Today's number: 324,000 - The total number of U.S. jobs in oil and gas extraction, which includes drilling crews, in March — the highest level since November 1998 but below the January, 1991 figure of 403,000, according to the federal Department of Labor.

        Today's career tip: There are a few specific guidelines managers can follow to ensure that a termination is conducted in the most sensitive and appropriate manner, according to career managing consulting firm Manchester Inc. Here's one suggestion: Keep the meeting brief; 10 minutes is a good guideline. If the decision is truly final, little can be accomplished by a lengthy discussion.

        Today's money tip: Feel queasy about taking care of your personal finances in cyberspace? You aren't alone.

        Although Americans are increasingly comfortable with technology and the Internet, a survey of 3,033 U.S. households by TowerGroup's primary market research service found that while 39 percent said their financial service institutions offered online banking, only 18 percent have used it.

        And 85 percent of those who have ventured online are still true to their brick and mortar bank branches, having visited one in the past month.

        “Rather than dropping existing channels, consumers use what they know while slowly adding new delivery channels into the mix,” said Michael Weil, managing director of primary market research at Needham, Mass.-based TowerGroup.

        Today's company: Chemed corp

        • STRONG ON SERVICE: This Cincinnati holding company owns three major subsidiaries focused on marketing and service. The company's stock is traded on the NYSE as CHE.

        • ROTO-ROOTER: Roto-Rooter provides plumbing, drain cleaning, and heating, ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) services as well as related equipment and products. It operates through more than 100 company-owned branches and 500 franchises in North America and has expanded into Asia and the United Kingdom.

        • SERVICE AMERICA SYSTEMS INC.: This subsidiary services HVAC systems and major appliances for about 164,000 homes and businesses. Service America was acquired by Chemed in 1991.

        • PATIENT CARE INC.: Providing a range of medical personnel for homes and health-care agencies, Patient Care addresses needs in acute and chronic care situations.

        Send your tips and questions to Bill Ferguson at bferguson@enquirer.com.

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