Today's number: 10%

Germany's unemployment in October, down from 10.1 percent in September, as the number of people out of work declined by 55,000 to 4.152 million, the Federal Labor Office said.

The Associated Press

Today's career talk

Samuel Smiles, a 19th-century writer, knew that politeness goes far yet costs nothing, the business group Performance Research Associates says in their book Delivering Knock Your Socks Off Service. So why do so many sales people deliver, instead, a negative message: I think you're stupid? "You send that message when you use the phrase: do you understand? If 4-year-olds don't appreciate being talked down to, why should adult customers find it satisfying?"

John Eckberg

Today's mover

•Barbara Bison Jacobson has joined the law firm of Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP as an Of Counsel litigation attorney in the Cincinnati office. Prior to joining Vorys, she was the founder of a small specialty trial practice law firm. She grew this business to represent clients in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky courts. She served as president of Hamilton County Trial Lawyers, editor of Ohio Trial magazine and she is a frequent speaker on trial practice topics and has served as teaching faculty for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy programs.

Shirley Dees

Today's money tip

While low interest rates have fueled a hot real estate market, they've also thrown cold water on the rate of return on certificates of deposit.

If you are in the market for a CD, several Web sites offer nifty search tools to help consumers track down the best rates. One is Money-rates.com, located at www.money-rates.com/cdrates.htm. It lists CD rates with terms from 30 days to 10 years.

Knight Ridder News Service

Today's Company: Neidhard-Hensley Funeral Home

Long History: In 1860, cabinetmaker Andrew Neidhard began making caskets as an extension of his Taylor's Creek woodworking business. The family focused increasingly on the funeral business, and in 1923 Joseph and Alma Neidhard moved Neidhard Funeral Home to its current Mt. Healthy location. Their children Joe Jr., Larry and Shirley continued the family business. Shirley's daughter Sue represents the current generation.

New Name, Same Game: The company name will soon change from Neidhard-Hensley to Neidhard-Gillen, to reflect the role of Sean Gillen, who is funeral director and managing partner. Company officials emphasize that the name change will not affect the community involvement or services of the funeral home.

Meaningful Goodbyes: Like many other funeral homes, this company is working with clients to design personalized funeral services that celebrate the interests and life of the deceased. There is also a greater role for family members in the service.

Jenny Callison