And now for something completely the same - another Toyota Recall

A lot of automotive recalls have happened this year. The most well-known auto recall this year probably came from Toyota when a recall on the defective accelerator pedals happened. An additional Toyota recall shows that at least the automaker is consistent. This recall isn’t really as noticeable considering there are less cars with issues. Only a couple of model years on two different cars offered by the automaker have the defect in question. Toyota is still trying to recuperate from the previous recall meaning it will get hurt a bit from this one also.

Yet another Toyota recall

There have been several recalls from Toyota. Toyota recalls are quite regular right about now. There has also been a new recall just announced to the public. The problem being addressed by this Toyota recall is with the engines in more than 1.3 million cars. The engine control module needs fixing. The engine problem makes it so the motor won’t start with a stall while driving. Also, says CNN, shifting could be affected as well. There have been accidents from the problem. Of course, the accidents are few.

Fix 1 million cars needing help

The Toyota Corolla and the Toyota Matrix are the two models being recalled. The model years are from 2005 to 2008. The defect in the 1ZZ-FE engine is within the circuit board in the Engine Control Module, where the circuit board can crack. The engine may have the shifting affected in it. Also, the engine might shut off while you drive. The engine might have troubles starting. That is also common with this problem. The U.S. has 1.13 autos being affected by this. In Canada, the automobiles affected total only 200,000. According to the Los Angeles Times, the total is being brought up from this for cars recalled this year for Toyota. The total has now hit about 10 million. The models are investigated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Toyota can’t do better after market share

Toyota has had market share in U.S. auto sales. This has been for the last few years. The lead was tenuous at best, and this may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Numerous companies would like to take back their business. These contain Ford, General Motors and Chrysler.

Further reading

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2010/08/26/autos/toyota_corolla_recall/

LA Times

latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-autos-toyota-20100826,0,7145846.story?track=rss

Payday loan debt collection scams

Illinois has hit some troubles lately. These are mostly pay day loans debt collection scams. Current and previous payday loans no faxing borrowers have had their personal information stolen by con artist debt collectors. The phone is what the false payday loans collectors use to call and bully these individuals by threatening jail time and lawsuits. Lisa Madigan is the Illinois Attorney General that issued a consumer alert. This was done as the pay day loan debt scam is prominent. Article source – Be on the lookout for payday loans no faxing debt collection scams by Personal Money Store.

Intimidation and threats used by debt collection scammers

Bogus payday loan debt collectors have been the primary complaint coming to the Illinois attorney general’s office most recently. Recpients of pay day loan scam calls used online loan company before. Consumer Affairs reports that they had all paid the debt already by the time they got the call. They say the scammers know their names, social security numbers, employer and account with the bank numbers. Victims think that the scammers are real because of all the details the caller has. The scam artists use threats and intimidation, like lawsuits and jail, to dupe them into authorizing a direct withdrawal from their checking account. Sometimes, consumers are tricked to sign promissory notes and fax them to the bogus collectors.

Money lender lose business

Illinois pay day loan customers aren’t the only ones getting harassed by debt collection scammers. Within the nation, scams have popped up all over, says Wallet Pop. These include Ohio, Colorado, Florida, Indiana and other states. Scammers say they are from places that are a little bogus. These consist of Morgan and Associates, Federal Bureau of Investigators, DNR Recovery, DNI Recovery, Legal Accounts Association, Department of Law and Enforcement, CashNet USA, America Legal Services, Pay day and ACS. Most of the names are fake. There is a real one coming from CashNet USA. It is one of the only real ones. On its site, CashNet USA has posted a warning about the scam.

Illegal to harass with debt collection

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act protects consumers. Debt collectors can’t even call between 8 am and 9 pm. Threats such as lawsuits or arrest aren’t things they can do. Also, they cannot ask for more money than owed or tell a third party about a consumer’s debt. Madigan’s office has reports of numerous victims of the payday loan scam payday hundreds of dollars because of it. Madigan gave some advice for anyone contacted by scammers via an Illinois TV station, WIFR.

People don’t go to jail for failing to pay a debt in this country.

Never give out any personal information over the telephone, especially bank account numbers or credit card numbers.

When in doubt, ask the debt collector to produce documentation that qualifies the debt they seek to collect.

Contact the original creditor to confirm if the debt has been paid. If not, confirm that the debt was sold to a third party collector before making a payment.

Further reading

Consumer Affairs

consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/08/il_payday_lending.html

Wallet Pop

walletpop.com/blog/2010/08/26/warning-issued-over-bogus-payday-loan-debt-collector-calls/

WIFR

wifr.com/news/headlines/101497999.html?ref=999

Jeep Grand Cherokee fire danger under investigation

A federal investigation has been launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The subject is an SUV. The Jeep Grand Cherokee may possess a design defect. The number of possibly affected autos numbers more than 3 million. A petition for an investigation was turned in by the Center for Auto Safety to look into a possible severe safety issue. A fire hazard is what is being looked into, caused by poor placement of the fuel tank. Post resource – Feds investigate possible defects in Jeep Grand Cherokee by Car Deal Expert.

This may be no grand problem in the Jeep Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is being investigated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched the inquiry, according to CNN. The vehicles in question are from model years 1993 to 2004. The issue is with the fuel tank. The Center for Auto Safety has posited that the design makes for a fire hazard. There have been 172 crashes involving a fire, resulting in 254 deaths in Jeep Grand Cherokees. Chrysler responded, albeit somewhat cryptically. The business insists their autos meet all safety standards.

The supposed problem may be the gasoline tank

The gasoline tank within the Jeep Grand Cherokee is plastic. The tank is mounted just below the bumper, to the rear of the back axle. That’s where the risk lies, according to the CAS. The organization, founded by Ralph Nader, insists the tank can rupture in rear end accidents and thus poses a fire danger. The NHTSA has been studying accidents involving Jeep Cherokees, as outlined by ABC. There were 44 crashes where fire caused by the crashes caused more damage than the actual crashes. There were 55 deaths which were observed in crashes, where the fire, and not the crash, killed those involved. Fires were involved in 10 crashes and 13 deaths in rear ending accidents.

Ford Pinto’s thunder stolen by Jeep

Jeep has offered a skid plate as an option for the Grand Cherokee that covers the fuel tank, however only as an add-on for off-road driving. The 1999 model did just a little more. That’s when a brush guard was added. Jeep Grand Cherokee models from 2005 onward possess the fuel tank within the middle of the vehicle. Though the problem is not the exact same in numerous respects, the greater risk to the top of the tank being sheared off is comparable to the defect in the fuel tank of the Pinto.

Additional reading

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Blotter/jeep-grand-cherokee-abc-station-reported-gas-tank/story?id=11473270 and page=1

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2010/08/24/autos/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee/index.htm

Vehicles may also turn out to be superstars

If a auto is featured intensely in an iconic movie or television show, it can make that automobile famous. Sometimes about as famous as every little thing else in the movie or show. The automobiles from classic shows and movies are famous too, and may command high selling prices as a result. Granted, it’s often because of “product placement,” but still. Article source – Cars can also be stars in their own right by Car Deal Expert.

Scenes are easy to steal behind the right wheel

Chances are just about anyone can think of a couple of famous autos from TV or motion picture that have a special place inside their hearts. Some people go as far as to purchase the automobile from the movie or show they remember. The following list is short however distinguished.

• The Chevy Camaro; many a TV show and movie have had Camaros in them. There was a recent “Lost” auction of props and other things from the show. One of the lots was a Camaro from several episodes. There was a classic and brand new Camaro within the “Transformers” film sequence. Given, it was probably due to Gm paying a lot for it, but it certainly helped their marketing and sales.
• The Ford Mustang: the movie “Bullitt” featured a 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback driven by Steve McQueen. Other famous Mustangs include a 1967 Shelby GT500 and a 1973 Mach 1 from the remake and original, respectively, of “Gone in 60 Seconds.” Ford was not oblivious to any of this at all. They offered a “Bullitt” package on the 2001 Ford Mustang.
• The DeLorean DMC – 12; the only automobile ever made by DeLorean was made a star by “Back to the Future”. When it came out, though, it was not the smash hit the movie was. It was considered an underpowered mechanical lemon that happened to look cool.
• The Dodge Charger. The automobile chasing Steve McQueen in “Bullitt” was a 1968 Charger. The Charger was also famously one of the vehicles in Quentin Tarantino’s “Deathproof,” and was also the “General Lee” within the sequence and film version of “The Dukes of Hazard.”
• Pontiac Trans Am – The Trans Am was “KITT” from “Knight Rider,” and it was within the “Smokey and also the Bandit” films.

Near but no cigar Moneypenny

The ultimate movie auto is the Aston Martin DB5. That’s why a DB5 used in “Goldfinger” went for more than $2 million various years ago. James Bond flirts almost as much with Aston Martin as he does with Moneypenny. ”Goldfinger” made the automobile famous. The auto also made it into “Goldeneye” and “Casino Royale”. A late 60s DBS was in “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” The newer generation of Aston Martins, for instance the Vanquish, were featured in “Casino Royale,” “Die Another Day,” and “Quantum of Solace”. Not a soul expects the link between Bond and Aston Martin to die. The motion picture sequence may have given the car maker the Midas Touch.

Apple seeks patent to stop everyone jailbreaking iPhones

Copyright laws say jailbreaking your iPhone is currently legal , despite the fact that Apple is fairly mad about all of the stuff going on with their iPhone devices they have put together. Apple wants their technology to be exclusive to itself. The Register made reports on the patent apple seeks that could be “covering an elaborate series of measures.” This will make sure to “protect iPhone owners from thieves” or anybody else a user wants from their iPhone. That patent, entitled “Systems and Methods for Identifying Unauthorized Users of an Electronic Device,” would protect Apple liability in jailbreaking exploits, but it would also allegedly lock down a user’s phone.

Anyone can see a jailbroken iPhone’s info

Jailbreaking your iPhone makes your personal data accessible to identity thieves; that’s Apple’s story, and also the company is sticking to it when it comes to the iPhone and jailbreaking. Apple’s proposed patent identifies numerous ways that unauthorized users could activate a jailbroken iPhone’s camera remotely, or track geotagging info and other private data. If the patent is approved, Apple would be able to tag and lock down any jailbroken iPhone it detects – and also the business says it is for the user’s own good.

Apple and Big Brother one within the same

If a user’s iPhone suddenly shows a rise in memory usage, The Register suggests, then Apple could identify the phone as having been jailbroken, as such activity is, in Apple’s estimation, consistent with hacking programs. If the patent is approved, Apple may also be able to see which iPhones are unlocked to work on other networks besides AT and T. The Register reports that Apple would also be able to detect “fraudulent use” by tapping into the iPhone’s accelerometer to determine whether the device is being carried by “thieves in transit.” Thus, the company believes that such new security methods as required voice-print identification is necessary, although technical experts and consumer rights groups are having a field day with that idea.

Patent changes camera rights

Apple can be able to activate your iPhone camera if the patent is approved. Steve Jobs would have the right to see what is going on everywhere you are. Regardless of how much you like the style and convenience of Apple devices, do you would like Apple to be able to turn on your camera at any time it chooses? Steve Jobs could know more about your life than anything else at that point.

More on this topic

The Register

theregister.co.uk/2010/08/20/apple_jailbreak_patent/

Savings and investments can't continue considering banks' lowest interest rates ever

Debt cutting is popular now with numerous wanting more money in savings. A double dip recession is the main concern for the federal Reserve which intends on keeping interest rates as low as possible. Banks are getting fairly rich off the low interest rates. The low rate of interest has created a wide disparity between what financial institutions can collect from borrowers and what they have to pay depositors for their money. Some analysts are saying that when Fed monetary policies shore up the banks it bailed out with billions, they are an “invisible tax” on savers, investors, pensions and endowments.

No incentive to save

U.S. banks are paying savers the lowest average rates on record. Bloomberg did a study with Market Rate Insight suggesting that 0.99 percent was about how much in July was paid towards interest on checking, savings, money market and certificates. Market Rates measured anything that was a rate or bonus paid by 1,300 banks and credit unions in the whole American country. Between January 2004 and July 2010 was when more savings rates were tracked. Savings rates decrease while national unemployment increases. If only unemployment would go down. Then savings rates would get to go up.

Banks make paying debt harder

The Federal reserve is keeping interest rates at almost zero. This is helping banks but leaving average citizens out to dry. Debt is hard to pay down for those trying to save and have less debt. Daily Markets’ Larry Doyle explained that those with fixed incomes are having a bad time with low interest rates. Savings accounts generate a negligible returns. Credit card issuing banks make sure they raise interest rates on credit although it is costing almost nothing to get it themselves.

Low interest rates an invisible tax

The Fed’s rate of interest policy might be part of the economic problem. The New York Times had an article by Gretchen Morgenson explaining this. Investors and savers lose about $350 billion a year with this “invisible tax” the Fed is giving, says Todd E. Petzel of Offit Capital Advisors talking to Morgenson. He got that figure by starting with about $14 trillion in debt issued by the Treasury at an interest rate near zero. 3 percent has been the typical rating. That is the average over time. That makes current rates too low by 2.5 points. On $14 trillion, 2.5 percent adds up to $350 billion a year in lost income to savers, investors, pensions and endowments. The money lost is more than 2 percent of gross domestic product and almost 3 percent of disposable personal income.

Additional reading

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-24/u-s-banks-paying-depositors-record-low-interest-rates-market-rates-says.html

Daily Markets

dailymarkets.com/stock/2010/08/24/invisible-taxes-loan-sharking-usury/

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/08/22/business/22gret.html?_r=2 and amp;ref=gretchen_morgenson

Overflowing potash demand is catalyst in BHP hostile takeover bid

It appears like there is going to be a push for more potash in agriculture. Potash is essentially potassium, one of the critical nutrients that make modern agricultural yields possible. Crops need potassium very much in its fertilizer. Fertilizer uses potash as its source of potassium. The world desperately needs potash to make food. Because there is no futures market for potash, other minerals have outperformed it in a recent commodities market boom. The potash demand is actually supposed to go up now. It appears like a Canadian potash company will be taken over in a hostile manner because of an Australian minerals business that wants to profit.

BHP tender stopped with potash urging shareholder

Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan is known as Potash by numerous. It is also the company that controls much of the potash market in the world. The Canadian fertilizer company should be concerned about a business in Australia. The big minerals extraction company in Australia, or BHP Billiton, is trying to get their hands on the company. The New York Times reports how much BHP is willing to pay to get their hands on the company. The offer was $ 130 a share. The offer wasn’t enough, if you ask the Potash board. In response, BHP launched a hostile takeover of Potash by beginning a tender offer for the exact same price, which means BHP is dangling the cash directly in front of shareholders. Potash is trying to get a better offer from another when getting shareholders to stop selling to BHP.

Potash extremely important to feed the world

Potash is produced in 12 countries. Potash is dominated by Canada, Russia, Belarus and Germany. This is because they create 75 percent of all the potash. Reuters reports that potash is the generic term for different compounds containing potassium, a critical ingredient in fertilizers. Plants will to better with less disease after having some potash. They also could be better quality and have a greater quantity. It is very important get potassium in fertilizer. Potash is the only source for that. For years, the price of Potash has been very volatile. Ten years ago it sold for under $ 150 a ton. In the global food crisis of 2007-08, it went up to $ 1,000 a ton. Since then, it has crashed to about $ 350-$ 375 a ton.

More people want Saskatchewan potash

Potash has been ignored most recently. It took the moves by BHP for anybody to acknowledge its existence. Entrepreneur reports that if the growth in potash demand over the last five years continues, by 2011 the world can be unable to produce what it needs to sustain the food supply. You will find many countries wanting more meat making it so potash is more needed. Examples of these countries are Latin America, China and India. Another factor is exploding growth in biofuels like ethanol, which the UN said could meet 25 percent of the worlds energy needs in the next 20 years. Both of these trends are already spiking wheat and corn prices, and portend a huge increase in potash demand. It isn’t all that easy to make more potash available. You will find more than 25 years put into 85 percent of the potash mines right now. It appears impossible to produce more potash. The Saskatchewan company experiences this problem.

Further reading

New York Times

dealbook.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/20/bhp-begins-tender-offer-for-potash/?src=busln

Reuters

reuters.com/article/idUSTRE67J2SQ20100820

Entrepreneur

entrepreneur.com/tradejournals/article/166229304.html

Hipmunk your way to lower air fares online

Adam Goldstein came up with this summer project he could do. This Hipmunk ended up being more than that as it became the best place to find cheap flights. CNN Money explains that Goldstein had some help from Steve Huffman, Reddit co-founder, when doing this new program. The website is user-friendly and has many colors, making Goldstein a genius within the website business.

Travel booked online will change with Hipmunk

Normally there is a boring list of flights on websites. Hipmunk changes this by making it more easy to read and colorful. Just this week there was a launch. Reviews are really great in just that short time. As outlined by TechCrunch, “When you see the results you’ll never want to see flight results in any format.” Lifehacker has comparable praise for the “fantastic” visual interface, which is gratifying to Goldstein, as that his team spent a great deal of time on that aspect of Hipmunk. There’s no clutter of text and buttons, just a color-coded arrangement of airlines. Searchers and very easily zoom in on a favored in the grid at any time for additional info.

Maybe winning with ‘a small, cute animal and a good logo’

Goldstein and Huffman met with a number of online flight booking websites before settling on a deal with Orbitz, one of probably the most popular online travel aggregators. Flights found on Hipmunk are booked via Orbitz and both websites benefit monetarily from the transaction. Hipmunk’s chipmunk in flight goggles will no doubt bring the company the kind of brand recognition Twitter enjoys with its bluebird. Goldstein’s girlfriend, as outlined by CNN, chose the mascot.

“She said, ‘If you pick a small, cute animal and a good logo you’ll never go wrong,’” Goldstein says.

Storing acorns for winter

Hipmunk is still in the early process of its evolution and is stockpiling ideas for how to improve. Issues like expanding search functions and monetizing the site in ways that don’t bombard users with spam are on Goldstein’s agenda. There’s going to be added functions. These will consist of hotels and auto rentals. It can be interesting to see how Hipmunk maintains its Zen-like design as additional content is added to the user experience. Of course, all of us know that getting a flight will change. It will be less frustrating to do.

Additional reading

CNN

money.cnn.com/2010/08/19/technology/hipmunk/

Hipmunk

hipmunk.com/

Lending standards easing up after years of tight credit

A Federal Reserve financial institution survey has found that lending standards are showing signs of loosening. Getting approval for a new charge card is more likely now than it’s been in the last three years. Smaller businesses are seeing more liberal lending standards at banks for the very first time in four years. Lack of small company credit has been identified as a major problem as the United States of America economy struggles to recover from a lingering recession. Some experts say despite the good news, loosening lending standards will do little to help until demand for small company credit returns.

Credit card lending standards loosen

The Federal Reserve financial institution survey questions bankers about the status of supply and demand for commercial and consumer credit in the preceding quarter. Reporting on the Fed survey, Creditcards.com said about 8 percent of banks had relaxed charge card lending standards for application approval. Of all the banks surveyed, none had tightened credit card lending standards any further. Data from the survey indicates that 11 quarters of steadily tightening credit may start trending the other direction. At the exact same time, the Fed survey shows that credit remains limited and costly for most existing cardholders.

Sparking demand for small business loans

The new Fed survey marked the first indication since shortly before the recession that small company credit was beginning to ease. NPR reports the Fed said it was the first time it had found relaxed lending standards for small company since late 2006. The survey was released shortly after a Fed conference on the small business lending problem in mid-July. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke noted a significant gap between large corporations building up cash and reporting strong earnings and thousands of smaller businesses struggling to get credit. Yet the banks surveyed said a lack of demand for small company loans was the primary problem.

Small business owners remain cautious

Since the recession hit it has been noted that many small business owners have complained that they were having more trouble borrowing cash to stay open. Yet as outlined by Seeking Alpha, demand will continue to be weak because of a negative outlook for small business owners. Small company owners are more pessimistic about the economy now than at any time since 2005, as outlined by the NIFB Small company Economic Trends report. Only 6 percent feel it is a good time to expand. Within the next two quarters, just 19 percent are preparing to make a capital purchase. Also persisting at low levels are expectations for expanding inventory, jobs and sales.

Additional reading

CreditCards

creditcards.com

NPR

npr.org

Seeking Alpha

seekingalpha.com

Brett Favre truly going to practice with Vikings

A modern version of “The Boy who Cried Wolf” is “Brett Favre is Retiring.” Nevertheless, Brett Favre really has gone to practice with the Minnesota Vikings. Apparently a visit from teammates made all the main difference. The venerated quarterback who holds multitudes of NFL records for quarterbacks hasn’t commented yet on whether he definitely will stick around for the season, but seems like that turning up to practice is a good sign he’ll play this season.

Minnesota has Brett Favre back

Brett Favre has showed up to practice ending months of intense speculation and debate. On Tuesday, Aug. 17, Favre stepped off a plane and joined his teammates on the practice field, having missed yet another training camp, according to ESPN. Brett Favre didn’t need any stinking training camp last year. He led the Vikings on a burn and pillage campaign, including a merciless beating of the woeful Dallas Cowboys in the first playoff round. In a loss in overtime to the New Orleans Saints within the NFC Championship game, Favre picked up the ankle injury that has plagued him since then.

Decision to return may have been helped by fellow Vikings

A visit from teammates may have made the difference in convincing Favre to come back. Three teammates of his from the Vikings headed down to Favre’s home in Hattiesburg, Miss., to get him back to practice. Favre was visited by Steve Hutchinson, Ryan Longwell, and also the holder of arguably the pre-eminent mullet of our age, Jared Allen. Favre flew to Minnesota with them, so they must have made quite the case.

The only grandfather within the league to make a lot

If Favre plays this season, according to USA Today, he stands to earn $20 million. He will earn it though. One of their opening games is going to be against the Packers, and they probably still want revenge. Aaron Rodgers, the quarterback for the Packers, is blossoming into a first rate quarterback, possibly even in the Favre tradition, and knocking off Favre at the helm of the Vikings, one of their bitter rivals, would be a victory to savor.

Find more data on this subject

USA Today

content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2010/08/vikings-bernard-berrian-brett-favre-addressed-team-on-wednesday-morning-committed-to-winning-title/1

ESPN

sports.espn.go.com/nfl/trainingcamp10/news/story?id=5470904

U.S. economy gets a little help from the video gaming industry

There has been an clear change in video games considering now vs. the days with Pac Man and Space Invaders. Video games have added $ 5 billion to the economy as shown in a study called “Video Games within the 21st Century: The 2010 Report,” for Entertainment Software that was done by Economists Incorporated. Annual growth for the industry went up 10 percent between 2005 and 2009, or seven times the growth of the U.S. economy alone.

Video games create job opportunities

Job creation has been going at a “rapid pace" while making “an important contribution to our nation’s economy while stimulating technological innovations and expanding the impact of games on our daily lives," says ESA CEO Michael Gallagher. The survey shows us that 32,000 have jobs with video games usually with an average salary of $ 89,781. 120,000 jobs are created specifically to cater to video games.

California is where you discover them all

California is the largest employer of video game industry workers. In just 2009, $ 2.6 billion was given to direct and indirect employees for compensation. The state benefited from this too. $ 2.1 billion in revenue was received.

Texas has 13,613 employees with Washington at 11,225. Virginia had a large expansion with a 77 percent increase between 2005 and 2009.

Why entertainment is so valuable

Families tend to buy less entertainment things in a recession. Consoles cost between $ 200 and $ 500 for video game systems. This is why seems like expensive to work with video games. You’re looking at more for the games too. $ 20 to $ 60 is needed for every game. When you buy a video game, you do not realize that 40 to 100 hours is spent on each one of the games. It may be better to do that than to purchase movies, which are getting more expensive. Hand-eye coordination gets much better along with development when using video games. The economy is also doing better because of video games.

Additional reading

Theesa

theesa.com/facts/pdfs/VideoGames21stCentury_2010.pdf

Washington State Lt. Gov. Brad Owen knows ‘Pong’

youtube.com/watch?v=M-b9wEww9MA

University scientists dispute government oil spill report

Scientists are challenging the optimistic scenario presented by a government oil leak report. National Event Command had concluded in a report that the majority of the BP oil spill evaporated or had been collected or burned, but three reports say nearly the opposite . Shrimping areas were expanded. The President and his family swam in the gulf and ate seafood last week. But a University of Georgia (UGA) study estimates that three quarters of the oil hasn’t been recovered and remains a long-term threat to the ecosystem. A massive oil plume was found on the sea floor by University of South Florida (USF)researchers. An American Medical Association (AMA) study concludes that the oil leak will threaten human health and gulf seafood safety for the long term. Post resource – Government oil spill report disputed by 3 different studies by Newystype.com.

Government oil spill report said spill has been dispersed

Most of the oil leak within the Gulf of Mexico 2010 has been safely dispersed, according to government statements. The Wall Street Journal reports that National Event Command, which managed the oil leak response, said about half of the 4.9 million gallon BP oil leak had been skimmed or burned. Evaporation and dissolution handled an additional 25 percent. UGA researchers at the forefront of investigating underwater oil plumes created by the oil leak said as much as 79 percent of the oil and its toxic byproducts still remain below the surface. The petrochemicals will take years to break down within the environment, they concluded. The scientists pointed out the clear fact that 25 percent of the oil could not have evaporated unless it was on the surface. Large oil plumes remain deep below the surface throughout the spill area.

Oil plume settles in ocean floor canyon

A large portion of the BP oil leak has settled to the bottom of the gulf further east than previously suspected, as outlined by the USF team. As reported by CNN, USF scientists conclude that dispersants mixed with oil to create a massive cloud of droplets floating near the bottom in an undersea canyon about 40 miles from the Florida panhandle. The toxic chemicals within the crude are having a profound effect on plankton and other organisms at the base of the food chain. The oil could resurface later. A UGA researcher told CNN that a 3rd of the hydrocarbons in the form of methane and other gas emissions that remain within the water weren’t measured by the government.

Major questions about gulf seafood safety

The BP oil leak will affect gulf seafood safety for years as outlined by the AMA. In the short term, the Sacramento Bee reports that gulf shellfish will retain dangerous petrochemicals likened to cigarette smoke and soot. By consuming fish lower in the food chain, big game fish for instance tuna, swordfish and mackerel will accumulate high concentrations of mercury in the long term. As time goes on, the report said doctors may be warning pregnant women and kids to strictly limit the amount of gulf seafood they eat.

More on this topic

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704868604575434074237252604.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLETopStories

CNN

cnn.com/2010/US/08/17/gulf.oil.disaster/index.html?npt=NP1

Sacramento Bee

sacbee.com/2010/08/17/2963788/gulf-oil-spill-still-a-threat.html

Friends call you a Friggatriskaidekaphobia? Being afraid of Friday the 13th

The 13 landing on a Friday only happens each so often. Although there isn’t any reason to be worried about it, many get scared and it is called Friggatriskaidekaphobia. Granted, most black cats won’t do anything more harmful than shed or do that annoying thing with their paws. Regardless, people do indulge in their superstitions. If you’re afraid of Friday the 13th, it is called Friggatriskaidekaphobia. Saying Jason Voorhees in the mirror 3 times won’t bring a fictional character into your home. Source for this article – Friggatriskaidekaphobia? Fear of Friday the 13th by Personal Money Store.

What is that word again?

You say the word “fri-gah-tri-sk-eye-de-kah-fo-bia.” Portmanteau means being afraid of Friday the 13th. It is interesting to note that Triskaidekaphobia is a fear of the number thirteen while friggaphobia is just a fear of Friday. Put them together and you also have Friggatriskaidekaphobia. Witches and Friday go together. Friday ended up being named after Frigga, or Freya, who was the German/Norse goddess naming it Freya-day. The day arguably might be associated with witches simply because it was named for a female deity, but sexism in the ancient world is a topic for another time. Triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13. The word “tri” is the number 3, “deka” is 10, you get the idea.

Any Friday the thirteenth things happen?

The short is no. No would be the long answer too. Nothing has ever been seen happening on Friday the thirteenth that was out of place, besides all the friggatriskaidekaphobia, or people getting the “heebie-jeebies”. There would be some kind of documented memory by now if anything bad really did happen on Friday the thirteenth. More individuals drink on Friday, meaning if there were more accidents on Friday the thirteenth, it could possibly be due to other things.

Going under the ladder

Friggatriskaidekaphobia and other superstitions won’t hurt a fly. There are nevertheless superstitions that exist as tradition today. For instance, theater actors won’t actually say “MacBeth” in a theater, as the play is supposedly cursed, and refer to it only as “the Scottish play.”. This is a fantastic time to have a little bit of fun, like Halloween, so watch a movie with your friends or family that scares you a bit. I’d suggest Crystal Lake be one of the activities you don’t do though.

Worker productiveness decline can lead to job creation

Falling worker productivity statistics after 18 months of gains could possibly be a positive development for job creation and economic recovery. Companies have liked fat balance sheets by getting more from less after slashing payrolls during the recession. But the work force may be reaching its limit based on the latest Labor Department report. Companies could have to start hiring to maintain growth and revive economic recovery if that turns out to be true. Article resource – Decline in worker productivity may be good for economic recovery by Personal Money Store.

A new meaning for falling worker productivity

After posting large gains in 2009, the Labor Department said that worker productiveness declined at an annual rate of .9 percent within the second quarter. The Associated Press reports that United States of America worker efficiency is the key ingredient to boosting living standards. It allows corporations to pay workers more because of increased production without raising the cost of goods . In most cases a slip in productivity would be a troubling sign for the United States of America economy. However, many economists think that high unemployment rate will eventually hurt businesses that have prospered by laying off workers. Increased hiring will create the jobs consumers need to increase spending, which accounts for 70 percent of the U.S. economy. And that would ultimately lead to more demand for those companies’ products.

Companies profit from overworked employees

For corporations banking that output would continue to climb without hiring new workers, CNN reports the new Labor Department report is a wake-up call. During the worst of the recession, and businesses learned how to get more with less. But within the latest Labor Department report, the amount of hours worked rose at a faster pace than actual economic output. Companies probably “overdid it” with layoffs during the recession, said Nariman Behravesh of IHS Global Insight in Lexington, Mass. Within the CNN article. He said that if for no other reason than keeping employee morale up, businesses may have to hire more to avoid worker burnout.

Job creation critical to keep away from deflation

For the next few months, Behravesh said, job generation will probably remain low. However, he’s optimistic that more than 100,000 jobs a month could start materializing in the private sector by the end of the year and possibly 150,000 jobs monthly mid-2011. But ABC News reports that weak productivity is in line with other signs that U.S. economic recovery is losing momentum. The overall economy grew at only a 2.4 percent annual rate within the second quarter, down from a 3.7 percent rate in the first quarter. with the unemployment rate mired at 9.5 percent, officials at the Federal Reserve are concerned that companies will see the high unemployment rate as an chance to push wages down for many who still have jobs, which could start a debilitating cycle of deflation.

More on this topic

Google

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gNiyJ905Ho0Ur96V2TQhsBX19lGwD9HGMHAO0

CNN

money.cnn.com/2010/08/10/markets/thebuzz/

ABC News

Verizon iPhone rumors churn again with alleged Apple CDMA order

Consumers are crazy about their iPhones. But they hate the Apple/AT and T union. For years, this love/hate connection has spawned Verizon iPhone rumors. The latest rumor has “unnamed sources” saying that the Verizon iPhone will be available to customers in January 2011. Stories about Verizon iPhone rumors are depending on one dead giveaway – an order taken by Qualcomm from Apple for chipsets compatible with the Verizon network. A Verizon iPhone has been called inevitable ever since Apple announced AT and T as its exclusive carrier in 2007. Article resource – Verizon iPhone rumors churn again with alleged Apple CDMA order by Personal Money Store.

Blog gossip spawns Verizon iPhone rumors

Verizon iPhone rumors are so common that most people pay them no mind. But Steve Cheney at Tech Crunch, who launched the latest Verizon iPhone rumor, says this time it’s different. Cheney said he was confident that the rumors will finally become fact because of the DNA of Smartphone components that are traced through the supply chain. This is a geeky way to say that a huge order by Apple for CDMA chipsets from Qualcomm for a December Verizon iPhone run means the Verizon iPhone is due next January. Despite the fact that Cheney said data about the Apple/Qualcomm order comes from “sources with knowledge of the entire situation,” most are taking him at his word.

Apple Qualcomm iPhone expected to make waves

Verizon’s network runs with chipsets tuned to the wireless standard called CDMA, which is incompatible with the Apple/AT and T GSM network. Even though Apple’s CDMA order from Qualcomm is still a rumor, Business Week joined Tech Crunch in saying that Apple’s suppliers are ramping up production of components for a phone on Verizon’s CDMA network. Apple has sold more than 50 million iPhones since the phone’s introduction in 2007. Business Week quoted UBS AG analyst John Hodulik as saying that ending AT and T’s exclusive iPhone contract will grant Verizon a leg up on its competitors on the Smartphone playing field. About 92.8 million Verizon customers could purchase 3 million iPhones a quarter, he said.

Bloggers cry wolf on cue

Among iPhone users who believe AT and T is the only chink within the armor of their favored device, the latest Verizon iPhone rumor joins a growing list of false starts. PC World published a list of Verizon iPhone rumors that began in Sept. 2008 when bloggers spread an unknown tip of an early 2009 release. Beginning then, Verizon iPhone release dates surfaced in April 2009 (Early 2010), Oct. 2009 (70 percent chance in 2010), Oct. 2009 (late 2010), Jan 2010, (Jan. 2010!), March 2010, (late 2010) and May 2010 (early 2011).

Further reading

techcrunch.com

businessweek.com

pcworld.com

Drug trafficking occurs within auto dealerships

As outlined by Automotive news, employees or owners of auto dealerships are letting drug trafficking happen in the company. A new meaning is brought to the phrase “parts in parts” when marijuana is found amongst a shipment of parts. Source of article – Hire carefully- Drug trafficking at auto dealerships by Vehicle Deal Expert.

Drug trafficking ring at a Maryland Honda/Volkswagen dealership

A Maryland Honda/Volkswagen dealership was caught with 120 pounds, or $ 1.6 million worth of marijuana, reports DealershipForum.com. One employee in the parts department was paid $ 100 per illegal delivery. He accepted the contraband, and then passed it on to a drug dealer. A Detroit-area Mopar Parts Distribution Center was found to have 10 pound bricks of marijuana with a batch of wiper blades, reports Automotive News. Is good help that hard to find, when every person needs a job?

Auto dealership hijinks

Think these are isolated cases? Think about it for a minute. The previous Huling Brothers Auto Center of Seattle had quite a bit of illegal drug dealing happening in it, reports the Seattle Times. A Florida auto dealership was being used by Richard Carlson, who owns Nova Motor Group, as a “massive drug trafficking business,” reports Fox 29 WFLX of Hollywood, Fla.. SUVs were shipped to Sweden with cocaine in then. In Abington, Massachusetts, a couple partners working with Duane Glenn in a Midway Motors selling cocaine. They also had been selling marijuana.

The story of John DeLorean

From 1975 to 1982, The DeLorean Motor company sold luxury sports cars, but then it went bankrupt. The DeLorean DMC-12 was an American pop culture gem of the 1980s, but John DeLorean nevertheless had trouble maintaining operating capital. Drugs began to be sold be DeLorean as proved in a film. Because entrapment was supposedly used in this, DeLorean was cleared of all charges.

Save money with these auto car loans

Further reading

Automotive News

autonews.com/article/20100810/BLOG14/100819997/-1

Massachusetts Law enforcement Network

masscops.com/f79/police-make-drug-bust-abington-auto-dealer-38799/

Seattle Times

seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2003563972_huling09m.html

WFLX

wflx.com/Global/story.asp?S=12740394″>WFLX.com

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeLorean_Motor_Company

Man sues Texas auto dealership that sold him ‘drug car’

youtube.com/watch?v=auVGmt9T4uk

Linda McMahon gets the nod for Connecticut Senate race

The Connecticut Republican Primary has just concluded, and Linda McMahon is their candidate for the open seat from Connecticut within the US Senate. One of the two seats is open. She’s the former CEO of WWE Entertainment and wife of Vince McMahon Jr. She quit the family business to run for the Senate seat, which Chris Dodd is retiring from as his term expires.

Linda McMahon is not running a kayfabe campaign

Part of Linda McMahon’s campaign is not taking any campaign contributions from public funds, Political Action Committees or special interests. She’s already spent $ 22 million of her own money and is just fine with more having to be doled out by November, as outlined by ABC. Her opponent Dick Blumenthal, the Democrat candidate, has served as Attorney General of Connecticut since 1991, after serving terms within the Connecticut House of Representatives and Connecticut Senate.

What platforms is she running on?

Linda McMahon is identified as a stringent neo-conservative. She advocates for fiscally conservative policies, specific deregulation and creating jobs within the private sector are big topics for her. She has come out in support of Obama’s strategy in Afghanistan, but is notably hawkish on Iran. She isn’t really afraid to break with Republican orthodoxy, as she has donated cash to a pro-choice PAC though she has said she’s opposed to partial-birth abortions. In an interview with the Connecticut Mirror, she came out as being warmer to LGBT rights than even the President, calling for the end of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and for gay marriage to be an issue for the states.

So what is the bottom line?

Well, it is an additional famous and rich person running for office. It’s not the first time someone has done so, but in fairness her organizational skills as CEO took her company to being almost as popular as NASCAR and is now the only publicly traded pro-wrestling organization. (The McMahons do own the majority of the shares.) She has some very popular platforms, and she may well prove to be exactly what voters are looking for. Now all that remains to be seen is what you’re going to do, brother, when Wrestle mania goes to DC?

More on this topic accessible at these websites

ABC News

abcnews.com/george/2010/08/linda-mcmahon-i-will-spend-what-it-takes.html

CT Mirror

ctmirror.org/story/5215/mcmahons-investment-produces-its-first-returns

IBM News -Technology giant to purchase Unica Corporation for $ 480 MM

Technology giant International Business Machines Corp. has declared it will buy marketing software producer Unica Corp. for $ 480 million in an effort to provide customers effective tools to create more focused marketing strategies. IBM, which recently purchased Web analytics vendor Coremetrics, is offering Unica holders $ 21 a share. According to the Wall Street Journal, that’s more than double Thursday’s closing value and the highest level the stock has ever seen.

IBM and Unica join forces

IBM’s goal is to help customers generate a “consistent and relevant cross-channel brand experience to promote consumer loyalty and satisfaction,” as outlined in a statement, says PC World. And maintaining profit growth by shifting to higher-margin software business seems to be the main strategic focus of the company. Currently you will find about 500 Unica employees, all of whom will be incorporated into IBM’s software division, where IBM believes Unica’s software for marketing organizations will offer an exceptional advantage to its business-analytics and consulting unit.

About Unica Corporation

Unica Corps. has been around for almost two decades and is a recognized leader in marketing software solutions. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Waltham, Mass., with other office locations in other parts of the nation and worldwide. It is one of England’s fastest growing technology companies. The company reported total revenue of $ 30.7 million for the 3rd quarter fiscal 2010, which ended June 30, 2010. Compared to the 3rd quarter of fiscal 2009, that’s a 14 percent increase.

Unica brings optimism to IBM

Unica Corporation has about 1,500 shoppers, which contains big names like Best Purchase, ING and eBay. Once the acquisition is finalized, however, they’ll all become IBM customers. Unica CEO Yuchun Lee said he believes the new movement will help IBM improve all types of businesses, large and small. IBM officials are planning to discuss the Unica acquisition in further detail during a conference call Friday. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year.

More info at this site

The Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703960004575427171092347124.html

PC World

pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/203224/ibm_buying_unica_for_480_million.html

Rampage at McDonalds – Melodi Dushane video now public

In January, Melodi Dushane was caught on video tape rampaging through a McDonald’s drive-through window. Today the video tape of Melodi Dushane punching two McDonald’s workers became public record. There were no chicken McNuggets available, and Melodi Dushane, who was admittedly drunk, is seen freaking out. Post resource – Video of Melodi Dushane McNugget rampage becomes public record by Personal Money Store.

The attack by Melodi Dushane on New Year’s Day

Within the very early morning of January 1, 2010, Melodi Dushane went through a McDonald’s drive-through to order Chicken McNuggets. The McNuggets she ordered weren’t accessible because it was breakfast hours. Dushane tried to convince the employees to give her McDonald’s McNuggets, but then attacked them. After punching and slapping the workers, Dushane throws something through the window and breaks the glass.

Melodi Dushane’s sentencing

The attack ended up with Melodi Dushane being charged with both assault and vandalism. Originally, Dushane pled not guilty to all the charges. Dushane had to pay for the broken window, and had to spend two months in jail. Melodi Dushane also admitted that she was drunk at the time she attacked the McDonald’s. The legal costs of the court battle could easily run into the thousands of dollars.

The debate over making evidence public

Some legal experts are wondering if the public’s right to know really outweighs individual rights. It used to be that when evidence related to court cases was made public, people had to actively seek it out. The information that is entered into the public record is now transmitted across the world in moments. While the right to know of the public is typically considered reason enough to release these items, some worry that it might be violating the rights of individuals who have served their time for their crimes.What do you think about this?

Problems come from FluidNow and need EUC to fix it?

Emergency money loans are needed by thousands of Americans who are living off of emergency unemployment benefits because of job loss during the recession. Employers haven’t begun to hire as quickly as the government would have hoped, and hence extension of benefits has become a hot-button political issue. Florida’s Agency for Workforce Innovation is trying to give at least 100,000 individuals who have gone a “long term” without a job some additional benefits through www.fluidnow.com. Numerous individuals had their benefits began again after they had expired, but now it seems like fluid now is not so fluid for numerous that apply.

FluidNow can’t go fast enough

An unemployed in Florida explained that the fluidnow helpline number is 800-204-2418, and if you call that number, apparently a “call back later” message that was pre recorded is always the response. The unemployed individual got an AWI employee after many attempts, and also the employee said there was no information about how extension benefits could possibly be received. AWI Director Cynthia Lorenzo assured that benefits would be given out to residents who applied, although guidance used to come from the U.S. Department of Labor. When that guidance would come – two weeks, as Lorenzo suggested, or some other interminable governmental interval – was uncertain.

The EUC Fix – Hope for the hopeless

Numerous unemployed people are looking at getting loans or getting a part time job to help with their money problems. Some of the time this isn’t enough still. Numerous worry that their benefits might be reduced if they were to get a part time job. There could possibly be some hope with the Emergency Unemployment Compensation Fix. It was part of probably the most recent emergency unemployment benefits extension that made it out of Congress, reports Michigan’s MLive.com. The point is to “remove the disincentive for people who take part-time jobs when collecting benefits.” The Michigan News portal reports that there should be no fear that benefits will end following the first year.

EUC Fix can’t help any person from before it was applied

The National Employment Law Protection explains the EUC Fix can only work if your benefits ended after July 22, 2010. If you aren’t in that window of opportunity, you won’t get any extra benefits. For more information on the EUC Fix, visit National Employment Law Project website.

Additional reading

Examiner

examiner.com/x-41045-Miami-Unemployment-Examiner~y2010m7d27-Labor-Dept-yet-to-give-Florida-details-on-unemployment-extension

MLive

mlive.com/michigan-job-search/index.ssf/2010/08/latest_unemployment_extension_removes_di.html

National Employment Law Project

nelp.org/page/-/UI/2010/Final EUC Fix QA.pdf

Fluidnow

fluidnow.com/

Drug testing for unemployment in Florida

youtube.com/watch?v=RvSoZ1U3n30

Eliminating wheat, barley and rye with the gluten free diet

Maintaining a Gluten free diet, for some individuals, is a matter of life and death. Some individuals use a Gluten free diet as a weight-loss secret. No matter why some are eliminating gluten, gluten-free foods are expensive, though easier to find.

What is behind a gluten free diet

Some medical groups estimate that about.8 percent of individuals have a gluten allergy of some kind. The most severe response is referred to as celiac disease, which is a full allergy to gluten. Maintaining a gluten-free eating plan means consuming nothing with wheat, barley, or rye. Wheat is found in just about every baked item or pasta, also as many processed foods. Gluten is found in anything from potato chips to imitation crab to beer to most brands of soy sauce. A gluten free diet cuts all of this out.

Foods that a gluten free diet would let you eat

Because so many individuals are choosing to cut gluten out of their diets, gluten free foods are becoming more popular in grocery stores. There are blends of “alternative flours” accessible that simulate wheat flours in baked goods. Most restaurants in large cities now have gluten-free friendly menus, as well. In short, eating a gluten free diet is easier now than it was 10 years ago. The current estimate is the gluten-free foods market stands at about $ 1.7 billion.

Gluten free diet foods

If you decide to cut gluten out of your diet program, your least costly option is to simply cut all wheat, barley and rye out of your eating habits. It is, in theory, simple to remove wheat from your diet. Stop eating Pop-Tarts, breads, beer, pasta, and all other wheat-containing products. You can replace the hole with your eating plan with fruits and vegetables in order to keep it balanced. If you choose to “replace” rather than “remove” gluten from your diet, it is time to get just a little more creative. Rice and corn products could be used to replace many of the things that have gluten in them.

The Federal Reserve looks for methods to help the economy

Helping the economy may be hard although the Federal Reserve is trying to discover a way to do so. They might maintain course or even go as drastic as making stimulus moves that are risky. Late Tuesday is when the decision could be made, although trading has been slow.

Possible first option for Fed

The first option for the Federal Reserve is to drop or maintain interest rates. The Federal Reserve determines all of the interest made on online cash advances. Because the rates are so low, more would want to get some credit going. The risk, however, is that deflation could stifle no matter what gains can be made.

Fed’s second option

The second option the Fed has in trying to stimulate the economy is purchasing government debt. A personel loans could be given to the government. There were mortgage investments that made this income which might make long term interest rates go down a bit. No borrowing would be stimulated with this plan.

3rd Fed option

It’s also possible the Fed could purchase securities once again. In 2009, the Fed bought more than $1 trillion in securities from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Although lending was encouraged, Fannie and Freddie still aren’t doing well. The amount of money lent out would be more while debt would be guaranteed. The risk, though, is that this move would be seen as a verification that the economy is in very bad shape, driving investors out of even the best payday loan opportunities.

Fewer individuals are using their charge cards

The recent unemployment data had some piggy bank data with it. Fewer individuals are using their credit cards this year, and individuals are using them less. Individuals don’t see credit cards as the best source of instant payday loans anymore. Americans are saving more than they used to. Consumer goods are a huge part of the economy, and purchasing non-essential goods has dropped off which is counterproductive to the economy.

Credit card use falls

The Wall Street Journal reports that credit card use is nevertheless trending downward for Americans. Revolving credit like charge cards, unlike things like payday advances, cash advances, or mortgages, has been declining for some time. In fact, the use of revolving credit has dropped each month for the past 21 months consecutively. At this rate, the credit card corporations are likely to need a payday advance themselves.

Unemployment is a large part of it

During recessions, people make less non-essential purchases. They especially can’t justify making purchases with anything other than money. If an individual makes a large purchase like a new refrigerator or living room set on a credit card, making minimum payments for the next 50 years is not as palatable. The national savings rate, on the other hand, went up. In April, the national savings rate was 6 percent, and for June, it’s up to 6.4 percent, according to the US Commerce Department.

Less shopping with less security

If you do not know you’ll be stable by the end of the year, there’s no point in using credit for making large purchases. If you want to get out of debt and have some security, it makes no sense to incur further debt to do it, unless of course you can get a debt relief loan with an rate of interest that’s manageable.

More on this topic

Wall Street Journal

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100806-715007.html

A double dip recession is certainly feasible

Some economists look for the most positive signs, and others watch for one of the most negative signs. Recent data from the economy indicates a double dip recession, where the economy begins to improve after a fall, then plunges again before settling, is more likely than previously thought. Many think the fallout can be just as global as the last major plunge, as European analysts also as those on Wall Street acknowledge it might happen. Post resource – A double dip recession is possible by Personal Money Store.

Moody’s warns second slide possible

Moody’s, the credit rating agency, has put the chances of a second dip at 25 percent, up from their previous estimates of 20 percent, in a report by Moody’s Analytics. They have predicted real estate prices in a double dip recession will fall one more 20 percent, as outlined by the Wall Street Journal. The real estate market should stabilize in 2012, should that happen. The economy may also shrink a further 5 percent, as outlined by Moody’s.

Federal Reserve doesn’t see rainbows either

The Federal Reserve isn’t really calling for the bubbly to be broken out yet either. After a meeting Tuesday, the Federal Reserve stated that the economy overall had not grown as fast as hoped, and that recovery would take longer than envisioned, as outlined by CNN Money. The Fed did not address the possibility of a double dip recession, but did announce it would keep the federal funds rate at or near 0 percent and purchase further Treasury securities.

Doom and gloom across the globe

If a double dip recession happens, it could be global in scope. There could be effects of a double dip felt across the Atlantic as well. The trade deficit is widening, meaning American industries are exporting and selling fewer goods. That is less cash from foreign markets coming in. The trade deficits along with a troubled housing market do not make great bedfellows for economic recovery.

Find more data on this subject

Wall Street Journal

blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/08/11/moodys-odds-of-a-double-dip-increasing-prices-could-fall-20/

CNN

money.cnn.com/2010/08/10/news/economy/fed_decision/index.htm

Lots of people and businesses need guaranteed loans

Corporate finance and personal finance aren’t as different as you would think. Numerous of the largest corporations need guaranteed loans, or lines of credit or short term loans at some point. Even Ford Motor Co got guaranteed loans a few years ago. Ford is getting out of debt in double quick time. Meanwhile, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae need more guaranteed loans to stay afloat.

Guaranteed loans for Ford

During the worst of the recession, the Ford Motor Co. borrowed $ 23.5 billion to stay afloat and keep Ford from having to file bankruptcy and ask for bailout cash. Ford didn’t need a bailout, but only asked for lines of credit be set aside just in case. It turned out not asking for emergency money from the government at that moment panned out. While Chrysler and General Motors were figuring things out, Ford’s sales went up 22 percent, according to the Wall Street Journal. Sometimes just knowing you are able to borrow can give a boost of confidence; some individuals like knowing they can get a loan until payday if they really need it.

Mortgage giants need more guaranteed loans

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae need more in taxpayer funded guaranteed loans. Freddie, as outlined by ABC, lost $ 6 billion this last quarter already. The firm is asking for an additional $ 1.8 billion. Freddie and Fannie are struggling, and they have until 2012 to get their affairs in order. That’s when the Treasury Department’s teat will run dry.

Huge companies have credit scores as well

One of the motivations for Ford is that the credit rating for the agency improves as they pay back debt. The biggest corporations benefit from paying off debt, just as a regular person gets a better credit rating when they pay down their credit card.

More on this topic

online.wsj.com/article/SB20001424052748703589404575417491742322262.html

abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=11356950

Expect tougher FHA mortgage loans due to increasing risk of default

In 2007, the housing crisis happened making Federal Housing Administration mortgages possible to receive. To keep mortgage lending from stopping totally, the FHA helped people get loans. FHA mortgages are used in a third of the housing market today. There are more risks and delinquencies with those loans now. And The FHA’s reserve funds used to cover losses when borrowers default or go into foreclosure are shrinking. There will be a change soon so FHA mortgages aren’t so easy to get. Article resource – Expect tougher FHA mortgage loans due to rising risk of default by Personal Money Store.

Mortgage insurance for FHA gets hit hard

FHA mortgages weren’t a factor in the housing crisis, but its lax standards for mortgage insurance are a problem now. FICO scores were less than 500 for 6.2 percent, or 360,000 FHA loans, reports the Real Estate Channel. More than 37 percent of these loans are now at least 60 days delinquent, in foreclosure or in bankruptcy. During the housing crisis, the FHA helped 450,000 families keep their homes out of foreclosure in fiscal year 2009. 2010’s first quarter had the FHA helping 122,000 families keep their homes. As outlined by the Office of Comptroller of the Currency and the Office of Thrift Supervision, in 12 months, 67 percent of these loans had defaulted again. In May 2010, 555,000 FHA mortgages were delinquent more than 90 days.

Depleted FHA reserves force tougher terms

The FHA is safeguarding its Capital Reserve Account because from Sept. 30, 2008 to 2009, the account went down from $ 19.3 billion to $ 3.5 billion. As outlined by SmartMoney.com, a premium annual insurance for an FHA mortgage can be increased with a bill passed by Senate recently. For the 3.5 percent down payment, the FHA needs a 580 score. A credit score between 500 and 580 would require a 10 percent down payment to be made.

All new requirements for FHA mortgages

New FHA mortgage loan requirements will go into effect in Sept. 2010. According to Chicago 77, those buyers who can barely afford a home will no longer be able to get to that point. When buying a home, the FHA requires the buyer to pay a 1 percent insurance premium on the home. The good news is that this is down from the 2.25 percent at the moment required. The bad news is that the monthly figure will increase from .55 percent annually to .90 percent annually. Chicago77 shows what a $ 150,000 home purchase would look like:

Before Sept. 7 2010

Upfront Premium (2.25 percent): $ 3,256.88

Monthly payment including mortgage insurance: $ 793.93

On or after Sept. 7 2010

Upfront Premium (1.00 percent): $ 1,447.50

Monthly payment including mortgage insurance: $ 826.93

Net changes

Upfront cost: Decreased by $ 1,809.38

Monthly cost: Increased by $ 33.00

Additional reading

Real Estate Channel

realestatechannel.com/us-markets/residential-real-estate-1/real-estate-news-fha-mortgages-mortgage-backed-securities-mbs-federal-housing-administration-fha-department-of-veterans-affairs-va-congress-home-loans-keith-jurow-2969.php

SmartMoney

smartmoney.com/personal-finance/real-estate/the-fha-rethinks-its-mortgage-lending/

Chicago77

thechicago77.com/2010/08/major-fha-changes-coming-on-the-september-7th/

Gasoline demand going up in small increments

The Energy Information shows us that gas in July was the lowest it had been since June 2004. Fuel efficiency has gotten better, and there is a soft economy meaning the demand for gas is lower. This lower demand is causing, and being compounded by, rising gasoline prices.

Drop in gasoline demand

Over 2008, the demand for both gasoline and oil dropped considerably. People paid $ 4 and more for gas because of the drop. There were also more fuel efficient and hybrid autos created. Fuel efficient cars are nevertheless being made although there has been more of a demand since late 2009. In the winter, more oil is needed for heating so the demand for oil is more than the demand for gas.

Production of U.S. oil

There is a strong connection between U.S. oil production and gas prices. Although offshore drilling being shut down has hurt this number, typically 28 percent of U.S. oil production is met inside the country. Since there is less production of oil in the U.S., more imports have to be brought to the country.

More driving during the summer

The uptick in demand for oil over the last few weeks has been attributed, partially, to the summer driving system. As outlined by the Automobile Association, there can be further road trips taken by people this summer meaning more driving.

United States comparisons with fuel

The largest consumer of fuel is surely the U.S.. China is the second-largest consumer of gasoline, but demand in China is quickly rising to levels that could make it first. Gas can cost up to $ 8 per gallon in European countries that have taxes. Fuel efficient cars will probably become more popular with supply decreases.

Northern lights show Aug. 4 created by solar flare

Tuesday night there is going to be what is called a solar tsunami. Earth saw some particles of sun start flying towards it after an explosion occurred on the sun. A solar tsunami is the giant circular wave rippling across the surface of the sun caused by the solar flare. The solar flare may very well hurt numerous NASA satellites during the process. This will create a display of northern lights that is magical. Source of article – Massive solar flare will ignite big northern lights show Aug. 4 by Personal Money Store.

An after effect is a solar tsunami

Sunday was when the solar flare happened. Earth’s magnetic field caught some of the ionized atoms which were created by the tsunami and headed towards earth. The solar flame might hit tonight making for a rare northern lights display and geomagnetic storm, reports Fox News. The space weather could cause solar flare satellite damage, though scientists think that possibility is remote.

Solar tsunami with STEREO

The existence of solar flares to create a solar tsunami were confirmed by STEREO, or NASA’s Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory. STEREO, reports Wired, has two spacecrafts that observe the sun. Earth’s orbit is what these spacecrafts go around. The tandem produces a stereoscopic image of the sun that presents a three-dimensional view. In February 2009 STEREO confirmed the solar tsunami was not the shadow of a solar flare, but a 60,000-mile-high wave of super-hot plasma and magnetism blazing across the sun’s surface at 560,000 mph (see video below).

Sunday’s solar flare a rare event

Solar flares like the one in the video from Sunday are very rare. Two solar flares, reports Telegraph, were shot at Earth seemingly simultaneously. The first eruption was a very large one that ended up screwing up the Sun’s magnetic atmosphere making conditions for the second eruption very good, Dr Lucie Green told the Telegraph. A northern lights show along with a geomagnetic storm will be the result of this.

Northern lights

When the solar flares hit the Earth Tuesday, charged particles from the sun will hit the oxygen and nitrogen in the Earth’s upper atmosphere to produce the northern lights. Small bursts of energy look like light as the particles hit, reports GMTV. The kind of gas is what determines the color. There can be colors like greenish-yellow, red, or blue depending on whether Oxygen or nitrogen is getting excited. Also seen often is purple, white and pink within these other colors.

Find more info on this subject

Fox News

foxnews.com/scitech/2010/08/03/spectacular-northern-lights-signals-sun-waking/

Wired

wired.com/wiredscience/2009/11/solar-tsunami/

The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7923069/Nasa-scientists-braced-for-solar-tsunami-to-hit-earth.html

YouTube

youtube.com/watch?v=bMgBt-UuUak and amp;feature=related

YouTube

youtube.com/watch?v=rnqubAGgx2k and amp;feature=related

Possible new president of Haiti as Wyclef Jean, previous Fugees Frontman

Wyclef Jean has announced he is running for president of Haiti. The earthquake that hit Haiti last January was devastating and Wyclef Jean, as the Grammy winner as frontman of the Fugees, thinks he needs to help the individuals of this native land. Jean’s running within the election is going to be interesting considering it is one of the most essential elections Haiti will ever have. Most are concerned because Jean has no political experience. Since he hasn’t lived in Haiti since he was 9 and moved to live in New York and New Jersey, most are concerned about his qualifications.

Wyclef Jean’s presidential aspirations

Wyclef Jean’s presidential aspirations were revealed on a Miami radio station Thursday morning. Jean told the Miami Herald of his plans to become president after stepping down as chairman of the Yélé Haiti Foundation that he started. The Yélé committee was responsible for raising $ 9.1 million to help with Haiti earthquake relief, reports the Chronicle of Philanthropy. The earthquake was a 7.0 magnitude which happened January 12 and devastated the capitol, Port au Prince, and Jean was one of the first people to respond to it.

Haiti earthquake is reason why Jean wants to run

Wyclef Jean plans on running for president because he thinks he was called to it. He told the New York Times:

“I’m not running for president so much as I’m being drafted. The youth, in their mind, if I don’t come and put a perspective to things, they feel there’s no future for the country, and I have to agree with them.”

Jean was going to, as outlined by the Times, announce his candidacy on “Larry King Live” after registering with the elections board in Haiti on Thursday. Candidates for the Haitian presidency must be citizens with five or more years of residency in Haiti. Even though he left the country as a child, Jean said he met both needs. Born in Croix des Bouquets, Haiti, he holds a Haitian passport.

Jean thinks he’s like Havel and Reagan

Vaclav Havel and Ronald Reagan are individuals that Jean talks about when referring to his transition, reports Time magazine who talked to NPR. Before Reagan and Havel got elected, they got a lot of experience which is as opposed to Jean. A musician that succeeded in politics quite a bit was previous Midnight Oil frontman who became Australia’s environment minister, Peter Garrett. Blur drummer Dave Rowntree ran for a seat for the British parliament this year but was trounced along with the rest of the Labour Party.

Jean’s Haiti in poor condition

The election prepared for November 28 could be one of probably the most essential ones for Haiti as Wyclef Jean tries to win. There was an earthquake in Haiti taking 300,000 lives which the president will have to work on helping the country because of. Although it has been six months since it happened, 1.6 million individuals have camps they are living in.

Further reading

Miami Herald

miamiherald.com/2010/08/05/1762628/its-official-wyclef-jean-to-run.html

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/08/05/world/americas/05haiti.html?_r=1

NPR

npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=128996915

Companies can magnify profits with employee financial education

A company doesn’t do as well when their employees can’t even handle personal finances. Money problems at home can lead to lower productivity at work, health troubles and excessive turnover. Employees with financial literacy mean a company will get hundreds of thousands of dollars a year more. Health insurance and matching retirement plans have hurt employee benefits during the economy fairly bad. With personal finance, companies will nevertheless have the chance to change their future for the better. Resource for this article – Employee financial education is proven to boost the bottom line by Personal Money Store.

Educational financial security

When working towards financial security, a company can do a lot more than give a paycheck to their employees. 20 hours of work each month is wasted on worrying about finances for those with financial difficulties reports the Durango Herald. Rather than spending what they make, the 40 percent of Americans spend 110 percent of what they make every year, while 57 percent don’t budget their money at all. Money and debt issues generally relate to relationship issues also. 50 percent of workers divorced said financial security was the reason.

Company profits and financial literacy

The goal of the Personal Finance Employee Education Foundation is for employees to start getting their education. As outlined by the PFEEF, financial literacy programs help a bottom line be fulfilled with more money. Productivity improves, along with morals and company loyalty when employees are better educated in finances. Employees show up more often, are less distracted, do not quit as often and operational risks are minimized when employees have financial education. Companies are able to see how their company specifically could be helped with financial education on PFEEF’s website which has an investment model with an ROI calculator. Employee financial literacy means companies will get a three to one investment.

Employee financial education in action

Financial literacy is a requirement of Weyerhaeuser which is a timber company that is depending in Washington state. Business Week reports that Weyerhaeuser is acknowledged as one of America’s leaders in providing financial education to nearly 14,000 employees. 40 retirement, benefits and wellness programs just last year were offered to its employees. After a retirement seminar for employees, 99 percent said they could make better choices for their retirement while 88 percent they would change retirement choices they already did make. Participants within the program thought the seminars were a valuable employee benefit that enhanced their optimistic feelings about Weyerhaeuser.

Find more information on this subject

Durango Herald

durangoherald.com/sections/News/Columnists/Money_Savvy/2010/08/04/Workers_debt_can_be_companys_problem/

ROI

personalfinancefoundation.org/roi/roi-model.html

Business Week

businessweek.com/investor/content/jul2009/pi20090722_246198.htm

Simple, easy ways to conserve money and plan a wedding on a budget

Planning a wedding shouldn’t have to cost an arm and two legs. You can, in fact, stay away from breaking the financial institution and needing a last minute cash advance loans by learning a few tips and tricks on solutions to plan a wedding on a budget. By using these simple wedding preparing tips, no matter what your spending limit is, you can put together a beautiful low-cost wedding with lasting memories of a lifetime. Article resource – Wedding ideas – plan a wedding on a spending budget by Personal Money Store.

Plan a wedding on spending budget with an evenhanded guest list

The guest list is one of the first places you should look if you are seeking to really plan a wedding on a budget. Reducing the number of guests will no doubt reduce the amount of money you will have to dish out on food and caterers, among other costs. Each time a name is added to the list, you’re adding more tension to your budget. So save yourself some trouble and skip inviting those you haven’t spoken to in a long time or ones you just can’t stand to be around. Don’t feel obligated to please everybody; it is your wedding, your spending budget and, most importantly, you that need the pleasing.

Save money on a wedding dress

Choosing the right wedding dress is definitely one of the main highlights of preparing a wedding. However, for individuals who are preparing on a spending budget, it can get quite overwhelming. So before you take out a cash loan to pay for that expensive wedding dress, think of other choices you may have. Get online, look around and compare prices from numerous different places. You are able to uncover numerous great websites that offer a wide selection of beautiful wedding dresses that won’t cave a hole in your pocket. And for the brides who do not mind, possibly renting a dress is right for you.

The best time to have a wedding

When and where you determine to hold your wedding can also leave a huge impact on your budget. Planning an off-season wedding can conserve you money; off-season months vary depending on your regional climate. For warm-weather states, off season savings begin during summer and vice-versa for places with colder climates. Planning an off-season wedding can conserve you large bucks because numerous wedding vendors are out hunting for business and are willing to offer excellent saving deals to draw you in. Also, the wedding location doesn’t have to be at a lavish club house or hotel. You are able to put together a grand wedding at local parks and restaurants, or even at your community college.

Saving on food and drinks

Do not hesitate to inform your caterer of your saving plans and ask about the least expensive entrees on the menu. Would a buffet cost less than a seated dinner? Can you pass up the primary course and just stick with drinks and appetizers? Can you serve only wine and beer instead of having a full bar? The cost of food can take up a huge portion of your spending budget, so do not be afraid to make any changes to the menu if necessary.

President Obama announces withdrawal of soldiers from Iraq by September

President Obama ran on a platform which integrated the withdrawal of military from Iraq. Creating a plan for the withdrawal of America’s military was begun just after his election. Following the program for withdrawal was put in motion, the White House has kept it on schedule. By the end of August, only 50,000 American military will remain in Iraq. It is projected that all American forces will have left Iraq by the end 2011.

Control of Iraq to revert to Iraqi authorities

The President announced that Iraqi authorities could be put in control of military operations by August 31, according to The Guardian. The announcement was made as the President spoke before the Disabled American Veterans conference in Atlanta. He directly mentioned the withdrawal as part of his campaign promises. About 90,000 troops have already been withdrawn from Iraq since he took office. After the August 31 deadline, after which all authority of military operations will transfer to Iraqi officials, 50,000 American troops will remain initially as an advisory body. Combat operations by American troops will cease at that time.

Focus on Afghanistan

The war in Afghanistan is still ongoing, though the Iraq war is winding down. Obama swore he won’t stand for the Taliban or Al Qaeda returning to power, as outlined by CNN. There has been scandal and outrage over the war in Afghanistan lately. A scandalous Rolling Stone interview prompted the firing of General Stanley McChrystal, and the Wikileaks release of 90,000 pages of documents pertaining to the Afghan conflict have created a firestorm concerning the long term occupation of Afghanistan.

The beginning of the end; or the beginning’s end

The timetable for withdrawal of American troops from Iraq is going forward as planned. However, the Afghan conflict is far from being resolved. Afghanistan has more U.S. troops than Iraq, and there is a growing belief the war in Afghanistan is not winnable. The Afghanistan conflict does not have an ending in sight.

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guardian.co.uk/world/2010/aug/02/barack-obama-us-iraq-combat

cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/08/02/obama.iraq.drawdown/index.html?hpt=T1

Yes there is an International Beer Day- August 5

Don’t just sit around and put up with the summer heat, get out and enjoy International Beer Day held every year on August 5. Started in 2007, International Beer Day seeks to celebrate beer, brewers, bartenders, bars and friends. There is a growing number of International Beer Day celebrations, or you are able to effortlessly start up your own.

International Beer Day and Celebrating

Santa Cruz, California is where International Beer Day began. Checking with local breweries is a good place to start if you are seeking for some place to celebrate this holiday. Although easier than that would be to just drink some beers with some friends.

Beer comes in all shapes and sizes for International Beer Day

The light lager style of beer is the most prominent within the United States, and the type you are most likely to see people drinking. Microbreweries are putting that light lager style to shame and bringing into popularity more craft beers. The Brewers Association reported that craft beers made a 10 percent increase in sales in 2009. Within the same report they also noted that there was a 2 percent decrease in national beer sales. One way to celebrate National Beer Day is to go outside of your norm and try some craft beers. Who knows you may really end up enjoying the flavor. The Brewers Association recognizes more than 150 styles of beer, and more are brewed each day.

Try your hand on International Beer Day at beer pairing

Beer pairing is becoming increasingly popular with the wide variety of beers that you can now choose from. There are beer sommeliers who can help you choose exactly which beer you should pair with your meal, and serve it in a perfect glass. When you have found the right beer for your dinner it should cut, compliment and contrast your food. If you can do that a need for a beer professional isn’t necessary. You are bound to conserve cash when pairing with beer instead of wine when your average beer is generally less than $ 10. Use International Beer day to buy a couple of new flavors and try something new, when enjoying the day altogether.

Billy the Kid shot with pardon making family angry at Sheriff

July 14, 1881, Pat Garrett shot Billy the Kid stopping the career as an outlaw and murderer. Nearly 130 years later, governor Bill Richardson of New Mexico has supposedly considered granting a pardon that was promised to Billy the Kid by New Mexico’s governor before he was gunned down by Garrett. News of Richardson’s potential pardon of Billy the Kid angered Garrett’s descendants, who are calling it an insult and defamation of their ancestor.

The Billy the Kid and Pat Garrett saga

Garrett took Billy the Kid in under arrest in 1879 for murdering a county sheriff. As outlined by the Los Angeles Times, William Bonney which is the real name of Billy the Kid, would testify on another murder in exchange for a pardon by the New Mexico Governor Lew Wallace. The pardon wasn’t given although Billy the Kid did end up testifying in the case. Billy went to court and was ordered to have the death sentence for what happened. Billy the Kid murdered two deputies on the way to his hanging. Garrett found Billy a couple of months later and shot him when he was sleeping.

Did Billy the Kid really die in there?

Richardson wanted to check on the issue of whether a pardon should are issued which is why the Billy the Kid stuff came up again. The Associated Press reports the governor once offered state resources to examine whether Garrett killed Billy the Kid and not an innocent man. Billy the Kid may very well have lived by the name “Brushy Bill” in Texas until about 1950. Santa Fe lawyers were put on the case to represent Billy the Kid so every little thing could be made right.

Publicity stunt by Bill Richardson

Richardson’s interest in Billy the Kid’s pardon prompted an angry response from Garrett’s family. A letter to Richardson from the Garrett family was shown in the El Paso Times saying the governor was making up stories that no longer show the truth and how great their ancestor really was. ”The history of New Mexico has been permanently disfigured by the element of doubt alone,” was a statement made in that letter from the Garretts. Numerous people think there is really no point in giving a pardon to someone well known as an outlaw. “There is no point in restoring the civil rights of a dead man,” historian Drew Gomber told the El Paso Times. “It’s a publicity stunt by the governor”.

Discover more information on this subject

Los Angeles Times

articles.latimes.com/2010/jul/14/opinion/la-oe-gardner-billythekid-20100714

Associated Press

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hLcwJIblvIblKowDQ4Fcr2Ub0nRwD9H9AJEG0

El Paso Times

elpasotimes.com/ci_15626727?source=most_viewed