The way things are going, small businesses are going to need more than that. What about a cash advance for all? (Photo: flickr.com)

The U.S. has finally traveled out of the dark ages of recession, or so it seems, because a few people I know have had to utilize cash advance loans to keep their businesses afloat. Many of financial hardships that people are facing aren’t spewing forth from a lack of effort. Typically, recoveries from recession in the United States are lead by small businesses. It’s during this time that small businesses should be springing forth, and advancing the growth of the current economic state.

Positives of This Recession Break

The positive side of a “recession breather” is that small businesses can lease or buy fairly cheap commercial property while they prepare for financial growth and industry expansion. My friend and newbie online business owner Carl R. said, “I believe that in up to six months from now, the unemployment rate should scale back down to the eight percent, or maybe even five percent mark.” At that point, we should be celebrating and enjoying life, because small businesses would provide four out of five new jobs for Americans.

Is There a Dark Side to This?

Unfortunately, if we do happen to regress into another dreaded recession, falling from the “recession breather” we’re currently in, it could go down this way: unemployment could crawl “way above” 10 percent. That would definitely put us into another funk. Commercial Real Estate values would sink more than they expand, due to a lack of small business expansion. When small businesses refuse to expand, they react by rebuffing the notion of hiring, because of the possible lack of expansion. The concept is similar to a revolving wheel. Small businesses are the rise and fall of our country’s financial destiny. Small businesses fear the thought of consistently changing company policies and creating rigid changes in energy, union membership and health care matters. In this case, unfortunately, a cash advance loan wouldn’t help my friend Carl.

There are wonderful possibilities as to how small business power could signal an economic charge against financial woes and provide recession remission. However, the reality is that small businesses still aren’t hiring, and most are aware of the facts presented here.

Some Businesses are Doing Better than Others

Some of the conglomerates like McDonald’s, Green Mountain Coffee and Panera Bread have weathered the current recession, either by keeping profits at a set high or improving their sales figures. However, not all restaurants are operated and provide as much convenience as fast-food chains Most use and need credit lines to run their businesses.

Will President Obama Save Small Business?

There are numerous issues involved in the recovery of small business. Energy and union labor are two big issues worrying small business owners. President Obama’s plans for health care are a current worry as well. Inflation and commodity prices that determine the costs of food production and delivery all play a key factor in the anxiousness small business owners are feeling about what’s ahead in the upcoming months.

Michael Lind had some things to say on Salon.com about the ideas and future plans for Obamacare, in that it practically places small businesses on a financial “sacrificial altar.” I won’t delve into the intricacies of his statements, but if Mr. Lind’s words represent the thoughts of President Obama, and congressional Democrats (who poor and middle class people have been hoping would rescue our country from its existing financial position), small businesses will only be able to dream of expansion.

Not a Storybook Ending

The sad truth is that locked down small businesses won’t start hiring, and the result will be that the current commercial property bomb might not be defused in time. And I’m sure that no one wants to see America fall prey to the explosion of a second recession. Thankfully, a cash advance loan is there if – or when – you need one.

Apply for a Cash Advance HERE!

Tim and Heidi image from Wikimedia.

Once again, “Project Runway” has managed to remind me that I know absolutely nothing about fashion. Either that or the people who get to decide what is good fashion are crazy. Irina, who did show she was a very good designer throughout the season, was the “Project Runway” winner.

If she’d won based on the individual challenges throughout the season, I would have understood completely. However, I thought the collection she sent down the runway at Bryant Park was bizarre and even ridiculous. Shows how much I know. Of course, the person writing this is wearing sneakers, jeans and a hoodie. But it’s casual Friday at the best payday loans finding company in the world!

It’s not just me

However, I am somewhat comforted by the fact that I’m not the only person who thought Irina’s collection on the “Project Runway” season six finale was just weird. “If this is where fashion is going, I am resigning myself to jeans and T-shirts for the rest of my life,” one of my viewing buddies remarked as Irina’s almost-all-black “woman warrior” collection went down the runway.

We definitely agreed that her line was based on women in old sci-fi movies. Another friend called it “the fashion that the ’80s thought the future would have.” Before you get upset at us for being catty, remember, she won. We’re the idiots, apparently.

Our choice for ‘Project Runway’ winner

In case you are wondering, we all agreed that Carol Hannah should have won with her more practical, modern-looking line. Althea’s looked to me like a revival of the shabby-chic look that dawned a few years ago, but it was way too shabby, not very chic, and soooo two years ago.

My cousin in San Diego even agreed that Carol Hannah should have won, but she was the first to be told she was out and get auf wiedersehened. Clearly, the point of Bryant Park fashion week is not to display clothing that people would actually wear. Every season of “Project Runway” feature some talk about “show pieces” and “translating” what is on the runway into “real clothing.” I still don’t get the point. After six seasons of “Project Runway,” I probably never will.

‘Project Runway’ finale recap

The commercials promoting the “Project Runway” finale made a big deal about the fact that Tim Gunn said he was “going to lose it.” Yes, he did say that, but apparently Tim Gunn’s version of “losing it” is emphatically adjusting his spectacles, then propping his chin upon his fist and making an angry face. Oh, if only we could all control our tempers so well.

The editors also seemed to highlight Carol Hannah being sick, Irina being short and bossy with her assistant Gordanna and Althea almost crying when Irina — once again — implied she was copying her. Carol Hannah and Althea both got major kudos for their “surprise” 13th looks, but of course that footage was probably meant to throw us of the scent of who would be the season six “Project Runway” winner. Check out photos of Irina’s beffudling — er, I mean Irina’s winning collection.

It was designed to break your heart. And its falling value has an impact on all our lives. (Photo: flickr.com)

Under both the Bush and Obama administrations, U.S. government spending – financed by government borrowing – has skyrocketed, resulting in a prolonged decline of the value of the dollar. This trend escalated with the Federal Reserve’s reaction to the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis and the dramatic drop in interest rates. Today, with interest rates still low and government borrowing still rising, the dollar continues its steady decline. Recently the dollar has reached new all time lows against the Euro and other major currencies resulting in a lot of concern about the dollar’s viability internationally. It has even been argued in some quarters that the United States may have its national credit rating lowered.

Does it Really Matter to Most Americans?

Economic optimists point out that most Americans do not travel abroad for significant periods of time, meaning that currency conversion rates do not matter to them. They also argue that a weak dollar helps the economy by stimulating American exports. Both of these arguments are valid, but they fail to take into account the ways that a declining dollar does affect the domestic economy. While your average American may not have to worry about converting his cash into euros, your average American does buy a lot of imported goods and though the weak dollar does help exports, exports constitute less than 15 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), so only a few benefit.

The Weak Dollar and the Cost of Imports

Goods that are imported into the United States, even if the trade is denominated in dollars, are directly affected by the value of the dollar. The weaker the dollar is, the less value it has abroad, so those countries exporting to the United States have to increase the price to compensate for this. Among the most vital of these imports is oil, upon which the United States is largely dependent. A weaker dollar means that oil and all of its derivatives increase in price. The same can be said for all imported goods, from clothing and textiles to components in ostensibly “American-made” products. The lower the dollar, the more expensive all imported goods are to the average American consumer.

Dollar Value and Foreign Investment

The United States has been heavily reliant on foreign investment for decades now. Foreign investment in government debt is what keeps the federal government solvent. Similarly, foreign investment in our financial system – banks, major corporations, securities markets – is also essential to keeping the economy sound and money circulating through the system. However, since virtually all of these investments are denominated in dollars, a declining dollar discourages foreign investment. Since the U.S. requires this foreign investment, the logical answer is to make American investments more attractive by increasing the interest rates, but this significantly hurts domestic debtors.

Yes, the Declining Value of the Dollar Does Matter

Although most Americans do not have to worry about directly converting their dollars to foreign currencies, virtually all Americans do have to deal with the increased price of imported goods, from gasoline to running shoes. The point that the weak dollar helps American exports is also valid, but the export sector amounts to less than 15 percent of the economy, whereas the more expensive imports affect virtually all Americans. Further, since the government and financial industry have to encourage continued foreign investment, it means that interest rates are likely to increase, putting increased pressure on domestic debtors, from mortgage holders to people with large credit card bills.

Is There Anything You Can Do About This?

The factors behind the declining dollar are macroeconomic in nature and the key player, the Federal Reserve, is not directly accountable to the public. Those with large investment portfolios may want to consider diversifying some of their holdings into assets denominated in other currencies to serve as a hedge, but this is only an option for a minority of Americans. There may also be some value in investing your retirement and savings in international mutual funds, those based on foreign assets. Otherwise, there are few options available to your average American. Nevertheless, it is important to understand that the declining dollar does directly impact you.

(Photo: flickr.com)

Depositor confidence in the banking system is vital to the working of the modern economy. Banks lend out money assuming that they are not going to face a situation where all their depositors demand to withdraw funds simultaneously. At the same time, depositors entrust their money to the bank, believing they can withdraw it when they need to do so. A hundred years ago, many people still kept their savings at home. Those who deposited money in a bank would often rush to take their money out at the first rumors of trouble. These “runs” on banks were common causes of the bank collapses these depositors feared. The establishment of the FDIC in 1913 was prompted by a financial crisis in 1907 when the US Stock Exchange fell by 50 percent. This triggered many runs on banks and trust companies.

What Happens When a Bank Fails?

As soon as a state bank is unable to pay off all its creditors, the FDIC intervenes. They try to act in a way that does not draw public attention – the last thing they want is to cause a run on the bank. Their staff of bank analysts, accountants and other financial professionals makes a detailed survey of the bank’s assets. The aim is both to reach an assessment of the bank’s value as well as uncovering the reason for its failure.

The FDIC has the authority to close a bank, or alternatively take control of its management. Generally the preferred approach is to seek a buyer who is interested in taking over the failed bank. The FDIC is willing to offer inducements to buyers of failed banks. For example, they might agree to reimburse the takeover bank for 80 percent of the losses it is going to incur through acquiring delinquent loans.

Has Depositor Confidence Been Damaged Beyond Repair?

FDIC statistics show that over a 120 banks have collapsed in 2009 and the year is still not over. Compare this with 2007, when there were just three bank collapses. The FDIC recognizes the need to address public concern over loss of deposits due to bank collapses. This is one of the prime reasons why they guarantee deposits of up to $100,000 in banks with FDIC insurance. Sheila Bair, Chairman of the FDIC, seeks to reassure Americans that the crisis is under control: “Our projection right now is bank failures will continue at a pretty good clip through 2011. Again, we’re prepared for it; we’re ready for it. The rate of healing in the economy will drive the rate of healing of the banking sector.”

Are Bank Failures Unmitigated Disasters?

To the wealthiest depositors and investors who stand to lose a considerable amount, there is no doubt that a bank collapsing is very bad news. Management and employees are also going to be concerned over the loss of jobs that is almost inevitably going to happen. However, from a macro-economic perspective, failure is not necessarily a great disaster. While the recent spate of bank collapses has certainly damaged confidence in the U.S. economy, some economists argue that over the long term there may be benefits. The disappearance of the weakest banks is viewed by these analysts as a healthy development that strengthens the economy.

Critics say "New Moon" is built on Taylor Lautner's sex appeal, and apparently that foundation is enough to earn big box office bucks. Image from Wikimedia.

On Rotten Tomatoes, “The Twilight Saga: New Moon” reviews were 70 percent “rotten.” As of now 10 a.m. Friday morning, it has gotten 86 bad reviews. At Metacritic, only 46 percent of the reviews were good. However, I’d bet my emergency money that this film will be among the top box office sellers of all time.

I have discovered time and again that a film’s reviews and its box office sales often do not reflect each other. This may be one of the best examples of this phenomenon to date. “New Moon” box office sales, after last night’s showing at midnight releases, are expected to hit between $85 million and $100 million this weekend.

Breaking hearts and records

Even more amazing, “New Moon” broke the all-time record for most advance tickets sold. On Fandango, while “New Moon” has the record for most advance tickets sold, No. 2 is last night’s re-release of the first “Twilight” movie, which played before “New Moon” in many theaters last night.

It appears Stephanie Zacharek  really wanted this film to be good, but it wasn’t up to par for the Salon.com critic. She wrote: “New Moon offers few of the juicy, go-for-broke romantic pleasures of its predecessor, and the movie is so badly shaped that it’s hard not to blame Weitz as a director.”

Word from the fans

Of course, though good “New Moon” reviews were the minority, they are out there. “New Moon” got 37 good reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. “New Moon is little more than a skillful soap opera, but it’s still enjoyable escapism – even if you’re old and wise enough to see through it,” wrote Anna Smith from Time Out.

“If you’re a romantic at heart who doesn’t mind shelling out $12 to watch a couple of adolescent boy hotties strut their stuff, you might as well just go and enjoy the eye candy. ‘Cause it’s kind of worth it,” wrote David Foucher from EDGE Boston.

Not buying it

Most critics agree with Sonny Bunch from the Washington Times, who wrote “There’s little in the way of forward momentum until the final 30 minutes; stretching out this picture to longer than two hours was indefensible.” Daily Mail, in the UK, says “New Moon” is “Tedious, long-winded and not so much undead as almost entirely devoid of life.”

For those of you who want to hear from an actual “Twihard” who gave it a bad review, Kevin McCarthy from BDK Reviews wrote: “New Moon lacks the chemistry and passion that made Twilight so special. The sequel focuses more on the gratuitous sex appeal of the two lead male stars.”

A solid sales strategy

If McCarthy is right, and the film focuses on sex appeal, “New Moon” box office sales are all set to meet expectations and go through the roof. For decades films have made millions off the sex appeal of the lead characters. The only difference in this decade is that the sexiness keeps getting sexier.

Indeed, Willie Waffle echoes McCarthy’s sentiment, but he gave the film an overall good review. “Gives fans what they want (hot young dudes who don’t wear shirts), and might surprise a few people who didn’t expect much.”

Cash advance loans can be a fast cash infusion for businesses, too. (Photo: flickr.com)

All businesses should be capable of weathering any situation, good or bad. This is of dire importance, particularly when these situations affect the money that is invested in the business. To help businesses deal with the evolving and sometimes unstable economy, there are now cash advance loans. These loans are helpful because they allow a business to obtain cash in the easiest possible way, and can be the simplest way to resolve any emergency needs for large sums of money.

How Does this Service Work?

Obtaining this loan requires future credit card sales and a merchant account. The merchant is eligible to get money from the lender once they agree on a part of the merchant’s future profit as the payment. First, the merchant gets to decide what percentage of this profit is sent to the lender when, in the future, a credit card sale is completed. The lender will then give the money to the merchant and wait on a MasterCard or Visa payment.

Why Choose this Over a Business Loan or Line of Credit?

The main appeal of choosing to obtain a cash advance loan instead of opting for the more traditional business line of credit or business loan is that this service offers a much faster way of gaining capital for your business, while being extremely easy to process. Payment of this loan is completely automated. The minute you process your MasterCard or Visa payment, you have already started paying back your lender. The speed with which you can obtain this loan makes it a great way to get large sums of money in emergency situations. Bank loans and line of credit loans usually take a much longer time to follow through, and in the meantime you could be losing valuable business. With business cash advance loans, you can easily avoid this.

Other Advantages of Cash Advance Loans

Business loans are often denied based on bad credit history. However, this option does not require excellent credit history.  Lenders are also flexible and will consider your business’s financial situation. If profits are only coming in very slowly, they will allow you to pay lower amounts.

Unlike business loans, applying for cash advance loans does not involve any collateral. Nor does it involve any fixed terms or fees. You can apply for and be approved for this loan in just a few hours, making it an ideal option to take when you need the cash immediately. A lot of the difficulties that you would usually face when opting for a business loan or a business line of credit are eliminated with this type of loan. This makes it perfect for any day during which you unexpectedly need large sums of money.

Use the Money as You Like

Another benefit is the fact that you are allowed to use the money in any way you please. Often with business loans, you sign an agreement that compels you to spend the money only in the ways that are agreed upon. You are not under this restraint when it comes to a business cash advance.

Apply for Cash Advance Loans HERE!

Jeep Patriot image from Flickr.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has come out with its annual list of Top Safety Picks. Eight SUVs and 19 cars have been given Top Safety Pick awards for 2010. People who want to make sure they’re getting the safest cars before filling out a personal loan application for a car loan should definitely check out this list.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety named six vehicles made by Ford, which makes Volvos, Top Safety Picks. Subaru and Volkswagen each had five vehicles named on the list. The Institute picked four Chrysler vehicles.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

For 50 years, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has operated for the purpose of reducing automobile accidents and injuries. The Institute is a non-profit organization that gets its funding from insurance companies. Each year, four tests are conducted to determine the Top Safety Picks:

1. Frontal offset impact test
2. Side impact test
3. Rear crash protection and head restraint ratings
4. Roof strength test

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also rates child booster seats for cars and other consumer products. Of course, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has been accused in the past of serving the interests of the insurance companies rather than the public, which is why vehicle testing is highly regulated. It has also come under scrutiny for being unfairly hard on motorcycles, but who are we kidding? Motorcycles are not known for their safety features.

New safety requirements

The New York Times noted that there were some major changes in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list. For instance, last year 94 vehicles were named on the Top Safety Picks list, and this year there were only 27. Furthermore, Toyota and it subsidiaries last year earned a total of 11 Top Safety Picks awards, and this year the company, which includes the Lexus and Scion brands, got none at all.

In order to make the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s Top Safety Picks list this year, vehicles had to get a rating of “good” on the roof strength test, which measures rollover protection, was required in order to make the list. “Good” is the highest rating. This change caused Toyota vehicles to be shut out, the length of the list to be reduced dramatically and the Honda Accord to be left off the list after it made the 2008 and 2009 lists.

Auto industry impact

Naturally, safety ratings play a big part for many consumers when they are considering vehicle purchases. After a couple of tumultuous years in the auto industry, the stellar safety ratings for Ford should help the company stay afloat while we ride out the rest of the recession.

Chrysler should be particularly encouraged by its four wins after it had to file for bankruptcy protection this year. Sales of the four vehicles that made the list should help stabilize the company. Those four vehicles are:

• Chrysler Sebring 4-door with electronic stability control
• Dodge Avenger with electronic stability control
• Dodge Journey
• Jeep Patriot with side torso air bags

Check out the full list of vehicles that made the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s list in the New York Times’ Wheels column.

(Photo via Exalthim, Flickr.com)

The power of the internet is unlimited. It has evolved into something of global demand as more people are leaving the traditional ways of communicating and running to the internet to give ‘fast’ and ‘convenience’ a whole new meaning. Just about everything can be accessed online; payday loans, cars, household goods, clothing, and even tools for credit repair. The internet has become one of the major, most dynamic ways to communicate. It has only improved over the years and continues to open new doors to other monetary options and striking opportunities.

Employment Opportunity: Netflix Jobs

Netflix, the nation’s largest online DVD service, has been the number one source for online movie rentals for the past decade. Now, Netflix is taking their online service to a professional standpoint by offering employment opportunities to everyone across the United States. Netflix jobs can be reviewed on their website. Get on their job opportunities page, type in a preferred position, and easily search through their locations and departments for job openings.

Company History

Netflix was founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings who said he had no idea if people would actually use his service. The Internet has proved itself yet again to be a viable asset to any market. In 1999, Netflix launched its Internet-based subscription service and signed up some 239,000 subscribers in the first year. Today they have amassed a vast collection of 100,000 titles and approximately 10 million subscribers. What an accomplishment!

More Netflix Jobs Info

According to Wikipedia, the company is well-known for its worker-oriented culture, including unlimited vacation time for salaried workers. Netflix is also known for its innovative management practices. In order to attract the best talents and employ the most qualified individuals, the company pays salaries that are generally much higher than customary. Netflix is one of the few companies that allow employees to take any amount of their paychecks in stock options.
“We’re unafraid to pay high… At most companies, average performers get an average raise,” says Hastings. “At Netflix, they get a generous severance package.”

Image from Flickr.

“Project Runway” season six, its first season airing on Lifetime rather than Bravo, is nearing its end. The finale airs Thursday, and we will find out whether Althea, Irina or Carol Hannah will win the prize money and all of the other perks.

Wednesday’s “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” which Bravo thankfully managed to keep around, will pit the final five chefs against each other. To get you prepared for this delightful week on cable, I offer you recaps of “Project Runway” and “Top Chef: Las Vegas” because I love them so — both, I can’t pick. It’s like choosing between personal loan companies — they’ve all got what I want!

Top five on ‘Top Chef’

I think most viewers — and I know the remaining chefs — believe now that Robin is gone, we are really down to the very best of the bunch. Everyone still in the competition most definitely deserves to be there. Truth be told, I am a softy and I always felt sorry for Robin because the other chefs were mean to her.

They continued to be mean to her during episode 11, but on the most recent challenge, it was clear that it was Robin’s time  to go. I think she probably makes much better food than I ever could, but she kept repeating the same mistake: Rather than perfecting dishes that she knew she could do well, she was always trying brand new things. It finally caught up with her on “Top Chef” season six, episode 11.

Strong get stronger, weak go home

If it wasn’t clear that Robin was the weak link going into episode 11 (it was), it became apparent quickly. She left a huge mess in the kitchen after creating her quickfire breakfast in bed for Padma and Nigella Lawson, who is a huge big shot in the food world. Eli won with what Nigella called “a good hangover breakfast.” It was a reuben sandwich/eggs benedict hybrid, and it made it into the Top Chef Quickfire recipe book.

The elimination challenge was to create a dish inspired by one of those elaborate Vegas hotels. Robin, once again, took on way too much and tried a brand new experiment. She tried to make sugar panes that represented the glass sculpture all over the ceiling at the Bellagio. She failed. The sugar didn’t even make it onto the plate, leaving her with a boring dessert.

On the other end of things, Michael — or Voltaggio the Younger — won the challenge with his crispy buffalo wings, inspired by New York, New York. I find a lot of comfort in the fact that my love for buffalo wings doesn’t mean I have an unsophisticated palate.

Fastest ‘Project Runway’ recap in the West

Here’s a summation of what happened on “Project Runway,” the season six finale Part I: Nothing. Yes, it was the episode where Tim Gunn went to visit the designers as they worked on their collections. Then the designers checked into their hotel. Then Heidi told them there was a “surprise.” They had to create another look for their collections before the show in Bryant Park.

Sorry, Heidi, but six seasons in, this is not a surprise. In fact, if Carol Hannah, Irina and Althea didn’t show up for the finale with an idea of what else they’d make, they’ve obviously not been following the show. Just two more days, folks, and the suspense will be through! Yes, it’s a little sad to see season six come to an end and begin the long wait until season seven.

Image from Flickr.

Like a couple of runaway teenagers proclaiming they “don’t need nobody!” Coke and Costco are sticking to their respective guns. The result is that Costco won’t restock Coke products until the companies reach an agreement. Costco and Coke couldn’t agree on  pricing, so Costco said it won’t order Coke products unless the Coca-Cola Company comes down on prices. This is a financial situation that payday loans can’t fix.

Though Costco is one of the largest wholesale retailers in the U.S., Coca-Cola Company is definitely the Goliath of this fight. Coke is the largest soft drink maker in the world, and let’s not forget the Coca-Cola Company owns several non-soft-drink brands, too. The outcome of this feud will likely depend on whether the absence of the Coca-Cola Company’s many beverage brands puts a dent in Costco’s profits.

Coca-Cola brand recognition

It’s tough to predict how much of an effect not carrying Coke products will have on Costco. For every person who will gladly drink any cola flavored beverage at hand, there’s a person who says “just water” after a restaurant server says they carry Pepsi. For every office employee who uses whatever vending machine is available, there’s one who will walk across the street to buy his or her favorite brand of soda.

The cola wars have successfully created a large group of people who are vehemently loyal in each camp, but Costco will just have to do the math to find out whether paying the price for Coke is worth it. My gut tells me that Costco customers are more concerned with saving money than they are with brand loyalty. However…

Coke is more than Coke

We must bear in mind that it isn’t just cola at stake here. The Coca-Cola Company owns many beverage brands, including Sprite and Barq’s rootbeer. It also makes Vitamin Water, Minute Maid products, Odwalla, Powerade and Dasani bottled water, just to name a few.

Costco does carry substitues for most Coca-Cola Company products, but there are definitely customers who will opt to buy their favorite beverages elsewhere rather than buying another brand of orange juice or Vitarain instead of Vitaminwater. The question is how many.

Mr. T image from Wikimedia.

We all know at least one. World of Warcraft players are among us, sometimes in unexpected places. For instance, I wouldn’t have pegged Mr. T for a World of Warcraft fan, but he is the new spokesman for the online game that has captivated more than 10 million players.

Mr. T is not just trying to sell WoW, though, he’s putting his own special spin on it with a new “weapon,” the mohawk grenade. World of Warcraft entertains millions of people, and some of those people are not even players. For instance, I know a writer for a payday loan company who has never played World of Warcraft but is always entertained by little news tidbits and popular videos that involve WoW every so often. OK, that person I know is me.

Why I approve of the mohawk grenade

I was delighted to read about the mohawk grenade because not only is it a funny concept, it’s harmless. The mohawk grenade doesn’t harm the characters it hits, it simply transforms their hairstyles into Mr. T’s signature look.

Reports say that mohawk grenades are available to players in North America today, and overseas friends will have access to them next week. Each mohawk grenade has five charges, and once you use one up you can buy another.

How to get a mohawk grenade

You can get a mohawk grenade in World of Warcraft by locating a Night Elf Mohawk non-player character outside a starting zone. Everything I’ve read says you can “claim” it. So … good luck with that.

There’s no official word on how long the mohawk grenade will be available, but it’s a temporary feature. If all of the “weapons” in World of Warcraft worked this way, I’d definitely consider playing. I wonder what other fun weapons WoW could come up with? Maybe a grenade that makes the target talk like a pirate? I’d definitely use grenades that gave people funny accents or made them talk like Sarah Palin.

More fun with Warcraft

The last time I got a good laugh out of World of Warcraft news was when I came across this video of a boy completely losing it after his mom canceled his WoW account. Of course, the authenticity of this video has been questioned all along. However, even if this particular video was staged, everyone who knows an avid WoW player can attest to the fact that it’s at least based on a true story.

Payday loans are heavily regulated in the Canadian province of Manitoba. This flies in the face of reason, as 310-LOAN's executive study indicates. (Photo: picasaweb.google.com)

Governments both large and small often take it upon themselves to decide what consumers should or shouldn’t be able to do with their own money. Call this the “nanny state” mentality if you will. Regardless, it seems that a population is somewhat less than empowered if the ability to make financial choices is taken away, replaced by rules (explicit or otherwise). Through the eyes of capitalism, if consumers are not afforded self-determination, the market flounders and the people become increasingly dependent upon their government for financial protection.

The payday loans industry has taken its lumps when it comes to regulation-happy governments. Despite well-reasoned arguments that reflect the trends, tendencies and – dare I say it – general will of the people, numerous governments have managed to push through legislation that effectively kills consumer choice and destroys the payday lending industry within the affected region. In addition to the obvious unemployment that results from such careless legislation, the consumers who demanded the payday loan product are driven to less desirable (more expensive) alternatives. There’s a reason they weren’t depending upon the traditional banking system in the first place. Just because payday lending is regulated out of states and provinces doesn’t mean all of the consumers who depending upon payday loans are acceptable risks by traditional banking industry standards.

Manitoba Allows 17 Percent APR

This rate cannot sustain a payday lending business that relies upon payday loans alone for operating profits. It’s been proven many times over. Canada’s provinces have made life difficult for businesses that offer payday loans. British Columbia has a 23 percent APR rate cap, Quebec caps rates at 35 percent and Nova Scotia allows 60 percent. Compared with Nova Scotia, it seems that Manitoba payday lending lobbyists forgot to show up for the party. I jest, of course. One 2007 study by Andrew Smyth and Nathan Slee of 310-LOAN (considered to be Canada’s largest direct payday lender) makes such a clear case that one wonders if Manitoba’s government even read it. If they had read it and still voted to go with a 17 percent APR cap, you’d wonder either what axe they have to grind or who was fronting their retreat to Aruba.

“Evidence pertaining to public hearings before the Manitoba Public Utility Board to determine maximum allowable charges and fees for payday loans“

To preface the study, the authors cite a comment by Manitoba’s Minister of Finance at the time, Greg Selinger. Selinger said that “The intention is not to drive the companies out of business, because people are showing an interest in having this service, but to make sure that when they offer the service they do it in a way that’s just and reasonable.”

What is “Just and Reasonable?”

310-LOAN, according to the authors, clearly explains their fee structure to customers before any agreements are signed. They also verify that customers are actively employed as opposed to depending upon pensions or social assistance. That is a reasonable way to treat one’s payday loan customers, it would seem. Furthermore, 310-LOAN will not accept applicants who already have more than two NSF transactions in their recent banking history or more than one outstanding payday loan with another lender. They accept applicants who can reasonably repay their payday loans. Such is a protection for both the consumer and the payday loan company. Just and reasonable care is taken that neither party is exploited.

Who Uses Payday Loans?

The study authors utilize payday loan studies from Statistics Canada (StatsCan), IpsosReid, Environics, The Public Interest Advocacy Centre (PIAC) and StratCom. When available, these findings are compared against the general Manitoban population. The data for Manitoba indicates that payday loans are used by consumers who earn a slightly below average income for the province, but these consumers are far from being the “victimized poor.”

Average Age: Neither Too Young nor Too Old

According to Environics, the average Manitoba payday loans customer is 39 years old. StatsCan puts the number at 39.5, while PIAC found the average to be 42. With these and all the following results, it should be noted (and perhaps goes without saying) that the survey audiences are not identical.

Gender Split

It’s nearly a 50/50 split according to most studies. The 2006 Census for Manitoba gave a three to four percent bump up for female payday loan customers, however.

Marital Status: Most are From Married Households

The 2006 Census found that 48 percent of payday loan customers in Manitoba were married. Environics recorded 49 percent while PIAC was significantly higher at 59 percent. For single payday loan customers, the numbers were almost identical across the board: 35 percent by the Census, 35 by Environics and 31 percent according to PIAC. Only a small sample listed themselves as separated, divorced or widowed: 17 percent in the Census, 15 percent by Environics’ count and 10 percent according to PIAC.

They Will Have Residency

Partakers of payday loans in Manitoba tend to weight more heavily toward being renters, but the RBC Home Ownership Survey used for a portion of the data indicates that a majority (61 percent) do indeed own homes. In total, renters totaled 39 (RBC), 76 (Environics) and 41 percent of the respondents. Home ownership was 61 percent according to RBC, 21 percent for Environics and 59 percent for PIAC. The variations in the Environics study are curious, but not discussed by the study authors.

Household Income: Below Average, But Not Poor

Manitoba’s payday loan portrait is decidedly middle-class according to data the study authors present. Using 2001 Census data for the province, the average income for all Manitobans was $58,360. Looking at payday loan customers, PIAC found that the average income level was $51,400 and StratCom (using stats for Toronto in the Ontario province) marked it at $53,480. Environics was considerably lower at $41,376, while StratCom (using Vancouver, British Columbia data) was $42,026.

Education Level: Educated Payday Loan Customers

Using the same sources as the previous indicator, the 2001 Census found that 23 percent of Manitobans had graduated from university, 31 percent had gone to college or vocational school and 24 percent had at least a high school diploma (leaving 23 percent under that education level). StratCom (again for Vancouver) puts those numbers at 16, 28, 44 and 12 percent, respectively. StratCom Toronto clocks in at 26, 36, 34 and a miniscule three percent (more highly educated in urban Ontario, it seems). Environics’ distribution is 21, 43, 20 and 14 percent and PIAC’s is 18, 23 52 and six percent.

Employment: Payday Loan Customers Have Steady Jobs

As stated earlier, 310-LOAN requires that their customers be gainfully employed. While this standard is not exclusive in the payday lending industry as a whole, it is a dominant requirement to which most lenders adhere. Looking first at the general population of Manitoba as surveyed by Environics, we see the following breakdown, supporting the notion that payday loans in Manitoba and beyond are taken by consumers with the ability to repay:

• Employed: 62 percent
• Unemployed: Four percent (very low by today’s standards)
• Student: Six percent
• Retired: 21 percent
• Homemaker: Four percent

The total sample of payday loan customers taken by StratCom (Vancouver and Toronto) is as follows:

• Employed: 89 percent
• Unemployed: Four percent
• Student: One percent
• Retired: Four percent
• Homemaker: One percent

For Environics in Manitoba:

• Employed: 78 percent
• Unemployed: Seven percent
• Student: Two percent
• Retired: Five percent
• Homemaker: Two percent

And finally PIAC:

• Employed: 70 percent
• Unemployed: 10 percent
• Student: Eight percent
• Retired: Seven percent
• Homemaker: Five percent

Why Does Manitoba Use Payday Loans?

Emergency cash and money to cover unexpected expenses are the main reasons given in the PIAC and Environics studies, report the 310-LOAN study authors. Environics also found that consumers use payday loans to avoid bouncing a check. For Environics:

• Necessary Emergency Cash: 36 percent
• Covering Surprise Expenses: 24 percent
• To Cover a Potential Bounced Check: 21 percent
• Short-term Income Shortage: 11 percent
• For Discretionary Purchases: Four percent
• Other: Three percent

PIAC showed similar results, but notice the differences, which are not excluded to the categories PIAC respondents didn’t even cite that did rank in the Environics study:

• Necessary Emergency Cash: 31 percent
• Covering Surprise Expenses: 34 percent
• Bounced Check: Seven percent (why it’s so much lower is unclear)
• For a Major Purchase: Five percent
• Discretionary Purchases: 16 percent (why so much higher?)

When Banks Simply Won’t Do

Speed, convenience, privacy and the ability to handle emergency financial situations were all significant indicators for payday loan customers across multiple study sources. In addition, there is some evidence that suggests some dissatisfaction with traditional banking sources. See the authors’ study for specific numbers. It should also be noted that the studies referenced lean significantly toward “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” for consumer approval level with payday loans and alternative financial services.

What Does a Harsh Rate Cap Do to Payday Loans in Manitoba?

310-LOAN’s study authors attempt to illustrate this is terms of where their own business is in the product life cycle. They claim payday lending is reaching the maturity stage, where saturation in society is relatively high. “In the case of payday loans, as more lenders appear, consumers are more exposed to the product and more inclined to use it,” write the authors. The saturation tends to intensify competition, leading the market toward greater self-regulation of pricing. This competition ultimately benefits the consumer, but the competition must be allowed to reach its apex if they are to fully reap the benefits. That’s the nature of a free-market economy.

Canadian Government Thinks Competition Should Already Be Maxed

Thus, they think rates should have already reached the lowest “consumer-friendly” point. Since they consider rates to be too high (a notion that the average consumer surveyed disputes), governments impose rate caps. It kills payday lenders, but does not kill demand for payday loans.

310-LOAN finds that while payday lending has grown quickly, supply is only now starting to catch up with demand. Their support for this notion is that payday loan industry advertising spending in Manitoba has begun to exceed revenue increases only in this most recent stage in payday lending’s life cycle. Earlier findings (where the supply was lower) wouldn’t need excessive advertising in order to gain customers. Demand provided fuel for growth.

Section 347 of the Criminal Code Has Delayed Saturation

Legal woes for the payday loan industry have slowed growth. This is not to say that the product is illegal; it certainly is not. But enough roadblocks were set up by the Canadian legal system to slow payday loan industry growth. In many cases, it was even a barrier to entry for potential payday lenders. This kept many potential investors away as well.

Competition and Lower Rates: the U.S. Model

The authors cite a Federal Reserve study by Donald Morgan (”Defining and Detecting Predatory Lending“) in which the connection between more payday loan stores per capita and lower rates is made quite clear. This does not mean, as the authors comment on a 60 percent APR cap that some Manitoba lawmakers had proposed before going off the deep end at 17 percent, that such a rate would be sustainable. That’s far from the truth in their estimation. In fact, it had been widely acknowledged that 60 percent is not financially viable for payday loan companies.

“Without an agreed upon method of calculating an unconscionable rate,” write the study authors, “we suggest that the board consider the costs involved in issuing short-term, small sum loans in the market today in order to effectively set the limit on the cost of borrowing.” Using a well-known Ernst & Young study, they note the profit margins for what are considered to be Canada’s “big five” banks:

• CIBC: 23.61 percent
• BMO Bank of Montreal: 27.43 percent
• RBC Royal Bank: 23.26 percent
• Scotiabank: 32.81 percent
• TD Canada Trust: 35.51 percent
  Average: 28.52 percent

Also based upon Ernst & Young findings, the authors note that the rate for issuing a $279 payday loan is $74.08. That’s 26.55 percent for the loan issued, which compares quite favorably with the average banking profit margin above. Based upon the authors’ interpretation of data on 11 payday lenders, such a rate would allow 10 of them to “remain in the market and stimulate and immediate increase in supply and investment in the payday loan industry.”

The Risks of an Excessively Low Rate Ceiling

Allow the industry to evolve in a natural free-market setting, argue the study authors. That will enhance both product and pricing according to consumer need. Set the rates too low and lenders must slash costs wherever possible and abandon efforts to meet consumer need. For instance, allowing for installment loans has proven to be popular with consumers in many locations, but the cost associated would be impossible to swallow for lenders if rates are cut to the proverbial quick. For consumers, there is anecdotal evidence that the convenience of installment loans would outweigh having the least expensive loan possible under law.

Life Dictates Debt, Not Payday Lenders

Situations like job loss, illness and family or other personal difficulties tend to have the greatest impact upon a consumer’s ability to repay short term credit such as payday loans. Yet the Manitoba government (or any government) wants the public to believe that it is the rates of supposedly predatory lenders that cause the problem. Thus, they see rate caps as the only answer. Consumers and even economists do not tend to share such views. Interest rate caps to not solve personal and societal issues; they merely restrict the free market and tend to add trouble rather than subtract it.

John Cusack stars in "2012." Image from Picasa.

The world is going to end — again. Previews of and commentary surrounding the film “2012″ remind me of the constant speculating and paranoia during the two years or so before the year 2000 hit. I’m not really sure exactly how rumors that the world was going to end or that we could expect the Second Coming of Christ began, but they were everywhere and even easier to find than money lenders.

Furthermore, most people were pretty sure that all of the computers in the world would somehow be rendered useless as soon as the clock struck Jan. 1, 2000. Well, now that that’s passed and we’re all still here, it’s time to start focusing on the next end of the world, which is featured in the movie “2012.” I don’t personally know any people who believe that the world will really end in 2010, when the Mayan Calendar says it will, but I do know that people are fascinated by thoughts of the world ending.

‘2012′ pulls in the big bucks

The film “2012,” which stars John Cusack and details the upcoming apocalypse, beat out all of the other films in theaters in terms of ticket sales over the weekend. Perhaps it’s because it was the only new wide release, as “Pirate Radio” only was released in a few hundred theaters across the country.

“2012″ made $65 million, pushing “Disney’s A Christmas Carol” from the No. 1 spot to No. 2. “The Men Who Stare at Goats” came in third for ticket sales with $6.1 million. “Precious,” a Tyler Perry/Oprah project expanded and did well, snagging the No. 4 spot with $6.1 million in ticket sales. That’s a pretty amazing feat, considering that “Precious” is showing in less than 200 theaters. “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” remained in the top five, making $5.1 million.

More about ‘2012′

The Mayan Long Count calendar comes to an end on Dec. 21, 2012. This is actually the year 5125 on that calendar. Some theories state that this date marks a positive spiritual experience or awakening for humankind. Others say it marks the apocalypse.

Of course, the film “2012″ focuses on the idea that disaster will strike. Filmmakers have made it pretty clear that the film is only loosely based on the Mayan calendar. It’s not really meant to reflect the beliefs of the people who follow that calendar, it’s just a disaster movie designed to sell tickets — and sell tickets it did.

Box office top 10

Amazingly, despite horrible reviews, both “Fourth Kind” and “Couples Retreat” did well at the box office, coming in sixth and seventh place, respectively. I am pretty surprised that “Couples Retreat” is still pulling in viewers. It has been out for five weeks. “Paranormal Activity” came in eighth place at the box office.

This weekend alone, “Paranormal Activity” made more than $4 million, even though it only cost $11,000 to make. It has made more than $100 million to date. Rounding out the top 10 box office moneymakers, “Law Abiding Citzen” made $3.9 million, and “The Box” pulled in $3.2 million.

Image of Sarah Palin from Flickr.

Though Sarah Palin’s book, “Going Rogue: An American Life,” officially comes out tomorrow, copies of the book already are making the rounds. Many people have pre-ordered the book from Amazon, and ABC News reports John McCain has already received a signed copy.

An interview with Sarah Palin will air on “Oprah” today. Next week’s Newsweek cover, which will come out Nov. 23, features Sarah Palin. The “Oprah” show and the Newsweek cover might sound like the ultimate publicity machine — and they might be. I have no doubt that lots of copies of “Going Rogue” will sell. Though Palin and her fans hope “Going Rogue” will serve as a form of credit repair,

If  no news is good news…

However, I think many people won’t be buying “Going Rogue” for the reasons Palin would want them to. New York Daily News reports that “Going Rogue” already is more popular than Sarah Palin herself. And the Sarah Palin Newsweek cover certainly doesn’t paint her in a favorable light.

Whoever said “there’s no such thing as bad publicity” probably never saw his or her own picture on the cover of Newsweek with the words “How do you solve a problem like Sarah?” next to it and a subhead that says “She’s bad news for the GOP — and for everybody else, too.” Check out a photo of Sarah Palin on the Newsweek cover from NewsBusters.

Sarah Palin plus Newsweek plus Oprah

One thing is for sure, most Americans will know by the end of the day today that Sarah Palin’s “Going Rogue” officially comes out tomorrow. For those who don’t watch “Oprah” or have televisions, they’ll find out when Sarah Palin is on the Newsweek cover, if not before.

“Going Rogue” will likely sell a lot of copies and thus help Sarah Palin financially, but it’s debatable whether it will help her political career. In fact, it might hurt her. Already, before the book has even been released to the public, aides who worked for the McCain-Palin campaign are disputing parts of the book, saying they’re not true. ABC reports that many aides were not exactly Sarah Palin fans. Already people who worked for her have set out to prove wrong some of the stories she shares in “Going Rogue.”

Sarah Palin popularity

I was pretty surprised to read in the Daily News that 43 percent of Americans who participated in a poll view Palin favorably. That seems pretty nigh to me, but I guess that’s just a reflection of my own circle of acquaintances.

Until people have a chance to read it themselves, it’s impossible to say whether “Going Rouge” will improve Sarah Palin’s popularity. I am sure the Newsweek cover of Sarah Palin will turn some heads and maybe turn a few more people against her. Of course, it could also catalyze her fan base to defend her and push even harder for her to get a job in the White House. Maybe 2012 will be the Year of the Maverick! (Palin, if you steal that for your campaign slogan, I want royalties.)

Philip Seymour Hoffman stars in "Pirate Radio." Image from Wikimedia.

I am a pretty decisive person. For instance, when I saw the “Pirate Radio” trailer, I decided less than a minute in, “I definitely want to see that movie.” When I saw the “Fantastic Mr. Fox” trailer, I thought “I definitely do not want to see that movie.”

Based on that, I’d predict that “Pirate Radio” reviews would say the movie was great and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” reviews would say that movie is lame. However, despite the fact that I made predictions about movies pretty much on a weekly basis, I am really bad at it. So, naturally, the “Fantastic Mr. Fox” reviews are overwhelmingly favorable and “Pirate Radio” reviews are mediocre at best. Foiled again! Good thing I didn’t bet my cash till payday on it.

Not psychic but stubborn

Still, despite the fact that all of the critics think “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is indeed fantastic and “Pirate Radio” should get lost at sea, I’m going to see “Pirate Radio.” However, in order to help you choose the appropriate Sunday matinee for you and yours, here are some snippets from “Pirate Radio” reviews and “Fantastic Mr. Fox” reviews written by professionals.

‘Pirate Radio’ reviews

Tom Long of the Detroit news called “Pirate Radio” an “amiable mess,” which still encourages me to see it, even though his overall review was negative. Peter Travers of Rolling Stone liked “Pirate Radio,” which is definitely a good sign for me. Travers says “The boat nearly sinks from character overload.” Sounds like my kind of movie!

The only thing that concerns me is the length of “Pirate Radio,” two hours and 15 minutes. This especially concerns me because Travers said “(Director Richard) Curtis brakes when you most want him to gun it.” So I am a little concerned that the movie will be too slow, especially because I prefer my couch to chilly theater seats.

‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’ reviews

Even though “Fantastic Mr. Fox” got great reviews and it’s based on a book by the famous and popular Roald Dahl, it’s only opening in a few theaters this weekend. However, on Friday it’s expanding so keep an eye out if this sounds like your cup of tea.

More reasons I’m a bad film judge

In a lot of ways, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” sounds as though it should be my cup of tea. I loved Roald Dahl books when I was a kid. I’m a huge fan of “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.” I am also a huge fan of director Wes Anderson. So what is it I have against “Fantastic Mr. Fox”? The animation? Yep, that’s it.

I think stop-motion animation — the latest, greatest, trendiest craze in filmmaking — is creepy. So there’s your full disclosure. I guess sometimes “decisive” really means “closed-minded.” Oh well, like Popeye says, I am what I am.

Image by flickr

Yes, NASA is reporting today that it has found water on the moon. How did they do that? Well, to put it in layman’s terms (because that is the only language I speak), they sent a rocket with all kinds of sensory instruments hurtling toward the moon. When it crashed it created a big plume of debris, and this sensitive rocket detected that there was water in it.

So, if you picturing a puddle or a river or pond, that’s not quite the case. The rocket reported that there was water vapor and ice grains. NASA discovering water on the moon has got people talking about what they could do with this water. As is the American way, a lot of people are throwing around ideas for how they could make money off of it, even though no money lender in her right mind would invest in moon water products.

Ideas for water on the moon

I have one particularly witty friend who wrote on Facebook today: “Ice found on moon! Get some barley, hops and yeast up there and start brewing!” I came across a space blog that said “I don’t have to tell you about the implications here. Just think of how much you could sell authentic Moon bottled water for.”

Both of these ideas, bottled moon water and moon beer, would most definitely sell. I would pay a good chunk of money for moon beer. I am sure people with tons of disposable income would pay staggering amounts for a bottle of moon water.

Marketability is not the problem

Of course, no matter how much money people are willing to pay for moon water or moon beer, there’s no way the sale price would cover the cost of collecting water on the moon. Everyone knows space travel and exploration are super expensive. Almost as expensive as war.

So before you start making phone calls to investors or designing moon beer labels, remember that profit means you have to take in more money than you spend. Still, if anyone out there does end up making moon beer, please let me know.

Google seems to be having no problem deciding what to do with its money.

Four days after Google announced it is acquiring AdMob, a mobile advertising service, for $750 million, Google announced it will acquire Gizmo5, a voice-over-IP service. I guess that’s what happens when you don’t have to talk to a loan company in order to buy out other businesses. Google announced yesterday it will buy Gizmo5, and the acquisition is rumored to cost $30 million. This has led some publications, including PC World, to say Google is on an “acquisitions shopping spree.” I think that’s a ridiculous thing to say, and I’ll explain why later.

Gizmo5 users and Google Wave users have started to take notice of this most recent purchase, which marks Google’s 57th acquisition. Gizmo5 has been added to the list of services available through Google Wave. However, while previous Gizmo5 users can continue to use the service, no new customers can sign up for now.

What does Gizmo5 do?

Gizmo5 works like the more popular voice-over-IP service Skype. It enables people to speak to each other through their computers as though they’re talking on the phone, plus it has video capabilities.

There’s no word on when Google will start taking on new Gizmo5 customers, but the service will be called Google Talk now that it belongs to Google. Now, instead of providing ad-on features for VOIP systems, as Google Voice did before, Google will provide the calling backbone through Gizmo5.

Previous Google acquisitions

PC World’s statement that Google is on an acquisition spree was also based on the fact that in September Google took over a computer security company, reCAPTCHA. that acquisition was small potatoes for Google, but in August it paid $106 million for On2, a video compression technology company. Other huge Google acquisitions include AOL, which it bought for $1 billion in 2005, and YouTube, which it paid $1.65 billion for in 2006.

So here is why I think it’s ridiculous to say that Google is on an “acquisition shopping spree” because it bought four companies this year. In 2007, Google acquired 16 companies. In 2006, it bought 10. In 2005 it bought 11 companies. Sure, it has purchased more companies this year than it did last year. In 2008 Google only bought two companies. Still, it seems to me that Google is slowing down big time on its acquisitions, not going on a “spree.”

In June and July only in 2007 Google acquired seven companies, including Feedburner for $100 million and Postini for $625 million. Now that was a spree. Also, during that time period, Google spent $45 million to buy GrandCentral, the VOIP business that now has led to the purchase of Gizmo5.

Image from Flickr.

Black Friday. I understand why people head to the stores in droves when retailers advertise great in-store deals for Black Friday. What I don’t understand is why stores do this, especially in the case of Target’s $3 appliances, which are being publicized in the Target Black Friday ad.

Target $3 appliances, rumor has it, include toasters, coffee makers, sandwich makers and slow cookers to name  a few. Furthermore, I read that the $3 Target appliances are made by Chefmate, so they’re not low quality. With deals like this, taking out cheap payday loans to be able to take advantage of Black Friday sales might end up saving you money. Unfortunately it appears you must go to a Target store and deal with the craziness to take advantage of the sale; you can’t buy Target $3 appliances on the Internet.

More deals in Target Black Friday ad

Besides Target $3 appliances, the Target Black Friday ad also says it will give a $10 gift certificate for every $100 you spend between 5 a.m. (5 a.m.!?) and noon. There will be toys and board games on sale for $10. Some clothing will be marked down to 50 percent off.

There are also deals on more expensive things, such as a GPS and a couple of high-definition televisions. Though these items are in the $90 to $500 range, they are deeply discounted from their regular prices.

A Black Friday mystery

As several other members of the blogosphere have pointed out, Target $3 appliances are not going to make the store any money. As far as I can tell, the only thing  Target$3 appliances will do is create total mayhem in Target stores. So my question is, why do stores to this to themselves on Black Friday?

Target no doubt is hoping people will come in for the $3 appliances and buy stuff that the store will actually profit from. But for the life of me I can’t understand why stores create these scenarios where there will be total chaos for a few hours or a day. Why make Black Friday a circus? Why not stretch the sale out?

I’ll be home for Christmas shopping

I thought the Internet would end the Black Friday mayhem as people found online sales and took solace in the fact that they could shop from the quiet comfort of their own homes. It appears that stores like Target are making sure people have to come into the stores and deal with the madness of Black Friday.

But the store has to deal with the Black Friday madness, too. Are retailers really making so much money on Black Friday that they are inclined to keep doing this to themselves year after year? I am aware that Black Friday is a huge money-making day for stores, hence the name, but I wonder what would happen if they just let the sales go on for a little longer so every bargain hunter doesn’t converge on the store at the same time.

Carrie Prejean image from Flickr.

Carrie Prejean, who is famous for several semi-scandalous things I’ll list off later, appeared on “Larry King Live” last night. During the brief interview, she showed the world that she is a naive, condescending prima donna. Of course, I could be just another member of the “liberal media” she speaks of, the people who think it’s OK to attack conservative women.

Or I could just be someone who calls a spade a spade. You can decide for yourself, and you can say whatever you want, thanks to the fact that this is the United States. That means I can write about Carrie Prejean on Larry King for a payday lending site, and it also means Carrie Prejean has the right to make a sex tape, discriminate against gays and act like a complete jerk on “Larry King Live.” However, I’m allowed to say whatever I want about it.

Carrie Prejean background

Before we get to the Carrie Prejean on Larry King video, here’s a little Carrie Prejean 101. Keep in mind that I am under no obligation to be objective. Carrie Prejean first made a splash on the national scene when she said, during the Miss USA pageant, that same-sex couples should not be allowed to marry. She was named runner-up for Miss USA and went back to being Miss California — but not for long.

She was fired from her post as Miss California after missing publicity appearances (aka not doing her job) and, according to Donald Trump, treating people like, um, crap. Carrie Prejean sued the pageant for religious discrimination, saying she was really fired from being Miss California because of what she said about gay marriage. The suit was settle out of court and Prejean walked away penniless after the prosecution revealed that they had a copy of a sex tape featuring her, a self-proclaimed conservative Christian.

Who is being inappropriate?

That brings us to Carrie Prejean’s appearance on Larry King, where she apparently believed she’d be doing nothing besides promoting her book, “Still Standing.” (Reader poll: Would you read her book? Leave comments below.) Something tells me she’s never watched “Larry King Live” before.

So, now to back up my original points, it was incredibly naive of Carrie Prejean to think she could go on Larry King and not talk about the lawsuit. It was condescending of her to pull the “I’m not allowed to talk about it” card. Anyone with half a brain knows that after a lawsuit is already settled, there is absolutely no legal reason a person can’t explain their motive for keeping a case out of court. Did she have to tell him? No. Was it an insult to his intelligence to pretend that she was legally obligated to withhold her motive for settling? Yes. Was it even more condescending for her to repeatedly say “You’re being inappropriate” to Larry King for asking questions, which is his job? Yes.

As far as the prima donna part, she threw a temper tantrum and took off her microphone even after Larry King agreed to move on. Enough said. Oh, wait, I’d like to add “childish” to the list of adjectives before “prima donna.”

Addressing more ridiculousness

At the beginning of the interview, King asks Prejean to explain what she means when she says she’s been “Palinized.” She explains that “the liberal media” thinks “conservative women are fair game to be attacked.” First of all, they are fair game, according to the Constitution. Also, public figures are not protected under the same libel or slander laws as the rest of us non-celebrities.

She also says media can “get away with” attacking conservative women but not liberal public figures. Sigh. I think this falls under the “naive” category.  However, to her credit, she appears to be learning from her mistakes. TMZ reports that she pulled out of  a speaking gig today five minutes before she was supposed to talk. Thought the speech was to be given to an exclusive club for Republicans in Washington, D.C., a source at Capitol Hill said she wanted to avoid a repeat of last night’s fiasco. I think this is a smart choice for her. If you don’t want public scrutiny, don’t thrust yourself into the public eye.

Maybe it’s the mixture of themes such as war, family, love, death and infidelity. Maybe it’s the tear-jerking “Brothers” movie trailer. However, I am willing to bet it’s the cast: Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal and Tobey Maguire top the list of actors in “Brothers.” Put together the fans of those three, and you’re going to be selling a lot of movie tickets.

If you’re not sure yet whether you want to save your money for a ticket so you can avoid needing money loans when the movie “Brothers” comes out, here’s the “Brothers” movie trailer.

‘Brothers’ release date

“Brothers” the movie, which also features Carey Mulligan and Clifton Collins Jr., comes out Dec. 4. In case you can’t watch the “Brothers” movie trailer, here’s a plot synopsis for you.

Grace Cahill, played by Natalie Portman, is the wife of a soldier and mother of two girls. When her husband Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire) goes missing, his brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal) moves in to help Grace. Eventually, Grace accepts that Sam is dead, and you can probably guess what happens after that between Grace and Tommy.

Turning point

As you can probably guess, Sam is not dead. He is found, and he returns home. It is evident from the “Brothers” movie trailer that the movie takes a dramatic turn at this point. What starts as a tearful drama about dealing with loss and taking care of family turns to an anger-filled psychological thriller, or so it seems.

I think perhaps the “Brothers” trailer gives a bit too much away, but it certainly does draw interest. Though I already know the husband isn’t dead, and I already know how he reacts when he catches wind of romance between his wife and brother, it’s hard to tell from the trailer exactly what type of movie this is. Is it a heartwarming drama about helping soldiers deal with hardship, and in the end everything ends up OK? Or is it a tragedy where people get killed? I guess the filmmakers are doing a good job of selling this film, at least to me.

Box office bounty

"Brothers" movie stars Jake Gyllenhaal.

Thanks to the star-studded cast and the war theme, I predict “Brothers” will do extremely well at the box office. The same weekend it hits the big screen, “Armored” comes out. “Armored” is a crime thriller starring Matt Dillon and Laurence Fishburne, but I don’t think it’ll have as wide an appeal as “Brothers.”

Other offerings for Dec. 4 are comedy “Everybody’s Fine” and horror comedy “Transylmania.” “Everbody’s Fine” stars Robert DeNiro and is a good alternative to “Brothers” for those who want to laugh instead of cry. Actually, there might be a little bit of crying, but it’s the good kind.

What’s horror comedy?

“Transylmania” falls in the same vein as “Scary Movie” and all of its sequels. Of course, it’s about vampire movies. At this point, you already know whether you like horror movie parodies, right? The jokes will be obvious, and most of them will be gross. The film will attempt to shock you and/or make you feel uncomfortable throughout.

It’s apparent from the trailer that there will be a lot of physical comedy. College students make up the core characters. Yes, we have seen all of this before, but that means you’ll already know going into it whether you’ll like it. If you are amused by poking fun at “Twilight” and its ilk, this movie might be right up your alley.

Box office check

“Disney’s A Christmas Carol,” which stars about six versions of Jim Carey, is sitting pretty at the top of the box office earnings list. On its opening weekend, it managed to beat out “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” which was No. 1 for the two weeks prior.

This weekend, action drama “2012,” which is about the end of the world, will enter the competition for top spot at the box office, though I highly doubt it will end up there. My money is on “Pirate Radio,” starring Oscar winner Phillip Seymour Hoffman. I think “Christmas Carol” will probably remain near the top until Dec. 26, and “This Is It” will stay in the top three until the end of its run, which now reportedly will last until the day after Thanksgiving.

“Precious” is expanding this weekend, and mark my words: It will make a pretty penny, just like everything Oprah touches and everything Tyler Perry makes.