Wednesday, December 29, 2010

U.S. Stocks Rise, Extending Biggest December Rally Since 1991 - Bloomberg

U.S. Stocks Rise, Extending Biggest December Rally Since 1991 - Bloomberg:
"U.S. stocks rose, with the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index extending its biggest December rally since 1991, on speculation economic growth will accelerate next year."


Monday, December 27, 2010

Bank of America snatches up disparaging domains ahead of Wiki leaks | AHN

Note: Wiki leaks, Bank of America, BOA, Foreclosure payback

Bank of America snatches up disparaging domains ahead of Wiki leaks | AHN:
"The bank believes it may be the whistle-blowing site’s next target."


Where Things Stand: Foreclosure Paperwork Scandal | TPM LiveWire

Where Things Stand: Foreclosure Paperwork Scandal | TPM LiveWire:
"Some struggling homeowners are currently getting a temporary reprieve"


An Abundant Life is a Thriving Garden! | Matt Weidner Blog

Note: FINANCIAL FREEDOM, ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE, SAVING MONEY LOVED THE CONCEPT AND IDEA IN THIS ARTICLE AND INSPIRED ME TO THINK ABOUT DOING THINGS ALONG THE SAME LINE.



An Abundant Life is a Thriving Garden! | Matt Weidner Blog:
"A few seasons ago, I noticed a few square feet of open ground on my patio and wondered what potential lay there?"

Friday, December 24, 2010

Walmart Holiday Hours (Christmas Eve) & After Christmas Sales Picks

Walmart Holiday Hours (Christmas Eve) & After Christmas Sales Picks: "Major retailers like Walmart, Best Buy, Target and more have announced their holiday hours as well as running deals that should keep right through to Boxing day.

Walmart Holiday Hours (Walmart Christmas Eve Hours 2010)

The majority of Walmart stores will remain open this holidays until 8pm on Christmas Eve, while Best Buy is sticking with a 7am-7pm Christmas Eve hours. Walmary, Best Buy and Target will be closed on Christmas day but will return to normal operating hours on Boxing Day, December 26th."

Geithner on Foreclosure Fraud: What’s the Problem? | MyFDL

Geithner on Foreclosure Fraud: What’s the Problem? | MyFDL: "Geithner cannot admit the truth. He lied in front of Congress rather than admit the truth.
Because to admit the truth, that the Banking system started some ten years ago setting into play a scheme to defraud and steal property from homeowners, is to admit that the very institutions that he has worked with, regulated and now supervises are corrupt to the very core. That would be like admitting that his life has no meaning. He has spent his career as a regulator of financial institutions and he is a failure and has a career of failure. Geithner will not admit that. His narcissim will not allow it. So, he will blame the smallest denominator in the fraud equation and he will use that pawn as his scapegoat. Because to go after the Banking institutions who have without a doubt committed security fraud, who have using fraud and without due process stolen private property would be to admit that he, as a Bank Regulator, which has been his only career, is a complete, utter failure and a fraud. He is not going to do that.
His testimony did not spring from ignorance but from deliberate, practiced, deceit with himself and with the country."

Whole Foods & Costco Cheese Recall in Several States, May Have E. Coli « Frugal Café Blog Zone

Whole Foods & Costco Cheese Recall in Several States, May Have E. Coli « Frugal Café Blog Zone: "All of the following Sally Jackson cheese products are included in the recall:
• Cow’s milk cheese
• Goat’s milk cheese
• Sheep’s milk cheese
• Cow’s milk cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves
• Sheep’s milk cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves
• Goat’s milk cheese wrapped in grape leaves
Customers who have purchased these products from Whole Foods can return them to the store for a refund.
Consumers with questions can contact Whole Foods Market at 512-542-0878 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. CST."

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Why I'm Putting All My Cash Into Gold

read full article by clicking title link Why I'm Putting All My Cash Into Gold: "There aren't many liquid money alternatives except gold, and because gold is still very attractive in relation to cash, I think buying gold is the right thing to do. Below, I'll explain further why I'm putting my entire Rising Star Portfolio cash hoard of almost $5,000 into gold. Tomorrow, I'll tell you the safest, most convenient way to do it.

Cash is really government debt
First, I'm not doing this because I want to make money -- gold is money, and who ever got rich buying money? I'm doing this because I want to protect what I have. Today, you've got two choices for money: currencies issued by central banks, or hard assets like gold. Remember that in a debt crisis, debtholders worry about getting their money back. Well, it's a similar situation in a sovereign debt crisis, except that governments that borrow in their own currencies can always pay debtholders back by creating more of it, diluting the existing currency's value. Therefore, by holding cash, you expose yourself to the very real risk of losing significant purchasing power as a sovereign debt crisis unfolds.

But maybe this crisis has made gold expensive while simultaneously putting paper"

The 3 Biggest Fool.com Trends of 2010 (GLD, LMT)

The 3 Biggest Fool.com Trends of 2010 (GLD, LMT): "Theme No. 3: Dividends.
Of our 15 most-read articles on Fool.com this year, seven were dividend-oriented, including The Best Dividend Stock. Period., the most-read Fool story of the year. Readers couldn't get enough dividend commentary -- which is strange, because dividends have typically been associated with boring, slow-growing stocks.

So what changed? All signs point to fears of the Fed's policies -- that they'll result in high inflation and a devalued dollar. Companies that not only pay but increase their dividends are a powerful hedge against inflation. It's a good sign for shareholders of a company like Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), which increased its dividend in 2010.

Takeaway: The broad stock market notched a double-digit gain and the recession was officially declared over, but there are lingering concerns about unemployment, the dollar, and the economy at large. In uncertain times, owning financially strong stocks that pay dividends can hedge against inflation and downward dips in the stock market -- because that dividend check will continue to come, quarter after quarter."

How to Downsize from Wealthy to Poor Lifestyle | Personal Finance | FireHow.com

Great article by a friend that has lived through life changes! This may be helpful for some that are facing foreclosure or are starting to go through their life savings. If you are just starting this journey read below and I hope it helps. On additional thought: we were told that whenever people start dipping into retirement or life savings for living expenses, that should trigger the consideration of bankruptcy. BEFORE you lose your IRA or Retirement which is protected in bankruptcy. Consult with attorney to find out more


How to Downsize from Wealthy to Poor Lifestyle | Personal Finance | FireHow.com: "Whenever you undergo a change in your income there will be a degree of depression followed by stress. The mere shock of the change in wealth will not only affect your lifestyle but it will also affect relationship with friends, spouse and children. Many people in this situation believe that they will overcome their hardship, they will become gainfully employed in a matter of 30 days, and will be able to budget or work two jobs to keep their wealthy status. People have good intentions and want to hold on to their wealthy lifestyle however good jobs may be hard to come by and many jobless people find that it is necessary to downsize their lifestyle from wealthy to poor.

Step 1

Allow yourself to grieve over the loss of income, you have worked hard your entire life to reach your wealthy status and now it is gone so grieve your loss but do so in moderation. Long term grief leads into depression and this is not going to put food on the table and pay your bills.

Step 2"

Lindsey Williams: Within 2 Years You Will Not Recognize America! Dollar Will Die by 2012! Gold and Silver are All You Can Rely On! War is Planned! The Devil’s Messiah Within 2 Years?? « Socio-Economics History Blog

Lindsey Williams: Within 2 Years You Will Not Recognize America! Dollar Will Die by 2012! Gold and Silver are All You Can Rely On! War is Planned! The Devil’s Messiah Within 2 Years?? « Socio-Economics History Blog: "22 Oct 2010 : Pastor Lindsey Williams: Deathbed Globalist “Spills Gut” On Plan to Destroy America! Iran War In 4-5 Months! Oil Price $150-$200 per Barrel !

Pastor Lindsey Williams goes on the Alex Jones show to reveal what he just found out from his Illuminati elite contact. Some of the points revealed:

- Within 2 years you will not recognize America.
- Massive inflation will kick in and escalate. The USD will die by 2012.
- You can only rely on gold and silver.
- Americans will become very poor.
- War is planned after 2 years? Turmoil in the Middle East 2 years from now. World War 2 brought world out of depression.
- The elite is speeding up their schedule for change: within 2 years.
- Within 2 years: “The Devil’s Messiah” ?? Churches and many pastors are being corrupted. The Anti-Christ coming within 2 years??
- Obama is in trouble.
- Nearly everyone will be working for the government: Communism!"

Sharing information and tips to increase earnings. Increase your passive, residual income. Guest bloggers welcome.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Wikileaks Release the Documentary : 1 hour video is riveting


WikiRebels – The Documentary


If you do not understand the scope and depth of Wikileaks, then take a little time to watch this video. Important stuff for all political, economical and world views.


Monday, December 20, 2010

Detroit NAACP office faces foreclosure over taxes | thetimesherald.com | The Times Herald

Detroit NAACP office faces foreclosure over taxes | thetimesherald.com | The Times Herald: "Executive Director Hester Wheeler says the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People's newer branch office should be tax-exempt like the former building it once occupied. It moved into the new office in 2007.

Branch President the Rev. Wendell Anthony said last month that Detroit owed $46,000 in dues to the national NAACP.

Wheeler says the branch is caught up on it dues."

Housing Nightmare Upends Family, Enriches Investor : NPR

Housing Nightmare Upends Family, Enriches Investor : NPR: "A Push For Mediation

Paul Collier, a Massachusetts attorney who works with families facing foreclosure, says that rather than auctioning off the home at a fire-sale discount, Wells Fargo could have worked out a deal that benefited the bank and the family.
Read More About Foreclosure Mediation Efforts
Housing Advocates Seek Foreclosure Options Oct. 23, 2010
Mediation Effort Aims To Untangle Foreclosure Mess Oct. 18, 2010

'And what the bank got out of it was taking the home of a family who could afford a fair-market price for that home in order to punish them for having been victims of a predatory mortgage,' he says."

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Economy – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

Economy – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs: "Living on unemployment is tough enough during the year but the sting of unemployment is felt more sharply during the holidays.

CNN's Jim Roope talks with a man - he asked that he not be identified - who is trying to stretch his $900 dollar unemployment check from food to Christmas for his family of five."

U.N. Security council to hold emergency meeting on Korean tensions – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

U.N. Security council to hold emergency meeting on Korean tensions – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs: "At Russia's urging, the United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency session concerning tensions on the Korean Peninsula at 11 a.m. Sunday (1600 GMT), the U.S. Mission to the United Nations confirms to CNN."

Iconic Detroit restaurant to reopen after 20 years – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs

Iconic Detroit restaurant to reopen after 20 years – This Just In - CNN.com Blogs: "The London Chop House, where generations of Detroit's rich and powerful had met for meals and deals until it closed in 1991, will reopen soon, the Detroit Free Press reports.

The Chop House will return, perhaps as early as January, to the same location on Congress Street, near City Hall, General Motors headquarters at the Renaissance Center, and Joe Louis Arena, according to the paper."

Saturday, December 18, 2010

VIDEO Feds Force Okla. Bank To Remove Crosses, Bible Verse - Oklahoma City News Story - KOCO Oklahoma City

WHERE IS THE ACLU???? I think the FEDS are acting on a singular opinion. WHICH FED was the one that inspected and decreed a problem???? For hundreds of years we have said Merry Christmas and the wave back from customer that stopped shopping establishments that went with political correctness should have shown something to any that are trying to remove Christmas from the culture.

This is crossing a line and Americans should not take any IMPOSITION of governmental OPINION on any business or bank. Focus on Hate crimes. I may not believe in Santa, but I defend the right of a bank or school to display a picture or Merry Christmas. I may not believe in some poetry but support the right to poetic expression. GOOD GRIEF government - spend time addressing the economy!




Feds Force Okla. Bank To Remove Crosses, Bible Verse - Oklahoma City News Story - KOCO Oklahoma City: "But customers Eyewitness News 5 talked to said they aren’t buying it.
“This is just ridiculous,” said bank customer Jim Nyles. “This whole thing is just ridiculous. We all have regulatory bodies that govern us. But this is too much.”
“I think that’s absurd,” said Chelsi Holser, a bank customer. “I don’t agree with it at all. They are taking Christ out of Christmas and life.”"


VIDEO Feds Force Okla. Bank To Remove Crosses, Bible Verse - Oklahoma City News Story - KOCO Oklahoma City

WHERE IS THE ACLU???? I think the FEDS are acting on a singular opinion. WHICH FED was the one that inspected and decreed a problem???? For hundreds of years we have said Merry Christmas and the wave back from customer that stopped shopping establishments that went with political correctness should have shown something to any that are trying to remove Christmas from the culture.

This is crossing a line and Americans should not take any IMPOSITION of governmental OPINION on any business or bank. Focus on Hate crimes. I may not believe in Santa, but I defend the right of a bank or school to display a picture or Merry Christmas. I may not believe in some poetry but support the right to poetic expression. GOOD GRIEF government - spend time addressing the economy!




Feds Force Okla. Bank To Remove Crosses, Bible Verse - Oklahoma City News Story - KOCO Oklahoma City: "But customers Eyewitness News 5 talked to said they aren’t buying it.
“This is just ridiculous,” said bank customer Jim Nyles. “This whole thing is just ridiculous. We all have regulatory bodies that govern us. But this is too much.”
“I think that’s absurd,” said Chelsi Holser, a bank customer. “I don’t agree with it at all. They are taking Christ out of Christmas and life.”"


Foreclosure crisis: What it means for you Jennifer Openshaw - MarketWatch

Foreclosure crisis: What it means for you Jennifer Openshaw - MarketWatch: "If you bought a foreclosed property

If you bought a foreclosure home, your title — and ownership of your property — could be in question. “The issue is really about the validity of the titles,” said Consumer Action’s Linda Sherry.

Title insurance is typically purchased when you buy a property. It protects you if someone comes back, say, three months or three years later and claims that they hold the actual title or ownership of a property.

But what if, in court proceedings, someone who lost his home in foreclosure wins it back because of a bank or loan servicer’s sloppy paperwork or other mistake? Sherry said in that situation there is a chance you might not get to keep the foreclosure you purchased. However, she said, “if you had title insurance at that time, you’d at least be covered monetarily.”

If you’re looking to buy a foreclosure

If you’re looking to buy a foreclosed home, the purchasing process may be delayed. And you may have difficulty getting title insurance.

Page 1Page 2"

More foreclosures, home-price drops on tap in 2011 Amy Hoak's Home Economics - MarketWatch

More foreclosures, home-price drops on tap in 2011 Amy Hoak's Home Economics - MarketWatch: "ontinued high unemployment is also expected to exacerbate the foreclosure problem in the year ahead, as will upcoming interest-rate resets on adjustable-rate mortgages that will increase monthly payments for some homeowners, Sharga said.

Also, U.S. Treasury Department data indicates that fewer borrowers have been approved for permanent modifications in recent months, said Greg Hebner, chief executive of MOS Group, a loss-mitigation service provider to mortgage lenders and servicers.

What’s more, there’s a growing sense that modifying mortgages doesn’t get to the heart of the housing crisis. “There is the perception that the answer to th"

Bank Of America Will Stop Processing WikiLeaks Payments, WikiLeaks Responds On Twitter

Bank Of America Will Stop Processing WikiLeaks Payments, WikiLeaks Responds On Twitter: "Bank of America announced it will stop handling transactions for WikiLeaks, the controversial non-profit group that has published secret government data and communications.

In a tense response posted on Twitter late last night WikiLeaks urged customers to stop doing business with the bank and suggested the consumers could find safer places to put their money. See WikiLeaks' Twitter response below"

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Foreclosures Evictions and You: Lawsuits against Foreclosure Defense Lawyers: Foreclosure issues in America

Foreclosures Evictions and You: Lawsuits against Foreclosure Defense Lawyers: Foreclosure issues in America: "Recently having the notary license revoked of one robo-signers was a tremendous step in fighting illegal practices.

IN Arizona groups of homeowners were seeing problems with notarizations and signatures on foreclosures documents long before the issue hit the news. Living in a non-judicial state has it's disadvantages. We watch with interest the predictions for 2011 and how everything is affecting this economy and next year's budget leaning towards hyperinflation. We consider stocking up on foods through services, so that we will not die if the government -oops banks- continues their stupidity and cause even more economic crisis.

Lately it has been an out of body experience reading news. Watching those that are outspoken at speaking the truth they see being attacked."

Foreclosures Evictions and You: Lawsuits against Foreclosure Defense Lawyers: Foreclosure issues in America

Foreclosures Evictions and You: Lawsuits against Foreclosure Defense Lawyers: Foreclosure issues in America: hyperinflation as a result of foreclosure fraud? Its in there

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Yahoo Giving Pink Slips to Hundreds of Workers | Gather

Yahoo Giving Pink Slips to Hundreds of Workers | Gather: "Yahoo is giving some of their workers notice today, not of an annual Christmas Party, but notice that they are being let go. It is being reported that anywhere from 600 to 700 Yahoo employees are getting pink slips due to the company’s lackluster growth. The number of people who will be asking Santa for a new job for Christmas represents 5% of their 14,000 plus workforce. This will b"

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Kill 'the Deal' - Hugh Hewitt - Townhall Conservative

Kill 'the Deal' - Hugh Hewitt - Townhall Conservative: "'The deal' like Obamacare, isn't reduced to writing even now, when Senator Reid says a vote could be held on Saturday. Like Obamacare, we are being told we will have to pass the bill to find out what is in it.

'The deal' revives the death tax, an immoral “vampire tax” that sucks the blood from the dead, ruins family businesses and double taxes savings that were accumulated over a lifetime. It took ten years of gradual step downs to eliminate the tax, and now 'the deal' revives it at 35% with a $5 million dollar exemption, a rate that looks and feels permanent and which will immediately impact tens of thousands of families in 2011 and when inflation works its way into the system, thousands more over time. The GOP has spent years making the case against the death tax on moral and economic grounds, and in the course of a weekend of secret meetings, it gave that issue away.

'The deal' spends billions and billions of dollars that the country does not have in order to prevent a tax hike that the country voted against. In essence the GOP bribed the president to follow the will of the people. There is at least $75 billion in new spending in the plan, agreed to by the GOP less than 5 weeks after the country fairly screamed 'Stop Spending Our Children's Money!'"

Saturday, December 11, 2010

European Union appears to be ready to welcome... | Gather

European Union appears to be ready to welcome... | Gather: "Talks today appear to have the European Union and Moscow at arms length for participation in the World Trade Organization. The Bussels summit of the Russia-EU talks have been fruitful with an announcement later today sharing that the WTO will be what Russia will join next.

The news today is that Russia and the European Union have signed a letter of intent that the two entities will work together in 2011 to have Russia join the World Trade Organization as an active member."

Christmas Music for Free: Downloads of Jolly... | Gather

Christmas Music for Free: Downloads of Jolly... | Gather:
"Deck the Halls and turn up the speaker volume to hear free Christmas songs! The songs you enjoy this season can make you have a better Merry Christmas if you don’t have to pay for them. The holidays at our house are very special. We pull out the tree and love to decorate it while listening to some of the best tunes out there.

This year, with the economy the way it is, there isn’t anything wrong with watching those pennies and picking up some free Christmas music instead of buying a ton of music that won’t be used after the New Year holiday."

iPad 2 rumors take over Internet: Geeks... | Gather

iPad 2 rumors take over Internet: Geeks... | Gather: "According to the manufacturers, the iPad will have a camera installed in the actual iPad. The camera will be used for taking pictures; however, it is possible that it could also take video as well. One of the biggest stunners is the size. Catering to the lifestyles of people today, the iPad will envelope into several sizes, instead of the current, one size fits all products.


The updated iPad 2 is also reported to have better speed, resolution, and usefulness for the actual user. Catering to today's fast paced society, there is no doubt that this iPad is one that will be on everyone’s wish list"

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: Bill makes... | Gather

FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: Bill makes... | Gather: "Also known as the 'FDA Food Safety Modernization Act' the bill introduces more thorough inspections, new regulations and higher food safety standards to current law.

Expecting exaggerated claims of negative consequences, it was surprising to see things in the bill which support the claims of bureaucratic land-mines for farmers and 'ordinary folks.' Big Brother is watching you.

Indeed as the emails claimed, if a person grows food and tried to sell it at the local farmers market, they will have to buy a license and have approval and/or inspections of their farm. Additionally a registration form will be sent to the Secretary of Health and Human Services."

Spotlight Article | Gather

Spotlight Article | Gather: "Spotlight Article
Christmas Shopping just got a deal: JC Penney offering $10 off $25 purchase
by Jodi Jill
December 08, 2010 01:48 PM EST -- What better way to shop with gift money than to add on super savings, maximizing your spending dollar. Smart shoppers are taking $15.00 and turning it into $25.00 worth of gift buying power. With all . . . more"

New Top 100 wines of 2010 list reveals holiday... | Gather

New Top 100 wines of 2010 list reveals holiday... | Gather: "oday, the website Wine released its fourth annual list of top 100 wines. The average bottle of wine is close to $30.00 this year. You could, however, plan ahead and purchase some wines at BevMo during the twice yearly 5cent sale and save some cash by basically buying 2 bottles of wine for the price of one. Of course of the wines listed in the top 100 you are sure to find it online, since the list is based on the most popular wines sold on their website.

Normally, import wines are the bestsellers, but this year the domestic wines from Napa valley have been on the upswing. The domestics are providing some competition for the French and Italian wines and have actually tied the imports in popularity this year, for the first time since the list was published."

Foodie trends gives holiday spice to drink... | Gather

Foodie trends gives holiday spice to drink... | Gather: "according to recent news headlines consumers are dining out more often this year. Consumers are also requesting traditional holiday foods such as pumpkin, squash, caramel and hazelnut. In frozen foods you can now find ravioli filled with pumpkin, or butternut squash. In fact demand for these 'fall' flavors has increased 150% or more.

Leading market consumer Mintel has offered more statistics at their websites. The foodservice analyst at Mintel, Kathy Hayden, states:

'It's not uncommon for restaurant operators to update their menus to reflect fresh ingredients of each season. The falling temperatures signal to restaurant-goers that it's time for a change to their palettes. Words like 'harvest' and 'spiced' are other menu cues that convey fall and winter flavors.'"

Donald Trump hints about being President of... | Gather

Donald Trump hints about being President of... | Gather: "Watching the Apprentice for the past few years and watching Trump info on twitter, one thing is really clear; Donald Trump cares about America. He is patriotic and hard core do what is best for good 'ole USA. You would think with Celebrity Apprentice, Trump Tower, and all his wheeling dealing real estate ways, he would want to stay out of politics. Maybe this quote from 'The Trumpster' will help to explain.

“For the first time really would think about it. And I am thinking about it. It doesn’t mean I want to do it. I’d prefer not doing it. I’m having a lot of fun doing what I’m doing. It’s a great time to be buying things. I’m buying a lot of things and really having a good time,”"

How to Get Your Child a Free Christmas Toy in... | Gather

How to Get Your Child a Free Christmas Toy in... | Gather: "Need to know how to get your child a free Christmas toy? The economy in 2010 has hit everyone hard and with the Christmas season upon us, there are some children who might not get a gift. Looking for a resource to find a free Christmas toy to put under the Christmas Tree this year? During the Christmas holiday season, plenty of organizations offers help and assistance for those parents looking for a present or two.

Here are some suggestions that you can immediate do:

Register for the Marine Toys for Tots program. The have a strong website that can direct you to a local contact and easily send you the details to get involved. Don’t delay as the closer to Christmas you decide to check, the harder it will be to get a toy.

Start asking at your church or community center. You don’t need to be part of a church to get a donated new toy for your child, but you must ask. Many churches have toy drives to share the season with their community. Ca"

Friday, December 10, 2010

9/11 Health Bill Blocked in Senate - NYTimes.com



9/11 Health Bill Blocked in Senate - NYTimes.com: "Republicans have been raising concerns about how to pay for the $7.4 billion measure, while Democrats, led by Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand of New York, have argued that there was a moral obligation to assist those who put their lives at risk during rescue and cleanup operations at ground zero.

The bill is formally known as the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act, named after a New York police detective who participated in the rescue efforts at ground zero. He later developed breathing complications that were common to first responders at the site, and he died in January 2006. The cause of his death became a source of debate after the city’s medical examiner concluded that it was not directly related to the attacks.

After the vote, Representative Carolyn B. Maloney of New York, a chief sponsor of the bill in the House, argued that Democrats should include the 9/11 health bill"

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Trump gearing up to run for President?

CLICK ON LINK FOR FULL UK article: trump golf: "Trump considers bid for US president via The Guardian World News October 6th, 2010 at 12:40
US tycoon says he has been asked for years about standing and someone needs to save AmericaThe US property mogul, TV presenter and coiffure icon Donald Trump could be teeing himself up to tell Barack Obama that he's fired.In a round of TV interviews yesterday, the 64-year-old tycoon revealed that he is considering running for the White House in 2012.'For the first time in my life, I'm actually thinking about it [running for president],' he told Fox News .'I'm a Republican so if I did anything, I'd do it, I guess, as a Republican,' Trump said. 'I've been asked for years to do it. And I had no interest. This is the first time I am … at least I'm considering it. That doesn't say I'm going to do it … but I am seriously considering it.'The host of the US version of The Apprentice told..."

Officers ordered to pay $450,000 for fraudulent mortgage deals

Officers ordered to pay $450,000 for fraudulent mortgage deals:
"Two Phoenix police lieutenants who ran an off-duty real-estate business have been ordered to pay more than $450,000 in civil penalties and restitution for fraudulent mortgage deals in which they are accused of bilking 148 homeowners facing foreclosure."


http://www.businessinsider.com/alert-operation-payback-is-about-to-attack-amazoncom-2010-12

http://www.businessinsider.com/alert-operation-payback-is-about-to-attack-amazoncom-2010-12


The non-group group that has taken down one Swiss bank website and MASTERCARD website is planning another revenge move. All of this stems from Wikileaks and issues surrounding the founder. Rumors of Amazon.com being the next target, moves the actions closer to internet users. AFter all, many website owners, bloggers and social media users, shop at Amazon, reseach and recieve affiliate income from Amazon.

Dollar Committing Suicide? Jon Stewart - Printing Money of Not? VIDEO (funny)



December 8, 2010 -  Printing money or not printing money.  We are victim of our own hi-tech solutions and our dollar is committing suicide on the press. Watch the video below for a humorous look at what is happening in our economy - and our dollar's suicide.  Until we were hard hit by foreclosures and involved with homeowners fighting to save homes, I had no clue  Jon Stewart was so funny, with a grasp on issues that media often doesn't seem to "get its teeth into." Jon has a way of putting things together.  Share this with your friends! 

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
The Big Bank Theory
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire Blog</a>The Daily Show on Facebook

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Save the Farmer's Market - The Lumberjack - Editorial

Save the Farmer's Market - The Lumberjack - Editorial: "The U.S. Senate passed Senate Bill 510, the 'FDA Food Safety Modernization Act' last week. This bill amends the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act by introducing more thorough inspections, new regulations and higher food safety standards. While the bill is meant to save us from contaminated food, what it really does is create red-tape for small farmers and barriers of entry for those hoping to become farmers.
If the bill becomes a law, it will deem any small-time farmer at the local market as a Community-Supported Agriculture supplier who must buy a license, have their farm approved for production and be subjected to random inspections. All food producers will have to submit a registration form to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, and then renew that registration on every even-numbered year."

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Bathroom Bandit: Robber spends two hours... | Gather

Bathroom Bandit: Robber spends two hours... | Gather: "Some thieves will do anything for a buck. According to University Police yesterday, this includes the latest robbery at the Captain Nemos in University Place, Washington. The popular restaurant had $5,000 stolen from the safe when the thief entered the locked office via the ceiling.

Entering the front door, the thief made their way directly to the bathrooms and lifted himself to wait on the ceiling rafters to wait until after closing. Several hours passed before the suspect lowered himself into the office that was next to the bathrooms stealing the cash from the safe while leaving evidence of his crime on video tape."

Julian Assange WikiLeaks founder, denied bail:... | Gather

Julian Assange WikiLeaks founder, denied bail:... | Gather: "he throngs of photographers surrounded the London police station this morning as Julian Assange s



urrendered to police custody. In an arrangement made by his attorney, Assange was able to safely come in and present himself without worry of media or other concerns.

The WikiLeaks founder has been in the news repeatedly for the documents released on WikiLeaks. Including wire cables, secrets and even a high profile list of assumed high risk terrorist targets were posted on the website."

Monday, December 6, 2010

Santa Claus cell phone app is new way for kids... | Gather

Santa Claus cell phone app is new way for kids... | Gather: "All I want from Santa’ is a new phone application that hundreds of youngsters may be interested in knowing about as it is a direct way to reach the Jolly Old man. Each year the children compose their lists of gifts they want under the tree, but this year, they can go wireless without picking up a pen.

The new application, available for phones, takes the idea of writing Santa’s list and emailing it to Santa"

Even Obama called it a TAX HIKE!

Obama presses for tax-cut compromise | Reuters: "Reuters) - President Barack Obama, closing in on a deal with Republicans to extend tax cuts, said on Monday he might not get '100 percent of what I want' but compromise was necessary to head off a rate increase for the middle class.

In a speech at a community college in North Carolina, Obama hinted at a possible agreement that would at least temporarily extend Bush-era tax cuts for wealthier Americans -- as Republicans want -- rather than strictly for families making less than $250,000, as he and his Democrats preferred.

'I have argued that we can't afford it right now, but what I've also said is we've got to find consensus here, because a middle-class tax hike would be very tough not only on working families but would be a drag on our economy right now,' he said."

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Republicans block tax cuts for all in Senate

Republicans block tax cuts for all in Senate: "he bill that would have extended the Bush tax cuts that passed the House on Thursday was defeated in the Senate. Five democrats defected to the republican side to help defeat the measure.In a 53 to 36 vote, mostly down party lines, an extension of the Bush tax cuts on wage earners up to $250,000 a year has been derailed by republicans in the Senate. A vote on a second, similar bill is underway. The main difference is the cut-off point for tax breaks is one million dollars of income per year."

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Amazon Tops Black Friday Shopping | GRAMMY.com

Amazon Tops Black Friday Shopping | GRAMMY.com: "Amazon.com topped the list of most visited online retailers in the United States on Black Friday (Nov. 26), surpassing 4 million unique visitors, up 25 percent compared to the corresponding day last year, according to a comScore report. Other online retailers surpassing the 4 million mark were Walmart, Target and Best Buy. Though music-related sales figures were not disclosed, online spending on Black Friday totaled $648 million, marking the highest online spending day in 2010 and a 9 percent increase comp"

MASS. COUNTY RECORDER SEEKS MILLIONS IN UNPAID MERS RECORDING FEES « Livinglies's Weblog

MASS. COUNTY RECORDER SEEKS MILLIONS IN UNPAID MERS RECORDING FEES « Livinglies's Weblog:
"EDITOR’S COMMENT: A couple of million here, a couple of million there, the next thing is you’re talking real money. Here is one County looking at only 2010 and coming up with a figure of around $2 million owed. A fair assumption is that the figure would rise to over $20 million going back to the beginning of this mess, especially if you add interest, penalties for non-filing etc. And then there is the question of other taxes and fees that might apply to such transfers, especially if a fee or profit was involved."


'Merry Christmas, you're fired!' chant unemployed protesters at Rockefeller Center tree lighting

'Merry Christmas, you're fired!' chant unemployed protesters at Rockefeller Center tree lighting: "'Just in time for Christmas, people are going to lose their only lifeline that's let them hold onto a semblance of the life they knew,' said an organizer, Sam Talbot, 33, of the East Village.

'We want to remind people there's a serious crisis going on.'

Carrying signs that said, 'Keep the Lights on for the Unemployed' and 'We Need Jobs Not Another Korean War,' about 40 protesters threaded their way among the throngs on Fifth Ave.

Many wore Santa hats and sang, 'Lost my job and benefits, so I got no more pay - hey,' a bitter re-write of 'Jingle Bells.'

Unemployment benefits began expiring Tuesday for workers who've been unemployed for more than 26 weeks."

Black Friday Should Help Put November Retail Sales in the Pink - DailyFinance

Black Friday Should Help Put November Retail Sales in the Pink - DailyFinance:
"Analysts are projecting major merchants will see 3% to 4% increases in November sales over the same month last year when they report tallies on Thursday. More importantly, they are expecting the momentum will carry on throughout the holiday season and help retailers post real sales growth again, following the two recession holidays of 2008 and 2009."


Va. judge dismisses challenge to Obama health care - Yahoo! News

Va. judge dismisses challenge to Obama health care - Yahoo! News: "RICHMOND, Va. – A federal judge on Tuesday dismissed Liberty University's lawsuit challenging the Obama administration's new federal health care law, declaring that a provision requiring most individuals to obtain insurance is constitutional.
The ruling by U.S. District Judge Norman K. Moon in Lynchburg is the second court decision upholding the law, following one in Michigan in October. University law school dean Mathew Staver said in a telephone interview that he will promptly appeal the ruling to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond.
Attorneys general from several states have filed another lawsuit in Florida, and a separate challenge by Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli is pending in federal court in Richmond.
Both sides expect the issue to ultimately be decided by the U.S. Supreme Court."

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

The Foreclosure Pileup More Bad News For The US Economy | All Global News on One Page

The Foreclosure Pileup More Bad News For The US Economy | All Global News on One Page:
"Imagine a million-car pileup on the highway. Nobody moves. That’s
the housing foreclosure breakdown: houses stalled, waiting on the
housing market highway.
The cause of the pileup, like the cause of most pileups, is
volume. Too many mortgages have broken…"


Buyers Flock To Ridiculously Small Homes During Downturn (PHOTOS)

Buyers Flock To Ridiculously Small Homes During Downturn (PHOTOS):
"GRATON, Calif.:(By Terence Chea, AP) As Americans downsize in the aftermath of a colossal real estate bust, at least one tiny corner of the housing market appears to be thriving. To save money or simplify their lives, a small but growing number of Americans are buying or building homes that could fit inside many people's living rooms, according to entrepreneurs in the small house industry"


Susan Boyle messes up on ABC ’The View’: Nerves catch up with her (Watch here) - National Celebrity Headlines | Examiner.com

Susan Boyle messes up on ABC ’The View’: Nerves catch up with her (Watch here) - National Celebrity Headlines | Examiner.com: "Susan Boyle was on ABC The View this morning and she choked. Call it what you want, the entertainer has been under a lot of pressure to perform and she didn't have all her marbles in the bag this morning. The epic fail event just reminds us all just how tough the entertainment business is, even if we are prepared."

Home Values Decline in Third Quarter | RealEstateRama

Home Values Decline in Third Quarter | RealEstateRama:
"The Conventional Mortgage Home Price Index (CMHPI) Purchase-Only Series for the United States registered a 1.9 percent decrease (-7.4 percent annualized) in the third quarter relative to the second quarter on a not-seasonally-adjusted basis. U.S. home values fell 3.1 percent relative to the third quarter a year ago."

Google news stilll going strong: Celebrity Columnist shares secret to becoming a Google News Sensation

ARticle staying in Google news - It is on how to earn money online writing for Examiner:
Celebrity Columnist shares secret to becoming a Google News Sensation - Tucson Celebrity | Examiner.com: "November 18, 2010 - Of all the secret strategies, this video is the one that can make your or break you. Leaked video number 4 found today, was recorded by Celebrity Columnist Jodi Jill. People wonder how Jodi achieves such a high volume of readers, she has the tips on how you can become an International news writing sensation. Where is your audience? Have you gone 'International' yet?. This video gives you tips on how to become a news sensation, getting into Google news. This is a unique tip that is seldom shared, the value of this advice is priceless. Take the time to learn how to work with the tools described in the Share the Wealth program."

Monday, November 29, 2010

ZAGAT releases Airline Survey!

November 30, 2010:  Zagat release survey about Consumer attitudes towards Airlines and Flying . Conducted on ZAGAT.com, the survey is based on over 8,000 frequent fliers who collectively took 139,300 flights in the past year.

EconomyWhile the industry continues to feel the effects of the recession, it has shown signs of recovery this year. Surveyors reported taking an average of 17.4 flights in 2010, which is up from 16.6 flights in 2009 and 16.3 in 2008. This is still below the all-time high of 19.7 in 2007. Business flights continue to outweigh leisure, by roughly 3-to-2.
Checking-InWhen asked how they react to fees for checked luggage, 45% of surveyors say they try to avoid flying such airlines; 42% say they have frequent flyer status on an airline that waves luggage fees; 33% say they travel only with a carry-on and 18% grudgingly opt to pay the fees. Southwest Airlines is a favorite among surveyors, winning Best Check-in Experience, as well as Best Luggage Policy, Best Consumer On-Time Estimates, Top Website and Best Value among domestic airlines.
"While fliers are slowly but surely returning to the skies, they remain focused on good values and reliable service," said Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey. "Airlines like Virgin America, Southwest, JetBlue and Continental score well with surveyors for precisely this reason."
Flying HighFor the third year in a row, Continental is the Top Overall winner among large domestic airlines for its premium service. JetBlue took top honors among large economy class carriers. Virgin America is the top mid-sized carrier for both classes, earning 24 on Zagat's 30-point scale for its premium service, and 21 for economy. International carriers continue to outperform domestic airlines. Singapore Airlines, the perennial winner, earned an impressive 28 rating for international premium class airlines and 24 for international economy service. Other international winners were Cathay Pacific Airways,Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways, all rated a 26 for premium services. 
Choice FactorsWhen choosing a flight, respondents' main considerations are not surprising: direct routes (65%), ticket price (55%), past experiences (50%), time of day (48%) and seat comfort/leg room (46%). If a meal is not offered on the flight, and most aren't, 55% of surveyors opt to purchase food in the airport, while 18% bring food from home.
Just a few of the comments that were comical, which Zagat published: 
  • PBS...paralyzed butt syndrome!
  • The only difference between economy and business classes is a shrimp on your salad.
  • "Unwelcome aboard!"
  • Not sure if I really want to know that Captain Skippy is flying today.
  • I don't love getting up-close-and-personal with the head of the person in front of me .
  • Who made them mad at their customers?
  • Point a to point b with a bag of pretzels.
  • Entree selections should be labeled "choose your poison"
  • When two crummy medium-size airlines merge, all you get is a crummy large airline.
  • Seats make an iron maiden seem comfortable.
  • Like a cattle car, except the cows are mercifully slaughtered at trip's end.



Sales could top $1 billion on a manic Cyber Monday - Yahoo! News

Sales could top $1 billion on a manic Cyber Monday - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK – Cyber Monday started as a gimmick to get people to shop at their desks on the first workday after Thanksgiving. But if you promote something enough, it can take on a life of its own.
This year, stores swamped customers with online ads and e-mail deals, and sales could top $1 billion, making it bigger than any single shopping day last year.
Online sales were already running 15 percent ahead of last year's by 3 p.m. Monday, with the biggest shopping hours of the day still to come, according to IBM's Coremetrics tracking service.
'The numbers are really strong,' said the service's chief strategy officer, John Squire, who added that he expects Cyber Monday to be the biggest online shopping day of the season."

Sales could top $1 billion on a manic Cyber Monday - Yahoo! News

Sales could top $1 billion on a manic Cyber Monday - Yahoo! News: "NEW YORK – Cyber Monday started as a gimmick to get people to shop at their desks on the first workday after Thanksgiving. But if you promote something enough, it can take on a life of its own.
This year, stores swamped customers with online ads and e-mail deals, and sales could top $1 billion, making it bigger than any single shopping day last year.
Online sales were already running 15 percent ahead of last year's by 3 p.m. Monday, with the biggest shopping hours of the day still to come, according to IBM's Coremetrics tracking service.
'The numbers are really strong,' said the service's chief strategy officer, John Squire, who added that he expects Cyber Monday to be the biggest online shopping day of the season."

Obama calls for 2-year freeze on federal pay - Yahoo! News

Obama calls for 2-year freeze on federal pay - Yahoo! News: "WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama on Monday proposed a two-year freeze of the salaries of some 2 million federal workers, trying to seize the deficit-cutting initiative from Republicans with a sudden, dramatic stroke. Though signaling White House concern over record deficits, the freeze would make only a tiny dent in annual deficits or the nation's $14 trillion debt.
'Small businesses and families are tightening their belts,' Obama said in brief remarks at the White House. 'The government should, too.' The administration said the plan was designed to save more than $5 billion over the first two years.
The proposal, which must be approved by Congress, would not apply to the military, but it would affect all others on the Executive Branch payroll. It would not affect members of Congress or their staffs, defense contractors, postal workers or federal court judges and workers."

familys-fall-from-affluence-is-swift-and-hard: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance

familys-fall-from-affluence-is-swift-and-hard: Personal Finance News from Yahoo! Finance: "Grateful to have found work in this tough economy, Nick Martin teaches grape growing and winemaking each Saturday to a class of seven students in a simple metal building here at a satellite campus of Highland Community College.

Then he drives 14 miles in an 11-year-old Ford Explorer to a sparsely furnished tract house that he rents for $900 a month on a dead-end street in McFarland, a smaller town. Just across the backyard is a shed that a neighbor uses to make cartridges for shooting the prairie dogs that infest the adjacent fields.

It is a far cry from the life that Mr. Martin and his family enjoyed until recently at their Adirondacks waterfront camp at Tupper Lake, N.Y. Their garage held three stylish cars, including a yellow Aston Martin; they owned three horses, one that cost $173,000; and Mr. Martin treated his wife, Kate, to a birthday weekend at the Waldorf-Astoria, with dinner at the '21' Club and a $7,000 mink coat."

Small Banks Suffer, As Banking Industry Strengthens

Small Banks Suffer, As Banking Industry Strengthens:
"As the banking industry as a whole grows stronger, smaller banks are missing out on a recovery, a new report from the FDIC shows. Weakened local banks could signal trouble for small business."


House Flippers: The Forgotten “Victims” Of The Real Estate Implosion - 24/7 Wall St.

House Flippers: The Forgotten “Victims” Of The Real Estate Implosion - 24/7 Wall St.:
"Though several banks including Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) and housing finance giant Fannie Mae have restarted at least some foreclosures, the process has been irrevocably tainted by the industry’s apparent willingness to put profits above the law. Their legal exposure may be gigantic — billions of dollars — particularly if courts find that they improperly evicted people from their residences. Not only could the foreclosure be reversed, but they could face punitive damages as could the realtors and attorneys involved in the transaction.

But what about the people who bought these homes? That’s where things get a little dicey. Clearly, their rights were violated as well. But in the legal tsunami created by the robo-signed documents, they should be last in the pecking order. Many of them, particularly sophisticated investors looking for a quick flip, probably knew or should have known that something was amiss. How is it that the foreclosure process — which is purposely cumbersome to protect the rights of homeowners — suddenly became streamlined? What about the same people’s names appearing in hundreds of documents? That did raise any red flags either."


Officials: New Foreclosure Scam Preys on Desperate Homeowners - ABC News

Officials: New Foreclosure Scam Preys on Desperate Homeowners - ABC News:
"U.S. Loan Auditors and similar outfits are promising to conduct 'forensic audits' of mortgage transactions to find evidence of 'predatory lending' and fraud, and use that evidence to haul lenders into court and obtain new mortgages at far more favorable interest rates, officials say.

The companies make 'very bold claims' but 'in most cases forensic loan audits cannot help homeowners to cancel their mortgages,' said James Reilly Dolan, assistant director for financial practices at the Federal Trade Commission."


Foreclosure "robo-signing" scandal impact: Sales dry up - Nov. 29, 2010

Foreclosure "robo-signing" scandal impact: Sales dry up - Nov. 29, 2010:
"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Big banks are having trouble restarting the foreclosure process after this fall's 'robo-signing' scandal, and the once booming market for foreclosed homes has been hit hard as a result.

According to ForeclosureRadar, the number of properties coming to auction in hard-hit western states -- Arizona, California and Nevada -- has dropped more than 30%."

FL 4th DCA APPEALS COURT: "ATTORNEY FEES AWARDED" VALCARCEL v. CHASE BANK

FL 4th DCA APPEALS COURT: "ATTORNEY FEES AWARDED" VALCARCEL v. CHASE BANK:

As seen on "STOPForeclosureFraud.com
"The trial court granted the Valcarcels’ motion to dismiss as a sanction against Chase for sending a letter regarding the Valcarcels’ mortgage directly to the Valcarcels, rather than the Valcarcels’ lawyer. This mailing was a violation of rule 1.080(b), which requires service to be made upon a party’s attorney when he is represented by counsel."


INFLATION signs in the Price of Christmas: Twelve Days of Christmas costs more

 

Cost of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”
Song Items Spike, According To 2010
PNC Christmas Price Index®


According to the 27th annual survey, the price tag for the PNC CPI is $23,439 in 2010, $1,974 more than last year. This is the second highest jump ever and largest percentage increase since 2003 when the index rose 16 percent. That comes on the heels of a modest 1.8 percent increase a year ago.


Despite a sluggish economy and low inflation, the 2010 PNC Christmas Price Index® surged 9.2 percent in the whimsical economic analysis by PNC Wealth Management based on the gifts in the holiday classic, “The Twelve Days of Christmas.”

“This year’s jump in the PNC CPI can be attributed to rising gold commodity prices, represented by the Five Gold Rings which went up by 30 percent, in addition to higher costs for wages and benefits impacting some entertainers,” said James Dunigan, managing executive of investments for PNC Wealth Management.

Cyber Prices: The Cost of Convenience
For those True Loves who prefer the convenience of shopping online, PNC Wealth
Management calculates the cost of “The Twelve Days of Christmas” gifts purchased on the Internet.

This year, the trends identified in the traditional index are repeated in the Internet
version, with the core rates more than total rates. True Loves will pay a grand total of $34,336 to buy the items online. That is a 9.2 percent more expensive than last year and almost $11,000 more than this year’s traditional index.

True Loves Be Warned: Despite Weak Economic Picture PNC Christmas Price Index® Jumps a Staggering 9.2 Percent In general, Internet prices are higher than their non-Internet counterparts because of shipping costs for birds and the convenience factor of shopping online,” Dunigan said.

Special Present: Updated Web Site
For a historical look at PNC’s index, the updated Web site can be viewed at www.pncchristmaspriceindex.com. This year’s site incorporates interactivity with a pop-up book theme narrated by Dunigan, allowing visitors to enjoy and reveal the 2010 PNC CPI results at their own pace. Each year, educators across the country use the Christmas Price Index to teach economic trends to middle and high school students. With that in mind, this year’s site includes interactive activities, annual results and PNC CPI trends in a Flash presentation, MP3 download, games and much more.

Educators who visit the site will also find lesson plans on the Christmas Price Index from The Stock Market GameTM (SMG), a program of the Securities Industry and Financial MarketsAssociation Foundation for Investor Education (www.sifma.org/education). The enhanced activities are specially designed to help students identify economic trends and to project their impact on this year’s Index, giving them the opportunity to make predictions and check their success against actual results. SMG is America’s premier educational stock market simulation.
Available in all 50 states for grades 4-12, the SMG program teaches children core academic and investment skills.

The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (www.pnc.com) is one of the nation’s largest diversified financial services organizations providing retail and business banking; residential mortgage banking; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. Follow @PNCNews on Twitter for breaking news, updates and announcements
from PNC.
 

'EPIC MICKEY' game release November 30th

Home | Mickey and Friends | Disney

Great site for finding Mickey music, movies, books etc... new game release out on November 30th 'EPIC MICKEY'
order on Disney site.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

It’s Time to Thank Your Customers, the Social Media Way | BNET

It’s Time to Thank Your Customers, the Social Media Way | BNET: "3. Fund a business

Remember what it was like when you started your business? You probably had detractors, more than enough doubts of your own, not to mention the fact that it was likely challenging for you to raise the capital to get your business off the ground.

But now that you’re a bona fide business owner, how about helping someone else get their start?

There are a couple of ways you could do this.

First, if your preference is to support creative projects, consider checking out the several projects that are looking for funding on Kickstarter (Eat Your Serial is one example.)

Second, if you’re interested in extending your reach literally around the world, look at a micro-lending site such as Kiva.org. Essentially, you can choose from several small businesses, in a wide range of fields, that are looking for microfunding by browsing Kiva’s site, and support one. These loans are funded by people like you, and disbursed through Kiva and its “field partners” (read about the entire Kiva process here); and once the entrepreneur is off the ground, s/he repays the loan."

‘Harry Potter’ Tops Box Office Again With $50 Million - BusinessWeek

‘Harry Potter’ Tops Box Office Again With $50 Million - BusinessWeek:
"The weekend’s top 12 films grossed $173.9 million, down 0.74 percent from a year earlier, according to Hollywood.com. This year’s domestic box office sales total $9.66 billion, up 2.14 percent from a year earlier. Attendance is down 2.93 percent.

The amounts below are based on actual ticket sales for Nov. 26-27 and estimates for today."

Friday, November 26, 2010

Kim Kardashian talks about her brand on ’Today’ Show (Video) - National Celebrity Headlines | Examiner.com

Kim Kardashian talks about her brand on ’Today’ Show (Video) - National Celebrity Headlines | Examiner.com: "The interview did give Kim Kardashian a chance to plug her wares, the special about Kim Kardashian as well as others who are considered some of the most influential people airs on NBC tomorrow. There is promise to be even a bigger interview with the television reality star as well.

Take a minute to watch the video clip of Kim Kardashian talking to Matt on the Today Show."

Has billionaire Warren Buffett begun to lose his fastball? - National conservative | Examiner.com

Has billionaire Warren Buffett begun to lose his fastball? - National conservative | Examiner.com: "Recently in an interview with ABC’s Christiane Amanpour; Warren Buffet, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. said that “rich people should pay more in taxes and that Bush-era tax cuts for top earners should be allowed to expire at the end of December.”

His rationale, “ the rich are always going to say that, you know, just give us more money and we’ll go out and spend more then it will trickle down to the rest of you.”

When we have MSNBC’s Rachael Maddow espousing the long since repudiated economic theories of John Maynard Keynes and singing in the same choir with Mr. Buffet it’s time to begin looking for a new church.

Using as her talking points the 1980’s primary debate between George H.W. Bush and quoting “voodoo economics” this years probable Nobel Laurite in Economics M.S. Maddow does what most progressives do, she revises the facts.

So before you book your flight to Oslo, Ms. Rachael, you may need to consider a few things.

1. The $700 billion that the “rich” would get to keep is theirs, and it doesn’t belong to the government. You are grossly mistaken that this $700 billion must be made up or there will be larger deficits."

Thursday, November 25, 2010

China, Russia quit dollar

China, Russia quit dollar: "St. Petersburg, Russia - China and Russia have decided to renounce the US dollar and resort to using their own currencies for bilateral trade, Premier Wen Jiabao and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin announced late on Tuesday.
Related readings:
Russia, China pledge to save the tiger
New power bridge across Russia-China border completed
China, Russia reach consensus on energy cooperation
Highlights of Chinese premier's activities in Russia

Chinese experts said the move reflected closer relations between Beijing and Moscow and is not aimed at challenging the dollar, but to protect their domestic economies.
'About trade settlement, we have decided to use our own currencies,' Putin said at a joint news conference with Wen in St. Petersburg."

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Doctors Ask Congress for Freedom, Not Bigger Reimbursements -- TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

Doctors Ask Congress for Freedom, Not Bigger Reimbursements -- TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 17, 2010 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -


"The AMA and Congress have been playing this game of 'chicken' for more than 8 years," says Dr. Jane Orient, executive director of AAPS. [See: http://www.aapsonline.org/newsoftheday/001097] The AMA threatens doctors will quit seeing Medicare patients unless Congress stops the cuts.
"Meanwhile, the AMA and the government collude on a dictatorial system of price controls."
Unless Congress acts, doctors' Medicare payments will be slashed 23% on Dec 1, then another 6% on Jan 1. The formula automatically kicks in when Medicare spending exceeds a certain amount.
The values for thousands of medical procedures are set by a secretive 29-member panel called the RUC, the Relative Value Scale Update Committee, convened by the AMA. [See Wall Street Journal, Oct 26, 2010.e] Once the RUC determines the formula for divvying up $60 billion for physician fees, the government accepts most of the recommendations and applies a "conversion factor" to give each fee a dollar amount.
Doctors who charge a different amount are heavily fined or sent to prison. Because of the price controls or ban on "balance billing," if the Medicare-allowed fee doesn't cover the cost, doctors simply can't provide the service. Patients who are willing and able to pay are not permitted to make up the difference. It amounts to a form of covert rationing.
"In a free-market system, patients and doctors decide on the fee," states Dr. Orient. "That is not necessarily the same as the insurance reimbursement."
Doctors who opt out of Medicare set their own fees, but patients cannot collect Medicare reimbursement for their services.
Instead of asking for more taxpayer money, AAPS asks Congress to restore the freedom of patients and physicians to make their own decisions, including the amount of the fee. Without all the expensive Medicare hassles, fees are often lower.
SOURCE Association of American Physicians and Surgeons (AAPS)
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Friday, November 19, 2010

The real story is the HAZINGS of homes in Cleveland

BofA adjusted 25,000 home loans in October: "'You really have to bury the dead right now. You have to remove blight. It's unfortunately on a grand scale.'

Gus Frangos, president of the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corp. in Cleveland, on why the agency is demolishing hundreds of deserted, derelict homes. The city's population has been shrinking for 60 years as it loses manufacturing jobs. Now, after more than 33,000 foreclosures since 2005, the agency plans to use federal grant money to buy as many as 1,000 homes and tear down most of them."

Report: America's Cup would cost city $128M - San Jose Mercury News

Report: America's Cup would cost city $128M - San Jose Mercury News: "SAN FRANCISCO—A new report says San Francisco's economy would get a $1.2 billion boost if the city hosted the America's Cup sailing contest, but there would also be significant costs to city coffers.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the report by Board of Supervisors Budget Analyst Harvey Rose was released on Thursday. It found the city's direct cost of hosting the event would be $42 million. Rose estimated San Francisco would lose another $86 million from granting race organizers development rights and leases to waterfront property.
San Francisco appears to be the front-runner to host the race in 2013.
Mayor Gavin Newsom's office, which supports the city's bid, says the budget analyst fails to account for the decrepit condition of the waterfront property and private funds that will reduce the city's direct costs.
———
Information from: San Francisco Chronicle, http://www.sfgate.com/chronicle"

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

How to Start SUSU | eHow.com

How to Start SUSU | eHow.com: "SUSU is collective money. It can be thought of as microfinance, mutual financing, or a pooling of funds.

This practice is popular in other countries like GHANA. It is thought to have started in ancient China. American Immigrants have used SUSU for years, to help finance start up business or provide down payments on homes,

This is an unique way of saving money. The basics will be covered here. Needing a fistful of dollars?

Difficulty: ModerateInstructions
Things You'll Need:
Bank account
List of contributors
Organization
1
Set up official bank account to deposit fund into.
2
Briefly: In a SUSU, contributors make deposits weekly."

MORE THAN 50 MILLION AMERICANS LIVE IN HUNGER, ACCORDING TO NEW USDA REPORT

MORE THAN 50 MILLION AMERICANS LIVE IN HUNGER, ACCORDING TO NEW USDA REPORT: "“The USDA report confirms what we already know—that domestic hunger is still on the rise,” remarked Vicki Escarra, President and CEO of Feeding America. “On behalf of our food banks who have been working tirelessly to feed people in need, we thank our Entertainment Council members, our numerous celebrity friends and the Ad Council for helping us bring national awareness to the growing problem of hunger.”

Created pro bono by Cutwater, the new television PSAs also feature Taye Diggs and Ana Ortiz, who portray the real stories of Americans affected by hunger. The goal of the campaign is to increase the social consciousness of hunger in the U.S., while diminishing the stereotypes about those who are hungry in America. The TV, print, outdoor and web PSAs direct audiences to visit feedingamerica.org for ways to help and to find their community’s food bank. A Spanish-language TV PSA is also available.

“I was thrilled to team up with Feeding America and the Ad Council to play a role in revealing a problem that so many Americans face: figuring out where to find their next meal. I would encourage everyone to get involved in the fight against hunger to help those who are less fortunate in our communities,” said Actress Ana Ortiz."