Turning to bank loans after bond sale fails is Citgo

Given the BP oil spill disaster, it isn't a surprise that oil-refining company Citgo is having problems getting financing. By selling bonds, they wanted to raise $ 1.5 billion. However, the business that they are in and the fact the company is “exposed” to Venezuela made this sale a flop. Now, the company is turning to $ 2 billion in bank loans combined with just $ 300 million in bonds.

Resource for this article: Citgo has bond sale fail, turns to bank loans by Personal Money Store

The bond sale ends up failing

Citgo, which is the child company of Venezuelan PDVSA, ran at a net operating loss for the first quarter of the year. In order to raise a little bit of quick cash to run the company with, the company tried to sell $ 1.5 billion in bonds. Bonds are a group of little loans, where the company must repay the bond plus interest to investors. Citgo's bonds were slated for 2017 maturity, meaning that any investor who had bought them would have to wait seven years to get paid back. Investors weren't interested.

To the rescue are bank loans

Because the pay day of bonds didn’t seem to pan out, Citgo was forced to find other options for money loans. The company turned to banks, and it was able to raise $ 2 billion. That money is partially from new credit that has been extended to the company, and partially from “extension of existing credit lines.” These lenders don't want to risk extending credit to Citgo. These lenders have said that they are planning on turning these loans into bonds — in other words, spreading the risk out among many, many more investors.

Operating loss from Citgo

Citgo lost money last quarter for many reasons. There is political instability in Venezuela, where Citgo’s parent company lives. Though Venezuela’s state-owned oil company does not do much drilling that is offshore, the BP oil spill is generally affecting the oil and fuel market. This instability within the market is contributing to all of the companies like Citgo being unable to get financing to continue operations.

Cash advances given to Canadian flood victims

Insurance payouts are being offered as cash now from the government of Canada. The Provincial Disaster Assistance Program is funding this money now. Estimates of the amount of damage from the Maple Creek floods are just now being put together, but the residents are already cleaning up.

Resource for this article: Canadian government gives cash advances to flood victims by Personal Money Store

Highways overflow with flooding around Maple Creek

The Saskatchewan floods of 2010 were extensive, closing down long sections of the Trans-Canada highway between Saskatchewan and Alberta. Some areas, like Last Mountain Lake, have not yet reached their peak water levels. Expectations of damages to just the crops in the area are about $ 300 million Canadian dollars. Property damage will likely be that much or a lot more.

Maple Creek residents get overnight loans from the PDAP

Before the PDAP pays out money, they typically require an estimate from insurance adjusters, but in the case of Maple Creek, they’re ignoring that requirement. Residents can qualify for one of two types of assistance. First, the PDAP provides up to $ 3,000 as cash advances on expected insurance payments. These payments are available in as little as a couple of days and help fill the gap between a disaster and insurance payouts. The PDAP also says they’re budgeting $ 160,000 to cover "uninsurable losses.” The province has said that it hopes all claims are paid no later than this Sunday.

Debate about drop insurance

In Maple Creek and surrounding areas, discussions about crop insurance are bringing up controversy. Most farmers will receive crop insurance benefits, although only about 70 percent purchased the insurance. Farmers who bought insurance are worried that this could be an effective subsidy that will cause fewer people to buy insurance next year. Government insurance adjusters are spending time within the area, determining the cost of the flood damage.Once insurance adjusters have completed their work, companies will begin cutting checks, at which point the cash advances from the government will be due.

New Mexico Attorney General and Fastbucks in legal scuffle

In New Mexico, the lawsuits are going like crazy between the Attorney General and loan company Fastbucks. Attorney General Gary King filed a lawsuit against Fastbucks. Fastbucks has counter sued. What is apparently the issue? New regulations on personal loan company that Fastbucks fought and won in court in 2006.

Article Source: Fastbucks and New Mexico Attorney General in legal scuffle

The first lawsuit against Fastbucks

The lawsuit that started this in New Mexico was filed by Gary King against Fastbucks and one other instant paydayloans company. The suit scheduled for July 6th was a civil suit. The suit claimed that Fastbucks was responsible for lending “unconscionable” loans. The judge ordered that Fastbucks and also the New Mexico Attorney General were to attend mediation, but the Attorney General didn't show up to the session.

Fastbucks and their countersuit

In the Roswell district court, Fastbucks filed a countersuit to the Attorney General. Fastbucks alleges the Attorney General is suing them to “create legislation with litigation.” The suit also alleges the case has been filed as a reaction to the failure of the legislation to pass in 2006. There is no court date set yet. It is possible the New Mexico Attorney General could just file for the judging of the suit to be moved. Since the counter suit was filed in a different district than the original, there may be some issues of jurisdiction.

The arguments that are essential

The arguments in the New Mexico case really just come down to the question of “unconscionable trade practices.” The Attorney General of New Mexico says that these instant pay day loan charge too much money for the lending service they provide. Fastbucks and other stores that deal in instant cash loan say that they are being unfairly targeted for providing lending to high-risk customers. Providing an instant cash loans to any of the high-risk lending groups is an costly proposition, so the interest rates are high. Numerous states and attorney generals have taken action against these companies, saying they take unfair advantage.

The Air Dam and about this

The air dam, or front spoiler, of your car may appear to be a part of questionable need. Just like the rear spoiler, the intention of the air dam is to redirect air and improve the aerodynamics of your car. Is it necessary to have an air dam like that?

Source for this article: All about the Air Dam by Car Deal Expert

Benefits of having an air dam

Based on the model of your car, an air dam could be a very good idea. An air dam sits on the underside of your vehicle and redirects air around the car. An air dam provides slightly increased car mileage, also as enabling the car to go slightly faster without lifting off the ground.

Air Dam drawbacks

An air dam on your automobile is not always beneficial. On numerous larger cars air dams were not attached very well, which means they have a tendency to fall off. An air dam can also be damaged during some off-road driving, causing friction and damage to more parts of your vehicle.

The conclusion on an air dam?

At the very end, the air dam isn't damaging to your car. Like numerous factory-installed or secondary spoilers, though, these parts are used mostly for looks. It might help to improve your mileage. This improvement is only minor; you would do better to properly inflate your tires. In case your car comes pre-installed with an air dam, it probably is not worth it to take it off unless you intend on doing off-road driving. If you’re considering an add-on air dam consider very carefully whether you’ll be driving fast enough so often that it justifies the time, cost and effort.

Val Kilmer and also the possible Pecos River Ranch Bed and Breakfast

The Pecos River Ranch, home of Val Kilmer in New Mexico, is turning into a flashpoint for controversy. The Pecos River Ranch is a several-thousand-acre ranch just outside Santa Fe. Val Kilmer has applied to turn the ranch into a bed and breakfast, and when the application was approved at first, it has been contested by the ranch’s neighbors. At more than $ 200-per-night, per person, is the Pecos River Ranch even going to be a nice place to stay, or the center of controversy?

Resource for this article: Val Kilmer – Proposed Pecos River Ranch Bed and Breakfast by Personal Money Store

Pecos River Ranch – The history

For almost 15 years, Val Kilmer lived on the Pecos River Ranch. In 2009, Kilmer put the Pecos River Ranch on the market for about $ 33 million, but claimed he was not seeking to move out. Instead, Val Kilmer said he wanted “a partner for an off-the-grid community”. The ranch has seven miles of the Pecos River.

Pecos River Ranch and Val Kilmer's plan

After living on the Pecos River Ranch for the last decade and a half, it appears that Val Kilmer has plans for the property. In March, Val Kilmer tried to get a bed and breakfast permit. The county planning and zoning commission approved the application 3-2. The decision was then appealed by Abran Tapia, his neighbor. Tapia claims that Val Kilmer is “not a good neighbor” and for that reason deserves to have his application denied.

Val Kilmer – Bad neighbor?

The appeal of Val Kilmer’s application to turn Pecos River Ranch into a bed and breakfast is not based on all of the merits of the application. All of his neighbors seem to be uncomfortable with Val Kilmer's comments in the media. Specifically, rumors that Kilmer may be running for the governor of New Mexico are flying for many years. In news stories, though, Val Kilmer has been quoted as saying that Vietnam veterans were mostly “poor and criminals.” Kilmer has also said that he lives within the “homicide capital” of the United States. None of this, however, may have any legal standing when it comes to deciding or blocking the Pecos River Ranch bed and breakfast.

Auto dealer regulation - A failure to compromise

Auto dealer regulation is on the minds of House Democrats of late, or a lot more specifically a lack thereof. Their belief is that the newly formed Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) would hamper auto dealers’ ability to recover by limiting their ability to continue offering dealer-assisted financing. Led by New York Reps. Bill Owens and Mike McMahon, the Democrats thought that they might have achieved an acceptable bipartisan compromise – until now. Automotive News reports that an additional provision was surreptitiously inserted to the bill that would have really expanded the CFPA’s oversight over car dealers.

{|Article Resource: Auto dealer regulation – A failure to compromise by Car Deal Expert

For auto dealer regulation, NADA is lobbying hard

The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) is flexing its considerable lobbying muscles to bring lawmakers in line with the more permissive House version of the auto dealer regulation bill. Kansas Republican Sen. Sam Brownback was very vocal in his opposition to Senate changes that went against what had been perceived to be “sensible bipartisan compromise.” Whichever ends up happening, compromise would go against President Obama’s direct request that no special exceptions be made when it comes to the CFPA’s jurisdiction.

Christ Dodd delivers on what Obama wants

As crafted by Democratic Sen. Chris Dodd of Connecticut, the proposed auto dealer regulation would allow the CFPA to write binding rules that car dealers would have to follow regarding “credit discrimination, credit disclosure, financial privacy and credit-report accuracy,” as reported by Automotive News. NADA spokesman Bailey Woods disparaged the Senate version of the bill, claiming that it would it a lot more difficult for “millions of Americans (to discover) an affordable way to finance a vehicle.”

Practices that are unfair and deceptive

Ridding the industry of deceptive practices is the essence of the Dodd bill, which NADA finds totally untenable. Last month, Brownback’s proposal to grant dealer exemption from CFPA regulation was approved 60-30 as “a non-binding recommendation to Senate negotiators,” writes Automotive News. A vote for House or Senate will approach today. By early next week, the agreed-upon version will leave committee and go to the House and Senate for final approval. The final step will be to obtain the president’s signature. What will end up being in the future for America's auto dealers?

Works cited

Automotive News (subscription may be required)

autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100623/RETAIL07/100629945/1203

Sam Brownback views auto dealer regulation as anti-small business:

youtube.com/watch?v=jv8lgKa_yAA

Larceny charge leveled against Desiree Fontaine

Charges of alleged sixth degree larceny have been brought against Connecticut reporter Desiree Fontaine. Desiree Fontaine was detained and charged by police at a Sears store. Desiree Fontaine’s accused crime? Shoplifting $ 104.98 worth of perfume. What kinds of fines and punishment could Desiree Fontaine be facing?

Resource for this article: Connecticut reporter Desiree Fontaine charged with shoplifting by Personal Money Store

Shoplifting charges against Desiree Fontaine

Police detained Desiree Fontaine within the Milford, Connecticut Westfield Mall. The security of the Sears store within the mall initially questioned Fontaine about $ 104.98 worth of merchandise she had not paid for. Police were called, and Desiree Fontaine was charge with sixth-degree larceny. The reporter can be appearing as the defendant in court on July 7.

Connecticut Style by Desiree Fontaine

The daily Connecticut Style show is the best thing, next to morning traffic, that Desiree Fontaine is known for. This show includes anything from money-saving suggestions to style and features. Affordable style tips are a huge feature of the show – but shoplifting isn’t so much a money-saving tip as a bad idea. The station Fontaine works for, WTNH, issued a statement saying that they’ll not be commenting on this "personal matter.”

Connecticut's laws around Sixth degree larceny

There are relatively minor punishments in Connecticut for the charge of sixth degree larceny that Desiree Fontaine has been charged with. Larceny, or taking an item of value without payment or permission, has six degrees in Connecticut. If a crime has $ 250 or less of value, sixth degree larceny is the crime charged. Desiree Fontaine could face up to three months in jail and fines of up to $ 500, as well as a class C misdemeanor on her public record. This kind of punishment for just one bottle of perfume raises questions of what Desiree Fontaine was doing shoplifting – was it out of need, want, or compulsion.

With oil business holdings, drilling moratorium overturned by judge

A federal judge decided to overturn the Obama administration’s six-month deep water drilling moratorium in the Gulf of Mexico. The ruling issued Tuesday cited economic hardship as a result of the ban and said the government overreached by suspending all deep-water drilling operations either in progress or prepared within the gulf. Oil companies decided to hail the ruling. The Department of Justice said it would immediately appeal the decision. Meanwhile, as the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010 gushed, about 106 million gallons of crude and counting have spilled into the sea.

Source for this article: Drilling moratorium overturned by judge with oil company holdings by Personal Money Store

Possibility of drilling moratorium judge being invested in oil

The drilling moratorium was overturned by Judge Martin L.C. Feldman. It was reported by ABC News that recent disclosure documents indicate that Feldman, who was appointed to the bench by Ronald Reagan, has had financial holdings in oil companies. Feldman said the Interior Department acted as if it were “arbitrarily and capriciously” when it issued a six-month moratorium on drilling new deep-water wells in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean. Feldman granted a preliminary injunction to Hornbeck Offshore Services to lift the drilling moratorium, saying that he believed the government “failed to cogently reflect the decision to issue a blanket, generic, indeed punitive, moratorium.”

Uncertainty involving deep water drilling in future

The moratorium was imposed to give a presidential panel time to come up with recommendations on how to avoid a repeat of the BP oil spill disaster. It was reported by the Los Angeles Times that it remains uncertain whether the Interior Department would have to start issuing new permits to drill. With an appeal that is certain to come from the Obama administration, some analysts doubt that oil companies would want to start a major deep-water drilling operation in the Gulf of Mexico with the possibility it may have to shut down if the appeal succeeds.

Drilling moratorium spun by oil companies

The American Petroleum Institute said in a written statement on today's ruling, “The moratorium was an original reaction to concerns about the safety of offshore oil and natural gas operations. Nevertheless, an extended moratorium would have a tremendous impact on the nation’s energy security – and cause significant harm to the region of the country that was already suffering from the spill – without raising safety or improving industry procedures.”

BP oil spill has a containment failure

Within the meantime CNN reports that government estimates indicate as much as 60,000 barrels (2.5 million gallons) of oil may be flowing to the Gulf each day, and the gusher has already taken a severe toll on tourism and the fishing industry in Gulf Coast states. BP said Tuesday it had succeeded in collecting less than half of the estimated daily output: 25,830 barrels (1.08 million gallons) of oil over the past 24 hours. The amount is the most ever collected; the previous record was set June 18 when 25,290 barrels were picked up. BP said it plans to donate all the revenues it receives from the sale of oil recovered from the spill to help the National Fish and Wildlife Federation deal with the oil it won’t be collecting from the oil spill within the Gulf of Mexico 2010.

Read a lot more on this topic here
ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Politics/gulf-oil-spill-disaster-judge-overrules-white-house/story?id=10983980&page=2

Los Angeles times

latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-oil-spill-moratorium-20100623,,7804590.story

CNN

cnn.com/2010/US/06/22/gulf.oil.disaster/index.html?npt=NP1

Losses grow as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stocks delisted from NYSE

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, the key sources of funding which have kept lending to home buyers from totally drying up, were ordered by the government to cease trading their shares on the New York Stock Exchange to abide by NYSE delisting rules. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stocks, which have already lost nearly all their value, fell further when the markets got the news. After the delisting, which was ordered for failing to meet NYSE needs for maintaining price levels, the stocks of the two companies will be traded within the over-the-counter market now rather than before.

Article Resource: Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae stocks delisted from NYSE, losses grow

NYSE delisting guidelines

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were delisted because NYSE delisting rules require that a business pull its stock if it can’t take action to keep shares from dropping below the $ 1 average price level for 30 trading days that is needed. The Associated Press reports that following the NYSE delisting announcement had been made, Fannie Mae shares dropped 42 cents, or 46 percent to 50 cents, while Freddie Mac slid 55 cents, or 45 percent, to 67 cents. In the year of 2007, both companies shares traded at a lot more than $ 60. As the housing crisis deepened, the stocks lost almost all of their value as they went below $ 1 by September 2008. Freddie and Fannie were both taken over by the government.

Losses for Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae

31 million homes worth $ 5.5 trillion are guaranteed by these companies. That's around half of all US mortgages. CNNMoney.com reports that since September 2008, the Treasury Department has poured $ 83.6 billion into Fannie Mae and $ 61.3 billion into Freddie Mac to cover losses. During the housing crisis, the money has kept lending to home buyers alive, kept home sales from falling further than it has, and kept homes from losing more value than they have. But Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae losses totaled $ 93.6 billion in 2009 and another $ 18.2 billion in the first quarter this year. The Congressional Spending budget Office estimates that nearly $ 400 billion in tax dollars can be needed at some time to cover Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae losses, making it probably the most expensive of all the government bailouts.

Delisted Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stock by July 8

By July 8th, Freddie and Fannie could have delisted from the NYSE. The Wall Street Journal reports the NYSE delisting meets the goals of government conservatorship. Fannie and Freddie will save $ 500,000 a piece in annual listing fees by delisting. Both companies ended up paying the maximum amount.

OTC stock for Fannie and Freddie

After July 8, Fannie and Freddie stock could be traded over the counter. Brokers will negotiate directly with one one more for Fannie and Freddie stock over computer networks and by phone. OTC stocks are typically very risky because they’re the stocks that are not considered stable enough to trade on the New York Stock Exchange. Research about these stocks is also harder to find. With the delisting, David Lutz, managing director of equity trading at Stifel Nicolaus and Co. in Baltimore, explained to Business Week that "We lose some transparency into what is basically a large black hole that is eating up a large part of our bailout funds."

A lot more details on this topic

Associated Press

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gKpMFnJoJc8QkAW3abF41E4d492QD9GCEEC00

CNN Money.com

money.cnn.com/2010/06/16/news/fannie_freddie_delisting/

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704198004575310443796994402.html?mod=rss_Today’s_Most_Popular

businessweek.com

businessweek.com/news/2010-06-16/fannie-freddie-plunge-after-moving-to-delist-shares-update2-.html

Car replacement being searched for by US Postal Service

Most automobiles in the US Postal Service really need this. They were intended with a 24 year life cycle and are just getting old. $ 4.2 billion is what would be required to replace all of the vehicles. Is replacement the only option?

Article Source: U.S. Postal Service searching for vehicle replacement By Car Deal Expert

LLVs Postal Service

The right handed delivery trucks that the postal service uses are known as LLVs — Long Life Autos. The trucks had a 24 year life cycle. That 24 year cycle is almost over. The Postal Service Inspector General explained that, over the next eight years, the Postal Service would spend more repairing the vehicles than replacing them.

Repairing USPS automobiles price

The US Postal Service spent $ 524 million on LLV repairs in 2009. Instead of replacing them, it is usually better to just repair them. The average repair bill for each LLV is about $ 5,600, with some repair bills going as high as $ 40,000. The autos do not usually require specialized maintenance, although the right-handed driving setup can cause more expensive maintenance at times.

How to replace the LLV fleet

The cost to benefit comparison of continuing to repair the LLV fleet is quickly turning upside down. Within the next eight years, the postal service will really lose quite a bit of money if it repairs instead of replaces any automobiles that have a repair bill of a lot more than $ 3,500. Straight-across replacement of the full LLV fleet would cost $ 30,000 per truck.

Testing Postal Service car alternatives

New alternatives for the Postal Service are being researched. The USPS has offered a $ 50,000 reward to firms for providing a working prototype of a USPS car by August. Letter carriers in numerous other areas are testing three-wheeled electric automobiles, bicycles, and more traditional minivan-style cars for delivering the mail, rain or shine.

As economy rebounds, credit crisis might cause housing shortage

A housing shortage will likely be one more effect of the housing bubble, even after the housing market crash, foreclosure epidemic, credit crisis, massive unemployment and other hardships fade. When the U.S housing market crashed, banks stopped home lending, home buyers stopped getting and home builders stopped building. Numerous banks have not allowed apartment construction even. Besides a glut of housing inventory in 2010, a housing shortage in 2011 is forecast when a growing population exceeds available shelter.

Source for this article: Credit crisis will cause a housing shortage as economy recovers

Housing shorted is apparently masked by market crash

A housing shortage in 2011 could happen as the economy recovers and also the desire to create new households returns. According to CNNMoney.com, the nation is not building enough homes to keep up with potential demand. There were about 672,000 new homes began in April, less than half the long-term rate needed to meet population growth within the U.S. The housing shortage, which may already exist, has been masked by the housing market crash. When job creation returns, so will the property buyers. Pent-up demand could catch the U.S. housing market off guard, resulting in a housing shortage and increasing home prices.

Housing inventory won't be able to keep up

A housing shortage seems like it is extremely unlikely as the U.S. housing market has been preoccupied with foreclosures and excess inventory. But it was reported by Forbes.com that if The United States can’t regain its focus on building homes, the housing market can have a much bigger problem. Brian Wesbury, chief economist at First Trust Advisors, explained to Forbes that 1.5 million houses a year need to be built to keep up with population growth. Current inventory of new and present-day homes is enough to support the housing market for about 7 months.

Credit crisis handcuffs home developers

The housing shortage is boosted by the credit crisis. As outlined by the Los Angeles Times, home buyers aren’t the only ones who have to deal with tight-fisted banks. Builders are having an extremely difficult time borrowing the money they have to purchase land, develop lots and construct houses. Most builders aren’t starting houses until they can either have nothing else to sell or until buyers have an approved mortgage application in hand. A builder is more likely to get credit now with a solid contract from someone who has a mortgage and doesn’t have one more house to sell.

The rental market shortage is a whole lot worse

The housing shortage of 2011 is expected to hit the apartment rental market even harder. According to the National Association of Home Builders, new multifamily construction has been crippled by the credit crisis. That leaves the industry unable to meet the increased need for market-rate and affordable apartments that is expected to accompany economic recovery beginning next year. The two- to three-year timeline required to build apartment communities won’t be quite enough time for a large number of Generation Y professionals and newly formed households expected to need them.

Secure low rent today

A higher rent can be led to by the apartment shortage. Mai Ling Slaughter at MSN.com says the current market is on the renter’s side, with vacancies at a 30-year high and plenty of perks accessible for both present and completely new tenants, but it could all arrived at an end soon. Now is the time that you should use to sign an 18 to 24 month contract.

Citations

CNN Money.com

money.cnn.com/2010/06/15/real_estate/new_housing_bubble/?npt=NP1

Forbes.com

realestate.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=23505825

LA times

latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-lew-20100613,,7268736.story

Should you use suction or gravity to change your oil?

Changing your oil seems like a relatively basic process, all things considered. After emptying out the oil, replace the filter and then re-fill the oil. A method that changes the oil with a suction method is becoming even a lot more popular. Is the suction method as good as the traditional oil change?

Article Resource: Suction vs. gravity – What is the best way to change your oil? By Car Deal Expert

The traditional oil change

Gravity has been the method of choice to drain oil out of an engine for a very long time. A removable plug at the bottom of the engine holds the oil in. When that plug is removed, gravity drains the oil out of the engine. Take your car to a mechanic, and this is the method they’ll likely use. Theoretically, the dirt within the oil pan is a lot more likely to be removed with this process.

The siphon/suction oil change

Within the SkyMall catalog and in some quick-change lube shops, siphoning oil machines are making an appearance. The dipstick tube is used to suck or siphon all the oil out of the engine with these machines. These oil changes work just as well as gravity changes, in theory. Some say that these siphon changes leave the engine cleaner, getting a lot more gunk out of the engine. Others, though, worry that the suction method of changing the oil might miss some of one of the most significant parts of an oil change.

Should you use a suction oil change?

In the end, a suctioning oil change will probably work about also as gravity oil changes. It is nevertheless essential, though, that when you change the oil you make sure to replace the filter and check the other fluids. If you go to a mechanic or quick lube place to get your oil changed, ask which type of oil change method they use. Changing your oil, no matter what method you use, is an important step in keeping your engine in good working order.

Watch out for these potential auto mechanic scams

When you take your vehicle to an auto mechanic, you should have reasonable assurance that they are reputable and trustworthy. You should always research your mechanic ahead of time. However, being prepared with knowledge of some of the sneaky car repair tricks those mechanics that are less than honest can help you avoid being scammed. Here are just a few things to look for, and none of them need anything more than some basic automotive knowledge. Thanks to WalletPop for some great ideas.

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

Spit and polish auto mechanic scams

Auto mechanic scams depend on a customer's lack of knowledge. A mechanic may say that a part needs to be replaced, but they may remove it, clean it up, then simply put it back on the car so that it looks brand new. Common targets are batteries, oil filters, and radiators. Some mechanics say they replaced your old part with a refurbished one. This means they actually did nothing. If you can take the car home first before having repairs done, mark the part in question with a small dab of paint that isn’t easy to spot unless someone knows it’s there. You need to see the purchase order for new parts and the old ones. Match the part and the receipt. If you see the paint on the “new” part, you’ve spotted a scam.

What about manic maintenance

Always follow manufacturer suggested intervals for standard maintenance. Check your owner’s manual. The manufacturers know your vehicle model better than anyone, so their recommended specs are authoritative. If a mechanic tries to get you to agree to an oil change, flush or other repair sooner than needed, you’ll have reason for suspicion. Just to be safe, bring your owner’s manual with you when you take your car in for maintenance or repair.

Don't pay for guesswork

If you have ever paid for auto repair that didn’t address the real problem, this tip is for you. Hold your mechanic to a high standard. If they didn’t fix it the first time, demand a refund or at least a discount on the next repair attempt. If these problems continue, get a new mechanic.

Consider your dipstick

Check your dipstick before repairs. Do this because this will remind you to watch for an old nickel-and-dime trick some mechanics use. They’ll only insert the dipstick in part of the way, which will give a lower reading. It might be cheap but it's still something. Also, watch for the detached spark plug trick – it could save you from expensive and unnecessary engine exploratory work. And while you’re at it, don’t spring for the power steering flush. No manufacturer recommends this according to WalletPop.

Seems doubled over with labor

Repair jobs often lead to another, and then another. Mechanics will double the labor charge sometimes. If you’re quoted one labor cost, that’s what you should pay in many cases. However, if the new job is something big, the mechanic still has to make money for his or her time. Communicate with your mechanics and make sure they tell you whether additional labor charges will be incurred before you give your consent to proceed.

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

WalletPop

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

Video related:

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

Many payday loans no faxing alternatives cannot replace the real thing

Ask any commercial banker and they’ll tell you that if you need exact same day loans, there are paydayloans alternatives from organizations like his that are less costly. Yet as ConsumerAffairs.com indicates, these very pay day loan alternatives are laden with their own high cost. A recent National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) study took a look at a several hundred of these very same day loans offered by banks and credit unions as paydayloans alternatives, and found them wanting.

Source for this article: Payday loan alternatives are often more costly By Personal Money Store

Do banks expect us to believe that pay day loans alternatives are cheaper?

Payday loans alternatives, for the most part, do not improve on pay day loan; not only that, but very same day loans aren’t actually costly within the first place. The NCLC’s Lauren Saunders writes in the study that “too many providers of so-called payday loan alternatives hit consumers with some of the exact same onerous provisions that predatory lenders use to saddle unwary and vulnerable borrowers with loans they cannot afford to repay”.

Report co-author Leah Plunkett agrees, stating that while “Many genuine payday alternatives are within the market,” many of the alternatives are worse financially than payday loans. Plunkett names paydayloans alternatives offered by Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank and Fifth Third. “They are payday loans, plain and simple: triple digit loans repaid on the next payday”. That does not sound better than instant cash accessible the exact same day.

Credit unions offer quick personal loans the same day, but at what discount?

The NCLC found that Kinecta Federal Credit Union in California took advantage of lending laws for their own profit, all the when claiming they were nevertheless one of the cheapest pay day loan alternatives available. Kinecta’s 14-day quick cash for exact same day bore a 362 percent APR or higher, which is comparable to but not significantly cheaper than some very same day loan rates. Payday loan alternatives from other credit unions were found to come via a lot more costly third-party loan portals like E-AccessLoan.com.

What can payday loan alternatives do for you?

”Payday loan alternatives that help consumers must be repayable affordably and over time, so that hard-pressed borrowers who need short-term help can climb out of debt rather than get trapped in it,” exclaims Lauren Saunders. The sad truth is that banks and credit unions aren’t offering any form of payday loan alternatives because they want to save their customers’ budgets. Such monolithic organizations desire profit, as much as legally possible.

Discover more details on this topic

http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2010/06/payday_loan_alternatives.html

BP claims a lack of big spills has hurt oil spill cleanup

Most recently, Tom Costello interviewed BP Exploration and Production Chief Operating Officer Doug Suttles on the “Today” show regarding the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, he asked Suttles for his reaction to the rapidly circulating info that oil spill cleanup technology is woefully behind the times, making the oil spill cleanup painfully inefficient. Suttles’ response is that it takes oil spills to advance the cleanup technology. “There have been so few big spills,” he told Costello, “and events have not driven the technology change.”

Article Source: BP claims a lack of big spills has hurt oil spill cleanup

An oil spill will motivate BP to have the right cleanup technology?

The lack of foresight by BP on the Deepwater Horizon oil spill – or lack of sufficient motivation to invest in preventative oil spill cleanup technology actions – is clear. What is also obvious is the financial effect the Deepwater Horizon oil spill has had on BP and the economies of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida. As reported by NBC New York, BP has already spent $1.6 billion on the spill response and related claims. Projections for future costs and liabilities extend into the $60 to $70 billion range, although the final figure will depend upon knowing the full extent of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill damage. BP's loss in share price isn't even considered in this. Their market capitalization has fallen around 50 percent. It is easy to imagine BP CEO Tony Hayward barking “I need money now”, but all the local economies need it even more. The cost to local economies which were very damaged by the oil spill will also reach to the bill! ions of dollars, experts predict.

I really am the Gulf of Mexico walrus

Dealing with an oil spill isn't BP's main priority. Otherwise they would have been prepared for this spill. It was reported by the Associated Press that the 582-page regional oil spill cleanup plan for the Gulf of Mexico region and a shorter document addressing the specific Deepwater Horizon incident are littered with “mistakes and erroneous assumptions.” Among these are incorrect contact info for consulted marine life specialists (one of whom died in 2005, which was four years before the larger document was filed). But not being able to contact sources about all of the specific needs of marine life in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico is maybe for the best, as BP is claiming that the walrus is found there. Walruses tend to live in cold-water areas like Alaska, not within the Gulf of Mexico. In a weak defense, Doug Suttles claimed the document specifically labeled for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill addressed “all impacted species,” rather tha! n ones that really inhabit the region. On BP's part, this is illogical.

Need more oil spills to advance technology? Try doing the math, BP

As outlined by Wikipedia there are 49 recorded oil spills worldwide given that the year 2000. Of those, 24 occurred within the United States. If that is apparently “too few oil spills,” then BP needs to go back to school for a healthy dose of perspective and basic reasoning skills. Check out the Rachel Maddow video below if you need help, BP – she points out some of the major U.S. spills on a map.

Find a lot more details on this topic

NBC New York

nbcnewyork.com/news/breaking/BP_has_plenty_of_money_to_pay_spill_damages-96366344.html

NOLA.com

nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/06/as_bp_promised_the_walruses_ar.html

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_oil_spills

LEV, SULEV, PZEV and a lot more - Abbreviations and emissions

There are many regulations within the world of alternative fuel and low emission vehicles. Some states have more strict standards than national regulations. This has created some abbreviations about emissions. This is what the popular abbreviations mean.

Resource for this article: Abbreviations and emissions – LEV, SULEV, PZEV and more By Car Deal Expert

Low emission vehicle – LEV and NLEV

The LEV or NLEV standard was instituted at first by California as the “Low Emission Vehicle” standard, and later adopted as the “National Low Emission Vehicle” standard. Per mile, they’re allowed to emit up to 3.4 grams of carbon monoxide. This standard is applies through about model year 2003.

ULEV – Ultra Low Emission Vehicle

Ultra Low Emission Automobile standards, in many states, applies to cars that come from the model years 2003 to 2010. These ULEV passenger cars are required to emit no more than 1.7 grams per pile of carbon monoxide. Alternately, ULEV cars can only emit half of the emissions of comparable model-year vehicles.

SULEV – Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle

Super Ultra Low Emission Cars, otherwise known as SULEV cars, are required to emit no more than 10 percent of the average emissions of comparable model-year automobiles. SULEV vehicles are, most often, ultra-efficient hybrids or alternative-fuel autos.

PZEV is a Partial Zero Emission Vehicle

The standards for a PZEV — Partial Zero Emission Car — are the exact same as for an SULEV vehicle. Nevertheless, to qualify as a PZEV, a automobile has to have a whole bunch of extra controls on gas evaporation and must maintain low emission levels for 150,000 miles. As of 2001, there are several ordinary gasoline engines that qualify as PZEV.

Zero Emissions Automobile – ZEV

Used to refer to hydrogen-fueled or electric cars typically, Zero Emissions Autos aren’t always necessarily totally “zero emissions." For instance, a car that charges off of the power grid can still be considered ZEV – despite the fact that the grid does still puts out many pollution.

Standards for fuel economy

Though some states use alphabet soup to describe the efficiency of vehicles, the federal government and EPA use a different system. By 2016, vehicle makers could be required to build cars that have an average fuel economy rating of 35.5 miles per gallon.

Financing your home improvement project

According to Fox Business, Americans are likely to spend a lot more than $ 121 billion on home improvement in 2010, so knowing how to finance home improvement is very important. Here are seven of the financing options.

Source for this article: How to finance your home improvement projects By Personal Money Store

How to finance home improvement – Seven possibilities

Breaking a larger concept down into smaller parts makes it much less daunting; that involves when you’re trying to finance home improvement. Here are your seven steps to solving the home improvement finance riddle.

1. Use only cash

It was reported by Fox Business that historically, about 65 percent of homeowners who invest in home improvement pay cash for the job. It is simple with no interest fees. Of course, paying cash might make it difficult to pay other things so be careful. Considering that as much as 85 percent of today’s homeowners finance home improvement with cash, even more individuals are budgeting carefully.

2. Use some credit cards

Josh Frank, a senior researcher at the Center for Responsible Lending, reminds that revolving interest can keep you in debt for a while. Even the credit card with the lowest rate is at least twice a home loan rate. If you miss a couple of payments, it might even skyrocket to 30 percent or more. If you really need to use a credit card, don’t use the card’s cash today feature, as the rate of interest for cash till payday via credit card is much higher than the standard credit card APR.

3. Use some personal loan

Whether you go to a private money lenders, a bank or a credit union, installment loans may be accessible, depending on your relationship with the institution and what your credit score is. Within the case of personal loan company, having good credit is not required for personal loans . According to Steven Rick of the Credit Union National Association, such personnel loans (aka signature loans) could be either higher or lower in rate than credit cards. It might just pay to shop around.

4. Work with home equity loans

Standards for home equity loans have increased with the housing bubble burst. If you’ve a superb credit score, you can get 90 percent on your current home's value in a fixed rate. Fox business says rates should be slightly higher than a mortgage. Fixed-rate loans make long-term budgeting much easier when you’re trying to choose how to finance home improvement projects. Be wary of variable rate loans, as they typically will not go lower and generally will only increase.

5. Trying to use a HELOC

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) sets up an account where the money is there for home improvement if you need it, instead of coming to you in a huge lump sum as what happens with a standard home equity loan. Look for a fixed rate, rather than a HELOC with a variable rate.

6. Use an FHA remodeling loan

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has a small remodeling loan program – 3,854 loans in 2009, according to Fox Business – but if you are able to get in, you are able to borrow up to $ 25,000 for up to 20 years at a very reasonable rate. Loans more than $ 7,500 are secured by the home itself.

7. Getting some contractor financing

Terms will vary wildly here, but if you are able to get a fixed rate, no points loan with no other hidden fees, a contractor loan can cost anywhere from 5 to 11 percent. It depends upon your credit score also as how much you trust the contractor. Do your research.

A lot more information on this topic

Fox Business
foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2010/06/07/compare-home-improvement-financing-choices/

Strong increase in truck driving and auto industry jobs forecasted

As much as 400,000 truck driving jobs and an upcoming labor shortage within the U.S. auto industry promise to put a small dent in the U.S. unemployment rate. The U.S. auto industry and the U.S. trucking industry hemorrhaged jobs during the recession. But jobs in both industries are coming back as the U.S. economy inches toward recovery. Already, the U.S trucking industry is having driver shortfalls in certain markets. The U.S. auto industry could face a labor shortage within the next few years.

Article Resource: Truck driving jobs and auto industry jobs to surge in near future By Personal Money Store

A resurgence of truck driving jobs

Overall the U.S. trucking industry lost almost 150,000 truck driving jobs given that the start of 2008. Nevertheless, by the end of this year nearly 200,000 new truck driving jobs can be created. Another 200,000 can be added next year, according to the state of logistics report from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals. CNNMoney.com reports that a number of factors are creating the need for more truck drivers: retirements, tougher safety regulations designed to get drivers with bad records off the road and also the need to replace drivers who were laid-off during the recession.

Automakers need workers with new skills

The U.S. auto industry shed 228,000 jobs within the past two years. But trends point toward an addition of about 15,000 jobs this year and up to 100,000 new auto industry jobs a year from 2011 through 2013 as the industry recovers from the recession, as outlined by the Center for Automotive Research|The Center for Automotive Research sees job numbers trending upward as the industry recovers toward about 15,000 in 2010 and one more 100,000 new auto industry jobs each year through 2013|In a dramatic reversal, the Center for Automotive research forecasts 15,000 new jobs this year and one more 100,000 a year through 2013 as the industry recovers from the recession}. The emerging new jobs, USA Today reports, won't be filled by the complacent union workers who contributed to the U.S. auto industry's decline. Auto industry jobs on the factory floor are demanding a higher level of different abilities than within the past, including computer skills and the ability to take the ! lead without supervision. A college degree in related disciplines will probably be necessary.

A good truck driver is hard to discover

Rosalyn Wilson, author of the report featured on CNNMoney.com, said that even with a 9.7 percent U.s. unemployment rate, truck driving jobs can be difficult to fill. Individuals who prefer to come home to their families when they get off work will look elsewhere. As of May, 2009, truck driving jobs paid a mean of $ 37,730. But most truck driving jobs pay by the mile, and a lot more miles and also the driver shortage are likely to increase wages in the years ahead.

Additional data at these websites

CNNMoney.com

usatoday.com

Personnel loans and getting good rates

Somewhere along the line, everybody will need a personnel loans of some sort. Whether it's an emergency loan until payday because you blew a flat tire, or for a home, car or college education, the chances are quite high that you’ll need to finance something eventually. If you are getting to the market for personel loans of some type for whichever reason, there are a few things that can help you get the best personal loan rates.

Credit score affects rate first

Our credit score is one of probably the most significant details that you’ll need to learn about your financial life, and it is also significant when you apply for personel loans. It may be unfair but is entrenched unfortunately. You will boost your credit score to better your chances to get a personal loans. First you have to settle credit cards. If you’ve many credit cards, pay them off until there are only one or two left, and keep those at a low balance. Even if you can't pay it all, some payment is better than none.

Lay your money down

The a lot more down payment you give, the less principle you'll owe. You'll get a better rate of interest with a lower principal owed. Typically, a down payment is something you’ll only have to worry about with a home or a car. According to a recent Forbes piece, a 20 percent down payment on a home is beginning to get out of reach. This is part of an overall trend that is going on, as the requirements to make that upfront payment loosen. That practice is getting nipped in the bud, so for any large personal loans, expect it to come up.

Don't be afraid to refinance and shop around

Shop around as you would with any product or service. One of the great things about credit unions is that they carry lower risk structurally than a bank does, and often can offer lower rates than some banks. With less bonuses, there is bound to be a lower overhead. Also, if you have a large enough loan, like a mortgage loan, car loan, student loan or business loan, don’t be afraid to just refinance the whole loan once you are in the right position. You’ll have more money as part of your pocket with lower interest rates and lower payments.

Citations

blogs.forbes.com/moneybuilder/2010/06/03/down-payment-on-home-out-of-reach-for-half-of-u-s-poll-finds/
Forbes

Danielle Staub sextape to release June 14

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

Resource for this article: Danielle Staub sextape video set for June 14 release

Litigation surrounding Danielle Staub sextape video

The Danielle Staub sextape was the subject of protracted litigation within the New Jersey State Superior Court almost a year ago. Danielle Staub sued her ex-boyfriend Stephen Zalewski to stop the release of “sexually explicit videotape and images .” Staub explains that the sextape video was made without her consent or knowledge. On June 23, 2009, a judge of course Danielle Staub’s request to block release of any sextape video.

The Danielle Staub sextape video story

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

The release of the Danielle Staub video tape

Hustler, Inc., said it plans to release the 75-minute Danielle Staub sextape video on June 14. You will find no comments yet from Danielle Staub's representatives. However, if sales of past “celebrity” sextape videos are any indication of future sales, the “Real Housewife” could stand to make a relatively large amount of money off this tape. Depending on the information of the contract with Hustler, Danielle Staub’s sextape video could very easily net her within the neighborhood of $1 million. Ex-boyfriend Stephen Zalewski has confirmed that he has complied with the injunction blocking him from distributing or selling the video tapes in his possession. This means that only one of two people could have sold the Danielle Staub sextape video – Danielle herself, or a “Mystery Man” partner that she has chosen not to sue. With rumors of financial ruin surrounding Danielle Staub, it would be about right if the previous call girl ! and con artist offered the videotape for sale herself.

Nitrogen inflation improves automobile handling

Replacing the standard oxygen used to inflate tires with nitrogen is becoming a popular trend in the consumer automotive world. The site Why Nitrogen? suggests that using nitrogen inflation will enhance a vehicle’s handling capabilities, improve fuel efficiency, extend the life of a set of tires and reduce the carbon footprint. Nitrogen inflation, according to Consumer Reports, tends to make science fact out of what some sources claim is science fiction.

Source for this article: Nitrogen inflation – Adding life to your tires

Nitrogen inflation – Dry and non-flammable

Nitrogen is non-flammable, but what makes it ideal for tire inflation is that the molecules leak through rubber at a rate that’s four times slower than that of standard oxygen molecules. Why Nitrogen? says this happens because nitrogen is a particularly large molecule. Tires that stay inflated at the proper level for longer periods of time stay in better contact with the highway. Traction is the result, and this makes the engine’s job easier. Engines that aren’t overtaxed burn less fuel, which is better for the environment. Furthermore, running tires with proper inflation via nitrogen inflation keeps the right surfaces in contact with the road (rather than the sidewall), which in turn extends tire and rim life.

What nitrogen purity is required?

Thoughts on what nitrogen inflation purity level does the job vary by source. Most reliable sources indicate anywhere from 93 to 98 percent pure nitrogen inflation should work well. That’s what NASCAR does, so consumers looking for auto loan finance for their hybrid sedans should also be satisfied.

NASCAR wants nitrogen’s reliability

Imagine what a sudden loss of tire pressure can do to a car in a NASCAR race. A pit stop is the least of the worries; deaths via on-track accidents are the true fear. That is why racecar drivers have switched to nitrogen inflation in recent years. Pure nitrogen inflation, according to Why Nitrogen? is much less likely than standard air (which carries some water vapor) to be affected by temperature. Thus, inflation levels fluctuate much less when nitrogen is used. This is why the airlines and the government like nitrogen inflation, also.

Additional info at these websites

Why Nitrogen?

getnitrogen.org/why/index.php

Lakeview Gusher, worst spill ever, to be dwarfed by BP oil spill

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010 is being compared to the Lakeview Gusher of 1910. The Lakeview Gusher, a California disaster of 100 years ago known now as the worst oil spill in U.S. history, will likely be dethroned by the BP oil spill, which shows no sign of being contained after 50 days. Back in the present, an oil spill cap, shown on the oil spill live feed seems to be capturing only a fraction of the BP gusher as tens of thousands of barrels a day continue to spew into the sea.

Source for this article: BP oil spill likely to pass the Lakeview Gusher as the worst ever

Lakeview Gusher vs. BP oil spill

The Lakeview Gusher began when an oil well blew out near Maricopa, Calif. in March 1910 The Pasadena Star-News reports the Lakeview Gusher lasted 18 months and spilled 9 million barrels of oil–378 million gallons. Estimates in the first 50 days of the oil spill within the Gulf of Mexico 2010 are as high as 122 million gallons. Skeptical experts say that figure is far too low. The Lakeview Gusher blowout flowed at about 48,000 barrels a day. The daily output of the BP oil spill has been estimated as high as 72,000 barrels (3 million gallons) a day.

Rivers and lakes of oil

Despite its spectacular blow-out, the Lakeview Gusher ended up as probably the most successful well ever in California.At the start the gusher spilled 18,000 barrels a day into the ground. At its peak, 90,000 barrels a day escaped into the environment. A 60-acre lake formed from a river of oil flowing downhill from the well.So much oil was recovered from the lake that William Rintoul in his book, “Drilling Through Time,” said it drove down the price of oil in 1910.

Oil spill live feed defies estimates

The oil spill live feed (see below) shows the oil spill cap, BP's last best attempt to stop the undersea gusher, being overwhelmed by the ruptured well's powerful flow. MSNBC reports that scientists are skeptical of BP’s claim that the oil spill cap is capturing the vast majority of oil. BP said about 15,000 barrels of oil were contained from the leak on Monday. Ira Leifer, a member of the Flow Rate Technical Group, a national panel of scientists and engineers tasked with determining the spill size, told MSNBC the well may be gushing as much as 100,000 barrels a day.

BP oil spill underwater plumes

The New York Times reports that scientists have traced deep underwater plumes of oil carrying one of the most grave threat to undersea live ever seen. The Times said that scientists cruising the gulf over the last two weeks detected a deeply submerged plume of oil roughly 15 miles wide, 3 miles long and about 600 feet high. The center of the huge oil cloud floats at about 4,000 feet down. Bacteria breaking down the oil are consuming oxygen from the water in a “massive, microorganism feeding frenzy” that threatens to smother most marine life.

More information on this topic

pasadenastarnews.com

msnbc.msn.com

www.nytimes.com

Commercial space flight ushered in with the Space X Falcon 9 rocket Launch

The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket defied the odds and went into orbit Friday. The Falcon 9 represents a new direction in low-orbit cargo resupply missions, away from government-sponsored programs toward commercial spaceflight. Friday’s launch was the first flight test of the Falcon 9, a two-stage, 180-foot-high rocket carrying a mock-up of the Space X Dragon capsule. NASA moved closer to commercial spaceflight for the International Space Station with the successful test.

Billions at stake for commercial spaceflight

The Space X Falcon 9 is in line to replace NASA's space shuttles, which could be retired at the end of the year. Space X has prepared up to 3 Falcon 9/Dragon test flights for NASA, according to Universe Today. The Falcon 9's fourth flight early next year might be its first cargo delivery to the space station. NASA has awarded Space X a $ 1.6 billion contract to continue space station resupply duties once the space shuttle fleet is retired.

Falcon 9 rocket is a bargain

The Space X Falcon 9 rocket is powered by the first new U.S.-made rocket engines in nearly a decade. The Orlando Sentinel reports that Space X has hired hundreds of previous NASA employees and aerospace contractors since it was founded in 2002. Space X was founded by Elon Musk, who invested $ 100 million of the fortune he made selling PayPal to achieve the goal of a lot more affordable spaceflight. One more $ 300 million came from investors supporting Musk's vision. NASA is nevertheless spending $ 300 million a month on the Constellation moon rocket program President Obama will cancel at the end of the year.

Falcon 9 beats the odds

A successful Falcon 9 rocket test was doubtful. Spaceflight experts give the typical launch test a 50-50 chance. Earlier within the week Musk told reporters he figured the Falcon 9 had a 70 to 80 percent chance of succeeding. In contrast the gun just clicks in Russian roulette 83 percent of the time . “So if anybody remembers that scene from ‘The Deer Hunter', that’s tomorrow,” Musk said. On its first test flight, the Space X Falcon 9 surprised the odds makers in a large way.

More tests later for Space X Falcon 9

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

Find a lot more information on this topic

universetoday.com

orlandosentinel.com

cosmiclog.msnbc.msn.com

Mariners say goodbye as Ken Griffey Jr retires

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

Article Source: Ken Griffey Jr retires from Mariners, baseball By Personal Money Store

21 year career brought to a close as Ken Griffey Jr retires

For sports individuals of the Pacific Northwest, you will find few who loom as large as Ken Griffey Jr. The Mariners and Ken Griffey Jr are about as inseparable within the minds of fans as Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees are. He made his professional debut in 1989, and he and his father are the only father and son to have played on the exact same team. He could field or hit with excellence. The first ten years he was Seattle, he won the Golden Glove award from the American League 10 times over and hit nearly 400 home runs.

The Emerald City and also the Kid part ways

Family was always the biggest priority for Griffey, and by 1999, wanted to move closer to them. The Cincinnati Reds traded for him, and ironically, it was the Reds who his father played for and won two World Series with. He was plagued by injuries, despite the fact that he was incredibly productive when fit. Ken Griffey Jr was eventually traded to the Chicago White Sox for half the 2008 season. When he entered free agency, there was a public outcry for the Mariners to get him back on the roster.

Return of the prodigal son

After he returned to the Mariners in 2009, he nevertheless had the magic as he powered in almost 20 home runs. By May of 2010, he had seen little time at the plate and no home runs. He had been listed as a reserve for a game against the Minnesota Twins, as outlined by the Seattle Times. An emergency press conference was called just before the game, where it was disclosed he had pulled the plug. He had said that his retirement would be swift and that he would "never allow myself to become a distraction." Griffey knew it was time to call the game.

More information on this topic

Seattle Times

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

May jobs report fails to meet expectations

Fingers have been crossed, prayers offered and hands are wrung waiting for an increase within the number of jobs. The May jobs report did not live up to those expectations. That isn’t really to say it was bad, but it was not as good as many were hoping, which caused a disturbance in the stock markets. Fewer than 50,000 non-farming private sector jobs were added, and the biggest job growth over the last couple of months seems to be for the US Census.

Slower growth according to the jobs report

The Department of Labor didn’t disclose doom and gloom entirely in the May jobs report. That said, it also would seem that the currently high unemployment rate will have to be addressed via attrition. According to Forbes, the May jobs report showed a gain of 431,000 total jobs. Most were seasonal employment. The US Census accounted for 411,000 of those jobs, so unemployment is going to go back up in June.

Private sector slips

There wasn’t a great gain in the private sector. Only 41,000 jobs were added overall in non-farming private sector jobs, which is down from 218,000 from the April jobs report. It looks like a slow climb, as those are the lowest numbers of jobs created given that January. The unemployment rate fell to 9.7 percent, in contrast to 9.9 percent in April.

Stock markets slide

This spring has been a turbulent time for the stock markets. On the heels of the news that job growth had been slower than anticipated, combined with the European debt crisis, the Dow Jones and NASDAQ indexes both slid 1.9 percent and a 2 percent slide for the S&P 500, as outlined by CNN Money. It may be longer than previously believed before true recovery has occurred.

A lot more details on this topic

Forbes

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

CNN Money

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

How to get cigarette smoke smell out of a car

If you’ve ever purchased a privately owned used car, you probably left wondering how to get the smell of cigarette smoke out of a car. Some individuals go the additional mile to clean up their vehicles before sale, but if you are scoping a spur-of-the-moment deal on Craigslist, you may be purchasing an AS-IS vehicle that doubled as a mobile smoking lounge. Not only are the upholstery and instrument panel stained or discolored from cigarette smoke, but the unmistakable odor has been left behind. It is a really good idea to learn how to get the cigarette smell out of a car in case you are a non-smoker who prefers a low-tar automobile interior.

Article Source: How to get cigarette smoke smell out of a car

How to get cigarette smell out of a car? It takes effort

Whatever method you use when you’re following these directions for how to get cigarette smell out of a car, it is going to require elbow grease. Cigarette smell is pervasive. {Assuming that you would like to do the job as cheaply and safely as possible – you aren’t a professional auto detailer, but an auto loans-bearing consumer – what follows are some DIY tips that do not require scary chemicals|Assuming that you need to do the job as cheaply as it is possible – you aren’t a professional auto detailer, but an car loans-bearing consumer – what follows are some DIY tips that don’t require scary chemicals|Assuming you would like to do the job as safely as possible – you aren’t a professional auto detailer, but a! n auto loans-bearing consumer – what follows are some DIY tips that do not require scary chemicals. Yes, hydrogen peroxide will do the job well, but why not use a way less expensive home method that is much less likely to bleach your skin and cause blisters or irritation? Here are ideas from How to Do Things:

1. Vacuum the car. The cigarette smell is attached to the car. Use hose attachments that are intended for cleaning upholstery.
2. Use white vinegar. A bowl left in the car overnight can help the smell a great deal.
3. Use some citrus peels. In the car you are able to place some peels. It will definitely work although it might take a couple of days.
4. Get some baking soda. Put it within the car and leave it a couple of hours. See how your car smells after vacuuming that up. First you have to spot test it to make certain it will react well with your upholstery.
5. You can use coffee grounds. Put the grounds in filters and secure them so they won’t dump the grounds directly onto the upholstery. Put the filters in different areas of the car.
6. Make sure to air it out. Sounds clear, right? Leave the doors open for a few hours. For minor lingering cigarette odors, this may help.
7. Use some charcoal. Just like vinegar, leave the charcoal in a bowl overnight in the car.
8. You need to pay attention to the lights. Interior lights attract smoke, which means they’ll be centers for cigarette smell. With the strongest cleaner you’ve, scrub these areas. Even bring in a hydrogen peroxide mix here if necessary.

Don’t drive an ash mobile

It is severe business getting cigarette smell out of a car. You will find numerous people who are sickened by continual exposure to the smell, which is something nobody wants to experience when they purchase a new car. Why not try these simple home remedies?

Find more data on this topic

How to Do Things

Google bans Windows over security concerns

Google's corporate offices have officially given Windows operating system machines the boot. Google's Chrome OS is a part of this lead-up, though the security problems with Windows are a major part of this decision. Google employees will only be allowed to use Windows with special permission.

Resource for this article: Google bans Windows over security concerns

The official Windows Google stance

Flexibility has been the name of the game in Google operating systems. When a new employee starts at Google, they’re given an option of which operating system they want to use. To use Windows, though, Google employees now must get approval from the CIO. Google's Chrome OS is being offered as an option. Google decided to make this change following the hacking of Google’s China channels.

Windows security concerns cited by Google

About 8 of each 10 computers use Windows – it can be found everywhere from office management to credit counseling. The fact Windows is so popular makes it a very popular target for viruses, worms, and more. At Google, the security concerns surrounding Windows have been the reason for a general move to Mac and Linux computer systems. Those that develop Google programs – the dedicated developers that design the products – work on a cloud computing system rather than hardware-based system.

Is this Google Windows move a publicity stunt?

A few observers have suggested that Google kicking Windows out of its offices is more about publicity than security. Google has been creating a Chrome OS, a competitor to the Windows operating system. Chrome OS could be based on the Google Chrome web browser. The Google Chrome OS is an open-source operating system — an operating system that could be edited and improved by any user. Some may think an open-source programmed operating system may be less secure, but that has not proven true. Google offices won't be using Windows anymore, but this is not just because Google is developing a competitor.

Hurricane season 2010 starts in gulf as oil spill top kill fails

Day one of the 2010 Hurricane season was officially Tuesday, day 42 of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010. As the BP oil spill live feed continues to show crude gushing from the depths, the 2010 hurricane season forecast predicts one of the strongest hurricane seasons on record. The oil spill top kill attempted over the holiday weekend failed, along with BPs hopes to stop the leak. The next option BP will try for stemming the flow of oil, cutting the broken pipe from the wellhead and placing a cap with a hose over it, may slow down but not stop completely stop the leak. The leak may not be fully contained until relief wells are completed in August. The BP oil spill has dumped up to 100 million gallons into the gulf, where the first storms of hurricane season 2010 are expected to appear.

Source for this article: Hurricane season 2010 starts in gulf as oil spill top kill fails By Personal Money Store

Forecast – 2010 hurricane season

Hurricane season 2010 officially begins June 1 and lasts through November 30. Typically major hurricanes form in the deep Atlantic and unlike cash now same day, can be followed for days by forecasters and sensationalized by the media before arriving. But AOL reports the first storms of the 2010 hurricane season forecast could form along the Southeast coast or within the northeastern Caribbean, and they’re probably to happen in the Gulf of Mexico. Sea temperatures within the Atlantic aren’t expected to brew storms early in hurricane season. Early season storms form closer to land and instead of tracking a storm for a week or a lot more, there may be a warning of just a couple of hours or days.

Leak foils oil spill top kill

When hurricane season 2010 arrives in the gulf with a storm, the oil spill response effort will suffer. In addition to the oil spill being spread across a wider area of shoreline, efforts to stop the leak might be delayed for weeks. The New York Times reports that following the oil spill top kill failure, BP will try to shear off the collapsed pipe leading from the wellhead, place a cap over the opening and funnel leaking oil through a hose to the surface. The New York Times reports that BP's next option after the oil spill top kill bust is to cut off the broken pipe from the wellhead, put a containment dome over the opening and siphon oil to the surface. When the pipe is cut, viewers of the BP oil spill live feed can expect to see even more oil gushing until a cap is installed. when a hurricane arrives, the pipe cutting option fails when the crew disconnects the hose and goes ashore to wait out the storm.

Toxic storm surge predicted

Hurricane season 2010 creates the danger of a storm surge laden with oil and toxic oil dispersant that could make parts of the coastline in the Gulf of Mexico uninhabitable. To predict where the oil slick could possibly be driven by gulf hurricanes, the Gerson Lehman Group analyzed tracking data from recent storms. A hurricane like Gustav in 2008, which tracked into the west-central gulf, would drive a toxic storm surge west to the Texas coast with its counter-clockwise spin. A hurricane with a track like Ida in 2009, which tracked into the east-central gulf, would move the toxic storm surge into Florida’s west coast. Areas miles from the coast could possibly be coated in an aerosol of oil and toxic dispersants carried by hurricane-force winds.

Hurricane forecast 2010 details

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association hurricane season 2010 forecast predicts up to 23 named storms, with three to seven major hurricanes. Storms with winds reaching 39 mph or more are named. Hurricane status could be reached by up to 14 when winds go past 74 mph. Three to seven might be Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes with winds of at least 111 mph. The strongest tropical system recorded in June was Hurricane Audrey, which made landfall in southern Louisiana on June 27, 1957, as a Category 4 storm, with a sustained wind of 145 mph.

Additional details at these websites

AOL News

New York Times

Gerson Lehman Group

Was A Student Failed By Keenon Aampay Hall For Impregnating Her?

Keenon Aampay Hall, a teacher of the year in Georgia, has been accused of an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student in her class. The student has alleged that Keenon Aampay Hall failed him in her class when he refused to father a child with her. Though she claims she resigned from her position because of medical concerns, Hall has admitted to the relationship.

The allegations against Keenon Aampay Hall

In paperwork filed with Gwinnett County school offices, Keenon Aampay Hall is accused of a sexual relationship with a 17-year old senior. After Keenon Aampay Hall gave the student a failing grade in her class, the student went to school officials about the six-month relationship. According to the student, he got this failing grade only after he refused to father a child with her. There was also supposedly pornographic material found on Keenon Aampay Hall’s school-issued computer.

Teaching position resigned by Keenon Aampay Hall

Last fall, Keenon Aampay Hall was awarded the Gwinnett County “Teacher of the Year” award. Keenon Aampay Hall resigned her position as a teacher, though she claims it was for medical reasons. The paperwork the school has on file includes an admission from Keenon Aampay Hall that the relationship existed and claims that it was consensual. Allegedly, the teacher spent quick payday loans on the student, giving him a cell phone, cash, paying for hotel rooms and cabs, and more.

What punishment Keenon Aampay Hall may be facing

Several separate investigations have been launched in Gwinnett County. A complaint against Keenon Aampay Hall will be investigated by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. The commission can, if they so choose, revoke Keenon Aampay Hall’s teaching license. A new Georgia law that makes it illegal for teachers to have sex with students is being invoked for the first time ever as well. Should Keenon Aampay Hall be found guilty, she will be required to register as a Georgia Sex Offender, as well as pay a fine that could easily exceed the $ 35,600 a year salary she made as a teacher.