Guarding Arlington from the Westboro Baptists on Memorial Day was carried out by the KKK

A somber Memorial Day 2011 at Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia was disrupted by an unlikely group of protestors against one another, reports CNN. Hours before the president began his yearly address from the Tomb of the Unknowns, members of the Ku Klux Klan and Westboro Baptist Church challenged each other. Fortunately, the day was not sullied by assault and arrests, only hateful comments.

Ku Klux Klan object to Westboro anti-gay protests

The angry demonstrations against homosexuality and the U.S. Military from the Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., have gotten lots of attention. Church members end up protesting outside military funerals with anti-gay signs saying the soldiers will go to hell with the help of Pastor Fred Phelps and his daughter Abigail.

A group of 10 individuals at Arlington in representation of the Knights of the Southern Cross, or Soldiers of the Ku Klux Klan, don't like the Baptists though. A group of Ku Klux Klan members gathered near the Westboro Baptists and tried to drown them out with American flags and a banner that read "POW-MIA" for all who could see it.

According to Imperial Wizard Dennis LaBonte, who was present at the demonstration, the KKK was assembled to protest Fred Phelps’ anti-troop message.

“It’s the soldier that fought and died and gave them that right to free speech,” said LaBonte.

Scriptures not about white power

CNN spoke with Abigail Phelps who said that since there is no reference to white power in the Bible, the Westboro Baptists recognize no authority in the Ku Klux Klan. Individuals like LaBonte maintain they are neither racist nor hate-mongers, but caretakers of the Caucasian race. In the meantime, the Westboro Baptists cling to their war against homosexuality and the U.S. military complex (illustrated by hateful slogans like "God hates fags" and "Thank God for dead soldiers").

What freedom costs

There was a United States Supreme Court ruling that allowed the Westboro Baptists to protest at military funerals with First Amendment protections. They do have to stay a distance away though. The Ku Klux Klan has the same rules to follow. So long as assault or direct violations of the law are not involved, such groups can protest as often as they like.

Citations

Arlington National Cemetery

arlingtoncemetery.mil/

CNN

cnn.com/2011/US/05/30/arlington.cemetery.protesters/index.html

New York Daily News

nydn.us/mK3Aku

DC Comics plans to re-launch its heroes

In Sept DC Comics plans to restart all of its superhero titles. Each one of them will begin once again from issue No. one. DC created Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Green Lantern, and many other instantly familiar comic book characters.

Start of a new team

In a bold and risky move, DC’s new innovative team, Geoff Johns and Jim Lee, are leaving behind 70 years of storylines and starting over with a clean slate. The plotlines will be more modern, there will be new origins and the costumes will be changes. Lee explained it a little better. He said it will “make characters more identifiable and accessible to comic fans new and old.”

Fight between heroes

There have been DC and Marvel Comics for years. DC has always come in second place. Walt Disney Company is owned by Marvel who has about 40 percent of the industry for comic books. About 27 percent goes to Time Warner’s DC. Johns and Lee are hoping to narrow that gap.

Starting by working with the Justice League

August 31 will be the starting of the new DC saga. The Justice League will begin. The Justice League, which debuted in “The Brave and the Bold” magazine in Feb. 1960, is team of superheroes including Superman, Batman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, Flash and Aquaman.

In all, 52 titles are slated to reboot, with 13 new titles being released each week through September. At DC, 52 is an enchanting and well known quantity. This is because in the company’s “multiverse,” there are 52 alternate Earths that “exist.”

Working digitally

A new marketing strategy will be put in place with the beginning of the “Justice League” reboot. DC plans a same-day digital release for all of the rebooted titles via an app and through the company site. DC’s blog claims that “making DC Comics the first of the two major American publishers to release all of its superhero comic book titles digitally the same day as in print.” The move is following what Archie Comics did. The strategy was initially thought up by the company.

Citations

National Post

arts.nationalpost.com/2011/05/31/dc-reboots-entire-line-of-comic-books/

MSNBC

today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43232629

Titans Tower

titanstower.com/monitor/?p=3118

Real life robberies prompted by Affleck film

Two armed bandits in nun costumes robbed a financial institution Sunday, jumping a teller counter and making off with an undisclosed amount of cash. The thievery was shockingly reminiscent of last year’s critically acclaimed Ben Affleck film, “The Town.”

Shots not terminated during escape

”The Town” style robbery was most recently at the TCF financial institution. This financial institution is in Palos Heights, Ill. The two thieves, one male and one female, wore rubber masks and traditional nuns’ habits. Both were armed with handguns. They carried a duffel bag, which they stuffed with cash before exiting the bank. There was a Chevrolet with tinted windows that they left in. They never shot any person with their guns. Nobody was hurt in the robberies.

Very close to Ben Affleck’s film

In Affleck’s “The Town,” a male comes from a neighborhood in Boston where lots of armed robbers come from. Affleck plays the male that seems conflicted about it although he does what he is supposed to. Nun masks and habits just like in Illinois are used in the burglary in the movie. Although no confirmation exists, it is apparent that the burglars may have been influenced by the film.

'The Town’ influenced robberies before

The Affleck film was imitated before. 28 year old Kay Faughin, Eddie Solomon, 27, and 29 year old Lee Lubin all worked together on January 4 to rob Bank of America. They were wearing Halloween masks to the Delray Beach, Fla., branch. As burglars stole $67,000 in cash, the financial institution consumers had to lie on their backs. Police and news helicopters followed them as they left in a Cadillac. The lunchtime chase was heavily covered by local television news teams. All three men were apprehended within a few hours.

Lubin even said that watching “The Town” gave the men the idea for the robbery.

Citations

Pop Eater

popeater.com/2011/06/02/ben-affleck-the-town-chicago-bank-robbery/

Mail OnlineM

dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1344758/Three-men-dress-Halloween-masks-rob-bank-Florida-inspired-Ben-Affleck-film-The-Town.html

WPBF

wpbf.com/news/26381238/detail.html

‘The Town’ trailer

youtube.com/watch?v=QQ7wcayQQLQ

Phil Ivey not at World Series of Poker tournament

Big time pro poker gambler Phil Ivey is definitely avoiding the WSOP this year, claims Big Lead Sports. This is definitely because of the actions of supporter Full Tilt Poker, which has regularly neglected to refund customer account monies after the U.S. Justice Department cracked down on online poker online websites. The case claims that over $150 million in consumer funds is still in Full Tilt parent business Tiltware, LLC’s possession.

Full Tilt makes Ivey ‘deeply disappointed’

Full Tilt’s actions are more than just embarrassing, Phil Ivey said on his Facebook page. He said it makes it extremely hard for skilled poker players to get a better reputation without going to buy-in tournaments.

“I am not playing in the world Series of Poker, as I do not believe it is fair that I compete when others cannot,” writes Ivey. “I am doing everything I can to seek a solution to the problem as quickly as possible.”

Phil Ivey’s reputation needs fixing

By being closely associated with Full Tilt throughout his career, Ivey feels that the company’s lack of action in recent months has damaged his reputation. After a great deal of thought, he decided to bring suit against Tiltware, LLC, who are the founders of Full Tilt Poker. This group may become Ivey’s previous group soon. On Facebook he said:

“I sincerely hope this statement will ignite those capable of resolving the problems into instant action… I will dedicate the entirety of my time and efforts to finding a solution for those who have been wronged by the painfully slow process of repayment.”

Full Tilt allegedly had no financial institution reserve account

One thing Levy accuses Tiltware of isn’t having a bank reserve account for Full Tilt Poker. This made it so gamblers could definitely not very easily be refunded. Just like banks invest money deposited into them, online poker websites invest the money deposited into them. Full Tilt does this as well, states International Business Times.

This is definitely something federal regulators know and have laws about. Individual banks and online gambling online websites have to follow these reserve laws. Full Tilt won’t refund the consumer all of their money at once. Putting your money into one of these online websites may be a dangerous thing to do. This is as the gambling web sites don’t generally have the FDIC insurance banks do and would never get a tax bailout. Tax money would have to be used if the government were going to help. The government might not be able to get players their money back in the end.

Information from

Big Lead Sports

thebiglead.com/index.php/2011/06/01/phil-ivey-is-boycotting-the-world-series-of-poker/

Casino Scam Report

bit.ly/loVhfI

International Business Times

bit.ly/mR3mMV

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704628404576265060852516194.html

Rare vehicles auctioned for hundreds of thousands

RM Auctions carried out its first auction this last weekend in Cernobbio, Italy. The auction happened at the Villa d’Este concourse. The event boasted a catalog to make antique auto lovers drool. There were a cadre of rare and historically essential vehicles on sale. Multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars were paid for several of the automobiles.

A highly anticipated event

Several were excited for the auction to come around. Collectors were especially excited. Automobile correspondent Paul Lienert, said before the event, “The first-ever Villa d’Este sale will feature the crème de la crème of classic European hardware.”

Rare Ford roadster revered

The highlight of the sale was the rare 1965 Ford GT40 Works prototype roadster which collectors were looking forward to on May 21. The coveted vehicle was a works entrant in the 1965 Targa Florio. It was co-piloted by Sir John Whitmore and Bob Bondurant. Although it was among the top sellers, by the time the dust settled it had not topped the sales at the much-anticipated event.

Some cars cost hundreds of thousands to purchase

The top sellers went for multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars. Among them were the 1955 Ferrari 375 MM, which sold for $4.8 million. Selling at $4 million was the 1938 art-deco Talbot-Lago T150-C SS. Almost $4 million was paid for the four-cylinder Ferrari 500 Testa Rossa. About $3.6 million was paid for the 1959 Ferrari 250 California. Just less than $3 million was paid for the 1965 Ford GT40 roadster prototype also as the 1947 Bugatti Type 57sc Atlante.

The 1953 250 MM Ferrari was built specifically for Mexican collector Efrain Ruiz Echeverria and sold for $3 million. He drove it in the 1953 Carrera Panamericana.

Also going for more than $1 million

About $2.1 million was paid for the 1967 Lamborghini Marzal and $1 million for the 1970 Lancia Stratos HF Zero.

Some go for under a million

About $900,000 and $370,000 were paid for two automobiles. These were two Zagato-bodied Alfa Romeos from the 1960s. Lots of money was made on the auction. It was $32 million total.

Citations

Autoblog

autoblog.com/2011/05/24/rare-classics-sell-for-millions-at-villa-deste-auction/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+weblogsinc%2Fautoblog+%28Autoblog%29

Top Gear

topgear.com/uk/photos/rm-auctions-villa-d-este-2011-05-17

Edmunds Inside Line

insideline.com/ford/gt/ford-gt40-prototype-headlines-villa-d-este-auction.html

Payday loans boost in Great Britain

The amount of installment loans has grown considerably over the last month in Great Britain. The boost continues to sharply escalate following the Financial institution Holiday at the beginning of the month. The demand has seen about a 58 percent increase since the same period in April.

Costs surge still

Several think that Great Britain’s economy can be forecasted depending on the increase in payday loans. There was a rise in 54 pounds, about $87, is the average amount a family in Great Britain spends every week to live. Moneysupermarket.com explains this change occurred in just the last six months.

No change in wages

There has been a huge struggle for working individuals since wages have been stagnant. At the same time, costs have been increasing quite a bit. About 8.5 million households would have a lot of problems without their primary source of income according to a Scottish Widows report. Financial stability is something only 25 percent of people would be confident with if this income were lost. At least there is that.

The Customer Protection Report from Scottish Widows also reported that almost half of the country’s families with children are reliant upon two salaries.

See how the economy is doing by watching payday loans

The head of loans and debt for the Moneysupermarket.com site is Tim Moss. He said, “These goods act as a barometer, giving a unique insight to the state of the nation’s finances.” Moss continues, “It’s no surprise to see the demand for cash advances rise so sharply in the current climate.”

Choosing between a cash advance and overdraft

Getting an overdraft fee penalty is typically worse than these loans. This is what Moss explains despite their critics.

Make the best choice

When getting a payday loan, make sure you are very careful and think about the decision. Payday loans can be costly if they are not paid back on time, and payday loan terms generally only last a few weeks.

Articles cited

My Finances

myfinances.co.uk/loans-and-credit/2011/05/17/payday-loans-rise-in-popularity-after-bank-holiday-spending

Payday Bank

paydaybank.co.uk/news/

Yorkshire Post

yorkshirepost.co.uk/business/business-news/demand_for_payday_loans_on_the_rise_1_3403086

After years of baseball games, 74 year old Killebrew finally perished

The Minnesota Twins have revealed that Hall of Fame slugger Harmon Killebrew has succumbed to esophageal cancer. The imposing slugger from Payette, Idaho, was 74 years old. The ambassador for the game of baseball ended his days peacefully while asleep in his Scottsdale, Ariz., home. He was accompanied in his last moments by wife Nita and their children.

After Mayo Clinic, Killebrew went to Mayo Clinic

Monday, a statement was released by Killebrew. It said the esophageal cancer is in advanced stages so the Mayo Clinic can no longer help. Killebrew stated that he would spend his final days in Hospice care. The cancer was only declared six months before.

Fans loved ‘The Killer’

Most pitchers were nervous about pitching to Killebrew on the right of the plate. He weighed 220 pounds and was 5-foot-11. Harmon “The Killer” Killebrew had huge arms and hands. The power in his swings was something everybody wanted to see. On the all-time list, he comes in number 11 for his 573 home runs between 1954 and 1975, or during his 22 year career. He led the RBI in home runs three times and the American League six times, five as a Minnesota Twin and one as a Washington Senator. Killebrew’s powerful upper-cut swing is believed to be the batter silhouette that seems in the official Major League Baseball logo.

“He hit line drives that put the opposition in jeopardy,” former Washington Senators scout Ossie Bluege once said. “And I don’t mean the infielders. I mean the outfielders.”

Most followers liked the soft-spoken nature that Killebrew showed.

“No individual has ever meant more to the Minnesota Twins organization and millions of fans across Twins territory than Harmon Killebrew,” Twins president Dave St. Peter said. “Killebrew’s legacy will be the class, dignity and humility he demonstrated each and every day as a Hall of Fame-quality husband, father, friend, teammate and man.”

Jeff Idelson is the Baseball Hall of Fame President. He even said, “It’s ironic that his nickname was ‘Killer,’ as he was one of the nicest, most nice individuals to ever walk the earth.”

Articles cited

Associated Press

nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/43062969/ns/sports-baseball/

Baseball Reference

baseball-reference.com/players/k/killeha01.shtml

Boston Globe

bo.st/iLkYND

Minneapolis Star-Tribune

startribune.com/sports/twins/122004519.html

‘We’re here to love and help one other,’ said Killebrew

youtube.com/watch?v=GV9oEeKhI6s

North Carolina payday loan bill H810 aids industry

North Carolina lawmakers are stepping up to the plate for installment loan corporations with bill H810. The Jacksonville Daily News reports that N.C. H810 would likely amend the North Carolina Consumer Finance Act to allow lenders to increase the processing fee on private loans of $2,000 or less by as much as $100. A handling charge of $3 per month per $100 borrowed would also apply.

Fees on loans worry Marines

Borrowers would likely be affected by the higher loan fees that "encourage usurious lending" and put borrowers into a debtors prison easily, according to Michael Archer. He is the Marine Corps Installations East director of Legal Assistance. In the process, he also denounced payday lending, which is already illegal in the state and not currently slated to return.

"We have a lot of businesses, particularly lenders, that target military installations, large places like Camp Lejeune and Fort Bragg," said Archer. "We have a very unsophisticated population as well. They have crosshairs on their backs and they are vulnerable."

Even though the installment loan and military loan businesses near the military base already have very tight restrictions on them near installations such as Camp Lejeune, Archer still felt he needed to express concern. Wherever need exists, however, consumers find a way.

"It's very difficult, both procedurally and practically, to put a place off limits," Archer told the Daily News.

New topic of instruction inserted

If H810 is signed into law, Camp Lejeune financial counselor Lewis Summerville will start up educational workshops for any families of Marines. Added instruction would likely enable military customers to make informed decisions regarding the use of personal financing.

Such would be the case if educators like Summerville even considered adopting an even-handed approach to the military lending issue. According to the Jackson Daily News, the instruction that Marine families in North Carolina receive most likely won't be this instruction. They’ll probably be taught the "just say no" approach that isn't really an education.

"We can only educate and make sure they make the right choice in not taking that loan," said Summerville.

Educate yourself on it

Private loans don't trigger poverty. They actually contribute to financial well-being, according to independent studies. If Michael Archer and Lewis Summerville had taken the time to read existing research, perhaps they’d have valuable information to add to the installment and military loan dialogue.

Articles cited

Jacksonville Daily News

jdnews.com/news/-91125–.html

eLobbyist

new.e-lobbyist.com/gaits/text/250150

North Carolina Consumer Finance Act

ncga.state.nc.us/EnactedLegislation/Statutes/HTML/ByArticle/Chapter_53/Article_15.html

North Carolina professionals support installment loans

youtube.com/watch?v=gmDwppf-tGQ

Further consumer bureau row caused by credit card hotline

The debate over the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is getting worse thanks to several issues, including the proposed credit card hotline. Customers could call this hotline to register a complaint, and the agency would compile the data it receives in a database which it would use when and if it decided to act on a complaint. That said, since the CFPB hasn’t disclosed how it proposes to investigate the data, and that is partially why banks want the data restricted.

More penalties put on banks and card corporations

Lots of debate was put into the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau before the credit card hotline was considered. This hotline would make it so customers can complain about credit card issuers and practices they have, Daily Finance reports. The hotline would be so consumers can report any abuse that takes place. Then the Bureau would give that data to states to use. The basic idea is the information would be crowdsourcing for complaints. Then, government officials would get the complaints and fine card issuers. They wouldn’t even make an effort to figure out what the problem was first. Most banks and card issuers are hoping to keep the complaints private. That means the data would stay between the financial institution, the government agency and the person who complained rather than having a public database.

Hope to stop data

The idea behind making the information private is that it restricts the flow of raw data, which can be unfairly biased against banks. Currently, the complaint line is set to go live on July 21, when the CFPB is intended to begin operations. The line is set up so the data can be seen by anyone who wants to see it. That means complaint data can easily be accessed. It is true that financial institution and card issuers may not want the information out so nobody knows what is really going on. It is also essential to consider a lot of people will always complain about fees, regardless how reasonable they are. It can be terrible for the public information to be streaming like that.

Not much of a future can be seen

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will have authority to regulate, to some extent, virtually all manners of consumer finance like credit cards, mortgages, payday loans, debit cards and so on. However, the existence of the organization has brought on a fight in Congress to break out. Three different bills were recently introduced to limit the bureau, according to Reuters, two of which concern who’s in charge. With one bill, a director would be required before the CFPB could get to work. Another would make it so a five member panel would replace the one director. Elizabeth Warren is the White House advisor getting the bureau ready that has been considered for director, but Republicans are against that. The bureau may not actually start in July as anticipated.

Citations

Daily Finance

dailyfinance.com/2011/05/16/banks-lobby-to-keep-complaints-to-new-federal-hotline-under-wrap/

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-13/banks-push-consumer-bureau-to-keep-u-s-complaint-line-private.html

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/05/13/us-financial-regulation-house-idUSTRE74C4X120110513

Horde of fraudulent lawyers tie up payment of BP oil leak claims

The $20 billion BP oil leak fund was established after the Macondo well blowout. A mere pittance of those mega billions has been distributed to Gulf coast residents who say their livelihoods have been overturned by the environmental and economic carnage. Shady lawyers are buggering up a process that has come to be criticized by those seeking a jackpot as a cluster rack.

Figuring out how to deal with the BP oil leak claims

About 19 percent of the $20 billion BP set aside for the oil leak claims was paid in the BP oil spill claims with $3.8 billion paid in total by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility a year after the Gulf of Mexico accident last year. The BP oil leak fund has been dispersed by Kenneth Feinberg who was appointed by the Obama administration. Now, 201,261 claims have been paid, he states. There have been several more claims made though. Over 857,000 were made total. In five states there are 35 offices for the Gulf Coast Claims Facility. The BP oil spill claims will be paid by it until 2013, in August. Many people like to criticize Feinberg for his position though. They say the claims process is confusing, slow and unfair to many people.

Damage proof

One applicant tried to request $20 billion causing Feinberg to say “Amounts requested by claimants very often bear no reasonable relationship to the damages really proven.” This was released on Tues in defense of his management of the BP oil leak fund. About 72 percent of the claims from the BP oil spill have had payments or offers made. Claims were denied also. Not all might be accepted. There are pending claims as well. Generally they just need some documentation. Fishermen not used to paperwork in deals and generally working in cash are having difficulty figuring out the BP oil claims process. The payments were disputed by 574 people. None of these have been overturned by the Coast Guard though.

Lawyers attracted by the smell of cash

Residents in the Gulf Coast haven’t even realized when some lawyers sign them up for claims or get misled into thinking they can get money, especially the populations with cultural and language barriers. All of the illegal activity is bothering Feinberg who said it was “an obstacle to the efficiency and speed in getting the checks out.” The New York Times reports that several law firms have targeted Vietnamese fishermen to con them onto their client lists. When BP settles, attorneys end up with more money for how several clients are on the list. According to the New York Times, there was a San Antonio law firm that abused this. It has thousands of Vietnamese listed in its claim. The claims were rejected, and several people were surprised to discover their names on the list.

Citations

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2011/04/18/news/companies/BP _spill_claims/?npt=NP1

24/7 Wall Street

247wallst.com/2011/04/19/the-BP -20-billion-gulf-claims-facility-has-paid-nearly-nothing/

Los Angeles Times

latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gulf-spill-claims-20110419,0,2595018.story

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/04/19/us/19spill.html?_r=1

Ways to increase house value without breaking the bank

House renovating has traditionally been as good as found cash when it comes to the resell market. However when the market crashed, it became less of a sure thing. There are certain areas within the U.S. real estate market where it can still be a good deal, though. SmartMoney has numerous ideas aspiring house remodelers can pursue to get maximum value on their resell. Source for this article – Home remodeling projects that are worth the money today by MoneyBlogNewz.

Kitchen remodel to consider

There is a lot of money put into kitchen renovating. The industry is worth $12.6 billion. After the 2009 housing bubble collapse, kitchen renovating became something several people wanted to do. SmartMoney states that $27,300 is what the average homeowner spends on kitchen remodels. That’s only 8 percent below the average cost at the height of the United States housing boom, claims Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies, but there are ways to economize.

The higher quality work and wood doesn’t cost as much for some cabinet manufacturers. They are eager to sell. You can save 20 to 30 percent if you just ask. The price of hand-painted tile hasn’t gone down. There is no way to conserve there. A major tip SmartMoney offers kitchen remodelers isn’t to source materials directly from manufacturers simply to conserve money. You may end up having to pay more to return it or repair it since there is more of a chance of size error increases.

Also have to fix the bathroom

Even in a sluggish real estate market, studies indicate that bathroom remodelers recoup 53 percent of costs on average. Since the housing boom, there has been a 50 percent decrease in some of the high-quality granite, mostly due to Asian competition and rock quarries in Brazil. The Chinese import activity has caused a decrease in 50 percent in porcelain sinks as well. An undertaking for restroom renovating is worth it. Try it out.

One bathroom project to try is a spa shower. SmartMoney suggests this is a choice. One water hookup is necessary to get streams of water from various areas. There are non-adjustable shower tower kits that you can use. These aren’t adjustable for individuals with different heights though.

Redo all the backyard work

It could be worth your time and energy to redo your backyard also. This might end up benefiting you with more money after all is said and done. Deluxe grills, pizza ovens, refrigerators, warming drawers, wine chillers and cabana roofs have sold well during the recession, says SmartMoney. Prices haven’t changed with the rising demand. This is good news. The installation costs are down 20 percent or more. Homeowners know that landscaping negotiation is simple too.

A “hot tip” SmartMoney offers readers is to consider a gas fire pit rather than a masonry fireplace. Typically, the pits are portable. That means you can redecorate however you would like. Not only that, but gas pits can cost thousands of dollars less.

Citations

Oprah

oprah.com/money/How-to-Make-Your-Home-Renovation-Pay

Smart Money

smartmoney.com/spending/for-the-home/3-renovations-worth-the-money-now-1302561618674/

Knowing when renovating your home is worth it

youtube.com/watch?v=zBSeQgJ1ANE

Get free term life insurance now

Life insurance is a proven source of financial security for loved ones after your death. For $250,000 worth of coverage, term life insurance can require as little as a few hundred dollars per year in premium payments, something several families can afford. But if you are looking for an even better price, try MassMutual Financial Group of Massachusetts. MassMutual is offering an enormous discount: free of charge term life insurance of $50,000. Article source – Free term life insurance is available now by MoneyBlogNewz.

Free of charge term life insurance available to some

Since rates are considerably lower whenever you are young and healthy, most life insurance experts suggest you purchase it then. If a person has dependents, life insurance is almost always a good idea.

Term life insurance will pay, for a fixed rate, for life insurance coverage for a limited time period. Without extra coverage, the coverage expires at the end of a term. If the insured dies during this time, the benefits are paid. The beneficiary gets them.

Get life insurance for free with MassMutual LifeBridge

In the event that a policyholder dies, MassMutual Financial Group can give $50,000 in free of charge term life insurance for children’s education. Bankrate.com says that it is not a truck; MassMutual isn’t lying. The money is there for anyone that meets the MassMutual LifeBridge program qualifications for free of charge term life insurance.

This $50,000 isn’t accessible right away. A 10-year trust gets it. During the life insurance term, the policyholder can die while the children will be taken care of. Whether it is college, trade school, pre-school or private school, the child will get the money for tuition, fees, books and room and board. After the policyholder’s death, the children have either 10 years or until age 35 to use the trust money, whichever is later.

The guidelines to follow

There are needs for the MassMutual LifeBridge life insurance program. They’re as follows:

• Be at least 19 but not older than 42
• Be the parent or legal guardian of one or more dependent children younger than 18
• Be a permanent legal resident of the U.S.
• Be employed full or part time and have a family income between $10,000 and $40,000
• Be the only parent or guardian in your household to apply
• Be in good health in the view of MassMutual underwriters
• Have not been diagnosed with heart disease, cancer, HIV or Type 1 diabetes
• Have not abused drugs or alcohol at any time within the past 10 years
• Are not currently on probation

Before free of charge life insurance approval is allowed, a blood and urine test is needed. The policy becomes ineffective if there is suicide within two years of the date. The MassMutual Financial Group site can give more information.

Information from

Bankrate

bankrate.com/financing/insurance/free-term-life-from-massmutual/

MassMutual Financial Group

massmutual.com/

MassMutual LifeBridge Brochure

massmutual.com/mmfg/pdf/lifebridge_eligibility.pdf

MassMutual LifeBridge FAQ

massmutual.com/mmfg/pdf/LifeBridge_FAQ.pdf

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Term_life_insurance

MassMutual LifeBridge program testimonial

youtube.com/watch?v=-cB40ili9og

Credit supply tightening not on Federal Reserve agenda

The Federal Reserve has no plans to tighten the credit supply of the nation, at least not just yet. The credit supply, or the amount of capital that banks have made available to them for lending, is one of the things the central financial institution can influence to suit the needs of the overall economy. The central financial institution of the nation is being pressured to look into reigning in the credit supply, however insists it won’t until the economy is in better shape.

Not ready just yet, Fed says

Food and gasoline is just a couple of the consumer goods that prices have increased on recently. Several have worried that inflation is going to start taking place. Whether or not the Federal Reserve should start restricting credit has been brought up by several due to this. MSNBC states that the Fed feels like the economy isn’t doing well enough for a tighter credit supply. At a recent speaking engagement at Yale University, Fed Vice Chair Janet Yellen said that conditions weren’t right, however the central bank would be easing off its current policy of keeping interest rates at near zero.

Not a low enough unemployment

The rates of interest charged by banks and the credit offered to the banks in the united states are partially controlled by the Fed. To be able to stimulate lending, banks can get loans from the Fed at zero or close to zero interest during a recession. Then, anybody can be lent to by the financial institution including personal installmetn loans, mortgages or even to financial institutions. There are, of course, many other facets to the Federal Reserve’s operations, however credit supply is a key function. If the Fed thinks that the price inflation is being too hard on the nation’s currency, the Fed can stop putting as much capital out there. There has been a huge increase in the price of oil and food. Now, a dollar doesn’t mean as much.

Also worrying about CFPB

After the central bank feels like the economy is doing good again, the Federal Reserve will likely start restricting the supply of credit meaning there should be a rise in loan rates of interest. The new CFPB rules will be instated soon also. Reuters reports, that in July the bureau will begin to work full time while it is anticipated that by Jan 2012 there could be new regulations set in place, according to spokesperson Elizabeth Warren. The amount that the CFPB can do has not been decided in Congress yet. Nevertheless, there will soon be more regulation to deal with.

Citations

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/42520140/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/

CNBC

cnbc.com/id/42532601

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/04/11/us-cfpb-warren-idUSTRE73A5FQ20110411

Stay-at-home partners might be hurt by CARD act needs

Consumers were supposedly going to be protected by the 2009 CARD Act. The 2009 bill has provisions that are going into impact throughout this year. One provision of bill demands something simple. That credit cannot be issued unless the person getting the credit can prove that they can repay the obligation. The bill is causing some significant unintended consequences, however. Stay-at-home spouses are very possibly going to be losing financial freedom, under the provisions of this bill. Post resource – CARD Act could strip stay-at-home partners of financial identity by MoneyBlogNewz.

About the CARD Act

The CARD Act contains several provisions meant to protect customers from unfair or inappropriate practices of credit card issuers. In the Act, the way income is viewed changes. There are new rules for companies. Community property and household income can no longer be considered as “income” on an application for credit. Instead, all income on an application for credit must be individual. The point is to safeguard customers for getting too much credit. They’ll not be able to over qualify for the income anymore.

The change from the CARD Act rules

Stay at home parents may have trouble with the CARD Act rules. In households where one partner works and one partner stays at home, the CARD act prevents the jobless partner from claiming any of the income of the working partner. Any stay-at-home spouses will be unable to get an independent credit history although it will stop those without income from getting a charge card. Problems would occur if the relationship ended when it comes to finances if the person doesn’t have credit.

The changes the CARD Act had on community property also

Married couples have “community property” in 10 of the 50 U.S. Partners have equal share of whatever is in the marriage according to the shared property law which may be changed with a pre- or post-nuptial agreement. The CARD Act demands finances to be split in half for couples in community property states. For couples not in community property states, the CARD act simply means that one partner can’t obligate the other partner to bad credit loans or other debt without their explicit agreement.

Be prepared for the CARD Act

Stay-at-home partners may have difficulty with the CARD Act. This may be you. Are you a stay-at-home partner without a job? Just prepare to have to get your partner’s signature on anything from unsecured loans to credit card. It is essential more now than ever to get your own charge card history. Try to keep some kind of employment going. Also, talk about finances with your partner regularly.

Information from

NCLC

nclc.org/

The Library of Congress

thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:HR00627:@@@D&summ2=m&

Credit agency Experian charged with fraud in California lawsuit

Credit bureau Experian has been named in a lawsuit in California. The suit is a potential scandal within the credit industry. TransUnion, Experian and Equifax are the three main credit reporting agencies that collect data which is used to determine credit scores of individuals and businesses. The plaintiffs in the suit, which may become class action, are alleging fraud.

Plaintiffs say free credit rating websites give false info to customers

There has been a lawsuit filed against Experian by the plaintiffs in California saying the company has defrauded many. Credit score copies are sold at some websites Experian works with. MSNBC states that Experian is giving these sites misleading information according to the suit. When going through FreeCreditScore.com and FreeCreditReport.com, the suit says Experian purposefully gives the wrong score. The websites, which charge a $14.95 per month fee to users so they can monitor their credit report activity, provide the Experian PLUS score. The reason why the plaintiffs are seeking a class action status is because that is not the score lenders would look at if an individual applied for a personal loan.

Most lenders use FICO scores to choose

The score the credit agency comes up with isn’t what loan companies and other parties use to look at a person’s credit rating. The FICO score, or the score Fair Isaac and Company came up with, is the one loan providers look at. Fair Isaac scores are calculated by looking at certain data about a person and coming up with a numerical rating of that persons’ credit worthiness. Lenders get the FICO scores that Experian, Equifax and TransUnion all put together for them. The PLUS score wouldn’t be used when someone applies for personal installment loans or job which is why Experian is being accused of fraud. Experian was being misleading, according to the suit. The information being sold was not worth anything. The suit from the Federal Trade Commission to advertise a government site in a link that gives one free! report from each credit bureau that is legally permitted must have compelled Experian.

Employers should back off

There have been labor rights advocates working hard right now. This is due to the idea that employers can check the credit scores of applicants. Also, the rest of the U.S. isn’t too happy. In fact, there have been 49 bills to ban employers from doing this in 25 different states being reviewed. Though credit reporting agencies that sell the reports to businesses, and some businesses contend that it can catch a potential issue employee, civil rights and labor advocates insist that it is prying into an area that no employer has a right to.

Information from

MSNBC

redtape.msnbc.com/2011/04/lawsuit-experian-sells-misleading-credit-scores.html

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/workplace/2011-04-07-credit-reports-in-hiring-decisions.htm

Center for Responsible Lending nevertheless hates payday advance

The Center for Responsible Lending has just released a study that takes a negative shine to payday advance. The CRL has lobbied on behalf of customers to regulate numerous credit goods, and is a chief lobbying body against the payday lending industry. Payday lending, along with other credit products, will soon fall under the heading of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau when it begins operating in a few months.

Talking bad about payday lenders

Payday lending is often reviled as predatory, as opponents accuse personal loan companies of trapping people into vicious cycles of debt. If the practice were to disappear, it would make the Center for Responsible Lending quite happy. This is an advocacy group for consumers. Daily Finance states a new report on payday lending was released by the organization that said people tend to get into debt for more than just one pay period when taking out payday loans. The report is titled “Payday Loans Inc: Short on Credit, Long on Debt” and is available on the CRL’s site.

Lawsuits

Regulation and criticism tends to be what personal loan companies get. Short term lenders are not all making good decisions showing that some of these loan companies deserve what they’re getting. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will start to operate later this year which many hope will mean more regulation on payday advance. The CFPB can’t regulate interest rates, although most are hoping for a cap. According to the CRL, this would be a poor choice. The CFPB should not do this.

Credit could be a risky thing

The scholarly literature that exists on payday loans and comparable credit products indicates there is a risk of consumers falling into a fair amount of debt once they begin borrowing from personal loan companies. Usually payday lenders could have somebody owing them money for one to two years. CRL explained this is how it works. The typical mortgage is 30 years, which it is better than. That is also better than 10 years, the length of time that individuals are given to repay student loans. Payday advance are given a bad reputation while those are just fine. Another credit individuals do not consider bad is credit card debt. Nevertheless, it is something that could ruin a person for decades if they are not careful.

Information from

Daily Finance

dailyfinance.com/story/credit/payday-loans-exposed-short-term-lenders-borrowers/19898661/

Responsible Lending

responsiblelending.org/payday-lending/research-analysis/payday-loan-inc.pdf

Federal Housing Administration to raise the price of mortgages

Last year, the FHA hiked the price of getting a federally supported mortgage. In April of this year, the cost will go up once more. This increase will increase the overall price of low-cost mortgages. Source for this article – Cost of FHA loans set to increase again by MoneyBlogNewz.

FHA loan places

Specific mortgages get home loans from the Federal Housing Administration. Mortgages are insured by the FHA rather than giving bad credit personal loans. A down payment between 3 and 6 percent is needed instead of the 10 percent standard mortgage down payment with an FHA-insured loan. Any amount up to $729,750 for FHA mortgages can be taken out. The intention is that borrowers who can make mortgage payments but have a tough time making a down payment can become homeowners.

Paying for an FHA loan

For borrowers, getting an FHA loan is not significantly different than getting any mortgage loan. FHA loans require the borrower pay mortgage loan insurance, so if the loan goes bad, the federal government can reimburse the lender. For many years, FHA loans required a 0.5 percent premium be paid as mortgage insurance. The amount went up 0.9 percent in 2010. There was a rise of another 0.25 percent in April to a total of 1.15 percent. FHA borrowers have to pay 1.15 percent extra of the mortgage. This could be added to monthly payments. The increase will cost less than $400 a year extra for a $157,000 mortgage.

The improving portfolio of the FHA

The Federal Housing Administration wrote mortgage insurance for the first quarter of 2011 for $72.1 billion in loans. In the past, there have been many more loans. The FHA did lots of refinancing loans also. The good news is that fewer FHA loans are currently entering default. The bad news is that the lower number means the FHA has to raise rates to be able to remain solvent. The price of mortgages will go up due to this. The federal government is still nervous about lending for mortgages in one way of interpreting this. Another way would suggest the economy is actually getting better. There won't be low rates of interest for long though. They will likely end soon.

Articles cited

Tampa Bay Times

tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/fha-raises-mortgage-fee/1159586

Total Mortgage

totalmortgage.com/blog/fha/fewer-fha-loans-going-bad/11172

Frivolous tax arguments are amusing, however the IRS penalty is not

When it comes to frivolous tax arguments, the IRS hears new ones yearly. On an annual basis, the IRS releases an updated list of frivolous tax arguments made by people attempting to keep away from paying federal income taxes. Most working class individuals would laugh at some of the frivolous tax arguments individuals come up with, but the IRS isn’t amused. Source of article – Frivolous tax arguments are amusing, but the IRS penalty is not by MoneyBlogNewz.

Don't try and cheat taxes

The IRS just released a 2011 annual report called the Truth about Frivolous Tax Arguments. The most popular tax evasion scenarios were put in the 87 page document. The document also involves the official legal policies the government has used to get frivolous tax arguments rejected by courts, as well as the penalties and sanctions levied against would-be tax cheats as a result. There are many scam artists that are using arguments spread on the internet refusing to pay taxes for reasons that are religious, moral, philosophical and semantic.

The cost of frivolous tax arguments

You will find many people that say they aren't a "person" as the Internal Revenue Service define it in their argument. Some say that it is voluntary to pay taxes or that it’s unconstitutional. To some working class individuals, military income is exempt and only foreign income is taxable. In accordance with estimates, many try to stay away from paying taxes yearly. In fact, about 10,000 individuals will do this in the U.S. Several try to file frivolous tax return arguments. These people will get a $5,000 IRS penalty. An IRS penalty up to $25,000 is given to any taxpayers that take this argument to court. There have been several injunctions filed by the Department of Justice for these tax arguments. Since 2000, there have been 455 corporations and individuals filed against.

Popular, and hopeless, tax evasion scenarios

There have been claims that paying taxes violates the fifth amendment, that it’s against ones religion or that it’s against the 13th amendment, the IRS explained. "Paying taxes is against my religion" is one courts just rule against. The Fifth Amendment states a person shall not be "deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” However the law gives the government authority to collect taxes from U.S. citizens. Then there is the 13th Amendment argument that paying taxes is servitude. Courts reject this also.

Information from

Main Street

mainstreet.com/article/moneyinvesting/taxes/tax-excuses-irs-won-t-buy?page=2

Portfolio.com

portfolio.com/views/blogs/resources/2011/03/21/irs-warns-taxpayers-about-excuses-for-not-paying-that-won

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/Business/2010/0415/Tax-Day-101-42-excuses-you-can-t-use-to-avoid-filing-IRS-forms

Good news not so good news for consumers as AT&T bids to purchase T-mobile

In a deal valued at $39 billion, AT&T has made a bid to buy T-mobile. This deal must be approved by the Department of Justice and Federal Communication Commission, which may prove to be a challenge. If authorized, this deal would prove to be both good and bad news for most consumers.

What to anticipate with an AT&T/ T-Mobile business

Right now, T-Mobile is pretty popular in the U.S. It is the fourth largest wireless provider. Owned by Deutsche Telekom AG, T-mobile was entertaining offers from both AT&T and Sprint-Nextel. In order the buy and merge with T-Mobile, AT&T is willing to put up $39 billion in money and stock. Combined, the two cellular phone companies would have about 130 million consumers, more than Verizon Wireless. The merger cannot just take place. First the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice has to approve it. The new business can't be a monopoly, which the DOJ would certify. Communication laws cannot be broken with the AT&T/ T-Mobile merger either, which the FCC would look at. It could take over a year to get the approval needed.

Might be good to have an AT&T merger

If the AT&T / T-mobile merger are eventually authorized, you will find some definite upsides for customers. Regulatory agencies will likely require that the new, merged business provide extended service to underserved areas. The merger may also reduce the strain on the spectrum of accessible wireless networks. High-speed wireless broadband would become more readily available. In short, the new business would be able to provide expanded service to wireless consumers.

How the AT&T merger could hurt your wallet

The short term personal loan of customers will provide the majority of the increased income of $3 billion a year, which is the anticipated increase. Combined, the new AT&T and Verizon would serve 75 percent of wireless consumers in the United States. Wireless services would go up with this duopoly of services. The combined company would likely follow AT&T’s lead in limiting wireless data and charging higher prices for overages.

The cost of wireless service can only go up

Outside the proposed merger of AT&T and T-mobile, the cost of wireless service is likely to continue increasing. Several states, municipalities and cities charge additional mobile phone service taxes. The federal government already does this though. The tax on mobile phone service is about where the cigarette and alcohol tax is for most. In the nation, there is a 16 percent tax. This is the average. This tax is regressive — individuals with lower income end up paying a higher percentage of their income for the same service, at times with no credit check payday loans. Landline telephone service, on the other hand, averages a three to five percent tax.

Information from

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-20/at-t-agrees-to-buy-deutsche-telekom-s-t-mobile-usa-unit-for-39-billion.html

KSE Focus

ksefocus.com/wordpress-content/uploads/2011/02/2010-Tax-Study-Final-Tax-Notes-PDF.pdf

Amazon Appstore experiencing lawsuits which could boost cost

With great fanfare and a free Angry Birds download, Amazon opened its Appstore this morning. This action is in spite of a cease-and-desist order issued by Apple Computer last week. The cease-and-desist was linked to a trademark infringement lawsuit over the term “Appstore”. The term “app” is currently under heavy debate. Apple claims that “App” is like “Kleenex” – a business-specific name that other businesses cannot use and is suing Amazon for using it. Microsoft is suing Apple, claiming that “App” is a generic term like “tissue” and should be usable. Source of article – Amazon defies Apple lawsuit by opening Appstore by MoneyBlogNewz.

Buying apps in Amazon

Tues. morning, the Amazon Appstore was opened for any apps for Android. The store currently provides about 3,200 applications for Android-based phones and tablet computer systems. The Amazon Appstore also offers most applications already available on the Android Marketplace, also as a few exclusive applications. Pay between 99 cents and $4.99 for an app. This is the typical price range. Unlike the Android Marketplace, where the developer sets the cost of their program and gets, at times, exact same day loans if their app does well, Amazon takes the suggestion of the developer into account, but ultimately sets the final price of the product.

Apple files lawsuit over Appstore

The Appstore wasn't even opened yet when Apple filed a lawsuit against Amazon. This was for brand infringement. Apple is angry as the "App store" is a trademark. Apple says Amazon is violating that trademark. The lawsuit initially claimed “unspecified damages” for the trademark violation. Amazon apparently ignored the cease-and-desist order by opening the Appstore anyway. The "App Store" trademark is in another lawsuit too. Apple Computers is getting used by Microsoft because the terms "App" and "App Store" cannot be trademarked because of how generic they’re. The lawsuits will take much longer than any person could hope. It can be years before anything is decided.

Appstore lawsuit will mean consumers have to pay

It can be a long time before these federal trademark infringements lawsuits are settled. Years could be taken to do this. Taxpayers pay for the courts that will do these federal legal cases while the "court costs" charges could have to be paid. consumers have to pay for other "hidden" costs of legal cases. This contains paying for the boost in the business cost. There is a very low likelihood that the app costs will go up. Generally, developers are willing to do apps either for free or for hardly anything. In hopes of garnering subscriptions, advertising views, or simply prestige, the army of app developers could mean that the “App Store” lawsuit could prove to be a financial tempest in a teapot.

Information from

Dailytech

dailytech.com/Apple+Slams+Amazon+With+Lawsuit+Claiming+Its+Android+Appstore+Infringes/article21188.htm

CNN

tech.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03/22/where-is-amazons-appstore/

Moco News

moconews.net/article/419-amazon-launches-its-appstore.-is-a-tablet-or-a-handset-next/

Airline fare increases blamed on rising gasoline prices

For the sixth time since January 1, most airlines have increased their standard prices. Fare increases are usually an industry-wide move, with a few holdouts. This increase is significant because the usual holdout, Southwest, has followed suit. The price boost is being blamed on the increasing expense of oil. Resource for this article – Airline fare hikes blamed on rising fuel prices by MoneyBlogNewz.

The increasing price of an airline ticket

There was a $60 increase this year in the average airline ticket costs, in accordance with airline industry reports. A ticket that would have cost $200 on Jan. 1, 2011, now expenses $260. Not all airlines follow suit during price increases. The costs go down typically unless all airlines raise them. This latest $10 increase, however, was followed by Southwest Airlines, traditionally a holdout.

Gas costs for low-cost airlines

Southwest Airlines is an economy airline. Many of these exist in the U.S. Traditionally, Southwest Airlines has avoided many of the fees and rate hikes that larger airlines have undertaken, in an effort to keep customers. Usually low-cost companies for instance JetBlue and AirTran also try to keep the costs low. There is more volatility with these lower profit margins though. When a barrel of oil price raises $10; so will the price of tickets. This is how the change typically works. The CEO of Southwest pointed out that Southwest will likely spend $1.3 billion on fuel in 2011, which is three times the total net income of Southwest in 2010.

Price of travel only going up

The U.S. travel is becoming increasingly more expensive as the fares of airlines are being raised. Sometimes, an individual has to travel a long distance. There aren't many possibilities for that individual though. The choice of flying is there. That is clear. Higher fuel expenses means that driving is a choice, but a poor one. It almost expenses the same as an airfare ticket for the long distance trip because of this. Getting on a bus can cost quite a bit too. The rising oil prices attribute to this. Rail travel is still a viable choice in some areas of the country, however a train ticket that was $50 in 2008 is now $150, and service within much of the West is spotty. When it comes to high-speed rails, it is not really happening. It is in the theory stage nevertheless.

Citations

WSBTV

wsbtv.com/news/27110644/detail.html

USA Today

travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2011/03/another-day-another-fare-hike/146578/1

News OK

newsok.com/fuel-costs-force-southwest-to-add-10-to-ticket-cost/article/3546778

Legislatures attempting to establish legal action loans

In the United States, a new loan product is popping up. Lawsuit financing is causing some serious questions. Investment brokers and banks offer plaintiffs financial loans to live on and fund a lawsuit while it’s in court. There are legislators attempting to ban or limit these loans, while several lobbyists are calling the financial loans a desperately needed service. Article source – Lawsuit lending the latest target of legislation by MoneyBlogNewz.

Lawsuits cost money

Becoming the plaintiff in a lawsuit can be an expensive undertaking. While large payouts can be awarded, it often takes years and thousands of dollars just to bring a case to court. About $285,000 is what a personal injury legal action will payout on average even though most plaintiffs won't do the lawsuit due to money. In order to finance these lawsuits, more and more people are turning to lawsuit financial loans.

Many people considering legal action loans

The cost and risk of a personal lawsuit are looked at and taken on by banks, investment firms and other investment firms now. States will categorize these bad credit loans differently than one another, although they are not payday financial loans. The loans could be called "investments" or "loans" depending. The investors/lenders often require between 150 percent and 300 percent of the investment amount, but only if the plaintiff is awarded damages at the end of the case. A loses means nothing occurs. The investors will not collect. The APR cap is something states are trying to add. These financial loans would have to deal with this. The lawsuit loan lender is involved in consumer-protection legislation being put up in some states. Maryland is considering a bill that would limit the loan providers to collecting no more than 200 percent of the total loan amount.

Arguments for and against legal action financial loans

The cost cutting is considered in several personal injury lawsuits and tort cases. Rising costs of malpractice insurance and business insurance are often blamed on the number of personal injury lawsuits. Proponents say that legal action financial loans provide a needed service that opens up the legal system to individuals who don’t otherwise have the resources to pursue lawsuits. More lawsuits are filed with this system. Some would suggest the legal system abuse for money is being shown here with these loans.

The lawsuit loan affects your wallet too

It seems like legal action loans don't matter very much for anyone not in a lawsuit. The product is something the majority is impacted by though. It’s changing the country. Everyone has to pay for products, services and insurance that changes based on personal injury or tort lawsuits. Several states do not have a payout cap. This could increase the cost even more. There’s a balance to every little thing with this though. The legal system can now be accessed by anyone rather than just those with money.

Articles cited

Star Advertiser

staradvertiser.com/news/20110310_A_lobbying_clash_over_lawsuit_loans.html

Medical Malpractice

medicalmalpractice.com/legal-advice/medical-malpractice/medical-negligence-lawsuits/what-the-average-payout-negligenc

February jobs report indicates decline in unemployment

Unemployment has dropped since the end of Jan, according to the newly issued February jobs statement, though by a modest percentage. The pace of joblessness declined .01 % to 8.9 % over February. This marks the 3rd sequential month in which joblessness declined.

Higher rate of employing

The February jobs statement was recently released by the Department of Labor, and it showed the increase in hires during the month of February was a small one, however a rise nonetheless. There was a 0.1 % decrease in the unemployment pace from Jan to February. It went from 9 % down to 8.9 %. There were more jobs included to the sector improving quite a bit from January. About 192,000 jobs were included. In January, employers included 63,000 jobs to the overall economy, however January was slower than February as winter weather brought several areas to a near standstill, according to the Los Angeles Times. Besides a rise in employing once the snow relented, Dec. and Jan jobs reports were revised by the Labor Department to reflect that 50,000 brand new hires had gone previously unreported.

Third month showing increased employment

This is the third sequential month that the unemployment pace has gone down. The pace of joblessness has waxed and waned for the past several years, and there have been declines noted all along the way, but the joblessness pace declined almost an entire percentage point from Dec. to February, marking significant progress. The number of first joblessness claims fell to 368,000 recently, marking a three-year low for brand new filers. Forbes reports that over 9 million individuals claim benefits. The economy is projected by the Federal Reserve to grow between 3.5 and 4 percent during 2011, though rising gas prices are sure to cause some hiccups over the next few months.

Recovery can be hard with government spending reductions

The unemployment pace might end up going back up after all, reports CBS. This is what economists fear will take place if Republicans get their way and get to cut the federal budget. Moody's Analytics' Mark Zandi thinks that a $61 billion cut from the federal spending budget, as planned, might end up a work loss for 700,000 individuals. This projection was mirrored pretty closely by Goldman Sachs. It is very important bear in mind Zandi claimed the stimulus spending would allow unemployment to stay under 8 % while being one of probably the most supportive people of the stimulus packages.

Articles cited

CNN

cnn.com/2011/03/04/news/economy/february_jobs_report/

Los Angeles Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/money_co/2011/03/february-unemployment-jobs-economy-recovery-obama.html

Forbes

blogs.forbes.com/heatherstruck/2011/03/04/jobs-report-at-high-end-of-expectations-unemployment-drops-to-8-9/

CBS News

cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20037435-503544.html

American International Group and GM paying on bailouts

Bailout receiving firms AIG and General Motors have both made real progress in paying off the financial loans the companies received from working class individuals. Despite huge national corporations having to admit defeat and ask for help, both have turned around relatively quickly and made payments on their debt. No single entity received more money in the bailouts than AIG, which has been dutifully making payments. Source of article – AIG and General Motors make strides in repaying bailouts by MoneyBlogNewz.

Selling MetLife stock so Treasury loans can be paid

USA Today reports that AIG, insurance giant, is paying of the United States Treasury by selling off shares of MetLife insurance. About 146.8 million shares of MetLife stock was marketed by American International Group getting $6.3 billion for United States Treasury payments. In order to try to purchase back the $18.2 billion AIG shares that the Treasury currently owns, AIG is using the funds. Currently, the government also owns about 92 percent of AIG's common stock. This is because part of the Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP mandated this take place. When it comes to the bailout, AIG received the most in financial loans. Over $182 billion was lent to the company. The company received $68 billion in financial loans. This was after the Treasury and Federal Reserve bought the company's toxic assets.

General Motors on the road to health

General Motors has been working hard to pay the government back for bailout funds received. About $49 billion was lent to the business. GM recently declared in an earnings report that the business had made a profit every quarter of 2010, according to Reuters. The largest profit since 1999 was reported by General Motors while this is the first time the company has been profitable for a whole year since 2004. For 2010 profits, General Motors reported $4.7 billion was made. Nevertheless, the first offering stock prices in Nov haven't changed at all since. Since Nov 2010, when 61 percent of General Motors stock was owned by the Treasury, there has been great improvement since now the government only owns 33 percent. The government needs General Motors share prices to go up to $53 a share. That is the only way the government will break even on the loan.

End result of TARP

The cost of the money going to the housing crisis is more than the cost of putting money to the corporate bailout, David Miller said. Reuters reports that Miller is the chief investment officer for the TARP. Miller said the Congressional Budget Office estimates that TARP will cost a total of $25 billion, and the Obama administration estimates slightly more than $28 billion. Timothy Geithner is the Treasury Secretary. He claims that the $25 billion estimate is higher than it needs to be. You will find several companies that owe the government nevertheless. About $135 billion in TARP financial loans are nevertheless owed.

Articles cited

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/economy/2011-03-02-aig-bailout-metlife_N.htm

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/02/24/us-gm-idUSTRE71N0ZD20110224

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/02/25/usa-treasury-tarp-idUSN2524950220110225

More bank account opportunities accessible from Bank of America

A new pilot program from Bank of America offers greater choices in the structure of checking accounts. The intent is to make fee structures more transparent, and allow customers to choose what account and fee structure that they feel works for them. B of A and other large national banks have been steadily raising fees.

Banking fees chosen by customers

ABC states that Bank of America is starting a new program that will allow choice when it comes to account fees for consumers to choose their bank account plan and fees. The largest national banks have come under criticism for charging excessive banking fees, and now Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo and others have rolled out new programs for checking accounts to make fees more transparent. There could be new programs tested in certain states for B of A. This involves Georgia, Arizona and Massachusetts.

Fees depend on account

B of A is offering five checking account options, and fees range from $6 to $25 per month. The account types consist of:

• Essentials: Simple bank account with a debit card. An $8.95 monthly fee is charged to the account. It gets waved if a minimum balance of $1,500 is kept in the account or if a monthly direct deposit is made into the account.
• e-Banking: This is simple checking also. However, consumers can waive most fees altogether by banking entirely online or through an ATM and electing to receive electronic statements instead of paper. However, overdraft, non-sufficient funds and ATM fees will still likely apply.

Account holders with more money end up having more amenities.

• Enhanced: there’s a minimum balance to waive account fees on this account too. There either ha s to be $5,000 across linked accounts or $2,000 in one account for this minimum balance. The Enhanced account offers two linked checking and two savings or money sector accounts. Account holders can get fees waived in the Enhanced account. Using a linked charge card does this.
• Premium: As long as there is $20,000 in linked accounts, Merill Lynch investment accounts or with a mortgage in Bank of America, all fees are waived. This account offers services such as cashier’s checks and money orders for free.
• Platinum Privileges: Consumers must have a minimum account balance of $50,000 in order to be eligible for these perks: One of these is just personalized customer service, which many love. Others contain money sector accounts, a Privileges credit card and mortgages with special rates.

Nevertheless increasing bank fees

Bank fees have been increasing more and more account fees with the pressure from the federal bank for banks to stop deceptive fees. There are many things being done by the large banks, for instance Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Chase, to make up for what they lost with the Dodd-Frank Act. This Act stopped practices such as signing customers up for expensive programs without notification.

Articles cited

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=12550430&page=1

Chicago elects Rahm Emanuel the brand new mayor

Voters have elected Emanuel mayor of Chicago. Emanuel, the previous firebrand White House Chief of Staff for the Obama administration, had to overcome significant legal challenges to his candidacy but handily won the political election. His term will start when he is inaugurated in May. Source for this article – Rahm Emanuel wins election for mayor of Chicago by MoneyBlogNewz.

Emanuel winds up getting the majority of votes

Speculation had been rampant that the Chicago mayoral political election would result in a second runoff political election because candidates wouldn’t receive a sufficient majority of votes, meaning more than 50 percent. In some areas, for instance Chicago, a two-round voting system is implemented in the case that no candidate receives more than 50 percent of votes. Rahm Emanuel received 55 percent of the votes in the Chicago election, according to the Christian Science Monitors, avoiding a runoff and becoming the mayor-elect. Gery Chico, who is the previous Chief of Staff for Mayor Richard Daley who is leaving, was the closes to Emanuel in votes. Chico received 24 percent of the vote.

The law stopping things from proceeding

There were legal blocks for Rahm Emanuel in the election. This was before he became the 55th Chicago mayor. Since he was Chief of Staff for the Obama White House and didn't really live in Chicago, the candidacy was challenged in court that said he really was a resident of Washington, D.C., according to the Washington Post. However, a series of appeals that went to the Illinois Supreme Court, which found in favor of Emanuel. He entered a field of six final candidates, and emerged the clear winner.

Chicago now has Emanuel

CBS reports that Mayor Richard M. Daley has been the Chicago Mayor since 1989 while Emanuel is now replacing him. The crime rates are going up while a deficit of $655 million is on the table for Emanuel to fix. In his first month in office, he promised to cut $75 million while adding 1,000 police officers to the City of Chicago.

Citations

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/USA/Elections/2011/0223/Chicago-election-results-catapult-Rahm-Emanuel-into-mayor-s-office/%28page%29/2

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2011/02/22/ST2011022207071.html?sid=ST2011022207071

CBS News

cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20035263-503544.html

Sheen on The Today Show: The Adonis episode

If you saw Charlie Sheen on "The Today Show," "Good Morning America" or even "The Jones Show," you know the previous star of "Two and a Half Men" is not suffering from a deflated opinion of himself. If you believe him, he has superhuman powers that extend beyond the realm of mere mortals, writes the National Post. Sheen claims that he is a poet with magic in his fingertips, that Obama is ignoring the truth about 9-11 and that he can kick addiction whenever he wants to. Post resource – Charlie Sheen lights up Today Show, GMA with Adonis grandeur by MoneyBlogNewz.

Good Morning Sheen on ‘Good Morning America’

Sheen states he is an Adonis meaning he can manage trials better than any person else even though the narcotic abuse, 9-11 conspiracies, prostitutes, brawls, canyon automobiles and no employment are all things that would really get an individual down. He went on "Good Morning America." There he said a narcotic did it:

"It’s called Charlie Sheen. It’s not available. If you try it once, you will die. Your face will melt off and your children will weep over your exploded body."

Also hearing ‘Alex Jones’ interview Sheen

Sheen told Alex Jones on his radio show that he has Adonis DNA, which is why he can handle that kind of explosive, hyper-kinetic action – until he power naps "like an F-18.". CBS explained that Charlie Sheen got "Two and a Half Men" canceled by the creator, executive producer and writer of the show. This occurred because of some comments Sheen made on "the Alex Jones Show" about Chuck Lorre which were bad. Sheen claims he cares about the production crew that depends upon the money from "Two and a Half Men," however they’re out of work too, as production has been scrapped.

Narcotic use for Sheen

When talking to Jones, Charlie Sheen said he was a "rock star from Mars." The NY Times states that AA is not for Sheen. When talking to "Today," he said that it was a matter of "unlearning 22 years of fiction" which is something Dr. Drew Pinsky and other specialists would suggest is just part of the denial Sheen is going through.

Sheen is not really failing narcotic tests, he told the "today Show." It’s really just the "poetry at his fingertips," he states. Once he relapsed, he said:

"I just don't do it. (That’s) written for normal people who don't have tiger blood and Adonis DNA."

Information from

National Post

arts.nationalpost.com/2011/02/28/the-best-quotes-from-charlie-sheens-today-show-abc-appearances/

New York Times

mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/28/charlie-sheen-says-hell-sue-cbs/

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adonis

Charlie Sheen on ‘The Alex Jones Show’ for the conspiracy-minded

youtube.com/watch?v=QGdshc0AtOE

Carey's luxurious nursery slated to consist of diamond encrusted iPods

Spoiling children is natural. Most moms and dads and grandparents want to do at least a little bit of it. Even the famous and rich have parents that go overboard, though. Mariah Carey’s house-sized nursery is taking the cake. Though exact figures are not available, the various elements of the nursery cost many millions. Post resource – Mariah Carey's giant luxury nursery will cost millions by MoneyBlogNewz.

Children for Mariah Carey will live large

In March, Mariah Carey could be having twin babies with her husband Nick Cannon. The couple has been trying to have children for several years, and they are very excited. In preparation, the couple has turned an entire wing of their Beverly Hills mansion into a large luxurious nursery. It seems more like a fairy tale with 18 carat gold trim on the wall, diamond encrusted iPods, $2,200 cribs and a $1 million sofa Michael Jackson used.

What was paid for the nursery

There’s an easily increasing price for Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon's nursery. It can only go up. One source reported the cost at $1.3 million, but that estimate is probably low. Because Carey and Cannon are spending $1 million on the crushed velvet sofa alone, the cost is likely closer to $2 million or $3 million. In the giant luxury baby’s room, there can be $3,000 rocking chairs. 2 42 inch flat screen TVs can be in there too. The wing of the house is being decorated by Carey with the help of a designer.

Child raising expenses

The price put on raising kids goes up yearly, even though Mariah Carey is definitely spending more than necessary on the nursery. A report is brought out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Every year the "Expenditures on children" report comes out. Last year, a middle-income family could expect to spend $222,360 raising a child. About $10,000 a year will be allocated to kids per child on lower income families. In comparison, Mariah Carey is spending $222,360 or so on the gold carat trim in her twins’ room.

Information from

Spokanesman

spokesman.com/blogs/parents/2010/jun/21/financial-cost-having-child/

Inquisitr

inquisitr.com/98783/mariah-carey-creating-giant-nursery/

The Stir

thestir.cafemom.com/baby/116646/mariah_careys_1_3_million

Federal government shutdown in 2011 might derive from deadlocked Congress

On March 4, the spending budget that runs the government will expire. Politicians are speaking of a feasible action that hasn’t occurred in a long time. The government might simply shut down. Lawmakers are debating the possibility of shutting down the federal government, though they claim to be working to stay away from it.

Possibility of a 2011 federal government shutdown

Facing the possibility of a federal government shutdown this year, you should understand what would occur. In 1998, a full government shut down happened. Almost every little thing was shut down that was government-run. Portions of the government have been affected by other federal government shut downs since however it hasn't been the whole government shutting down. A 2011 federal government shutdown would mean all services would stop. This consists of Social Security. National parks shut down, passport agencies shut their doors, and federal employees have an unpaid furlough. Some select self-funding agencies, for instance the USPS, may stay open. There would likely not be very many medical facilities continuing to stay open.

How a government shutdown happens

The president has to sign a federal budget for it to pass. Congresses both have to vote for it also. If a budget is not passed, then the agencies of the federal government do not know what funding is accessible, and must shutter their doors until there is a budget to operate with. Spending cut debates are keeping the budget from passing. This is the exact same thing that occurred in 1998.

A 2011 federal government shutdown means what?

This year, the federal government shutting down would be bad. A lot of issues would stem from that. Congress would then, as now, be under huge pressure to pass a spending budget. That means that Democrats and Republicans would have to come to some kind of an accord on spending. In 1998, the federal government shutdown preceded a period of balanced budget spending that created a surplus of federal money — the first and only time that has happened in the last 15 years.

Articles cited

CNN

politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/21/house-republicans-and-senate-democrats-in-talks-to-avoid-government-shutdown/#more-147736

Washington Monthly

washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_02/028070.php

Former Nugget Carmelo Anthony traded to the N.Y. Knicks

On Presidents’ Day, the Denver Nuggets made the fated move for which National Basketball Association fans have been waiting. High-scoring forward Carmelo Anthony has been exchanged from the Denver Nuggets to the New York Knicks as part of a 12-player, three-team trade that could make large noise in the Eastern Conference for the remainder of the season and beyond. The price the Knicks paid for Anthony might have been too severe, suggests ESPN and The Sporting News. Source of article – Former Nugget Carmelo Anthony traded to the N.Y. Knicks by Newsytype.com.

12 players involved in Carmelo Anthony trade

In order to get All-Star caliber talent Carmelo Anthony, the New York Knicks couldn’t get away without sending major talent to Anthony’s former team, the Denver Nuggets. There were many talents sent by the New York Knicks to Denver. These include Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler. Denver exchanged many. They contain Renaldo Balkman, Anthony Carter, Shelden Williams, Chauncey Billups and Anthony.

Minnesota Timberwolves had to be part of the trade as well for payroll reasons. In order to get Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry, Minnesota gave Corey Brewer to the Knicks.

What this implies for the Knicks

Michael Wilbon explained the Knicks seem desperate enough to make the Anthony trade. It could possibly be really great for Anthony, Amare Soudemire and Chauncey Billups; to all be on the team. It might be just as bad though. The Knicks would like to show followers the turnaround this season is real. The N.Y. Knicks have the opportunity to prove themselves with Carmelo Anthony though. This can be in the Easter Conference playoff series against the Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat.

The New Orleans Chris Paul might be hard to sign for next season as a free agent though considering the hard salary cap that comes with the new CBA. The Knicks will need a good point guard to take Billups’ place, as he is both long in the tooth and not eager to play under the harsh lights of Madison Square Garden. Paul or even Deron Williams of the Utah Jazz would be an outstanding fit, however the money may not be there under the cap.

Articles cited

ESPN

sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=wilbon/110222

The Sporting News

sportingnews.com/nba/feed/2010-08/carmelos-contact

CBS’s Lauren Shehadi on the Carmelo trade

youtube.com/watch?v=-UfmX6GVPTc

Amazon Prime sets sights on internet streaming video sector

Amazon.com has announced that subscribers to the Amazon Prime service – unrestricted free two-day merchandise delivery for $ 79 per year – will now have access to streaming movies and TV at no additional charge, reports CNET. With a catalog of 5,000-plus film and television choices, Amazon Prime users can enjoy streaming video on their PC, Mac or Internet-enabled TV. And to help obtain the upper hand against Netflix or Hulu Plus, Amazon Prime will cost streaming movie enthusiasts almost $ 20 less per year.

Amazon Prime getting in your struggle with Netflix and Hulu

The audience for internet streaming video ventures of 65 million, plus the capital needed to get it started, are both things that Amazon Prime is looking for, reports CNET. That is why it is entering the business, Dana Rayburn of Frost & Sullivan explained. Amazon Prime V.P. Robbie Schwietzer described that it made perfect sense to add something to the free shipping service with no extra cost that is already there.

“Millions of Amazon Prime members already enjoy the convenience of free two-day shipping,” said Schwietzer. “Adding unlimited instant access to thousands of movies and TV shows at no additional cost is a great way to give members even more value.”

Amazon Prime will face stiff competition in Netflix, Hulu Plus and Apple television, which have already snagged considerable share of the online streaming movie sector. When it comes to purchasing things such as books, movies, and music not to mention the membership to Netflix and Hulu plus it has, Amazon.com is already well known. Amazon Prime won't require that viewers watch commercials before or during the streaming videos like Hulu Plus does, reports New York Magazine. Amazon.com has a fantastic relationship with Hollywood studios for DVD distribution already. That means it shouldn't be difficult to get the rights to internet streaming video.

Huge size of Netflix means more business

Netflix has over 20,000 movies and TV shows for streaming right now which Amazon Prime won't have at the very beginning. On Amazon Prime, movies like "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" and "Syriana" as well as shows like "Farscape" and "Doctor Who" are already accessible. Still, if the business is going to compete, it has to grow easily. Amazon will probably have problems with the broadband provider giants like Comcast. The exact same obstacles Netflix faced can be there.

Articles cited

CNET

news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-20034714-261.html

New York Magazine

nymag.com/daily/intel/2011/02/phase_one_of_amazons_plan_to_d.html

Amazon Prime: A ‘massive shot’ at Netflix

youtube.com/watch?v=olG4zGDWPQg

Congressional overview of green-energy loans

For the last two years, the DOE has been providing a monetary bit of support to clean-energy companies. The DOE took on a cosigner-like role for several green energy businesses. The total amount of these guarantees results in billions. One congressional committee has started an investigation to see if the funds were used in an appropriate manner. These loans have helped numerous people get the assistance they need without a personal loan. Source for this article – Congressional commission investigating clean-energy loan promises by MoneyBlogNewz.

Department of Energy with clean energy loans

Loan guarantees have been given to clean-energy projects by the DOE in support. The loans aren't given directly from the DOE. Instead, the DOE gives federal guarantees for bad credit loans for the businesses supported. If a company does not pay back the loan, the government will do it instead. That is what the agreement means. These green energy loans went to a variety of projects, including solar power in Reno, Nevada, and Solyndra Inc. in California.

Congress investigates Solyndra Inc

The bad credit loan guarantees for clean-energy weren't all good though. The DOE had something unexpected take place. About $500 million was promised to Solyndra Inc. by the DOE. This was intended to go to a second plant which would mean 1,000 more jobs. In order to get money to pay back the loan, Solyndra planned on making an initial public offering in a few months. After an auditor warned that company did not have the revenue necessary to support the Initial Public Offering and revenue did not outpace costs, however, Solyndra had to roll back its plans for expansion. There haven't been any closures for the business yet. Also, the government hasn't had to pay any of the $500 million loan guarantee back yet. However, House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) has opened an exploration to the guarantee.

Turns into an investigation of government stimulus money

The House Energy and Commerce committee thinks that the exploration will turn out to be more into green energy loans in general instead of just into Solyndra Inc. What several suggest as supporters of green-energy is that the government can't expect all of the guaranteed loans to succeed as every business with a traditional loan will make choices to succeed or fail. Opponents say that even though the government hasn’t yet had to put out any money, it should not be in the business of guaranteeing loans for green energy projects.

Articles cited

Reuters

af.reuters.com/article/energyOilNews/idAFN1717704520110217?pageNumber=2&virtualBrandChannel=0

The Hill

thehill.com/blogs/e2-wire/677-e2-wire/144895-upton-targets-doe-solar-loan-guarantee

Blocking LOXL2 enzyme blocks cancer development

The body utilizes amino acids to communicate within itself. LOXL2 is an enzyme that helps produce collagen and elasten. A group of researchers in the United Kingdom have found an interesting fact. Obstructing LOXL2 acids blocks cancer spread. Cancer cells can very easily spread from one part of the body to another. About 90 percent of cancer fatalities are due to this spread, and this finding could help cut it down. Post resource – Blocking LOXL2 enzyme cut cancer spread dramatically by MoneyBlogNewz.

Cancer of the breast spread affected by blocking enzyme

Institute of Cancer Research researchers in the U.K. published findings in the medical journal Cancer Research. The LOXL2 enzyme was blocked by chemicals in the cancer of the breast cells by researchers. When subjected to enzyme blockers, the cancer cells did not spread to other parts of the body almost as often. The cancer that spreads easily from breast tissue to the bloodstream is linked to LOXL2 enzymes and LOXL2 gene in the bloodstream. Death ends up being more of a possibility after cancer spreads from tissue to blood. This is as the cancer may end up reappearing anywhere in the body.

All about the LOXL2 enzyme

The LOXL2 gene uses copper to synthesize collagen and elastin. The gene helps the body produce and rebuild. There are other utilizes for the enzyme. It gets muscle and fat tissue to the blood easier. Individuals who have cancer that spread easily usually have a high present of LOXL2 enzymes. The research shows that obstructing the enzyme reduce cancer spread have, thus far, only been done on mice in the lab. LOXL2 has not been used on humans yet.

Ensuring the cancer medicine is right

Specific cancers are targeted with the research that researchers have been doing to make an effort to cure cancer. Since individual cancers can sometimes change from person to person, it can be difficult to find targeted cancer drugs. Up to three years may be needed to target the LOXL2 enzyme for humans while another 2 years would be needed for Food and Drug Administration approval.

Information from

HC2D

hc2d.co.uk/content.php?contentId=17644