Friday, December 31, 2010

Prostate cancer and the index finger connection

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops within the prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. The cancer grows at a slow pace, however can very easily spread to the bones and lymph nodes. Scientists have traditionally pointed to diet and genetic inheritance as the two key factors that can lead to onset of the disease, and a new possibility factor linked to the latter might have been found, according to new study published in the British Journal of Cancer. According to the research, the length of a man’s right index finger might say much about his possibility for prostate cancer. Post resource – Index finger length may indicate prostate cancer risk by MoneyBlogNewz.

Right index finger length connections with cancer of the prostate

Index finger measurement makes a difference according to a research that had 1,524 prostate cancer patients with 3,044 healthy males 15 and older. If a man’s index finger is longer than the ring finger of the exact same hand, he is at lower possibility of creating prostate cancer. The reverse indicated increased risk, specifically a 33 percent greater chance. There were 23 percent that had longer index fingers and shorter were 57 percent. The rest had about the very same size fingers. The index and ring were almost equal.

The study findings supported a study done with Korean mean. There were 366 in that study. Men younger than 60 and 87 have a smaller chance of prostate cancer. This is typically the case.

Testosterone and estrogen subjection

The length of fingers is determined before the birth of a child while scientists believe the length has to do with the amount of testosterone present. Too much testosterone will increase the chances of cancer of the prostate. It may also trigger the ring finger to be longer than the index finger. This is almost the same as it is in women. There is a relationship between breast cancer and the amount of estrogen present at birth.

Many think the index finger measurement would be a good sign for cancer to look for. Other scientists think there was not enough put into the study to really determine this. Other factors may very well be involved, and the methodology of the study has been questioned. There may be some error though thinking about the finger lengths was self reported by participants.

Articles cited

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703814804576035641517516376.html?mod=WSJ_hp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsForth

News coverage of prostate cancer study

youtube.com/watch?v=NyIzchk8_hY



Thursday, December 30, 2010

Indian Muslim stock exchange opens for enterprise

Muslims are forbidden by Shariah law from investing in corporations that make a profit off interest. To be able to leave the opening for those Muslims who do want to invest within the confines of Shariah, the Bombay Stock exchange (BSE) and two other Islamic investment groups have created an Islamic stock index for Muslims in India. Listed as the BSE TASIS Shariah 50, the index picks the top 50 companies within the BSE 500 with liquid stocks that are Shariah-compliant. They will now be able to follow their laws without having to take out sizeable pay day loans.

Looking at the Islamic stock index shows industry developing

According to the Wall Street Journal, the Islamic stock index was up 0.5 percent this morning, which was an even more impressive performance than the BSE as a whole. In the Islamic world, it is typical for lots of trading in Shariah-compliant merchandise like mutual funds that won’t give more interest or extra risk. A huge role is the Bombay Stock exchange TASIS Shariah 50. The trillion dollar industry in the world is Shariah finance the WSJ reports. India is where one of the largest Muslim markets on the earth is where about 175 million, or 15 percent, of the population is Muslim. It makes perfect sense for there to be such a high demand for the Islamic stock index.

The credit-to-deposit proportion

The national credit-to-deposit proportion is about 74 percent, although Indian Muslims only have it at about 47 percent which was discovered by the Reserve Financial institution of India. What this means, as outlined by the WSJ, is that compared to what Indian Muslims conserve, they borrow a great deal of money that could feasibly be used to open an enterprise or purchase assets at a lower rate than the rest of the Indian population. The BSE TASIS Shariah 50 may be really good to make the proportion for Indian Muslims get smoothed out. There’s a chance that Islamic finance that is foreign might start going to India too now with the Islamic stock index.

Citations

Debt Steps

debtsteps.com/credit-to-debt-ratio.html

Wall Street Journal

blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2010/12/27/bombay-exchange-hopes-to-score-with-shariah-index/

Some call it ‘financial jihad’

youtube.com/watch?v=Ulp_96DYiqg



Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Organization regulations and tax breaks aplenty in brand new law that stings homeowners

When President Obama signed the new $ 858 billion tax bill recently, he extended the Bush-era tax cuts for families through about 2012. What Obama also did was give companies a gift, in the form of some helpful – and curious – regulations and tax breaks. And why shouldn’t homeowners be upset, when they see their breaks go the way of tax credits for buying such essentials as race horses?

Approximately 50 business tax breaks leave property owners cold

There are not very several property owners happy with the Obama tax bill even though it has been giving great tax breaks to producing TV programs, erecting windmills and exporting rum. This is as the property tax break has been taken off the table unless deductions are itemized, a method which is not cost-effective for several within the middle class.

It might be easier for the middle class to stop fantasizing. None of it will occur unless things drastically change though. Obama’s new tax credit will only be good for those who make a lot of money already. Tax experts like the Clint Stretch of Deloitte Tax LLP say the legislation was just passed to stop fighting even though the Obama administration and others say that the new tax legislation will help economic activity do better.

“It gives it a lot of dignity to call it a ’system,’ ” Stretch told the AP.

What you need to learn about regulations and tax breaks

  • Large capital expenditures can be written off by profitable companies at one time instead of over time. Businesses will save $ 21 billion. This can be over 10 years though
  • Foreign profit tax shield will save banks, insurers and financial firms. This will cost working class individuals a lot of money. $ 9.2 billion could be paid
  • Tax breaks for research and development. $ 13.3 billion paid for this part
  • Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands will conserve $ 262 million through 2011 with a lower rum export tax
  • There can be a wind, solar and renewable energy tax credit through 2011. It will cost $ 3 billion
  • There could be a 50 percent tax credit. Railroad track maintenance costs could be what this is for. Through 2011, it will cost about $ 331 million
  • Companies that donate to charity will receive $ 537 million in tax breaks through 2011
  • Television production tax breaks for anything non-sexual. Write off $ 101 million through 2011

Articles cited

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/40811738/ns/business-us_business/

Obama signs tax bill

youtube.com/watch?v=emYrBgHBRdo



Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Home-based production of rare earth metals to resume

What was once the biggest rare earth elements mine within the world will come back to life next year. In 2004 Colorado-based Molycorp closed its rare earth mine in CA. The company could not compete with the low prices offered through Chinese sources. However, China has started to manipulate supplies, which has brought on prices for rare earth metals to rise dramatically.

About the Molycorp Mountain Pass mine

The richest source of rare earth elements within the world is the Mountain Pass, CA mine that is dormant and owned by Molycorp. Molycorp’s Mountain Pass mine closed over environmental concerns and overwhelming competition from China. China now has a monopoly on rare earth metals since Mountain Pass closed. The United States national security and economy is in danger with this. Molycorp has decided to start producing again after getting the right financing and permits. In 2011, the company will produce about 3,000 tons of rare earth metals processed from ore stockpiled before the mine was closed. A production of 20,000 tons is expected in 2012.

What you should learn about the china monopoly

The 2010 global demand for rare earth metals can be measured already. 125,000 tons was the amount. About 97 percent of the world’s rare earth metals production is controlled by China right now. Wind turbines, electric car batteries, electronic gadgets and military technology all use rare earth metals. In 2010, China appeared to be using its rare earths monopoly for geopolitical leverage. High tech manufacturing in the United States, Japan and Europe was disrupted when it cut exports of rare earth metals by more than 70 percent. China reduced taxes for domestic manufacturers. This was for all rare earth metals. Prices for rare earth metals rose 40 percent. Clean-energy technology businesses are moving operations to China to conserve costs.

Jump-starting a green power economic climate

Sumitomo Corp of Japan invested $130 million in Molycorp to guarantee a supply of rare earth metals for seven years. Within 18 months, production is expected by Molycorp to increase to 40,000 tons. The neodymium magnets used in wind turbines are an example of the emerging technology that utilizes rare earth metals in a green energy economy. Within the U.S., you will find currently no businesses that can do this. However, neodymium magnets may be produced within the United States with Molycorp making a partnership with Hitachi in order to use bastnasite ore from Mountain Pass mine. Currently only 10 businesses located in Germany, Japan and China are licensed to make neodymium magnets.

Information from

The Guardian

guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/dec/26/rare-earth-metals-us

MIT Technology Review

technologyreview.com/energy/26980/page2/

Miami Herald

miamiherald.com/2010/12/27/1989540/weaning-ourselves-from-a-china.html



Saturday, December 25, 2010

Bavarian Motor Works logo burned into the retinas of unsuspicious movie audience

Bavarian Motor Works emblem burned into the retinas of unsuspicious motion picture viewers

The Bavarian Motor Works logo made quite an impression in a marketing display at a German film theater recently. Viewers observing a Bavarian Motor Works advertisement had a Bavarian Motor Works emblem imprinted on their retinas with a flash they could see after shutting their eyes. Viewers people interviewed after the show were excited, but the stunt raises questions about whether the technique is safe, or even legal. In any event, you know the business took out a large installment loan to have something such as this carried out. Resource for this article – BMW logo burned into the retinas of unsuspecting movie audience by MoneyBlogNewz.

BMW logo flash projection

No other logo has dated venture where the BMW logo went. Digital cameras use flash projection technology in them. In order to stamp the BMW logo into brains of viewers, this same technology was used. The gimmick is situated on how an image of the sun is imprinted on the retina after looking at it for an instant. It gives the appearance of a projection for a moment. This is even on the back of your eyelids. A large studio flash was at a German movie theater behind the screen. It was called Profoto Pro-7B. In front of the flash there was a BMW logo stenciled in.

What the BMW commercial looked like

People had projections into their retinas of the BMW logo during an ad for BMW motorcycles. Superbike world champion Ruben Xaus was in the commercial. Producers say the ad uses an after-image of the BMW brand to “literally get inside people’s heads.”. They even talked about the technique. They said a "harmless photo flash" was being used. Xaus says to the audience, "I am living my dream. ‘What dream?’ you ask. Just close your eyes and look deep inside yourself. Maybe it’s your dream too. It is in you.” Then the BMW logo is projected. This is for the audience. All they notice is an indiscernible flash. Xaus then says “Close your eyes and you will see it.”

Reaction to BMW logo flash

Audience members were amazed, despite being guinea pigs for an overtly subliminal marketing technique. Numerous wonder if burning the BMW logo into retinas at films is even safe. The Profoto Pro07B flash only lasts from 1/3,000 to 1/400 of a second, but it cranks out intensely bright light. Everyone knows looking at the sun isn’t a good idea and could be hazardous to the eyesight. Also, seizures are caused by brief, bright flashes of light like that.

BMW logo flash projection

youtube.com/watch?v=GR_vDq2iXJ4

Articles cited

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/Innovation/Latest-News-Wires/2010/1217/BMW-logo-branded-on-eyelids-How-did-they-do-that-video

CNET

news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-20025875-71.html?part=rss&tag=feed&subj=TechnicallyIncorrect

The Epoch Times

theepochtimes.com/n2/content/view/47641/



Long-time sweetheart Gibson claims yes to Bret Michaels proposal

Bret Michaels has proposed to his long-time sweetheart Kristi Gibson. This is after 16 years of on-again, off-again dating and 2 kids. Michaels got on one knee and proposed to Gibson while they were filming his reality show. The rest of the episode focused on the fact it was the couple’s anniversary. The pair has not yet set a wedding date, but info is soon to follow. This wedding might require the use of a payday loan to plan it right.

Bret Michaels will be getting married shortly

Whether or not Bret would propose to his sweetheart in the VH1 show “Bret Michaels: Life as I know it,” was what the whole finale was about. An on again, off again relationship as what Bret Michaels and Kristi Gibson had. It lasted 16 years too. The couple also has 2 children together, 10 year old Raine and 5 year old Jorja. The pair is now to be married to be married as Kristi said yes to a proposal from Michael.

What Bret Michaels did for the engagement

The engagement that ended with Michaels to be married surely had a rocker twist to it. He made some comments. He said, “I bought you that ring, not to be a friendship with benefits… we’ve had that for a while. It’s just one of those things. I love you and I respect you and you’ve been through so much with me. It means something to me.” Though their relationship has been off-again at times, Kristi Gibson has been present at Michaels side during his 2 stints in the hospital earlier within the year, and the pair are both very committed to parenting their kids together. Michaels also referred to his forthcoming heart surgery during his engagement, asking “if it does not work out and I die during the operation, will you roll my ashes and smoke me?”

Engagement uncommon for Bret Michaels

Michaels and Kristi Gibson are not at all following trends in their relationship even though they have been together for 16 years. As relatively financially well-off individuals, the two were uncommon for the fact they had kids and remained together — only about 6 percent of kids born outside marriage are born to parents who have college degrees or high net worth. Both of them are statistically unusual with the wedding ahead as most don’t marry the parent of the child they have.

Information from

MTV

mtv.com/news/articles/1654705/20101221/bret_michaels.jhtml



Friday, December 24, 2010

Fed wants to rule in swipe costs on debit card transactions

The Federal Reserve plans to enforce a 12-cent limit on debit card swipe costs as part of a suggestion released December 16. the financial reform bill needs the Fed to rule in debit card swipe fees and other bank practices that put the squeeze on merchants that accept debit cards. Retailers hailed the proposal and charge card issuing banks cried foul as major charge card corporations took a struck on the stock sector.

Information on the Fed swipe limit proposal

No matter what the value is, most credit card companies charge 1 to 2 % of every transaction with the current system of debit card swipe fees. The Fed debit card swipe fee proposal also includes giving merchants a choice from at least two independent debit card networks, a move that would create more competition for Visa and Mastercard. The reason why the Fed came up with the swipe limit proposal was as a result of the financial reform bill. It required that banks have to make debit card swipe fees "reasonable and proportional" to what the bank pays to process the electronic fees. The Fed suggests that banks are likely to have to be more cost efficient. This is what the debit card swipe fee limits would force.

Billions lost by banks this way

About $15 was made in swipe fees by credit card companies. This was in 2009 alone. The Fed swipe fee limit proposal would be a boon for retailers. An analyst at JPMorgan Chase told Bloomberg that banks that issue Visa and Mastercard credit cards could lose 80 to 90 % of that revenue. UBS Investment Research reports that the average debit card swipe fee will drop 75 %. This would be assuming the swipe fee is capped at 12 percent. As outlined by the Fed, debit card swipe fee limits won't change much. Consumers won't even notice. But banks trying to find methods to make up for their ill-gotten gains could cut back on debit card reward programs and come up with more of the creative ways to gouge consumers they’re known for.

Fed swipe fee limits get response from many

As outlined by the National Retail Federation, it could be good for consumers. This would be because discounts are easier to give when merchant's costs are down. Because of the benefits they get from the card payment network, the American Bankers Association said the Fed would be letting retailers stay away from paying their fare share. Visa stock went down 11 % while Mastercard dropped 9 percent following the Fed announced the swipe fee proposal on Thursday.

Articles cited

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/16/AR2010121604553.html

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-16/federal-reserve-moves-to-reduce-debit-card-fees-visa-mastercard-decline.html

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20101216-713515.html



Thursday, December 23, 2010

Expensive loans for low-income borrowers in Baltimore

In Baltimore, MD, and surrounding areas, there happen to be accusations of discriminatory lending rates. When taking out a Federal Housing Administration mortgage, the rate, no matter your income or credit rating, is intended to be within a narrow range. Minority-neighborhood consumers in Baltimore may not have gotten a fair shake in 2008, though. One study claims that these borrowers paid higher rates during that year. Article source – Discriminatory FHA loans could have cost Baltimore borrowers by MoneyBlogNewz.

Need an FHA loan while in Baltimore?

In Baltimore there was a study released by a community-organizing group. Supposedly, it proves that Federal Housing Administration loans use discrimination. For all financial loans that are Federal Housing Administration secured, the interest rate should be close to the exact same. There isn't much of an effect on the rate from the credit score and amount of mortgage which isn't like traditional house financial loans. Then there are Veteran's Administration financial loans. They are very similar. In a study of the FHA financial loans offered to Baltimore, MD, residents, however, it was discovered that homes in minority and low-income neighborhoods tended to have higher interest rates.

Overages

The Justice Department has identified "overages" as one place for abuse. This is for Federal Housing Administration financial loans mostly. When determining "overages" and processing fees on loans, employees are able to make some of the decisions. Many times the loan overages will decide what the GHA mortgage salesperson can be getting paid. This is part of their commission. By charging low-income or minority neighborhood consumers more in overages, purposefully or not, the financial loans could end up discriminatory.

Discrimination charge discussed by Federal Reserve

The charge of discrimination was countered by the Federal Reserve during 2008 in an examination of FHA financial loans, which was the very same year Communities United studied. Details not yet accessible to the public was used as the Federal Reserve studied the exact same Baltimore Federal Housing Administration loans. Privacy was a concern though. That means within the publishing, the exact dates weren't listed. The Federal Reserve states the anomaly in mortgage cost taken place due to the dive in home prices in late 2008. If the Baltimore Federal Housing Administration mortgages were discriminatory, then the data from 2009 and later years needs to be researched to determine the truth.

Data from

Baltimore Sun

weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/realestate/blog/2010/11/study_raises_questions_about_disparities_in_fha_loans.html



FCC to election on net neutrality suggestion December twenty one

A proposal establishing rules on net neutrality can be voted on by the FCC on December twenty one. At issue are pay to play rules giving Internet service providers the power to charge higher prices for more bandwidth. A compromise by the FCC seeks to allow ISPs to get bandwidth-intensive traffic under control while protecting unlimited access to Internet content for customers.

The net neutrality battleground

Right now the FCC has no Internet control. It can't do any kind of regulation. An Internet suggestion will be presented to congress for net neutrality. An explosion in video and P2P traffic, with the proliferation of smartphones and networked tablet devices, has put a strain on accessible bandwidth. ISPs such as Comcast and Verizon support a pay-to-play system that allows them to control congestion by charging consumers more for a so called “Internet fast lane.”. The P2P traffic has been throttled while the ISP has been charging content providers since there has been such a high demand of bandwidth. 2-tiered Internet is something content providers think is entirely unfair. They think it should be illegal also.

The Federal Communications Commission net neutrality proposal basics

It’s the idea of the Federal Communications Commission to keep ISPs from having any kind of control along with "normal" traffic for Internet users although it wants P2P networks to be managed with providers along with bandwidth intensive content like Netflix to get levy fees. The net neutrality coming from the Federal Communications Commission will keep ISPs from controlling bandwidth. This includes businesses like Verizon. Some analysts expect increasing prices for faster mobile data access and pay-to-play rules that will be challenged by Internet stakeholders in court. More than 80 groups got together and sent the FCC a letter on Dec. 10 on the net neutrality proposal. It said that the suggestion might end the free and open Internet while also stifling innovation and harming many customers.

About net neutrality

Methods to exploit the Federal Communications Commission suggestion have been looked at by ISPs already. According to DailyTech, AT&T and Verizon are already coming up with a plan. A two-tiered Internet is being looked at. Skype, Facebook and Youtube would all be websites that might get you extra monthly fees on top of MB consumed fees in this system. This might only be for mobile data customers. The presentation also recommends that ISPs create their own social network and video websites and offer their consumers totally free access for choosing those instead.

Information from

Red Orbit

redorbit.com/news/technology/1968824/fcc_closer_to_making_internet_traffic_decision/

The Inquirer

theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1933693/fcc-proposes-hand-power-isps-mobile-telecoms

DailyTech

dailytech.com/Top+Wireless+Firms+Plot+to+Make+Wireless+Users+Pay+Per+Page/article20438.htm



Ohio cash advance loans for Dayton

OH cash loans for Dayton

You will find times every person has financial trouble. Are you in a rough patch? In Dayton, help with your monetary challenges can be just moments out. A personal bank loan or bad credit loan could be transferred into your bank account in just a few hours.

Bad credit loans for Dayton, Ohio

When you’ve got a bad credit score or no credit, it can feel like you are facing closed doors. Lenders will check your credit meaning it is hard to get traditional credit or loans. You are able to get your report looking good though with a bad credit score loans. The first and most important step to good credit is to make sure that you pay all of your bills on time and in full. When you are at a rough time with your finances, you can get a a bad credit score loan. You could be able to stop your account with the bank from going negative and pay all your bills on time. You will even help your credit as you pay back your loans on the day and time you agree to do this.

Numerous needing cash until payday loan loans in Dayton, Ohio

You might be thinking of applying in Ohio for a Dayton cash until payday. Only a few minutes are needed to apply and get approved for it. There isn't that much paperwork associated with applying for a personal loan. Only a few minutes are needed to do it. You are going to need a phone number, a banking account, an income of some kind and a state or federal ID. These will your cash advance loans application will require. You don't have to worry or wait as your application can be processed in just a couple minutes. Your banking account will have the money deposited into it in just a couple hours. This is if you’re approved for the loan.

Getting Dayton personel loans

Dayton online pay day loans or personal loan applications are very safe. That is on top of the fast and simple process. The entire process keeps your application info safe through the encryption that is way better than standard. All application and loan offers will be shown to you. Before you sign, you can look them over. That means you’ve got the chance to review everything before you commit to anything. Finding an open window in front of you is what getting financial help in Dayton is all about.



Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Bank On Dallas attempting to lower dependence on Texas payday loans

Payday advance consumers in TX are being offered a new option for banking. This is an option supported by the city. The system is called Bank On Dallas. It attempts to get conventional banks to open up accounts with non-traditional customers. Payday lending stores might be facing new restrictions also. These undefined regulations are being reviewed by the Dallas city council. Source of article – Bank On Dallas trying to reduce need for Texas payday loans by MoneyBlogNewz.

What the Bank on Dallas initiative is all about

In Dallas, Texas, the Bank on Dallas program would be a bank and credit union. The program encourages banks and credit unions to offer "starter" bank accounts. Everyone in the area without a account with the bank would get one. This group of people, called “unbanked,” is a group that often uses check-cashing storefronts. The “Bank On Dallas” initiative is supported by many groups that are also trying to pass new regulations on the payday cash advance loan industry within the Dallas and Irving, Texas, area.

Fighting over limits on payday loans in Texas

Lawmakers are getting a lot of community groups lobbying them. This is because they want pay day loan store regulations made. It is more common in Dallas to determine a car title or paydayloan store than a McDonald's or Whataburger. Payday lending is limited to "credit service organizations" in Dallas right now. Limiting interest rates and terms of credit service organizations is what Dallas lawmakers want presently. This is because they take advantage of customers supposedly.

Differentiating between underbanked and unbanked

Organizations in Dallas explain that it can be great to open up banking to the unbanked. This is because payday lenders will have less customers coming in. You will find different people in the unbanked than there are in the underbanked. That is the problem. Most unbanked customers go to alternative banking locations. This includes check cashing locations. Payday lending and other short-term cash choices are typically used by the underbanked though as a account with your bank is required for some payday lenders. There hasn't been a change in regulations for payday lenders in Dallas yet. The regulations are being considered by the City Council though.

Information from

Dallas City Hall

dallascityhall.com/BankOnDallas/aboutUs.html

Personal Money Store

personalmoneystore.com/payday-lending-statistics/



Drop-side cribs banned in U.S.

Generations of American kids used drop-side cribs during their babyhood, largely because mom and dad liked the low price and convenience of access to the child. Based on the Associated Press, however, those days are formally over. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has voted to prohibit the manufacture, sale and reselling of drop-side baby cribs within the United States, largely because there have been millions of units recalled and over 30 babies and toddlers have died in drop-side cribs since 2000. Individuals might have to get a cash til payday loan to purchase a higher level of quality and legal baby crib for their baby. Source of article – Drop-side cribs banned by U.S. government by MoneyBlogNewz.

Anti drop-side cribs rule takes effect June 2011

It will soon become illegal for drop side cribs to be used in hotels, childcare centers or even for private use. Childcare centers could have one year from the official date of the June 2011 ban to buy new, non-drop-side cribs.

What's wrong with the drop-side crib

Cheaper wood and plastic is used in most drop-side cribs. Numerous like this because it is cheaper. Hardware malfunction related to design and cheap materials can cause the drop-side crib rail to partially detach, creating a gap in which an infant or toddler’s head can become caught. Since 2000, there have been at least 32 U.S. infants and toddlers strangled or suffocated because of this when the drop side crib has caused at least 14 more fatalities. A drop-side crib ban is something the CPSC has been thinking about for a when.

Cribs from companies such as Evenflo, Delta Enterprise Corp. and Pottery Barn Kids have been part of the 9 million drop-side crib recalls over the past five years.

Many say crib standards in the U.S. are ‘one of the strongest in the world’ so far

According to CPSC Chair Inez Tenenbaum, the new United States regulation of drop-side cribs is among the most stringent within the world. Larger and stronger kids can be safer in cribs when pushing or shaking them after new testing standards catch manufacturing defects. Assembling the crib should be easier for parents also. This is as a result of better instructions being added. Following the CPSC vote went through, Tenenbaum explained the standard will now "help to ensure that young kids rest more safely".

Information from

About.com

babyproducts.about.com/od/sleepbedding/a/drop_side_cribs_safety.htm

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/40678788/ns/politics/from/toolbar

Do you know what Canada knows about drop-side cribs?

youtube.com/watch?v=eMKcIumVM2Q



Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Acting professional Torn pleads at fault to financial institution break-in accusations in CT

Torn has pleaded at fault to accusations that be broke into a Connecticut financial institution. The Emmy Award-winning acting professional was armed and drunk during the event. Police found Torn roaming within the facility right after hrs. He was imprisoned in 2010 in Jan. You would assume he might have simply just gone in and requested a personal loan instead.Source for this article – Rip Torn pleads guilty to Connecticut bank break-in charges by MoneyBlogNewz.

A few charges are what Torn pleads guilty to

The Associated Press accounts that Tuesday, Torn or Elmore Rual Torn pleaded at fault to. These contain illegal possession of a firearm, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment and criminal trespass. He won’t be able to possess a firearm, will get a two-and-a-half year suspension and three years of probation. He is also required to take random drug and liquor tests.

Burglary in a CT bank

Rip Torn was arrested in January for breaking right into a Litchfield Bancorp branch office after business hrs. He was found carrying a loaded .22-caliber pistol with a blood-alcohol level of 0.203, which is almost three times the lawful limit for CT drivers. Torn, most known as "The Men in Black" star, pleaded guilty to all charges in August initially. This included carrying a weapon without a permit, carrying a firearm while drunk, third-degree criminal mischief and second degree criminal trespassing also. Litchfield Superior Court Judge James Ginocchio had denied Torn’s special request to partake in a probation program in New York, citing the accusations were too severe to qualify the 79-year-old acting professional.

Incidents like this relating to alcohol

Rip Torn, who’s best known for his roles in “The Larry Sanders Show” and the 1983 movie “Cross Creek,” has been involved in several alcohol-related occurrences. Right after Torn would not take a ride home after drinking at a bar in 2008, he was arrested on suspicious of drunk driving. He left the bar, got into his vehicle and drove away while appearing intoxicated. In New York City in 2004, Torn was imprisoned. His car crashed right into a taxi which caused this. Torn also refused to take a breathalyzer and cursed at police officer which got him seen on TV.

Citations

Yahoo! News

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101215/ap_on_en_mo/us_people_rip_torn



Saturday, December 18, 2010

Following 33 years on the way, Voyager one at fringe of solar system

Voyager 1, a nuclear driven space probe launched by NASA in 1977, is nearing the boundary of the solar system. Voyager 1’s "Grand Tour” has been a 33-year mission into deep space. It is itinerary has been highlighted by historic encounters with Jupiter and Saturn. When Voyager 1 was released, NASA put the Voyager Golden Record on board, a disc holding noises and images of Earth meant for the consumption of alien populations. NASA probably had to obtain a large pay day loan to finance the Voyager 1 even in 1977.

Getting into interstellar space due to the Voyage 1

Voyager 1 is traveling into deep space at a velocity of 38,185 mph and was about 11 billion miles from Earth on December 14. Right now, it has entered the heliosheath. That is an area in space. The limit of the range of the solar wind is what defines the heliosheath. A bubble called the heliospere is exactly what the bubble is called that has charged particles emanating from the sun for making up the solar wind. It is easy for NASA scientists to determine the Voyager 1 is in the heliosheath instead of the heliosphere anymore. It is because solar wind went to zero, which is determined by the instruments on board. It will only take about four more years for the Voyager 1 to go from the heliosheath to interstellar space.

Voyager 1’s Grand Tour

The alignment of outer planets was taken into account when the Voyager 1 was sent on a mission on September 5, 1977. Voyager 1 was planned to use "gravity assist" which was a newly discovered theory to use Jupiter gravity in order to get more speed and be slingshot into outer space. Voyager 1 beamed the first high-resolution photos of Jupiter in 1979 and Saturn in 1980. In 1990 Voyager 1 took its last image — the “family portrait” mosaic of the solar system that featured a distant Earth against the black background of space called the “Pale Blue Dot.”. The nuclear-powered probe is expected to keep transmitting data until 2025. More than 16 hrs are needed for Voyager 1 to get radio signals to Earth.

Exactly what the Voyager Golden Record is

A sample of existence on the planet in 1977 will be shown with the Voyager golden Record to aliens if the Voyager 1 runs into any. The Voyager Golden Record is a gold-plated copper phonograph record complete with turntable and stylus containing data about the solar system and its planets, plus pictures of life on earth from humans to insects. Audio includes the sound of ocean surf, birds singing and music ranging from Beethoven to Chuck Berry.

Articles cited

Universe Today

universetoday.com/81662/voyager-1-has-outdistanced-the-solar-wind/

Daily Mail

dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1338448/Voyager-near-solar-edge-33-years-launch.html

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_Golden_Record



Friday, December 17, 2010

Time Person of the Year for 2010: NOT Julian Assange

Facebook creator Zuckerberg has been named Time Person of the Year 2010, a move which has shocked the majority of the magazine’s audience. Based on Time’s own audience poll results, WikiLeaks founder Assange won in a landslide with 382,024 ballots. To be more specific, that’s 150,000 more ballots than the number 2 slot – Turkey’s pm – received. Mark Zuckerberg did crack the top 10, but with only 18,353 thumbs up. He didn’t even have to take out a pay day loans and buy his way on the list.

Zuckerberg is awarded Time Person of the Year 2010

Saying Mark Zuckerberg should not have won the Time Person of the Year 2010 mantle is ridiculous. Facebook changed the world. The World Wide Web will never be the same. Richard Stengel of the Time has his own opinion on Zuckerberg. He said Zuckerberg "enables individuals to voluntarily share information with the idea of empowering them." Zuckerberg "sees the world as filled with potential friends," which is unlike Assange who Stengel said "sees the world as filled with real and imagined enemies."

Assange vs. Zuckerberg this year

In the minds of Time’s editors, Zuckerberg’s contribution to society is more valuable than that of Assange. WikiLeaks is argued by many to be the reason why power in society may be questions. Leaders could be questioned more now as well. There’s a belligerently loud minority that think differently of Julian Assange. He is considered paranoid and dangerous by these people. From the pulpit, they scream that we’re better off not knowing what The Wizard of Oz is doing at the rear of the curtain. It’s an old argument that fails to hold water for those who care about freedom.

Gaga, Beck, miners and unemployed beating him

Lady Gaga, Glenn Beck, the Chilean miners and unemployed Americans also received more Time Person of the Year 2010 audience votes than Mark Zuckerberg. Obviously awarding Julian Assange runner up showed the Time ignored its readers. Even though Afghan President Hamid Karzai openly admits to being a corrupt politician, he was runner up too.

Mark Zuckerberg has empowered us with the status update. The world beyond Farmville was questioned with Julian Assange. Is Moment put under government pressure with its choice or is Zuckerberg really worth it?

Articles cited

Huffington Press

huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/15/time-person-of-the-year-2010-mark-zuckerberg_n_796907.html

Time

time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2036683_2037181,00.html

Julian Assange on why the world needs WikiLeaks

youtube.com/watch?v=bVGqE726OAo



Thursday, December 16, 2010

Secret Society of Women provides unknown revealing

The Secret Society of Women is a new network created “by women, for women”. The Secret Society was founded by journalist Ling. The site seems to have true staying power. It has only been around for a few months, however is already growing. Don't worry, this isn't an additional thing that you would have to take out a pay day loan just to sign up for.

Secret Society of Women roots

Lisa Ling co-founded the Secret Society of Women site. Ling had been facing a tough time after experiencing a miscarriage. Then she said women needed “a confidential, anonymous community to share experiences and soak up advice and words of wisdom from other women.” Early November was when the website got put up. On "The View" on December 7, Ling announced it.

Sharing experiences in one community

There are two things encouraged by the Secret Society of Women's site. Building a community and sharing secrets are these two things. Sharing secrets can happen in various different areas. "Daily Wish," "Favorite Things" and "Wisdom" are all examples of categories accessible to post in. All the sharing on the site can be done anonymously if tried. An e-mail address and username are required for registering though.

Secret sharing can happen other places besides Secret Society of Women

Secret Society of Women wasn't the first secret-sharing online place. It is just the most recent. A blog called PostSecret has built a huge community and following from simply posting postcards containing people’s secrets onto a blog. The web gives great anonymity. That means that most are willing to share secrets from personal lives on it. There is just a general community involved with the Secret Society of Women. It will probably be very popular though if what is happening now with its following continues.

Articles cited

Secret Society of Women

secretsocietyofwomen.com/

E Online

eonline.com/uberblog/b214936_lisa_ling_opens_up_about_miscarriage.html



Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Brand new Big Ten logo increases twelve teams into the iconography

The Big Ten conference is the largest Division 1 athletic conference in the nation. The Big Ten began as the Big Nine. For the last few years, teams have been added. In 2011, the Big Ten can be twelve teams, but the new Big Ten emblem has been simplified. They possibly had to take out a pay day loan to finance changing an entire logo.

Big Ten's emblem to change

Monday, the brand new Big Ten emblem was revealed. It showed that putting numbers in the text will no longer happen. The number 11 was in the Big Ten emblem when 11 groups were in the Big Ten. The designers of the Big Ten logo picked a simpler option than trying to integrate 12 into the logo with the twelve groups. Now the "Big Ten" logo is very simple. Both "big" and "ten" are used, and that is it. In "Big," the "I" and "G" is accentuated. This implies the number 10 in it. The logo is very easy and simple. It might be reproduced almost anywhere.

The Big Ten emblem has to be used

The new Big Ten emblem integrates the logos of the 12 groups in two groups. You will find right now six individuals in each team. This includes the "Legends" and the "Leaders" in it. The "Legends" and "Leaders" team logos are incorporated into some of the choices for the brand new Big Ten logo. There are 10 possibilities to choose from. There is a lot of compromise going on. That is what the new Big Ten logo is about. It does not matter that millions — if not billions — of dollars are involved in the issue considering it is college football with the Big Ten emblem.

What’s the difference between the Big Ten and the Big twelve?

Adding a 12th member made the Big Ten conference consider a name change. Changing to the Big 12 would have been the change. However, the Big 12 conference already exists. There are 12 total members within the Big Ten conference now. Ironically though, you will find going to only be 10 members within the Big 12 conference soon. The new Big Ten emblem integrates all 12 members but does not change the name.

Citations

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Ten_Conference

Big Ten

bigten.org/genrel/121310aaa.html



Monday, December 13, 2010

Study connects aspirin and cancer survival - don't start pills yet

A new study has found that taking low-dose aspirin could reduce risk of cancer. This study has been published in the Lancet. The research, published today, reviewed eight previous studies involving 25,500 subjects. This research is incredibly promising. There aren’t yet enough details for doctors to make a decision on aspirin therapy. Source of article – Study links aspirin and cancer survival – don’t start pills yet by Money Blog Newz.

Aspirin may be in a position to stop cancer

The meta-study published today was completed by a team of British researchers. They said that taking aspirin each day for five years reduces the chance of cancer being the reason for death. These are 75 milligram tablets. There was a 20 percent decrease in death from lung and prostate cancer, a 54 percent decrease in gastrointestinal cancers and a 60 percent decrease in esophageal cancers. There were daily low-dose aspirin taken by individuals. Between 5 and 20 years was how long each did it. The cardiovascular effects while taking daily aspirin was the original purpose of the study.

Is not smart to begin taking aspirin regular

Researchers do not suggest that you take aspirin daily even though there was lots of improvement on surviving cancers with it. There were not too many subjects in the meta-study and "proof of principle" has to be found with more studies. While aspirin is relatively safe, a day-to-day regimen can cause thinning of the blood, heartburn, loss of balance and ringing within the ears. ”I surely think we wouldn’t want for making any treatment decisions depending on this research,” according to the provost of the University of TX M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Dr. Raymond DuBois. Dr. Raymond DuBois said, “I certainly think we wouldn’t want for making any treatment decisions depending on this study." He is from the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center.

Issues with the aspirin-cancer study

There were 2 studies done that showed an improved cancer survival rate with aspirin. Or course, the exact same group of researchers in Britain did both of the studies. These 2 studies, however, nevertheless leave significant spaces. Out of the 25,500 individuals within the main meta-analysis, only 33 percent were women. Less common cancers like brain and stomach cancer with low-dose aspirin weren't tested at all with the data. The group of patients might be statistically skewed since the benefit of aspirin on the heart was what the studies were originally working on.

In the end, this aspirin cancer link is an exciting and possibly useful one, but there is not almost enough research yet to safely recommend it as a treatment for many people.

Citations

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/07/AR2010120701602.html

Business Week

businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/647054.html



Officials perform controlled burn off of Escondido bomb house

There was so much volatile bomb materials in a rental home in Escondido, California, even the bomb squad was not safe. The person renting the Escondido bomb house was making powerful, unpredictable bombs for an unknown reason. The house was such a hazard the best way to neutralize the threat was to burn off the Escondido bomb home to the floor. The payday loan someone would need to take out to completely cleanse that house would be more expensive than just rebuilding a fresh one.

Lots of Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine found in Escondido bomb residence

Thurs at 11 a.m. PST, the Escondido bomb home got scorched down. The discovery of the bomb factory only happened due to a gardener. He stepped on gravel within the back yard and got badly burned. A huge stockpile of hexamethylene triperoxide diamine was found by police in the home, or HMTD. HMTD like this had never been found in the U.S. before. It was never that large of a stockpile. Any slight amount of heat, friction or impact will cause the detonation of Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine . There was supposedly hardly any HMTD that the gardener stepped on. Supposedly it was less than a gram. Nine detonators and 13 grenade hulls with Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine in them were discovered by police too.

More discovered inside the bomb home in Escondido

Eight to nine pounds of Hexamethylene triperoxide diamine were removed from the Escondido bomb home. Eight federal counts are being brought against 54 year old George Djura Jakubec. These are there because of the high explosive devices he had and made. Jakubec has also been charged in three 2009 armed financial institution robberies in which he allegedly stole $54,000. There could be even more HMTD in the home. Officials are afraid it might just be a giant trap. The site is extremely unpredictable. In fact, an explosion occurred within the yard due to where a guy on the bomb squad stepped. San Diego County Sherriff asked FBI bomb experts if he could get some advice. This led to the decision that the Escondido bomb residence needed to be burned.

The residence burning

To prepare the Escondido bomb house for its destruction, authorities built a metal fence 16-feet high, reinforced with two layers of fire-resistant drywall. Flame retardant gel was put within the blast wall. They boarded up the next door house. It also had gel put on it. They cleared vegetation too. This was all around the house. The Sheriff’s bomb squad cut holes in the roof. The community was given 48-hour notice of the burn off. Interstate 15 was shut down north of Escondido, and individuals within the area have been told to close their doors and windows. The fire burned quickly at a temperature of about 1,800 degrees.

Articles cited

North County Times

nctimes.com/news/local/escondido/article_645f4ed3-1e30-5a5d-beb5-8a30945026dd.html

KUSI News

kusi.com/story/13615007/lenderman-pkg

NBC San Diego

nbcsandiego.com/news/local-beat/Bomb-Factory-Home-Cluttered-Dangerous-110424884.html



Saturday, December 11, 2010

FTC prompts online industry to create do-not-track standard

An online privacy proposal was submitted by the Federal Trade Commission Wednesday. A key tenet of the FTC proposal is a "do-not-track" requirement for the internet industry. To prevent data about a private individual’s web habits from being sold without their knowledge to 3rd party websites, a do-not-track option is one of many approaches recommended by the FTC. Post resource – FTC strongly suggests do-not-track option in online privacy plan by Money Blog Newz.

Internet privacy ant the FTC solution

The FTC is proposing a system called do-not-track, and is asking for the public's input until the 31 of January. FTC Chairman, Jon Leibowitz, is hoping that businesses will follow these guidelines on their own because it is something the FTC does not have the authority to enforce. The FTC said that consumers bear most of the burden for online privacy protection and more policies have to be in place to help them make informed choices. The FTC is searching for public input on how to best implement this system and the way it should be used.

Measures in place right now for a do-not-track option

The FTC is trying to one up the current do-not-track systems to make a universal and widely used method. Microsoft introduced the “InPrivate Browsing” setting with Internet Explorer 8. Firefox offers a “Private Browsing” setting and Google Chrome features private browsing in “Incognito” mode. However, widely used technologies such as Adobe’s “Flash cookies,” although not intended specifically for tracking, are being collected by 3rd parties to use for targeted advertising. Facebook has additionally been pushing privacy limits by offering members’ personal information to 3rd party sites.

FTC trying to safeguard people

The FTC online privacy proposal can be interpreted as a warning to Internet companies to clean up their privacy acts sooner instead of later or the government will do it for them. The FTC might suggest some form of standard be mandatory if this problem can't be fixed by the companies according to Leibowitz. The internet is a “deeply disturbing shopping mall” where each and every move you make is recorded. At least that is how legislators felt at a conference on internet privacy earlier this year.

Information from

ZDnet

zdnet.com/blog/btl/ftc-calls-for-do-not-track-list-new-policies-to-protect-online-privacy/42278

PC World

pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2373681,00.asp

Ars Technica

arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2010/07/congress-ponders-privacy-of-your-underwear-immortal-soul.ars



Facebook numbers in status update communications keeping secrecy

If you are on Facebook, you’ve no doubt seen the overrun of numbers in Facebook status messages. These numbers in status update messages on Facebook are simply a way of sending semi-public, semi-private messages. This “Numbers Game” is intended to be fun. Some anti-bullying activists are worried, however. Be cautious when playing this game since you never know what may be said. For example, should you owe someone cash they might just make a comment on how you are unable to pay back your payday loan.

numbers in Facebook statuses

numbers in Facebook status messages followed by a message on Facebook status' has been confusing many. You may be wondering what is happening. It isn't too hard to determine what the Facebook numbers in communications are. A message has to be put on the status with something about another friend on Facebook. This is only done if you have received a personal message from somebody with a number in it in order to do this. Several say you should put "what you really think" about that person, what you wish you can do with them or even the first memory with them.

Could it be bullying with Facebook numbers in status update messages

Anti-bullying activists have elevated concern over the Facebook numbers in status communications. The chance to say whatever you would like about a person on Facebook is there. This makes it easier to be negative. A comment is supposed to only be given to those who ask for the comment if the game is "played correctly". While this does not remove all possibility of bullying, it doesn’t exactly invite it either.

Reason for statuses on Facebook having figure

The numbers in Facebook messages were done before the "numbers game". In the past, numbers with no comment have been used to indicate what types of undergarments are being worn or the age individuals were during particular “firsts.”. The study of a social communication and group-based context communication is what makes the Facebook numbers in status messages most interesting. In short, the Facebook numbers in messages can mean different things to different groups, depending on the context of the situation.



Bad credit money payday loans in Tempe, AZ

Cash loans for Tempe, Arizona

Bad credit loans can be just what you need when you need a helping hand. There comes a time in everyone’s life where financial help is exactly what you need. Financial help shouldn’t mean going through a bunch of hassle. Poor credit loans do not have to mean stress and hassle- they can be relatively simple. Post resource – Bad credit cash payday loans in Tempe, AZ by Money Blog Newz.

Payday loans in Tempe, AZ

Because of how fast you get your loan, a Tempe, AZ payday cash loan is very different from a traditional payday cash loan. Generally a credit check is required with a traditional loan when also taking weeks to do with a ton of paperwork. You can get a payday payday advances faster. It happens often. Filling out the application only takes a few minutes. It is that quick. No credit check is typically required whenever you want your advance pay day loan. You’ve to get approved before you are able to have your cash paycheck loans deposited directly into your account with your bank. Only a few hours are needed to do this.

In Tempe you can get a payday cash loan online

Getting a payday cash advance loan online simply makes sense when you’re in Tempe. Not only do you get your approval very easily, but the money could be deposited directly into your account with your bank. You can then get the money as quickly as you need whenever you need it. You need to keep your banking account in the black to help your credit. This can be done by having all the money to pay your bills on time. You will keep a mark off your report too by avoiding a credit check. If you have a bad credit score, no credit or even a limited income, you are able to still generally qualify for pay day loan online.

What is needed to apply

If you’re in Tempe, Arizona, you might need to fill out a a bad credit score loan application. Four things are needed for this. First you have to make sure you are at least 18 years old. Either a checking or savings account will be needed for your working bank account. Money could be deposited and debited from this account. You are going to need ID in order to get the loan. This can be a passport, military ID, state ID or driver's license. In short, you need some way to prove that you are who you are. You will need a phone number too. That way, if there is an issue with your Tempe cash till payday, the lender can get a hold of you. It really is that simple – just some basic details, and you also might be approved for Tempe, AZ, payday cash advance loan in less than six minutes.



Friday, December 10, 2010

Maturing soldiers round up to remember friends on Pearl Harbor Day

Pearl Harbor Day is a solemn event recalling the catastrophic Japanese assault that plunged the United States of America into all-out global war. On Dec. 7, 2010, Pearl Harbor day commemorations contain the unveiling of a $56 million Pearl Harbor visitor center designed to educate tourists about the realities of the attack. The military personnel who bore the brunt of the Japanese attack that day will be represented by a small band of aging warriors who endure in 2010.

The Pearl Harbor attack data

Pearl Harbor Day 2010 is the 69th observance of December 7, 1941, as the “day which will live in infamy.”. President Franklin D. Roosevelt coined that phrase a day after the assault in a speech asking Congress to declare war on Japan. About 2,402 United States military personnel were killed in the Japanese assault on Pearl Harbor which was a huge surprise. Pearl Harbor Day shocked the nation much like the 9/11 terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Center and killed 2,752 people 60 years afterwards. Japan did not succeed very well in its attack on Pearl Harbor which was meant to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Southeast Asia and the Philippines ambitions.

The meaning of Pearl Harbor Day

In order to recognize all those killed in the assault on Pearl Harbor Day, the president ordered all Americans to fly the U.S. flag at home while having all government buildings flying it at half mast. Dec. 7 as Pearl Harbor Day isn't really a federal holiday. However, it is essential for many who were in Pearl Harbor or World War II to remember those who passed away in Pearl Harbor and other battles too. At the U.S. Navy base at Pearl Harbor on the Hawaiian island of Oahu, the 69th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor assault started on Sunday and runs through Wednesday.

Pearl Harbor Day this year also

On Pearl Harbor 2010, the new Pearl Harbor visitor center can be dedicated. Galleries, interactive exhibits, two film theaters, an amphitheater and an education center will all be a part of the new facility. The commemorations will contain very handful of Pearl Harbor survivors that are mostly in their late 80s and early 90s. On December 7. Veterans, their families and various dignitaries will bow their heads in a moment of silence at 7:55 a.m., the moment the assault began in 1941. There will be a commemoration of the fallen with military fighter jets flying by. The "missing man formation" is exactly what they’ll fly by. Then there will be a variety of warships going by. The last of the Pearl Harbor survivors could be saluted.

Info from

USA Today

usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-12-05-pearl-harbor-survivors_N.htm

Reuters

reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6B54J720101206

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Pearl_Harbor



Obama wants Korea Free Trade Agreement, a North American Free Trade Agreement-type Korea free trade agreement

According to Obama, his recent agreement in principle over the Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS) maintains "a strong alliance with South Korea". The president praised the potential deal in numerous ways, but critics like progressive political blogger Jane Hamsher of FireDogLake.com see KORUS as giving up 159,000 American jobs for a mere eight hundred in return, according to the Huffington Post.

Approving of KORUS is United Auto Workers commander

United Auto Workers President Bob King has endorsed the NAFTA-style KORUS, as have Jamie Dimon of JPMorgan Chase, Vikram Pandit of Citigroup, Tom Donahue of the United States of America Chamber of Commerce and John Engler of the National Association of Manufacturers. There are many in the non-management personnel within the UAW who are not very enthusiastic about this new plan. The issue is that it has the same thing as NAFTA might take place where the Korea free trade may end up with too many American jobs leaving the country. Korea Free Trade Agreement does serve the auto industry management well. Hamsher explains this.

Other labor unions appear to be on the verge of taking a bath because of Korea Free Trade Agreement, as highlighted by the truth that building trade unions under the AFL-CIO banner were essentially kept from the bargaining table with Korea, accounts the Huffington Post. Apparently labor presidents were "pressured" be Labor Secretary Hilda Solis. This is why the KORUS terms were accepted supposedly.

Providing 159,000 jobs with ‘Fair trade’ just get eight hundred back again

The congressional Research Service Report explains that 55,000 more vehicles would be produced with Korea Free Trade Agreement by the United Auto Workers which means eight hundred new jobs would be created. However, the NAFTA-style KORUS would trigger 159,000 careers to be lost in five years for the U.S. job market based on the Economic Policy Institute. The president himself said that $11 billion would be brought to the United States of America by easing tariffs from an expanded export sector with the Korea free trade agreement. Obama said that the country's export industry would double over those five years bringing 70,000 more jobs to America. KORUS nevertheless must pass the legislatures of the United States of America and South Korea, and there is speculation the South Korean legislature could be more difficult to win over, accounts Tax News.

Articles cited

Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/jane-hamsher/uaw-gets-800-jobs-for-end_b_792031.html?utm_source=DailyBrief&utm_campaign=120610&utm_medium=email&utm_content=BlogEntry&utm_term=Daily+Brief

Tax News

tax-news.com/news/US_S_Korea_Reach_Agreement_on_FTA______46677.html

President Obama’s KORUS announcement

youtube.com/watch?v=YxG0C589Luk



Courtroom rules that e-cigarettes aren't drugs

For the last few years, a new smoking system has been on the industry. Electronic cigarettes could be purchased almost anywhere. The FDA calls e-cigarettes “unapproved drug delivery devices” and tried to ban it on that idea. The Food and Drug Administration tried to defend its position in court, but the Courtroom of Appeals ruled that they can only control e-cigarettes as tobacco products. Source of article – Court rules that electronic cigarettes are not drugs by Money Blog Newz.

The electronic cigarette details

Electronic cigarettes are also known as "e-cigs." They’re vaporizer in a small and tube shaped form. You are able to inhale a liquid solution that they vaporize. A nicotine solution for inhalation is usually what electronic cigarettes come from. Usually, electronic cigarettes are marketed as “safer” than traditional cigarettes.

Electronic cigarettes are what the FDA is against though

This year the FDA already tried to ban electronic cigarettes. They wanted to put a warning on the electronic cigarettes. "Unapproved drug delivery devices" would have been the labeling. The Food and Drug Administration banned the importing of e-cigarettes, alerting customs officials to not accept any shipments of the merchandise. The FDA currently regulates nicotine gums and patches as substances and certifies their safety and efficacy. The very same standards of efficacy are what the FDA think ought to be on e-cigarettes.

After ruling, FDA has to stay from the e-cigarettes market

An injunction was filed by 2 corporations after the FDA tries to get electronic cigarettes banned. NJOY and Smoking Anywhere, two companies that develop and sector electronic cigarettes, argued that e-cigarettes should not be subject to FDA review. Now the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled with a lower court. This was saying the 2000 tobacco control act means e-cigarettes are subject to regulation. In 1996, the FDA tried to control all tobacco products, but the Supreme Courtroom ruled against the move, 5-4. The ruling was responded to by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Children which supports the FDA on e-cigarettes saying, "This ruling invites the creation of a wild west of goods containing highly addictive nicotine, an alarming prospect for public health."

Articles cited

Business Week

businessweek.com/news/2010-12-07/fda-loses-appeal-can-t-regulate-e-cigarettes-as-drug.html

New York Times

prescriptions.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/07/e-cigarettes-win-appeals-ruling/?src=twt&twt=nytimeshealth



Thursday, December 9, 2010

Christmas recipes for presents - Going beyond the cookie plate

Quality recipes for presents out of your cooking area

Christmas quality recipes for gifts typically fall into 2 categories – cookies or candy. A few new Christmas recipes for giving could be just what the elves ordered. A single day of work is all you may need to get a gift for everybody on your list.

Gift hot cocoa remade for Christmas gifts

It is very easy to remix a “classic” Christmas recipe that is also pretty easy to put together. If you have 1 cup cocoa powder, 1 ½ cups powdered sugar and 5 cups powdered milk, you can make an amazing hot cocoa mix. All you need to do is crush 20 peppermint candies and mix it all together. You can also replace the peppermint candies with a package of cherry Kool-Aid for cherry hot cocoa, or 1 cup instant coffee granules for a mocha mix. On the instructions, you should tell the person you're giving it to, to mix 3 tablespoons with hot water or milk.

This Christmas you can make homemade soda for a gift

Homemade soda is one more holiday recipe that is great as a gift. You can either carbonate it "naturally" or "artificially". Do you have a keg system? Then you'll be better off with an artificially carbonated drink. It can be hard to get the same results each and every time, although it can be done safely, with naturally carbonated sodas as yeast is used. You are able to find 20-ounce or 2 liter plastic soda bottles with lids which is where you will start. You will have to sanitize them. When you're at it, sanitize a funnel and a five gallon bucket. Combine 1 gallon hot water with 2 cups sugar and 2 tablespoons soda extract or flavoring extract (available at most grocery stores). If you are artificially carbonating, pour the mixture into your keg system and carbonate away. Some of you will be naturally carbonating which demands adding ¼ teaspoon champagne yeast. Pour the mixture into the bottles and let sit for three days at room temperature until ready. O! nce bottled, label and refrigerate, and you’ve got a cheap, flavorful, and fun Christmas gift to give away.

Give the gift of flavored vinegars for Christmas

If you’ve a salad fiend on your holiday list, a flavored vinegar can give an additional kick to their dressings, and it is easy to make. Stuff any sterilized jar about 1/3 full of bruised herbs, then fill with boiling vinegar. Seal and let steep in the fridge for two weeks, and it is ready to be gifted.



Decembrow: Simply because a unibrow will advance feminist causes

The feminist site Feministing.com wants women to grow unibrows. It’s something to do with charity, although the purpose is never nailed down precisely. Just like famous artist Frida Kahlo, Feministing.com readers and others who want to join should let the wax and tweezers go in a show of support for those whose lives have been touched by cancer. They’ll have all month to figure out "Decembrow," however.

Movember moves slowly into Decembrow

Last month's "Movember" was where men were asked to raise awareness for prostate and testicular cancer research by growing mustaches causing females to respond with Decembrow. According to the Daily Caller, Feministing.com wants women to get in on the grooming for charity act (or lack of grooming, depending upon one’s perspective). It’s okay if you would like to use eyebrow pencils. Even herbal aids are accepted.

The campaign is not really interested in the fact that Decembrow could be more noticeable on females than Movember was on men. Feministing.com explains:

"While women in the U.S. generally rock two groomed brows, I say let's be inspired by Movember and take this opportunity to let our facial hair grow … for a cause."

The position Decembrow will be there for

Since Feministing.com sponsors the Decembrow campaign, many think it’s about furthering feminism. This is what CEO Penny Nance of Concerned Females for The United States thinks. The lack of connection concerns many people, reports the Daily Caller. Nance is just one of these.

"While I applaud the (Movember) effort to raise awareness and funds to stop prostate cancer, I find it curious that feminists would choose to embrace facial hair and wonder how that is different than any other month of the year," said Nance.

The Daily Caller asked author and columnist Erica Jong for a response, so she said she "(applauds) anything that galvanizes women to show the power (they) have and often fail to use." Focusing on facial appearances is something that Jong said was foolish with Decembrow. She suggests something like women's and childrens’ welfare be the main focus instead.

Citations

Daily Caller

dailycaller.com/2010/12/06/feminist-website-encourages-women-to-make-december-decembrow-for-cause-of-their-choice/

Movember

movember.com/

Making cancer awareness more fun

youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw



Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Planning Christmas gift ideas on a spending budget

Christmas 2010 is just around the corner, and if you’re like many people struggling to make ends meet these days, you have to discover creative ways to finance your Christmas gift ideas on a budget. With these easy suggestions, you can nevertheless get probably the most out of the holidays, without spending ridiculous amounts of money this season.

Budgeting Christmas gift ideas 2010

Planning your Christmas presents on a spending budget is easy. But first things first, you need to know how much holiday cash you can afford this year. Your recurring monthly expenditures for instance auto payments, food, utilities and rent will help you determine how much you are able to invest on present’s total.

With unexpected expenditures, you might like to have cash set aside. About $50 should do.

The easiest way to invest less on The holiday season

There are many fun and inexpensive Christmas gift ideas to consider. But before you go digging for any more suggestions, do what Santa does and pull out a pen and paper and start jotting down the names of everybody you plan on buying a gift for. Then, next to each name, write down the items you plan on getting for each person on that list. You do not have to get each person a gift. You can instead get gifts for the whole family. Once you are done with your list, it is time to go hunting for Christmas savings deals. Stay as close to your checklist as you are able to by planning ahead of time.

Christmas hunting

So now that you have your checklist readily available at hand, it is time to go hunting for the hottest Christmas deals this season. It is quite easy when you can shop online. Do some online window-shopping. Using your checklist, query and search for each item you plan on buying. If you discover a good deal, make note of it and dig deeper. You know never how much more cash you can conserve by simply taking your time to shop.

Be thankful

You just have to be creative when planning Christmas gifts creating it easier to spending budget. Gifts, cookies and mistletoes are not the only things Christmas is about. Without friends and family, Christmas would not be as wonderful. Remember, you do not have to invest lots of money to share fun, quality time with the ones you love most.



Monday, December 6, 2010

Various definitions of the 1st morning of winter season

The 1st morning of winter can mean various days to different individuals. The season can begin on either “Meteorological winter season,” or “astronomical winter”. But for a lot of people, the first morning of winter season occurs with a snow shovel and a harrowing commute.

1st day of winter season 2010

The first morning of winter season 2010 is December 1 from a meteorological standpoint. December 21st, 2010 is shown on the calendar to be the first day of astronomical winter or the winter solstice. Winter did not wait for any human explanations this year. December 1 was surely not the start of winter this year. In fact, snowstorms had already been hitting for a couple of weeks. This year, the weather has been influenced a lot. La Nina was what made these changes. What La Nina does is drop ocean temperature. The equatorial Pacific is where this drop in temperature happens. La Nina changes the weather. In fact, the northern United States of America ends up with much worse winter conditions.

1st morning of winter 2 times

The meteorological winter season started when the northern hemisphere got into its coldest temperatures on average. December 1 was when this happened. From November through January the coldest climate is there as it is when the shortest days are. January is usually when the coldest temperatures of meteorological winter happen. This is since the snow pack keeps the atmosphere colder. Dec. 21 is when the astronomical winter season could be starting up. That is since the northern hemisphere can be having its shortest period of daylight. Days commence to get longer after the solstice. There will not be many more meteorological winter days left. But astronomical winter season continues until the vernal equinox, which will be March 21 in 2011.

The 2010-11 winter season climate

In real life, the first day of winter season comes too early and the first morning of spring comes too late for those living in the climates most affected by climate and short daylight. Winter 2010-11 will hit hardest within the Northwest, Great Plains, Good Lakes and New England, according to accuweather.com. Above normal snow and ice is within the forecast for these regions. Many want relief from this. Hopefully it happens by going south. There’s a "non-winter" forecasted some places. From CA to the Southeast are these areas.

Articles cited

Archeoastronomy.com

archaeoastronomy.com/2011.shtml

Accuweather.com

accuweather.com/blogs/news/story/40340/accuweathercom-winter-forecast-1.asp

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter



Nutmeg high produces a really bad hangover

For a lot of teenagers looking for altered consciousness, a nutmeg high may seem like a good option. A nutmeg high isn’t a myth – the myristicin in nutmeg does trigger hallucinations. It is not entirely a pleasant thing to have a nutmeg high, though. Most accounts say that a nutmeg high includes lots of unpleasant unwanted effects. Source of article – Nutmeg high – Hallucinogenic spice produces legendary hangover by Money Blog Newz.

Exactly what a nutmeg high is actually involving

There is no real nutmeg high. Myristicin is the organic compound nutmeg is made from. This compound may also be found in dill, parsley and other spices. Parasympathetic nerve impulses such as nerve fibers are stopped by myristicin. The psychoactive effects happen because of this. There is one thing that the nutmeg high comes from. It is a toxic reaction that acute anticholinergic syndrome starts. Hallucinations occur with this. The limbs get warm too. The euphoria feeling that a "high" gets you isn't what a nutmeg high does.

Issues that come with a nutmeg high

Double-vision, blurred vision, decreased body temperature, sore throat, dry mouth and loss of coordination are all unwanted effects to a nutmeg high. Those who have tried a nutmeg high report it includes a hangover that is “legendary.”. A nutmeg high also causes extreme paranoia and difficulty urinating.

Food-drugs all over the place with nutmeg

The Georgia Poison center is just one of many groups that are actually mad about the nutmeg high. Nevertheless, other "highs" can take place with things in the kitchen apart from nutmeg. Volatile compounds in food create flavor. The volatile compounds are used in medication also. Both pharmaceutical and homeopathic use them. There is an extremely fuzzy line between food and medicine – a line that is sometimes exploited by people looking for a way to change their state of consciousness. In general, a nutmeg high isn’t dangerous unless someone ingests extreme amounts of nutmeg, and in all likelihood, they’ll try it only once.

Citations

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myristicin

Cracked

cracked.com/article_16178_7-common-foods-that-can-actually-get-you-high.html



Sunday, December 5, 2010

Food safety bill finally passed by Senate

Public health trumped politics within the U.S. Senate when a food safety bill really approved Tues. A recent flurry of salmonella and E. coli outbreaks has underscored that the FDA lacks the resources to adequately protect the population from impure food. Elevated examinations and mandatory recalls written into the food safety bill are funded to the tune of $1.4 billion.

While waiting on all bills, food safety bill goes by

Congress passed the food safety bill with a 73-25 vote. It’s one of the few things that will likely get done this year with Congress. All food processing plants and farms with a high risk of contaminants have to become inspected by the Food and Drug Administration each and every three years under the Food Safety Enhancement Act. Until now, the Food and Drug Administration, when it has conducted inspections at all, has done so about once a decade. The Food and Drug Administration does not have to wait for corporations to order recalls now with the food safety bill. Imported foods, of which the Food and Drug Administration currently inspects about 1 percent, may also be subject to stricter standards.

Food safety decisions based on national politics

The food safety bill is backed up by both large agribusiness and consumer advocate groups. The Senate waited on passing it for a year and a half because of national politics even though the House approved it in July 2009. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., blocked the food safety bill last fall. The Tea Party certainly didn't like it. They said the government was overreaching. Glenn Beck made his opinion on the food safety bill very clear. He said it forced consumers to stop eating meat with prices being inflated. As the bill languished within the U.S. Senate, there were 85 recalls of FDA-regulated foods associated with 1,850 food-borne illnesses.

Encouraging bill is the food industry

It was good the food safety bill passed. The agribusiness and small farms conflict didn't stop it. All of the small farmers do not want huge standards. Major corporations have to deal with them. Of course agribusiness did not agree. It said nobody should be excluded. An amendment was added exempting small farmers by Sen. John Tester, D-Mont. This caused a lot of service from large agricultural groups to disappear. Clear regulations and the food sector having levels is something that even large corporations with recalls have said they will appreciate.

Citations

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/11/29/AR2010112906058.html

USA Today

usatoday.com/yourlife/food/safety/2010-11-29-foodsafety29_ST_N.htm

Des Moines Register

desmoinesregister.com/article/20101130/BUSINESS01/11300359/1001/NEWS/Food-safety-bill-snagged-by-money-



Google Editions - A better e-book model

Google Editions to debut read everywhere e-books

By the end of 2010, e-book lovers can have a new reason to be happy: Google Editions. Google planned to have its ebook retailing operations ready by summer 2010, however technical and legal barriers stood in the way, accounts the Wall Street Journal. But such is no longer the case, and a winter launch of Google Editions can make large waves in the e-book industry, particularly with Google’s "read anywhere" format. Article source – Google Editions to debut read anywhere e-books by Money Blog Newz.

Combining Google Editions and independent booksellers together

Independent booksellers tend to group up with Google Editions which will start appearing within the United States before New Year's Day and throughout the whole world by the end of the first quarter. Several publishers have admitted to "exchanging files" with Google, said Scott Dougal, a Google product management director. These signs just show how close Google Editions is. It might launch very soon.

E-books are not the one thing

The electronic book Google Editions uses is very different from the competition. This is important since 65 percent of the e-book sector is held by Amazon.com. It does not matter where a consumer buys Google Editions. It will still tie to a person's Google account after being bought. Customers are able to access electronic books with a web browser whether it is with a laptop, tablet, smartphone or desktop.

While Amazon.com gives readers the flexibility to read their e-books on any system that runs Kindle software, the books generally must be purchased from the Amazon.com store. There are outside sources that make free titles accessible.

Not yet determined what independent booksellers can get

It is not known what Google will be offering in revenue percentage which is bad since independent booksellers will likely only participate in Google Editions if compensation is supplied. The corporations participating in Google Editions has yet to be released, reports the Wall Street Journal. The American Booksellers Association explained though that over 200 impartial booksellers are planning to participate within the U.S. With participation for Google Editions from major players, Google may get ahead. Businesses like Barnes & Noble would have to participate though.

Articles cited

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704369304575632602305759466.html?mod=WSJ_hp_LEFTTopStories



Various car of the year honors leaning to green vehicles

The numerous Automobile of the year honors that several journals, organizations, and agencies are prestigious awards to receive. The factors for what makes an automobile truly a vehicle of the year varies, of course. However, this year’s honors seem to have a particular slant. More Auto of the year awards will green cars.

Volt may be the car of the year

Most are excited to see the green automobiles as they have gotten the Automobile of the year honor. The Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf are these vehicles. The Volt won Automobile of the year at the LA Auto Show, according to Wired. General Motors was excited to win this award. The Car of the year Honor was given to the Chevy Volt too. This time it came from Motor Trend and Automobiles magazines. The judging panel at the LA Auto Show included Jay Leno and performance guru and automotive legend Carroll Shelby. The Leaf is totally electric while the Volt is a plug-in hybrid. This is who the Nissan Motors Leaf and Chevy Volt differ even though they are both green automobiles.

Car of the year granted to the Leaf too

The Nissan Leaf was named the 2011 European Automobile of the year, according to The Telegraph. The European Auto of the year is selected by a voting panel from several European automotive journals. From 23 nations, 58 judges showed up. Most American Automobile of the year votes either went to the Nissan Motors Leaf or Chevy Volt while it is the first all-electric vehicle manufactured on a large scale, besides golf carts. The 2 automobiles may have an epic showdown at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show.

Next year car of the world

Right now the votes are being put together for which one is the World Automobile of the year. In spring or 2011, this will finally be announced. Though severe authorities are weighing in on the best vehicles of 2010, it seems the best car of a year shouldn’t be picked until years later. The automobiles that get the honor ought to be the makes and models that last a while.

Articles cited

Wired

wired.com/autopia/2010/11/chevy-volt-wins-green-car-of-the-year/

The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/motoring/news/8167962/Nissan-Leaf-wins-Car-of-the-Year.html



Saturday, December 4, 2010

Federal court to rule on swastika-branding as hate crime

Race relations between Anglos and the Navajo in Farmington, N.M., is in a rugged place again, and a horrifying swastika-branding incident is to blame. 3 young white men attacked a 22-year-old Navajo man who is mentally disabled, reports the Associated Press. They shaped a coat hanger into a swastika, warmed it on a stove and branded the symbol into the Navajo man’s arm. This may give authorities the 1st opportunity to test the nation’s broadened hate crime legislations.

Damage other than Swastika-branding happening

According to Farmington authorities, the horrific swastika-branding wasn’t all that the 3 men did to their victim. Marker was used to draw a picture of a penis on the Navajo man's body. They also wrote "KKK" and "White Power" on his body. Evidently the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act didn't stop the 3 men from offending. If convicted, the offenders could go to prison for 10 years. If kidnapping could be proved to have been involved in the swastika-branding incident by the govt then the sentence could possibly be life.

All because hate crime law changes took place

In its original form, United States legislations regarding hate crimes required the victim to be taking part in a federally protected activity for instance voting or attending school in order for hate crime charges to apply. There were adjustments in the law due to the Matthew Shepard Act, or the long version as the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act. In fact, since then, there have been no other crimes apart from this Farmington swastika-branding incident. The legislations now protects civil rights for instance gender, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity.

Placing a relationships pact to the examination

Just this month, Farmington leaders and elders of the Navajo Nation met at Farmington City Hall to sign a historic pledge in which both sides promise to work toward bettering ethnic background relationships. The predominantly white city of Farmington has a decades-old history of conflict using the Navajo.

Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission Chairman Duane "Chili" Yazzie recognized that only through education will violence be quelled. Farmington Mayor Tommy Roberts said that while "there will always be people who just do not get it," the overall climate of ethnic background relations can change over time.

Info from

Star Tribune

startribune.com/nation/110996299.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiacyKUzyaP37D_ncyD_2yckUr

Media coverage when the swastika-branding first occurred

youtube.com/watch?v=MSrML53oY9w



Extraterrestrial life topic of December two NASA press conference

A NASA press conference was announced Tuesday with the teaser that the subject is about the search for extraterrestrial existence. Taking a page out of Apple’s playbook, NASA has announced an event on the web which is creating a storm of speculation. Based on the list of scientists involved in the press conference, the statement could be about an astrobiology finding that hints at the possibility of existence on nearby worlds.

Astrobiology found by NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration press conference can be releasing really interesting details on an astrobiology discovery. It will "impact the hunt for extraterrestrial existence," supposedly. No other info is offered except for a list of scientists participating in the press conference. Scientists working on the National Aeronautics and Space Administration astrobiology program consist of a geologist, an oceanographer, an ecologist and a biologist. A panel discussion will be done by them. At 2 p.m. EST the National Aeronautics and Space Administration press conference will begin. In Washington D.C., where the headquarters are, the conference will be held.

Is there life on Titan?

Amid all the speculation about the NASA press conference, an idea has emerged that NASA may have discovered proof of life on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. The group of scientists in attendance includes Pamela Conrad, an expert on geology as proof of life on Mars. Felisa Wolfe-Simon is an oceanographer who has written about photosynthesis and arsenic, an element known to exist on Titan. Titan's environment resembling earths is one thing Stephen Benner has written about as a NASA Biologist. National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s astrobiology program has James Elser as an ecologist. He knows all about environments and the chemistry that life needs to be sustained.

Extraterrestrial existence something National Aeronautics and Space Administration wants to find

There have been a ton of discoveries within the extraterrestrial life search that NASA's press conference is following. The planet Gliese 581g was found in September within the Goldilocks Zone which is a place where liquid water could possibly be found on the planet. National Aeronautics and Space Administration announced the finding of a planet on Nov 20th. Besides the stars in our solar system, the 500th planet orbiting other stars was discovered. There was a huge discovery made by the Kepler Mission earlier this year. It found 156,00 stars with a possible 700 alien worlds in a small section of space.

Articles cited

Space.com

space.com/news/nasa-astrobiology-discovery-announcement-101130.html

Kottke.org

kottke.org/10/11/has-nasa-discovered-extraterrestrial-life

CBS News

cbsnews.com/8301-501465_162-20024158-501465.html