With risk of deflation, federal reserve member still speak

A warning that deflation could set in as U.S. economic recovery weakens was sounded by James Bullard, the president of the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Thursday. Preventing inflation has been the focus of Federal Reserve as it formulates policies to guide the U.S. economy out of the recession. The economy might be weakened by a Japanese style deflation if, as Bullard predicted, the policies of the Federal Reserve continue.

Deflation might be what happens instead of inflation

A drop in goods, services, homes, stocks, and wages is what a deflation is by definition. Preventing inflation has been what the Federal Reserve has tried doing, reports the New York Times. Starting in 2007, the Fed lowered the benchmark interest rate all the way to zero and pumped some $2 trillion into the economy with an array of emergency loans and purchases of government debts and mortgage bonds. To purchase all those assets, the Fed basically printed money — the $1 trillion in reserves. Inflation occurs when the money is taken out and given away when more money is just made.

A recipe for deflation

March was when the Fed finally quit getting government debt. Now the recovery no longer is in sight and inflation seems unlikely. Bank lending is contracting. Many companies just have a ton of money sitting around. Small businesses aren’t able to get loans from anyone. It will be a long time before the reserve money hits the rest of America. Unemployment is high. Home prices are going down and home sales appear to be at record lows still. These are all the reasons why Bullard thinks deflation might be near.

Info on the Japanese deflation

The 1990s was when this deflation started. A 1980s real estate bubble burst, banks took a bath on real estate loans, restricted lending and asset prices fell. Prices went down even further with imports becoming cheaper. The Bank of Japan and also the government tried to eliminate it by reducing benchmark interest rates. The bubble’s collapse lasted for more than a decade with stock prices bottoming in 2003. More stocks went down in 2008 causing a global meltdown. In November 2009 Japan returned to deflation, according to the Wall Street Journal. 2.2 percent of consumer prices fell in the end of 2009.

'Double edged sword’ what benchmark interest rates considered

The Federal Reserve should begin taking the necessary precautions and listen to Bullard’s warning to try and stop all of this from happening. Bullard thinks, according to the Associated Press, the Federal Reserve saying they would keep rates this low for an “extended period” of time is really a “double-edged sword. Deflation might happen if this gives off the impression that inflation is getting lower. Bullard has his opinions saying that the government debt needs to be bought along with lifting the rate of interest cap so deflation doesn’t happen either.

Additional reading

New York Times
nytimes.com/2010/07/30/business/economy/30fed.html?_r=1 and amp;src=busln
Wall Street Journal
online.wsj.com/home-page
Associated Press
google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hTlA7m2TuKuKz6FcqFx3b34S1lAQD9H8SA0G2

Details on the Starcraft II reviews

July 27 at midnight, a whole new community of gamers will emerge with the release of “Starcraft II- Wings of Liberty”. ”Starcraft II” which is released as a single or multiplayer game by the Activision-Blizzard partnership, outsold “Halo Reach” before it has been released to the public. You’ll need to make sure your system can manage it since “Starcraft II” has extensive system needs.

All the reviews of ‘Starcraft II’

Unusually for Activision-Blizzard, you will find no “Starcraft II” reviews legitimately available before the release date. Journalists weren’t allowed pre-release copies. ”Starcraft II” reviews found are likely to be from the beta version. Journalists and reviewers will get to play “Starcraft II” at the exact same time as everyone else. “Starcraft II” reviews that are most likely to be honest will come first out of countries that hit midnight earliest — Russia, South Korea and Japan.

Getting ‘Starcraft II’

In 1998, 11 million copies of the original “Starcraft” were sold. Pre-ordered copies of “Starcraft II” have already hit 800,000 meaning it will be a hit. Though video game companies highly discourage downloading illegally, the “Starcraft II” torrent is also sure to be popular. Before picking up their “Starcraft II” copy, many people may watch for a “Starcraft II” torrent to try out for a bit.

System requirements for ‘Starcraft II’

“Starcraft II” has been developed for release on both the PC and Mac as well as some video consoles. On the PC, minimum system requirements consist of:

• Windows XP, Vista or 7 with updates from a service pack
• 2.6 GHz Pentium or AMD processor
• You’ll need a 128 MB PCle GeForce 6600 GT video card
• 12 GB accessible space on your hard drive
• 1.5 GB RAM
• A DVD-ROM Drive should be there
• Working broadband Internet (for multiplayer)
• 1024 x 720 or higher display

Your Mac will need:

• At least a Mac OS X 10.5.8 or 10.5.6
• An Intel processor can be needed
• A video card with NVIDA GeForce 8600m GT
• 12 GB hard drive space
• 2 GB RAM accessible
• DVD-ROM drive
• Working broadband Internet (for multiplayer)
• 1024 x 720 as a minimum display

Additional reading

Web Game Development
securenext.com/

Wall Street reform requires a whistle blower provision

The Wall Street reform bill has been signed into law by President Obama. Yet the vast majority of those who support the Obama administration’s call for tighter regulation of banking and investment are probably unaware of a whistle-blower provision, reports the Los Angeles Times. A private sector of individuals who stop rule breaking will get 10 to 30 percent of the money the government gets from these fines and settlements.

A whistle-blower provision to catch Ponzi and insider trading schemes

The whistle-blower provision calls for the citizen “provide the Securities and Exchange Commission with original info that reveals the fraud and leads to a successful recovery,” writes the Times. Lawmakers hope the bounty provision will provide the necessary incentive to strengthen Wall Street reform, but some legal experts see potential issues. Someone who spots a problem will go to the SEC than to management which could possibly be a problem for many companies. There also may be a whole new slew of lawsuits that may have to be dealt with as well. In both cases, a “society of paid informants,” as Walter Olson of the Cato Institute puts it, would be the result.

’Fast’ cash incentive for whistle blowers

Imagine if this whistle-blower provision had been in place when Goldman Sachs settled with the SEC for $ 550 million. If a whistle-blower had turned in the tip leading to Goldman Sachs’ censure, that whistle-blower would have made at least $ 55 million in cash until payday. That’s money going back to the taxpayer, points out Stephen Kohn of the Washington-based National Whistleblowers Center. ”Quick cash” tends to be relative of course. Long legal proceedings will follow, but if whistle-blowers’ tips pay down, they’ll have their cash loan when the government collects from the guilty corporation. $ 1 million could have to be recovered before the whistle-blower provision could be able to become an informant.

Read more on this topic here

Los Angeles Times
latimes.com/business/la-fi-reform-whistleblower-20100723,0,6099636.story
An example of whistle-blowing in high government
youtube.com/watch?v=xq8aopATYyw

T-Mobile and iPhone 4 - Will they make 2010 grand?

Apple may not be recalling the iPhone 4, but it certainly isn’t as the company is strapped for cash. PC Magazine reports that Apple’s fiscal 3rd quarter for 2010 was an excellent success, in no small part due to sales of the iPad. Apple made $ 3.25 billion net profit on revenue of $ 15.7 billion. Never one to rest on its laurels, Apple may be making more exciting news very soon. If the Cult of Mac’s “highly placed source” is accurate, T-Mobile may begin selling the iPhone 4 by third quarter 2010. Furthermore, PC World reports that this merger is 80 percent certain.

iPhone 4 would make T-Mobile a heavyweight

Currently the fourth-largest carrier in the U.S., T-Mobile would certainly vault over AT and T, Verizon and Sprint if the iPhone 4 deal happens. Frequency issues could get in the way, indicates PC World. T-Mobile’s band is different than other U.S. carriers, and iPhone 4 hasn’t been proven to work within their full range.

Maybe this should go in the iPhone 4 rumor discard pile

Considering Cult of Mac’s overall track record with predictions, PC World may be right in reminding us not to lose our heads. Steve Jobs may not have cast his death stare at T-Mobile yet, and the carrier may have room to absorb the onrush of potential iPhone 4 customers. Since T-Mobile parent Deustche Telekom works with Apple already in Europe, T-Mobile could already be in Apple’s good graces.

Do T-Mobile waters look good to you?

Realistically, T-Mobile won’t have bandwidth to spare for long if Apple dives into their pool. Antenna issues aside, iPhone 4 remains wildly popular. It more than competes against Droid and other U.S. smartphones. Do you see it differently? Sound off.

Find more information here

pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2366821,00.asp

pcworld.com/article/201653/report_tmobile_has_80_percent_chance_of_getting_iphone.html

International Monetary Fund to increase budget to $1T

This November, the International Monetary Fund will be requesting a spending budget increase to $ 1 trillion. The Group of 20 Summit in South Korea will consider this request. By increasing its ability to give emergency cash advance loans money to countries in trouble, the IMF hopes to improve their response to financial crisis.

The ability of the IMF to lend

The IMF presently has a lending capacity of about $ 750 billion. Struggling countries get advance loans from the IMF when they need help. The money is typically used to help stabilize banks and financial systems, take on system-wide reforms, and purchase upgrades for infrastructure. It’s unusual for a first-world rated country to be given a loan through the IMF. Though they’re technically able to take the money, numerous first-world countries aren’t taking the cash until payday loan in order to avoid appearance of instability.

Getting more money to lend

A group of countries both govern and fund the IMF. Most of these countries can be attending the G-20 summit in November. These G-20 countries will be the ones to foot the bill if they grant the IMF an extra $ 250 billion. While the IMF doesn’t have a bank account with $ 750 billion sitting in it, the countries that make up the IMF are responsible for providing the money.

Limitations on IMF money

When the IMF provides a instant loans, it comes with several strings attached. Reforms within the country are required to be taken on if a country takes an IMF loan. The reforms required by the IMF are the jumping-off point for some significant controversy. Some individuals say that the fast loans from the IMF end up doing more harm than good in the recipient countries. More money for lending would mean more loans and conditions from the IMF. The jury is out, though, on if this is a good thing for the world economy.

Social Security receivers, watch out for bank personal cash loan

People on Social Security typically aren’t amenable to giving away their benefits. In part, this is why paper Social Security checks are on the way out. The Wall Street Journal reports that the Treasury Department plans to stop issuing paper Social Security checks by 2013 and distribute monies via direct deposit or prepaid debit cards. The stated goal is to save Social Security recipients money spent cashing the checks and distribute benefits in a more secure fashion. However, numerous consumer groups are now concerned that those Social Security recipients whose funds are directly deposited into accounts at major banks like U.S. Bancorp, Wells Fargo and Fifth Third Bancorp are being targeted for high cost cash advance-style loans by the very same banks.

Bank loans that target low-income seniors, disabled

Collateral for the cash until payday loan loans comes straight from the recurring deposits of Social Security benefits, says the National Consumer Law Center. Such personal loan original via customer phone call or online request. The bank takes the cash loan money out of the consumer’s next receipt of benefits. If the loan isn’t really paid in full within 35 days, the bank automatically withdraws the amount owed, frequently producing overdraft and a morass of fees.

Making up for lost revenue by siphoning from baby boomers

Losing automatic overdraft is something banks fear, as the Wall Street reform bill gets set to become law. It seems like no small coincidence to the National Consumer Law Center that this aggressive push to get Social Security customers into payday loan-like products coincides with the coming of the financial reform law. Sources indicate that as much as $ 700 million in Social Security benefits are taken each year to pay overdraft fees, which draws focus to the magnitude of the issue for America’s monolith banks.

Want an choice to banks fingering your Social Security?

The Wall Street Journal recommends the prepaid debit card option for benefit disbursement. They do not cost much and they’re fully FDIC insured. They can be used like an ATM card, also as for purchases and bill payments.

Find more information on this topic

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704875004575375474092141764.html

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_Security_%28United_States%29

90,000 pounds of chicken nuggets recalled by Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart stores have recalled a huge number of Great Value brand chicken nuggets. One pound, 13 ounce packages of Great Value chicken nuggets have been recalled. Manufactured by Perdue, these nuggets have blue plastic in them.

Stores recall chicken nuggets

The Wal-Mart chicken nugget recall was called by Perdue Farms, Inc. and the USDA on July 21. The packages of chicken nuggets were found to have blue plastic within the meat. The chicken nuggets integrated in the recall are identified by:

• Bags that weigh in at one pound, 13 ounces
• Labeled as a fantastic Value brand
• P-33944 as the Establishment Number
• Identified with case code 89008 A0160

Return the nuggets to the store where they were purchased in order to get a refund. The companies will end up paying the whole cost of the recall — estimated at $ 500,000.

Recall caused by blue plastic in the nugget

The recall on Wal-Mart chicken nuggets is considered a class II recall. The translation of this is that you will find no “adverse health consequences” and no injuries. Perdue Farms has said that it expects that a “small plastic ring” was mixed in with the raw meat.

Making your own chicken nuggets

If you really love chicken nuggets but want to keep away from the Wal-Mart chicken nugget recall, you are able to. Making your own chicken nuggets is quick, cheap, and healthy. Chicken nuggets made at home cost less than $ 1 per serving. Start by chopping boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders into chunks. Mix together bread crumbs and seasonings, or even use a product like Shake ‘n Bake. Coat the chicken with crumbs after you dunk it in milk or butter. Bake them on a well-oiled sheet for 10 or 20 minutes. Or, if you’re brave, deep-fat fry in 450 degree oil for three minutes.

senate Ethics committee looks at VIP loans given out

VIP cash loans given to the Washington DC lawmakers staff has them very concerned. Bank of The US bought all of these “Sweetheart” or “VIP” loans that Countrywide made. All of these VIP cash advances are likely going to give senators a hard time legally. Source for this article – Senate Ethics Committee investigates VIP loans by Personal Money Store.

Countrywide’s VIP loans

In documents recently released by Bank of The US, it was revealed that Countrywide wrote a huge number of “sweetheart” loans. The loans were given to Senate staff and have low interest rates along with no credit check. Republican Senator Issa, who filed an ethics complaint stemming from these loans, points out a “high concentration” of loans to D.C. staffers. Numerous believe that Countrywide was trying to get what they want out of Senators by writing these loans. Of course, we have not caught this till now when the loans were made years ago in 2002 and 2003.

Ethics and loans

Several senators had ethics complaints by Senator Issa filed about them. These reports that were filed caused Senator Dodd and Senator Conrad to be “scolded” by the Ethics committee, although that’s the extent of it. They were told they had to “be more careful to stay away from the appearance of favoritism from Countrywide.” Despite the scolding, both senators were cleared of actual rules violations. The most recent ethics complaint being made blames Senator Robert Bennett. Members of his staff received 12 “VIP loans” out of the 30 handed out.

Naming the loan recipients

The investigation on Countrywide VIP cheap loans is being done by an Oversight and Government Reform committee from the Senate. Any documents Bank of The US has from VIP loans that have “US Senate” written down for their employment must be handed over to the government instantly for the investigation. Anything received from Countrywide was already given to the government by Bank of American and 37,000 documents are what they have received so far. Many will have issues with the November election if names are really given out and reported.

Issue discussed by Senator Burnett

The ethics complaint filed against Republican Senator Burnett was responded to by him as it doesn’t matter since he is not running for re-election. In short, Senator Burnett said that he doesn’t make it a point to discover out where his staffers do their banking. Mortgages and unsecured loans they received are none of his business so he never made it his business.

UltraViolet aims to simplify movie ownership

A huge consortium of media and technology companies have announced the launch of UltraViolet. UltraViolet tries to make it easier to see movies you have purchased on a wide variety of hardware devices. A Disney-backed competitor is already on the horizon, despite the large list of supporters for UltraViolet. Article resource – UltraViolet aims to simplify movie ownership by Personal Money Store.

UltraViolet makes use of cloud computing

There are a large number of big media companies in the UltraViolet consortium. Media purchases will be tracked on an UltraViolet account on uvvu.com. Customers will then be able to use this “digital token” that will allow them to play the film on a wide variety of devices and services. You can watch a movie that you purchased at Best Purchase with your Comcast account. Buy a Blu-ray DVD, then play the film on your smartphone. The goal of the UltraViolet account is cross-compatibility between systems.

The challenges of UltraViolet

A format war between UltraViolet is already shaping up. Codenamed KeyChest, Disney is working on their own digital rights management system. With a huge movie library that contains Marvel Entertainment and Pixar studios, Disney controls a large number of movies. Steve Jobs also serves as a board member for Disney. Apple did not sign onto the UltraViolet system, and Apple’s iOS technology may not allow app developers to use their system.

Which Digital Management System will end up in use?

If previous format wars are any indication, there can be various years where both formats for digital rights management will co-exist. In the end, the format that the pornography industry chooses could be the one probably to win as in every other format war. Lack of corporate support or customer support have killed comparable moves in the music industry. User interface, library, and customer support are all going to be deciding factors for KeyChest or UltraViolet.

Racist rants get Tea Party Express leader expelled from movement

The National Tea Party Federation excommunicated the Tea Party Express and its leader, Mark Williams. An over the top racist satire was written by Williams, chairman of the Tea Party Express, in response to an NAACP resolution asking the Tea Party to renounce racism in its ranks. The Tea Party denied that racists were part of its membership when the NAACP voted at its convention last week on the Tea Party resolution. But the Tea party expelled Williams after his racist satire was highlighted by the national media. Source of article – Tea Party Express racist Mark Williams kicked out of movement by Personal Money Store.

Racism part of Tea Party Express founder’s style

The Tea Party Express, founded by Williams, is one of one of the most influential sub groups in the Tea Party movement. The New York Daily News reports that Tea Party Express accomplishments consist of raising $ 2.3 million and helping Republican Scott Brown get elected to the late Ted Kennedy’s seat. Last month Williams stepped down as chair to lead a campaign against a mosque project in New York known as the ground zero mosque, which he has called a monument to 9/11 attackers where Muslims will “worship the terrorist money-god”. Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who supports the project was called a “Jewish Uncle Tom who would have turned rat on Anne Frank” by Williams for backing the project .

NAACP resolution confirmed by Tea Party Express

While the Tea Party Express’ Williams was saying that Muslims worship a monkey god, the Tea Party twisted the meaning of the NAACP resolution requesting that the movement cull the racists from its membership. The NAACP was calling the Tea Party as a whole racist, said right wing pundits and Tea Party officials. Their comeback was that the NAACP were the racists. But claims made in the NAACP resolution became obvious after teapartyexpress.org published a racist satire written by Williams.

Slavery a joke to Tea Party Express

By writing a satirical letter to Abraham Lincoln from NAACP President Benjamin Todd Jealous, Williams got his Tea Party Express expelled from the Tea Party movement . This sample from the letter was posted by Fox News:
“Perhaps the most racist point of all within the Tea Parties is their demand that government ’stop raising our taxes.’ That is outrageous! How will we coloreds ever get a wide-screen TV in each and every room if non-coloreds get to keep what they earn?” he wrote. “Mr. Lincoln, you were the greatest racist ever. We had a great gig. 3 squares, room and board, all our decisions made by the massa in the house. Please repeal the 13th and 14th Amendments and let us get back to where we belong.”

Will NAACP Tea Party resolution tone down the racism?

The Tea Party movement may benefit within the long run from the Tea Party Express dismissal. The Huffington Post reports that one of the more interesting consequences of the NAACP Tea Party resolution may be that now the movement is going to have to take responsibility for having an actual organizing structure. Until now, its vast organic, grass roots nature served as a convenient excuse for denying the kind of accusations the NAACP made within the first place.

Discover more information

nydailynews.com

foxnews.com

huffingtonpost.com

You really want mpg? Find a Kind Midget!

Congested highways make for dirty air that comes from gas guzzling vehicles. Although this has improved by fuel efficient autos, it can still improve. Change is always costly with the choices available. But when it comes to vehicles, one answer could come straight from the past. Mpg numbers go up with the King Midget which was made from 1946 to 1970. Article resource – So you need mpg? Try a King Midget! by Car Deal Expert.

This ‘will be the future kings of the road’

King Midget vehicles are followed by numerous as outlined by an interview of Dick Messer by AutoWeek. It makes sense considering the vehicle is inexpensive and very small. The two-door convertible micro cars (70-plus-inch wheelbase) were initially sold as kits for $ 49, and these kits incorporated the frame, axles, springs, steering and patterns to cut sheet metal for the body. You could also get it already built. The engines could vary from 6 hp to 12 hp big blocks. Up to 50 mph is possible in a King Midget, as are 50 to 70 mpg figures. Within the 1950s, prices were from $ 500 to $ 1,000, as reported by Wikipedia.

Why did the King Midget die?

One big concern was safety. Production of the King Midget ended in 1970s as federal crash needs became more stringent. There were only 5,000 cars made. The bodies of modern cars absorb much of the shock of a collision; the King Midget would pass much of that on to the driver’s body, resulting in more frequent injuries and death. Of course, great mileage is in all of the cars?

Need used car loans for a King Midget?

All you have to do is click the button below. Since you’ll not get the King Midget at a normal dealer, make certain they’ll fund private party purchases. Click the International King Midget Car Club link below to do some online window buying if you’re significant about the King Midget. $ 1,000 is going to be your minimum price.

More info available at these sites

AutoWeek
autoweek.com/article/20100713/CARNEWS/100719968
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King_Midget
International King Midget Car Club Classifieds
kingmidgetcarclub.org/classifieds.html
Vintage Automobile Show interview with car collector Barry Hilbert
youtube.com/watch?v=suv1Dyz4HWo

Financial reform bill with Arizona ban

The state of Arizona recently allowed the licenses of payday lending for the entire state to lapse. The state is also letting payday stores move out while they close their doors. The financial reform bill needs only one more thing- Obama’s signature. Most are worried that paydayloans will become obsolete if the bill passes since the bill works with the Federal Reserve to regulate lending. Article resource – The Arizona ban and also the financial reform bill by Personal Money Store.

Arizona stores closing up shop

A recent article on azcentral.com highlighted the effects of the new usury cap, or percentage rate cap the state of Arizona has imposed. Money lender in Arizona can’t keep any business with a 36 percent annual interest cap. 11 of 34 Check’N'Go stores that has payday loans, check cashing, and cash advances, closed. With summer coming to a close, 100 Arizona employees will be out of work adding to the unemployed list. The stores left have to switch to car title loans if they want to stay in business. Studies have shown greater incidents of bankruptcy, bounced checks and debt collections after bans on payday credit.

The new financial reform bill

The Federal Reserve may have a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency in it with the financial reform bill. Obama needs to sign the bill now that it has made its way through Senate. The Federal government will be responsible for payday loan companies once that happens. Loan company will no longer be a business if the rate cap used by Arizona were to be considered by Federal government for law.

Who wants the ban?

Cash till payday loans could have to follow standards used by other lending, or some believe awful loans and high interest could be gone. It costs $14 to lend $100 and with the 36 percent APR cap, only a couple dollars could be made off $100 loaned meaning the business would lose a lot of money. What will happen to those individuals who can’t get any credit without beginning on payday loans when short term lenders are no longer in business?

More information about this topic at these websites

Further reading
AZ Central
azcentral.com/community/phoenix/articles/2010/06/27/20100627payday-lenders-quit.html
Consumer Affairs
consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/07/payday_loans_finreg.html

Johnson and Johnson upset with plant closed by FDA

Johnson and Johnson, drug maker, has hit more issues. The FDA decided they needed to come to Lancaster, Penn and shut down a medicinal manufacturing plant of Johnson and Johnson. Until the plant can pass an inspection like the one they failed, they are going to remain closed. Johnson and Johnson has already suffered some high profile setbacks over the past a number of months, on the heels of a large recall of children’s Motrin and Tylenol products.

Lancaster PA plant closes its doors

A plant run by a Johnson and Johnson-Merck Consumer Pharmaceuticals joint venture was ordered to halt production by the Food and Drug Administration, as outlined by CNN Money. Form 483 was given to the plant informing the companies the plant hadn’t been complying with FDA guidelines. Within the last few months, Johnson and Johnson has had one more plant close, and this plant closing meant a setback in the Johnson and Johnson – Merck relationship. The plant manufactured Mylanta, Immodium and Pepcid.

J and J’s plant closes

In May, Johnson and Johnson was ordered by the FDA to close a Fort Washington, Penn., plant for non-compliance with codes. Children’s Motrin and Tylenol, the same ones in the recall, were made at that plant. The plant in Fort Washington was run by a Johnson and Johnson subsidiary, McNeil Consumer Healthcare, which just announced a layoff of 300 of the 400 employees at the plant. The plant had to close down as the Motrin and Tylenol being recalled in 2009 were contaminated. Another Tylenol recall was initiated most recently where 130 million bottles of children’s Motrin and Tylenol were recalled on May 6 of this year.

Excecutives of McNeil probably need their own drugs right about now

For years, the FDA has been hounding McNeil Consumer Healthcare about everything. The Fort Washington plant has been investigated regularly because of McNeil since 2003 making them have five recalls in the last eight months alone. Most consumers worry about giving their kids medicine anymore knowing it could be recalled any minute.

Article Sources

Lancaster PA plant closing
money.cnn.com/2010/07/16/news/companies/johnson_fda_new_inspection_report/index.htm
Fort Washington plant closing
money.cnn.com/2010/06/22/news/companies/tylenol_plant_inspection_history/index.htm?postversion=2010062318

Groupon to save socially

Combine the best parts of a social network and couponing, and you’ve got Groupon. Groupon helps people conserve money with deals and social networking. There is a sister site in Europe while 40 cities participate within the US. Groupon is not the only way you are able to get in a group so conserve money.

Groupon infromation

A “groupon” deal means you’re getting a bulk discount. If a certain number of individuals sign up for the deal of the day, then every person gets the discount. Nobody gets it if not enough individuals sign up though. This is treated like a group discount most of the time. The product of the day has to be something everyone on Groupon wants.

Where you are able to discover a Groupon

There are 40 U.S. “markets” that currently have working Groupon deals. Europe calls Groupon MyCityDeal and is a “sister” company. Soon, MyCityDeal and Groupon could be one big company rather than sister companies.

Not in a Groupon city?

Groupon is great for any person who wants the service. If you aren’t lucky enough to be in one of the 40 major cities where Groupon operates, though, you can still get good deals. Groupon isn’t available everywhere, although there are similar groups in other cities. If you don’t live in a major urban center, deals from Groupon or other sites don’t prove very useful. ”group coupon” can be typed with a city in Google. Your friends might already be a part of one so talking to them may help.

Beginning Groupon yourself

You are likely going to be able to have your own Groupon if you would like one badly enough. Groupon operates on a simple principle — group discounts. Call vendors to discover out if you can get a group discount. Find out how numerous people they’d need to offer a group discount, then go to work. Use your social networks and friends to discover out who else can be interested. Once you’ve hit the threshold, buy away!

Online Degree Navigator points the way to online education

Learning online is a good way to either continue or begin an education. It could be overwhelming trying to choose where to enroll. The Online Degree Navigator service is one that helps you get pointed in the right direction. Extensive search and compare choices, real reviews from current and former students and an expert rating system all make it easier to determine which online school to attend.

Online Degree Navigator breaks down the choices

Online Degree Navigator is intended to help you sort through all the opportunities for online learning. The comparison tools enable you to efficiently sort through schools as outlined by accreditation, completion time and cost of tuition. Combined with the expert rating system, Online Degree Navigator can help you easily sort through the avalanche of details to find what you really want to know.

Real students provide reviews

The ability to read reviews from real students is one of the best parts of Online Degree Navigator. Almost any school has at least a couple of reviews from students who are at the schools. Learn about each school from students who have been there and done the work. Students who have been at the schools can answer questions that are on the Student Community Forums as well.

Online Degree Navigator finds the info you want

When you are looking at attending an online school, the options are practically endless. Choosing a school that is accredited, affordable, and fits your goals doesn’t have to be a challenge. With Online Degree Navigator, you are able to sort through all the marketing and find a school that really fits your goals. The best way to choose where you would like to go online to learn is to get all the details you can. The best way to decide is to get the opinions of current students, know the full cost of attending, and get the opinions of the experts – all in one place.

Mel Gibson tapes show that some are better off silent

Oksana Grigorieva, Gibson’s new girlfriend, and Mel Gibson’s new scandal has given him a lot of publicity. It is not good. Lawsuits and a domestic violence charge are both looking like they might happen. A domestic dispute, or at least rumors of one, would be one thing. There was also the release of the “Mel Gibson tapes” which doesn’t help This could seriously hurt his career.

Verbal assaults thrown everywhere in the Mel Gibson tapes

It is a shame he didn’t sell the “Mel Gibson tapes”. He would be making a fortune, especially if he trademarked the phrase. Radaronline.com shows these videos that, if they are real, he may not be able to come back from in his career. He’s already been dropped by William Morris Endeavor, his agency. Without an agent, he won’t get the SAG card he needs to act or direct. Gibson might be seeing the end of his career.

Tolerance fades quickly

After this “Mel Gibson tapes” saga, there likely won’t be a “Lethal Weapon 5.”. A person has the right to hold any belief, and have any attitude they wish, no matter how misguided. They can say anything they want about whoever they want, and also the government can’t do a lot over it. That said, that does not mean that there aren’t other consequences.

Get rid of the crazy person?

Does John Rocker sound familiar? After the previous baseball relief pitcher went on racist tirades, the Atlanta Braves railroaded him out of town, and his career in MLB did not last long after that. Think about Rush Limbaugh. After the Donovan McNabb ordeal, he was fired by ESPN. Larry Johnson, the NFL player, is one more example. He was released after his homophobic comments he made publicly. Granted, he also was a lousy running back at the time. Just because somebody is racist or prejudice doesn’t mean they can stay around working people.

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RadarOnline.com

radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/07/exclusive-audio-out-control-mel-gibson-says-hell-burn-down-house-after-demanding

Getting a loan within the UK could require taking a test

Getting loans is going to be harder in the United Kingdom with the new rules they’re considering. Since 9 out of 10 customers, according to the Learning and Skills Council, can’t calculate basic numbers, that is being considered. Now, new regulations may require customers that need loans to take a test.

Concern for many who don’t have financial knowledge

A Consumer Financial Education body was formed within the United Kingdom because of the global financial crisis. Figures that were lately released by that group found that almost three-quarters — 74 percent — of all Britons with mortgages could not answer basic questions. For example, most did not know how a 1 percent rise in the bank rate would affect their loans, payday or bills. The entire country is impacted by this lack of knowledge about basics of personal loan.

A possible solution?

The UK is considering a test as one of their options. Any customer that wants to get any type of loan — mortgage, online personnel loans, or car loan — can have to take a test. This test would cover the essential features of the loan and financial products. Example questions might contain the interest rate of the loan or the term of the loan. One alternative that has been suggested to the test is a simple declaration that the borrower has read and understood the terms of the loan.

The way loans are sold

Part of the government helps run the United Kingdom loan practices. Lenders may have to reveal the amount of interest that will be paid over time with this. Individuals may more effortlessly “start over" when they change some of the bankruptcy regulations as well.

Tea Party racism subject of NAACP convention vote

The Tea Party is racist, according to some members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. A resolution condemning the Tea Party for racism was up for a vote Tuesday at the NAACP convention in Kansas City. Some Tea Party members said the NAACP is calling the kettle black. A leader of the black community in Atlanta suggests that the NAACP convention forget about meaningless resolutions and learn a lesson from the Tea Party’s grass roots movement.

News media fosters image of Tea Party racism

Numerous suspect the Tea Party of racism, especially after seeing news coverage of angry protesters holding posters that mock President Obama. The movement's image has been further damaged by reports of black congressmen being spit on by Tea Party members during the health care reform debate. The NAACP resolution, according to the Washington Post, declares that “the racist elements” within the Tea Party are “a threat to progress” and that Tea Party protesters “displayed signs and posters intended to degrade people of color typically and President Barack Obama specifically”.

Tea Party Patriots say NAACP are the real racists

The NAACP Tea Party resolution also calls on “the leadership and members of the Tea Party to recognize the historic and present racist factions within it and to repudiate those factions". The Tea Party is also accused of violent opposition to programs designed to help the working class and minorities. The Los Angeles Times reports that two Tea Party leaders said Tea Party racism came from a few bad actors and not the movement itself. Jenny Beth Martin of the online network Tea Party Patriots admitted to racist behavior at Tea Party rallies but said it was on the record that it wouldn’t be tolerated. Tea Party Patriot Mary Meckler told the Times that accusing the movement of racism was "ironic" coming from a racist organization like the NAACP.

NAACP – Tea Party a role model?

The NAACP is missing the point whether or not the Tea Party or the NAACP is racist, said black Atlanta media personality Charing Ball. The sincerity of the NAACP Tea Party resolution isn't questioned by Ball. But he wonders why, writing within the Atlanta Post, the NAACP is spinning its wheels on meaningless gestures rather than getting its hands dirty for real racial justice. Ball suggests that the NAACP might do better by studying the playbook of the Tea Party. The NAACP could better meet the needs of the black community today at the grass roots by rallying voters and training and nurturing young candidates.

More info accessible at these sites

washingtonpost.com

latimes.com

atlantapost.com

Lockerbie bomber release part of BP-Libya oil deal, senator says

BP has made billions spilling oil all over the globe. And now a U.S. Senator is suspicious that BP will make more billions by helping set free a terrorist convicted of killing Americans in order to secure a BP-Libya oil deal. Suspicions arose after Libyan Abdel Bastet Al-Megrahi, the Lockerbie bomber, was released from a Scottish prison last August after doctors said he had three months to live. A year later Al-Megrahi is living within the lap of luxury as BP prepares to drill off Libya’s coast.

Lawmakers want Lockerbie bomber back within the slammer

The Lockerbie bomber, convicted for the 1988 bombing of Pan Am flight 103, would still be in jail if the senators had their way. New Jersey Democrat Frank Lautenberg sees evidence suggesting the Lockerbie bomber release is tied to the BP-Libya oil deal as an opportunity to increase political pressure on the culprit of the2 010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Something fishy about timing of BP-Libya oil deal and Lockerbie bomber release

The Lockerbie bomber release from prison “on compassionate grounds” after he was diagnosed with prostate cancer is now in question. Al-Megrahi, now 58, was convicted and sentenced to life in prison for the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 that killed 270 people, including 189 Americans. Yahoo News reports that Lautenberg wants the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations to investigate whether serial oil spiller BP influenced Al-Megrahi ’s release after he served only eight years of a life sentence. He wants to know if the Lockerbie bomber’s release was connected to a BP plan to start drilling in the next few months off Libya, which the senator says could earn the company up to $ 20 billion.

Lockerbie bomber escapes Grim Reaper

Other senators sought to put pressure on the British government to investigate the release of the Lockerbie bomber after a doctor said al-Meghrahi could live an additional decade. An Associated Press article published on Yahoo News said that Democrats Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer of New York and New Jersey senator Robert Menendez joined Lautenberg to demand an investigation from the British embassy in Washington. Due process was followed, said British Ambassador Sir Nigel Sheinwald in his response.

Is American blood on BP’s hands?

In a letter about his BP-Libya oil deal/ Lockerbie bomber suspicions to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Lautenberg said a 2007 oil agreement may have influenced the British and Scottish governments about the Lockerbie bomber’s release in 2009. He said BP admits that in 2007 it told the British government that a prisoner transfer agreement with Libya could hurt the oil deal. Al-Megrahi was at first excluded from the prisoner transfer agreement, but later Jack Straw, the British Secretary of State for Justice, later changed his mind, citing “overwhelming interests for the United Kingdom”.

BP-Libya oil deal trumps justice

BP has declined to discuss the senators’ probe of the Lockerbie bomber release. But CNN reports that a statement about the 2007 Libyan oil deal on the company’s website calls it “the single biggest exploration financial commitment an international energy company has ever made to Libya”. The British Embassy in Washington posted a letter on its site from the British ambassador to Gillibrand defending the Lockerbie bomber’s release. Brian Flynn, who fought to keep Al-Megrahi in prison after his brother was killed on Pan Am flight 103, told CNN:

“You can’t allow the process of justice to be corrupted by the cynical mercantilism of one company.”

More details available at these sites

news.yahoo.com

latimes.com

cnn.com

After reception tests, Consumer Reports won't recommend iPhone 4G

The iPhone 4G is not recommended by Consumer Reports. The iPhone 4G bomb was dropped by the magazine because of reception issues. iPhone 4G antenna troubles and what the media calls the “iPhone death grip” have been in headlines since the business released the gadget last month. Apple is promising an iPhone software update to ensure a more accurate display of signal strength. Consumer Reports ran its own tests on the iPhone 4G and recreated the reception problems everyone has been complaining about.

Source of article: Consumer Reports won’t recommend iPhone 4G after reception tests by Personal Money Store

Free iPhone antenna fix asked for by Consumer Reports<

The Consumer Reports rejection is the latest blow to the iPhone 4G. Since the iPhone 4G was released, complaints about the death grip and class action lawsuits about the gadget have besieged Apple. Apple has responded by promising an iPhone software update that will change how the phone displays signal bars. As outlined by CNN, a study by the magazine questioned Apple’s “optical illusion” claim. The iPhone 4 was tested with other AT and T phones, such as the iPhone 3GS. None had death grip issues as the iPhone 4G does. Consumer Reports noted the iPhone 4G otherwise ranked highest on the list of wise phone ratings that it released Monday. But the magazine said it will not recommend Apple’s new device until the business unveils “a permanent — and free — fix for the antenna problem.”

Tests show that Apple carrier AT and T is off the hook

The iPhone 4G is the first Apple iPhone that Consumer Reports refuses to recommend. It was reported by the Wall Street Journal the conclusion was an about-face for the magazine, which said in a July 2 blog post the iPhone 4G antenna issues weren’t a deal-breaker for the device. In its rejection of the iPhone 4G, Consumer Reports took some heat off Apple iPhone carrier AT and T, which was being blamed for all the data load problems for iPhones. ”The tests also indicate that AT and T’s network may not be the primary suspect in the iPhone 4G’s much-reported signal woes,” says Consumer Reports.

iPhone antenna solution contains duct tape

As well as promising an iPhone software update, Apple has been telling all of their iPhone 4 users to hold the phone differently or purchasing a $ 30 iPhone cover. It was reported by PC World that Consumer Reports iPhone 4G test confirms that. But you will find numerous a few less costly alternatives to Apple iPhone covers — some iPhone 4g users have used the yellow rubber Livestrong bracelets that cost $ 1. Consumer Reports says duct tape works just as well.

More information accessible at these sites:

CNN
money.cnn.com/2010/07/12/technology/consumer_reports_iphone/?npt=NP1
Wall Street Journal
online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704288204575363011516770540.html
PC World
pcworld.com/article/200924/consumer_reports_throws_iphone_4_under_the_bus.html?tk=hp_new

Avoiding auto loans with bad credit modification scams asking for upfront fees

Ads for auto loans for people with bad credit modification scams are all over the internet. Automobile loans modification companies promise to negotiate with lenders to get customers lower car payments — for a fairly large upfront fee. But consumer advocates and government regulators say most automobile loan modifiers promising lower car payments will take your money and provide little or nothing in return. Increasing throughout the nation are consumer complaints about automotive loans modification companies. Florida’s attorney general shut down Auto Relief Group, a south Florida business that has an F rating with Better Business Bureau.

Source for this article: Don’t fall for auto loans bad credit modification scams asking upfront fees by Personal Money Store

Auto loan modification seems a cautionary tale

Pitches by auto loans bad credit modification companies offering car loan modification services claim they have lender connections and expertise to negotiate dramatically lower interest rates or extended payments. WKYC in Cleveland reports that an unemployed student was looking for help with her $ 420.00 per month car payment when a television ad led her to Auto Relief Group. The auto loans with bad credit modifier promised that they would lower her 13 percent interest rate to 8 percent and extend the loan, which would result in a lower monthly car payment of $ 290.00. They also claimed they often worked with Honda Financial Services, her lender.

Lower car payments never happened

The unemployed student provided her account with your bank details to Auto Relief Group and agreed to a one-time advance fee of $ 298 from her checking account. It was reported by WKYC that when she didn’t notice any reduction in her monthly car payment after a couple months, she contacted Honda directly and learned that Auto Relief Group had never contacted her auto lender. When she confronted Auto Relief Group, she was told the $ 298 fee was for an “options report” the company provided and that if she wanted them to contact her lender, it would cost an extra $ 100.

Scammers charge for what you are able to do yourself

Other consumer complaints about Auto Relief Group indicate the information within the options report is nothing more than what anybody can get from free by calling their auto lender, such as the amount of the loan, the current value of the automobile, current rate of interest, balance, etc. The student in Cleveland also revealed that Auto Relief Group had made two additional $ 298 withdrawals from her account without her authorization.

Scammers who did mortgage loans are not moving to auto loans

Many financial experts have said that auto loan modification scams are attracting some of the very same scammers who modified mortgage loans until regulations shut them down. SunSentinel.com reports that claims on auto-loan modifier websites and ads — “We can help you keep your car, truck, boat or RV!” “Stop repossession and make your payments affordable!” — are almost identical to the promises mortgage loan modification scams once made to property owners facing foreclosure. Many those promises weren’t kept and homeowners lost their homes and millions in upfront modification fees.

Companies for auto loan modification are unregulated

New laws made certain that most mortgage loan modification scams were driven away. The new laws require that all of the mortgage modifiers to get mortgage broker licenses and they can no longer charge upfront payments. Auto loan modifiers don’t have to be as much as trained. The Federal Trade Commission is putting into consideration a new rule that would prohibit upfront fees for debt settlement services. However, the proposed FTC action would not contain auto loan modifications.

You are on your own for this one. Consider yourself warned.

Discover more info:

WKYC
wkyc.com/news/local/news_article.aspx?storyid=138784&catid=3
Sun Sentinel
sun-sentinel.com/fl-auto-loan-modification-20100707,0,6069557.story
FTC
ftc.gov/opa/2010/04/debttestimony.shtm

Finance Division of Wells Fargo to be shut down

After heavy subprime mortgage losses, Wells Fargo has announced the closure of the Finance Division. Only about 3,800 of the 14,000 jobs in the Finance Division will be lost. Wells Fargo financial products, like line-of-credit loans, will nevertheless be accessible.

Article resource: Wells Fargo to shut down Finance Division by Personal Money Store

What the Finance Division does

Wells Fargo Banking and Wells Fargo Financial have been two separate divisions for over 100 years. The Finance Division has been responsible for providing small loans, large loans, auto financing and mortgages. With $ 24.7 billion in real estate loans within the Wells Fargo Finance Division, only $ 1.5 billion of them are “prime”. On-level with other lenders, the Wells Fargo Finance Division only lost about 4.6 percent of value within the last quarter.

The Wells Fargo merger with Wachovia

Wells Fargo began a merger with Wachovia in 2008. The merger added branches and liabilities to the Wells Fargo balance sheets. Considering that Wells Fargo and Wells Fargo Home Mortgage have a combined 8,800 branches, it’s not a surprise that you will find “too many”. The takeover of Wachovia was forced by government regulators, who wanted to ensure that Wachovia bank would not fail. Formally, Wachovia was dissolved on March 20, 2010.

Lending at Wells Fargo will continue

Though Wells Fargo is shutting down its Finance Division, it has announced the bank will nevertheless provide services for customers who are borrowing money. Inside Wells Fargo branches, fast personal loan and auto loan financing will nevertheless be offered as a part of the banking products. The Wells Fargo mortgage loan business is going to be focusing more on loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration. Loans are less likely to default back to the bank when they’re supported by the federal government. Wells Fargo will continue to service unsecured personal loans and auto loans.

LeBron James decision could backfire on NBA business

In what he claims to be a move to a contender, LeBron James has abandoned the Cleveland Cavaliers in favor of the Miami Heat. The free agent deal will team “King” James with noted stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and give head coach Pat Riley yet another opportunity to show why he’s one of the greatest motivators in NBA history. This spells big business for the Heat and Miami and a proverbial kick to the shins for the Cavaliers and Cleveland, but as Bloomberg and other media outlets speculate, is the LeBron James deal actually bad for the NBA?

Resource for this article: LeBron James decision could backfire on NBA business by Personal Money Store

LeBron James on a Heat super-team is bad for broadcasting

The NBA has contracts with networks (ESPN, ABC, Turner), and all of them are no doubt looking forward to big Miami Heat ratings in 2010-11. That’s great when the Miami Heat plays, but hurts the rest of the league. This also applies to ticket sales. David Stern would love to say that parity is great for everyone, but the truth is that more people care to see games with stars like LeBron James. As previous CBS Sports President Neal Pilson told Bloomberg, “You can’t just show Miami all the time and certainly the TV carriers benefit when you have attractive stars and personalities on multiple teams”.

Interestingly, if LeBron James had signed with the New York Knicks (a team that was within the running), it would are broadcasting and marketing serendipity. Per Nielsen numbers, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago are the top 3 U.S. TV markets. Miami clocks in at number 17.

‘The Decision’ – Milking it for all it’s worth

ESPN and online sources aired the ridiculous online program “The Decision,” in which LeBron James and posse make a foregone conclusion seem like a deep personal struggle. Lots of sponsorship money changed hands, from the University of Phoenix and Microsoft to Coca-Cola and McDonald’s, all for a made for the shallow sports world event, writes Bloomberg. LeBron James’ “The Decision” was back scratching for him, but it also sent $2.5 million to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

What if the Heat fizzle?

Cleveland and Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert will no doubt be happy. The Cleveland newspaper The Plain Dealer ran a full front page photo published a picture of LeBron James walking away from the camera, accompanied by the headline “Gone” and a subhead that mocks the “King’s” lack of NBA Championship rings. The mood in Cleveland must not be high, if Dan Gilbert calls a press conference for the purpose of calling James a “shockingly disloyal” narcissist. Dan Gilbert sees a curse surrounding LeBron James, and insists the Cavs will win a ring before the turncoat James ever will. Clearly, “King” James should have something to prove.

Check out this stuff

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-09/lebron-james-on-super-team-might-be-good-for-miamiheat-bad-for-the-nba.html

http://trueslant.com/level/2010/07/09/cleveland-plain-dealers-front-page-parting-short-to-lebron-james/

Painting your car for the low price of $ 75

Painting your car is a nice DIY project that can be done at home, but many people tend to avoid it because of excessive cost and also the degree of prep-work involved. Getting a spray gun, air compressor and the right clear coat, primer spray, buffing compound, anti-rust solution and many more things are all things that a severe DIY car enthusiast will list to do the job well. But what if there were one more way? A less expensive alternative? A technique that depends upon thriftiness?

Source for this article: Painting your car the thrifty way – for only $ 75 by Car Deal Expert

Painting your car – for only $ 75

Painting your car for less is very possible with “The Poor Man’s Paint Job,” as outlined by Styluss at Instructables Workshop. There’s that amazing price tag of $ 75. Rustoleum paint and high-density foam brushes are the key elements of the budget technique. There’s minimal sanding required. Keep in mind that it is not a job for a lazy person, though. No guarantees are offered with this method, so practice carefully. It did work for Stylus, a fact borne out by photos on Instructables Workshop.

The gear to do the job

Here are estimates for the necessary items. What your car will need may vary. These instructions are for an average-sized sedan, so a truck or larger SUV will require more.

3 quarts of Rustoleum high gloss white paint = $23.61
3 quarts of odorless mineral spirits = $17.97
1 can of primer spray paint = $4.99
4-inch high-density foam brushes (7) = $5.67
2-inch high-density foam brushes (7) = $3.95
Paint trays (3) = $3.21
2 packs of sandpaper designed for wet use (600- and 800-grit) = $9.50
1 roll of painter’s tape = $5.84
Total: $74.74

Preparing for the adventure

You’ll need a large, clean workspace. Discover one, then wash the car. Take off anything that detaches that does not require paint. Sanding is the next step. If you will find spots where the old paint has chipped off, hit it with the spray primer. A well-sanded surface ensures that paint will go on evenly. Painter’s tape and paper to mask non-paint areas will be necessary.

It is time for painting your car

Mix up the paint and mineral spirits in a 50-50 dilution. The paint mix should have a milk-like consistency, runny but still thick. It is advisable to apply coats methodically in a very same order so you won’t miss anything. Start with the roof of the car and move down and around. Make it uniform, as going back to dry area to paint alongside will create ugly paint lines.

Slow down and go one way

Once you have decided upon your method, pour some paint mix into a paint tray and get to work. Use the larger brushes for larger areas and smaller for the finer details. From a thick application, spread the paint to create a base layer. Slowly glide the brush along, always making certain to stroke in the very same direction. Drips and sags should quickly be addressed. If they’re minor, just brush over them. Larger gaffs may require that you break out the sandpaper and start the process again. 3 starter coats should work, where each is allowed to dry from six to 12 hours. Undiluted Rustoleum takes 24 hours to dry. In the mineral spirits mix, cut that at least in half.

Sand it for the final coats

After the 3 coats of paint have dried, soak the 600-grit sandpaper in water and sand until you get that surface. Take care of the residue with a hose, then buff. If painting your car went perfectly, you may not need the additional sanding. If so, you are ready for the final coats. Dry appropriately, sand (this time with at least 800-grit) and spray.

You’re done! How does it look?

Wait at least a full day before washing or waxing your newly painted car. You may see brush strokes, but don’t worry if you were meticulous. ”The Poor Man’s Paint Job” is a great deal for $ 75, as it gives new life to your car. It is possible the job will only last a year, but consider that you didn’t pay much for this makeover. If you are of a mind and want to spend more money, you will have to strip the Rustoleum off first. “The Poor Man’s Paint Job” technique will conserve you money and produce reasonable results.

More data about this topic at these websites:

Instructables.com

instructables.com/id/The-Poor-Mans-Paint-Job-or…-How-to-paint-your-c/

Renault announces the DeZir luxury electric concept car recently

On the heels of Tesla’s successful IPO, Renault has released a bit of data about its new DeZir electric car. A luxury concept car, this electric powerhouse could be shown for the first time at the Paris Auto Show in September. The DeZir is beautiful, but it may not be able to compete with Tesla’s small yet established customer base.

Article resource: Renault announces the DeZir luxury electric concept car by Car Deal Expert

Some information of the Renault DeZir

The Renault DeZir hasn’t been seen on the road yet. The 100-mile range of the vehicle comes from a rear-mounted engine with a Lithium Ion battery. A standard household outlet will charge the battery in eight hours, and a quick-charge outlet will charge it to 80 percent of its full power in 20 minutes. It uses a cockpit style design and has a bench seat. Five seconds is its zero to 100 time.

Comparing the new DeZir to the Tesla Roadster

The Tesla Roadster is currently the only all-electric sports roadster on the road. The Tesla has the longest range of a production electric car. Unlike the DeZir, the roadster demands a specialty charging plug, though Tesla assures customers they’ll be making the switch to a standard plug. Both autos are intended as two-door coupes and both are targeting a very well-heeled market.

On the market soon is DeZir

The Renault DeZir is surely a concept car. Most concept cars don’t make it to market. The Chevy Volt was introduced as a concept car. Many “concept cars” are never put into mass-market production. Even if the DeZir goes into mass production, it will probably be showing up at about the same time as more affordably priced automobiles are available to the mass market. This means the Renault DeZir may have to carve out a niche of customers very carefully if the DeZir is to be successful.

As outlined by federal Arizona immigration lawsuit, state law is illegal

The Arizona immigration law was questioned Tuesday in a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department. The federal government is trying to stop the law from taking effect. The Arizona immigration lawsuit claims that Arizona’s new law is unconstitutional because it overrides federal immigration law. Supporters of the Arizona immigration law say that a state overwhelmed with illegal immigration can’t wait for the federal government to deal with immigration reform.

Article resource: Federal Arizona immigration lawsuit says state law is illegal by Personal Money Store

Feds – Arizona immigration law is unconstitutional

The Arizona immigration law needs state and local police to question all illegal immigrants during the enforcement of other laws. Immigrants have to carry alien registration documents all the time. As outlined by the Washington Post, the Arizona immigration lawsuit says the law illegally intrudes on federal prerogatives, invoking as its main argument the legal doctrine of “preemption,” which says federal law trumps state statutes. Enforcing immigration laws is a federal responsibility according to the Justice Department.

As outlined by Feds, immigration law violates civil rights

The preemption doctrine is being used in the Arizona immigration lawsuit because it has been established in Supreme Court as one of their decisions. According to the Post, some legal experts have said this is a good strategy to persuade a judge to declare the Arizona immigration law unconstitutional. But the Arizona immigration lawsuit asserts that the Arizona law would violate some civil rights and lead to police harassment of both U.S. citizens and legal immigrants.

The epicenter of the immigration crisis – Arizona

AZ passed the immigration law after numerous years of public outcry over social troubles credited to illegal immigration, including unemployment, drug trafficking and violent kidnappings. The Associated Press reports that the state is the biggest gateway into the U.S. for illegal immigration and is home to an estimated 460,000 illegal immigrants. Arizona’s Republican governor, Jan Brewer, accused the Obama administration of failing to secure the border with Mexico, forcing her state to act on its own. Brewer’s spokesman told AP the governor would have preferred that the federal government focus its resources on the immigration crisis instead of the Arizona immigration lawsuit.

Border security trumps immigration reform according to a poll

Despite the outcry for immigration reform legislation, it was reported by CNN that a number of senior Democratic sources said they see virtually no chance of Congress stepping up to deal with it before November’s midterm elections. A CNN/Opinion Research Corp. national poll conducted in late May says that nine out of 10 Americans want to increase U.S. law enforcement along the border with all of Mexico. Eight in 10 also supported a program that would allow illegal immigrants already in the United States to stay here and apply for legal residency if they have a job and pay taxes. But just about 38 percent say that immigration reform should be a higher priority than border security.

Discover more about this topic here:

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/06/AR2010070601928.html?hpid=topnews

Associated Press

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jup3stJNgod5yvfvOU1IInU0erAwD9GPN88G0

CNN

cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/06/arizona.immigration.lawsuit/index.html?npt=NP1

$ 20 million settlement to go to Jaycee Lee Dugard and kids

When kidnapper and registered sex offender Phillip Garrido and wife Nancy still have not gone to trial, as outlined by CNN, Jaycee Lee Dugard and her two teenage daughters are the recipients of a $ 20 million settlement from their case against the California State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. The lawsuit stemmed from Jaycee Dugard’s claim that parole agents were in dereliction of their duties when they failed to investigate Phillip Garrido’s residence more thoroughly, which would have uncovered the imprisonment of both herself and her young daughters in Garrido’s backyard. The bill appropriating the unprecedented $ 20 million Dugard settlement went right through with a 30-1 vote in the California Senate and 62-0 within the California Assembly.

Resource for this article: Jaycee Lee Dugard and kids receive $ 20 million settlement by Personal Money Store

Jaycee Lee Dugard was missing for 18 years

No amount of money can give the now 30-year-old Jaycee Lee Dugard and her family back years that were lost when she lived in Phillip Garrido’s makeshift backyard prison. But the $ 20 million Dugard settlement will help Jaycee Dugard buy a home, pay for her children’s education and obtain as much therapy as is necessary, among many other things. If nothing else, perhaps the scrutiny into the California State Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s methods might prevent others from going through a comparable ordeal. According to department’s report that they made, “While it is true that Garrido’s California parole was never officially violated … the department failed to properly supervise Garrido and missed numerous opportunities to discover his victims.”

State officials seemed to have a case against Dugard

While California State officials thought at one point that they had enough data on their side to contest Jaycee Lee Dugard’s claim, they ultimately ruled that it wasn’t worth bringing the case before a jury. Their case apparently would have hinged upon jurisdictional matters, reports CNN. Public relations for California would are bad. The state decided against passing the buck and claiming that it was the responsibility of federal parole officers.

More information accessible at these websites:

CNN

cnn.com/2010/CRIME/07/01/california.dugard/?hpt=T1

AP report on $ 20 million Dugard settlement:

youtube.com/watch?v=nr7xF52DMRU

Ride The Ducks suspended after Philadelphia collision

Ride The Ducks may sound like a amusing name, but Ride The Ducks tours are a significant business. A sludge barge collided with a Ride The Ducks amphibious tour vehicle. Two passengers of the sightseeing tour are still missing, and all Ride The Ducks tours are suspended while the event is being investigated.

Source for this article: Ride The Ducks suspended after Philadelphia collision by Personal Money Store

Tours called Ride The Ducks

Six cities within the United States have Ride The Ducks tours, operated by Hirschend Family Entertainment. Dollywood and Stone Mountain Park are also operated by Hirschend Family Entertainment. Car-boat autos that explore both a city and its waterways are the main attraction of Ride The Ducks tours.

The Philadelphia Ride The Ducks accident

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, within the Delaware river on Wednesday, July 7, a Ride The Ducks boat had a minor fire and shut down their engine. 35 passengers and two employees were dumped to the river. Most were rescued, though two individuals are still missing.

Investigation of the Ride The Ducks tour

In Philadelphia, the National Transportation Safety Board has started investigating the accident. The waterway accident could involve sanctions put on the barge owner and operator, or the Hirschend Family Entertainment business, depending on who’s at fault for the accident. For an unspecified amount of time, the tours in each and every city are shut down.

Hirschend Family Entertainment as a company

A small family-owned and privately operated company, Hirschend Family Entertainment is relatively private. The business moved to Norcross, Georgia in 2005. Though they have only been around for 60 years, the company is a growing player in theme park businesses.The financial details for this business is kept very private. The business owns and operates 24 “themed entertainment parks” in nine states, including water parks and theme parks.

Big bank subsidies go away with new federal student loan program

On July 1 getting government loans for college changed for the better. All federally guaranteed student loans are now issued directly through the Department of Education. Earlier this year, bank lobbyists were outraged when a measure ending their student loan racket was added to the health care reform bill. The government has removed banks as the middleman for federally guaranteed student loans, and ended the billions of taxpayer dollars in subsidies paid to banks for pushing paper on those loans.

Article resource: Federal student loan move ends taxpayer gravy train for big banks by Personal Money Store

Federal student loan overhaul saves taxpayers billions

The end of student loan subsidies for big banks will create $ 68 billion in savings over the next 10 years, as outlined by government estimates. The Federal Direct Loan Program (FDLP) will offer all new loans through colleges and universities beginning July 1. The FDLP, the government says, will be a more reliable lender for students and a better value for taxpayers.

Federal student loans – what changes?

All new government loans for college are now issued directly through the Department of Education’s Direct Loan program. USA Today reports that the FDLP eliminates the Federal Family Education Loan Program (FFELP), which had allowed banks and other commercial lenders to offer federally guaranteed loans. Both subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans for undergraduate and graduate students, also as PLUS (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) for parents and PLUS loans for graduate and professional degree students are affected by the change.

Scholarships take the place of bank profits

Money saved by ending commercial bank subsidies for government college loans goes to the Federal Pell Grant program. Pell Grants are scholarships given to students from lower-income families that don’t have to be paid back. Native Times reports that beginning this fall the maximum Pell Grant amount increases by $ 200 to $ 5,550, where it will remain until 2013-2014.

Students must do their part now

Now to get a federal student loan applicants must file electronic forms accessible at studentloans.gov. Kenosha news reports that colleges and universities are under pressure to meet their responsibility to process the volume of student applicants. Financial aid directors are advising students and/or their parents to contact their college's student financial aid office with questions sooner, rather than later.

More information accessible at these sites:

usatoday.com

nativetimes.com

kenoshanews.com

Realities of distracted driving - Drunk doesn't begin to cover it

Distracted driving is the newest worry for most drivers on the road. The belief of most is that teen drivers are the ultimate distracted drivers, but new studies are showing exactly the opposite. Between texting, phone calls and having the internet in their hands, adults appear to be probably the most distracted drivers on the road. What’s the real risk, though?

Source of article: Realities of distracted driving – Drunk doesn’t start to cover it by Car Deal Expert

Who really is driving distracted?

A recent poll from the Pew Internet and American Life Project shows that adults are usually probably the most distracted drivers; 47 percent of adults say that they have sent text messages when driving. A full 75 percent of adults use their cell phones when they’re driving, while only 52 percent of 16 and 17-year-olds do. On top of that, more than 40 percent of individuals say they are in a automobile where somebody else’s cell phone use has put them in significant danger.

All the effects of driving distracted

Drivers known distracted driving is a bad idea. A University of Utah study came up with scary results. Driving with a .08 blood alcohol level — the legal limit in numerous states – will increase the risk of a crash by about four times. Driving when texting, though, has been shown to increase the chance of a crash by up to eight times. Twice as dangerous as driving drunk is driving distracted.

Laws against distracted driving

Because of the increased risk of an accident being caused, many states have passed laws against distracted driving. There are eight states that restrict handheld cell phones during driving; 29 states ban “novice drivers,” and 18 states ban bus drivers from using their cell phones when driving. Thirty states have banned texting when driving. There is a complete list of cell phone bans you can find on the Governors Highway Safety Association website.

Discover more about this topic here:

Pew Internet and American Life Project

pewinternet.org/

University of Utah

psych.utah.edu/lab/appliedcognition/

Governors Highway Safety Association site

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

To fix antenna issues, Apple has a new iPhone software update

The Apple iPhone 4 antenna reception drama continued Friday. The company announced that the iPhone 4 antenna issue could be remedied with a simple iPhone software update. Apparently there’s no reception problem at all, according to Apple. Defective software resulted in an inaccurate representation of signal strength. The screen shows too many bars in areas with weak reception. Since the reception is weak to begin with, gripping the phone wrong further obscures the signal. Not everybody believes this.

Article resource: Apple claims that iPhone software update will fix antenna issues by Personal Money Store

iPhone software update – with a special catch

A media storm began when complaints multiplied from iPhone 4 owners devastated that their ultimate gadget lost reception when held a certain way, which became known as the “death grip.” First Apple dismissed the complaint. Then the Apple/AT and T class action lawsuits began happening. As outlined by CNN, Apple officially admitted the iPhone 4 antenna issue really exists. The company says there could be a software update soon – with a catch. Even though signal strength may be more accurately represented, it won’t do anything about the reception issues that angry iPhone 4 users are going through now.

iPhone covers to be sold by Apple

At first, Apple issued a statement saying that $ 30 protective bumpers can lessen the reception issue. The problem occurs when a user’s bare skin bridges the two antennas that are within the edge of the phone. There are other covers costing much less. Ign.com said that for $ 14.95, a product called GelaSkins are effective in preventing the iPhone 4 death grip issue. But it was reported by Engadget the yellow Lance Armstrong Livestrong rubber bracelet works just as well, and it is only a buck.

Apple throws AT and T under the bus

Apple's official position is on their website. Rob Pegoraro at The Washington Post explains that Apple “gracefully throws AT and T under the bus,” insisting the iPhone 4 antenna reception issue isn’t a hardware problem.” Apple said, the business was stunned to discover that AT and T's formula to calculate how bars displayed signal strength is “totally wrong.” The iPhone update will go on the iPhone 3GS and iPhone 3G as well. Evidently the AT and T bug affects all of them, although none of those iPhone owners hired lawyers to file lawsuits about this.

Wisdom of iPhone software update tested

Some do not agree with Apple’s explanation of the iPhone 4 death grip problem or its solution. It was reported by Apple Insider that a New York business owner said just touching the bottom left of the phone would cause a call to drop within 10 seconds, in plain view of the cell tower. The iPhone 4 gets the best reception than any phone also. However, the tests also determined that cupping the iPhone 4 tightly can result in a loss of 24.6 dB of signal. The tests also certainly proved that the iPhone cover lessened the effects of the iPhone 4 death grip.

Is it really going to be an Apple iPhone software update or an Apple iPhone bumper? Stay tuned …

More information accessible at these sites:

CNN

cnn.com/2010/TECH/mobile/07/02/apple.iphone.apology/index.html?npt=NP1

Rob Pegoraro at The Washington Post

voices.washingtonpost.com/fasterforward/2010/07/apple_blames_iphone_4_receptio.html

Apple Insider

appleinsider.com/articles/10/07/02/apple_gives_a_business_free_bumpers_for_iphone_4_reception_issues.html

How do you set up credit whenever you need credit to get credit?

Getting credit is apparently really hard. You can thank greedy Wall Street bankers and mortgage brokers that triggered a financial crisis and real estate meltdown for that. These days individuals just beginning out in the world of finance face a tougher credit environment than people in their shoes just a couple of years ago. It is hard to get ahead when you are behind. The hardest thing may be that you’ve no credit. You are an unknown risk when you don't have any credit. Getting credit is going to cost you some money and will be hard.

Article source: How do you set up credit when you need credit to get credit by Personal Money Store

Finding a way to get credit with personal responsibility

"What came first" is the credit question. Was it first the chicken or the egg? How do you get credit without credit? As outlined by Helium.com, young people new to credit generally need a co-signer to get either a credit card or a bank loan. This works out so you quickly show responsible credit handling. Because faster rather than later you are going to want to have credit in your own right. This means always making payments on time. Late or missed payments will hurt the credit score of the person who was willing to step in as your co-signer. If you got your credit card with help from your co-signer, it is important. Never pay interest by paying each month. Don't use your credit card if you can't afford something.

Getting secured credit cards

If you need to set up credit (which you do) and a co-signer is not accessible, rent an apartment and pay all your bills on time. A difference can be made by just paying all your bills on time. Then try getting a secured credit card. Bankrate.com reports that a secured credit card might be the only way to establish credit. A secured card requires a cash collateral deposit that becomes the credit line for that account. For example, if you put $ 500 in the account; you are able to charge up to $ 500. You might be able to add to the deposit if you need to get more credit, or sometimes a bank will reward you for good payment and add to your credit line without requesting additional deposits.

Shop around to avoid getting burned

A secured credit card is comparable to prepaid debit cards with one big difference: secured credit cards can help you build your credit. Wallet Pop reports that when these cards come with annual fees, some are available for only $ 25 or $ 30 per year. Shop around because there isn't a reason to pay this. Also, make sure to read the fine print about other fees to make sure you’re not getting suckered into a “fee harvesting” card designed to nickel and dime you to death instead of help build your credit.

Discover more about this topic here:

helium.com

helium.com/items/1878270-best-ways-to-establish-credit

bankrate.com

bankrate.com/finance/credit-cards/10-questions-before-getting-a-secured-credit-card-1.aspx

wallet pop

walletpop.com/blog/2010/06/29/choosing-the-best-credit-card-for-your-age/

Toshiba made some new partnerships to develop car batteries

The bane of most electric car manufacturing, the battery, is always the sticking point. Toshiba, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen are all working together to hopefully create a car battery that can stand up to most driving. The intention is that these Toshiba electric car batteries will help electric automobiles go much farther, charge faster and be more economical.

Article resource: Toshiba creates partnerships to develop electric car batteries by Car Deal Expert

Difficulties with batteries

Ever since the electric cars have been around, the battery has been in question. An electric car relies on batteries for all of its power, and those batteries are notoriously heavy, short-lived and take a long time to charge. The battery-gas hybrid solved this problem. Within the push for all-electric cars, the race to develop better batteries is going.

Major players involved in electric car batteries

Tesla motors is presently the big name in electric vehicles – and this is partially due to its battery technology. Tesla’s electric roadster that goes for $109,000 has a 300 mile range, but the high price is a barrier. The Nissan electric Leaf is only $25,000, but the battery lasts for about 100 miles. Toshiba and Mitsubishi have partnered up to create a SCiB — Super Charge ion Battery — that can be long-lasting and inexpensive. Presently, Panasonic supplies batteries to both Honda and Ford, when Hitachi supplies General Motors and NEC supplies Nissan.

Toshiba and their battery experience

The Toshiba push to create an electric car battery fits right to the technology the business develops. Toshiba makes motors for bullet trains, machinery, and elevators. By combining its SCiB battery technology with its engine know-how, the company is going to be building motors for a Ford hybrid in the next few years. Toshiba is also partnering with Mitsubishi to launch a Peugeot/Mitsubishi/Toshiba electric vehicle in Europe. To make an all electric vehicle, Toshiba is partnering with Volkswagen.

In short, electric car technology is improving and battery life is set to get better. This is good for the zero emissions vehicle market.

President Obama says yes to immigration reform

Arizona’s immigration law is settling in for the long haul, and President Obama doesn’t want immigration matters to be given the political cold shoulder by Senate Republicans. As outlined by the Associated Press, Obama called the immigration reform hesitancy on the part of 11 swing GOP senators to the carpet. While they’d been with the president on immigration reform in the past, election-year back scratching has them blowing with the wind.

Post resource: President Obama wants immigration reform now by Personal Money Store

Obama’s immigration stance needs traction

The new Arizona law may not have the president’s full seal of approval (he calls it “ill-conceived”), but it has been a rallying point for his own brand of immigration reform. The system in place is certainly broken, and new fences and agents won’t change that entirely. Government should be held responsible for border security, Obama stated. Businesses should then pay heavily if they break the law and hire illegal immigrants. Those who do enter The US illegally should also take responsibility for their actions and instantly work to rectify the wrong by working to become citizens. Getting to this point will require a bipartisan effort, hence the president’s aim at Republican swing votes.

What the GOP had to say in their defense

Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl claimed that border security must come first, and that it is a separate issue from immigration reform, oddly enough. Other Republicans follow in this manner. Considering recent AP polls (where 57 percent of respondents stated that illegal immigration is a drain on society and 80 percent felt the federal government should do more to curb illegal immigration), perhaps the hesitancy of politicians like Kyl is what’s ill-conceived.

Obama’s take on immigration policy

Obama endorses the immigration bill of Sens. Chuck Schumer and Lindsey Graham, who place the onus on the illegal immigrant to own up to their misdeeds. With the ultimate goal of citizenship in mind, illegal immigrants would pay back taxes, fines and perform community service. Unfortunately, Lindsey Graham has backed down on doing anything about immigration reform this year.

SB 1070 is just a single step

Full accountability could be the key to effective immigration reform and border security. Per Obama’s wishes, SB 1070 will bolster existing border security and make it clear that The United States will not abide by the status quo. Inaction is no longer acceptable; in fact, repeating it would be an admission that one condones the broken system.

Discover more about this topic here:

Newser.com

newser.com/article/d9gmcda00/obama-blames-political-posturing-for-deadlock-on-overhauling-immigration-laws.html