AirTran and Southwest merging within the future

AirTran has been purchased by Southwest Airlines for $1.42 billion in a deal that merges two of the largest discount airlines in the United States. Southwest’s acquisition of AirTran enables the airline to expand to key eastern hubs and sets it up to compete with major international carriers. The deal caught travel experts off guard. There is a lot less competition in the discount flying market meaning there is an expected increase in fees after the Southwest/AirTran combination, most are stating. Competition within the market will be easier for the big company. Smaller corporations will have to merge to compete with Southwest. However, a definite good for former AirTran passengers could be Southwest’s policy of no baggage fees, which the airline said it will maintain across the board.

The east coast benefiting from Southwest Airlines

Airlines are consolidating more often which is why it is not that surprising that Southwest Airlines bought AirTran for $1.42 billion. Delta and Northwest merged in 2008. October 1 is when Continental and United Air carriers will merge. This means they could be the largest airline in the world. USA Today reports the deal gives Southwest a major presence in primary travel hubs for instance New York’s La Guardia and Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National. Access was given to Southwest in Atlanta which is a world’s busiest passenger airport. This is where Southwest and Delta will start to battle.

AirTran investment gets Southwest bump

Southwest Airlines is based in Dallas. Remarkably, more passengers ride with Southwest within the United States of America than any other airline. Within the U.S., AirTran has been rated as the eighth largest carrier of passengers. The Associated Press reports that depending on Southwest’s closing share price on Friday, Southwest’s acquisition is worth $7.69 per AirTran share–a 69 percent premium over AirTran’s closing price of $4.55. Southwest has plans to pay with cash. It has in available cash $670 million. $2 billion in AirTran debt is going straight to Southwest. Assuming regulatory and shareholder approval, the deal is expected to close within the first half of 2011. By 2012, all AirTran planes will bear Southwest colors.

Is it good or bad that airlines combine?

The merging of Southwest and AirTran might be bad. This might mean low air fares could disappear. The competition between businesses is what keeps prices low, states the Consumerist. The competition being gone will leave Southwest and other businesses with less pressure. Without the pressure, prices are sure to go up. George Hobica of Airfarewatchdog told The Consumerist the Southwest AirTran merger will also lead to more airline consolidation, further reducing competition and consumer choice. Hobica said the outcome will depend on whether Southwest will use the expansion to either improve its ability to profit from low fares, or simply raise prices. Also, Southwest might just make it harder for other companies to get business leading them to lower their prices overall.

Further reading

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/industries/travel/2010-09-27-southwest-airtran-merger_N.htm

Associated Press

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hFjJQqYUno_x04Nx3mAvf9Na1EwwD9IGC59G0

The Consumerist

consumerist.com/2010/09/what-does-southwest-buying-air-tran-mean-for-consumers.html

Nissan Leaf nearly sold before it's released

The Nissan Leaf and the Chevy Volt are the hot automobile releases this year. The Leaf is the more exciting from the two, as it is an all electric car. The Leaf can be accessible for sale at dealerships by the end of 2010. Nissan, like Toyota does for the Prius, started taking advance purchases. However, the advance orders are already maxed out. That all being said, the Leaf is only being launched in five states initially. Article source – Nissan Leaf almost sold out it debuts by Car Deal Expert.

First run almost all spoken for

The Nissan Leaf is kind of a large deal. It is the very first totally electric auto from a major automaker. There isn’t a direct competitor for it at all. According to the New York Times, Nissan offered customers the chance to reserve a car in advance. That was in April. Nissan had announced the initial goal was to get 20,000 reservations booked by the end from the year, after releasing a test fleet that might be shown off. However, all 20,000 reservation slots have already been booked. That shows the opportunity for electric cars, as Nissan has met its goal three months faster than envisioned or hoped for.

Leaf absolutely nothing close to risk

The intent was to get 20,000 orders in by spreading word of mouth with demonstrations. Nissan is already touring with a demonstration Leaf or two around the country, however at this point it seems nearly unnecessary. There are already 20,000 reservations, and the vehicle comes available in December. Initially, the Leaf can be available only in Washington state, Oregon, California, Arizona, and Tennessee. In January 2011, Texas and Hawaii will get shipments of the automobile. By the end of 2011, the Leaf can be available everywhere.

So why leaf it at that

There is no use in denying it. Hybrids and electric cars are what will be the way from the future. It is likely that one day, there can be no more crude oil. As more customers wish to decrease gas consumption and emissions, the time will come when electric cars become the rule, instead of the exception.

Find more information on this subject

NY Times

wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/09/24/thinking-of-buying-a-nissan-leaf-get-in-line/

National Happy Hour means free Budweiser beer on Sept 29

Americans have really liked Busch’s Budweiser “Bohemian-style” pale lager. This was introduced in 1876. In 2008, accounts the St. Louis Business Journal, a 50.9 percent market share for all beers sold within the United States has held by the Busch family corporation Anheuser-Busch. Belgian-Brazilian beer magnate InBev bought off most of the Anheuser-Busch stock later that year. Sales went down since the “King of Beers” became “de Koning van Bieren” in The United States. Anheuser-Busch InBev is going to be handing out free beer on September 29, accounts St. Louis Today. This is in celebration of National Happy Hour. Source of article – Get free Budweiser beer on Sept. 29 at National Happy Hour by Personal Money Store.

Budweiser is free with the marketing

Participating bars and restaurants will be giving out about 500,000 free of charge Budweiser beer samples. These will come, based on local and state rules, in 6- and 12-ounce sample sizes. The market share for Budweiser dropped from 26 percent in 1988 to 9.3 percent which is why the “Grab some Buds” advertising campaign will go from Sept 25 via October 3. Drinkers in their mid-20s could be the biggest target of this campaign. This is mostly because of the study that shows de Koning van Bieren hasn’t even been touched by drinkers ages 21 to 27.

St. Louis Today reports a conversation with President Dave Peacock of Anheuser-Busch InBev. He states, “We want to close that gap.”

Texas sells the deep fried beer

Mark Zable is the one to find in case you are ever drinking at the 2010 Texas State Fair. He makes deep-fried beer which complements the de Koning van Bieren beers with it. After filling pretzel dough with beer, he dunks for 20 seconds the dough into 375-degree oil. It is the perfect amount to keep the alcoholic content in there while also cooking the dough all the way. Zable is hoping he can patent the cooking process as, reports the London Telegraph, the public loves the treat.

For the record, Mark Zable uses Guinness. That means no Koning van Bieren.

Further reading

London Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/foodanddrinknews/7973944/Deep-fried-beer-invented-in-Texas.html

St. Louis Business Journal

bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2008/04/21/daily42.html

St. Louis Today

stltoday.com/business/article_a7801e6d-16b3-5ad7-ba55-08475f94a313.html

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budweiser_(Anheuser-Busch)

What’s up with free beer?

youtube.com/watch?v=B1PaVo00U3c

Pennsylvania's Sugarhouse Casino stirs up controversy?

The casino that has been in the works for the Delaware River, the Sugarhouse Casino, opened its doors. Only five gaming licenses were issued by the state in 2006. Not everyone is in love with the idea of a casino in their city. Some groups who have been speaking resistant to the casino are now planning on ways to reduce business at the new facility.

The Sugarhouse Casino faces strong resistance

Residents have expressed concern about the possibility of a casino ever since the license was granted. Some community groups claimed that the gambling establishment would create a “bad neighborhood” of drunks, fax-less payday advance companies, and crime. One group held a service with candles outside the casino on opening night. This service was designed to bring attention to those that may face a gambling problem.

The justifications for Sugarhouse Gambling establishment

Most residents who live near the new casino have said they’re happy to have it open. Schools, veterans’ services, sports programs, and arts programs have all already benefitted from the money the gambling establishment has paid out. Over 900 individuals have been hired by the Sugarhouse Gambling establishment, including 800 full-time employees.

Will the Sugarhouse Casino carry on the same route

There are large strategies for this gambling establishment, even though they opened with several hundred slot machines fewer than planned. Future plans for the Sugarhouse Casino consist of a parking garage, luxury hotel and spa. The people who have campaigned against this new business are not giving up. There are campaigns in place to minimize the business coming to the new gambling establishment. The financial stimulation provided by this huge employer who is going to pay millions in taxes might be precisely what this depressed area needs.

Further reading

My Fox Philly

myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/sugar-hpuse’s-pledge-to-keep-area-safe

Philly.com

philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20100921_SugarHouse_Casino_opens_this_week_in_Philly_to_hoopla_and_harrumphs.html?page=2 and c=y

Lightning strikes two times in 2nd Randy Quaid police arrest

From time to time, people really do need to be told twice. 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 pair headed home after posting bail. This made a lot of headlines, as an individual who has worked in Hollywood so long could have very easily afforded a hotel expenses. The alleged hotel stiffing occurred in California. The Quaids, though, were imprisoned in Texas. The terrible two were imprisoned again recently in Santa Barbara. Allegedly, they had taken up residence in the guest house of a property they used to won, thinking they nevertheless did.

Delinquent hotel expenses results in first Randy Quaid police arrest

This isn’t the first time within the last year that Randy and Evi Quaid are in trouble. It appears as though it is becoming an annual event. On Sept. 30, the Quaids were arrested on suspicion of defrauding an inn. They stayed a night at a posh hotel in California, and forgot or refused to pay for the night. A warrant was issued for their arrests, and they were picked up in Texas. After posting bail, both missed a series of court dates. Evi Quaid was put on probation and had to do community service after they ultimately resurfaced. They also paid off the hotel, as outlined by CNN. At that point, all seemed back to normal.

Train Squatting

Usually, a person remembers selling a house. However, it somehow just didn’t register for Evi and Randy Quaid. The two sold a property they owned in Santa Barbara years ago. They were recently arrested for taking up residence illegally in the guest house on the property. The current owners produced the documents from the sale. The Quaids claimed they nevertheless owned the property. According to ABC, the cops were having none of it and arrested them for burglary. The home did used to belong to them, which is clear. Nevertheless, why they went to the guest house is type of odd.

Vacation from sanity

There hasn’t been a remark on either arrest from Dennis Quaid, Randy Quaid’s younger brother. Perhaps there is something within the smog. Hollywood appears to breed a particularly strong variety of insanity. Perhaps the concept of not breaking the law doesn’t occur to the Quaids, or others like Lindsay Lohan or Paris Hilton.

More on this topic

ABC News

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

CNN

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

Refunds for Freddie and Fannie aren't being given for bad bank loans

Part of what caused the collapse of the housing market was toxic mortgages. How it works is simple. A financial institution or loan lender gets someone into a mortgage, and the mortgage is sold as a paying asset. Some individuals just had poor luck, and others should not have been given bank loans at all. Many of these loans were sold to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and when the assets went bad, Fannie and Freddie went into freefall. Part of the law governing these transactions mandates that in the event the buyer wants to sell the assets back, the vendor has to do agree, but a lot of the sellers are refusing. Article source – Bad bank loans to Fannie and Freddie not being bought back by Personal Money Store.

If asked the poor loans have to be bought back

Purchasing a bundle of bad finance loans back from a company that has been damaged by buying them would seem fair. If lending options sold as securities become toxic and are foreclosed on, there is legislation that was passed that guaranteed lending options have to be purchased back on request. A great deal of these mortgage securities that went poor were purchased by Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. The law is on the side of the two mortgage giants. However, the troubled corporations aren’t getting the pay-backs that are owed.

No redress of faulty assets

There have been a fair amount of the bad mortgage properties that are not getting repurchased. Freddie and Fannie have been asking for a refund from the corporations that sold the mortgages to them, according to USA Today, and about $11 billion worth is being sold back. Of that $11 billion, lots of it is going nowhere right now. A full 3rd of the loan refunds are 90 days delinquent. Those aren’t the only businesses that bought those securities. Other lending options were backed by the Federal Housing Administration and the Veterans Administration.

Banks harming themselves

The idea is that in the event the pay-backs are granted, the bank or loan company that sold the security will lose money. However, that is really counterintuitive. Tax dollars are what is keeping Fannie and Freddie afloat, and companies and individuals who work in those companies pay taxes. The executives and employees of the financial institutions and other corporations that won’t buy back the assets can have to pay taxes until the debt for Fannie and Freddie is paid off.

Additional reading

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2010-09-15-fannie-freddie_N.htm

small business bill passed with two Senate Republicans who defected

Those who understand Congress expected lawmakers to succeed in passing a small business bill before the This falls midterm elections. Party lines were crossed as Democrats got sufficient votes by two Republican senators wishing to get re-elected. After a summer of partisan bickering, the Senate passed a small business bill Thursday. Credit is easier to access for many with the legislation that should also give tax relief to smaller businesses, allowing them to create more jobs. The House is expected to move the plan fast, although it hasn’t gotten there yet.

Small business lending and tax breaks

The small business bill that finally passed the U.S. Senate Thursday features the creation of a $30 billion lending fund directed to regional banks for small business lending. Republicans called the fund another taxpayer bailout like the Troubled Asset Relief Program. However the Wall Street Journal reports that unlike TARP, banks really volunteer to participate in the new small business lending program. Interest rates for banks to charged are being determined. This will happen by evaluating how much the financial institution is willing to increase small company lending. All companies that purchased new equipment in 2010 can write-off 50 percent of it right away which is part of the $12 billion in business tax breaks the small business bill has in it. The amount of new investment that smaller businesses are allowed to expense in 2010 and 2011 will double to $500,000.

Principle based votes happen with retiring Republicans

The House passed a version of the small business bill earlier this year. The National Federation of Independent Business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce were both expected to support the plan. Of course, instead they have chosen to Use the legislation to weaken the health care reform law, reports the Los Angeles Times. Republicans filibustered the small business bill in July, demanding to add amendments unrelated to the objectives of the legislation. To protest the delays, House members had a sit-in at the Senate chamber. Finally months of partisan gridlock were overcome by Republicans George LeMieux of Florida and George Voinovich of Ohio, senators who are not seeking re-election. They joined 57 Democrats and two independents to pass the measure 61-38.

Additional reading

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703440604575495882236157048.html

Los Angeles times

latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-pn-small-business-bill-20100917,,2992847.story

Awesome police automobiles being revealed by Ford and Dodge Motors

Probably the most common purposes behind buying an automobile is for a daily driver, and that is what lots of them are made for. Automobile firms also sell a lot of fleet vehicles. Rental vehicles are huge sales. So are transportation purpose automobiles, like trucks and vans. There is a more interesting type of fleet vehicle, that is part of myth and star. That is the law enforcement interceptor. Hardly a car business doesn’t make a police vehicle. The brand new Dodge Motors and Ford interceptor models are especially appealing. Resource for this article – Ford and Dodge to release some incredible cop cars by Car Deal Expert.

The brand new interceptors from Ford

Ford Motors is retiring a mainstay among police cruisers. As a result, Ford is introduction two brand new interceptor models. The Crown Victoria, the rear wheel drive V-8 police cruiser, will no longer be made, so Ford is offering two brand new interceptor models. A Ford Taurus with an interceptor package is being offered, along with an interceptor model of Ford Motors Explorer. The Taurus, according to the NY Times, will come with a 365-horsepower turbocharged V-6, along with standard police improvements for instance a sturdier frame and additional cooling capacity. The law enforcement Explorer is located around the brand new generation of Explorer models. The brand new Taurus and Explorer share a lot of components.

Dodge in Quest of police sales

Chevrolet and Dodge Motors are attempting for making inroads to the interceptor market. There already have been sales of the Dodge Charger to police departments all over the country. However, there will be an improved model called the Dodge Motors Charger Pursuit. According to the Wall Street Journal, the Pursuit will be a rear wheel drive model of the Charger that will come with a turbo V-6 or a V-8, also as other police accouterments such as a beefed-up suspension and stability controls. The new Chevrolet Caprice is being offered as a police vehicle only, as the Caprice was formerly a really popular model among police until it was retired and also the Crown Victoria gained a near monopoly on the market.

Law-breaking does pay

Police cars are really more profitable than other fleet automobile counterparts, but law enforcement vehicles also have to be made to more demanding specifications. Greater use of electronics is part and parcel to the modern police cruiser, instead of sheer raw power, durability and maneuverability. A police officer has to sit in one for hours, so it has to be comfortable as well.

Further reading

Wall Street Journal

blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2010/08/26/2011-dodge-charger-designed-for-police-chases/

NY Times

nytimes.com/2010/05/23/automobiles/23POLICE.html?pagewanted=1 and fta=y

A G.O.P. compromise expected with the Tax cuts by Bush mentioned by Boehner

The first thing discussed by Congress after its return from a five-week vacation Monday was the Bush tax cuts. No one expects Congress to get much done before lawmakers drop every little thing in about four weeks to campaign for the mid-term election. Democrats propose repealing the Bush tax cuts for all however those making $250,000 a year or more. Republicans have said they will not vote for anything but making the Bush tax cuts permanent for every person. At first glance, one would assume it is a typical Congressional stalemate. This is just at first. However, House Minority Leader John Boehner added intrigue to the debate Sunday when he said he would vote for ending the tax cuts for the rich if that was his only choice for a tax break.

The surprise Boehner made about Bush tax cuts

The Bush tax cuts applying to all taxpayers enacted in 2001 and 2003 expire at the end of the year. Everyone but the wealthiest will get to continue with the Bush tax cuts if the Obama administration has its way. The economy is so weak that it can’t afford a tax increase. Of course, CNN reports, Republicans and a few Democrats oppose the idea. Republicans have threatened a filibuster unless the tax cuts are extended to all–which would basically allow them to expire for all. Democrats say that the middle class tax breaks are being used just to get breaks for the rich with the Republicans. Everyone was interested to hear that Boehner was thinking about compromising on the Tax cuts by Bush.

Democrats drifting toward Republican ideas

Everybody was astonished that Boehner dropped the bomb as he did. This is because so numerous Democrats fearful of the mid-term elections were already thinking about switching their vote for making Tax cuts by Bush last while the economy gets better. A temporary extension of tax cuts for the rich are suggested by at least 6 Democratic senators and Senate candidates, says the Washington Post. There are increasingly more incumbents taking the House positions. There are so many different places with different costs of living that one more recommendation has been raised. This suggests that the $250,000 tax break threshold be $1 million per household.

Boehner isn’t looking for middle class, just power

When Boehner made his remark on the Bush tax cuts issue, Democrats seemed to boast. As outlined by the Christian Science Monitor, Boehner might just be trying to get Speaker of the House if Republicans start to control the government after mid-term elections. According to the Monitor , the speaker could be able to help get bills passed, in contrast to the opposition leader. Boehner is making an intelligent move with the suggesting of a compromise. He could take credit for a new tax break deal that could take place. Passing a new tax break bill might help Republicans show how much better they’re than Democrats. This would help them out a lot as well. Whether or not Boehner has the good of the middle class in mind with his strategy, the Monitor did not say.

Additional reading

CNN

cnn.com/2010/POLITICS/09/12/tax.cuts/index.html?npt=NP1

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/12/AR2010091204308_2.html?wpisrc=nl_headline and sid=ST2010091204277

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/The-Vote/2010/0913/Why-did-John-Boehner-change-his-mind-now-on-Bush-tax-cuts

Switchflops- A secondary school art project turned large enterprise

Sandals and casual style footwear are two terms that are rarely associated. Lindsay Phillips, 25, wanted to change that. As part of a high school art project in Tampa, Fla., Phillips designed a special kind of sandals that boast interchangeable straps for high style. Just a couple of years later, Phillips’ Switchflops business was born. The company expects to generate $ 30 million this year.

Switchflops – From a simple concept springs many options

With Switchflops, customers who can’t afford a closetful of shoes can make a trend forward step into being fabulous. Lindsay Phillips’ creation gives consumers numerous different fashion combinations from which to choose, thanks to a wide variety of available straps. From buttons to bangles and beads, it’s all there. The sandal itself costs $ 35, and additional straps are $ 12 each. Each new strap makes for a fashionable, affordable new adventure. And Switchflops also offers other shoes like wedges and additional accessories. Phillips’ fashion inventions are sold in more than 4,000 stores worldwide.

'Everyone wore flip-flops to school, all the time’

One of the most innovative enterprises comes from situations where there is both a need and the human will to address that need. Phillips was there to fill the trend breach with Switchflops. ”Everyone wore them all of the time,” said Phillips to AOL. But she noticed where her style sense could make them better. Not all people could afford to purchase a pair for each day of the week. With Switchflops, need and idea meshed perfectly. Phillips began the patenting process for her idea, and the patent became official in 2004. Three years later, with the assistance of businessman Jeffrey Davidson – who knows what it takes to grow a business – Switchflops was on the business trail. Growth has been rapid; soon, the business will have an overseas office.

Provide them with options and they will come

AOL Small business cites studies indicating that companies that offer their customers the greatest customization possibilities – whether those businesses are in retail or a different sector – are more popular than ever. Phillips has proven ready to capitalize.

”Everyone wants to be just a little unique, and when we may have the very same bag, we do not want it to be exactly the same,” said Phillips.

Find more information on this subject

AOL Small Business

smallbusiness.aol.com/2010/09/01/why-didnt-i-think-of-that-switchflops-the-30-million-school/

Lending market contributed to credit card debt that damages the financial system

Right now, charge card debts is one thing Americans are paying off. American families are all following the exact same trend says the Federal Reserve. That is that for the 23rd month, there are fewer families using credit cards. In July, the overall consumer borrowing decreased $3.6 billion which is the 17th decline in the last 18 months. Overall consumer borrowing doesn’t contain home mortgages although it does consist of credit cards and auto loans. There are lots of people paying down charge card debts which really helps considering there has been a lot of credit card delinquency within the market. The consumer borrowing is making it difficult for the Great Recession recovery to happen very easily.

Charge card debts seems to disappear with consumer spending

A 7.5 percent drop in June was followed by a 6.3 percent drop in July with Consumer borrowing on charge cards. For 23 months straight, the Associated Press reports charge card went down. Americans are having difficulty fixing their finances when incomes and employment aren’t improving meaning banks are losing money maintaining tight financing standards and Americans are cutting back on charge card use. Americans appear to be helping only themselves when saving more and spending less. This is since the financial system needs consumer spending in order to expand.

Consumers held in check by banks

To minimize their losses during the economic downturn, banks have made charge cards hard to get. There is still a need for charge cards. The Street explains this. According to a quarterly FICO survey, new credit card accounts dropped by 17.7 percent during the 12 months that ended last April compared with the previous 12 months. Applications for charge cards only dropped 3 percent. The Street explains these numbers. This is because consumers wanted more credit cards than were given out. There was also a drop in consumer credit cards available during that time with credit. It dropped by about 12.2 percent.

Lobbyists wanted by charge card companies

Less consumer borrowing on credit cards is good for charge card businesses. They’re doing better that way. As outlined by Debtmerica Relief, consumers spending less is helping credit card businesses become more stable even though there are all the newest credit card rules limiting interest rate hikes and penalty fees. Capital One Financial and Discover Financial Services are just two of the charge card corporations that are becoming stable with earnings and losses. As consumers settle more charge card debt, lenders are charging off fewer delinquent accounts. They can counterbalance losses with money that was held in reserve. They’re trying to get lobbyists to influence future changes in federal laws by spending 25 percent more.

Find more info on this subject

Associated Press

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5g1RbLCbz_AJrpIhbI4fRRyuNF0EgD9I409OO1

The Street

thestreet.com/story/10855583/1/bankers-pessimistic-about-credit-card-market.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEN

Debtmerica Relief

debtmerica.com/industry-news/20-consumer-debt/643-paying-off-credit-card-debt-stabilizes-lending-industry

Illegally immigrating receives slice in the face be machete

When political rhetoric does not work out (since it so frequently does), often the only weapon we’ve got remaining with which to fight is satire. Sharp satire is even a strong tool against topics such as immigration. If current “Machete” film reviews are any indication, the Robert Rodriguez “Mexploitation” gore fest may not be the sharpest tool in the satire shed, however it hacks away at immigrating with lustful glee. Political ideas are shot via the film “Machete” from beginning to end of the movie.

”Machete” reviews say the movie is close to falling off a cliff

The line Rodriguez walks with “Machete” has every little thing to do with the film’s use of satire. ”Machete” could be the story about a Mexican federale (Danny Trejo) that wants revenge since it is supposed to be a send-up of the 1970s midnight films genre in the way “Grindhouse” did in 2007. Agents of drug lord Torrez kill Machete’s family. Torrez is played by Steven Seagal as a form of parody to be himself. A drug mule network that is similar to the U.S. Mexico drug trade in existence is part of what Machete destroys. He also kills numerous authorities as well as Robert De Niro playing a politician. There also are Cheech Marin, Lindsay Lohan, Michelle Rodriguez, Don Johnson and Jessica Alba there too. ”Machete” isn’t always on a thin line when it comes to satire, says the Denver Post. Sometimes, its clever gags appear to be more “too cool for school” than anything. But maybe Rodriguez will ! have time to sharpen things up for the prepared sequels.

Screenrant finds the immigration satire to be disturbing

Screenrant thinks that the scene in “Machete” with an illegal border crossing is too much. A pregnant woman with her husband try to cross. This is now when Don Johnson and Robert De Niro determine it is time to stop them as uniformed vigilantes. De Niro’s role here was to be the U.S. senator to shoot both the pregnant woman and man after saying, “Welcome to America” to them. Numerous didn’t like the effective satire that ended so bloody. Rodriguez was just having some fun.

It’s bloody fun

”Machete” is more about the blood involved than other things really. Screenrant explains that connecting segments of the story will really just leave you bored. According to Entertainment Weekly, the video does quite well with all the blood. Without it, the movie would be a schlock really.

Further reading

Denver Post

denverpost.com/breakingnews/ci_15966734

Entertainment Weekly

ew.com/ew/article/,,20417721,00.html

Screenrant

screenrant.com/machete-movie-reviews-vic-76754/

Immediate cash to the wealthy

Each and every social class is actually affected by recessions. Debt loads are very low for some of the wealthiest individuals who pay money for every little thing. You will find huge bank loans taken out by some of these wealthy individuals to pay for everything. Numerous individuals want the bigger house or nicer automobile and take out debt for it. More large properties are getting foreclosed on as the prosperous cannot get the immediate money needed to pay their mortgages. Even rich individuals could use loan modification.

Recessions affect even the rich

Many individuals with a lot of money have had high profile tumbles most recently. Even Nicholas cage with his $35 million mansion lost his property to a foreclosure. There is a new price to the home. It is $11.5 million. Granted, millionaires aren’t worried about their credit scores. It is bad to get into too much debt. At one time, individuals should be focused on only one encumbrance with low interest loans. Remember also that banks can sue delinquent homeowners for the difference in foreclosure sales. Homes were almost lost by individuals within the “Real Housewives” series. Three families almost lost the homes. Jim and Alexis Bellino, from the “Orange County” show of that series had to get mortgage modification after they defaulted.

An expectation on the rich to be better with money

According to ABC, the Los Angeles County area has exploded with foreclosures on incredibly expensive properties. Properties over $1 million foreclosed on have gone up 300 percent since April of this year. Rich people aren’t all being careless with what they are doing with their cash. In fact, it’s the opposite. People who are more plugged into the realm of finance know that there’s a time to cut your losses and walk away.

Should I invest in real estate?

More individuals want to know whether investing in real estate is a good idea or not. Plenty of individuals put a lot into houses for years, even decades, only to lose more than half that value because of the market tanking.

More on this topic

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Business/luxury-foreclosures-hit-rich/story?id=11542560 and page=1

California lobbyists for the plastic industry beat plastic bar

A plastic ban is certainly not something the California State senate wants thinking about the ruling on Wednesday. The ban, in a state that is known for setting nationwide trends, was backed up by grocers, retailers and Republican governor Arnold Schwartzenegger. Lobbyists for the plastic industry were hoping the ban would go through. Use of plastic grocery bags has rapidly increased worldwide. Human health has changed into a concern since an incredible number of birds and marine animals are now being killed by plastic bags. Numerous think the ban in California on plastic bags shouldn’t go via. This is because consumers shouldn’t have to deal with that burden. Resource for this article – California plastic bag ban defeated by plastic industry lobbyists by Personal Money Store.

Plastic bags in The Golden State a problem

The bill would have made California the first state in the U.S. to bar plastic bags at grocery, drug and some convenience stores. The Silicon Valley Mercury News made a report on the bill. It said the bill came along since the public started to be concerned about plastic garbage hazards. According to the environmental group Conserve the Bay, 1 million plastic bags pollute San Francisco Bay each year. Each year, Californians use 19 billion plastic bags. This was shown by state officials. Collecting plastic bags for landfills costs the state a lot. In fact, it costs about $25 million a year. 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 involves Chevron, Dow and ExxonMobil.

Purchasing state politician votes from plastic industry

In California, the plastic bag ban has opposition. This originated from the American Chemistry Council mostly. Any environmental bills and anti-plastic city ordinances that have opposition are funded by the group. The Miami Herald explains the business is actually in Virginia, although it funds to California. The council produced a costly TV and radio ad campaign against the plastic bag bill and wrote a bundle of checks to politicians. 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.

Yes or no to the plastic bag ban

The plastic bag ban in California is there specifically to get shoppers to bring reusable totes. San Francisco is just one of many cities in California that already have bans on plastic bags. The bill was authored by assemblywoman Julia Brownley who told ABC News that changing habits of shoppers is a better approach than cleaning up the mess. It was told ABC News. This originated from Republican Senator Mimi Walters who said that “If we pass this piece of legislation, we will be sending a message to the people of California that we care more about banning plastic bags than helping them put food on their table.”

The Great Pacific garbage Patch

In 2008, it was estimated by the EPA that 3.96 million tons of plastic bags were made. 90 percent of those were thrown away. The Wall Street Journal reports that 100 billion plastic bags are used within the U.S. each year. Retailers have to spend about $4 billion to buy these. 10 percent of plastic accumulates within the ocean, says a U.N. study from 2006. There is one place where the concentration is really high. It is called the Good Pacific Garbage Patch. The size of the place is about the size of Texas. It also has about 3.5 million tons of trash in it.

More on this topic

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

An emergency fund will help you stay out of debt

Not having an emergency fund is why most individuals end up carrying too much debt. One small upset means debt without an emergency fund. You might end up with a huge financial disaster. That mostly happens when something bigger comes along. Most people are living in the dark. They expect only good things will happen to them. It is also easier to say create an emergency fund than it is to actually do it. You might try saving nickels and dimes so you’ve money for tomorrow’s disaster. So possibly creating an emergency fund is easier than most people think.

Emergency fund needed by every person

Consider car repair. Brad Chaffee at Enemy of Debt tells a tale of why an emergency fund is needed. A woman came into Sears while he was there getting new tires who had a large bill for repair. She had no additional money, along with a bad credit score. She could not qualify for a card from Sears, which makes a bundle offering high-interest credit. The only card the customer service could get her was a $ 400 line of credit with a $ 59 annual fee and a 28 percent APR. Even that card, with its harsh terms, wasn’t enough to help her.

Make certain you pay the savings bill

If you don’t have an emergency fund, you need to get one. Bankrate says this is something essential to do. Some say there is a possibility of a double dip recession still. Bankrate explains the importance of having three-to-six months of living expenses in this fund. It is good to use a money market account. Then, you can just put $ 50 a month in until your fund is built up. Make this a bill as part of your mind. One month of expenditures can be moved to a one-month CD after the money market account has two months in it. When the CD matures, roll the principal and interest into another one-month CD. Once you have one more month of living expenses as part of your fund, you are able to move it to a two- or even three month CD. You will be able to move on eventually. You’ll be able to do six month CDs.

Money buys stress relief

An emergency fund is easy with personal finance basics. Studenomics recommends paying the emergency fund first before all the other bills. Being cheap is not necessary. Spending money wisely is important. If they can control their debt, it will be even easier. It is nevertheless ok to enjoy your life. It doesn’t have to be hard saving money. Saving can even make life more enjoyable for many. Many individuals like the stress free environment. This comes when having an emergency fund. Plus, it provides some leeway for dining out, entertainment and a worthwhile family vacation.

Further reading

Enemy of Debt

enemyofdebt.com/2010/08/perfect-example-as-to-why-you-must-have-an-emergency-fund/

Bankrate

bankrate.com/brm/news/pf/20011217b.asp

Studenomics

studenomics.com/personal-finance/systematic-personal-finance-does-it-work/

The housing industry is down but the cost of homes is up

Great 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. The last few consecutive months, home values have actually risen. The Case Shiller Price Index monitors home prices across 20 United States of America cities. Homes sold from the end of May to the end of June 2010 had a gain in rates, and the two months before did too. There aren’t lots of optimistic assumptions that are being made about real estate these days, so it is a welcome change to hear good news.

Small gain in house prices

Real estate activity is tracked by lots of different organizations. However, Standard and Poor’s Case Shiller price index is one of the best authorities for home values across 20 cities. According to the New York Times, the second quarter posted a 4.4 percent gain in home prices. The first quarter of this fiscal year saw a fall in home prices of 2.8 percent. Home prices are also up 3.6 percent since the end of second quarter 2009. Costs rose 1 percent during July.

There is a catch

Along with the rise in home prices, sales are trending downward. The homebuyer tax credit helped to spur home sales, however once the credit expired sales began to drop off. It’s likely that home prices will fall again. That said, one of the economists for whom the Case Shiller Price Index is named, Karl Case, thinks that you will find a lot of positives in the new data, according to Bloomberg. Case thinks that the market hasn’t stabilized completely yet. He predicts at least one more year before the real estate market levels out.

Not really the most detrimental media ever

The tax credit was a stall at best; sales were stimulated and so were prices, however once it wore off the market started trending downward again. True activity in real estate can’t resume until there is not anything keeping activity up or down. That said, there is some consolation. Things are better than last year.

More on this topic

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

Consumer confidence bump a ray of hope in bleak economic outlook

The Conference Board’s monthly report on its consumer confidence index showed the metric utilized to gauge monetary view really bumped up a handful of points in August. This is the reason the stock exchange went up Tuesday.

Consumer confidence better than before

August reports show consumer confidence levels increasing. This was not expected. Bloomberg reports that the increase in the consumer confidence report to 53.5 from a five-month low of 51 in July could possibly be a sign the biggest part of the economy may stay away from a further slide that could effectively end a stalled economical recovery. But even with the increase, an economist told Bloomberg the August consumer confidence figure is at a “stunningly low level.”. Consumer spending is 70 percent of the United States of America overall economy and may recover with the small bit of hope from the higher confidence. Corporations should start hiring more soon. Yet according to the Labor Department, businesses created an average of 51,000 jobs from May through July — down from 200,000 the previous two months.

Details about the consumer confidence report

There were other details given by the Conference Board besides the consumer confidence index. Consumers know the economy is bad right now but hope the future is much better, says MarketWatch. There was a drop in the Conference Board’s present-situation index from 26.4 in July to 24.9 in August, which shows the opportunities and business climate and people’s attitudes toward it. The report also shows what the expectations for a better business climate and more jobs creation are, which is called the expectation index. It actually went up from July to August from 67.5 to 72.5. 1.9 percent to 2 percent was how the consumers preparing to buy a home moved. People preparing to buy a car rose to 5 percent from 4.7 percent. And economist talked to MarketWatch. He explained that even though there may are an increase in the consumer confidence levels, it is still at “incredibly depressed levels.”.

Increase in index doesn’t mean consumer spending will automatically happen

The Associated Press explains that a healthy economy usually runs under a consumer confidence index over 90. Tuesday morning, there was still a change within the stock exchange due to the August bump. About two stocks rose for each and every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange. Like all recent market rallies, this one is expected to be short-lived. The economy is growing slowly, shows most economical reports. There may not be consumer spending just because consumer confidence has gone up. Personal finance shows that it is great that unemployment is moving more individuals to save and reduce debt. But until the job market recovers and people open their wallets, the late-summer slump could continue for the rest of the year and drag the United States overall economy into a double-dip recession.

Additional reading

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-31/consumer-confidence-in-u-s-rose-more-than-economists-forecast-in-august.html

MarketWatch

marketwatch.com/story/august-consumer-confidence-rises-to-535-2010-08-31-102600

Associated Press

google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jmT59dgLTTziX4p9X9MRBRpWZGdQD9HUH2I80

Facebook trade marking "face"

Facebook is facing off with U.S. courts once more, reports TechCrunch. PlaceBook and TeachBook have no part in it this time. The business isn’t really in trouble for using the word “book” in its name. The U.K. business called CIS Internet Limited left off with this in 2008, where now Facebook is trying to get “face” to be a trademark name. {Facebook has purchased CIS’s trademark application and is moving forward|Facebook wants to move forward with the CIS’s trademark application it bought|Facebook bought an application that was trademarked by CIS and now wants to move on|Facebook hopes to move forward with things. It already bought CIS’s trademark application. Source for this article – The move Facebook is making with Trademark

Facebook wants to trademark “face.” It is not news to many. Trademarks are important to corporate branding, but occasionally it is too much. A man once attempted to trademark “ganja” in court. ”NSFW” was what Fark.com tried to trademark once. Snookie from “The Jersey Shore” also tried to trademark her nickname. There is a good chance Facebook won’t get the “face” trademark it wants.

Aaron Greenspan objects

Aaron Greenspan doesn’t think Facebook should be trying to trademark “face.” Aaron Greenspan claims to have made facebook with Mark Zuckerberg. Greenspan would end up having to pay Facebook if Facebook gets its “face” trademark because of the mobile payment app called FaceCash that Greenspan’s company, Think Computer, created. So would Apple, whose Facetime video calling app appears on the iPhone 4. Products use the word “face” in them all the time. Greenberg, and others, hope to be able to use this name still without paying.

Facebook needs to get over it and move on

When thinking about how aggressive Facebook has been in the past, it seems unlikely that “face” can be too big to it. Facebook has bigger fish to fry. Zuckerberg could be on the case of everyone using “face.” Even those who just are innocently creating a fun game, but do not want to make money, will need to be careful. Kobo Abe who wrote “Face of Another” may have to be careful. Also, even John Travolta and Nicholas Cage within the movies “Face/Off” will have to watch their backs. There is a big dispute. Is all this over faces? There wouldn’t even be mercy for the Tleilaxu face dancer from the “Dune” books.

Find more info on this subject

FACE

tarr.uspto.gov/servlet/tarr?regser=serial and amp;entry=78980756

TechCrunch

techcrunch.com/2010/08/26/trademark-face/

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trademark

Small increase pertaining to stock exchanges as decreased amount of unemployed cases tend to be submitted

It has been a when since the number of new jobless claims dropped. The common theme of employment has been of becalmed waters, though a slight reprieve was because of the census and seasonal hires for the holiday retail season. Much less unemployed claims is welcome good news, even if real estate is set to be read the last rites. That said, it’s not cause to celebrate as unemployment is as bad as it has ever been, having held since November of 2009. The news made Wall Street happy, as markets climbed ever so slightly when the news broke.

Small decrease for new unemployed cases

A drop was recorded within the quantity of new claims for unemployment benefits by the Department of Labor. The number of jobless claims still sits, adjusted seasonally, at 473,000, but that number dropped by 31,000 over the last week. A drop in new unemployment claims is encouraging, but the average of the last four weeks is still 486,750, the highest levels since November 2009, according to Forbes. That said, winter jobless claims have to be taken with a grain of salt, as holiday seasonal employment provides a slight spike for the busiest part of the retail year. There was also some temporary other employment. The Census was taken this year.

Unemployed claims encourage stock market rise

The news of lower jobless claims led to an uptick within the stock market, as outlined by the Wall Street Journal. The largest increase was .3 percent for Standard and Poor’s, a barely mentionable gain. Nasdaq climbed a staggering .2 percent. The Dow Jones needs to put Prozac in the drinking fountains, as the Dow only climbed .1 percent. However, the big news is less the fall in unemployment claims, but the activity concerning 3Par and Dell, as Dell has acquired the data storage company. There’s a large bidding war going on, and it is even bigger news than the Potash saga. Hewlett Packard and Dell are fighting it out for 3Par, and it is causing a huge firestorm of coverage.

Very little progress

The data released just means a small decrease in unemployment claims. There aren’t that numerous employers hiring. To make matters worse, it is estimated that 10 percent of homeowners may face foreclosure. The real estate market is totally within the tank.

More on this topic

Forbes

forbes.com/feeds/ap/2010/08/26/real-estate-industrials-us-economy_7879865.html

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20100826-709681.html

Katrina birthday noticeable while Hurricane Earl gets stronger

The fifth anniversary of Katrina hitting New Orleans was just lately observed, but on that most auspicious occasion, another tropical storm is presently building off the Gulf Shore. Tropical storm Earl was re-dubbed Hurricane Earl, as it has graduated to a hurricane force storm system. It is already affecting the Caribbean. The storm is a Category 3 hurricane and growing. It is thought that North Carolina could be the most likely place for the storm to land, should it hit the United States.

Puerto Rico closed in by Hurricane Earl

First within the Earl projected path is Puerto Rico. According to ABC, the islands of Vieques and Culebra have been issued storm warnings. The storm caused flooding in several of the Leeward Islands. This involves some damage on the island of Antigua. The Leeward Islands are part of the Lesser Antilles archipelago. The Lesser Antilles comprises a broad swath of territory, which includes islands east of Puerto Rico and north of South America. The Leeward Islands contain the U.S. Virgin Islands, which have experienced flooding due to Hurricane Earl. Hurricane warnings are in effect for the rest of the Leewards as well. There may be Hurricane Earl damage that occurs later, but the damage in Puerto Rico so far has not been catastrophic.

Hurricane Earl may hit United States of America coastline

Currently, a Hurricane Earl projected path is unclear. The storm might very well become a Category Four before long. The chance of the United States being ran into by hurricane earl isn’t known, according to CNN. By Labor Day Weekend, there will be some minor fallout from the storm that will hit the shore of North Carolina. There will be some rough waters. Some ocean currents could be impacted also. However, Hurricane Earl 2010 might dissipate within days, or get worse and hit the Atlantic coast hard.

Hurricane Danielle is gone

Another developing hurricane, Danielle, after being upgraded from Tropical Storm Danielle, has begun to wither away. There will likely be little more effect from that storm system than some wind and rain. The 2010 hurricane season though, is far from over.

Citations

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory?id=11514501

CNN

cnn.com/2010/US/08/30/tropical.weather/?hpt=Sbin

BP advertising spending budget exceeds $ 1 million per week

America wants revenge on BP following the Gulf of Mexico oil spill occurred. Every person wants to make sure the oil giant is fixing the tourism, jobs and ecological balance issues. According to the London Telegraph, nevertheless, BP is spending more than $ 1 million per week in corporate TV marketing alone. 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. Source of article – BP advertising spending budget exceeds $ 1 million per week by Personal Money Store.

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

BP said it would cooperate with House committee demands. There hasn’t been an answer yet. There has been more spending on netweork TV, cable and radio marketing for BP. That’s money that could possibly be spent cleaning animals and finding underwater oil plumes. Some marketing is necessary, but $ 1 million-plus per week may be the “top kill” of overkill. President Obama put it bluntly: “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.”

More marketing within the Gulf Coast region

The Gulf Coast region, or the cities hurt by the oil spill, are getting the most marketing. 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 within the top 10 cities for BP to advertise at. You will find some congress members that think it is fine for BP to market. One of these is Rep. Kathy Castor. Although BP is advertising to help with its image, it is more likely to bring tourism back to Florida and also the other gulf states.

Controlling where details is flowing to

BP is trying to reassure America with its marketing. It appears it wants America to know it will make its commitments. It is assumed that those commitments are to service claims and keep up with the cleaning effort. BP seems to be keeping an eye on the bottom line right now though. How a brand is perceived is vitally important to that line, so don’t 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.

Further 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

The world supply of helium is almost depleted

If you think all helium is good for is taking hits and sounding like a high-pitched munchkin, then you don’t know helium. MRI machines, solar telescopes and even nuclear reactors are significant places where helium is used for proper function and maintenance. Unfortunately, the average person only knows that their children want helium-filled balloons on their birthday. The Independent reports that helium probably will not be around for much longer, however. The birthday balloons might fall to earth in our lifetime.

A helium shortage may cause much more problems than many recognize

In 1996, Congress voted in favor of the Helium Privatization Act – and America’s supply has dwindled at a high rate of speed ever since. Because it’s so cheap to obtain helium, supplies have depleted at an alarming rate. By 2015, the law will even require the U.S. National Helium Reserve outside Amarillo, Texas, to be sold off. It is sure to be a fire sale. Similar circumstances exist worldwide for helium, making it seem as though humanity wants to cut off its nose to spite its face.

Why did this have occurred?

Cooling MRI machines with liquid helium have been customary in hospitals for some time. Homeland security also uses helium in their infrared devices aimed at detection and deterrence of terror suspects. If that’s not significant enough, nuclear facilities need helium-3 isotopes for safe operation. Wind tunnels require garden variety helium. NASA even uses helium for safely removing rocket fuel. The risk of explosion is lessened considerably. All of this, plus festive birthday balloons, could be gone in 25 to 30 years, according to experts surveyed by The Independent.

According to Nobel laureate and Cornell University physics professor Robert Richardson, “Once helium is released into the atmosphere in the form of party balloons or boiling helium, it is lost to the Earth forever”.

Do you know where helium arises from?

The Sun produces helium via the process of nuclear fusion. Helium also comes from the very slow process of radioactive decay observed in terrestrial rock. Earth gets its helium supply from the radioactive decay of rocks. It can be created by no other means, according to scientists. Since it’s taken 4.7 billion years for natural decay to produce the Earth’s current helium supply, waiting around for the planet to make more is not an option.

Imagining a $ 100 balloon

Raising the price of helium considerably is Prof. Richardson’s solution. If helium becomes 20 to 50 times more costly than the current rate (15 cubic feet of helium cost about $40 in 2009), motivation to recycle the gas would greatly increase. Consider what it will be like when a birthday balloon could cost as much as $ 100. Bet you miss helium even more now.

More on this topic

Helium Privatization Act

helium.com/items/874929-understanding-the-helium-privitization-act-of-1996

The Independent

independent.co.uk/news/science/why-the-world-is-running-out-of-helium-2059357.html

University of Denver study on helium

mysite.du.edu/~jcalvert/phys/helium.htm