids, place them in orbit and then dissect the materials at leisure.  This way, though, would limit the value of the retrievable materials, and risk catastrophe if there is something wrong in maneuvering the asteroid.

In either case, the expense is guaranteed to be incredibly high.  The Kech Institute for Space Studies’ feasibility study projected a $2.5 billion cost for the retrieval of a single 5000-ton asteroid from the moon.  Earlier research indicated a $100 billion expense for even the chance of a successful asteroid-mining venture.  Further, new technologies will need to be developed, including more powerful solar panels, electric ion engines, extraterrestrial mining equipment and robotic refineries—all of which can be doubtlessly accomplished with enough money and ingenuity.  The real doubts arise in the demand, not the supply.  Platinum and iridium are expensive because they are rare.  If they become common, having been dug from the heart of a planet, they will become cheap.  The most important members of the team very well might not be the entrepreneurs and venture capitalists investing, nor the engineers who make it possible, but the economists who can project the effects on price upon the arrival of an enormous amount of the materials.

Sergeo is a writer and rabble-rouser at Edictive. He covers film production, production management, social, casting and film distribution at Edictive.

The Popples Are Making A Comeback~!!

The 80's hit franchise, The Popples, are making plans to join merchandising partner, Saban Brands, to bring the next generation of Popples to fans.

Plans are in store for a 2013 merchandise to hit store shelves based on the Popples characters, ranging from apparel, accessories, mobile & tablet apps as well as new Popple characters and additional products for Spring 2014 which will include more publishing, stationery, party goods and crafting supplies.

The Popples television series made its US debut in 1985 amongst great success and their toy line was launched that following year and has generated more than $444 million dollars in retail sales worldwide.

If you recall, the original Popples plush toys, created by Mattel, could transform from fluffy plush balls to furry friends and back again.  

#BLOGGERS ~ Booty Firm Free Event Sign~Ups~!!

Sponsored by Mom Blog Society and ProForm

This giveaway will be open to the US

Giveaway will run from

6/6/25 12:01 est - 7/11 12:01 est

Dance your way to a new you! Three Dance Workout DVDs will help you slim down and reshape your booty! Featuring the hottest, fat-burning cardio dance moves and exclusive muscle-toning resistance exercises—the Booty Firm™ delivers body-shaping results!

Details: One winner will receive a Booty Firm machine with 3 dance DVD's and the blog

Free link choice is Facebook

Co Host Spot Available.

By completing this form, you are agreeing to have your giveaway post provided to you posted in full with links intact. You are agree to have your post live on time! There will be no exceptions to this rule. We will check all links within 8 hrs of the event start time. Those not having their post up and live will be removed without warning.

To join this Free Event Sign Up Here!

Bloggers Wanted: Literary Addicts Kindle Fire Event

Bloggers ~ Sign Up for the Literary Addicts FREE Kindle EVENT~!!

Literary Addicts is celebrating their GRAND OPENING and have partnered up with Promotional Book Tours and 10 Incredible Authors in order to bring you this AWESOME promotion~!!

Books include:

Secrets (Guardian Trilogy)

Fearless

Dirty Blood

Taming the Wolf

Bride of Fae

Immortal Voyage

Mark of the Witch

The Marriage Bargain

Slow Boat to Purgatory

Descended by Blood (Vampire Born Trilogy #1)

Event Dates:  June 15 ~ 29

Details:  This is a FREE Blogger event, open internationally and accepting sign~ups NOW~!!

Each blogger who joins on will receive 1 FREE link to either Facebook or Twitter (blogger's choice) in the rafflecopter in exchange for posting about this promotion~!!

AND...if you post about the giveaway blogger sign~ups...you will get TWO links for FREE~!!

Pretty sweet deal, huh??  

Join up HERE~!!

Henson Co. Taking Frog and Toad to the Big Screen~!!

L.A. based, Jim Henson Company has recently picked up the film and consumer product rights to the 1970's classic, "Frog and Toad" written and illustrated by Arnold Lobel.

Currently in the works is an animated film featuring the reptile friends in comic adventures as well as a licensing program based on the series' original artworks is also in the future development of the Frog and Toad series.

Lobel's series consists of four Frog and Toad books and five short stories that have sold more than 13 million copies and still continues to sell in excess of one million copies annually for publishing house, HarperCollins.

Lisa Henson is set to produce the animated film which is currently slated for a 2014 release, while Adam and Adrianne Lobel will be the executive producers.  Craig Bartlett of Dinosaur Train and Hey Arnold! fame will be scripting and Hoodwinked's, Cory Edwards is set to direct.

Product launch is set to begin in 2013 with softgoods primarily being TJHC's focus with such items like onesies, layettes, nightwear and statement~based apparel for adults, as well as accessories, gift and room decor.  A second more mass~market will launch with the movies release and will be inspired by the upcoming film.

Babar ~ Finds A New Toy Partner~!!

Toronto's Nelvana Enterprises as well as, The Clifford Company, have joined partnership with a New York~based, Yottoy Productions, to develop a new line of soft toys which are being based on the classic Babar book series, marking it's 80th anniversary.

Production will launch a vintage plush which will be designed around the literary versions of King Babar and his wife, Celeste.  The new toy line is set to launch in the US this Fall, 2012.  Also in the works, will be a licensing program built around their new CGI "older preschool" series, Babar and the Adventures of Badou.

Looney Tunes Lands A New Toy Master~!!

Warner Bros. Consumer Products announced a new program for Looney Tunes by naming "The Bridge Direct" as the property's first toy licensee in seven years.

"The Looney Tunes are everywhere right now," says Brad Globe, WBCP president.  "Animation, theatrical shorts, online, video games, home video and, of course, merchandise.  All of this activity and success is driving our opportunities to develop a refreshed and ever~expanding product line for fans."

Last year, The Looney Tunes series, was highly successful on the Cartoon Network by garnering a 5.2 rating with boys six to 11 and the series has continued to grow and regularly brings 7.5 rating from their targeted demographics.

With a array of new content, it's truly not that surprizing that the company would choose to get back into the toy business.  The toyco will be producing new plushies, figures, playsets, vehicles and role~play items that are scheduled to hit mass retain across the United States by Fall 2012.

"We have been out of toys for awhile," says Jordan Sollitto, EVP of international licensing at WBCP.  "But The Bridge Direct is just terrific at what it does and it really understands these characters."

WBCP also states that it will be keeping a search for US back~to~school, select apparel designs and stationery partners.

This Christmas should make for some interesting and delightful gifts.  The Looney Tunes characters have been favourites of both the young and old and with the new found partnership, we can be expecting we'll be seeing a lot more of our favourites.

Vistaprint ~ 140 FREE Labels! ~ 2 days only!

2 Days Only! - 6-5 thru end of day 6-6! 

140 FREE Return Address Labels! 

Here’s one product that no mom should ever be without – FREE return address labels from Vistaprint! 

They’re perfect for labeling everything your child owns. From lunch boxes and diaper bags to sippy cups, our return address labels are not only bright, colorful and fun, but they’re also practical. 

Now moms can send their children off to school, camp or anywhere for that matter knowing that their child’s personal belongings are labeled clearly for all to see. 

Plus, they’re FREE. We pay the printing, you pay the shipping!
Shipping $3.50

Maybe the King Can Read This

As President of the Continental Congress, he signed his name to the Declaration of Independence in letters so large that his name has become synonymous with “signature.” At a time when many people were trying to hide their allegiance to the cause of freedom, he boldly declared his own commitment.

The history books remember him as a wealthy merchant. Few mention that John Hancock was an orphan, brought up by his deceased father’s brother. It was that combination of tragedy and blessing that enabled John to become heir to his uncle’s booming import/export business between the colonies and the Mother Land.

Hancock graduated from Harvard University in 1754, then immersed himself in learning the family business. He spent a year in England to enlarge his circle of influence. While there, he attended the coronation of King George III (who would later want to arrest him). And upon his return to America, he took the helm of The House of Hancock.

From merchant to political leader
John entered politics in 1765 (the year the British Parliament passed the infamous Stamp Act), and progressed from Boston Selectman to president of the Provincial Congress. Hancock was senior major general of the Massachusetts Militia during the Revolutionary War and governor of the state for two separate terms afterwards. But it was his service as President of the Continental Congress—and his oversized signature on the document so dear to Americans—that has drawn the most attention from popular historians.

He used his wealth for the good of his nation
John Hancock’s deep involvement in the effort for independence earned him an unquestionable seat at the table of those called “Founding Fathers,” but little was written about him. Many of his peers considered him vain and arrogant—he rode in a highly decorated carriage, accompanied by servants and attendants. He was a man of status, and he did not try to hide the success he had achieved.

Despite what some saw as vainglory, however, John Hancock was also a philanthropist. As one familiar with suffering and loss, he supported orphans and widows, and he sought to provide opportunity to the common man.

How quickly we forget
Elbert Hubbard’s brief biography of John Hancock, one of the few insights we have into the particulars of the life of a man who seemed to exhibit both humility and pride in ample proportion, puts it like this:

They neither preserved the data of his life, nor over his grave placed a headstone. The monument that now marks his resting-place was recently erected by the State of Massachusetts. He was buried in the Old Granary Burying-Ground, on Tremont Street, and only a step from his grave sleeps his friend Samuel Adams.

Wealthy on the outside, down-to-earth on the inside and a sacrificial supporter of freedom for all … he was a Founding Father of the United States of America: John Hancock.

(Thank you to the U.S. Library of Congress for preserving and making available the signature of John Hancock on the Declaration of Independence.)

Author Lane Goodberry focuses on entrepreneurship and the free enterprise system. Lane knows the value of individual effort and the blessings of Freedom. 

Coolest Offices-Don’t You Wish You Worked There Unless of Course You Do!

We spend about a third of our lives working and for most of us, this means working in an office of some form or another. Going to work is often a chore whereby we try to make the day pass as quickly as possible waiting anxiously for 5pm to arrive. It’s not like this for everyone though as there are offices out there which will completely blow your mind! This top 10 list gives us an insight into some of these amazing places of employment.

Living Social

Designed by OTJ Architects, Living Social has created a workspace for its employees full of colour and character. The office is completely bike friendly with internal parking bays. The floors are hard wearing and polished and metro maps can be seen on the walls. Meeting areas are referred to as parks with traditional, generic office furniture being replaced with bespoke antique pieces. All in all a fantastic, workable yet fun environment to be in.

Nike

Image Source

Now based in Carnaby Street, the sports manufacturing giant has injected a wealth of influence in their London office. Employees will have the benefit of large TV’s available to watch big games and large open spaces conducive to a chilled working environment.

McLaren

McLaren’s HQ in Surrey is a perfect example of how things should be done. Not unlike their exploits on the track, their technology centre sets the standard. Apart from the stunning glass structure surrounded by a selection of artificial lakes, McLaren is a leading employer. As an aspiring engineer, this would be the place to nurture your skills in the best possible environment.

FactSet

Image Source

The company is not the best payer on the list but is has a young vibe and encourages progression within. There is also a free top class restaurant style canteen. Employees have said that the offices are very similar to a university campus which in itself will be a draw to many young people.

Boston Consulting Group

Image Source

Not only do they have cool, sophisticated offices but every Friday, the employees are treated to a free beer cart as part of a weekly happy hour. There are more concrete incentives too since every employee once hired will earn $139,000 a year for their basic salary.

DreamWorks

DreamWorks Central Fountain

DreamWorks is a great place to work due to the simple fact that employees are genuinely valued for what they do. New starters are given the personal treatment from the CEO and all workers are given daily updates via email. Despite being a large organisation, there is a warm intimate feeling amongst the workers.

Facebook

Facebook

The Facebook offices are the envy of many a workplace. One of the reasons is that it is the product of the desires of the workers themselves. The company asked employees on its own website what they wanted in an office. The result was clear open spaces complete with iPhone docking stations and a DJ station which enables cool tunes whilst you work.

Pixar

Pixar Studios

This is one of the few places where you can immerse in your inner child. It’s a tranquil, calming environment where workers will inevitably experience an absence of stress. It’s almost like going to playgroup but for adults.

Groupon

Groupon Office

The Groupon office culture is completely whacky. Following on from their huge commercial success in recent years, their offices have come to be a reflection of their fun approach to work. All the meeting rooms are themed and there is even one based on 1980’s teenage boy’s room. White boards are present all around as an outlet for spurs of creativity or just plain scribbling!

Google

Google Office

Google really is a great place to work. It truly is outstanding and justifiably at the top of the list. This is a place where people are desperate to get their feet through the front door and with good reason. Complete with a games room, free food from eleven gourmet restaurants, free onsite doctors, and its own gym, why would you want to go home? This company even allows you to wear your pyjamas to work!

This cool article was put together by British Antique Replicas; retailers of reproduction office furniture.

Infographics ~ The Business and Nutrition of Girl Scout Cookies

Every year approximately 200 million boxes of girl scout cookies are sold. The most popular cookie is the Thin Mint. In total, hundreds of billions of calories worth of Girl Scout Cookies are ingested every year. Thin Mints tie a few other cookie types for the highest calorie content per cookie at 160 calories.

All Girl Scout Cookies are created at two very busy bakeries. Sales of Girl Scout Cookies by three million girls totals 198 million boxes for $714 million of revenue per year. The least popular cookie types are retired in place of new types.

The most boxes of cookies sold in a year was 17,328 by Jennifer Sharpe, aged 15, of Dearborn, Michigan. Her sales totaled about $10,000 and helped her troop go on a trip abroad.

About 3/4 of all women in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives were once Girl Scouts.

The Girl Scout Organization earns only $37 million from membership fees, so cookie sales are an important source of revenue each year.

From: Top-Business-Degrees.net

From: Top Business Degrees

Infographic ~ The Walking Debt: The Student Loan Problem

With record numbers of young people today going to college yet unable to find a job when they graduate, many people have started to question the value of a college degree. While it still holds true that a typical college graduate will out earn a typical high school graduate, the amount of debt that students have to take on to get that degree has increased.

In fact, the average student graduating with a Bachelor’s degree today has over $24,000 in student loan debt. This amount increases for students with Master’s and professional degrees. When these loan amounts are combined with the inability of many new graduates to find a job in their field, it becomes difficult to make the required minimum payments.

Unfortunately for many former students, this has led to high levels of student loan defaults. These high levels have caused many experts to declare student loans the new banking crisis, and propose drastic changes to the system.

From: Top Colleges Online

Who is the World’s Richest Man?

In today’s time of recession and austerity, the last thing the average person wants to think about is the lives of the rich and famous. However sometimes it’s interesting to ponder on such things. With this in mind, we have decided to look at the world’s richest man and his background.

So who is the richest man in the world?
The simple answer to that is the Columbian Carlos Slim. He’s not a famous celeb but an industrialist who has seen his fortune rise to the levels seen by no other human being in history. His father was a very successful man having purchased prime real estate in 1911, so it stands to reason that his son would follow suit on the same path.

Image credit: itupictures

Mr Slim recently surpassed Bill Gates to become number one on the list of billionaires. As of 2012, he has been the richest man in the world for the third year running. His wealth was achieved through his clever investments during the early 1980s. At this time Mexico was under a process of nationalisation of the banks after the devaluation of the currency. During the recovery in 1985 he bought up large percentages of principle businesses such as Reynolds Alumino and General Popo. He is the chairman of and chief executive of two of the country’s largest companies, namely America Movil and Telmex. He later acquired 50% of the Hershey’s brand as well as 40% of the Mexican division of American tobacco. Since the 1980s, he has been acquiring businesses left right and centre. He is worth a colossal $69 billion despite being one of the world’s biggest philanthropists. 

Mr Slim is also the Vice President of the Mexican Stock Exchange as well president of the Mexican Association of Brokerage Houses. In May 2011, he donated $4 billion to his charitable foundation.

He has also ventured into sponsorship and in 2011 he sponsored the Sauber F1 team. Prior to that, he had considered buying the Honda Formula One team.

There has been some criticism directed towards the billionaire, the main one being that he has made his fortune in a nation with a very low per capita income. It also hasn’t gone unnoticed that he has a virtual monopoly on the Mexican landline telecommunications industry due to Telmex’s 90% share of the industry. It is said that Slim’s personal fortune is actually worth 5% of Mexico's annual economic output which does nothing to inspire those who are struggling to make ends meet.

More recently, Carlos has managed to escape a record Mexican fine of an eye-watering $925 million, which was imposed a year ago by Mexico's antitrust commission against America Movil - Slim’s most valuable asset (which accounts for more than half of his net worth)!

Thanks to Ladbrokes for their contribution.