The truth behind the Catalonia bullfighting ban

Spain and bullfighting go hand in hand. Yet bullfighting was banned within the Spanish province of Catalonia July 28. The bullfighting ban can have to start by year 2010 in Spain. Animal rights activists were joyous when they found out the Catalonian parliament in Barcelona decided to pass the ban. But individuals close to the story said the bullfighting ban wasn’t about animal cruelty. Many think that Catalonians are just trying to be different than the rest of Spain in this political act. Source for this article – Catalonia bullfighting ban is about politics, not animal cruelty by Personal Money Store.

Catalonia bullfighting isn’t about animal rights

The Catalonia bullfighting ban appears to be more about politics than animal cruelty. NPR reports that Catalonia has only one bullring and about 15 bullfights a year. Anti-bullfighting activists denounced the longtime Spanish custom as cruel, while supporters insisted ending it will damage Spanish culture. Some Catalonians calling for even greater independence from Spain say the bullfighting ban shows they’re willing to break from Spanish tradition. Barcelona is when all this began while bulls seem unharmed by the activity. Spain has about 1,000 bullfights a year.

Anti-bullfighting drives a wedge between Catalonia and Madrid

Spanish conservatives and fans of bullfighting were upset with the Catalonia bullfighting ban. The Popular Party is expecting there to be an anti-Spanish rebuke within the near future with anything that is going on. Catalonia has always been one to separate from the pack considering their own language they have as well as the culture that is separate from the rest of Spain. It has been seen by everyone all the pressure to outlaw bullfighting as a political statement.

Banning bullfighting just to rebel

Damian Corrigan, Spanish travel blogger, the Catalonia bullfighting ban had nothing to do with bulls that die within the sport. Writing for About.com, Corrigan said Catalonia’s self-indulgent struggle for independence is illogical and irrelevant in today’s Europe. Really, all that Catalonians want are less taxes going to Madrid. Coherent political stances are optional and rebellion exists simply for the sake of rebellion.

Find more information on this subject

NPR

npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/07/28/128817532/bullfighting-banned-in-spanish-province

Associated Press

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hoSaaIUwsevwg2RB34sY8mHh7tNAD9H82A704

About.com

gospain.about.com/b/2010/07/28/barcelona-bullfighting-ban.htm

Tony Hayward loses CEO job but stays at BP to run Russian venture

Tony Hayward was expected to resign Monday after a meeting in London to decide his fate. 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 . After cultivating a reckless culture that led to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico 2010 and then botching BP’s response, Hayward seems is wiggling off the hook. But before he starts his new job, some senators want to ask him about a BP-Libya oil deal that stipulated the release of a convicted terrorist. Resource for this article – Tony Hayward steps down to run TNK-BP Russian oil venture by Personal Money Store.

Tony Hayward’s Siberian sojourn

BP boots Tony Hayward from the corner office in October. The New York Daily News ran an Associated Press report that said Hayward will probably be changed as BP’s CEO by Robert Dudley. Dudley is the man who replaced Hayward as BP’s director of the oil spill response. The board of BP’s Russian venture TNK-BP now has a seat for Hayward. In an ironic twist, Dudley led TNK-BP until he got on someone’s bad side and had to leave Russia in 2008.

Will Hayward fare better at TK-BP than Dudley?

Tony Hayward’s new post at BP’s 50-50 joint venture with Russian oligarchs suggests that his business nevertheless thinks more of him than most Americans and the United States political establishment. The TNK-BP venture, according to the Washington Post, is one BP’s most important projects—with 25 percent of its total production. But Robert Dudley’s experience proves the post can be a headache. After getting into a dispute with Russian shareholders, Dudley was forced to leave the country.

Did Tony Hayward make the BP-Libya oil deal?

Tony Hayward may be stepping down, but that won’t stop U.S. Senators Bob Menendez and Kirsten Gillibrand from trying to haul him before Congress. The senators will hold a hearing July 29 on the release of the Lockerbie bomber and the New York Observer reports that they want to ask Hayward a few questions. The senators have been pushing British officials for weeks to conduct a full investigation of the links between a BP-Libya oil deal and also 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.

Further reading

nydailynews.com/

nytimes.com

observer.com

Get some basic auto glass repair tips here

You know it will happen eventually — your windshield will develop cracks. In the worst case scenario, it could perhaps shatter. The safety implications of this are clear, particularly in a collision, as an airbag won’t protect you from flying glass. You certainly can’t go without a windshield, for reasons of safety and garnering the attention of authorities. Thus, knowing a couple of auto glass repair tips can come in handy.

Auto glass repair standards you should observe

Auto glass repair is a job that is worth doing right, instead of easily and cheaply. According to Automotive Troubleshooting Secrets , it is highly inadvisable to compromise your safety in the interest of saving money. First and foremost, make certain your new windshield is installed by a tech certified by the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). Check out the urethane adhesive they use; it should be Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS)-certified. That adhesive should be within the bounds of its expiration date, as well. If it is expired by perhaps a day, don’t use that adhesive. It should also be compliant with your automaker’s factory rating and by airbag-rated if your automobile has airbags. Priming materials should also meet AGRSS standards and not have reached expiration.

What should certified installers be doing?

If you are employing an auto glass repair technician certified by the National Glass Association (NGA), here’s a mental checklist you need to go through for personal inspection:

• Is the windshield perfectly centered?
• Make certain that the molding fits and sits flat around the circumference of the windshield
• Check to make sure the windshield is flush to the frame
• Chekc the windshield wiper motor is nevertheless in working condition

Do not use an installer unless they’re FMVSS certified

Many auto glass repair shops want your business, but not all of them will offer the FMVSS mark of certification. When such highly trained technicians repair your auto glass, they should affix a sticker announcing how the window was repaired by an FMVSS technician. Think of it as a badge of quality. Accepting cheap imitations is an unwise course.

Further reading

automotivetroubleshootingsecrets.com/auto%20glass%20repair.htm

2011 Ford Explorer makes eco-waves

Whenever you think Ford Explorer, you think large SUV. The Bronco stepped aside at the Explorer took the SUV mantle and ran with it for the general public. But what is this? The SUV beast of yore has turned toward fuel economy, as outlined by CrunchGear . Such is the 2011 Ford Explorer, a smaller SUV for many who want something smaller. Smaller engine, lower ride height and fewer mud adventures are the trade-offs for such a mean, green automobile.

Taurus- and Flex-informed is the 2011 Ford Explorer

The 2011 Ford Explorer saves a significant amount of weight by using the exact same uni-body construction that Ford employs on the Taurus and Flex. Those are compact automobiles, making it necessary for Ford to drop some of the larger-scale SUV specs previously associated with the Explorer. Engine choices are a 3.5-liter V6 (the power option, although large) or a 2.0-liter EcoBoost for fuel efficiency; both are six-speed automatic. The previous puts out 290 horsepower in front- or four-wheel-drive possibilities (great for towing up to 5,000 pounds), while the latter provides greater fuel economy.

The SUV for city driving, not large loads

Ford’s apparent reasoning with the 2011 Ford Explorer is that most people aren’t using their SUVs for off-road driving and heavy lifting. This new Explorer handles the roads and is better for commute than any SUV to date. Weather is no bother, as a result of the front- and four-wheel-drive options. Couple that ability with greater fuel economy and also you have an SUV crossover. Easy-selecting rear differential and Descent Control are the kind of tools you need for safe downhill driving, too. And that’s not all. If you felt burdened by your giant SUV before, the 2011 Ford Explorer may just be the antidote. Burn less fuel and conserve the environment; everyone’s doing it.

Additional information

crunchgear.com/2010/07/26/the-2011-ford-explorer-goes-greener-no-v8-front-wheel-drive-unibody-platform-v6-or-ecoboost-i4/

media.ford.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=32998

The Hawaiian Islands homeless problem that won't go away

Tourism is important to the Hawaiian Islands although military jobs are significant too. Hotels, entertainment, and meals cost about $200 a day for tourists, reports NPR. But the homeless population of the Hawaiian Islands has room and board, full health coverage and more for only $3 per day in emergency money. There is help for those living in the Hawaiian Islands with food although most the individuals in line aren’t even locals.

Homelessness on the Hawaiian Islands is up

If shelter populations are any indication, the 10 percent increase in population over the past 12 months is telling. About 1,300 of those in Hawaii living homeless aren’t from the state, reports NPR. Plastic and Aluminum can be redeemed for 5 cents in Hawaii which is what brings more people in to the state. $40 a day is made by Gary Phillips in Hawaii rather than the little amount he made in San Diego previously. $3 is all these people have to stay at the shelter that gives 3 meals, $200 per month in food stamps and get free health care from the state. Usually they don’t need any money.

Vacation there, or live there homeless

Hawaii is using Medicaid and tax refunds to try and cover their budget deficit which is $1.2 billion. Millions of tax dollars are used to operate Hawaiian shelters which means this is a bad time to have new homeless individuals moving in. Connie Mitchell who’s a director of one of these homeless shelters explains that about a 3rd of her spending budget goes to these new arrivals, reports NPR. Mitchell feels like some of these individuals are here now just so they can enjoy being free in Hawaii without having to pay anything.

Being a bum in Honolulu

The University of Hawaii’s Center on the Family reports that there was a leap from 21 percent in 2005 to 43 percent in 2010 of Caucasians that are homeless in Hawaii. They’re mostly single and middle-aged. These individuals get the money to fly over when then living in Hawaii practically for free doing odds and ends jobs. The Hawaiian homeless individuals will largely move on while authorities start to realize their resource dilemma. Determining whether somebody is living off public funds because of laziness or real misfortune – and dealing with each group appropriately – is a problem Hawaii’s government needs to solve. Everyone who needs fast cash loans should be able to take advantage of these programs instead of those just abusing the system.

UPDATE- The mainland has received homeless back since Hawaii is flying them back. New York has decided to fly them BACK to Hawaii.

More on this topic

NPR
npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=126675999
The price of paradise – and this was in 2008. It is worse now.
youtube.com/watch?v=w058VpVl3t4
Newser
newser.com/story/96470/hawaii-buys-homeless-plane-tickets-to-mainland.html

Saving money provides the best financial tool

For numerous consumers, saving money is easier said than done. Even if you’re making more money now than you did three years ago, chances are you may still find yourself broke and buried in debt. So clearly you can’t blame your saving shortfalls on a measly paycheck. Studies have, in fact, shown that it has almost nothing to do with your income. It’s about your desire to conserve cash and your willingness to adjust to boost your bottom-line.

Saving money: Mo’ money, mo’ issues

Many consumers believe that saving cash heavily depends on how much an individual makes. How much you bring home, however, is only a small piece of the puzzle. Making more money doesn’t necessarily mean you are free from financial troubles. Without good cash management, it will feel no different than working a minimum-waged job.

So pay close attention to your monthly bills and logically prioritize the things that are important and also the things that aren’t. If you know how to make time for eating, sleeping and fun leisure activities, you should know how to reserve a while for your personal finance, as well. This way, you know exactly where your hard-earned cash is going and make a couple of changes if necessary.

Where self-control comes in

Temptation comes in many forms, and it is often so potent it seems almost extremely hard to resist. “Spend now or save tomorrow” is a common issue most are faced with each day. Numerous consumers often confuse their needs with their wants and fall through on making right choices on the things that would benefit them the most. Absolutely unnecessary things have cluttered their closers, and quite possibly the fridge is filled with food they do not find a bit to their taste. Having no self-control can lead to impulse purchasing, which can then lead to overspending and in due course, insurmountable debt.

From kids and adults to small business and corporate owners, learning the skills and strategies to save and invest money can improve the quality of life. And the only true way to achieve that is with discipline and self-control.

Save for emergencies

Simply forgoing saving cash can spell future financial disaster. Any average person should know how crucial it is to have a financial back-up plan, especially in times of urgent monetary needs. Unexpected things happen at probably the most unexpected times, and when the unexpected happens without a moment’s notice, you had better hope you have some additional money stored away somewhere. Of course, you will find financial resources like payday cash loans, but the fact remains true that there is nothing as shielding as being financially prepared.

Dreams comes true with saving cash

If you aren’t saving money, now is the time to start. If you are still dreaming about the beautiful dream house you’ve always wanted, that dream house will simply remain a dream if you do not take the initiative to start saving. What about the promise you made for a trip trip to Cancun? Think you’ll ever get there without saving? What of retirement? The clock is ticking and forever is not an option, and financial stability will not be awarded to you if you do not take the necessary steps to effectively plan for the future. So start saving now and put your money to work!

Connecting your car with the Internet

Although it may sound weird, Subaru and Ford have both decided to connect their automobiles to the internet. A built in Wi-Fi option can be available for the 2011 Subaru Outback. Ford test-drove an “automatic tweeting” vehicle codenamed AJ. The guess of automobile makers is that consumer’s connected lifestyle will extend to their driving habits.

Wi-Fi for Subaru

Wi-Fi connectivity is an option for 2011 Subaru Outbacks. With 97 percent connectivity around the country, you’ll be able to connect anything within 150 feet of the car. Initially, the setup costs $499 for parts and $35 to activate. One year of subscription will cost $29 a month. At first, the cost seems high. Money might actually be saved though when considering data plans that are costly through carriers but allow smartphone users to make phone calls through Wi-Fi.

Automatic Twitter updates

A team from Ford test drove a 2011 Ford Fiesta code-named AJ in May. AJ would use Twitter automatically from the car’s computer. Sample tweets included “time to put the headlights on.”. Using the internet, GPS data and traffic information is put onto Twitter in these tweets. FourSquare had check in functions tested by the team also. The Ford Fiesta will not consist of these features standard yet, but it is a possibility for 2012 models.

Are connected cars a good idea?

Though there is a lot of excitement and development of connected cars, some are wondering if it is a good idea. The possibility of car viruses combined with Internet connectivity is worrying. It also is a concern that the cars automatically broadcast and tell exactly what drivers are doing on the internet. Every little thing has a good and bad side to it where it could be used properly or abused, as will the internet connected car.

Calorie counts climb on National Junk Food Day

July 21 has long been the unofficial “National” Junk Food Day. With or without knowledge, many individuals celebrate this calorie-soaked holiday. Post resource – National Junk Food Day keeps calorie counts climbing by Personal Money Store.

Probably the most basic National Junk Food Day celebrations

Celebrating National Junk Food Day is relatively simple, compared to some holidays. In many countries, junk food – food with very little nutritional value – is easy to get. Many people are using National Junk Food Day as an excuse to pig out on chips, soda, and candy bars.

Anti-celebration of National Junk Food Day

National Junk Food Day is the stuff of nightmares for many nutritionists. In everyday life, most people eat plenty of junk food. A day to celebrate junk food is apparently pedaling backward on progress improving the American diet. Some people are saying that National Junk Food Day should be a day for awareness, not a day for celebration.

Why junk food is attractive

Despite the non-nutritional value of junk food, it is a huge industry. There are a number of reasons, but the first is typically cost. Simple calculations say that a 400 calorie bag of potato chips is cheaper than 400 calories of chicken. When trying to get enough calories, junk food is cheaper on a thin food budget. For families, school lunch programs and most institutions, nutritional value comes second.

Make your own National Junk Food Day

Making your own homemade candy bar would be a fantastic way to celebrate National Junk Food Day. Try Instructables for the best instructions on making your own candy bar. A much easier option would be making potato chips. Just slice potatoes very thinly, and bake at 450 degrees on a well-oiled sheet. There are plenty of other things you could try – homemade doughnuts, homemade popcorn, or more.

Never purchase a new format, thanks to UltraViolet

A large group of tech and media companies have come together to create UltraViolet. Designed to be a “digital movie locker” and media management system, UltraViolet aims to allow consumers to view movies they’ve purchased on multiple devices. Though UltraViolet has numerous supporters, a Disney-backed competitor is already on the horizon.

Cloud based upon computing with UltraViolet

With about 60 member companies, the digital consortium that has created UltraViolet is full of heavy hitters. An account at UltraViolet’s site, uvvu.com, will track all media purchases. Multiple devices and services can use the “digital token” assigned to each media purchase. You can watch a movie that you purchased at Best Buy with your Comcast account. Blu-ray DVD purchases could now be played as a digital download. The goal of the UltraViolet account is cross-compatibility between systems.

Competitors and challenges facing UltraViolet

There is already a format war shaping up with UltraViolet as one of the major players. Disney is developing their own digital rights management system codenamed KeyChest. With a huge movie library that contains Marvel Entertainment and Pixar studios, Disney controls a large number of movies. Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, also serves as a board member and stockholder of the company. Apple has not signed onto UltraViolet, and it is likely that its iOS technology will not allow app developers to put UltraViolet on their devices.

Will the Digital Management System?

There will be a couple of years where both formats will exist, if we are to use indications of previous format wars. Eventually, whichever format the pornography industry sides with is likely to win. Most comparable music-industry systems have failed because of either customer backlash or corporate support. It will take a lot to win customer support for either KeyChest or UltraViolet – but it can have to do with the library, the support, and also the user interface.

Chicken nuggets recalled by Wal-Mart

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. Blue plastic has been found within the nuggets manufactured by Perdue Farms. Post resource – Wal-Mart chicken nugget recall affects 90,000 pounds by Personal Money Store.

Stores recall chicken nuggets

On July 21, Perdue Farms and the USDA announced the Wal-Mart chicken nugget recall. Chunks of blue plastic were found within the nuggets and packages. The chicken nuggets involved in the recall are identified by:

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

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

Recall caused by blue plastic within the nugget

The recall on Wal-Mart chicken nuggets is considered a class II recall. The translation of this is that there are no “adverse health consequences” and no injuries. As outlined by Perdue Farms, a “small plastic ring” got mixed in with the raw meat.

Chicken nuggets at home

Worrying about the Wal-Mart chicken nugget recall doesn’t have to be a part of your day, even if you love nuggets. Making your own nuggets is simple, fast, and healthier than the pre-made ones. All the ingredients for chicken nuggets will cost about $ 15, but will make three to four pounds — 12 to 16 servings. Chop chicken breasts or tenders into small chunks – the nuggets. Stir together bread or cracker crumbs and seasonings. Dunk the chicken in milk, egg or melted butter, then into the bread crumb mixture. Bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 10 to 20 minutes. If you’re relatively brave, you can even deep-fat-fry them.

Right wing makes racism despite Shirley Sherrod USDA resignation

USDA official Shirley Sherrod is a target for many after all Tea Party racism accusations happened. Mark Williams, Tea Party Express racist, got himself and his followers kicked out of the Tea Party making conservative writers ask for another liberal to take his spot. They found a video of Sherrod, who’s black, describing an encounter with a white farmer back in the 1980s. The video shows Sherrod being unwilling to help the farmer get out of bankruptcy, although this is out of context. Source for this article – Shirley Sherrod resigns from USDA, right wing gets even on racism by Personal Money Store.

Shirley Sherrod targeted by Conservatives

After making a video on race, Shirley Sherrod, USDA’s Georgia State Director of Rural Development, resigned. Conservative bloggers sent out the video responding to Tea Party Express racist Mark Williams getting kicked out. Fox News picked up the story. In Douglas, GA on March 27, Sherrod’s gave a speech at an NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet what the video was of, according to CBS News. In the video segment, Sherrod tells a story about a white man who came to her for help seeking Chapter 12 bankruptcy. She said it was not something she wanted to do since she had to help him keep his land when many blacks were losing their land. She ended up referring him to a white lawyer.

Sherrod puts in resignation after seeing video on news

The USDA announced Sherrod’s resignation after the video was played by Fox news and Tea Party Express fans like Sean Hannity. “There is zero tolerance for discrimination at USDA, and I strongly condemn any act of discrimination against any person,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a written statement. “We are working hard through the past 18 months to reverse the checkered civil rights history at the department and take the issue of fairness and equality very seriously.”

Truth about Sherrod video

Sherrod explains to everybody that this short clip doesn’t have the whole story in it. CNN reports that Sherrod said the event she discusses in the clip took place more than two decades ago, before she worked for the USDA. The Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund helps family farmers develop their property, and Sherrod served as Director of the Georgia State Office for the business after getting her master’s degree in community development in 1985. The story was intended to help people to see past race. In the end, she said, the lawyer she referred the farmer to did not help him and she “had to frantically find a lawyer who would file a Chapter 11 to stop the foreclosure.”. The family of the farmer became family friends of hers throughout the process.

Discover more about this topic here

CBS News
cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20011026-503544.html
Sean Hannity
americanprogress.org/issues/kfiles/b91585.html
CNN
edition.cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/07/20/agriculture.employee.naacp/#fbid=w2XX2duDWrt

Inception reviews are mostly exceptional

The new Christopher Nolan helmed film, Inception, debuts Friday, July 16, and also the reviews are beginning to pop up. Some of the reviews are glowing. In fairness, the Batman films Nolan directed were exceptional. Also, Leonardo DiCaprio is a good actor, and that means some automatically good reviews will happen. There were a couple of critics who decided not to pull any punches. Perhaps it didn’t live up to their dreams of how good it could have been.

Inception gets exceptional reviews from some

Inception reviews are already piling up on Rotten Tomatoes, and most of RT seems to love the film. It is approval rating is already within the 80 range. Roger Ebert gave it four stars, praising cast and crew. He said the film was “wholly original, cut from new cloth” as even he acknowledges that as a rarity. If it is really that good, cash until payday loan should pour into box offices worldwide.

Not for everybody though

There’s just no pleasing some people. Some reviews are quite harsh. Kurt Loder of MTV asked “are they handing out joints at the box office for ‘Inception’? That would make the movie considerably more fun.” Most critical reviews cite the film having good acting and effects, but being confusing.

The sum total

Most Inception reviews are good. There also appears to be some speculation concerning the Inception ending, and there won’t be a spoiler here. Consensus is apparently that if you absolutely need a clear Point A to Point B and an ending that wraps things up in a neat little bow, then this film isn’t really for you.

Citations

rottentomatoes.com/m/inception/

rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100714/REVIEWS/100719997

mtv.com/news/articles/1643791/20100715/story.jhtml

Palin uses Twitter to ask Muslims planning a mosque to refudiate

Sarah Palin wants peaceful Muslims to “refudiate” the controversial ground zero mosque in New York. She used this fake word many times in tweets on Sunday putting the word “refudiate” to the national lexicon. Palin used Twitter to advise Muslims on joining the Tea party which is against this big project that should be able to create unity amongst cultures. Post resource – Palin tweets for peaceful Muslims to refudiate prepared mosque by Personal Money Store.

Palin uses refudiate among English words

By focusing on refudiate, the media may have played right into Palin’s Tea Party opportunism. These tweets have caused the whole nation to hear Palin, along with the “Tea Party Americans” that actually wanted to hear about it. The ground zero mosque in Manhattan has been used recently for attention by the Tea Party so Palin, of course, had to put in her opinion.

Attention wanted by Palin with ground zero mosque comments

Palin wants “peaceful” Muslims, she says, to “refudiate” the proposed 13-story project a couple of blocks from ground zero that will house a mosque, a gym and a community center for several groups, such as the American Society for Muslim Advancement and the Cordoba Initiative, which promotes cross-cultural understanding between Islam and the West. CBS News reports that New York politicians are going both ways on the scale of the issue. State Attorney General, Andrew Cuomo, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg think the project is a fantastic 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.

Sarah Palin tweets to ‘peaceful’ Muslims

Palin’s first tweet on the issue said:

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

Liberal bloggers pounced on Sarah Palin’s tweet. Many just made fun of the fact she didn’t know how to speak. But CBS News reports that Jon Henke attacked Palin’s sentiment instead of her words: “We want peaceful Muslims to distinguish themselves from radical Muslims, but we can’t distinguish between a peaceful Mosque and terrorists?”

Sarah Palin equates herself with Shakespeare

After receiving the attention she was after, Palin did a bit more tweeting. Bloggers continued to skewer Palin for her language choices. After she deleted the controversial tweets on the Tea Party, she had one last message joking with saying: “‘Refudiate,’ ‘misunderestimate,’ ‘wee-wee’d up.’ English is a living language. Shakespeare liked to coin new words too. Got to celebrate it!”

Anatomy of a Palin tweet

The Wall Street Journal reports that Palin just wanted to be on the exact same playing field as Obama, Bush, and Shakespeare. Bush used “Misunderestimate” many times. ”Wee-wee’d up” Obama used about a year ago in August. White House spokesman Robert Gibbs tried to define the term: He stated “I think ‘wee-wee’d up’ is when individuals get nervous for no unique reason.”

Discover more about this topic here

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/

Feds stopped five state Medicare Fraud

The Justice Department struck a major blow for Medicare fraud prevention Friday. In coordinated raids, Federal agents introduced no-nonsense health care reform to doctors, nurses, health care company owners and medical billers in five states. This is the largest coordinated series of federal health care fraud in US history with 94 people being charged in the case. The defendants of the fraud case were accused of stealing $ 251 million from the Medicare system.

Medicare fraud consists of a wide variety of people

Because of the Medicare fraud, the feds arrested people in Baton Rouge, LA, Brooklyn, NY, Detroit, Houston, and Miami. Reporting on the Medicare fraud scheme, ABC News said the government said doctors, nurses and health care professionals accepted cash kickbacks from medical service providers to approve services which were unnecessary or never delivered. These services, HIV infusions, home health care, and physical and occupational therapy, would be charged to Medicare although they never happened.

Health care reform calls for that Medicare fraud stop
The health care reform agenda required a Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team to be put into place in 2009. Federal prosecution is used alongside electronic claims by this special team that was put together to discover the main way Medicare fraud is done, through illicit billing. Health care fraud prevention had the first “summit” in Miami with Eric H Holder Jr., Attorney General, and Kathleen Sebelius, Human Services Secretary. As part of the health care reform agenda, this Medicare fraud raid was essential to let companies know the Obama administration means it.

Medicare fraud shown very easily

There were numerous Medicare fraud operations that weren’t even hard to see. In Brooklyn, NY, $ 70 million was stolen in an operation with a “kickback room” that gave 1,000 kickbacks to Medicare beneficiaries according to the Washington Post. An undercover investigation showed that Medicare beneficiaries lined up to receive illegal payments near a sign showing a woman with her finger to her lips warning in Russian, “Don’t gossip.”.

Medicare fraud often happens in Miami

350 agents in the Health and human Services’ inspector general’s office and FBI made the arrests. It was the biggest takedown of Medicare fraud offenders since the federal program was began in 1965. Miami bore the biggest harvest of crooks on the exact same day the health care fraud summit took place there. Federal indictments shows us that within the Miami-Dade county, there were 25 suspects arrested and charged for stealing $ 103 million in fraudulent health care claims.

Discover more details

ABC News
abcnews.go.com/WN/government-agents-uncover-medicare-fraud-operations-cities/story?id=11180320&page=2
Washington Post
washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/16/AR2010071603876.html?hpid=topnews
Miami Herald
miamiherald.com/2010/07/16/1733354/crackdown-nets-about-100-medicare.html

Groupon to save socially

Combine the best parts of a social network and couponing, and you’ve got Groupon. Becaue of the great deals offered along with the social networking aspect, individuals are able to save money. There is a sister site in Europe while 40 cities participate within the US. You will find numerous other ways besides Groupon to get in a group and conserve money. Article resource – Groupon- The secrets of social saving by Personal Money Store.

Groupon basics

A “groupon” deal means you are getting a bulk discount. If a certain number of individuals sign up for the deal of the day, then every person gets the discount. If there aren’t enough people who want it, then nobody gets it. This is treated like a group discount most of the time. The product of the day has to be something every person on Groupon wants.

Groupon availability

Groupon is in 40 US “markets”. In Europe, MyCityDeal is the “sister” deal to Groupon that works the exact very same. Over the next few years, MyCityDeal is going to be entirely merged with Groupon.

Not in a Groupon city?

Groupon is a great service that can help you discover many great deals. Even if a Groupon city is too far away for you, there are other deals available. In other cities, you will find other things like Groupon. If you do not live in a major urban center, deals from Groupon or other sites don’t prove very useful. Google “group coupon” and a city to check if it is with your city. Your friends might already be a part of one so talking to them may help.

Starting Groupon yourself

If you want to create your own Groupon situation, then it could be done. Groupon operates on a simple principle — group discounts. Discounts could be found by simply making a phone call to a vendor. Get a count of how many people you need and find the people. Find any friends you have who may be interested and their friends also. Once you’ve hit the threshold, buy away!

Knowing how to help your mechanic with power locks

Cars become more and more convenient and pleasant with technological advances. Who isn’t thrilled with their power steering? It could be really hard to steer without it for anyone who has ever tried. What do we think about power door locks? When they break, we can’t wait to have them fixed again. DenLors Tools Auto Blog gave us details on helping your mechanic discover the problem with your power locks.

Common causes of power lock failure

According to DenLors, if the power locks on just one side aren’t working, probably the most common reason is a malfunctioning actuator (also known as a door lock solenoid). If your car acts up in that manner, make that suggestion to your mechanic. This will fix two things considering actuators are connected also to an attached door latch. Or it could simply be the switch. As automotive computer systems themselves are typically reliable, they typically aren’t the culprit when problems with power locks occur. Bundled data transmission wires, also called the BUS sometimes, don’t have difficulties typically either. Mechanics often have scanning tools that can identify difficulties within the body control. Error codes will display and be connected to a certain part of the computer.

What if there’s an additional issue?

DenLors also shows us that unlocking your car with slim jims or coat hangers hurts the rod connector sometimes. The door-unlocking implement can catch the rod and disconnect its link in the power locks system. The rod that is damaged can be exchanged. Ah, plastic auto parts; blame the automakers and their price cuts.

Power locks list to check

DenLors suggests these things when figuring out your power lock problem:

• Is just one lock having troubles? The problem is probably in that door only
• If one switch only unlocks doors on one side, the problem is likely that switch
• If power locks will lock but not open (or vice versa), check that door lock actuator
• Check the bad door lock switch if power locks are working one direction

Citations

DenLors Tools Auto Blog
denlorstools.com/autoblog/2009/07/power-door-locks-not-working-diagnose-and-repair/
Wikipedia (definition of solenoid)
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solenoid
Fixing the power door lock actuator on a Ford Explorer lift gate
youtube.com/watch?v=zobdWXnDeyY

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Car loans for low credit scores

It’s getting easier to get a car loan, which is good news all around. Easier car loans benefit subprime borrowers at a time when more Americans than ever have low credit scores. More cars can be sold with this credit market. 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 poor credit more available

Auto markets expand their cars when they credit market is making loans. The Associated Press reports that car buyers with low credit scores are getting a break. 60 percent of individuals under a 620 credit score could get auto loans for people with bad credit in the past. 5 percent was the going rate for the last year. It has gotten up to 9 percent though. A huge part of the market contains those with poor credit although they have to pay bigger down payments and will end up with more interest payments.

Interest rates going down for car loans

17 percent of auto loan finance were given to those with amazing credit, as outlined by the Associated Press, in 2010’s first quarter. Experian explains that 53 percent was used cars rather than new. Borrowing could increase since car loan interest rates are diving down. The average interest rate for a four-year car loan this month is 6.3 percent, down from 7.2 percent a year ago, according to Bankrate.com.

Auto makers need buyers with low credit scores

Credit scores fell for all Americans within the country. 43 million individuals are shown by FICO Inc. to have credit scores below 599. Subprime lending comes with higher default rates, which hurt the auto lending industry during the economic meltdown. But the Wall Street Journal reports that General Motors in particular is looking for methods to expand loans to riskier buyers. GM needs to reach buyers with weaker credit scores because they make up a larger portion of its customers than some of its competitors.

Lower rate auto lending doing great

To make more loans to people with low credit scores, GM made a deal with subprime auto lender AmeriCredit Corp. Under this arrangement GM augments the loans with cash incentives so it can offer more competitive rates. Americredit Corp. is one of the largest subprime auto lenders. The business expanded the number of auto dealers it works with to more than 8,000 in 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

Recall of iPhone doubted by analysts at Apple press conference to come

An iPhone recall is the latest phrase to emerge as the world obsesses over the ultimate consumer gadget. Many think the Apple press conference on Friday will talk about an iPhone 4 recall. At the very least, Apple probably will address the iPhone 4 issues with the antenna. The announcement of an iPhone software update is more likely. iPhone recall rumors caused, on Thursday, a drop in the Apple’s stock price. Source of article – Analysts doubt iPhone recall at upcoming Apple press conference by Personal Money Store.

Is a recall for the iPhone going to be announced by Apple?

Analysts think this rumor of a recall for the iPhone’s wireless reception issues won’t be announced at the conference. Apple might a $ 29 Apple iPhone 4 giveaway that fixes the iPhone reception problem, according to Computerworld. Some also think there can be no answers given at the conference and instead can be something to make people forget about the problems. The conference might also be used to announce the iPhone software update. According to Macrumors, the iOS 4.0.1 with a new signal strength indicator will ship on Thursday as a solution proposed by Apple on July 2.

iPhone antenna issue benefits other phones

The iPhone recall is a hot Internet search term on the same day Verizon Wireless is launching the Motorola Droid X. According to Ken Hyers who was on eWeek and is a Technology Business Research analyst, Apple is having these iPhone 4 troubles at a very bad time. Hyers said other smartphones running the Android OS are getting great reviews. Those who aren’t loyal to Apple are increasingly buying them. The issues with the antenna on the iPhone 4 are bad enough, he says, to have a recall.

iPhone 4 nevertheless bought

Since June 24, when the iPhone 4 came out, it has been selling quite frequently. 1.7 million were sold by Apple in just the first 3 days. Because of the issue, Apple stock, as of July 14th, had already dropped about 8 percent. You will find nevertheless strong demands for the iPhone 4. The rate of individuals who keep the iPhone 4 without returning it is the same as it normally is. Retail shelves nevertheless have limited supplies. Apple says they received a revenue of $ 13.5 billion in the second quarter with a new quarterly profit of $ 3.07 billion.

Discover more info

Computerworld
computerworld.com/s/article/9179203/What_will_Apple_say_about_the_iPhone_4_?taxonomyId=163&pageNumber=1
eWeek
eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Apple-to-Address-iPhone-4-Issues-Report-248066/
Wired
wired.com/epicenter/2010/07/apple-stock-drops-since-iphone-4-analysts-consumers-unfazed/

Personal finances have you downtrodden?

According to a recent survey by the Washington-based Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. (CFP), Americans anticipate that the national economy will be more likely to improve than decline during the next six months. Bloomberg reveals that these same Americans do not have the very same good outlook when it comes to their personal finances, however. Savings, college and retirement are hot button issues that have The United States seeing red.

Personal finances don’t light up the headlines like recession busting

The CFP found that 44 percent of individuals expect the U.S. economy to rise before their personal finances find relief, while 28 percent have a doom and gloom outlook. Robert Glovsky of the CFP told Bloomberg that “Americans are usually hopeful, and much of the economic news leads us to conclude that we are out of the recession, and a double dip is unlikely”.

Yet this hope doesn’t appear to apply to personal finances at all. Consumer confidence is on an upswing and unemployment is down slightly – at least what has been declared – yet two-thirds of the CFP poll respondents are gripping over some of the big questions of personal finances. Many consumers believe they need instant cash loans, but are frequently ineligible for a bank loan because of the still-tight credit market. They may have found that a bad credit personel loans is a viable way out of the problem, but this doesn’t bode well if there is no future plan to deal with emergencies that prey upon personal finances.

A three-pronged personal finance nightmare

The 1,000-strong CFP survey group – comprised of respondents aged 18 and up – was largely fearful of developing a functional savings, paying for higher education and getting set for retirement. Not only that, but 80 percent of the group agreed that Congress wasn’t doing enough to regulate financial markets. However, various media sources indicate a reform bill may pass through Congress soon.

More information

bloomberg.com/news/2010-07-13/americans-are-more-optimistic-about-economy-than-own-finances-survey-says.html

cfp.net/media/release.asp?id=253

Getting UK loan by taking a test

Getting loans is going to be harder within the United Kingdom with the new rules they’re considering. Since 9 out of 10 customers, according to the Learning and Skills Council, can’t calculate basic numbers, that is being considered. Those who need loans could possibly be required to take a test first.

Concern that there is not financial knowledge

The global financial crisis caused the Financial Education body to be formed by the UK. Figures that were lately released by that group found that almost three-quarters — 74 percent — of all Britons with mortgages could not answer basic questions. Individuals couldn’t even determine how a 1 percent rise within the bank rate would affect them. The entire country is impacted by this lack of knowledge about basics of personel loans.

A solution to test?

A required test is a solution considered by the UK. Any customer that wants to get any type of loan — mortgage, online personnel loans, or auto loans for bad credit — will have to take a test. The test would make certain consumers know basic features of the loan and financial products they are using. The questions might even have interest rate or the term of the loan they’re getting in it. Many think there should be a simple declaration given the terms of the loan have been read and understood.

Reviewing how loans are sold to consumers

In the United Kingdom, the loan practices are co-run by the Treasury and Business departments of the government. Lenders might have to reveal the amount of interest that could be paid over time with this. There is also a possibility that bankruptcy regulations would be shifted, allowing those that are truly without the ability to pay to really “start over.”.

It's a good idea to opt out of debit card overdraft coverage

Chances are good you have a debit card. If so, you’ve gotten your letter in the mail from you bank politely asking if you would like to continue enjoying its debit card overdraft coverage. Banks have been forced to ask you this because of new credit card rules, that make banks give you the option of saying “no thanks”. Out of control bank overdraft fees generated enough consumer complaints to get the Federal Reserve to change the rules . Before you make your choice, keep in mind the only reason banks are trying so hard to convince you to keep debit card overdraft coverage is because they make big money charging overdraft coverage fees.

Article resource: Why opting out of debit card overdraft coverage is a good idea by Personal Money Store

Naked greed – debit card overdraft coverage

When debit cards came into vogue, Jeff Gelles at the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that banks saw big money to be made by confusing consumers about the main difference between debit and credit cards. Debit cards draw on money inside your checking account. When your checking account runs dry and also you use your debit card, overdraft coverage charges you a hefty overdraft fee. That’s why that cup of coffee at Starbucks ended up costing you $ 40. Getting a pay day if you are short on cash is smarter than letting your bank shake you down with debit card overdraft fees.

Overdraft coverage is unethical, says Bank of The United States

Gelles gives the advice that you need to opt out of your bank’s overdraft protection “service”. That’s’ such good advice, even Bank of America agrees with him. Bank of The US announced in March that it will no longer offer debit card overdraft coverage. The New York Times reports the decision could cost the bank tens of millions a year in revenue from debit card overdraft fees and put pressure on other banks to do the same.

Bank overdraft fees can steal you blind

The penalties can add up fast with bank overdraft fees because you do not realize it happens at the time. Gelles said that since the Starbucks barista doesn’t say “You know this is an overdraft, do not you?, you could get nailed all day long and not realize what’s going on until the bank has stolen all your money. No law keeps the bank from taking your money until you are on to them. Wachovia will charge you for up to four overdrafts, or $ 140, a day. Citizens Bank is greedier, with up to seven overdrafts at $ 37 each for a total of $ 259.

Preventing bank overdraft fees

That too lots of people are lousy at balancing their checkbook is a problem highlighted by new credit card rules about bank overdraft fees. In a press release, Michael S. Kappas, President and CEO, Apprisen, offers tips for avoiding overdraft fees or the embarrassment of having a purchase declined:

1. Remember your true account balance is in your check register, not on your ATM slip.

2.Stay on top of all deposits, receipts and withdrawals as part of your check register.

3.Check your balance before you use your debit card or a cash machine.

4. At least once a month balance your account.

5. Put “ghost” funds with your checking account. Throw an additional few hundred bucks in there and don’t write it within the register. Don’t forget to account for the ghost funds when you balance your account.

6. Make sure you are aware of the opportunities your bank provides for avoiding potential overdraft situations.

philly.com

nytimes.com

prweb.com

Don't fall for automotive loans modification scams asking upfront fees

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

Source for this article: Don’t fall for car loan modification scams asking upfront fees by Personal Money Store

Car loan modification seems a cautionary tale

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

Lower car payments – they never really happened

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

Scammers like to charge for what you may be able to do yourself

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

Scammers who did mortgage loans are not moving to auto loans

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

Unregulated are all of the auto loan modification companies

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

You’re on your own for this one. Consider yourself warned.

More info available at these sites:

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

Legal protection from collection agency harassment for all of the consumers

Debt collection has been a growth industry within the U.S. thanks to the Great Recession. Creditors are unloading debt to collection agencies for pennies on the dollar. Collection agencies are coming down much harder on consumers lately. About collection agency harassment, there have been more consumer complaints. Courtrooms are being swamped by law firms using debt collection software. But consumers should probably know that they can hire an attorney to sue debt collectors for abusive practices.

A few collection agencies – abuse, violence and bogus claims

More collection agencies are trying to get money out of individuals. It was reported by CNN that harassing phone calls, abusive language and physical violence are becoming a bigger part of the collection agency business. The New York Times reports that a single law firm can use computer software to file thousands of debt collection cases, often based on inaccurate or incomplete details supplied by creditors who sold the debt. The Post-Bulletin in Minneapolis reports that accounts have been tapped, wages seized and people threatened with arrest for debts they do not owe or for inflated amounts.

Collection agency harassment goes up

Complaints of collection agency harassment swelled by 50 percent in 2009, as outlined by the Federal Trade Commission. The CNN article said they’re on track to jump 13 percent more in 2010 which is depending on FTC complaints filed in the first six months. The biggest complaint is repeated calls. It is common for debt collectors to harass consumers with calls for extended periods of time. They can be abusive after someone answers the phone. Complaints of collection agencies using obscene language spiked 35 percent last year. Complaints of debt collectors threatening or resorting to violence just about doubled last year.

Debt collection software will now sue indiscriminately

When harassment by collection agencies are surely increasing, they’re also hiring lawyers to sue on a mass scale. The New York Times article said a debt buyer sends a law firm a database that contains consumer data including names, home addresses, outstanding balances and the date of default. The law firm runs the data through debt collection software that runs suits through the legal system automatically, including the collection letters, summonses and lawsuits. Most consumers who get sued by debt collection software tend to fail to show up in court, and those who do rarely have a lawyer. A court judgment gives debt buyers the ability to collect on the debt through actions like wage or property garnishment.

All of the bankruptcy laws fuel debt collection industry

The debt collection industry exploded in 2005 with changes to federal bankruptcy laws that made it harder for people in financial trouble to get a fresh start. People defaulted on loans which then expanded the debt buyers’ market. As outlined by the Post-Bulletin article, the nation’s five publicly traded debt buyers last year paid $ 835 million to acquire $ 20 billion in old debts. Credit card debt makes up almost all of the total But almost every type of charged-off debt, from unpaid cell phone accounts to hospital bills is for sale. Debt buyers base their claims on data up to 15 years old that can be extremely hard to verify and are very ready to hound individuals for years.

To try and get besides collection agencies, consumer try to sue

Aggressive tactics are becoming more common. The CNN article said collection agencies calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., demanding more money than what is owed, revealing a consumer’s debt to a third party or threatening “dire consequences” like prosecution, jail time, property seizure or job loss. These practices are really illegal under the FTC’s Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Consumers can take a collector to court for harassment. If they win, the collection agency has to pay for any damages caused by the harassment, as well as all of the court and attorney fees.

Find more info here

CNN on Yahoo

finance.yahoo.com/news/Debt-collectors-sock-it-to-cnnm-2499699064.html?x=&.v=4

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/07/13/business/13collection.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Post Bulletin

postbulletin.com/newsmanager/templates/localnews_story.asp?z=7&a=460512

As solar energy gains momentum, solar plane is the latest breakthrough

In the spirit of the season, since heat waves are roasting major cities around the world, solar energy is a hot topic. From residential rooftops to power plants to experimental aircraft, solar energy has its season within the sun. A solar-powered airplane landed Thursday after spending 26 hours aloft. And this week the Obama administration pledged $ 1.85 billion in guaranteed loans to develop a solar energy power plant and also some solar panel factories. There’s a cloud though. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, ever the bearers of bad news these days, won’t accept any mortgage loans that use a government funded program to finance solar energy installation costs.

Article resource: Solar plane is latest breakthrough as solar energy gains momentum by Personal Money Store

Solar plane with its day within the sun

A solar plane landed in Paris Thursday after flying continuously for 26 hours, 9 minutes. It was reported by the New York Times that the Solar Impulse reached an altitude of more than 28,000 feet and reached a maximum speed of 78 miles per hour during a day over Switzerland. The solar energy plan was powered overnight by energy collected during the day from solar panels on its 210-foot wingspan. By a solar powered craft, the flight was the longest and highest.

Solar plane – the poster child for solar energy

The Solar Impulse record-breaking flight took years and years of planning and brings the Swiss-led project one step closer to its ultimate goal of flying Solar Impulse around the world powered only by solar energy. The Associated Press reports that although the aim is to prove that emissions-free air travel is possible with Solar Impulse, the flight team said it doesn’t see solar energy replacing jet propulsion any time soon. The project will instead test and promote new energy efficient technology.

Billions received by solar energy companies because of stimulus package

Speaking of new energy-efficient technologies, President Obama announced the U.S. Department of Energy will pledge $ 1.85 billion from the economic stimulus package to two solar energy companies: Abengoa Solar and Abound Solar Manufacturing. As outlined by the International Business Times, Abengoa Solar will build the first ever large-scale solar energy power plant in Arizona with $ 1.45 billion in funding. Developers explain the project will create more than 1,600 construction jobs and clean energy for 70,000 homes. Abound Solar Manufacturing will build a plant that manufactures solar panels in Colorado and in Indiana with $ 400 million in funding. The solar panel factories are expected to create more than 2,000 construction jobs, conserve energy for around 200,000 homes, and produce 1,500 permanent c! lean energy jobs.

For your house, PACE provides solar panels

Clean energy initiatives that focus on solar energy are gaining momentum on many fronts. But the U.S. housing market is running true to form. As outlined by Trading Markets, the Obama administration’s Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) program is falling to the black hole of Freddie Mac and Fanny Mae. The PACE program is assigning $ 150 million in loans for local governments which they can then lend to you to cover the upfront costs solar panels for your home. The loans are paid off over time through property tax bills.

Fannie and Freddie cast dark cloud over solar energy

Residential solar energy might are headed in a good direction with PACE. But Fannie and Freddie, federal agencies that guarantee more than 50 percent of U.S. mortgages, are overwhelmed with millions of foreclosures. Officials in charge of the agencies, which have cost U.S. taxpayers more than $ 145 billion in losses, assume people will start defaulting on PACE mortgages also. Both Fannie and Freddie have issued letters to mortgage sellers stating that they’ll not accept any loans for homes using the new program.

Citations:

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/07/09/world/europe/09plane.html?_r=1&hp

Associated Press

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5goDxf8Obh9y8tOk6Nse1GMEmSXWgD9GQNU181

International Business Times

ibtimes.com/articles/33502/20100708/obama-s-commitment-to-solar-technology-job-creation-and-economic-recovery.htm

Trading Markets

tradingmarkets.com/news/stock-alert/fnm_us-energy-solar-initiatives-threatened-by-white-house-dissonance-1028938.html

Home Run Derby 2010 circles the bases for charity

It’s All-Star break time in Major League Baseball, and of course the Home Run Derby 2010 is here, too. 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 – cannot be overstated. Baseball fanatics choose the charity, and players make an effort to go long. In addition, a trip to the 2010 World Series and charitable donations to the Boys and Girls Clubs of America are within the mix.

Source of article: Home Run Derby 2010 circles the bases for charity by Personal Money Store

Home Run Derby 2010 – Aiding America

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. Fans who registered at the “Go to Bat” site earlier in the 2010 season are selected randomly by State Farm for individual weekly prizes (a $ 100 charitable donation to that fan’s selected charity). Via an online Home Run Derby 2010 game, fans can up the chances of selection, which their chose charities certainly don’t mind. Out of 10 weekly winners, one will be chosen for the grand prize of a trip for two to the 2010 World Series. ”Go to Bate” will run from the beginning of the second half to September 26.

Home Run Derby 2010 offers even more charity gold

It doesn’t matter whether it is 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. State Farm launches $ 3,000 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of The US with each homer hit during Home Run Derby 2010, and an additional $ 17,000 for each “Gold Ball” hit – that’s a home with one out left to go. In addition, one local chapter of the BGCA will win $ 50,000, while the seven others from the Orange County, Calif., area will take home $ 10,000 each. But that’s not all – the fan-chosen charity with probably the most support gets $ 25,000 more from State Farm.

Who will win 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.

Sources

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

statefarm.com/gotobat

Denies by Donald Berwick recess appointment was the GOP political points

Donald Berwick was appointed by President Obama to lead the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services (CMS) when Congress is in recess. Berwick’s recess appointment means that politicians didn't get an possibility to weigh in once more on the health care reform bill that passed earlier this year. The administration explains that the recess appointment of Berwick helps move heath care reform along without Republican obstruction. Republicans think it is just an attempt at hurting Berwick's record. Berwick, who’s a professor at Harvard Medical School is being vilified by Republicans although he has the support of virtually the entire health care industry.

Article source: Donald Berwick recess appointment denies GOP political points by Personal Money Store

Donald Berwick will lead the Medicare overhaul
Donald Berwick’s recess appointment happened because the White House thinks that the new health care reform law calls for huge changes in Medicare and Medicaid, which insure nearly one-third of all Americans. Dan Pfeiffer, the White House communications director, explained to the New York Times the president decided to act because “many Republicans in Congress have made it clear in recent weeks that they were going to stall the nomination as long as they could, solely to score political points.”

Backed by Bush appointees is Berwick

Donald Berwick was nominated in April to lead the CMS. Since October 2006, the agency didn't have a permanent administrator. It was reported by the Washington Post that Berwick is the perfect choice to oversee a Medicare/Medicaid budget of $800 billion — about one-third of all health-care spending. He is recognized as one of the nation’s leading experts on improving health care quality when saving money. Two CMS administrators which were appointed by George W. Bush back the nomination, also as the American Hospital Association, the AARP, the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare and a long list of local medical groups.

Bypassed is republican obstruction

Republicans want to use Donald Berwick’s nomination to whip up partisan furor over “Obamacare.” According to the Associated Press, Republicans, who use “rationing” as a code word to discredit health care reform, have seized on comments like one Berwick made to an interviewer last year: “The decision is not whether or not we will ration care, the decision is whether we will ration with our eyes open. And right now, we are doing it blindly.” Berwick also drew Republican anger for praising Britain’s National Health Service.

Revisited is health care rationing

The Post reports that include Pat Roberts of Kansas are trying to twist these statements. ”Dr. Berwick is the perfect nominee for a president whose aim has always been to save money by rationing health care,” Mr. Roberts stated on the Senate floor last month. The Associated Press article explained when it comes to the rationing issue; Republicans argue that Berwick would deny needed care based on cost. Supporters argue rationing already is done by insurance companies, and Berwick wants transparency and accountability in medical decisions.

Citations:

New York Times

thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/07/06/obama-bypassing-congress-on-medicare-job/

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/28/AR2010062804675.html

Associated Press

hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBAMA_HEALTH_CARE_APPOINTMENT?SITE=WNYC&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Ceiling set by Parliament for EU banker bonuses

The blight of worldwide economic crisis has prompted European Parliament to vote in favor of capping EU banker bonuses, 625-28. Excessive pension payouts will also fall under new guidelines. The Associated Press reports that any short-term cash bonuses from next year will be limited. It’s a move the European Union hopes the rest of the world will follow in kind.

Article resource: EU banker bonuses capped by European Parliament by Personal Money Store

EU bank rule will permit only partial bonuses in advance cash

Early withdrawal of EU banker bonuses will cap at 30 percent of the annual potential bonus. The remaining 70 percent could be held in reserve and paid to the banker if the business performs well. The idea behind this is to hold a sufficiently large carrot before EU bankers, where bonuses will inspire rather than simply be expected. As Michel Barnier of the EU Financial Services Commission told the AP, “There can be no return to business as usual”.

Huge EU banker bonuses could be limited to 20 percent for early withdrawal

Early withdrawal from large-scale bonuses can be limited to 20 percent. However, as the AP indicates, what constitutes a “large” bonus was not spelled out in detail by the European Parliament. All 27 European member countries will adopt the new cap on EU banker bonuses. Great Britain, France and Germany won’t seem much difference, as they’ve had banker bonus caps in effect for a while.

Banks could be required to have more money on hand

By 2012, European Union banks could be required to maintain a minimum level of capital so as to cover risky products like mortgage-backed securities. 3 to four times more capital could be required than normal, writes the AP. The worry on the part of the banks is that the open-endedness of this requirement may paint them into a corner and require that they hold onto so much that profits will plummet. Try convincing the public to cry for the banks and see what happens.

More information available at these websites:

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/world/2010-07-07-eu-bank-bonuses_N.htm

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

The Arizona immigration law was challenged in a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Justice Department. The government wants to block the law from taking effect later this month. The Arizona immigration lawsuit explains that Arizona’s new law is unconstitutional because it overrides federal immigration law. Supporters of the Arizona immigration law say that a state overwhelmed with illegal immigration can’t wait for the federal government to deal with immigration reform.

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

Feds – Arizona immigration law is unconstitutional

The Arizona immigration law needs state and local police to question and possibly arrest illegal immigrants during the enforcement of other laws. Immigrants must carry their alien registration documents at all times. According to the Washington Post, the Arizona immigration lawsuit says the law illegally intrudes on federal prerogatives, invoking as its main argument the legal doctrine of “preemption,” which says federal law trumps state statutes. The Justice Department argues that enforcing immigration laws is a federal responsibility.

Feds say immigration law violates civil rights

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

The epicenter of the immigration crisis is actually Arizona

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

Poll shows that Border security trumps immigration reform

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

Citations:

Washington Post

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

Associated Press

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jup3stJNgod5yvfvOU1IInU0erAwD9GPN88G0

CNN

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

Jaycee Lee Dugard and kids get $ 20 million settlement

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

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

For 18 years, Jaycee Lee Dugard was missing

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

State officials thought they may have a case against Dugard

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

Discover more details:

CNN

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

AP report on $ 20 million Dugard settlement:

youtube.com/watch?v=nr7xF52DMRU

After pay cut, California employees get no-cost loans

Employees in California are facing a gigantic pay cut since the budget has yet to be passed. California's governor has asked that all salaries be cut to federal minimum wage until a budget is passed. Some banks and credit unions are offering a pay day to these employees, including no-interest installment payday loans.

Source of article: California state employees offered low cost loan opportunities by Personal Money Store

Cutting pay in California

The state of California hadn't passed a spending budget when their fiscal year began on July 1. Without actually passing a budget, California is going to have a $ 19.1 billion spending budget deficit . Until the spending budget for California is passed, the governor has asked that all state employees have their wages reduced to the federal minimum. The state budgeting and payroll system, though, needs an overhaul and state Controller John Chiang said the reduction wouldn't be possible.

Banks and credit unions offer employee "impasse" loans

Bank of America and Wells Fargo have began offering no faxing payday loans called “budget impasse” products. The loans are quite much offered without a credit check and no interest. These loans either provide money or extended credit to state employees. When a state 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 need to get a personal loan aren’t quickly qualifying for zero-interest loans from these banks. The financial institution has to have an existing account with the employee. Given that California has only passed a balanced budget by the beginning of the fiscal year in 10 of the last 34 years, it is not surprising that many banks have created solutions to help employees that are left within the dust.

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Mel Gibson and racist comments to add to restraining order

In what was initially called an “amicable” breakup, the Mel Gibson racist comments caught on tape have called that explanation into question. Ex-girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva, in recording conversations as evidence, caught Mel Gibson making racist comments on tape. The dueling restraining orders and accusations of every little thing from threats to shaking their young child indicate the implosion of this couple’s relationship is reaching nuclear range.

Post resource: Mel Gibson – Racist comments add to restraining order by Personal Money Store

History of Mel Gibson racist comments

Mel Gibson’s most recent racist comments were recorded by Oksana because she felt “threatened” by Gibson. Within the recording, he threatens to burn down her house, and then says he hopes that she “gets raped by n*****s.” This is not the first recording of Mel Gibson racist comments, though. During a DUI arrest that happened just a few years ago, Mel Gibson was recorded making racist comments about Jewish individuals and more.

The relationship of Mel Gibson and Oksana Grigorieva

The relationship between Mel Gibson and Oksana is stormy.Mel Gibson divorced his wife in 2009. The could dated for a year and had a child before they ended up separating. Both Oksana and Mel have filed restraining orders since. Mel Gibson has accused Oksana of shaking their young baby, while Oksana has accused Mel Gibson of numerous different death threats and abuse.

The financial reality of the whole divorce

Mel Gibson's divorce from his wife of 30 years is going to be very expensive. $1 billion is what Mel Gibson's estate is worth. Robyn Gibson gets half of that legally. A $500 million divorce settlement would dwarf the previous divorce-settlement records. The racist rant makes Mel Gibson's employability questioned too. Though, even if he can’t bring in income, Mel Gibson could probably very easily live on a $500 million fortune.

Stampede of lawyers triggered by Apple/AT and T iPhone class action suit

The Apple/AT and T class action lawsuit is the latest act within the iPhone 4G saga. Soon after selling 1.7 million iPhone 4Gs in just 3 days, consumer complaints about the iPhone “Death Grip” spread like wildfire. After getting Apple’s latest iPhone, reception troubles traced to a faulty iPhone antenna design is evidently too much to bear for some. Disgruntled iPhone 4G users have teamed up with trolling lawyers to file four class action lawsuits against Apple and wireless provider AT and T in Delaware and California.

Source of article: Apple/AT and T iPhone class action suit triggers stampede of lawyers by Personal Money Store

The iPhone with its death grip saga

The Apple iPhone 4G has made for a lot of excessive consumer lust than any product in memory. The expectations that Apple has created with its products is backfiring. PC World reports that soon following the iPhone 4G started shipping to customers in late June, the legend of the iPhone 4 “death grip” was born. Complaints started to rise on the Internet saying that holding the phone with fingers covering the three black lines on the phone’s edge and also the bottom left corner caused its reception to fizzle.

For plaintiffs, iPhone seems to cover too little, too late

In response to the iPhone 4 death grip furor, Apple told every person that “gripping any phone will result in some attenuation of its antenna performance." Placing an iPhone cover or “bumper” on the iPhone 4 apparently eliminates death grip issues. Apple is prepping a software update that will stop these issues. But the iPhone cover and software fix isn't good enough for a few bitterly disappointed iPhone 4 users and a number of legal eagles ready to angle for the potentially lucrative angst of 1.7 million iPhoniphiles and counting.

Apple and AT and T money wanted by lawyers

All the Apple/AT and T class action lawsuits are seeking punitive damages and an injunction against the continued manufacture and sale of the phones until the problem is fixed. As outlined by Macworld, of nine charges leveled in a case filed in Delaware against Apple and AT and T, only seven of them target AT and T and all nine apply to Apple: general negligence; defect in design, manufacture, and assembly; breach of express warranty; breach of implied warranty for merchantability; breach of implied warranty of fitness for a specific purpose; deceptive trade practices; intentional misrepresentation; negligent misrepresentation; and fraud by concealment.

Devastated iPhone users want legal satisfaction

In one more Apple/AT and T class action lawsuit that was filed in California, Reuters said that the deeply hurt plaintiffs have no other choice because Apple and AT and T have failed to provide customer support and, even worse, customers have been left with only 3 remedies: ”hold their phones in an awkward and unnatural manner,” pay a 10 percent restocking fee and also like to return their phones, or pay $ 29.95 to purchase the iPhone cover that is said to fix the reception problem.

Law firms trying to get Apple/AT and T Class action lawsuits

The lawsuits haven't been commented on by Apple or AT and T. I’d expect more lawsuits now that it is out. For example, Gawker posted a link to the Website for law firm Kershaw, Cutter and Ratinoff, which is seeking to find some people who are having iPhone 4 reception issues to try and get their fair share of this potential legal bonanza.

Discover more info:

PC World

pcmag.com/article2/,2817,2365940,00.asp

Macworld

macworld.com/article/152457/2010/07/gavel_iphone4.html

Reuters

reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6603R620100701