AP - China suspended military exchange visits with the United States on Saturday in protest over $6.4 billion in planned U.S. arms sales to Taiwan and warned the U.S. ambassador that the sales would harm already strained ties.
Read more of Report: China suspends military exchanges with US (AP)…
AP - If the Massachusetts special election was a kick in the shins for President Barack Obama, the political turmoil in Illinois, his home state, is a pain in the neck that never seems to go away.
Read more of Illinois, new Massachusetts setback for Obama? (AP)…
AP - An unrepentant Tony Blair defended his decision to join the United States in attacking Iraq, arguing Friday before a panel investigating the war that the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks made the threat of weapons of mass destruction impossible to ignore.
Read more of Blair offers justification for Iraq war (AP)…
President Obama walked a financial tightrope in his State of the Union address on Wednesday.
Read more of Obama’s deficit-reduction plan - State of the Union (CNNMoney.com)…
It's critical to have emergency money in today's market, but the New York Times isn't making it easy. Many avid readers of the New York Times Online are going to be in for a big surprise next year. Mark Zandi, economist for Moody's Economy.com, said, "The internet is free and more and more people are getting their information directly from it. Gone a! re the days of paying for a newspaper, except for older generations who don't have unlimited access to the online news world, or don't want it."
The New York Times has long been one of those free news websites, but that is soon to change. Starting next year, the paper is going to be implementing a "metered" system where readers will receive a certain number of news stories for free, but if they want more detailed information they will have to pay. The plan is to draw readers in with interesting articles and then show them the value of learning more about the article's topic.
The big question is whether or not the pay-to-click option will work for The New York Times. They have tried twice before to move to this type of format unsuccessfully. Because of the two failures, executives are taking their time and giving themselves almost a full year to "build the system and figure out the details that are likely to dictate whether the gamble pays off." The biggest issues are to gauge how much to charge and still keep readers and how many stories consumers will be allowed free access to every month. … click here to read the rest of the article titled “Online news readers may find emergency money dwindling“
Salt Water Creek was one of the heaviest hit. It was an incredibly sad thing to see whole homes destroyed by water. But I was very inspired by the people who came out to volunteer their time and their elbow grease to fix things, clean up and help. Hundreds of people have a daunting task ahead of sanitizing their homes, remove mold, drain water out of their basements and just generally clean up the mess. Then this past week, the "troops" I'll call them, volunteers in yellow shirts came in. They got right in and helped. Many hands make the work light and this was certainly the case. They removed dry wall that was soaked, removed mold, pulled water out of basements. Many businesses donated water. It was a site to see.
E-file. All the cool kids are doing it.
You probably already know that if you make a lot of money or have complicated taxes you won’t be able to file your taxes for free. Usually, for people with high incomes or a lot of assets, it makes sense, and it’s worth it, to pay someone to do your taxes. But, if you’re like me, filing your taxes is just a matter of plugging the right numbers into the right places.
Turbo Tax Free Edition is a good option for people in this situation. You can download this program from www.turbotax.com. If you’re worried that you need extra help to avoid tax debt, there are several different programs that you can pay for to e-file your taxes through Turbo Tax. Also, H&R Block has a free online program at www.hrblock.com.
This program is a partnership between the IRS and private tax-preparation companies. You may only file for free if you made less than $57,000 in 2009. This program is only for filing federal taxes, so if you live in a state that has income tax, you’ll need to file those separately. IRS Free File is at www.irs.gov/efile.
IRS Free File gives you the option of using tax software with step by step help. You can also choose to fill in the tax forms and file them online without tax software. … click here to read the rest of the article titled “3 ways to e-file your taxes for free“
I'll bet you 10 bucks this guy is singing "Bohemian Rhapsody." Image from Flickr.
I have heard a lot of karaoke. The times I have gone to karaoke definitely number in the hundreds. Possibly thousands. I have gone to karaoke at dive bars, Thai food restaurants, fancy piano bars, my significant other’s work party, smoke-filled Chinese restaurants and hotel lobbies.
I have noticed, regardless of whether karaoke is going on at a tiki bar, an Irish pub or a Mexican restaurant, the same songs always seem to end up in the rotation. Of course, it’s not guaranteed that you’ll hear these songs every time, but if you ever want to get into predictive karaoke gambling, get some quick personal loans and put your money on these.
Karaoke “regulars” don’t do this song. They know that it’s nine minutes long, and it’s kind of rude to take up that much time when other singers are waiting. However, a first-time karaoke singer who loves “Wayne’s World” and doesn’t know that he isn’t the first person to come up with this brilliant idea will inevitably get up and sing this.
I can understand why “Black Velvet” gets so much stage time at karaoke joints. It’s fun to sing and considered cool in a rock-n-roll sort of way.
Much like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” this song is a bit long as a karaoke selection. I think people forget that selecting “Hey Jude” ultimately means singing “na na na na na na na” for two minutes. It’s a great song, but if you ever sing it you’ll probably notice half the audience singing along and swaying while the other half checks their watches. … click here to read the rest of the article titled “Top 10 most common karaoke songs“
I remember I was walking down some steps that were really wide. I would get frustrated when I walked down more steps with my left foot than my right foot. There are little signs like that, that helped me to realize that I was OCD.
It was good because I learned how to control it pretty early. It was good that I figured out how to control it. It made me a much stronger person in the end. I think that I am a little less OCD now because I have worked on it for so long. I am glad that I could recognize it so early.
Photo: aaronsnitzer
So, your resume has gotten you a job interview; it’s the first big step toward the job you want. When your interview begins, however, job skills become secondary. You’re now being interviewed largely on the kind of person you are. Your resume tells people who you are, but your manners — good or bad — show them.
Don’t panic over the “E” word. Etiquette is nothing more than the grand set of all good manners. Put simply, etiquette is a language used to relate your respect and consideration to others. For the sake of this article, the “others” are the interviewers of the world, the ones who typically matter no more (or less) than anyone else in our lives, until one day when, instantly, their opinion of us matters most.
Therefore, the day of your interview is not the time to appear uncouth, disrespectful or inconsiderate by violating any of the following etiquette tips.
Like anyone at work, your interviewer is in the midst of a busy workday. Show them that their time is valuable to you — after all, aren’t they showing you that same respect with this chance to come in and present yourself off of the printed resume page?
Being late tells others that you’re self-centered, disorganized, rude or all three (qualities only sought after by the recruiters of reality television). So, unless you’re seeking a spot on the next The Real World, leave home with plenty of time to account for delays that are beyond your control.
At an interview, proper etiquette dictates that your manner of dress should by and large fit in with the scene around you, but in a show of respect for the occasion, you should dress just a step above the norm of that environment. The reason is because inappropriate business attire — in either direction, up or down — creates an unacceptable distraction. When the focus should be on you and all your skills, your clothes shouldn’t be stealing the show.
A handshake is a physical interaction. At an interview, it’s a physical interaction between strangers, making it a prime moment for etiquette. A firm handshake — in which you pump the hand once or twice with a secure, steady grip, then release — conveys affability and openness, and can create an immediate feeling of comfort between two people.
On the other hand, a meek, milky handshake or a flesh-grinding cinch can make a person uncomfortable. Before they have the chance to get to know you, you’ve already given them an unpleasant feeling. Making people comfortable around you is an essential aim of all etiquette. Think about it: Do you really want to make your interviewer uncomfortable?
During the job interview, countless moments will come up when etiquette is required. Getting them right gives you a confidence visible to your interviewer. Enunciate, as well as animate, your language. An interviewer shouldn’t have to ask you to repeat yourself or wonder if they heard you right.
Look the interviewer in the eye. It’s a trusting gesture to which people always respond positively. Anything else is simply rude. Use engaging, non-threatening body language. Good posture alone can convey your interest in being there, while slouching conveys disrespect and indifference.
Use your interviewer’s name, but in moderation. It proves you’re involved and listening. It also helps establish rapport, which goes a long way in making for a successful interview.
At the end of the interview, when you will invariably thank your interviewer, make sure to thank them both for their time as well as for the opportunity. Much like arriving on time, thanking them in this way sends a message that you understand and appreciate the value of one’s time.
Don’t consider the interview completely over until, that evening, you have written a short thank you note. Keep it short. E-mail is acceptable but snail mail is preferred. Since this is a business communication, it shouldn’t be handwritten.
Learning as much as you can about the company and about the position for which you’re applying is a sign of respect. As simple as it sounds, don’t forget that your interviewer works for this company; it’s a big part of this person’s life. Therefore, a modest but competent display of your commitment to this interview through prior research makes you look good while flattering them at the same time.
If you can’t say something nice about someone, don’t say anything. It’s disrespectful to take shots at former employers and companies (in part because they’re not around to defend themselves), and doing so can seem cheap and offensive to others.
Furthermore, the interview is about you and about this company, and how you fit together; don’t leave your interviewer with descriptions of former bosses and coworkers who have nothing to do with it.
For all the many reasons not to lie or to wildly embellish anything, remember that a gentleman never lies. He doesn’t need to.
In their many publications over the years, the Post family (they who man the Emily Post Institute of etiquette) have pointed out that, all told, good manners actually tend to go unnoticed. What’s noticed is their result: a smooth and enjoyable social connection between people.
What’s impossible to miss, however, is the lack of etiquette. In this case, you want to leave the interviewer thinking about how friendly, intelligent and engaging you are — not how obnoxious you are, what a ridiculously painful handshake you give or what you were thinking when you put on your dirtiest jeans before leaving the house.
Job Interview Etiquette Provided by AskMen.
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He was pretty small last time I saw him. He was pretty cute just sitting there in my arms. He was really heavy. I held him for a little over an hour. I think that my arm might have gone dead a little bit.
I really liked holding him. It made me miss those days when I had brand new kids. I wished for a minute that I could have a brand new baby except then I remembered the lack of sleep I got when our kids were that small. I remembered how much fun those little babies were but all the work that came with them. Let's just say I handed him back pretty fast.
AP - The latest congressional budget estimates out Tuesday predict a $1.35 trillion deficit for this year as the economy continues to slowly recover from the recession.
Read more of CBO: Federal deficit projected at $1.35T (AP)…
The people of Haiti are facing a long and difficult road to recovery. Their power infrastructure has been demolished and fuel for generators and cooking is scarce, but they do have one thing on their side: abundant sunshine. Many solar power companies and non-profits are focusing on that resource and bringing solar-powered equipment capable of providing essential needs like drinkable water, cooking surfaces and mobile phones to the Haitian people.
Some of the organizations providing solar-powered relief include:
Sun Ovens International — Delivering hundreds of solar-powered ovens capable
Read more of Solar power playing major role in Haiti relief…
Did the Black Eyed Peas jinx itself Saturday night when the group opened France’s NRJ awards with its No. 1 anthem, “I Gotta Feeling?”
Read more of ‘I Gotta Feeling’ The Black Eyed Peas Are Upset About NRJ Award Mix-up…
Photo: flickr.com viamoonhouse
2009 has been difficult for Americans. With the unemployment rate up to 10 percent, with no signs of recovery, the economy will stay sluggish for a while yet. The accumulated debts that people are sitting on currently vary in nature of many types. The debts could be a secured or unsecured line of credit. As credit cards fall under the unsecured line of credit, many Americans find their credit destroyed. Debts of credit cards can get expensive with delays in payments as companies tend to charge hefty fees. Can you afford the late fees that your creditor charges you? You have to follow these tips, if you are looking to stop these charges accumulating.
Though the recession has been going on over the past year, it is only recently that people have been facing difficulties with their credit card debts. Even though the interest hikes have not helped at all, a line of unsecured credit really began the troubles. A default on your credit cards will not show up as a delinquency on your statement. You can erase your debt of over ten thousand dollars under the new stimulus package, if you have defaulted on the debt. Late payments only mean that the events happened over the past three or four months. If you make a little effort towards it you can have these charges removed from your account.
Your first step to get the charges removed is to call the creditor. Creditors will outsource their collections department to other countries, but you may be able talk with someone in the US. Getting a different person each time you call will make it harder to get what you want, so be prepared to make several calls. The late fees can be removed from your account, but it may take talking to a lot of advisors until you get what you want. Do not quit trying until you find someone willing to accept your request.
It is well known that credit card issuers make billions of dollars out of late fees they charge. It is a misconception that certain fees cannot or will not be removed from your balance. Make your life easier with a little persistence if you want the charges removed. People who have used this tip have benefited and many more will in the future. Your defaulted credit card debt can now be legally erased under the new stimulus package if it is over 10 thousand dollars. A reduction in the debt will take a little effort but will also bring in many rewards, at the same time.
"What you talkin' 'bout, Stevie?"
Did you know that bubble wrap is 50 years old today? Yes, Monday, January 25, 2010 marks the 50th birthday of the ubiquitous packing material that made shipping fragile items that much easier. Little did engineers Alfred Fielding and Marc Chavannes know back in 1960 that the product Sealed Air Corporation would be so much fun to pop, pop, pop.
I’ll tell you what I’m doing. Shipping fragile items is the primary task for which bubble wrap exists, so I’ve taken it upon myself to figure out how much it will cost to ship Gary Coleman, payday loans in hand. In light of the recent Gary Coleman mugshot, he needs help. I’m planning to ship him from his current hometown of Santaquin, Utah (ZIP Code 84655) to the Washington Heights area of Manhattan, New York (10031). That is where I imagine Mr. Drummond’s condo is located. If it’! ;s true that Gary Coleman is about 4-foot-8 and let’s say 120 pounds, then the FedEx price to ship this fragile cargo would be as follows (not counting all the bubble wrap you buy on Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day: … click here to read the rest of the article titled “Shipping Gary Coleman Back to Mr. Drummond“
I don’t know how long this will last, but right now former H&R Block TaxCut fans can get H&R Block At Home 2009 Deluxe Federal + State for only $25 from Amazon, including five federal e-files and free Super Saver shipping. Retail is $45.
From the description: This is the Deluxe version, which handles things like home interest tax deduction, donations, and investment income. Imports data from TaxCut, TurboTax, Quicken, and Microsoft Money software. Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X. Includes H&R Block Audit Support.
* You can save another $1.26 and download it directly onto your computer if you have Windows.
Read more about H&R Block At Home 2009 Deluxe Discounts (TaxCut)…
Bankruptcy is referred to as a reorganization or liquidation process. All entities with debt can go to federal bankruptcy court. If you qualify take advantage of total debt elimination. You can choose to repay some of what you owe. Some decide to liquidate their property. The courts may order you to let them sell none exempt assets to pay a portion of the debt. In order to liquidate, file for chapter 7. Lots of people would reorganize their debt. With the condition that monthly payments will be made for 3 to 5 years a person can keep their property. This selection pays most of or all remaining debt. Reorganization is a part of chapter 13 and is the most popular choice.
If you file for bankruptcy you are known as the debtor. You can release all debt with a chapter 7 bankruptcy. Debt included in a discharge will not need to be repaid. Many times people have property not eligible for a discharge because of a secured creditor's lien. If you don’t want you property to be repossessed you must make payments to the lien holder. When your bankruptcy is discharged creditor won't harass you by phone or mail. If you're burdened with unsecured debt that is way too much to handle a chapter 7 bankruptcy will work best.
For chapter 13 bankruptcy a debtor will file a payment plan with the federal courts to pay back some or all the debts that they owe, over a three to five year period. The best part of a chapter 13 bankruptcy is you can keep your car and home. This process includes equity not held under the exemption and other items of value that you may hold a negative balance on. You will be required to make monthly payments towards your secured debts even paying extra to get caught up on past due bills. If you want to keep your car and home file a chapter 13 bankruptcy. A debtor will also be allowed to make payments towards past due secured debts to keep what they own over a span of time.
Just wait 6 years from your last filing then you can file another chapter 7 bankruptcy. There is no limit to the time you may file a chapter 13. Surprisingly chapter 7 only costs $ 200. There will be a $ 30 noticing fee as well as a $ 155 filing fee. The fee will never change when a husband and wife file a petition together.
You will attend a proceeding called a meeting of creditors or a 341 meeting. You will meet face to face with the creditors who show up and a with a bankruptcy trustee. Expect proceedings to take place 40 days after a bankruptcy is filed. At this conference some creditor or trustees may inquire about your financial state. Some creditors or trustees will file a motion or adversary action at this time. You may dispute your debts at this time. If more than one hearing is required you will be sent a letter by mail.
Filing bankruptcy will hurt less than the debt you already have. You will be shocked at how bankruptcy will help you as opposed to causing you damage. Be aware that a bankruptcy will remain on credit report 10 years. Bankruptcy is a fresh start without all your old debt you can rebuild your credit and fast. A lot of individuals need a fresh start. Living life with bad debt is no life at all. After filing you can begin to make smart financial decisions. Proper money handling is a skill not taught to many Americans. Bankruptcy does not discriminate many people start off on the wrong foot others have a sudden loss of income. It's not fun to be in debt but you can find relief and vow to make smarter decisions in the future.
AP - A Russian-made Iranian passenger plane carrying 157 passengers and 13 crew crash landed in northeastern Iran on Sunday injuring at least 46 people, state television reported.
Read more of 46 injured after plane crash lands in Iran (AP)…
