Consumers win big with Financial reform bill agreement

A financial reform bill agreement by congressional negotiators was announced Friday. It will be voted on by the House and Senate next week. If it passes, the financial reform bill will end up changing most of the rules that form the relationship between financial institutions and consumers. Some feel consumers will win big with the bill. Others feel consumers will be shafted.

Article Source: Financial reform bill agreement touted as a big win for consumers by Personal Money Store

New consumer protection agency

The financial reform bill gives consumers a brand new agency to watch out for their interests. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will write rules about loan products to keep consumers safe. Business Week reports that Democrats defeated Republican efforts to scale back the powers of the proposed consumer agency. But the financial reform bill sets up a bureau with independent funding. It will be part of the Federal Reserve and also has the power to enforce rules banning abusive practices in credit-card and mortgage lending.

Consumers hurt by Fiduciary standards?

A provision in the financial reform bill that requires all of the brokers to abide by a fiduciary standard when they give investment advice has those in that industry crying foul. David Loeper of Forbes says that part of the financial reform bill might just hurt the protection of consumers. He says that because the bill requires brokers to be held to a fiduciary standard that will be enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission, just as investment advisers are today. As reported by Loeper, that means consumers won’t be able to tell the difference between brokers and investment advisers. Apparently he feels that being able to trust both species equally isn’t such a good thing.

Consumer agency consolidates oversight

The financial reform bill’s Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection would like to consolidate oversight of a wide variety of financial products, including mortgages, credit cards and payday loans. ABC News reports that responsibility for these areas is scattered across a variety of government agencies. Experts say that creating one supervisor will help make financial products easier to understand and not take unfair advantage of borrowers.

The consumer protection leadership

The consumer Financial Protection Bureau was designed by Elizabeth Warren, who was a Harvard Professor who is chairwoman of the congressional oversight panel for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), the $700 billion government bailout of the financial industry. Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio explained to Business week that he “would love” to see Warren appointed to head the agency. Brown also said he knew a lot of people who would not love to see Warren in charge.

Don’t mess with Elizabeth Warren

Warren, who specializes in bankruptcy and consumer law, called for regulations to limit credit-card contracts to a short, easy-to-read document, curb bank overdraft fees and make online credit scores free. In an interview with USA Today she explained:

“I discovered the extent to which the business model of selling debt to middle-class families has changed over the past 20 years. The credit card companies and other lenders moved to a tricks and traps pricing model. The fees, the interest rate hikes and all the other surprises in the fine print have left families increasingly vulnerable. I watched hardworking, play-by-the-rules middle-class families collapse financially, and that led me to study the consumer credit market and eventually to the idea behind the consumer financial protection agency.”

Citations

Business Week

businessweek.com/news/2010-06-22/warren-should-head-new-consumer-agency-brown-says.html

Forbes

blogs.forbes.com/investor/2010/06/25/financial-reform-bill-will-shaft-consumers/

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Business/article/financial-reform-bill-means-big-consumers/story?id=11012343&page=1

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/companies/regulation/2010-06-24-warren24_ST_N.htm

Congress agrees upon auto dealer exemption

NADA (the National Automobile Dealers Association) is a mighty force politically, and it recently had the chance to fight for an auto dealer exemption from CFBA (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) oversight. Automotive News interviewed NADA spokesman Bailey Woods, who told the industry publication the House and Senate committees came to the proper conclusion for consumers, as added regulation would have made dealer financing a lot more difficult to organize and hence more expensive. Early returns seem to indicate that auto dealers should be dancing within the aisles of Congress.

Resource for this article: Congressional committee agrees on auto dealer exemption by Car Deal Expert

A victory for auto dealer exemption

When mortgages, credit cards and other varieties of short term consumer lending will remain in the CFPB playbook, the auto dealer exemption will keep dealer financing upon like a veritable Wild West. Dealer-financed auto loan finance may also continue without interruption, but the CFPB will exert their influence on the financial institutions that fund car dealer finance corps. The Federal Trade Commission still supervises auto dealers, but those in Congress who sought to bring dealer financing under CFPB scrutiny are dissatisfied with that system, as it takes the FTC as long as eight years to enact significant change. This is due to additional reviews the FTC must perform that are not required of federal agencies.

Rep. Barney Frank wanted to bring dealers into line

Rep. Barney Frank and a spate of House Democrats had hoped to curtail auto dealer lending, as did the president, the Pentagon and others, reports Automotive News. The efforts of NADA on the lobbying front changed the game, particularly when one considers where the finance bill started . When the larger goal fell out of reach, Frank and crew did obtain the concession the FTC would be allowed a shorter turnaround time in their investigation efforts. Practices of dealer finance that may overcharge can be allowed to go on. Auto dealers claim this is merely than making ends meet in a tough economy.

Citations:

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100625/RETAIL07/100629912/1128

Kim Jong-Il says that American actually owes North Korea $ 65 trillion

Reparations payments were an inseparable part of post-war recovery for centuries, and now North Korea’s Kim Jong-Il wants a piece of the pie. According to the Australian Broadcasting Company, Korea is demanding – not suggesting; demanding – that the United States pay nearly $ 65 trillion U.S. in reparations for “six decades of hostility.” To be precise, KCNA, the official state-controlled news agency of North Korea, reports that just compensation for the tribulations suffered since the division of the Korean peninsula in 1945 is $ 64.96 trillion.

Article Source: America owes North Korea $ 65 trillion, says Kim Jong-Il by Personal Money Store

With around $ 65 trillion, what is North Korea going to buy?

Perhaps with $ 65 trillion North Korea will be able to afford better industry, not to mention sensitivity training to help smooth over their issues with human rights violations. While it is difficult to take accurate assessment of North Korea’s human rights issues, Wikipedia indicates that Amnesty International has enough data to suggest that major sanctions against North Korea are warranted. The Korean War created a mass refugee exodus and divided some of the Korean families, which in turn led to food shortages. UN troop movement (as well as bombardment) under U.S. leadership allegedly led to the near-collapse of society in North Korea. The nation lasted even though it wasn't supposed to. The strife of war caused as many as 750,000 divided families according to Korean Studies Review, a problem that continues to haunt that area in modern times.

Celebrating 60th anniversary

The Korean War occurred 60 years ago, and North Korea and Kim Jong-Il probably decided it was a good time to remind the world of what they claimed was 5 million North Koreans “dead, wounded, kidnapped or missing.” In addition, they claim that U.S. sanctions have made their economic recovery impossible. These sanctions date before North Korea’s first nuclear test in 2006, says KCNA. None of this takes into account the suffering numerous world sources show that North Korea inflicted upon its own people.

Citations~More information on this topic~Read more on this topic here~Find more information on this topic~Additional information at these websites

Australian Broadcasting Company

abc.net.au/news/stories/2010/06/24/2936414.htm

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_North_Korea

Korean Studies Review

koreaweb.ws/ks/ksr/ksr06-04.htm

Visit North Korea:

youtube.com/watch?v=FJ6E3cShcVU

Learn responsible lending, not how to limit choice

Despite large problems like a state budget that remains in shambles due to rampant government spending, California legislators are reportedly hard at work to come up what they consider to be a responsible lending approach to payday loan lenders. Instead of allowing people to determine for themselves, lawmakers would rather hamper payday lending and eliminate the need for consumers to learn responsible behavior. Pay1Day writes in a recent press release that the legislative squeeze is sending quick loan companies out of business as profit margins become difficult to build.

Source for this article: Goal should be responsible lending, not a lending crackdown by Personal Money Store

Responsible lending means exercising informed choice alternatives}

An over eagerness to ban cash today is not a shift toward responsible lending in any context of this free market economy. The reality is the facility and expense of such quick personal loans from payday loan companies are much more relative. The recessionary economy and its resulting credit crunch have limited the opportunities for numerous consumers who need short term credit. Sagging employment numbers don’t make this crunch easier to take. Bills nevertheless must be paid; life’s emergencies continue. Yet financially fat lawmakers who don’t understand the need for extra cash are the ones making decisions, instead of consumers in need. Hence, they do not see the ill in removing such choices from the short term credit market with overzealous regulation.

Expenses and consequences under review

Most borrowers aren’t impulsive with the quick loan, says Pay1Day; they’re just trying to keep away from something financially worse. Given that overdraft, mortgage default or defaulting on utility bills is more expensive, consumers with less than perfect credit tend to side with the quick loan. Quick loan APR is high compared with what a small bank loan would require, but numerous consumers can’t qualify for such bank loans.

Why are quick cash loans relatively expensive?

Despite what the Center for Responsible Lending believes, loan lenders don’t attack customers with 391 percent APR to cause pain. Taxes and other legislation create operating expenditures that lenders must recoup in order to function. If legislators squeeze harder, most lenders will close their doors and jobs could be lost by the thousands. Consumers also get the short end of the stick in reduced choice.

Thus, Pay1Day suggests that California and other states can maintain price-regulating competition within the market and inform consumers about their lending choices through educational programs. Educated consumers should be allowed to make their own choices. A free society and a nanny state simply do not belong together. Restrictive government that does not allow for self-determination is not teaching everyone anything.

A lot more information on this topic

prnewswire.com/news-releases/dont-limit-payday-lending-promote-responsible-lending-instead-96784599.html

benzinga.com/press-releases/10/06/p334380/debt-free-league-warns-financial-reform-bill-won-t-reduce-debt-schemes-

No cash in divorce case – Elon Must of Tesla, Space X and Iron Man

The high flying tech entrepreneur, Elon Musk, is broke. But is he? Musk, the man behind such cutting edge companies as PayPal, Tesla Motors and Space X, said he was out of cash and living on personal loans when his wife filed for divorce. After he ran off with an actress, Mrs. Musk wants to slice off a chunk of Mr. Musk’s empire.

Article Resource: Elon Musk of Tesla, Space X and Iron Man – no cash in divorce case by Personal Money Store

Elon Musk – divorce won’t cramp his style

Elon Musk – who’s the Space X rocket scientist and Tesla Motors mogul, was used as a role model for Robert Downey Jr. in his portrayal of industrialist Tony Stark of the Iron Man movie franchise — seems to have it all. But according to the New York Times, Musk, finding himself in the middle of a divorce, says his account with the bank is empty. He says he invested each and every cent of his money in his businesses and is living off loans that were given to him by his wealthy friends. He owes $200,000 a month according to court findings. He nevertheless has a private jet though.

Iron Man of tech – Elon Musk

Elon Musk, who graced “Iron Man 2″ in a cameo role, may be broke, but in the world of the super rich, the term is relative. On June 4 his business Space X conducted a successful launch of the Falcon 9, a rocket he helped design, which brings the company closer to a $1.6 billion contract with NASA. Tesla Motors, which is the $100,000 electric sports car company he founded, just won a $50 million investment from Toyota and is scheduled to hold an original public offering of stock that is expected to value the business at about $1.4 billion.

Justine Musk really wants a divorce

After Musk ran off with actress Talulah Riley, fantasy novelist Justine Musk, also his wife, filed for divorce. Autoevolution reports that Mrs. Musk wants the house, alimony, child support and $6 million cash. She also wants a piece of Tesla Motors. In a post on her blog titled “Golddigging,” she wrote:

“For those who want to know the extent of my golddigging, this is what I asked for, from my ex-husband and also the father of my five children Elon Musk, who is a billionaire and likely to become one of the wealthiest men on the planet. Is that what I deserve? I don’t know. Who exactly deserves that kind of wealth? But based on our life and history together, is that reasonable? I think so."

Elon Musk with assets, not cash

He wasn't always so strained in his finances. VentureBeat reports that in documents filed in the divorce case, Musk made $9.6 million in 2008; he made an average of $17.2 million per year from 2005 to 2008. As of Dec. 31, 2008, he also had extensive holdings in venture capital and private equity partnerships. The partnerships aren't considered liquid assets. Since buyers have to be willing to take the risk, it might take months to get cash out of them.

A lot more details on this topic
New York Times

dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/06/22/sorkin-elon-musk-of-paypal-and-tesla-fame-is-broke/

Autoevolution

autoevolution.com/news/elon-musk-is-broke-21647.html

VentureBeat

venturebeat.com/2010/05/27/elon-musk-personal-finances/

Plan your debt consolidation carefully for real debt reduction

To simplify your debt, debt consolidation loans work. However, for real debt relief, debt consolidation is only the first step. Without changing your spending habits, a consolidation loan is trying to borrow your way away from debt, which makes no sense. Debt consolidation makes sense if, by grouping all individual varieties of debt into one place, the interest rate is lower. But if the only reason for the lower rate of interest is a longer term, you could end up paying more money in the long run.

{|Source for this article: For real debt reduction, plan your debt consolidation carefully by Personal Money Store

Real debt reduction takes planning

It takes careful preparing to set up debt consolidation that saves interest and reduces debt faster. Debt consolidation calculators are available on many web sites for free. A debt consolidation calculator helps you consider all the factors that determine whether it makes sense to consolidate. Experiment with a variety of interest, payment and term situations that could be part of your plan.

Some of the best debt consolidation moves

A variety of debt consolidation opportunities can work for you. Some of the best debt consolidation choices are listed by M.P. Dunleavy at MSN MoneyCentral. Consider a home equity loan when you have equity in yours. The interest paid is tax deductible on a home equity loan, and it carries a fairly low rate of interest within the high single digits. If your car has a secured loan, you can refinance it and use the additional cash to pay off debt. A personel loans can be a good option as the interest rate could be a lot less that what you are paying to the credit card company.

Debt reduction snowball theory

When it comes to debt consolidation, numerous financial advisers believe that for real debt reduction, you have to formulate a plan to pay down each debt separately. The "snowball approach" is financial adviser Dave Ramsey's favorite. Debts are paid off in full one at a time, from the smallest to the largest with the snowball approach. Ramsay says prioritize debts from small to large. Your first priority is paying off the smallest debt. The snowball approach motivates you with success by paying off the easiest debts first. Nevertheless, keep in mind that for the snowball approach to work, it takes many budgeting and saving discipline.

Additional information at these websites

moneycentral.msn.com

daveramsey.com

California hacker’s paradise – digital electronic license plate?

The California State Assembly is set to consider a bill that would green-light “Digital Electronic License Plate” technology. These digi-plates would turn any license plate into a mobile advertising space, flashing ads if the car sits still for more than four seconds. With no formal opposition ready to debate any of these plates, are you going to see them on the road in the next year?

Article Source: Digital Electronic License Plate – California hacker’s paradise by Car Deal Expert

What exactly are digital electronic license plates?

The bill making its way through the California legislature gives the DMV their permission they need to work with companies creating so-called “Smart Plates.” These license plates are small, pre-programmed screens. During normal operation of the car (read: driving along the road) the plate displays the license plate number. The screen will display something else if you’re stopped for three or four seconds. The idea is that these plates will be able to display some advertising, a personalized message, or anything else that could be put into pixels.

Reasons for the e-plate to be a good idea

The California Assembly seems to be set to allow the DELP for one major reason: spending budget. The $ 19 billion budget hole left the state wanting any way to bring in extra cash. With a lot more than 32 million registered vehicles in the state, these e-plates would give advertisers millions of opportunities make an effort to pay the state for advertising. These e-plates would also give the chance for residents to pay a lot more money for ultra-personalization on their cars. In the end, spending budget wins.

The Digital license plate being a bad idea

Though the state budget of California might just benefit from approving DLEP e-plates, it may eventually cost the state even a lot more money. First, these electronic license plates would change your license plate at the press of a button – certainly attractive to speeders, red-light runners and criminals of all types who could hack their plates to make their numbers obstructed or invisible. Would it really be good to have each and every automobile be a billboard ad? What business wants to be the one known for causing crashes? Would you would like to be subjected to seeing even more ads while taking a drive to the next town? There also appears to be some concern about property rights. Does the state have the rights to sell space on private property for advertisements the drivers wouldn’t even make a cent on?

What do you think about it?

Watch out for these potential auto mechanic scams

When you take your vehicle to an auto mechanic, you should have reasonable assurance that they are reputable and trustworthy, rather than someone who is waiting to perpetrate one of many different auto mechanic scams. Researching a mechanic ahead of time via AAA or other industry resources helps. However, being prepared with knowledge of some of the sneaky car repair tricks those mechanics that are less than honest can help you avoid being scammed. Here are some things look for, and none of them require much more than some basic automotive knowledge. Thanks to WalletPop for giving us some great ideas.

Source for this article: Watch out for these potential auto mechanic scams

Spit and polish auto mechanic scams

A customer's lack of knowledge is what auto scams depend on. A mechanic may say that a part needs to be replaced, but the reality is that they may remove it, clean it up, then simply put it back on the car so that it looks brand new. Easily removed parts like batteries, oil filters and radiators are common targets. A variation on this scam can be that the mechanic claims they replaced your old part with a refurbished part. This means they actually did nothing. If you can take the car home first before you are going to have any repairs done, mark the part in question with a small dab of paint that isn’t easy to spot unless someone knows it’s there. After repairs are complete, ask to see the old part as well as the purchase order for the new one. Match the new part with the info in the receipt. It was a scam if you find paint on the part.

What about manic maintenance

Follow all suggestions for standard maintenance. Check your owner’s manual. The manufacturers know your vehicle model better than anyone, so their recommended specs are authoritative. If a mechanic tries to get you to agree to an oil change, flush or other repair sooner than needed, you’ll can be suspicious. You should bring the manual with you to the repair.

Don't pay for guesswork

This is for people who didn't have the problem fixed by their mechanic. Your mechanic needs to be held to a high standard. If they didn’t fix it the first time, demand a refund or at least a discount on the next repair attempt. If these problems continue, get a new mechanic.

Think about your dipstick

Check your oil via the dipstick before you go in for repairs. Do this, not just because you want an accurate reading of your engine’s oil level, but because this will remind you to watch for an old nickel-and-dime trick some mechanics use. By only inserting the dipstick partway, they will get a lower reading. It might be cheap but it's still something. Also, watch for the detached spark plug trick – it could save you from expensive and unnecessary engine exploratory work. And while you’re at it, don’t spring for the power steering flush. No manufacturer recommends this according to WalletPop.

With labor, doubled over

Repair jobs often lead to another, and then another. Some auto mechanic scams will center on this common occurrence by doubling your labor charge. The labor cost you were quoted is what you should pay. However, if the new job is something big, the mechanic still has to make money for his or her time. Communicate with your mechanics and make sure they spell out whether additional labor charges will be incurred before you give your consent to proceed.

Citations~More information on this topic~Read more on this topic here~Find more information on this topic~Additional information at these websites

WalletPop

walletpop.com/top5/general/sneaky-auto-repair-tricks/

The related video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4fLfpuXDuM

One dollar subs at Jimmy Johns Illinois locations

In and around Chicago, sandwich shop Jimmy John's is offering subs for $ 1. Home baked bread put together with super-fast delivery makes Jimmy John's popular just about anywhere it opens up. The company is celebrating recent expansions by offering low-cost "customer appreciation" sandwiches.

Article Source: Jimmy Johns offers one dollar customer appreciation subs

One dollar sub deal

At each Illinois Jimmy John's today, it is officially "Customer Appreciation Day.” For a couple of hours on Thursday, any of the first six sandwiches on the Jimmy John's menu would be sold to you for just $ 1. These first six sandwiches are, for probably the most part, the first six sandwiches that Jimmy John's founder, Jimmy John, created in his mom's kitchen.

How Jimmy John's expanded

When he set out to start a business, Jimmy John thought he would start a hot dog stand. After graduating almost-last in his high school class, Jimmy John was given the option of starting a business with $ 25,000 or going into the Army. The start-up costs for a hot dog store were too high for Jimmy John. Instead, he baked his own bread and ordered local meats. When the first Jimmy John's opened in 1983, he delivered his four sandwich opportunities to dorms as well as from his store. In just two years, Jimmy John bought out his dad's 49 percent and opened a second store. After that, Jimmy John asked Francorp to help him franchise the business. In the United States now, you will find 1,200 Jimmy John's stores.

Current operation of Jimmy John’s restaurants

Franchises account for 95 percent of Jimmy John's locations. A "franchisee" is a person that owns a restaurant and pays fees to the original business to use their business model and name. Jimmy John, then, doesn't really own the sandwich shops, but he is making money from his business concept.

Is cancer risk worth the benefit of angiotensin receptor blockers?

Angiotensin receptor blockers are a type of drug used to treat high blood pressure and diabetic nephropathy. Angiotensin receptor blockers, though, may increase the risk of cancer in patients taking drugs such as Cozaar, Telmisartan, Lisinopril, Hyzaar, and Diovan. The angiotensin receptor blockers have been shown to increase the risk of cancer by one percent – though the rate of death from those cancers isn't increased. Put very simply, if you take angiotensin receptor blockers, you are one percent more likely to get cancer, but you aren’t more likely to die from it.

Article Source: Angiotensin receptor blockers – Cancer risk worth the benefit

The angiotensin receptor blockers study

The data from over 60,000 patients taking angiotensin receptor blockers was re-reviewed by the researchers. The researchers used eight "seed" studies with seven different drugs to analyze for their research. November 2009 was the cutoff date for the studies used in this meta analysis. This analysis study found that anybody taking angiotensin receptor blockers had about one percent higher chance of getting cancer. In the context of this study, “significant” means statistically significant – only about one percent. Even though the patients taking angiotensin receptor blockers were one percent a lot more likely to get a new cancer, they are not any a lot more likely to die from those cancers.

The uses of angiotensin receptor blockers

Heart disease is treated with ARB drugs. The angiotensin receptor blocker drug helps relax the muscles around blood vessels, keeping them from contracting. Increasingly, angiotensin receptor blockers are getting used in a preventative fashion to help prevent kidney failure and heart attacks. In 2009, the sales of these angiotensin receptor blockers were over $ 15 billion. Within the commentary within the Lancet journal, Dr. Steven Nissen wrote:

“These drugs are often overprescribed, as a result of aggressive marketing and in theabsence of evidence that they are better than angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors,” another class of drugs.

Take angiotensin receptor blockers?

If you do take angiotensin receptor blockers, you should talk with your doctor about it. The increase in cancer risk from angiotensin receptor blockers does exist. At the exact same time, stopping the drug could put you at a much higher than one percent risk from the conditions it treats.

Citations

CBSNews.com

TheLancet.com

Looking for a cheaper protein - Reduce your grocery budget down to size

$586 to $1,159 is the average grocery bill for a family of four within the US. For most American families, meats make up forty percent or a lot more of that food budget. Reducing your grocery spending budget is something people are investigating as food costs are expected to rise within the next five years. Eating cheaper shouldn't mean eating less healthy.

Article Resource: Finding a cheaper protein – Cut your grocery spending budget down to size

Math behind any cheap diet

A low-cost healthy diet doesn't have to be more work. Despite the fact that it may seem easy and cheap to get $1 hamburgers, it is actually expensive. Each month a family of four will eat 360 meals. Each meal for each person needs to be around $3.22 if on a spending budget of $1,159. Eating less meat is a simple way to cut down how much you may spend.

The ‘weekday vegetarian’ idea

Even though it may be cheaper to go entirely vegetarian, individuals are unwilling to make that move. If you cut meat out of your diet, it can save you around $200 a month. You are able to also try making meat a much smaller portion of your entire meal – the USDA recommended serving size for meat is just 3 ounces, not the five to eight that most Americans eat. You don’t have to give up meat, just eat it a little bit less – your pocketbook will thank you.

What to eat then?

If you’re not eating meat, that does not mean vegetables should substitute everything as part of your diet (though more vegetables never hurt everyone). A total protein, though, is very important in helping you feel satisfied after a meal. You have to replace your meat with other protein. Try swapping your $2 – $3 per serving meat with:

• Rice and beans – about 20 cents per serving
• 30 cents per serving – Hummus
• Lentils with a nut sauce – about 45 cents per serving
• 25 cents per serving – oatmeal with milk

The essential idea is to combine legumes, grains and nuts collectively. These three groups alone don't make protein. Together, any two do.

Mortgage rates near record lows - housing market not responding

This week the mortgage market hit the lowest levels. Shouldn't low mortgage rates be good news for the housing market? Shouldn't it be good news that sales were up in April too? But despite the attractive mortgage rates, mortgage applications plummeted after the home buyer tax credit deadline April 30. Plus, numerous homeowners are nevertheless out of work, a lot more than 1 million more foreclosures are probably going to occur and banks nevertheless have yet to put the homes they’ve already taken back on the market. The housing market recovery may have to wait. The market might still get worse.

Article Source: Mortgage rates near record lows – housing market not responding By Personal Money Store

Trends in mortgage rates

The average mortgage rate dropped to 4.72 percent this week, which is actually down from 4.79 percent last week, as outlined by mortgage finance business Freddie Mac. It was above what was set last December in 4.71. All of the mortgage rate trends point even lower than that. The average rate on a 15-year fixed-rate mortgage hit 4.17 percent, which appears to be down from 4.2 percent last week and the lowest on record since August 1991. The US housing market nevertheless isn't responding. The Associated Press reports the market is struggling without a tax credit of up to $8,000 for first-time buyers, which expired at the end of April. A campaign that was done by the Federal Reserve to cut back borrowing costs for consumers pushed mortgage rate trends down to extraordinarily low levels last year. Rates were intended to rise following the program ended this spring, but have fallen instead over the past two months.

Mortgage rate forecast

An economic setback could be created by the mortgage rate forecast. A jobs report released last week showed that private sector hiring was practically non-existent at 41,000 jobs. Investors worried about the stock market shifted money into the safety of U.S. Treasury bonds. It was reported by the LA Times that investors have rushed to buy Treasury securities given that late April, in the process driving market yields on the bonds sharply lower. Investors bought $21 billion of the securities at a Treasury auction Wednesday, even though they’re paying around 3.20 percent of it. That demand has pushed down the yield on U.S. Treasury debt. That yield is tracked by the mortgage rate forecast.

Predictions of the housing market 2010

With mortgage rates at near record lows, the number of customers that are applying for a mortgage fell to the lowest level in 13 years last week and was down 35 percent from a month ago, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. MarketWatch reports that any housing market recovery will likely continue to be slowed by additional homes on the market from “shadow inventory” and “sidelined sellers.” Shadow inventory is foreclosed homes banks are holding that have not hit the market yet. There are also severely delinquent homeowners who have not entered foreclosure yet. At about 2 million, analysts think foreclosures will peak later his year or next.

Recovery of housing market seems on hold

Sidelined sellers are individuals who want to sell their homes but are waiting for the housing market recovery. It was reported by MarketWatch that about 7 percent of homeowners — representing a lot more than 5 million homes — fall into this category. They’ll wait a while. 9.7 percent was the US unemployment rate in May. Salaries are being frozen, or cut. In a National Foundation for Credit Counseling survey of a lot more than 2,000 consumers, 49 percent said if they tried to purchase a home they’d never be able to save enough money for a down payment. People underwater on their mortgages, about 25 percent of borrowers, can’t get the financing to move to any other kind of house. People who are shopping for mortgages aren’t only worried about getting a home, but additionally their ability to keep it. Doug Duncan, chief economist at Fannie Mae, told MarketWatch that in the long run, that attitude is a good thing for the economy.

Finally we are getting some good news.

Discover a lot more info on this topic

Associated Press
google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hPHFMSZDHZNqzg3uDQ1tvmGdoq4wD9G8FSG00
LA times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2010/06/treasury-bonds-yields-rally-economy-auction-austerity-pimco-gross.html
Marketwatch.com
marketwatch.com/story/the-housing-market-recession-is-not-over-2010-06-09?pagenumber=1

P2P goes financial, confounds SEC

A debate has began in Washington DC about if SEC has the ability to regulate peer-to-peer lender Prosper. A relatively new business model, P2P lending is a type of lending that cuts banks out. The SEC calls these businesses investment companies, which means the SEC could regulate them. Prosper, however, believes that this is not a correct ruling.

Article Source: Peer to peer lending confounds the SEC By Personal Money Store

The way peer to peer lending does investing

Peer to peer lending is a business model that is not entirely unheard of. By letting the lender choose exactly who and just how much they invest money with, it gives the lenders control. A borrower can make a plea for money on the website, including their planned use of the money, their credit score, and personal story. Investors can peruse these requests, and determine exactly where they want to put their money — and they can loan as little as $ 25. In addition to the charity micro lending site Kiva.com, prosper.com and lendingclub.com offer these peer to peer lending programs. On average, these companies claim that investors make around 9 percent on their investments.

The regulation question for peer to peer lenders

The Securities and Exchange commission currently claims the right to regulate the p2p lending. The argument the SEC uses is that these online lenders are investment firms selling bonds – and therefore fall under the purview of the SEC. To regulate their business, Prosper is asking for the CFPA to have the rights to their business.

Bonds and loans – what is the difference?

Corporations generally use bonds as a type of capital-raising investment. A bond is essentially a promise to pay a certain amount of money later in exchange for an amount of cash til payday loan. Financial markets generally accept bonds as a market item to trade. In comparison to other loans, bonds generally have very low interest rates. Loans, instead, are a contract for future payment in exchange for current investment – but cannot be traded as easily as bonds. Essentially, a loan is sold to an individual by a bank, while corporations "sell" bonds to individuals.

Increase in truck driving jobs and auto industry jobs in forecast

The high U.S. unemployment rate may be reduced by up to 400,000 truck driving jobs and a shortage of workers in the U.S. auto industry. The trucking and auto industries were hit hard by the recession. But jobs in both industries are coming back as the U.S. economy inches toward recovery. The U.S. trucking industry is already seeing driver shortages in some markets. Over the next few years the U.S. auto industry could see a labor shortage also.

Source for this article: Truck driving jobs and auto industry jobs to surge in near future

truck driving jobs coming back

Since 2008, the U.S trucking industry lost nearly 150,000 driving jobs overall. But as much as 200,000 new truck driving jobs could be accessible this year. Another 200,000 could be added next year, according to the state of logistics report from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. CNNMoney.com reports that numerous factors are creating the need for a lot more truck drivers: retirements, tougher safety regulations intended to get drivers with bad records off the road and also the need to replace drivers who were laid-off during the recession.

Automakers need workers with new skills

The U.S. auto industry shed 228,000 jobs within the past two years. But trends point toward an addition of about 15,000 jobs this year and up to 100,000 new auto industry jobs a year from 2011 through 2013 as the industry recovers from the recession, according to the Center for Automotive Research|The Center for Automotive Research sees job numbers trending upward as the industry recovers toward about 15,000 in 2010 and one more 100,000 new auto industry jobs each year through 2013|In a dramatic reversal, the Center for Automotive research forecasts 15,000 new jobs this year and another 100,000 a year through 2013 as the industry recovers from the recession}. The emerging new jobs, USA Today reports, won't be filled by the complacent union workers who contributed to the U.S. auto industry's decline. On the factory floor, auto industry jobs are demanding a lot more and different skills, like computer literacy and also the ability to work with less supervision than thei! r predecessors. A high school diploma will no longer be enough to qualify.

Truck driving jobs not easy to fill

Rosalyn Wilson, author of the report featured on CNNMoney.com, said that besides a 9.7 percent U.s. unemployment rate, truck driving jobs could be difficult to fill. If coming home to the family at the end of the day is a quality of life issue, many will hold out for something else. Truck driver salaries were at a $ 37, 730 median as of May 2009. But most truck driving jobs pay by the mile, and more miles and also the driver shortage are likely to increase wages in the years ahead.

Citations

CNNMoney.com

usatoday.com

Some tips for creating your own car sharing group

To help cut down on driving, car sharing has been very popular. People will choose to be in a car sharing group for various reasons. Nevertheless, car sharing isn't available in each city yet. Starting your own car-sharing program could be a legitimate choice – but there are definitely a few things to keep in mind.

Resource for this article: 3 tips for creating your own car-sharing group By Personal Money Store

1 – Who will own the vehicle?

The first thing you need to figure out is who will be responsible for the vehicle. Unless you start a company or LLC that will own the vehicle, somebody will have to be ultimately responsible for the money, maintenance and management of the vehicle. At least a basic contract should be drawn up and signed by all individuals sharing the vehicle.

2- Getting insurance

No matter who’s driving it, the insurance needs to cover the car. If the driving time is shared 30 to 40 percent of the time, check laws inside your state to know what to do. You might not end up ever getting your money if there is an accident and you haven't told your insurance company the car is regularly used by others. The other option is to ask all members of the car-sharing network to get their own “non-owner policy” or “broad form” policy – both of which cover the driver and not necessarily the car.

3- The cost of sharing

Figuring out the costs of car-sharing is one of one of the most difficult things for a car-sharing group. Operating costs and monthly payments should be separate from one another. The monthly payment can be split as the “monthly fee” for being a part of the car-sharing group. The operating costs of the automobile are the other consideration. You might just want to sit down and add all the expenses together. Divide that total by either the number of people sharing the car – or by the number of miles you are expecting to drive the car. Alternately, set a “per mile” rate for the car, intended to cover all the operating costs. The U.S. federal government sets the per-mile cost of car use at 50 cents per mile. The price will likely be around 50 cents and up to $1.

Although it takes a little work, figuring out the costs of car sharing is worth it. Until ZipCar, Hertz Go, or some other car-sharing network makes it to your city, it can be a great way to cut back your cost and reduce your environmental impact.

Danielle Staub sextape to release June 14

One of the “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” Danielle Staub has racked up some real drama. The Danielle Staub sextape video is set for release. Hustler has told TMZ that it plans to release the Danielle Staub sextape video on June 14 of this year. Is this a story of a “Real Housewife” needing money, or an ex-boyfriend’s revenge?

Article Resource: Danielle Staub sextape video set for June 14 release

Around the Danielle Staub sextape video is litigation

Almost a year ago, the Danielle Staub sextape was the subject of protracted litigation in the New Jersey State Superior Court. Danielle Staub sued her ex-boyfriend Stephen Zalewski to try really hard to prevent the release of “sexually explicit videotape and images .” Danielle Staub claims the sextape video was created without her knowledge or consent. On June 23, 2009, a judge given Danielle Staub’s request to block any kind of release of the sextape video.

The Danielle Staub sextape video story

The Danielle Staub sextape video that Hustler has reported will likely be releasing was reportedly filmed in September of 2009. This means that the drama on “Real Housewives of New Jersey” about Stephen Zalewski secretly filming his sexual encounters with Danielle was not about this particular tape. The Danielle Staub sex tape reportedly features a “mystery man” that has not been spotted on the “Real Housewives of New Jersey.”

Release of the Danielle Staub sextape video

Hustler, Inc., explained that it will release the 75-minute Danielle Staub sextape video on June 14. Officially, representatives for Danielle Staub have not commented on this tape. Nevertheless, if sales of past “celebrity” sextape videos are any indication, the “Real Housewife” could make a large amount of money off this tape. Depending on the information of the contract made, Danielle Staub’s sextape video could easily net her in the neighborhood of $1 million. Ex-boyfriend Stephen Zalewski has confirmed that he has complied with the injunction blocking him from distributing or selling the video tapes in his possession. This means that there were two individuals who could have sold the Danielle Staub sextape video – Danielle herself, or a “Mystery Man” partner that she has chosen not to sue. With rumors of financial ruin surrounding Danielle Staub, it would be about right if the former call girl and con artist offered the ! videotape for sale herself.

Commercial space flight is on its way with the launch of Space X Falcon 9

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket defied the odds and went into orbit Friday. The Falcon 9 represents a new direction in low-orbit cargo resupply missions, away from government-sponsored programs toward commercial spaceflight. The 180-foot high, 2-stage Falcon 9 carrying the Space X Dragon capsule succeeded on its first test flight Friday. Commercial spaceflight to the International Space Station for NASA took a major step with the successful launch.

Billion dollar spaceflight contracts

The Space X Falcon 9 is in line to replace NASA's space shuttles, which will be retired at the end of the year. Space X has prepared up to three Falcon 9/Dragon test flights for NASA, as outlined by Universe Today. Cargo deliveries to the International Space Station could start with the Falcon 9’s fourth flight as early as next year. NASA has awarded Space X a $ 1.6 billion contract to continue space station resupply duties once the space shuttle fleet is retired.

Falcon 9 launches conserve millions

The Space X Falcon 9 rocket is the first spacecraft in a decade powered by a new U.S.-made rocket engine design. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Space X, founded in 2002, has attracted hundreds of previous employees from NASA and its previous aerospace contractors to the companies’ facilities in California, Texas and Florida. Space X founder Elon Musk is investing $ 100 million from the fortune he made by selling PayPal to pursue a goal of making spaceflight a lot more affordable. Investors who believe in Musk threw down another $ 300 million. NASA is nevertheless spending $ 300 million a month on the Constellation moon rocket program President Obama will cancel at the end of the year.

Falcon 9 beats the odds

A successful Falcon 9 rocket test was doubtful. Spaceflight experts give the typical launch test a 50-50 chance. Earlier within the week Musk told reporters he figured the Falcon 9 had a 70 to 80 percent chance of succeeding. The chances of surviving a Russian roulette trigger pull are 83 percent . "So if anybody remembers that scene from 'The Deer Hunter,' Musk said, "That's tomorrow". The Space X Falcon 9 beat the odds and then some achieving orbit on its first test flight.

More tests later for Space X Falcon 9

It took four launches for Space X to get its earlier Falcon 1 rocket to orbit. MSNBC reports that some in Congress and also the space community have serious doubts about the ability of Space X and other commercial companies to meet NASA’s requirements for future spaceflight. But besides the successful Falcon 9 launch, Musk said the survival of his business, or the future of private spaceflight, didn't rest on the outcome.

More information on this topic

universetoday.com

orlandosentinel.com

cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com

Latest jobs report is not as good as hoped

The number of available jobs rising is something a lot of people have been hoping for. The May jobs report is not the dramatic good news that’s been hoped for. This is not to say that there was no improvement, but the improvement was less than anticipated, which caused ripples within the stock market. The US Census added many of the jobs of the last few months, and fewer than 50,000 jobs were added to the private sector.

Slower growth as outlined by the jobs report

The recently released May jobs report from the Department of Labor is not a forecast for the apocalypse. It would seem, though, the unemployment rate is going to be done in with attrition. The May jobs report showed an increase of 431,000 jobs, as outlined by Forbes. The bulk of them are temporary. Of those, 411,000 were jobs with the US Census, which means an increase in employment is due in June when Census jobs end.

Private sector slips

The private sector didn’t perform too well. The April jobs report had a gain in private sector employment of 218,000, but May took a turn for the worse and added a scant 41,000 jobs. It's the lowest month since January for private sector hiring, so it would appear the rebuilding of the workforce is going to be a slow climb. The unemployment rate fell to 9.y percent, down from 9.9 percent last month.

Downturn for stock markets

Stock markets have been in turmoil recently. The European debt crisis along with the slower job growth led to a dip for the Dow Jones and NASDAQ of 1.9 percent and a 2 percent slide for the S&P 500, according to CNN Money. Recovery is apparently taking longer than previously thought.

Additional details at these websites

Forbes

forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/06/04/general-technology-hardware-amp-equipment-us-economy_7661383.html?boxes=Homepagetopnews

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2010/06/04/markets/markets_newyork/

Facebook.com/nabiscocookies offers free cookie coupon

You are able to get a free package of Nabisco cookies if you act quickly and go to facebook.com/nabiscocookies. The free Nabisco cookie promotion is not an unusual move, especially for the parent company Kraft. The number of available coupons on facebook.com/nabiscocookies is going down quickly, so act quickly and have a backup plan.

Source for this article: Facebook.com/nabiscocookies – Get a free cookie coupon By Personal Money Store

The logistics behind facebook.com/nabiscocookies

Just today, you will get a free coupon for Nabisco cookies if you "like" the facebook.com/nabiscocookies Facebook fan page. The 465,000 coupons are expected to go relatively quickly. In order to get a free package of Nabisco cookies, you will have to purchase a first package of cookies and two gallons of milk. The coupon is good until June 25, but you are able to only get it until Midnight June 7.

The promotional playbook behind facebook.com/nabiscocookies

The facebook.com/nabiscocookies promotion will last only 24 hours. You will find several types of "Nabisco cookies" including Fig Newtons, Oreos, Nutter Butters and even more. Nabisco cookies are mostly owned by the Kraft foods business. Through stock, Phillip Morris owns the Kraft Foods company. In total, 88.1 percent of Kraft Foods stock is owned by the tobacco and general holdings company. The Kraft / Phillip Morris conglomerate has purchased and re-sold dozens of brands. Kraft Foods purchased Cadbury most recently. In the last year, Kraft Foods has gained 8.11 percent in value.

Didn't get your facebook.com/nabiscocookies coupon?

You will find less than 500,000 coupons accessible on the facebook.com/nabiscocookies website. Plus, using the coupon demands a purchase that could effortlessly add up to $ 10 or a lot more before you get your “free” cookies. This doesn’t mean you’ve to miss out, though. You can effortlessly make your own Nabisco-style cookies at home. Rather than the shortening and sugar filling in traditional Oreos, you are able to use something to replace the vegetable shortening. Oreos always sound tasty, but fresh out of the oven, they’re even better.

Sharron Angle wins Nevada GOP primary, wants Prohibition

In the race for Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s seat, Republican primary winner Sharron Angle from Nevada is riding her tea party credentials in what her supporters hope can be a move to clear the old guard out of Washington. Numerous her views on the issues place her squarely on the fringe, rather than at the heart of Republican values. The Los Angeles Times reports that the former schoolteacher and member of the Church of Scientology first wants to get rid of Social Security for the youthful employed. That is only somewhat controversial, nevertheless, considering that Social Security is likely on its last legs. More controversial are her views on education, prohibition and prison inmate treatment.

Resource for this article: Sharron Angle wins Nevada GOP primary, wants Prohibition By Personal Money Store

Get out of education, Sharron Angle tells large government

According to Sharron Angle’s website, the candidate wants the Federal Department of Education to be shut down because she believes it is unconstitutional. Failed programs like No Child Left Behind and numerous others only serve to complicate life for teachers and students, she claims. Sharron Angle believes that choice education choices like home schooling, fast cash loans vouchers and charter schools are a better option for Nevada (and America’s) children.

Back with a temperance

Sharron Angle’s views on alcohol are maybe one of the most controversial thing that could hurt her election chances. A 2006 interview for the now defunct magazine Liberty Watch is most noteworthy, reports Slash Politics, for Angle’s call for alcohol to be treated in much the same way as marijuana within the U.S. The result would be that alcohol would become illegal, as it was within the Prohibition era. This is particularly odd, considering that Sharron Angle is running out of Nevada, the land of Las Vegas. Angle spokesman Jerry Stacy tried to cover up the damage she did with her statement, but it still hasn’t gone away.

There will be hot tubs for the mentally ill

As a Scientologist, Sharron Angle does not support the use of psychiatric drugs. She has tried to “gain support for a prison drug rehabilitation program that would involve prisoners quitting drugs cold turkey, with saunas and massages as part of treatment,” reports Talking Points Memo. Apparently this doctrine comes straight from L. Ron Hubbard’s writings, and Sharron Angle counts herself a believer.

More info on this topic

sharronangle.com/

slashpolitics.lvcitylife.com/2010/05/prohibition-and-sharron-angle/

latimes.com/news/nationworld/politics/wire/sns-ap-us-nevada-senate,0,1359536.story

tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/05/sharron-angle-attacked-for-alleged-scientology-ties.php

Oil spill live feed – raging gusher overwhelms oil spill cap

The oil spill cap, BP’s most recent try to gain control of the disaster that has been unfolding in the Gulf of Mexico for 48 days, is being overwhelmed by the massive gusher of crude at the bottom of the sea. Most of the oil spewing from the leak continues to escape. Yet the crude the oil spill cap does collect is overwhelming the capacity of the ship storing it on the surface. As the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010 grows larger, it becomes increasingly harder to contain as it breaks up into hundreds of meandering slicks that wash ashore at times and in places that are impossible to predict. By the time relief wells could ultimately stop the leak in August, the spill could total up to 200 million gallons.

Source for this article: Raging gusher overwhelms oil spill cap – Oil spill live feed

Oil spill live feed shows the true size of the leak

The BP oil spill live feed (see below) shows a billowing, brown cloud entirely obscuring the oil spill cap as most of the crude gushing from the stricken wellhead continues to escape to the sea. The oil spill cap scenario appears to confirm all of the claims by scientists that BP and government officials have underestimated the quantity of the leak. It was reported by Reuters that U.S. Coast Guard Admiral Thad Allen said at a news conference in Washington that government scientists are working to establish a a lot more solid leak rate. He said BP hoped to bring in 20,000 barrels per day from the well — a comment that indicated government estimates of a flow of 12,000 to 19,000 barrels daily were low. Allen said the upper range was 25,000. Scientists thought the number could possibly be much higher.

Some exact same day pay day loan

As outlined by BP, on just Sunday the oil spill cap got 11,100 barrels of oil. Its goal is to increase the amount collected to 20,000 barrels a day. In the meantime, the high side estimate of the oil spill adds up to about 118 million gallons in the 48 days since the Deepwater Horizon exploded, sank, killed 11 individuals and launched the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010. The Associated Press reports the oil slick has broken into hundreds of thousands of individual patches stretching from 100 miles east of the Texas-Louisiana border to near the middle of the Florida Panhandle and down to the open sea about 150 miles west of Tampa, Fla.

Pressure hurting oil spill cap

The oil spill cap was made with four vents to keep the intense pressure of the gusher from overcoming the device. As outlined by the New York Times, the sheer volume of oil gushing from the out-of-control well forced BP to leave three vents open. Even with just one vent closed the oil spill cap was capturing a lot more crude than could possibly be processed on a drill ship at the surface. The Discoverer Enterprise drill ship can only manage 15,000 barrels a day. Shuttle barges carry oil from the ship to storage tanks on shore. Admiral Allen said BP is looking at bringing in larger production vessels that can withstand coming hurricanes. He explained to everybody the ultimate solution to plugging the well is the drilling of two relief wells, which are scheduled to be completed in August.

Havoc from oil spill continues

Due to the oil spill within the Gulf of Mexico 2010, one-third of the federal waters off the gulf have been closed to fishing, and also the spill is killing and injuring birds and marine animals. Admiral Allen suggests shoreline cleanup will take years. The Washington Post reports that floating booms deployed on the water are of limited use in preventing oil from reaching the shore. Allen said shoreline cleanup will last for years. To help with the cleanup, BP has spent more than $1 billion. The company claims that it has spent another $48.1 million on about 18,000 claims from fishermen, businesses and others who were harmed by the spill and is working through 17,000 more claims.

More data on this topic

Reuters
reuters.com/article/idUSTRE65634V20100607
Yahoo via Associated Press
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_gulf_oil_spill
Yahoo via New York Times
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_gulf_oil_spill

Build a good credit score and start credit repair- paycheck loans

A major quality of life issue for everyone is a good credit score. Fixing bad credit and building good credit isn't at all complicated. It is just a two way process. First, always pay all bills on time. Borrow money and pay it back secondly. This could be helped with payday loans. With good credit that has been preserved through smart payday loan use, a person can get better deals, it’s easier for them to lease apartments and most importantly, it's easier to get hired for a better job when the employer sees a good credit score.

Article Source: Paydayloans – build a good credit score and start credit repair By Personal Money Store

Credit built by Monday loans

A good credit score factors in loan until payday. Within the current economic climate, banks don't really want to make payday advances and can’t be considered a reliable source of borrowing for most people. A credit card is a good choice. Use is frequently. Check and make sure it has a good interest rate and no annual fees. On the card you shouldn't keep a balance. Every month that you pay off the card you’ll keep from getting interest charges.

I need to get money now

Building a good credit score by paying rent, utility bills and credit card balances on time always works perfectly on paper. But sometimes real life throws a monkey wrench into the most carefully made plans. The car could die. A child could get very hurt. A toothache turns into a root canal. So now what should I do? A fortune of penalties and interest can be found with a late credit card payment. If the check written to make that credit card payment on time bounces, the bank will come back with an outrageous NSF (non-sufficient funds) fee.

Some same day payroll loans

A payday loan is a practical option when safeguarding a good credit score in an emergency. Payday lenders provide a valuable service and are reasonable when compared to default fees of mainstream lenders. For example a $100 payday advance commonly comes with a $15 fee. A $48 NSF fee could be added if your $100 check bounces. Pay day loans keep away from the bounced check fee. And to add to that, your credit score will do well because you’ll have borrowed and paid back.

No credit check on short term loans

The best way to protect a good credit score in an emergency is getting instant online personal loan. Online could be found hundreds of direct payday lender. A 10 minute application that is easy leads to cash the next day. Cash until payday advance firms never conduct credit checks. Typically in 14 days, the borrow must stay on budget and pay the money back. A payday loan is just an additional problem if it is not paid back in time.

Read a lot more on this topic here

Annualcreditreport.com
annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp

Ken Griffey Jr retires from Mariners, baseball

Ken Griffey Jr suddenly retired on June 2, 2010, which was announced shortly before a game between the Mariners and also the Minnesota Twins. Griffey caught just about every person off guard with the announcement. The decision seems to are on his mind for some time, and he would rather call it a day early than remain on the team for the sake of nostalgia. Griffey's achievements are substantial to say the least. As the fifth all time home run hitter, he is in rarefied air as a player.

Source for this article: Ken Griffey Jr retires from Mariners, baseball

A career for the history books is closed as Ken Griffey Jr retires

For sports people of the Pacific Northwest, there are few who loom as large as Ken Griffey Jr. The Mariners and Ken Griffey Jr are about as inseparable within the minds of fans as Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees are. He debuted professionally in 1989 and along with his father, Ken Griffey Sr, were the only father and son to play for the very same team at the very same time. He proved worth the investment of cash loan, as he was a prolific player on both sides of the ball. He won the Golden Glove from the American League 10 times and hit nearly 400 home runs in his original stint with Seattle.

The Kid departs from the Emerald City

In 1999, Griffey wanted to move closer to his family, which has long been his greatest priority. The Cincinnati Reds traded for him, and ironically, it was the Reds who his father played for and won two World Series with. His time in Cincinnati, when having moments of his trademark productivity, was plagued with injuries. Half way through the 2008 season, Griffey was traded to the White Sox. He became a free agent at the end of that year, and massive amounts of rumor started about his potential return to Seattle.

The return of the prodigal son

Returning in 2009, he hit 19 home runs within the 2009 season. By May of 2010, he had seen little time at the plate and no home runs. He had been listed as a reserve for a game against the Minnesota Twins, as outlined by the Seattle Times. A quick pre-game press conference was called at Safeco Field, and that was it. He said all along his retirement would happen in the blink of an eye and he had personally vowed "never allow myself to become a distraction." Griffey knew it was time to call the game.

Read more on this topic here

Seattle Times

seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/mariners/2012015906_griffey03.html

Texting when driving bills have trouble on state level

When New York Senator Chuck Schumer brought a bill before the Senate to ban texting while driving, it seemed like the right bill at the right time. Strangely, getting comparable laws going on a state-by-state basis has been tough sledding. How is this, if what CNN reports is true and 80 percent of auto wrecks are indeed related to distracted drivers who are texting or doing something else? The language used in the legislation may be what’s holding things up.

Article Source: Texting while driving legislation hits snags at state level By Car Deal Expert

Texting when driving is not what’s holding them back

Numerous United States are having trouble making a texting while driving ban work. Take Georgia, for instance. Gov. Sonny Perdue, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, doesn’t like the way the anti-texting while driving legislation is written. ”Any text-based communication” being banned is at issue. Also, the governor of Georgia doesn’t think a mere law will stop individuals from texting when driving, such is the power of instant gratification.

”If I get my e-mails and I pick up a smart-phone and read my e-mails,” asserted Perdue, “I’m violating the law. But if I print out my E-mails and I have a sheet of paper driving (and look at it), then I haven’t violated the law”.

Instant gratification is tough to resist

Using Perdue’s logic, perhaps all distracted driving should be against the law. It’s not hard to make the case. A texting while driving law would be worth the effort, wouldn’t it? The AJC indicates that texting while driving causes 1.6 million accidents each year, which involves 500,000-plus injuries and 6,000 deaths. Moreover, texting when driving is three times a lot more dangerous than drunk driving, some studies show. In total, texting while driving makes accidents 23 times a lot more likely to happen, says the AJC. Those numbers make it easy to see that individuals have to delay gratification and pull over first.

Auto Week and Oprah are on board

Auto Week’s national campaign against texting when driving has received attention. “We know what a car can do – artistically and brutally at speed,” writes Auto Week. “As car guys we must be on the front lines to carry the message, willing to share with every person we learn about the hazards of distracted driving. We must tell everybody to stop texting while driving. We are selfish that way. Because we want them to live”. Oprah Winfrey’s “No Phone Zone” has achieved even greater success.

Make roadways safer now

Perhaps state governors like Mr. Perdue will recognize that while his state’s anti-texting while driving bill may not be perfect, signing is a necessary start to help make roadways safer and save lives within the process. For additional info on texting when driving laws in place, see the Governors Highway Safety Association link below.

A lot more info on this topic

blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2010/06/03/advocates-make-last-minute-appeal-to-the-governor-to-sign-texting-while-driving-ban/?cxntfid=blogs_get_schooled_blog

autoweek.com/files/distracteddriving/distracteddriving.html

ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html

Security concerns prompt Google to ban Windows OS

Google has officially given Windows operating systems the boot, on and off the California campus. Partially a lead-up to the Google Chrome OS and partially a response to Windows security breaks, this move has attracted international attention. Google employees will only be allowed to use Windows with special permission.

Article Resource: Google bans Windows over security concerns

Why Google is giving Windows the boot

The official policy of Google on Windows has been, until now, more flexible. Google employees were offered the option of Windows, Linux or Mac operating systems. To use Windows, though, Google employees now must get approval from the CIO. At the same time that Windows use has been officially limited, Google’s Chrome OS is being pushed as an choice option. This move was hastened by the recent hacking of Google’s China channels.

Google is concerned about Windows security

From credit counseling to office management, about 80 percent of computers run Windows. This homogeneity across the system makes Windows an easy target for hackers and computer viruses. At Google, the security concerns surrounding Windows have been the reason for a general move to Mac and Linux computer systems. Those that develop Google programs – the dedicated developers that design the products – work on a cloud computing system instead of hardware-based system.

Is the Google Windows fight a marketing ploy?

A few observers have suggested that Google kicking Windows out of its offices is more about publicity than security. Google has been creating a Chrome OS, a competitor to the Windows operating system. The Google Chrome web browser was the first public release of this operating system. The Google Chrome OS is an open-source operating system — an operating system that can be edited and improved by any user. People used to assume that open-source operating systems were less secure, but experience with Linux and other large open-source projects have proved this theory incorrect. Yes, there could be a Google competitor to the Windows operating system, but that isn't entirely the reason Windows will no longer be used within the Google offices.

Lakers vs. Celtics - The 2010 NBA Finals are here

The culmination of yet an additional NBA season has arrived with an NBA Finals matchup that features Lakers vs. Celtics. The 50-year-old rivalry is the stuff of basketball legend, and while the current Lakers-Celtics matchup may not boast a Wilt Chamberlain vs. Bill Russell, Jerry West vs. John Havlicek or Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird, it does offer Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and also the Lakers vs. Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and the Celtics. It is certain to be very exciting.

Resource for this article: Lakers vs. Celtics – The 2010 NBA Finals are here By Personal Money Store

Lakers vs. Celtics – What is the NBA Finals schedule?

Whether you need to watch the Lakers-Celtics best-of-seven matchup on television or like to listen to it on the radio broadcast, you have to know the NBA Finals schedule and have cash advance in place if your cable or satellite has been disconnected. The telecast could be on your local ABC affiliate in the U.S. and TSN in Canada. The 2010 NBA finals will be on ESPN radio station. Dates and times for 2010 NBA Finals games are as follows:

Thursday, June 3 – 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 6 – 8 p.m.
Tuesday, June 8 – 9 p.m.
Thursday, June 10 – 9 p.m.
Sunday, June 13 – 8 p.m. (if necessary)
Tuesday, June 15 – 9 p.m. (if necessary)
Thursday, June 17 – 9 p.m. (if necessary)

Breaking it down – Lakers vs. Celtics

As reported by SB Nation, it’s going to come down to whether the Lakers afford the Boston Celtics team room to run. The transition game – converting defensive rebounds into quick fast break scores – is the strength of the Celtics’ offense, thanks to the quickness of point guard Rajon Rondo. The Celtics should be a power in a lot more deliberate half-court offensive sets – between Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, there is a massive offensive talent – but they lack either the patience or focus to pick apart half-court defenses. The Los Angeles Lakers’ half-court defense has a tendency to lose focus when their defenders are forced to rotate off opponent picks multiple times, but it’s still more potent than the half-court offense the Celtics bring. If the Celtics start running, nevertheless, they may be too much for the Lakers to handle.

The Celtics' defense?

Opinions vary on the Celtic’s defense. It’s the classic example of rough-and-tumble East Coast defense versus a finesse-style West Coast offense. The Celtics aren’t afraid to put a whole bunch of bodies on the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, and a well-timed push or shove can sometimes be enough to throw the best offensive player off his game. However, Bryant once said during a press conference that the Celtics’ defense “sucks.” You may interpret that as you will. Whatever the case, the Lakers have had a little bit of trouble scoring against pressure defenses, and also the Celtics are certainly capable of that. The offensive rebounding will determine the Lakers' defense. Thus, if Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom turn in inspired efforts that show on the boards, that could be enough to provide Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol with the scoring opportunities they’ll need to bring victory to the Lakers.

Lakers vs. Celtics prediction

Kobe Bryant happened to have a good postseason. He has the ability to will his team to win. However, the Celtics simply have too many weapons. In seven games, the Lakers vs. Celtics will end in a Boston Celtics victory.

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