Hyundai Sonata car recall strikes 140,000 mark

Being able to steer a vehicle is always an essential part of the automotive experience. A lack of such vital control is what brought on the latest Sonata recall, notes Consumer Reports. Starting in October, 144,000 Sonata’s will be recalled due to steering column intermediate shaft troubles. Steering can become impossible due to failure of parts within the steering column, making crash a likely result at higher speeds.

Faulty joints led to Sonata recall

Whether it is defective parts, errant assemblage or simply nuts that were not properly tightened within the factory, it is known the dates in question for the Hyundai Sonata are from Dec. 11, 2009 and September 10, 2010. Those with Sonatas in question should go to their dealer for repair and power steering software update, all done at no cost to the consumer. Consumer Reports writes that these free repairs could be handled with the utmost efficiency. If customers have additional questions about the Hyundai recall, Hyundai’s consumer service department can be reached at 800-633-5151.

Steering recalls for both Hyundai and Kia

As outlined by Chosun Ilbo, both Hyundai and sister brand Kia have had steering-related troubles that have drawn the attention of the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Only one complaint was filed on the Soul, however that consumer posted a YouTube video, which proved to be viral. One element of the Chosun Ilbo report that is quite interesting is the article points out that some have alleged that the United States may be intentionally targeting Hyundai after Toyota’s trouble, since “it is very unusual for a massive investigation to be triggered by a single complaint”.

The Hyundai Sonata and Kia Soul are the Korean automaker’s flagship models. Forty-six percent of Hyundai’s U.S. sales from Jan. through July 2010 were the Sonata (108,000 units). As outlined by Chosun Ilbo, exports of the Kia Soul in July totaled 8,000. Projected sales estimate over 10,000 Souls can be sold within the U.S. each month for the rest of 2010.

Further reading

Chosun Ilbo

english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/09/02/2010090200929.html

Consumer Reports

blogs.consumerreports.org/cars/2010/09/recall-2011-hyundai-sonata-steering-column-problem.html

Family riches drops and every person does need additional money

The recent proclamation of the recession being over seems dubious at best, as numerous sectors are still depressed. Though recessions are technically over when economic contractions stop, but the depressed state of employment, family prosperity and real estate would seem to contradict this idea. Household wealth is a measure of value held. Also called net worth, it is defined as assets held minus debt owed. Assets are every little thing an individual owns. The amount of debt a person or family holds in personal loans and credit cards are counted against assets. It could be complicated to get the value of all the things a person owns. That said, once that is added up, net value is easy to determine. Net worth for Americans has shrunk considerably over the last few years.

Household prosperity shrinks

Household wealth has been on a roller coaster ride throughout the last couple of years. This summer was dismal, as household wealth over all fell via the floor. Household wealth, as outlined by CNN, dropped 2.8 percent. The data is compiled by the Federal Reserve. Over $1.5 trillion of instant cash disappeared. Negative effects were mostly felt by the stock market, though mutual funds and retirement savings were also hit. The bulk of losses occurred in stock markets. Individual stocks overall lost $912 billion over the summer.

At least real estate is beginning to improve

Employment and housing are nevertheless the largest problem areas. Real estate, despite the bottom having practically fallen out, is slowly working its way back up. Within the second quarter of this year, there was a growth of $46 billion in real estate. Of course, the gain is only .3 percent, but a gain nonetheless. That said, it doesn’t make up for the losses. Between 2007 and 2009, housing as an industry lost $17 trillion. It seems housing and employment are the areas that really need extra money, however those statistics have not seemed to benefit at all from the cash advanced from stimulus programs.

More tortoise than hare

However dismal the news seems, there is almost always an optimistic corollary. The stock markets are already rallying, according to USA Today. A double dip recession doesn’t seem likely, as slow however steady recovery is expected.

More on this topic

CNN

money.cnn.com/2010/09/17/news/economy/household_net_worth/index.htm

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/economy/2010-09-17-net-worth_N.htm

Individuals planting pot use Teamsters banner to unionize

The economic downturn has really hurt lots of the organized labor that needs to get more people. America’s leading growth industry is being observed by numerous. Even the Teamster Union, also injured within the economic downturn, is looking there. Weed could be the sector that Teamsters hopes to use, says the Associated Press.

Marijuana growers unionized with Teamsters

Marijuana growers, about 40 to be exact, were picked up in September by Teamsters. While it has not been established with certainty, speculation is the members are from California, which has one of the most permissive medical pot laws in the nation. Many wonder how Teamsters plans to protect its members that are committing federal crimes with the harvesting season.

Working with cannabis workers wasn’t what Lou Marchetti thought he’d be doing when he joined Teamsters 34 years ago. Marchetti works with newly signed farmers in California and Teamsters local 70.

”This is a whole new ballgame,” he explained.

Any enterprise that Teamsters think is breaking the law will not be a part of the company. Marchetti made this very clear when talking about growers in California.

More work with Marjyn Investments LCC for Teamsters

Marjyn Investments LCC works with gardening, trimming and cloning. The company also works to show patients how they can grow pot plants if they are medical pot patients. The Teamsters Union helped the employees with a two-year contract. Now they all have paid vacation, health care insurance and even pensions. In turn, wages will rise from $18 per hour to $25.75 per hour over the next 15 months, as outlined by Teamsters Local 70.

Getting rid of pot growing problems

Growing marijuana plants is against federal law, although states like California do allow the enterprise for controlled medicinal purposes. However, if the federal government decided to crack down on Marjyn Investments, Marchetti is uncertain precisely how Teamsters would respond. For that matter, the AP states that marijuana trimmers have an arduous job, and federal law would not step in on their behalf if trimmers happened to be subjected to abusive labor practices. Michael Leong, assistant regional director for National Labor Relations Board within the Oakland area, isn’t really even sure if the Teamster weed growers could be classified as farm workers. If they really aren’t farm workers, then things change. The NLRB no longer has jurisdiction over them.

Marijuana dispensaries grow while cultivation remains ‘in the shadows’

California law has allowed marijuana dispensaries to grow into a booming new business, but existing laws have not fully defined just how cultivation operations like Marjyn Investments LLC should be regulated. Nobody knows what the labor standards need to be although numerous individuals are willing to start working on the change. There isn’t, at present moment, any kind of requirement to be within the Teamsters Union in order to operate when many applicants try to start up with applications.

Further reading

Associated Press

newser.com/article/d9ibmhtg0/us-teamsters-boost-membership-by-adding-medical-pot-growers-to-the-union-rolls.html

Eagle followers wonder whether Michael Vick starting is permanent

Last year, the NFL was embroiled in controversy, as Michael Vick was employed as a quarterback after spending time in prison. There was a lot of controversy when he was hired again. The Philadelphia Eagles took flak from followers, and not to mention PETA. In fairness, he was rather rusty. He had not taken a snap in over 2 yrs. Vick didn’t play in many games, and mostly never more than a single series. A recent game towards the Green Bay Packers saw the starter, Kevin Kolb, hurt and swapped out by Michael Vick. The Eagles actually darn near won it. Speculation has begun over whether Vick will become the starting quarterback to the Eagles.

Green Bay narrowly is the winner

The first game of the season for the Eagles was a game against the Green Bay Packers. During the game, Stewart Bradley, a linebacker, and starting quarterback Kevin Kolb sustained concussions, and both left the field. Michael Vick, who had seen limited action in the 2009 season, took over as quarterback. The Mean Green Machine may have actually lost had he gone in earlier, as Vick put in a heck of a performance. There is significant buzz about the Packers, as they’re thought to be Super Bowl contenders already. Vick, nevertheless, put up 175 yards passing, going 16 for 24, and scoring one touchdown. According to ESPN, Kolb and Bradley have not passed a function test after concussion, so Vick will start towards the Lions.

Detroit rock town

In the absence of Kolb, Michael Vick will be the starter towards the Detroit Lions. Should he perform well in Detroit, Vick as starter would not be the worst choice Eagles coach Andy Reid could make. Michael Vick is known for being a scrambling quarterback. Not cut from the traditional rocket arm mold, he can evade tacklers and find other spots to pass from easily. This can match well with the classic West Coast scheme the Eagles use, as long as he consistently connects with receivers.

Long term To Be Announced

All speculation is just that — speculation. The Lions are desperate to do well once again, and if Vick gives them a possibility to beat someone badly they will try. If Vick is back to Pro Bowl quality, then he may very well become the newest starter.

Discover more info on this subject

ESPN

sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5575885

Randy Quaid arrest episode repeated

Some people have to learn the hard way. Last year, a well known character actor with an extensive filmography was arrested for skipping out on a hotel bill. Randy Quaid, and wife Evi Quaid, were arrested on charges of attempting to defraud an inn. The two promptly skipped bail, and headed back to California. It’s not a mystery why it got so much attention last year; it’s not as if he couldn’t afford it. The alleged lodging stiffing occurred in California. The Quaids, though, were imprisoned in Texas. However, both of them were just arrested in Santa Barbara, for allegedly squatting within the guest house of a property the Quaids used to own.

The initial Randy Quaid police arrest

The first event that got Randy Quaid and Evi Quaid in legal hot water occurred last year. The first event occurred on Sept. 30, 2009. The Quaids were taken into custody having been suspected to be defrauding an inn. Essentially, they forgot to or deliberately did not pay their bill for staying at a classy hotel in California, and were picked up by authorities in Texas. They posted bail immediately. However, they also missed several court dates. Eventually, both went back to court where Evi settled for probation and community service. According to CNN, the two also paid the hotel bill off, and it all seemed settled.

The last police arrest didn’t imply squat

Generally, an individual remembers selling a house. Randy and Evi Quaid must have some kind of problem with memory, as selling the home did not register. The two were busted for living in a guest house on a property that they had sold years ago. Apparently, the two were convinced they nevertheless owned the property, despite paperwork produced to the contrary. As outlined by ABC, the cops were having none of it and imprisoned them for burglary. Though the home was previously owned by the Quaids, it seems odd that they chose the guest house to squat in.

Declaring Independence Day from sane

There hasn’t been a comment on either arrest from Dennis Quaid, Randy Quaid’s younger brother. Maybe there is something in the water, because Hollywood appears to make people absolutely crazy. Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan are just a couple of examples of Hollywood stars who can’t take the hint to not break the law.

Find more information on this subject

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=11677759

CNN

cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/04/28/randy.quaid.wife.arrested/index.html?iref=obnetwork

Christine O'Donnell attempted witchcraft, continues hexing elections

O’Donnell, the would-be Tea Party Republican candidate for Senate in Delaware, has been a lightning rod for various controversies. First was the innovative way O’Donnell referred to her collegiate history. Then the born-again Protestant took a bath in the washtub of public opinion over her publicly revealed views against masturbation. The Christian Science Monitor accounts that O’Donnell has added even more color to the quilt, so to speak. Christine O’Donnell had some witchcraft stories to share on a 1999 episode of the Television show “Politically Incorrect”. To be most specific, she told the guest panel that she had “dabbled in witchcraft”.

Christine O’Donnell’s witchcraft remark may indicate Wicca

Christine O’Donnell may not know witchcraft, reported by the Wiccan information accessible at the Australian site Witchcraft.com. Elaborating within the video clip below, she claims she went on a date where there was a “Satanic altar” present. According to Witchcraft.com, Wicca is a term intended to counteract society’s negative stereotypes for that religious faith. Celebrations of natural cycles – from the change of season to the changes undergone by the human body – are a part of Wicca, while such cartoonish notions of “black” or “white” magic aren’t. As nature takes no sides, Wicca is also neutral. O’Donnell’s wide-eyed exclamation merely adds fuel to the comedic fire burning under her farcical candidacy in Delaware, and the GOP would like all the baggage to disappear.

What a relief: ‘I never joined a coven,’ says O’Donnell

So-called “witchcraft” was apparently a teenage phase for O’Donnell. She doesn’t presently profess to practice witchcraft, which would likely not sit well with O’Donnell’s current deity, who professes in his own sales literature to be “a jealous God”. But the current series of bizarre events in Christine O’Donnell’s political life have spurred Republican strategist extraordinaire Karl Rove to action. He has jumped on the “she can’t win” bandwagon. Republican Rep. Mike Pence of Indiana has called for O’Donnell to publicly explain her 1999 comments. While Delaware voters are the ones who will ultimately choose whether Christine O’Donnell is fit to serve the state in the Senate, Rove is seriously concerned about her “background, character, statements and previous actions,” as he recently told “Fox News Sunday”.

Governmental policies as floor exhibit

Now Raw Story accounts that witchcraft may even less essential than the latest scandal for Christine O’Donnell. The allegation is that she used $ 20,000 in campaign funds for personal expenditures. Christine O’Donnell would certainly not be unique if this allegation is proven to be true. That does not mean such corruption should go unpunished, if it is indeed the case with O’Donnell. The concept of Christine O’Donnell claiming that she’s all about responsible government spending is interesting in this case, to say the least.

More on this topic

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/The-Vote/2010/0920/Latest-challenge-facing-Christine-O-Donnell-witchcraft-TV-clip

OpEd News

opednews.com/articles/Good-Gag-Delaware-GOP-Le-by-Robert-S-Becker-100920-9.html

Raw Story

rawstory.com/rs/2010/09/watchdog-christine-odonnell-criminal/

Witchcraft

witchcraft.com.au/

Tourism in space becomes a race Boeing adds to

The Houston Chronicle explained that Boeing designs on being in the mega-business of space tourism in the near future. In spite of recently getting $20 billion in government subsidies for transatlantic aerospace travel endeavors – a move labeled a violation of international trade law by World Trade Organization judges – Boeing is now knocking on President Obama’s door again. Even with that cash, it still is talking to President Obama again. Now, the company wants the administration to increase funding for commercial spaceflight.

Space tourism real to Boeing by 2015

Boeing has big hopes for what it plans to do with the capsule CST-100 by 2015. It hopes that by that time, National Aeronautics and Space Administration may have a contract enabling astronauts to use the CST-100 to get the International Space Station. The Chronicle explains that tourists could come along during the ride since the capsule has plenty of seats. The CST-100 will make it possible for Boeing to send humans to space, says the vice president and general manager of Boeing’s Space Exploration division, Brewster Shaw. Right now, Boeing and Space Adventures are working together on the project. Space Adventures is the company that used Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft to send private flights to the International Space Station.

Although Boeing seems to have it all, it nevertheless hasn’t won

Globally, Boeing is the largest aircraft manufacturer in terms of revenue, orders and products delivered, suggests the Chronicle. The International Space Station also uses Boeing as its prime contractor. But numerous hurdles must be cleared before the company comes to dominate the exciting, yet speculative, field of space tourism. It required $18 million to start development of rockets and capsules to carry NASA astronauts to low-Earth orbit after the space shuttle program retires in 2011. Space tourism would cost a lot more than that. We’re looking at high numbers. Boeing should be working hard since you will find other businesses looking for the same business.

Congress encouraged by Obama for making cash for commercial spacecraft

When it comes to seeing how much money the U.S. government is willing to help pay for commercial space flights, numbers go pretty fast. Congress was told by President Obama to get $6 billion in five years. The Senate’s latest offer is $1.3 billion over three years, when the House penned a $150 million, three-year version. We are seeing a huge financial disconnect. Each part of the government has its own priorities to work with. Boeing thinks it will move much slower towards space tourism without the money the President has asked for. We can get a good estimate of what the industry would cost by looking at how much is cost Cirque du Soleil founder, Guy Laliberte, to go to the International Space Station. He used the Soyuz and it cost $40 million.

More on this topic

Houston Chronicle

chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7203076.html

Google Tech Talk on space tourism

youtube.com/watch?v=yJDKzodiDjE

Underdog is victorious with Michael Grimm America's Got Talent triumph

Talent contests are extremely popular on American television. The fifth “America’s Got Talent” year has just wrapped up. The final four was a really tight group. This season seemed almost extremely hard to predict a clear winner. The contest came down to Michael Grimm, Prince Poppycock, Jackie Evancho and dance troupe Fighting Gravity. The ending was amazing, and had some good invitee performances. Donna Summer and Jewel had duets with contestants, and an appearance from Lionel Ritchie made the last episode as solid as a brick house. Many people favored Evancho to win, as the 10 year old with titanic pipes was often compared with Susan Boyle. The victor, nevertheless, proved to be the underdog Michael Grimm.

Final episode really worth a look

The finale for “America’s Got Talent” season five was a great thing to see. It almost always is. The final competitive stage, though, took place two days before it. That is when the contestants put on the last performance for points for the season. Michael Grimm is kind of the singer/songwriter type, with a very bluesy tinge. Prince Poppycock was something a little different. An opera vocalist at heart, however he uses elaborate costumes and stages in an act that manages to fuse Kiss, Lady Gaga, and Paul Revere and the Raiders. Then there was Jackie Evancho. Evancho has been a sensation all year, as the tiny ten year old has a titanic voice. There was only one act that was not a performer. Fighting Gravity is a dance troupe made up of college students.

Ballots uses a Grimm sound

The show gets voted on just like “American Idol,” and just like that show, viewers have to wait for the results. Prince Poppycock got buzzed on, as outlined by Columbia Broadcasting System, by Piers Morgan. To be fair, it was just a little one-dimensional. Evancho is impressive because of her talent, however even a 10-year old singing opera ballads gets a bit old after awhile. Variety is the spice of life, and Michael Grimm reaped the benefits of that in his winning “America’s Got Talent.” It was kind of a singer’s year. Grimm, as outlined by People, plans to purchase his grandparents a house.

Legendary duets

Just about everybody paired with a great entertainer for the final episode performance. Lionel Ritchie and Donna Summer dropped in, and also the roof with a cover of “Me and Bobby McGee.” It was a good season. The ending was awesome too.

Further reading

CBS News

cbsnews.com/8301-31749_162-20016467-10391698.html?tag=contentMain;contentBody

TV Watch

tvwatch.people.com/2010/09/16/americas-got-talent-winner-michael-grimm/

Food and Drug Administration approval needed on e-cigs as drug delivery devices

E-cigs are the electronic cigarettes that are called the future of smoking. The Food and drug administration wants to be part of the action. It hopes to tell e-cigarette companies what it entails. The FDA has issued a warning to five electronic cigarette companies for making unproven claims that e-cigs will help individuals quit smoking. Some of the e-cigarette corporations were singled out for unsafe manufacturing processes and adulterated products. Product from one of the electronic cigarette manufacturers even contained weight loss and erectile dysfunction drugs. The organization explained that laws are being violated by the corporations until the FDA has done clinical trials in order to approve the drug delivery products.

FDA states e-cigs won’t stop you from smoking

Thursday there were probably five angry electronic cigarette businesses that found letters within the mailbox from the Food and Drug Administration. The letters explained, as outlined by WebMD, that substance safety laws are being broken with e-cig firms and their product. They have 15 working days to change things. The FDA said they have to revise “practices which violate various provisions of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.” False claims of helping people quit smoking were made by all five businesses, states the FDA. The e-cig is legally defined as a drug delivery machine, states the Food and Drug Administration. In a letter to the E-cigarette Association, it stated the e-cigs need approval before being sold. E-cig firms have to do clinical trials while collecting data showing the e-cigs are safe in order to get FDA approval, states WebMD. The corporations that received FDA warning letters are:

1. Cixi E-Cig Technology Inc. Ltd., Las Vegas, Nev.
2. A next is E-Cigarette Direct LLC, Parker, Colo.
3. Gamucci America/Smokey Bayou Inc., Jacksonville, Fla.
4. Johnson Creek Enterprises LLC, Johnson Creek, Wis.
5. Ruyan America Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.

E-cigs and antifreeze

The FDA has done testing of its own on electronic cigarettes. As outlined by Med Page Today, lab test results were posted in June showing that the poisonous ingredient in antifreeze, diethylene glycol, and nitrosamines were both carcinogens in e-cigarettes. Unlike tobacco cigarettes and FDA-approved nicotine patches and gum, e-cigs have no health warnings on the packaging. The FDA has not received any application for authorization or evaluation from the corporations. It is waiting for the e-cigarette businesses to respond.

Numerous use e-cigs

Electronic cigarettes emerged globally in 2002 and were touted as a safe choice to tobacco cigarettes. Electronic cigarettes didn’t really get began until 2006 though, says USA Today. The country was not allowed to accept any more electronic cigarettes which were imported. The Food and Drug Administration made sure customs officials knew. A federal judge ruled the FDA overreached by stopping the shipments. There was then an appeal made by the Food and Drug Administration where they won a stay of ruling. Litigation will happen later this month as scheduled. The result will affect millions. Millions use the e-cig. The industry estimates that another 20,000 to 30,000 people start inhaling their vapors each week.

Find more details on this subject

Web MD

webmd.com/smoking-cessation/news/20100909/e-cigarette-firms-get-fda-warning

Med Page Today

medpagetoday.com/PublicHealthPolicy/FDAGeneral/22103

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2010-09-09-fda-electronic-cigarettes_N.htm

MERS speeds mortgage loan procedure, yet increases significant issues

The real estate situation happened for many reasons. MERS was one of these. It was something the public couldn’t see. According to the Nolan Chart LLC mortgage industry website, MERS (Mortgage Electronic Registration System) is an institution that enables the Mortgage Backed Security (MBS) industry to pass over rules regarding recording and transferring title when a property changes hands. Created by Fannie Mae within the mid-1990s, MERS acts as a quasi-agent (they call it “nominee”) for any party that becomes involved in the home loan, with the exception of the homebuyer. Any online transactions are done via MERS. It is convenient to be able to bundle, buy and sell mortgages with the MERS electronic network that provides speed. But since Fannie Mae – which handles well over 50 percent of all U.S. home loans – is now owned by the United States Treasury, various sources have raised the question of whether MERS has the legal right to be listed! on mortgages in the first place, thinking about the company never pays for any property.

Tons of people wondering about MERS

The most significant question raised by the operation of MERS, particularly as it relates to potential mortgage fraud, is whether the company should be able to listen itself on electronic home loan documents, as MERS has neither paid for any property nor represented the mortgage holder in any tangible lawful way. MERS’ streamlined method of recordkeeping has not set well with mortgage industry critics, as the old methods of mortgage processing documentation constituted lawful transaction in the past. Nolan Chart reports that critics are legally concerned about MERS’ claim to represent 60 million mortgage cases. The Supreme Court will likely get involved in the case that comes from MERS that has no free market competition but represents $10 trillion in mortgages. The question of whether MERS should have the right to foreclose homes must be answered to the satisfaction of the law.

State intervention makes a ton of profit

MERS would not be anywhere with public funding. It benefits a lot from funding. When there is no way to regulate prices with free market competition, the public should be worried, says Nolan Chart. The contract law loopholes that have allowed MERS to operate thus far have expedited the MBS. That industry is largely responsible for creating the U.S. housing crisis within the first place. MERS might just get picked up by the highest court. This may be for the benefit of all homebuyers.

Discover more information on this subject

Nolan Chart

nolanchart.com/article8006.html

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mortgage-backed_security

Freddie Mac commercial on mortgage fraud

youtube.com/watch?v=cS2HsaBA5No

Oracle gets Mark Hurd within the boardroom and into a court system with Hp

Mark V. Hurd, the former CEO of Hewlett Packard, resigned amid controversy over sexual harassment allegations concerning a previous consultant, Jodie Fisher. Not long after, he was approached by Oracle to take an executive position with that business, a competitor of Hp. It definitely won’t be as easy as just showing up as the newest co-president for Hurd. HP has just filed a lawsuit against Oracle, as Hurd signed confidentiality agreements during his employment, and as part of his severance package from HP. Hurd is a known rainmaker in the tech world.

Not the clearest split between Hurd and Hewlett Packard

On Monday, Mark Hurd was announced as the newest addition to Oracle Corp., as outlined by Reuters. He will join the board of directors. He will take over as co-president for Charlie Phillips, who’s outgoing. Oracle is a heavyweight in the software and tech world. More software is only sold by Microsoft and IBM. After the acquisition of Sun Microsystems, Hurd can be in direct competition with his previous employer, Hewlett Packard, which just lately had a high profile bidding war with Dell for 3COM. Jodie Fisher used to be a consultant for Hewlett Packard, and her allegations of sexual harassment towards Hurd led to his resigning from HP.

Hewlett Packard suing Oracle foreseen by confidentiality contracts

Oracle made a bold move by acquiring Sun Microsystems. It made the business a competitor of Hewlett Packard. HP filed a suit, according to the NY Times, because Hurd has inside knowledge of Hewlett Packard and could not be legally hired, as it would violate confidentiality contracts he signed as part of his employment. Hewlett Packard benefited greatly when he was employed there. He and Hewlett Packard became significant heavies in the tech industry during his time there. Hewlett Packard became far more efficient under Hurd’s stewardship, and became a success story within the past five years. Oracle CEO, Lawrence Ellison, compared allowing Hurd to leave to when Apple fired Steve Jobs.

Hp could have a point

Hp inside details is certainly known to Hurd, as he was an executive. This is not unexpected. There is a reason why executives are often made to sign contracts which consist of non-compete and discretion clauses. There is no guarantee the legal action will go really far. That said, it could be worth it in the end, as Hurd has a reputation for making an awful lot of money.

Additional reading

Reuters

reuters.com/article/idUSN0724548420100907

NY Times

nytimes.com/2010/09/08/technology/08hewlett.html?src=busln

"jobs American's won't do" growing to be much more typical among United States individuals with recession

US Citizens try to find cash wherever they can now the recession has hit. ”Jobs US Citizens will not do” are being filled right now also. This comes from the Wall Street Journal. Undocumented employees used to be the only ones undertaking ”jobs American’s won’t do”, while now, both male and female white-collar employees are willing to fill those positions. On the street are numerous people trying to become a day workers. Numerous of these are non-Latino now. Resource for this article – More American workers turning to day labor during recession by Personal Money Store.

From auto, skilled construction and finance to a day laborer

Day labor is something considered by any person who needs to survive with a family. Certain towns in California where undocumented workers customarily come north looking for day labor jobs are witnessing the odd appearance of illegal immigrants protesting that Americans are taking away their jobs — and thus their money now. Considering that construction jobs have mostly gone stagnant, day laborers are scrambling for jobs such as moving and landscaping, which pay less because fewer hours are required. The competition has become fierce, as skilled, educated American workers are vying for the low-paying jobs undocumented workers previously owned.

Actual facts by the Center for immigration Studies

A recent study by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) indicates the concept of “jobs Americans won’t do” is a popular illusion. The Census Bureau collected from 2005 to 2006 data showing that “there were only a tiny number of majority-immigrant occupations” before the economic recession hit proving the idea false. And for jobs thought to be predominantly performed by undocumented workers – for instance housekeeping, maintenance, construction site labor and janitorial – Census data shows that the majority of employees are American-born. The CIS study sampled 4.4 million individuals, approximately 560,000 of which were immigrants. Even taking into account undocumented workers who fly under the radar, the sample size remains significant.

Depressed wages, meet the depressed economy

The “jobs Americans won’t do” illusion has a reason why it is here says Jon Dougherty. Jon Dougherty wrote the book “Illegal’s: The Imminent Threat Posed by Our Unsecured U.S.-Mexico Border”. The exodus of “poor, uneducated laborers from south of the border has already worked to depress American wages,” particularly in areas with high rates of illegal immigration. Contractors usually pick undocumented employees because they’ll do the very same work as Americans for less money. If an American was just barely getting by at $15 an hour with a family, he or she cannot afford to only make $8 an hour instead. America has an very high cost of living. This is why it is so hard for Americans to take this pay cut. Usually, undocumented laborers can’t make as much cash in their own country as they can! in The United States which is why some work here however go home again to live off the money.

Discover more info on this subject

CIS

cis.org/illegalimmigration-employment

News Max

archive.newsmax.com/archives/articles/2004/2/13/140946.shtml

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704913704575453792265306852.html?mod=WSJ_hps_SECONDTopStories

Undocumented workers protesting Americans taking their day labor jobs

youtube.com/watch?v=23mKOm5rftM

Lennon killer Mark David Chapman rejected for early release

Some people will not likely ever be released from prison as a result of heinous nature of the crime they committed. Charles Manson is certainly one, and Chapman is one more. On December 7, 1980, Lennon was returning to the Dakota, the high rise luxury apartment building he lived at in New York. Chapman shot him five times within the back. Chapman was a candidate for parole again this year. It is his sixth time up for parole. His request for parole was denied. Few people want to determine him go free.

Mark David Chapman parole declined

Mark David Chapman was sentenced to 20 years to life, as outlined by ABC. His sentence began in 1981. He plead guilty to second degree murder, within the death of John Lennon. He was first eligible for parole in 2000, but it was rejected. He has been eligible each and every two years since, and he was able to request parole again this year. The parole board was not satisfied that the community would be well served by his release, and denied his parole for the sixth time. There has always been vociferous opposition to him being given early release, especially by Yoko Ono, the late John Lennon’s wife.

Nutcase in the rye

One of the disturbing things about Chapman is his obsession with “The Catcher in the Rye,” by J.D. Salinger. The book, and the primary character Holden Caulfield, were claimed by Chapman to be the prime motivations for why he murdered one of the Beatles, and one of the greatest popular music figures of all time. The character is an angry teenager, who resists the “phony” nature of the adult world and social institutions. The book is associated with more than one murderer, though it has always been a popular work that is nevertheless required reading in some schools. The attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan which was carried out by John Hinckley Jr., an additional rabid fan of the book. However, that could not be the only reason. Court appointed psychologists have repeatedly described Chapman as having dangerous mental health issues.

He’s far better off right behind bars

Mark David Chapman’s crime was one of the most notorious incidents of the last 30 years. As outlined by CNN, the parole board was not happy with Chapman’s state of mind. That is certainly a good reason not to parole him. He is up for parole again in August of 2012.

More on this topic

CNN

cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/07/new.york.chapman.early release.hearing/index.html

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=11580349

Chapel planning Koran fire cautioned by United States of America officials

The Dove World Outreach Center Church in Gainesville, Fla., is subject of controversy. The religious members, along with pastor Terry Jones, plan to set copies of the Koran on fire to demonstration Muslim extremism. It has been subject of lots of coverage. There has been response from the United States of America government, and warned the chapel never to do so. Protests have already started within the Muslim world. General David Petraeus has cautioned the church that should the demonstration of burning the Koran take place, it will put servicemen and women in greater danger than ever before.

Dove World Outreach Center warned

As outlined by the Christian Science Monitor, Gen. Petraeus has asked the church to halt any Koran burning. He said it would only harm our troops, and he would know, as the commander of all United States of America forces in Afghanistan. He said that a group of American Christians fire the Koran will achieve nothing positive. He insists it will only be doing the Taliban and Al Qaeda a favor, as it will be a recruiting tool in opposition to perceived American bigotry. He cautioned that American soldiers and civilians abroad will be put in greater risk. He also lamented that winning over hearts and minds in Afghanistan will be next to impossible. Tensions between Muslims abroad and American foreign relations are already high. The Ground Zero mosque debate has currently been enough of a point of contention.

Church to think it over

The Dove World Outreach Center Church has put a temporary stop to the demonstration. The church is considering whether to undergo with it or not. According to CNN, Pastor Terry Jones and also the members are thinking it over for now. The chapel and its members are concerned about potential ramifications. Some pause was given to the members by the warning from Gen. David Petraeus, as the members intended to hold an “International Burn the Koran Day” on Sept. 11 of this year. The group claims that all of Islam was never the target of the demonstration. Instead, the aim was to demonstrate against radical elements of the Muslim world.

Cui bono?

The pastor and his congregation can believe anything they wish, and protest no matter what they wish as it is their right. However, Gen. Petraeus is right. This protest will only help the enemy. More extremists will be created by this protest of extremism.

Additional reading

CS Monitor

csmonitor.com/World/terrorism-security/2010/0907/Petraeus-Dove-World-Outreach-Center-s-Burn-a-Koran-Day-endangers-troops

CNN

cnn.com/2010/US/09/07/florida.quran.burning/?hpt=Sbin

Rising unemployment rate one thing the private sector job increase does not think about

The United States of America joblessness pace went up again between July and August. It went from about 9.5 percent to 9.6 percent now. Of course, there were still additional people hire than were expected. More individuals are looking for careers again which is on reason individuals believe the joblessness numbers have gone up. Also, the U.S. government has been doing layoffs and census careers have finally come to a conclusion. Hiring within the private sector has gone up for the eight month in a row. More jobs were created when less were lost than was first shown within the June and July figures redone by the Labor Department. These jobs reports giving optimistic things to the country help economists get some hope. There may not be a double dip recession after all if things stay good. Resource for this article – Private sector job growth fails to check increasing unemployment rate by Personal Money Store.

Unemployed workers making employment creation harder

The Labor Department explained that Friday’s August careers report showed the first raise in the United States of America joblessness rate in four months. Private employers employed 67,000 individuals, reports MSNBC. Sadly, that was not enough to set back the 114,000 census careers and 10,000 government jobs lost over the month. More than 500,000 individuals began trying to find careers again to further push up the jobless rate–the very first time the work force has grown since April. Revised job creation is occurring also. This greatly helps the employment outlook for many. Private sector job growth for July was revised upward to 107,000 from 71,000. June got a change from its 31,000 as well. The amount finished up really being 61,000.

Hard to fix labor market

The United States of America unemployment rate has been a persistent and vexing problem. However, CNN Money reports that by historical standards, the labor market is recovering faster than it has during past recessions. But because so many jobs were lost, higher growth than normal is needed replace them. In 2008-09, 7 percent of jobs were lost. That is about 8.4 million jobs. Only 3.1 percent of all jobs were lost through the 2001 recession and also the jobless recovery that followed. There was another recession in 1990-91. Then there were only 1.9 jobs lost. Sustained job growth returned six months after the current recession was announced over in June 2009. There was not a turnaround for 12 months after the first recession. This is the one from 1990-91. The 2001 recession was even longer. It was 22 months.

Economic expansion cannot go as fast as population increase

Job creation has dropped steadily since employers were adding about 200,000 workers a month. CNNMoney said at that rate it would take more than three years to replace the jobs lost in 2008-09. The Christian Science Monitor explains that private sectors could create just 100,000 jobs a month. That would not help the unemployment rate go down though. Population growth continuously adds to the labor force, and workers who had given up reconsider and re-enter the labor force. Corporations started working employees harder to increase output which is why there is no need to hire numerous additional employees. However, one more Labor Department report showed productivity dropped within the second quarter. To sustain growth employers may have to start hiring.

Further reading

MSNBC

today.msnbc.msn.com/id/38988367/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2010/09/02/news/economy/jobs_recovery/?npt=NP1

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/Business/2010/0903/Unemployment-rate-up-to-9.6-percent-but-private-sector-gains-jobs

The Department of Justice in court versus Arpaio, infamous lawman

Arizona state continues to be the subject of controversy for a while. There continues to be no ruling on the SB1070 Arizona law, allowing officers to check immigration status of several the Obama administration is challenging as a result of constitutional grounds of the law Governor Jan Brewer decried. The Justice Department has decided to sue Sheriff of Maricopa County, Joe Arpaio, raging on the Grand Canyon State and government feud. An investigation was being conducted on civil rights abuse. The Department of Justice says Joe Arpaio didn’t cooperate in this. Article source – Infamous lawman Joe Arpaio taken to court by Justice Department by Newystype.com.

Joe Arpaio discriminating

Sheriff Arpaio was supposedly trying to “sweep” illegal immigrants by targeting only Hispanics which is why the investigation began. The Maricopa County Sheriff sends deputies into heavily Hispanic areas, where they will stop any person for minor reasons, according to the Los Angeles Times. At the point of detention, deputies will check the immigration status of suspects. Doing this was expected by everybody. It was even expected before The Grand Canyon State immigration law was in place. The Justice Department asked Sheriff Arpaio for documentation of these sweeps. He was unwilling to give it up. Allegedly, he denied federal investigators access to buildings and refused to hand over requested material.

Received many lawsuits

The Maricopa Sheriff has had lawsuits before. He has been sued numerous times by families of inmates who have passed away in his jail, the notorious Tent City, which is really literally a collection of tents in the desert surrounded by high fences with barbed wire at the top. There is also an ongoing investigation into the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office including Sheriff Arpaio by the grand jury. This is happening, reports ABC because of corruption. The Office got the request for materials and paperwork through a year ago. This originated from the Justice Department. Attorneys suing Arpaio’s department were designed to be able to get a hold of the documents that a federal judge found the Sheriff’s Office had destroyed.

Additional reading

ABC News

blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2010/09/justice-department-sues-arizona-sheriff-joe-arpaio.html

LA Times

latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-lawsuit-arpaio-20100903,,2874529.story

The Golden State lobbyists for the plastic industry beat plastic bag bar

Wednesday was the day the California state senate decided not to bass a plastic bag ban. There were many individuals that supported the ban in The Golden State. These consist of grocers, Republican Arnold Schwartzenegger and retailers. There was one group fighting for the ban. This involves the plastic industry lobbyists. You will find now many individuals who use plastic grocery bags. Plastic bags are being considered a human health risks when killing an incredible number of birds and marine animals as they can’t degrade. Republicans and some Democrats opposed to the California plastic bag ban said it created an undue burden on consumers.

Plastic bags in California a problem

If the bill would have passed, stores in California would need to stop using plastic bags. The Silicon Valley Mercury News reports that the bill was inspired by growing public awareness of plastic garbage hazards. Conserve the Bay explained that San Francisco Bay gets 1 million plastic bags polluting it each and every year. State officials said that Californians use 19 billion plastic bags a year. The state spends $25 million a year just to collect these plastic bags. Since The Golden State has an $18 billion deficit, it doesn’t make sense to pay $1.7 million on the issue, as outlined by American Chemistry Council which includes Chevron, Dow and ExxonMobil.

Purchasing state politician votes from business of plastic

In California, the plastic bag ban has opposition. This originated from the American Chemistry Council mostly. As outlined by the Miami Herald, the group is really in Virginia although it funds all of the opposition in California with environmental bills anything that is anti-plastic. The council paid off politicians in the campaign. Also, it paid for TV and radio ads to run. In August at least seven state senators collected campaign donations directly from the council or its affiliates Exxon and Hilex Poly Co., a South Carolina plastic bag manufacturer.

Why and why not with the plastic bag ban

There was one purpose in the California plastic bag bar. It was to get shoppers to start using reusable totes rather than plastic bags. Some California cities, including San Francisco, already have such plastic bag laws in place. Assemblywoman Julia Brownley, who authored the bill, told ABC News that it would be easier to change consumer habits than try to clean up the mess. Republican senator Mimi Walters told ABC News that “If we pass this piece of legislation, we could be sending a message to the individuals of California that we care more about banning plastic bags than helping them put food on their table.”

Garbage Patch littering the Great Pacific

The total comes to about 3.96 million. 90 percent of those were thrown away. Retailers spend $4 billion a year on 100 billion plastic bags within the United States, says the Wall Street Journal. A U.N. study from 2006 stated that 10 percent of the world’s plastic accumulates in the ocean. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is what we call the place with one of the most there. It’s the size of Texas and contains about 3.5 million tons of trash.

Discover more details on this subject

Silicon Valley Mercury News

mercurynews.com/ci_15927563?source=most_emailed and nclick_check=1

Miami Herald

miamiherald.com/2010/08/26/1792991/californias-plastic-bag-ban-opponents.html

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/US/california-votes-plastic-bag-ban/story?id=11526792 and page=1

Social Security benefits has a big doubled dip

You may have heard about the social security benefits do-over. If you haven’t, it is far too late. The plan with the social security payback option, or social security double-dip, was to let younger people get early social security to pay back later. When older, one can get more social security for beginning over. You end up with a lot of money with the Social Security do-over. Even if you got an annuity from an insurance business, you nevertheless wouldn’t be able for making as much money. But the practice is becoming so popular that the Social Security benefits Administration wants to end it.

Social Security payback option gets more attention

Only about 500 people took advantage of the Social Security payback option in 2007. Kiplingers started to put out articles on how this makes Social Security benefits better, which is why it is now getting more common. Kiplingers reports that by 2009, the number had almost doubled. Those who were already retired learned that with no penalties and no interest, they could repay benefits already received and get bigger payouts. Any benefits paid back make it so a tax credit or deduction could be received.

Double-dip social security possibilities

Once 62, you can get Social Security benefits. However, by choosing to start receiving benefits that early, the monthly checks are only 75 percent of what they could possibly be by waiting until age 66, what is now officially considered the “normal retirement age.”. Every year you can wait past age 66 to 70 makes Social Security checks go up 8 percent . In 8 years of waiting, benefits increase 132 percent. You are able to reapply for higher Social Security payments as soon as the benefits are repaid for a larger base amount to pay for cost-of-living adjustments and more benefits for a surviving spouse.

It will end

Social Security aren’t going to be paid for by payroll taxes in 2016 as a result of the increase. This was shown by the annual report of government trustees. In 2037, it could be much worse. The government will only be able to pay three quarters of benefits from incoming taxes. Since Kiplingers let the cat out of the bag, Social Security do-over’s have attracted the attention of cost-cutters. Daily Finance reports that the Social Security Administration has sent a proposal to the Office of Management and Budget that gives retirees only one year to change their mind and use the payback option. Rather than taking an investment strategy, many don’t which is why the Social Security benefits do-over is changing to be more to correct that mistake.

Discover more data on this subject

Kiplingers

kiplinger.com/features/archives/social-security-payback-option-may-disappear.html

Daily Finance

dailyfinance.com/story/social-security-administration-seeks-to-put-an-end-to-do-overs/19613383/

Miners in Chili receive help from NASA

The world population has been patiently watching the unfolding saga of the Chilean miners trapped in a mine. It was established early on that some miners within the Chilean mine had survived, but it would take a long time before they could possibly be rescued. National Aeronautics and Space Administration advisers and officials went to the site to help get miners out with rescue crews. It might take months to get them. Drilling a rescue shaft has started, however it will be slow going.

Chile gets NASA in there

National Aeronautics and Space Administration officials have made their way to Chile. This is to help with the Chilean mine disaster. Engineers and scientists from National Aeronautics and Space Administration have to get supplies to any of the miners under 2,200 feet of rock. The Washington Post explains that you will find 33 men within the chamber that has three four inch wide tubes going down to them. There is one tube that oxygen goes down. One more tube makes sure supplies are getting there. The last tube makes it possible to have video conference with the miners. The real concern is about the tube. How are they going to obtain supplies down a four inch tube?

Encouragement and advice that is given

The Washington Post recently conducted an interview with Jerry Linenger, a previous NASA astronaut. There was a fire in 1997 on the Mir space station that caused Linenger to be the only American Astronaut trapped. There were also two other astronauts there with him. The men have to stay busy, says Linenger. He also explained the men shouldn’t get their hopes up at all. Depression and despair happen sometimes. This is only if expectations are too high and aren’t met. He also advised that miners shouldn’t let one person become a leader as they need to be involved in teamwork.

Camp Hope is an option

There is a camp called Camp Hope near the mine. This is for all of the rescue workers, family members and support staff. Meanwhile, the mining company is begging for forgiveness and near bankruptcy. There are no wages for the contained miners. It won’t pay for the wages.

Discover more details on this subject

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/27/AR2010082704867.html?waporef=obinsite

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2010/08/31/ST2010083106253.html?sid=ST2010083106253

BP spends more than $ 1 million a week on advertising

The Gulf of Mexico oil spill caused America to go crazy. America wants BP to pay for everything. The typical citizen wants to know that the corporate oil giant is using its resources to repair the catastrophic damage done to jobs, tourism and also the ecological balance. The London Telegraph reports that $ 1 million a week is being spent by BP just for TV advertising. BP’s image to the world is much better with this. Unfortunately, the U.S. House of Representatives’ Energy and Commerce committee expects more of BP. Article resource – BP advertising budget exceeds $ 1 million per week by Personal Money Store.

More than one million each and every single month for last four months in a row

BP has expressed its intention to cooperate with the requirements of the House committee, yet no formal response has been issued. There’s been more spending on netweork TV, cable and radio marketing for BP. The cleanup might need the money that could possibly be spent on better things. Instead it is just going to advertising. Advertising is essential for BP right now. Sadly, $ 1 million a week is a “top kill” making it a little too much. President Obama explained: “What I don’t want to hear is, when they’re spending that kind of money on their shareholders and on TV advertising, that they’re nickel-and-diming fishermen or small businesses here in the Gulf who are having a hard time.R! 21;

Additional marketing within the Gulf Coast region

The Gulf Coast region, or the cities hurt by the oil spill, are getting probably the most advertising. This is shown by Media Monitor. The oil spill cleanup was advertised in five cities in Florida. Miami and Fort Myers are two of these cities that all were in the top 10 cities for BP to advertise at. But when it comes to marketing, some members of Congress, like Rep. Kathy Castor of Florida, believe that it is fine for BP to advertise. The gulf states are likely to be getting more tourism, including Florida. The marketing is making certain of that, although it may not actually be helping BP’s image.

Flow of info

BP is trying to reassure America with its advertising. It appears it wants America to know it will make its commitments. You will find two commitments that are top priority. Those are to service claims and keep cleaning up the spill. It is interesting to see that BP is watching its employees. Even the bottom line is being watched. How a brand is perceived is vitally essential to that line, so do not expect BP to stop spending millions on self-serving advertisements unless Congress manages to shoehorn the disgraced giant into a confining set of orthopedic shoes with economically correct arches.

Additional reading

Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/energy/oilandgas/7969586/BP-to-admit-1m-a-week-advertising-spree.html

BP’s ad campaign – an academic perspective

youtube.com/watch?v=t1lM2gtg1gk

Apple announcement- There exists a completely new iPod Touch 4G

The world wide web loves Apple. It indicates any new statement is big news. Is there already a new iPhone? Or is it that Skynet is finally here merging Apple and Google? Many said what their opinion was on what the statement would be of. Apple has launched the new iPod Touch 4G, the next step forward in the wildly popular iPod line. Apple has also taken it upon itself to challenge the groups Facebook and Myspace. iTunes plans to add a social network to it.

Apple unveils new iPod touch 2010

Instead of addressing a minor flaw within the iPhone 4.0, this Announcement from Apple had a host of news of upcoming improvements. The large news, of course, is about the iPod touch 4g. The only difference between the iPod Touch 2010 and an iPhone is that phone calls can’t be made with it. The New York Times explains that the smallest you could get costs $ 229 with 8GB of memory. The new iPod Nano has a touch screen instead of the familiar wheel, and the iPod shuffle has gone down to an affordable $ 49.

There is just a little bit more

There is more Steve Jobs News. iTunes has a new feature, says Apple. This is going to be called Ping. The music centered social networking site could be called Ping. This is according to The Telegraph. Users could be able to have conversations with each other and updates. There may also be a way to follow bands and one another. The iOS, the iPod and iPhone operating system, will get a new version. To get movies and TV episodes downloaded to your TV, you’ve to pay a small fee. This is called Apple TV and will soon be updated. It costs $ 99 to get an Apple TV which syncs with any iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad or other Apple device.

Many want Apple

The recent Apple announcement shows that Apple doesn’t rest on its laurels. Jobs also announced iTunes 10, the newest version of the software program. Considering Apple sells product as Christmas gifts and back to school items, many will most likely be sold.

Further reading

The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7976210/Apple-event-September-2010-New-Apple-TV-iPods-and-Ping-social-network-unveiled.html

NY Times

nytimes.com/2010/09/02/technology/02apple.html

It isn't really smart to invest in home buying any longer

A home mortgage was known as “the most significant investment a person ever makes” for decades. Next there was a housing crisis that’s been here way too long. Overinflated home values soon became artificially low home prices. Sales of homes haven’t been this low in 15 years. Prices on homes are going down making deflation concerns go up. A Federal Reserve official gave an opinion on the matter. Home investments are poor investments. Purchasing a home can confuse people when it comes to deciding what is an expense and what is an investment. This was suggested by a financial expert. Source for this article – The days of homebuying as an investment opportunity are long gone by Personal Money Store.

Housing investment being a bad investment

The end of the 20th century showed a large amount of wealth in real estate. Experts believe that it will never be as good as that. A 12 month supply, or two times the quantity of a healthy housing market, is where the inventory of homes may rise to, the New York Times reports. After losing 30 percent in value already, sellers are losing more value on homes. Dean Baker, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research, told the Times it may need 20 years to recoup $ 6 trillion in housing wealth lost since 2005. Adjusting for inflation, home values will never catch up.

Considering housing a living expense

When assuming a house is an investment, one is making a huge personal finance mistake. This is the opinion of Charlie Farrell from CBS Money Watch. Farrell suggests considering housing costs as a cost of living that is needed. A house is a depreciating asset, just like a car. Unless money is continuously added to the home, it will lose a ton of value. Economists thinks home values will barely stay with inflation within the next 20 years. The investment of a mortgage won’t go up. The return will only be what is put into it. There is certainly maintenance and taxes on a home, regardless of whether it is paid off. That means you’re likely to get less overall out of your home than you put into it.

Having a mortgage

Thomas Hoenig who is the president of Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City explained the U.S. housing market isn’t really someplace you should be putting your money as an investment. He explained at a hearing held by the House Financial Services Committee’s oversight and investigations subcommittee, “If the American people are looking at the housing market to be their investment opportunity, I think they’re making a mistake.”. With a 4.5 percent loan rate of interest, Linda Stern thinks that it could be a good idea to get a home and have others pay for it with rent, although she admits Hoenig is right. Stern works at CBS Money Watch as well. Paying rent for 30 years returns nothing. With a mortgage, there’s a house at the end of the tunnel. Regardless of what it is worth, it’s something.

More on this topic

CBS Money Watch

moneywatch.bnet.com/retirement-planning/blog/retirement-roadmap/housing-dont-confuse-an-expense-with-an-investment/3376/

CBS Money Watch

moneywatch.bnet.com/economic-news/blog/daily-money/is-housing-still-a-good-investment/1259/

The housing market is lower however the cost of homes is up

Good news for the United States real estate market is few and far between. However, there is a scant glimmer of hope amid the doom and gloom. It turns out that U.S. the cost of homes have been rising, if only marginally, for the last few consecutive months. Home values from the end of May to the end of June 2010, as outlined by the Case Shiller Price Index, rose very slightly. It is great to hear even just a little very good news about real estate, thinking about what market conditions have been. Source for this article – Housing market gets a reprieve as home prices slightly improve by Personal Money Store.

Home costs might use an increase

Standard and Poor’s Case Shiller price index, which tracks real estate activity in 20 cities, has showed a gain in home prices in the second quarter of 2010. There was a gain over the entire second quarter of 2010. Prices increased by 4.4 percent in that time, as outlined by the New York Times. The first quarter didn’t go so well. Prices fell 2.8 percent. Home prices are also up 3.6 percent since the end of second quarter 2009. Prices rose 1 percent during July.

That isn’t the complete image though

There is a hitch, of course. Home prices may have risen, but sales are lower. The homebuyer tax credit helped to keep sales going. Nevertheless, sales started to fall off once the credit lapsed. Home prices are likely to fall soon, as well. Nevertheless, not all is lost. Karl Case, the economist who the index is named for, according to Bloomberg, thinks there are some positives within the new data. Case thinks it can be another year or so before a more stable market emerges, and begins to grow again.

Not the worst news ever before

The homebuyer tax credit was only a finger in the dam. It provided an artificial and only temporary boost to house sales and the cost of homes. True activity in real estate cannot resume until there isn’t anything keeping activity moving upward or down. That said, there is some consolation. Things are better than last year.

Additional reading

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-31/karl-case-sees-a-lot-of-positive-stuff-in-housing-price-data-tom-keene.html

NY Times

nytimes.com/2010/09/01/business/economy/01econ.html?partner=rss and emc=rss

FBI check out probable flaws with the Jeep Grand Cherokees

There is a new investigation underway by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Jeep Grand Cherokees is what is being investigated. The number of affected automobiles could possibly be as much as 3 million. The investigation was touched off by a petition from the Center for Auto Safety, over concerns of faulty and dangerous design of the popular SUVs. It is posited that Jeep Grand Cherokees, from more than 10 model years, have a defective fuel system that can pose a significant fire hazard.

Supposed poor design of the Jeep Grand Cherokee

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is being investigated. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has launched the inquiry, according to CNN. There are over 10 model years being looked at. The years in question are vehicles from 1993 to 2004. The issue is with the fuel tank. The Center for Auto Safety has posited the design makes for a fire hazard.There are 254 deaths from fire in Jeep Grand Cherokees, and 172 crashes involving fire. Chrysler responded, albeit somewhat cryptically. The business insists their vehicles meet all safety standards.

It is the gas tank that’s the problem

The issue with the jeep grand Cherokee is with the plastic fuel tank. The tank is mounted just below the bumper, to the rear of the back axle. That’s where the risk lies, according to the CAS. The organization, founded by Ralph Nader, insists the tank can rupture in rear end accidents and thus poses a fire danger. The NHTSA has been studying accidents involving Jeep Cherokees, as outlined by ABC. There were 44 crashes where fire caused by the crashes caused more damage than the actual crashes. There were also accidents where fire caused greater bodily harm than the crash. Of those, there were 55 fatalities. There were also 10 rear ending crashes were fire resulted. There were 13 deaths in rear end crashes that resulted in fire.

Jeep thieving thunder from the Pinto

Jeep has offered a skid plate as an option for the Grand Cherokee that covers the fuel tank, however only as an add-on for off-road driving. The 1999 model did a little more. That’s when a brush guard was added. Nevertheless, in 2005, the jeep grand Cherokee got a re-design. The tank was moved to the middle of the automobile. The difficulty is actually somewhat comparable to the Pinto. Both vehicles could possess the fuel tank’s top sheared off in a rear-ending accident.

Further reading

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Blotter/jeep-grand-cherokee-abc-station-reported-gas-tank/story?id=11473270 and page=1

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2010/08/24/autos/Jeep_Grand_Cherokee/index.htm

A good credit rating is money within the bank with regard to consumers

A good credit rating is more important than ever. The credit crunch has raised the bar on credit scores. To get anywhere with a lender and qualify for a good interest rate, a higher credit rating could be necessary for most people. A better credit score saves money with better interest rates.A poorly maintained credit rating can make borrowing cash costly. A FICO credit score of 650 is considered fair to poor. When a Fico rating enters 750 territories, that’s fairly darn good. An elite group of individuals make the effort to surpass 800. A man in Arkansas is doing every little thing he can to achieve a Fico credit score of eight hundred fifty. The payoff for his dedication might be a retirement free of financial worry.

What the eight hundred fifty Fico score means

A FICO credit score of eight hundred fifty has been achieved by .5 percent of Americans, according to Fico. Chris Plepinski of Rogers, Ark. was featured in a CNN article about his plan for joining that exclusive club. Plepinski’s current FICO score is higher than 82 percent of the population at 813. Over the course of his life, Plepinski’s unusually high score could conserve him hundreds of thousands of dollars. Nevertheless, he told CNN that nothing short of eight hundred fifty will be satisfactory. To get there, Peplinski scrutinizes all the aspects Fico uses to determine credit ratings. He checks his FICO score each and every 90 days and adjusts his personal finances to squeeze out every feasible point. To add variety to his credit mix, which can boost a score, he got a auto loan, despite the fact that he could have paid cash.

Inside look at the Fico rating

Data on credit activity from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion is collected by Fico to produce credit ratings. As reported by Bankrate.com, the spread of FICO scores goes from the low 300s to 800 and above. The formula isn’t really overly complex. The final number is reached by calculating the credit aspects listed below:

Payment history – 35 percent

Total debt load – 30 percent

Length of established credit – 15 percent

Types of available credit – 10 percent

Recent new credit – 10 percent

Using these factors as a guide, timely payments, reconciling overlooked payments, reducing balances on revolving credit (charge cards), paying down rather than transferring balances, staying away from new debt and keeping existing credit cards nominally active are helpful for raising credit scores.

The reason why increasing any credit rating matters

A fair-to-poor credit rating can cost a fortune over a lifetime, according to Liz Pulliam Weston at MSN Money. Weston penciled out a comparison between two people over 50 years. She ran a comparison based on the interest rates each person could expect for many of life’s financial milestones. The transactions included student loans, automobile loans, credit card offers, a mortgage and home equity borrowing. Over a lifetime of borrowing, the person with the 650 credit score paid $201, 712 more than the person with a 750 score. Assuming an 8 percent return, Weston factored $201,712 into 50 years. The person with the 750 FICO score could invest the interest saved and possibly accumulate a retirement account of $2.3 million.

Further reading

CNN

money.cnn.com

Bankrate

bankrate.com

MSN Money Central

moneycentral.msn.com