Mortgage rates so low make people consider refinancing

Record-low mortgage rates aren’t jump-starting the U.S. housing market. However, record-low mortgage rates and a real estate slump that is driving down home prices present unique opportunities, even for people whose mortgages are under water. Since prices of homes are as low as mortgage rates are, short term losses are taken by numerous for the gains that come with a lower rate of interest. Most are trading up to better homes but end up with a lot more money in the end. Numerous feel completely comfortable spending money to refinance the mortgages they have.

Mortgage rates and also the housing market

With the U.S. housing market in the toilet, the Wall Street Journal reports that economists say trading up to new homes or refinancing existing ones can make good financial sense — even if it means giving up cash to get out of an underwater mortgage. Better homes are available to everyone who’s willing to make the sacrifice with their mortgage. Everybody can afford larger homes with all the mortgage rates so low.

Cash-in refinancing versus cash-out refinancing

Typically, people refinance to “cash out” some of the equity they’ve built up in their homes over the years so they can use the cash. However, the Los Angeles Times reports that record low mortgage rates are making cash-out refinancing pass and “cash-in” refinancing very popular. Considering there isn’t much you are able to rely on anymore when it comes to your investments, your home is probably the best way to go. In last year’s fourth quarter, a 3rd of all borrowers who refinanced mortgages lowered their principal balances by putting money into the deal rather than taking it out.

Investing wisely

Most people are trying to pay back their mortgages as soon as possible. Totalmortgage.com looks at it as all the money saved is really money that is now earned and can be spent. When paying down a mortgage, the quicker it can be paid off, the more money could be put towards other investments. It will help quite a lot of people to invest in real estate this way. Many people just want to refinance in order for their loan to become a 15 or 20 year loan instead of a 30 year loan. This sets them up to conserve thousands of dollars over the life of their loans, and their monthly payments are lower than they were before.

More on this topic

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704421304575383490870014662.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_sections_personalfinance

Los Angeles Times

articles.latimes.com/2010/jul/11/business/la-fi-lew-20100711

Totalmortgage.com

totalmortgage.com/blog/mortgage-rates/low-mortgage-rates-afford-unique-housing-opportunities/5198

Two thirds of low interest emergency SBA loans denied

Small Business Administration loans are being pushed in many areas. This cash today product has been promised to homeowners and business owners to help rebuild after emergencies. Offered at 4 to 6 percent interest, the SBA offers this supposedly quick loan solution to victims of floods, fires and the Gulf oil spill.

What SBA loans are for

For “everyday use” small businesses use SBA loans to build and develop. The SBA is really a loan guarantee entity. It won’t give out loans but is willing to work with banks in giving out loans to people instead. Everyone who was affected by some kind of disaster can get disaster loans from the SBA. Like all loans, SBA loans consider the credit of borrowers and their ability to repay. SBA loans tend to be mostly for people who “are having difficulty accessing other credit.”.

Emergency money denied

SBA emergency cash loans typically go to those who just experienced an emergency very just lately. SBA loans up to $200,000 are given to those in Massachusetts to rebuild from the flood. Businesses can take out more than that with a max of $2 million and will only have interest rate of about 2.75 percent. Of course, BP has to pay for damages before the SBA will accept application which is why 70 percent of applicants in Louisiana were denied. In Tennessee, about 66 percent of flood emergency cash loans are being denied.

Finding a way to appeal decisions about your loan

The majority are frustrated with being unable to rebuild after being denied the loan. With credit inaccessible right now with everything going on, the SBA can’t help many victims. If you want to appeal your decision, you are able to provide new info, show your circumstances have changes, or correct the info posted on your application. In the end, though, these loans generally end up going to individuals who show proof they can repay them — and that could be very tough to show after a disaster and within the tough economy.

Further reading

Tennessean
tennessean.com/article/20100729/BUSINESS01/7290344/SBA-denies-most-loans-for-flood-damaged-businesses
Boston.com
boston.com/yourtown/news/somerville/2010/07/fed_agency_to_offer_low-intere.html

Tow boat smacks into New Orleans oil well, causes new spill

The BP oil spill disaster will continue to affect local economies around the Gulf of Mexico for many years, and also the environment will require decades of recovery. Now the Associated Press reports that New Orleans is back in the thick of an oil slick thanks to an errant tow boat called the Pere Ana C. The Louisiana marshland was hit and there was a wellhead in head. Oil is currently shooting 20 feet to the air, Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser told MSNBC.

Well located south of New Orleans

65 miles south of New Orleans you can discover the well which is along the border between Plaquemines Parish and Jefferson Parish. You can’t get to this place on roads. Workers for the recovery were stationed in Barataria Bay already moving oil from the Deepwater Horizon disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. The owner of the newly damaged well is presently unknown. However, as outlined by Jefferson Parish Councilman Chris Roberts, the amount of oil gushing out from the Pere Ana C. collision is considerable. Since you can only get to the area on a boat, not much is known about the recovery or how much is leaking. There is a concern that natural gas could be leaking with the oil since some gas clouds are reported within the area recently.

Pere Ana C. was close to Mud Lake

Mud Lake was the approximate location of the Pere Ana C. collision early Tuesday morning. The Coast Guard ship went to the LaRose area after this happened. Right now, we have heard of no injuries. Authorities are trying to discover somebody that is responsible to clean up all of this oil that is causing disaster. Hopefully cleaning up this won’t cost nearly as much as Deepwater Horizon cost BP.

More on this topic

Associated Press
miamiherald.com/2010/07/27/1748599/oil-spews-from-la-oil-well-struck.html
MSNBC
msnbc.msn.com/id/38429966/ns/us_news-environment/
Remember when BP blocked media access to cleanup workers?
youtube.com/watch?v=dZHnStD690U

Five easiest methods to avoid a traffic ticket

When you are attempting to avoid a traffic ticket, then the best and easiest way is to just not get stopped. Avoiding the eye of a traffic officer, nevertheless, is not always easy. There are a couple of things you can do to help ensure that your auto is not the one the police notice.

Listen to your driving instructor

The simplest way to keep away from a ticket is to not break any laws. Follow the speed limit, come to full stops, and be nice to pedestrians. Staying incognito starts with driving defensively.

Choose your ride with careful precision

It is just an urban legend that red
automobiles get ticketed more often. There are, however, certain makes and models of cars that get ticketed more. If you do have a choice about what you drive, keep away from probably the most ticketed vehicles.

3 – Stay with the pack

It may feel excellent to have the wind as part of your hair, all alone – but you are less likely to be noticed if you are a part of the pack. Keep your speed consistent with the rest of the cars on the road.

Truckers know best

Certain, they seem large and scary, but trucks on the road are your friends. Semi drivers generally warn each other of speed traps that are ahead. If you stay near the large rigs, including slowing down when they do, you’ll be more likely to stay away from a ticket.

1 – Fix all the little things

It may seem like it will save you money, but leaving your auto with broken headlights, large dents, a cracked windshield, or other damage makes it stand out. A cracked windshield gives an officer a legitimate reason to pull you over. It is not worth it to risk the ticket – fix the troubles now and stay away from the stress later.

Michigan oil spill threatening Kalamazoo River superfund site

The Kalamazoo River oil leak has spurred a declaration of a state of emergency in Michigan. At 9:45 a.m. on Monday morning, an oil pipeline began leaking 19,500 barrels of oil to the river. The EPA and Enbridge Energy are working together to try and control the oil slick.

The oil leak in Michigan

The cause of the leak is not yet known, but it was not instantly shut down. Thus far, the operator of the pipeline, Enbridge Energy estimates that more than 800,000 gallons of oil dumped into the river. Only about 60 miles away from Lake Michigan, the Kalamazoo River oil leak is quickly moving toward the lake. Residents are already reporting heavy fumes and oil-coated wildlife along the waterways.

Restitution from Enbridge Energy promised

According to spokespeople for Enbridge Energy, the business will “do all it can to minimize the spill’s impact on communities.” The 30-inch pipeline was used to carry crude oil from Griffith, Ind., to Sarnia, Ontario. Governor Jennifer Granholm, among others, has questioned dedication to the clean-up. While Enbridge has estimated that 819,000 gallons have spilled, other experts have put the number at 1,000,000 gallons or more. The cleanup will probably cost within the range of various hundred million dollars .

Will the EPA help clean up the spill

The Kalamazoo River oil spill is huge – and also the EPA has been asked to help. There are significant concerns about the Kalamazoo River Superfund cleanup site. PCBs found within the cleanup site could interact with the gasoline fumes. This could create fumes that are toxic to animals and people. The EPA has not yet committed to helping clean up the Kalamazoo River oil leak, though they’ll most likely have heavy involvement — financial or otherwise — in the cleanup.

More on this topic

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/07/29/us/29michigan.html?partner=rss and amp;emc=rss

Blogging for Michigan

bloggingformichigan.com/frontPage.do

Turn $ 45 into a $ 200 million with Ansel Adams

If Ansel Adams were alive today he would probably be pleasantly surprised at this return on investment. A song Rick Norsigian did used a whole box of negatives he found in a garage sale. After 10 years of trying, he finally confident experts the negatives were taken by legendary photographer Ansel Adams. He wants the reward on his $ 45 investment now. All the photos are being appraised for more than $ 200 million now.

Ansel Adams garage sale photographs

Photographer Ansel Adams, who died in 1984, was renowned for his black-and-white photographs of the American West. Images by Ansel Adams of Yosemite National Park in California are among the most famous. Norsigian told CNN that he bought two boxes of glass negatives for $ 45 although the sellers wanted $ 70 for them. Art expert Robert Moeller told CNN that after six months of study, he concluded “with a high degree of probability, that the images under consideration were produced by Ansel Adams”.

’Missing link’ in Ansel Adams life is what these pictures are

Norsigian’s Ansel Adams garage sale photographs are a “missing link” in the history of the photographer’s career; appraiser and art dealer David W. Streets told CNN. The Beverly Hills gallery had the photos shown for the very first time July 27. $ 200 million is the lowest amount Norsigian will get for a return on his investment. 5,000 plates were destroyed in a 1937 darkroom fire although these 65 negatives seem to have made it.

Zone System created by Ansel Adams

Ansel Adams’ Yosemite photos didn’t become famous until the 1940s, while these photos were taking between 1919 and the 1930s. Wikipedia explains that the Zone System was co-developed by Adams which helps the photos get the proper exposure and contrast to them. You are able to see this in all of Adams’ photos. Adams used big, heavy, expensive high-resolution large-format cameras to ensure sharpness in his images.

Ansel Adams negatives

Numerous experts nevertheless aren’t too certain about accepting the Ansel Adams photos as real. The blog, Croanca, wonders if the dealers in the CNN article are really qualified to say this is Ansel Adams photos. Those who like Ansel Adams wonder if reproduction will be a bad thing. Somebody at visualjournalism.info wonders if the Ansel Adams photographs could be produced good enough.

Find more information on this subject

CNN
cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/07/27/ansel.adams.discovery/?hpt=Sbin
Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ansel_Adams

Tony Hayward gives up CEO gig to handle BP project in Russia

Following a meeting in London to determine his fate, Tony Hayward was expected to resign Monday. He’ll work for BP in Russia instead, managing his company’s role in TNK-BP, a joint venture considered one of BP’s best projects . Hayward may appear to be escaping culpability for leading a wreck less company that caused the oil spill within the Gulf of Mexico 2010, and then botching the oil spill response. But before he flies to Moscow, some U.S. senators would like to ask him some personal questions about a BP-Libya oil deal they think influenced the release of a convicted terrorist.

How ironic – Tony Hayward’s Russian sojourn

Tony Hayward will step down as BPs CEO in October. His likely replacement is Robert Dudley, according to the Associated Press. Dudley is the man who exchanged Hayward as BP’s director of the oil spill response. Hayward will now hold up BP’s end on the board on the Russian joint venture TNK-BP. Ironically, Dudley once headed TNK-BP and had to flee from Russia in 2008 after he ran afoul of authorities there.

Dudley and TNK-BP – not a happy ending

BP thinks more of Tony Heyward than most American’s and American politicians, if his new role swimming with Russian oil sharks is any indication. The Washington Post reports that analysts consider the TNK-BP venture one of BP’s crown jewels, accounting for a quarter of BP production. But Robert Dudley’s experience proves the post could be a headache. Dudley was forced to leave Russia after a fight with Russian shareholders.

Did Tony Hayward set a terrorist free?

Tony Hayward may be stepping down, but that won’t stop United States of America Senators Bob Menendez and Kirsten Gillibrand from trying to haul him before Congress. The New York Observer reports that they senators want to hear from Hayward at a July 29 hearing into the release of the Lockerbie bomber. The British government has been pressured for weeks by the two senators to start investigating whether a BP-Libya oil deal is related to the release of Lockerbie bomber Abdul Baset al-Megrahi. Menendez said he believed Hayward was within the middle of negotiations with the Libyans during the oil deal.

More on this topic

nydailynews.com/

nytimes.com

observer.com

$ 2 million bill for Clinton wedding

Marc Mezvinsky and Chelsea Clinton can be getting married on July 31. Chelsea Clinton’s wedding is making headlines around the country, not only because of the large names, but because of the estimated $ 2 million price tag. The location of the wedding has been kept very secret, but it is rumored to be prepared for Astor Courts.

Information about the Clinton wedding

The Clinton wedding is certain to be a large deal, given the truth that there can be 500 people or more in attendance. The details of the wedding are being kept very secret. A couple of information are leaking out, though. Hillary Clinton will most likely be wearing Oscar de la Renta and an updo. Chelsea Clinton could be wearing a Vera Wang wedding gown. Oprah and previous British prime ministers are incorporated on the guest list.

Breaking down the cost of the Clinton wedding

The big news of the Chelsea Clinton wedding is the cost. Though official figures have not been released, estimates are how the price tag could be about $ 2 million. Just the wedding venue is estimated at $ 400,000. The wedding party could be paying about $ 1,500 per person for the dinner. Floral arrangements will cost $ 250,000 or so. A less glamorous price tag is the security — expected to run between a quarter and a half of a million dollars. Bill Clinton has joked on a few talk shows that his job is to “pick up the bill and lose 15 pounds.”

Conspicuous consumption or doing as expected?

Conspicuous consumption accusations are being thrown at the Clinton wedding already. Some wonder if Marc Mazvinsky and Chelsea Clinton’s wedding is a reserved affair, or if they’re just showing off. In the way of comparison, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher spent an estimated half million on their wedding. The expected wedding between Kate Middleton and Prince William is probably going to be in the $ 5 million range.

Former Khmer Rouge executioner gets 19 years for genocide

Decades following the Khmer Rouge regime terrorized Cambodia, one of the Khmer Rouge trials has concluded. One of the Khmer Rouge’s chief butchers, Kang Kek Iew or Kaing Guek Eav, or “Comrade Duch” was captured in 1999 and has been on trial since then. The trial of the man who presided over more than 17,000 executions has concluded. Credited for time served, the man who presided over 17,000 executions at his prison will serve only 19 years in jail. The light sentence incensed the survivors and families of victims. Source of article – Former Khmer Rouge executioner gets 19 years for genocide by Personal Money Store.

Khmer Rouge warden saw thousands dead

The Khmer Rouge seized power in 1975. Led by Pol Pot, they sought to eradicate the middle class and create an isolated agrarian collectivist utopia. The first to be sentenced to die were the educated, teachers, and even wearing glasses carried a death sentence for appearing to be haughty and bookish. Kaing Guek Eav was the head of security for the state police, the Santebal, and was placed in charge of the notorious Tuol Sleng Prison, also called S-21. Tuol Sleng received over 17,000 prisoners for torture and execution. Only 12 survived a trip to Toul Sleng.

Capture and the trial

Khmer Rouge officials and personnel scattered after their regime was toppled in 1979. Pol Pot lived in a jungle retreat and was confined to house arrest until his death in 1998. Several other high-ranking Khmer Rouge party members are still on trial. Kaing Guek Eav surrendered to authorities in 1999, having been found near the Thai-Cambodian border living under an assumed name. He was brought to trial before the Khmer Rouge tribunals. Convicted of crimes against humanity, he was sentenced on July 26, 2010, to 35 years in prison with 16 years credited for pre-trial detention and time served. As outlined by the Christian Science Monitor, he will only serve 19 years behind bars.

What you need, my son

As outlined by the BBC, individuals who lived under the Khmer Rouge and the families of the murdered aren’t happy with the sentence. Millions perished at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, and one of its chief henchmen may live to be released. Present at his trial was Chum Mey, one of three living survivors of Tuol Seng. The Khmer Rouge murdered his wife and children. He said “millions of people died, lots of money has been spent on the court – and the perpetrator is free (in 19 years)? I am not happy with that.”

Additional reading

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khmer_Rouge

csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2010/0726/Khmer-Rouge-executioner-found-guilty-but-Cambodians-say-sentence-too-light

bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-10763409

Removing the inside car door panel quickly

Recently, Car Deal Expert shared details concerning how to deal when your car has trouble with its power locks. Assessing such things may require removing the inside car door panel to take a closer look. While this may sound like a daunting task, the reality is that when it comes to fixing car door problems, removing the inside car door panel isn’t all that difficult. Follow along, and thank WikiHow for getting this rolling. Get your flathead, Phillips and 12-point screwdrivers ready. An Allen wrench may also be necessary. For the most specific info to your car, check the owner’s manual. A web search for pictures won’t hurt your chances.

Open the door before removing the inside car door panel

It is all but extremely hard to generate the necessary leverage if you try to do this from inside the car with the door closed. Furthermore, without the proper angle, you will have to resort to unadvisable force to do the job.

Have to spring that pop-up lock?

That is, does your lock extend from out of the top of the inner door panel? If so, it needs to come off before the panel is removed. Fortunately, they usually unscrew in a simply manner.

Get that deal with out of Dodge

The car deal with now must be removed from the middle area of the panel. A fastening screw should be located somewhere underneath the handle. After lifting the lever, you should be able to see the screw. After unscrewing, the plastic mounting plate that held the manage should be removable.

Time to get the armrest off

Under the armrest should be screw holes. You’ll find screws down there, usually. You may have to deal with covers, but a simple screwdriver wedge will take care of those. Take the screws and remove that armrest. Cars with power windows add the step of requiring you to remove a couple of wires. Don’t worry, it’s very safe – they have modular plastic ends. Squeeze and pull out.

Manual window cranks come next

You may have to remove a plastic case and a snap ring from the base of the crank. The flathead will help you here.

Pry it, putty please

A putty knife between the plastic panel and the metal door frame is the best method. Pry gently, popping the grommets from the cardboard panel underneath. Don’t Incredible Hulk this part; you’ll want to keep using those grommets, unless you’re itching to scour eBay. You are almost done, but don’t go for total separation until completing the next step.

Lift the window out of its slot

As opposed to allowing the glass to shatter at your feet, it’s better to gently lift the window from its slot. Once you’ve accomplished this, pop, pop away. Take care of your repair issues, then follow the above process in reverse order. Lock and armrest are done last. That panel should have some form of adhesive around the outer edge to help it stay in place, instead of hang.

More details on this topic

Your source

http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-an-Inside-Door-Panel-from-a-Car

Will T-Mobile carry iPhone 4 before 2010 is out?

Apple may not be recalling the iPhone 4, but it certainly isn’t really since the company is strapped for cash. The iPad made Q3 2010 a tremendous success for the business, writes PC Magazine. 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 3rd quarter 2010. PC World writes that talks are far along between Apple and the carrier, and that there’s an “80 percent chance” this will happen in two months.

What couldn’t T-Mobile accomplish with iPhone 4?

T-Mobile would rise from America’s fourth-largest wireless carrier to the very top with iPhone 4 in the wings. According to PC World, there could be a major stumbling block concerning T-Mobile’s 3G frequencies. T-Mobile uses a non-standard band, and iPhone 4 hasn’t been tested on all the carrier’s ranges.

Perhaps this should go within the iPhone 4 rumor discard pile

PC World writes that Cult of Mac has missed the mark numerous times before, so don’t count your iPhone 4 chickens before they’re hatched. Considering the network cap problems Apple has encountered with AT and T (and the relative animosity Verizon has shown toward Steve Jobs and crew), it might be that T-Mobile has the bandwidth to spare for iPhone users and an as-yet clean and clear relationship with Apple. Another plus on T-Mobile’s side is that Apple already works with its parent business (Deustche Telekom) in Europe.

Smartphone owners – would you make the jump to T-Mobile?

If T-Mobile does indeed enter a partnership with Apple, the pool won’t stay sparsely populated for long. Even with antenna troubles, iPhone 4 is quite attractive to tech buyers. Legions of devoted fans have kept iPhone 4 standing toe-to-toe with Droid and America’s top smartphones. But perhaps you see it differently; let us know.

More info about this topic at these websites

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

pcworld.com/article/201653/report_tmobile_has_80_percent_chance_of_getting_iphone.html

Failed attempt to smuggle Titi monkeys through Mexico City

A man was found in the Mexico City International Airport with 18 Titi monkeys strapped around his torso. These monkeys, much like many other endangered species, are traded on the black market for high profit margins. Police in the Mexico City International Airport discovered the Titi monkeys and arrested the smuggler. If Roberto Zavaleta Sol Cabrera had actually sold the Titi monkeys he was trying to smuggle, he would have made $ 27,000 or more.

Titi monkeys smuggled through airport

When patrolling the airport, police saw a man who “was acting very nervous.” Roberto Zavaleta Sol Cabrera was “trying to conceal a large lump in his jumpsuit.” Police were very curious, and they found the monkeys. Two of the monkeys that had been stuffed into socks had already died. The claim of the smuggler is that he transported the monkeys like this to “protect them from x-ray scanners.”

About the Titi monkey

The Titi monkey is a tiny monkey native to South America. Between 10 and 22 inches long, the monkeys have long, soft fur. Territorial and familial, the monkeys eat fruits, leaves, flowers, insects, bird eggs and other small creatures. The Titi monkey is protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Titi monkeys are also heavily regulated by the Mexican government. The trade in primates as pets is big in Mexico, despite these restrictions.

Big profit for black market animals

The black market in animals is regrettably a thriving trade. The smuggler caught in Mexico City spent about $ 30 each to buy the Titi monkeys. If Roberto had sold the monkeys in Mexico City, they would are worth $ 1,550 each. Within the United States, the monkeys would have been sold to pet stores or collectors for $ 3,000 or more. The pet buyers and animals are both put in severe danger by the pet trade.

Wal-Mart recalls 50,000 chicken nugget packages

Great Value brand chicken nuggets are recalled from Wal-Mart stores. The Wal-Mart chicken nugget recall affects one pound, 13 ounce bags of nuggets labeled with the Great Value brand. Manufactured by Perdue, these nuggets have blue plastic in them.

Wal-Mart chicken nuggets recalled from stores

The Wal-Mart chicken nugget recall was announced on July 21 by Perdue Farms. The packages of chicken nuggets were found to have blue plastic in the meat. To discover out if your Wal-Mart chicken nuggets are a part of the recall, search for:

• Bags with one pound and 13 ounces of nuggets
• Labeled as an excellent Value brand
• Establishment number (on the bottom of the package) P-33944
• Identified with case code 89008 A0160

If you do have a bag of the recalled chicken nuggets, you just have to return it to the Wal-Mart for a refund. The companies will end up paying the whole cost of the recall — estimated at $ 500,000.

Blue plastic causes recall

The recall on Wal-Mart chicken nuggets is considered a class II recall. There have been no injuries or sicknesses reported as a result of this product. Perdue Farms explains the recall by saying a “small plastic ring” must have accidentally been mixed in with the raw meat.

Chicken nuggets at home

It is possible to have chicken nuggets without worrying about the Wal-Mart chicken nugget recall. It is simple, fast, and healthy to make your own nuggets. Chicken nuggets made at home cost less than $ 1 per serving. First, chop boneless skinless chicken into nugget-sized chunks. Mix together bread crumbs and seasonings, or even use a product like Shake ‘n Bake. Dunk the chicken in milk, egg or melted butter, then to the bread crumb mixture. Bake them on a well-oiled sheet for 10 or 20 minutes. If you need a true fast food taste, deep-fat fry them at 450 for three to five minutes.

Low credit scores getting people car loans anyway

Getting car loans has become easier. Car loans will help many who have low credit scores and no way out. The credit market getting easier will make cars sell faster. Auto lenders are happy with more cars being sold. Also, more cars being sold mean a recovering economy. Resource for this article – Car loans getting easier for individuals with low credit scores by Car Deal Expert.

Car loans for a bad credit score more accessible

Signs of life let auto lenders expand their products. The Associated Press tells us that car buyers with a bad credit score can get auto car loans nevertheless. Usually, those with scores below 620 only get approved 60 percent of the time. 5 percent was the going rate for the last year. It has gotten up to 9 percent though. Car buyers with poor credit have to pay more interest and have bigger down payments but being able to get a car at all makes them a bigger part of the market.

Car loans dropping interest rates

The Associated Press reports that those with great credit within the first quarter of 2010 made up 17 percent of autoloans. Instead of getting new cars with loans, 53 percent got used cars. Because interest rates are dropping, this rate might increase. The average rate of interest for a four-year car loan this month is 6.3 percent, down from 7.2 percent a year ago, as outlined by Bankrate.com.

All buyers welcomed by auto makers needing to sell

Americans have seen their credit fall drastically. 43 million individuals are shown by FICO Inc. to have credit scores below 599. The economy was really hurt during the recession because of the auto lending industry which had higher default with subprime lending. But the Wall Street Journal reports that General Motors in specific is looking for solutions to expand loans to riskier buyers. Most consumers are those that have lower credit scores with is why GM wants them now.

Subprime auto lending doing great

AmeriCredit Corp made a deal with GM to help people get loans with poor credit. Under this arrangement GM augments the loans with cash incentives so it can offer more competitive rates. For subprime auto lending, Americredit Corp. is one of the biggest companies. The business expanded the number of auto dealers it works with to more than 8,000 within the first quarter of this year, up from 4,500 a year ago.

Associated Press
google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gCH7uRdNTEXaUCoNUPeukZZi3qDwD9H22DQ00
Bankrate.com
bankrate.com/
Wall Street Journal

Is the five second rule really true?

Food waste is something we should strive to stay away from. In the United Kingdom, food waste amounts to £10.2 billion lost annually ($ 15.5 billion). Looking at only those foods that are never touched or open before spoiling or disposal, the U.S. wastes 15 percent, which adds up to $ 43 billion in food waste each year. In such cases, you’d think the five second rule (picking up dropped food “in time”) appeal to the cash conscious. According to Chicago Tribune, a Clemson University study by food scientist Paul Dawson entirely rebukes the validity of any such five second rule. Source for this article – Is the five second rule giving way to a zero second rule by Personal Money Store.

Make the five second rule a zero second rule to be safe, says Dawson

Dawson reminds that salmonella and other harmful bacteria can survive for as long as four weeks on the surfaces of your home, so the five second rule is too risky to utilize. Previous collegiate studies used apples and Skittles on a college dining room floor. The old study claimed the apple took one minute before infection, when the candy took all of five minutes. Another student collegiate study performed at the University of Maine showed that the five second rule could reduce food waste and improve child immune systems.

Dawson says location is key

The five second rule is arbitrary and meaningless, claims Dawson and others of comparable scholarly bent. A kitchen or bathroom floor will typically be home to numerous more harmful germs that cause illness, as outlined by numerous scientific studies. However, if a bagel drops on the sidewalk, it’s OK to pick it up and brush it off. Believe it or not, that sidewalk is probably much less germ-ridden than the floors of your home.

Five second psych

The Tribune points to research that shows the risk people take with recovering dropped food is typically related to how badly they want what they dropped. As a result; studies have found that cookies and candy are likely to be retrieved, as opposed to broccoli. And get this, food waste aficionados – gender stereotypes wail and die in light of the observed tendency women show to pick up and eat dropped food more than men.

Citations

featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/features_julieshealthclub/2010/07/debunking-the-fivesecond-dropped-food-rule.html

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Food_waste

There can be no iPhone recall as outlined by Steve Jobs at Apple press conference

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After panic broke out over a potential flaw in the iPhone 4.0, an Apple Press Conference was scheduled. A potential iPhone recall was on a lot of minds, but there can be no iPhone recall. Instead, iPhone 4.0 owners can get a free case for their phone to counteract the antenna problems. Steve Jobs, Apple CEO, talked about that issue along with some other things at the press conference. Source for this article – No iPhone recall, says Jobs at Apple press conference by Personal Money Store.

It’s called Antennagate

A partial transcript is accessible on the Wall Street Journal site. Steve Jobs started by saying the problem is endiemci to smartphones and not just to the iPhone 4.0. He demonstrated other phones with the very same problems. Jobs did confess the iPhone 4.0 dropped more calls than the iPhone 3GS, but less than one more per 100 calls.

What will Apple do over it?

There are bumpers you can purchase, but not enough of them. You can get a free case from Apple if you bought an iPhone 4.0. The offer is good until Sept 30, and you also can get a refund if you bought the bumpers. However, those who bought a case from a 3rd party for iPhone 4.0 are out of luck. Everyone in the next 30 days who wants to return their iPhone 4.0 with or without the free case from Apple can return the phone for a full refund.

What set off Antennagate

The gist of Antennagate was that a common imperfection in smartphones was found in the iPhone 4.0. It drops an almost negligent amount of calls more than the iPhone 3GS. About one half of one percent of the individuals who bought the iPhone observed it, and freaked out. It was then exploited by the media.

Rest assured, Apple is working on it, as they spent $ 100 million designing the antenna to start with. AT and T reported fewer than 2 percent of iPhone 4.0 buyers returned their phones, but the last iPhone, the 3GS saw 6 percent of buyers return it.

More information on this topic

blogs.wsj.com/digits/2010/07/16/live-blogging-apples-press-conference/

The top 10 least costly cars to maintain

If you can forget about your auto loans, buying a new car is a very exciting time for anyone. Purchase price is always important to consider, but do not stop there. All recurring expenses should be considered like fuel and maintenance. Automotive.com provides a list of the top 10 new least costly cars to maintain. What follows are the numbers you’ll have to make an informed decision.

10. 2010 new Chevy

A standard 1.6 L, inline four-cylinder L4 engine was placed in the new Chevy Aveo. Estimates for fuel economy are 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway, which is good within the modern market of green hybrid cars. The MSRP can cost you anywhere between $ 11,965 and $ 15,365.

Five-year maintenance cost: $ 1,361
Costs of repairs over five years is $ 390

9. 2010’s newest Nissan Frontier

Do you believe me when I say that a truck is number 9? The 2010 Nissan Frontier certainly qualifies. The 4.0L V6 engine (or the smaller 2.5 L L4) gets 14 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, which is to be expected with this beast. MSRP ranges from $ 20,690 to $ 26,840, which is on the low end for trucks in its class. But for maintenance and repairs, the 2010 Nissan Frontier is high-class.

Five-year maintenance cost – $ 1,350
About $ 541 is the five year repair cost

8. 2010 Chevy Avalanche

Another truck, this time even larger than the Frontier. With 10 mpg city and 15 mpg highway, the 2010 Chevrolet Avalanche has a 5.3L V8 engine. The MSRP will cost you a chunk of money between $ 35,725 and $ 48,865. But it’s a very solid vehicle that does not require much to keep going.

$ 1,343 will be how much you pay for maintenance each five years
Repairs over five years will costs about $ 611

7. New Chevrolet Malibu

The 2010 Chevrolet Malibu gets us away from trucks and back to smaller cars. The 2.4L four cylinder engine will keep the car running with a mileage of 22 city and 30 highway. MSRP ranges from $ 21,825 to $ 26,605.

Five-year maintenance cost – $ 1,319
Five years of repairs will put you out about $ 431

6. Honda Civic from 2010

Fuel economy is amazing in this little Honda Civic because of a four cylinder engine. The 2010 Civic (sedan or coupe) maxes at 2.0 L.

MSRP range – $ 16,255 – $ 23,800
Five years of maintenance is going to cost $ 1,270
$ 521 is the cost of five years of repair

5. Honda Fit from 2010

“Fit” is a perfect word for this new Honda. A hatchback that gets 28 mpg city/35 mpg highway is perfect for a value-conscious consumer on the go.

MSRP range – $ 15,700 – $ 17,260
Five-year maintenance cost – $ 1,245
Repairs over five years will cost about $ 521

4. Saab 9-7x

The Saab 9-7x has a 6.0 L V8 engine as it is one of the two cars from 2009. That power may only net 20 mpg highway, but other costs (apart from purchase) are low.

You’ll pay min of $ 42,615 and max of $ 49, 105
Five-year maintenance cost – $ 1,214
Repairs for five years cost around $ 600

3. 2009 Saab 9-3

The 2009 Saab 9-3 comes in convertible, sedan and wagon models

MSRP Range – $ 30,360 – $ 51,330
Five years of maintenance will cost around $ 1,183
$ 520 will be the repair cost over a five year period

2. 2010 Saab 9-3

And here’s the next year’s model.

$ 28,900 will be your min price with $ 45,080 as probably the most you’ll pay
Maintenance for five years will cost you $ 1,183
Repairs over five years cost $ 535

1. 2010 MINI Coop

For five years, you will only be paying $ 1,160 in repairs with this baby. Great gas mileage is offered with the dependable 2010 MINI Cooper.

MSRP range – $ 18,800 – $ 34,000
Five-year repair cost – $ 853

Citations

Automotive.com
automotive.com/best-cars/least-expensive-cars-to-maintain/index.html
The 2010 MINI Cooper and “Mission Control”
youtube.com/watch?v=qmX6Ns-we3M

Carte Goodwin Senate appointment unlocks unemployment extension

Carte Goodwin, an aide to West Virginia governor Joe Manchin, was appointed by Manchin to fill the seat left vacant by the June 28 death of Democratic Senator Robert Byrd. Goodwin is the man all unemployed Americans are waiting for. Unemployment benefits will be increased in length if the job bill passes with the final vote that every person expects Goodwin to give. Article source – Carte Goodwin Senate appointment unlocks unemployment extension by Personal Money Store.

Carte Goodwin shows the young replacing the old

The 36 year old Carte Goodwin is the youngest senator filling in for Byrd, who was the oldest senator at age 92. CBS News reports that His vote will prove critical within the first hour of his service within the Senate. A proposal that has yet to go through that could be extending unemployment benefits, can be voted on minutes after Goodwin is sworn into office on Tuesday morning.

Republicans argue against unemployment extension

The seat left vacant by Byrd has left Senate democrats without the 60 votes they need for the unemployment extension. 73 more weeks would be added to unemployed workers for benefits. Republicans think that an unemployment extension would make the deficit worse. The other side argues the economy would get better when all that money is right away put back to the economy and is spent. 70 percent of adults aren’t that concerned about the deficit considering they are worried about their own employment, according to a Bloomberg poll shown on all247news.com.

Senator- Joe Manchin or Carte Goodwin?

Until the November general election, Carte Goodwin is going to keep the seat in senate. The Huffington Post reports that Goodwin already has ties to West Virginia’s Senate delegation. Rochelle, his wife, is a director for his colleague, Senator Jay Rockefeller. Rockefeller called the governor’s pick “unquestionably among West Virginia’s best and brightest” in a Friday statement. Right now, nobody thinks Goodwin will run in November. Joe Manchin already wants to seat too bad.

More info about this topic at these websites

CBS News
cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20010823-503544.html
all247news.com
all247news.com/bloomberg-poll-has-7-out-of-10-americans-favoring-unemployment-reduction-over-deficit-reduction/1908/
Huffington Post
huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/16/carte-goodwin-west-virgin_n_648886.html

Senate passes Wall Street reform bill

The United States Senate has finally passed the Wall Street reform bill. The Senate first voted to stop debate and bring it to a vote. It was expected to pass, as 50 of the required 51 votes were already pledged. The final tally was a sweeping victory for the bill, passing 60 to 39. The President’s desk is the next stop for the bill. The President’s decision is expected by next week at the latest. Resource for this article – Wall Street reform bill passes the Senate by Personal Money Store.

The Wall Street reform bill finally headed for final decision

Before the final vote on the bill, the United States Senate had to quash discussion. The measure to kill debate, as outlined by CNN Money, passed 60 to 38. Soon afterwards, the final vote began. Since spring 2009, a financial reform bill has been expected. The support of some Senate Republicans was needed to get the bill passed. Republicans of both houses still oppose the bill.

What effects the bill has

The bill is largely aimed at Wall Street. It prevents some complex trades, and certain bets on securities, derivatives, and debt bundle packages. The Wall Street reform bill mandates middle men be involved in certain kinds of trades, so firms insulate themselves from each other better. An advisory and regulatory board will be created that will decide the fate of huge firms that are collapsing. A consumer financial protection agency that oversees consumer loans like paydayloans, mortgage loans and credit cards may also be created. The Federal Reserve will house the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

The critics weigh in

According to the Wall Street Journal, the economists they surveyed were split down the middle whether they would have voted for it. Most believe that the effects will be minimal. The House Minority Leader John Boehner has already called for the repeal of the bill and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said it will “stifle growth and kill jobs .” The bill also grants a minor oversight of the Federal Reserve, audits allowed only after emergency loans are made, excluding monetary policy, and do not address Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac at all.

Citations

money.cnn.com/2010/07/15/news/economy/Wall_Street_reform_bill_vote/index.htm

money.cnn.com/2010/06/25/news/economy/whats_in_the_reform_bill/index.htm?postversion=2010063018

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703722804575369050948609966.html

Mortgage lending- Do not get pregnant if you need to buy a house

You need to know this if you want a house to raise a family in. Women who are pregnant and plan to stay home to take care of the baby may not qualify for a mortgage loan. Mortgage lenders are too scared that they won’t get their payments with this situation. Despite the Pregnancy Discrimination Act, mortgage lenders say they’re denying mortgages to expectant couples because they must comply with strict new standards for verifying income.

Discrimination caused with mortgage lending standards so strict

Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae began a loan quality initiative which is where the pregnancy discrimination is coming from. Fannie and Freddie made is required for a loan to go out the financial status, reports that New York Times, has to be checked at the end of the process. The last day is when borrows have to be qualified for the loan, because of the loan quality initiative. Lenders also must document that the mortgage borrower’s income is likely to continue for at least 3 years.

Maternity leave looks bad to mortgage lenders

Some mortgage lenders are flirting with pregnancy discrimination because of maternity leave. Mortgage lenders see simply a short term disability insurance they have to deal with. The disability payments don’t continue for three years meaning lenders working with Fannie and Freddie will refuse to count maternity leave as income. The mortgage has to be applied for again after going back to work. The times article shows an example with a couple that is expecting in the relatively near future. Both salaries would be required to qualify for a loan on the home they wanted. The mom is not “employed” anymore following the child is born and won’t qualify for the loan at closing anymore.

Pregnancy Discrimination act doesn’t mean those wanting a home

Mortgage lenders say they’re not discriminating against pregnancy but against income. Equal Credit Opportunity Act shows on Lawyers.com that marital status and gender can’t be discriminated against. Lenders can’t ask you how you are likely to raise children because of the act also. Any questions about expenditures can be asked though. Pregnancy discrimination became illegal in 1978. The Pregnancy Discrimination Act shows us that being prejudice against women who are pregnant, or anything like it, is just sex discrimination. The act was really only placed for employment purposes.

Additional information at these websites

New York Times
nytimes.com/2010/07/20/your-money/mortgages/20mortgage.html
Lawyers.com
lawyers.com/our-blog/archives/251-Pregnancy-Leave-Puts-Mortgage-in-Doubt.html

Smithsonian including auto crash dummies

The Smithsonian accepted two GM crash dummies in donations. Vince and Larry were the names of these dummies which were in 1980s commercials and clothing for them were donated as well. An auto safety exhibit is to be displayed.

The test dummies, Vince and Larry

Part of the new donation to the Smithsonian museum integrated costumes for “Vince” and “Larry”, the crash test dummies. The Leo Burnett Agency used them within the 1980s to help individuals want to use seat belts. Rather than the blood and guts of most safety advertisements at the time, Larry and Vince used humor to encourage seat belt use. The costumes will be preserved as these because pop-culture icons.

Auto safety exhibit donations

Other developments in car safety are likely to be displayed at the Smithsonian. The 1961 three point safety belt that was the first made was donated. Also donated by Chevrolet was the first collapsible steering column that was made in 1967. General Motors added donations of its Hybrid III and 50H-1 crash test dummies, which have been used as most recently as six months ago. The American Automobile Association also donated several driver training manuals from the 1930s, including “wartime” and “sportsmanlike” driving manuals.

The evolution of car safety

Although developments have always been coming along in automobile safety, it didn’t really become something the public was concerned with until the 1960s. Lap and shoulder belts in cars became mandatory in that decade, and it took quite a bit of public relations work to win acceptance for their use. Drivers had concerns about seat belts including being hurt by it rather than other things or being “stuck” and not being able to get out. Security features in the car, some thought within the 70s, made them look like they were bad drivers and gave them a bad image.

Watch the crash test PSA

youtube.com/watch?v=ziBcZejPPlY

Rising status of India shown in new currency symbol for rupee

When India announced that it will implement a unique symbol for the Indian Rupee in world financial markets Thursday, the arcane subject of currency symbols became a hot topic. The Indian rupee had no currency symbol before, simply the abbreviations Rs, Re, or INR. On June 24, the symbol, a hybrid of the Roman letter R and its Hindi equivalent accentuated with a double slash, will be finalized by India’s Union Cabinet. Implementing the new rupee symbol may take a few years and is bound to cost billions of dollars, based on the recent implementation of the Euro symbol. Resource for this article – India seeks elite status with new currency symbol for the rupee by Personal Money Store.

The rise of the rupee warrants a new currency symbol

World financial markets had no way to identify the currency of India, which is the second largest democracy within the world. As reported within the Deccan Chronicle, the new rupee symbol was selected as the winner of a design competition to create a mark that reflected the historic culture of India. Indian official said the use of abbreviated Rs as currency symbols by neighbors like Sri Lanka, Nepal and Pakistan cause confusion in world financial markets and also the new rupee symbol will end that confusion. Giving the rupee a distinct identity will even make it more easily tradeable in the west as India aspires to become a financial superpower.

Indian government seeking elite status

Until now unique currency symbols existing only for the U.S. dollar, European Euro, British Pound, and Japanese Yen. The introduction of the new rupee symbol, the BBC reports, is a statement by India that it is one of the world’s elite economies. A panel of artists, officials and bankers picked the new rupee symbol design from up to 36,000 entries within the contest. A design from a design teacher at the Indian Institute of Technology was declared the winner. The winning prize was Rs 2.5 lakh which is about $ 5,350.

Euro symbol’s welcome cost billions

Its expensive to implement a new currency, according to experts. Suite 101 reports that it is extremely difficult to design because it involves rigorous testing across a wide range of technical applications like the web, banners, and mobile phones. Plus, it needs to be adaptable to computer keyboards and a large investment is required to print a new banknote design. When the euro symbol was introduced in 1999, the BBC article said, Europe’s biggest companies had to update computer systems to the tune of more than $ 50 billion.

Discover more about this topic here

deccanchronicle.com

bbc.co.uk

suite101.com

Peaceful Muslims should refudiate mosque that was planned by Palin's tweet

Sarah Palin wants peaceful Muslims to “refudiate” the controversial ground zero mosque in New York. The national lexicon now has to word “refudiate” following the numerous tweets Palin had Sunday with the made up word in it. In a series of Sarah Palin tweets, Muslims were urged to join the Tea Party in opposition to a project intended to promote harmony and understanding between cultures.

Sarah Palin refudiates plain English

The media is more interested within the Tea Party after Palin’s refudiate comments. These tweets have caused the whole nation to hear Palin, along with the “Tea Party Americans” that really wanted to hear about it. Palin couldn’t resist giving her opinion on the Manhattan ground zero mosque the Tea Party is using for attention.

Comments on ground zero mosque only used to Palin back in spotlight

There is a project near ground zero which is 13 stories high which will be a mosque, community center, and gym for the American Society for Muslim Advancement and the Cordoba Initiative promoting understanding between Islamic and Western culture, and Palin asks that the “peaceful” Muslims “refudiate”. New York politicians are divided on the issue, CBS News reports. State Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg think the project is an excellent idea; nevertheless, the financing on the project should be investigated if you ask Peter King, the previous Republican congressmen and congressman Rick Lazio, who’s a Republican running for governor.

Palin discuses ‘Peaceful’ Muslims with Twitter

Palin started her foray to the issue of the mosque by tweeting:

“Ground Zero Mosque supporters: doesn’t it stab you in the heart, as it does ours throughout the heartland? Peaceful Muslims, pls refudiate”

Liberal tweeters fought back soon after Palin’s tweet. Numerous just made fun of the fact that she didn’t know how to speak. CBS News shows how Jon Henke attacked her comment more than the fact that she made up a word: “We want peaceful Muslims to distinguish themselves from radical Muslims, but we can’t distinguish between a peaceful Mosque and terrorists?”

First there was Shakespeare, then there was Palin

Palin tweeted more after the attention she got. Bloggers continued to skewer Palin for her language choices. After previous tweets urging Muslims to join the Tea Party in opposition to a project that promotes cultural harmony were deleted, she wrapped up the series with a message trying to capitalize on the national punch line she has become: “‘Refudiate,’ ‘misunderestimate,’ ‘wee-wee’d up.’ English is a living language. Shakespeare liked to coin new words too. Got to celebrate it!”

Behind the Palin tweets

Palin’s strategy with the final tweet, according to the Wall Street Journal, was to align herself with previous President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama and the bard, William Shakespeare. “Misunderestimate” was a non-word famously coined by Bush who used the term on various occasions. ”Wee-wee’d up” Obama used about a year ago in August. The term was defined simply by Robert Gibbs: ”I think ‘wee-wee’d up’ is when people get nervous for no particular reason,” he explained

More information about this topic at these websites

CBS News
cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20010892-503544.html
Wall Street Journal
blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2010/07/19/sarah-palin-wont-refudiate-mosque-comments/

Changes to student loan programs make repayment easier

With the fall semester of 2010 coming up for students, recent changes to student loan programs are taking effect. One of the changes is an income based repayment standard being implemented. This could help make it an easy loans for students with debt trying to make payments. For student loans, new formulas and rules will help make higher education more reasonable for most.

Rates for student loans dropping

Rates on a form of small loan subsidized by the government dropped on July 1. Rates for Stafford loans which were subsidized dropped from 5.6 percent to 4.5 percent. Subsidized loans that originated before July 1, 2010, and unsubsidized loans may have the very same rate as before.

Income based upon repayment changes

The changes to student loan programs that could have the biggest effect are all of the changes to income based upon repayment formulas. Many recent graduates are discovering that with a tough job market and banks with no money to lend, it is nearly impossible to make student loan payments. This income based upon repayment recalculation adjusts the program introduced last year. The point of income-based repayment is to keep debt manageable for all of the students who are saddled with huge loans and few job prospects.

Removing the marriage penalty

For married couples who have two sets of student loans, the new income based repayment formula won’t penalize married couples. Combined loan payment amounts can be used to calculate eligibility as long as couples are likely to file their taxes jointly. Only a single money loan balance could be measured against total household income.

Current balance against repayment balance

Income based upon repayment used to be calculated using the amount borrowers owed when they first entered repayment. Now, income-based repayment estimates could be calculated using the current amount nevertheless owed. This will help reduce the load on students who have had loans in deferment, building interest without making payments.

Are electric car skeptics going to be convinced by the Chevy Volt battery warranty?

The Chevy Volt lithium-ion battery has emerged as the most worrisome part of the electric car General Motors is staking its future on. For either eight years, or 100,000 miles, depending on which comes first, GM announced Wednesday the Volt’s lithium-ion battery is going to be guaranteed. Article resource – Will Chevy Volt battery warranty convince electric car skeptics by Personal Money Store.

The Chevy Volt battery is literally different from other electric cars

GM’s conventional car engines and transmissions very same warranties aren’t nearly as good as the Chevy Volt battery warranty. According to CNN, Comparable warranties for battery packs are on the Toyota Prius, Ford Escape, and other popular hybrid models. But the Volt’s lithium-ion battery uses a chemistry different from Ford and Toyota. Many individuals are worried as the battery works alone for up to 40 miles before using gas.

GM thinks the batter could be able to last for years

CNN was confident by a GM spokeswoman that the warranty for the Chevy Volt lithium-ion battery can be transferred to an car loan that is new when the car is sold. GM really wants this longer warranty to help convince those who are skeptic of it that the Volt’s lithium battery will last much longer. Volt’s battery is like cell phone and computer batteries, being hard to replace after wearing out, according to the Associated Press. It will cost thousands to replace the Volt battery, weighing 400 pounds.

Technology for the Volt battery has GM’s confidence

The Volt battery can charge in 8-10 hours on 120-volt power or about four hours through a 240-volt hookup. It was reported by Auto Week that the lithium-ion battery has 161 components that could be covered by the warranty. The warranty also includes the battery’s thermal management system, charging system and electric-drive components. The Volt battery has a liquid heating and cooling system, meant to extend the battery’s life by keeping it at optimal temperatures, and GM has confidence in this which is what allows them to have the longer warranty. The Volt is the only such mass-market automobile with a liquid-powered thermal management system. The Nissan Leaf electric car, available in December, has an air-cooled battery.

Chevy Volt has a wait list

You will be lucky if you are able to borrow the money and actually get the Chevy volt lithium-ion battery with the warranty. GM only wants to build 10,000 Volts in 2011, as outlined by another CNN article. 30,000 Volts are prepared to be made in 2012, but that won’t meet demands nevertheless. GM also plans to only sell the car in certain places. The Volt will initially only be sold in six states and the District of Columbia. The advertised price is 40,000, or 32,000 after tax credits for electric car, but you should plan to pay more to get your Volt.

More information about this topic at these websites

CNN
money.cnn.com/2010/07/14/autos/volt_battery_warranty/?npt=NP1
Associated Press
google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jG137SoV7h3AdI0SyNe4d5rVeicQD9GUVQU83
Auto Week
autoweek.com/article/20100714/GREEN/100719940

Toyota asserts Matrix power steering not defective

Toyota recalls earlier this year may have masked an investigation the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration performed on nearly a billion 2009 and 2010 Toyota Matrix and Toyota Corolla cars. Power steering issues were up for analysis. Toyota says the possible safety defect isn’t really a defect, as outlined by Auto Blog. Toyota is so certain of this the company thinks it can stay away from one more recall and instead provide free repairs to any customers who ask.

Toyota Matrix power steering prone to drifting or locking

Probably the most amazing aspect of this issue is that Toyota isn’t really saying that frozen or drifting power steering units in Toyota Matrix and Corollas aren’t safety defects. Toyota reportedly has 437 reports on record of the problem (resulting in 11 injuries and 18 crashes), but Toyota considers the issue one of “customer satisfaction,” rather than a defect or safety issue. AutoBlog indicates that Toyota has advised its dealers via a Technical Service Bulletin that tire pressure and alignment should be considered culprits first. If the report’s prescription of checking tire pressure and alignment do not do the trick, then and only then will a new power steering unit be put in.

AutoBlog indicates the GM Matrix clone the Pontiac Vibe may have comparable difficulties with power steering.

No recall means more money in Toyota’s pocket

If Toyota is allowed to go with not recalling the 2009 and 2010 Toyota Matrix or Corolla, they will conserve money and keep away from having to report to regulators. But the NHTSA may have to sign off on the “non-defect” idea first. At this time, they’re nevertheless investigating. Toyota would rather keep away from a PR nightmare. A forced recall could strike down any goodwill Toyota has been able to salvage with the public of late.

Citations

AutoBlog

autoblog.com/2010/07/13/report-toyota-says-corolla-matrix-steering-issue-not-a-defect/

Tea Party condemned for racism at NAACP convention

Some members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People think the Tea Party is racist. Condemning the Tea Party for racism was the subject of a resolution up for a vote at the NAACP convention in Kansas City on Tuesday. Some Tea Party members countered by saying the NAACP is racist. The NAACP resolution is meaningless, said a leader of the black community in Atlanta, who things the Tea Party's grass roots movement is an example that should be followed. Resource for this article – NAACP convention resolution accuses Tea Party of racism by Personal Money Store.

Tea Party racists caught on film

Tea Party racism is an assumption some have formed in response to media coverage showing Tea Party posters of 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 Washington Post reports that the NAACP Tea Party resolution says members of the movement have “displayed signs and posters intended to degrade people of color usually and President Barack Obama specifically” and calls “the racist elements” within the Tea Party “a threat to progress ".

Tea Party Patriots call NAACP racist

The NAACP Tea Party resolution challenges the movement to acknowledge that it harbors racists and to denounce their behavior. The resolution also accuses the Tea Party of opposing programs that aid working individuals and minorities. Two Tea Party members told the Los Angeles Times that a couple of bad actors are responsible for Tea Party racism, not the movement at large. Racist behavior has occurred at Tea Party rallies, said Jenny Beth Martin of the online network Tea Party Patriots, but the movement has warned its misanthropes to keep their prejudice under their hats. Tea Party Patriot Mary Meckler told the Times that accusing the movement of racism was "ironic" coming from a racist organization like the NAACP.

Tea Party a role model? The NAACP

Charing Ball, a black media personality in Atlanta, said that whether the debate is about Tea Party racism or NAACP racism, the NAACP is missing the point. Ball understands the emotions behind the NAACP Tea Party resolution. But writing in the Atlanta Post, he wonders why the NAACP is wasting its time and energy on symbolic gestures rather than preparing and organizing for real racial justice. Ball points out that the NAACP could ensure more progress on racial justice by adopting Tea Party methods. 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.

Discover more details here

washingtonpost.com

latimes.com

atlantapost.com

There could be an estate tax making death more of an incentive for some?

At the end of 2009, Congress allowed former President George W. Bush’s estate tax to expire. Many of the wealthy people were trying desperately to stay alive as advice by Senate until following the tax was over, January 1, 2010. That way, their families would keep away from having to pay a 45 percent estate tax (or death tax, if you prefer). These estate taxes are probably coming back in 2011 unless Congress decides to try and change the law.

If the estate tax is 55 percent, there can be less of an exemption

55 percent is what the top estate tax rate will rise too while exemptions that used to be $ 3.5 million per individual will fall to $ 1 million, according to the Wall Street Journal. Even if they have to borrow money, eight times more taxpayers can be paying estate taxes now. An example of how the new estate tax would affect a $ 5 million estate is given by the Journal. If the wealthy individual dies one minute after midnight on January 1, 2011 rather than just two minutes earlier, the added estate tax cost would be over $ 2 million. $ 8 million would be the cost if the estate was $ 15 million. ”I want my cash now” is being said by all the heirs.”

Called ‘The largest increase in a major tax that we’ve ever seen’

Many people care little about rich individuals losing money. Nevertheless, this change in the way estate is taxed is dramatic. Joseph Thorndike of the nonprofit organization Tax Analysts told the Journal “a jump from zero to 55 percent would be the largest increase in a major tax that we’ve ever seen” and a huge pay day for the government and Internal Revenue Service. Elderly estate-holders and their heirs have come to ponder the rather perverse death incentive the looming estate tax provides. Although they have had chances, Congress won’t take any action with fear of the November elections ahead. Many unanswered questions – like whether retroactive extension to the current zero-level estate tax could be approved – weigh heavily on the minds of estate holders and their kin.

Estate tax suicide should never be considered, even by doctors

A human life is worth more than all the riches within the world. Even though patients may be too busy working out their estate tax problems to listen, doctors will tell patients this under their Hippocratic Oath. They partake of such morbid ventures as suicide tourism, where the estate holder near the end of life travels to a nation with aid-in-dying laws. Although both Switzerland and the Netherlands, according to the Wall Street Journal, both allow doctors to aid in suicide, only Switzerland will allow this to be extended to visitors from an additional country.

Discover more details here

Wall Street Journal
online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703609004575355572928371574.html
Oh yeah? Well, Bill Gates’ dad likes it!
youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ_jxLKbbDo

Lower credit scores and tighter lending standards become the norm

Millions of Americans are seeing credit scores fall to new lows. Tighter lending standards and lower credit scores have economic recovery having a hard time finding its way back. Figures provided by FICO Inc. show that 25.5 percent of consumers — about 43 million individuals — now have a credit score of 599 or below. These consumers probably won’t be able to get the affordable mortgages, auto loan for bad credit and credit cards that economic recovery is depending on.

Lowest credit score category has millions in it

Along with a high unemployment rate and depressed home prices, plunging credit scores seem to be canceling out what should be optimistic things like record low mortgage rates and no-interest automotive loans. The Associated Press reports that FICO’s findings show an additional 2.4 million individuals fell into the lowest credit score categories during the Great Recession. Below a 599 score there used to only be 15 percent of 170 million consumers, 25.5 million people. Borrowing for these consumers is often limited to short term credit alternatives like installment loans for bad credit, personal loan and cash til payday advances.

Low credit scores need to be fixed with a lifeline

Soon there should be more under the 599 score despite the fact that it is already lower than it has ever been. It was reported by the Associated Press that scores don’t go down for numerous months following the first missed payment. 26 million people, according to the Labor Department, are out of work or underemployed. Just a simple foreclosure of a home takes your score down 150 points. Once the damage is done, it might be years before this group can restore their credit scores, even with a strong short-term credit history. These people can be saved, luckily, by these short term credit alternatives.

Credit scores are lowered by lending standards

Banks help lower credit scores. Creditcards.com reports that by cutting credit lines and increasing interest rates, banks are lowering their customers’ credit scores. FICO tends to compare debt levels to credit limits. When you will find fewer credit lines, it looks like somebody has more debt even when it hasn’t changed at all. Plus, higher interest rates make it tougher to pay off existing debts. And do not forget about talking to banks for a personel loans.

Is the economic recovery ever going to happen with credit so difficult to get?

Consumer spending depending on credit fueled an unsustainable U.S. economic boom that was destined to bust. Considering the latest FICO report on record low credit scores, it’s no wonder a U.S. economic recovery is stuck in neutral, as outlined by the Dallas News. The economy isn’t really going to grow if individuals aren’t able to make the necessary purchases because they can’t get a loan. Americans have to start spending if their credit scores are ever going to improve and if the economy is ever going to get better. For an economy driven by consumer spending, that can be an amazing feat indeed.

Discover more about this topic here

Associated Press
google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g74qg6iCDzFlCHhjsiBGFIHAiJPQD9GTIVU80
Creditcards.com
blogs.creditcards.com/2010/07/fico-credit-scores-fall.php
Dallas News
dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/opinion/editorials/stories/DN-ourcredit_00edi.State.Edition1.6ff689.html

Islamic website boasts a death threat for cartoonist Molly Norris

Molly Norris is a Seattle cartoonist, but became well known and almost famous by instigating the, Everyone Draw Mohammad Day, on Facebook. Now Norris is marked for death by a Muslim cleric. The event that took place on the social networking site Facebook was titled, Everyone Draw Mohammad. This was initiated as the creators of the TV show, South Park, had their lives confronted for depicting the Prophet Mohammad in one of their episodes. Molly Norris decided that threatening them was unacceptable and this was a good way to stand up to terrorism. The runaway popularity of the event generated its own brand of hate that rivaled Islamic bigotry. Norris tried to offer a sincere apology stating that here intentions aren’t to offend the whole group, but it made no difference to the terrorist group that nevertheless wants her life. Resource for this article – Cartoonist Molly Norris marked for death by Islamic website by Personal Money Store.

Anwar al-Awlaki wants Molly Norris murdered

Regardless of your own religious beliefs, Muslim law give authorization and encouragement for everyone to be murdered who depicts the Prophet Mohammad in a drawing of any sort. It is strictly against Islamic law to draw Mohammad. Everybody Draw Mohammad Day, got Norris marked by a terrorist leader who’s also on the FBI’s most wanted, Anwar al-Awlaki. The New York Daily News reported that a plot from two New Jersey men to kill U.S. soldiers as well as the recent Fort Hood, Texas massacre were implemented by Anwar al-Awlaki In an Al Qaeda magazine, Inspire, Anwar al-Awlaki was quoted as calling her a “prime target” whose “proper adobe is hellfire.” Muslim terrorists are a very significant threat as outlined by the FBI, and they have made Norris aware of the publications and threats about her.

Idle threats aren’t often made by al-Awlaki

Norris has already presented an apology to the Muslim people, and called the event off. Even though, Everyone Draw Muhammad Day, became very inappropriate and offensive, she stated that, that was not her intent. The site that published her death mark is used to recruit American Muslims for Jihad, and despite her apology they’re still out to slaughter her. She is not the only one being targeted for drawing Muhammad, a Danish cartoonist, Kurt Westergaard, is also on their list. Westergaard and his granddaughter were forced to take shelter in his homes panic room this past February, when a man recruited to be a Jihad tried to kill him with an axe for his depictions.

The mark for death has caused Molly Norris to take up hiding

Molly Norris posted a YouTube video explaining the real reason behind this day as well as showing a picture she herself drew. She apologized to Muslims who were offended and urged viewers to call off the event. Yet her pleas got her nowhere, and so did her own true feelings. She followed up her video with yet another cartoon about the, Diet of Fear, joking about how if you make the Muslims made you will be scared to eat.

This threat from al-Awlaki has caused Norris to take down all her personal content and close her Facebook account. In addition she also took down her YouTube video that explained the cartoon and idea behind the day.

Citations

New York Daily News
nydailynews.com/news/world/2010/07/11/2010-07-11_cleric_anwar_alawlaki_puts_everybody_draw_mohammed_cartoonist_molly_norris_on_ex.html
AOL News
aolnews.com/article/muhammad-cartoon-activist-lands-on-al-qaida-hit-list/19550262
Washington Post
voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2010/07/draw_muhammad_artist_placed_on.html

Aon Hewitt created by merger

In a deal worth almost $ 5 billion, consulting and insurance company Aon Corporation is buying HR outsourcing firm Hewitt Associates. The newly-formed Aon Hewitt division will function much like Hewitt Associates did before the purchase. After a few years of transition, the combined company will probably save about $ 355 million each year.

Source for this article – Aon Corporation purchases Hewitt Associates, creates Aon Hewitt by Personal Money Store

Hewitt Associates to be purchased by Aon

The cost of purchasing Hewitt Associates will be about $ 3.9 billion, to be paid half in cash and half in stock from Aon. Aon Corporation is paying about $ 50 per share for Hewitt Associates, about 41 percent more than current value. Aon will pay current Hewitt stockholders .63 Aon stocks and $ 25.61 per Hewitt stock. Aon offices and Hewitt offices will combine their administrative functions while maintaining separate businesses as Aon Hewitt. Hewitt Associates stock rose while Aon stock fell on this news. The new Aon Hewitt company will be housed in Illinois. No word yet on how many employees of Aon or Hewitt may lose their jobs during this combination of business operations.

The business of Aon Corporation

Aon Corporation is a global “risk management and human capital consulting services” business. Clients of Aon get insurance brokerage services and advice. The company trades stock on the NYSE, and is classified as a financial business. Just one year ago, in August of 2009, Aon Corporation shed three separate insurance companies from its business model.

How Hewitt Associates operates

Hewitt Associates is a business that focuses on human resource outsourcing. Administrative services, including human resources, make up the bulk of Hewitt Associates’ business. Hewitt also provides some consulting services. Traded on the New York Stock Exchange, Hewitt is a “commercial service and supply” business. Hewitt Associates has been through some major restructuring lately. In May of 2010, HRAdvance Inc. was purchased by Hewitt, at about the same time Latin American business operations were spun off into an entirely separate company.

Home Run Derby 2010 hits homer for good causes

Home Run Derby 2010 precedes the Major League Baseball All-Star Game and showcases the game’s heavy hitters. It may just be for fun and not mean anything within the standings, but its value to charitable organizations – thanks to the “Go to Bat” program of Major League Baseball and State Farm insurance – can’t be overstated. Fans select their charity of choice and sluggers flex their longball muscles. Charitable donations to the Boys and Girls Clubs of The US and a trip to the 2010 World Series are up for grabs.

Article resource: Home Run Derby 2010 circles the bases for charity by Personal Money Store

Home Run Derby 2010 – Grand slam for charity

Home Run Derby 2010 and State Farm’s “Go to Bat” game will make things that much brighter for charities above and beyond the baseball world. After registering at the “Go to Bat” web portal, fans will be eligible for random selection by State Farm on a weekly basis, and 10 weekly winners can have $ 100 given to their charity of choice. Playing an online Home Run Derby 2010 will increase their odds of being selected and the likelihood of their charity receiving funds. Out of 10 weekly winners, one could be chosen for the grand prize of a trip for two to the 2010 World Series. The second half of the Major League Baseball season will be the “Go to Bat” contest ground, and will end on September 26.

The gold’s within the game at the Home Run Derby 2010

It doesn’t matter whether it’s Miguel Cabrera, Corey Hart, Matt Holliday, David Ortiz, Hanley Ramirez, Nick Swisher, Vernon Wells or Chris Young who sends the most home runs to the bleachers at Anaheim’s Angel Stadium, the Boys and Girls Clubs of The United States will come out on top. That’s what happens as State Farm gives $ 3,000 per homer hit during Home Run Derby 2010, and $ 17,000 when a player launches the “Gold Ball” with one out remaining in their round. Not only that, but one of the local chapters of the Club will get $ 50,000 from State Farm, when the remaining seven chapters local to Orange County, Calif. will receive $ 10,000 apiece. Not to be outdone, the fan-selected charity that receives probably the most support will get an additional $ 25,000 boost from State Farm.

What player will beat the field in Home Run Derby 2010?

Corey Hart is a dark horse with a big time bat. He’s the hottest hitter of the group as competition commences.

More information on this topic

prnewswire.com/news-releases/state-farm-and-major-league-baseball-go-deep-for-charities-with-go-to-bat-program-98234949.html

statefarm.com/gotobat

Wedding of Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher – Saturday in Georgia

Winner of American Idol and country music star in her own right, Carrie Underwood’s wedding is sure to be a big affair. Carrie Underwood and hockey star Mike Fisher are preparing an event Saturday in Greensboro, Georgia. The cost of Carrie Underwood’s wedding has not yet been reported, but it’s sure to be high.

Source of article: Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher Wedding – Saturday in Georgia by Personal Money Store

The wedding in Greensboro, GA

The Saturday wedding of Mike Fisher and Carrie Underwood is taking over an entire Ritz-Carlton hotel. With only 3,000 individuals, the town of Greensboro, GA can be the host. All 251 rooms in the Ritz-Carlton hotel were reserved for the Underwood-Fisher wedding. Thursday, the wedding party started arriving.

Other plans for Carrie Underwood’s Wedding

According to interviews given by Fisher and Underwood, the Saturday wedding is going to be a big affair. In an interview with Life and Style, Fisher said it would be “…a good-size wedding with plenty of good food and an open bar, but nothing too overblown.” Conservatively, the wedding will probably end up costing between one-quarter to one-half of a million dollars. Renting out 251 rooms in a Ritz-Carlton for four days alone would be $ 100,000. Add on food, an open bar, dress, flowers, clothing, and every little thing else that comes with a celebrity wedding, and they’re probably easily looking at a huge price tag.

How is Carrie Underwood’s wedding an example?

Mike and Carrie were very quiet about their wedding plans. With an average yearly income that is higher than eight figures, though, it is sure to be a very small percentage of their yearly income. The average American wedding costs $ 25,000 as outlined by TheKnow.com. Finding ways to reduce wedding costs has lately become a huge topic in wedding preparing. Though Carrie Underwood’s wedding isn’t really employing any of these suggestions, if you are planning your own wedding you might be well-set to try out something like collecting cans, DIY projects, or even potluck food.

Developed for blinds drivers – Ford Escape

Blind drivers have typically been left out of the equation when it comes to latest automotive innovations. The fact the phrase “blind drivers” could be uttered at all in The US might invoke a bad comedy act to some, but that technology is changing the playing field. The Detroit Bureau blog reports that the National Federation of the Blind is at the moment developing a special version of the Ford Escape that will allow blind drivers to safely and independently use America’s roadways.

Source for this article: New Ford Escape is being developed for blind drivers by Car Deal Expert

Drivers who are blind can ’see’ the road

In January 2011, the Rolex 24 endurance race at Daytona International Speedway will contain a specially modified Ford Escape that will enable its blind driver to see and compete, writes The Detroit Bureau. This will occur after the special Ford Escape’s debut at the Blind Driver Challenge that is earlier in the month. When it could be a while before such a automobile becomes accessible to the public view, the day for blind drivers will eventually come.

AirPix gives ’sight’ to those who are blind drivers

Developed by technicians at Virginia Tech University, AirPix technology uses a non-visual interface that allows blind drivers to be familiar with their surroundings and also to perform standard driving functions like steering, braking and accelerating. Going beyond blind spot camera technology, AirPix is a viable technology that is going to be making blind drivers actual drivers, rather than just passengers or pedestrians. A small tablet that resembles a small air hockey table is the AirPix interface. Air currents keep blind drivers informed as to the roadway environment. Another technology called DriveGrip uses a glove that informs blind drivers of conditions by some vibrations.

Think this is science fiction? Think again

Individual elements of the technology the National Federation of the Blind can be displayed soon at the annual convention of the organization. By the time the Blind Driver Challenge gets under way in late January 2011, more than one autonomous or semi-autonomous automobile for blind drivers may participate. Blind drivers are the future.

More information available at these websites:

The Detroit Bureau

thedetroitbureau.com/2010/07/new-car-could-let-the-blind-drive/

See the car that empowers the blind to drive:

youtube.com/watch?v=wf-zNYu7V68

California state employees qualify for no-cost loans

Because California has not yet passed a fiscal-year budget, all state employees are facing a cut in their paycheck. Until a budget is passed, the governor of California has asked that all paychecks for state employees be cut to the federal minimum wage. Some banks and credit unions are offering a instant money to these employees, including no-interest installment payday loans.

Resource for this article: California state employees offered low cost loan choices by Personal Money Store

Cutting employee pay in California

The state of California hadn't passed a budget when their fiscal year began on July 1. The State of California is going to be facing a $ 19.1 billion spending budget deficit if they don't pass a budget. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger ordered that all 200,000 state employees have their wages reduced to minimum wage until a budget is passed. The state budgeting and payroll system, though, needs an overhaul and state Controller John Chiang said the reduction wouldn't be possible.

“Impasse” loans offered

Products called “budget impasse loans” that are basically no fax payday loans are being offered with no interest from Wells Fargo and Bank of America. These loans are offered for no interest and no credit check. State employees can get cash money or higher limits on their credit lines. When a state spending budget is passed, eventually, the employees will get a retroactive payment they can use to settle these loans.

Qualifying for impasse loans from banks

Employees who have to get a personal loans aren’t instantly qualifying for zero-interest loans from these banks. Instead, the state employees must already have an account with the bank or credit union. State employees have only seen a balanced budget passed on time in ten of the last thirty-four years – so it's not a surprise banks are ready.