A protein inside a protein inside a protein, like this turducken, is called a "ballotine."

This week’s “Top Chef: Las Vegas” really increased the intensity — and I, for one, ate it up. The five remaining chefs were clearly the best, the cream of the crop. Still, I thought the judges made the right decision at elimination time. Even though I was not surprised, I was prepared to be, thus leaving me on the edge of my seat from the moment Jen said “turducken” during the quickfire challenge.

The quickfire challenge, articulated by Bocuse d’Or vetran Gavin Kaysen, was to cook a protein inside a protein inside a protein, hence Jen’s turducken joke. The Bocuse d’Or is the yearly “food olympics” in France. A turducken is a duck stuffed inside a chicken, which is stuffed inside a turkey. I wonder if I’d need a small personal loan to afford all three of those.

Welcome back

Birds all over the world rejoiced when they discovered that Jen actually wanted to work with seafood, which she says is her specialty. She made calamari steak, shiso and salmon all rolled up like sushi. It was pretty and apparently pretty tasty. Padma said “welcome back” after she tasted Jen’s dish.

So why all this talk about Jen? She won the quickfire. I thought the most delicious sounding dish was Kevin’s bacon-encrusted fried catfish, but alas, the television that transmits flavor has not yet been invented. Ahem. Anyway, Jen won an extra 30 minutes to cook during the elimination challege, which was — not surprisingly — for the chefs to prepare a Bocuse d’Or style dish, presented on a giant mirrored platter and everything.

Stuck in the moment

Eli says in a video on Broadway’s web site that he “got a little caught up in the situation … and the magnitude of what was happening.” I think most of the chefs fell victim to the same thing. I can’t really blame them: The winner of this challenge was promised $30,000. Despite the fact that all five of these chefs have put forth great performances throughout the season, all of them had technical problems with their dishes, except Kevin, whose dish was simply deemed too simple.

Everyone undercooked their dishes, except Kevin, so Kevin won. Judges called his dish “elementary,” but he still came out on top. This mark’s Kevin’s fifth elimination challenge win. It was a tad disappointing to watch the judges analyze such mediocre performances this late in the game, but I guess we just have to chalk it up to nerves and move on.

Looking forward to next week

In the spirit of moving on, I can’t wait to see the four very best chefs, who also happen to be my personal favorites, compete next week. We know from the preview that for the quickfire, the contestants must prepare a dish on a train — on the way to a new, far away place!

Based on the fact that he has won more challenges than anyone, logic points to the fact that Kevin will come out the overall winner on “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” but we’ve been surprised before. Was I the only one who was shocked when Hosea won “Top Chef” last season? Who do you think will win this season?

Hubert Keller won the most recent challenge on "Top Chef Masters." Will he be deemed the master?

A “Top Chef” premiere and finale in the same night?! It sounds too good to be true to fans of Bravo’s biggest moneymaker, “Top Chef,” but I triple checked the facts, and it’s true! Tonight at 9 p.m. the new season of “Top Chef” begins.
Then, the other moment we’ve all been waiting for: the “Top Chef Masters” finale! I almost can’t stand the excitement.

“Top Chef” Season 6

I don’t think there is a faxless payday loan big enough to pay for a party that would do this event justice. This sixth season of “Top Chef” will be set in Las Vegas. Just to make this whole situation even better, the first episode of “Top Chef: Las Vegas” is extra long, clocking in at an hour and 15 minutes.

The show tonight features 17 chefs, and you can read bios on all of them at BravoTV.com. There are chefs from all over the U.S. plus one chef from France, one from Haiti and one from Puerto Rico.

“Top Chef Masters”

After the super-sized episode of “Top Chef: Las Vegas,” the season finale of “Top Chef Masters” begins at 10:15. The masters are down to just three: Hubert Keller, Rick Bayless and Michael Chiarello. The winner among these seasoned chefs will get $100,000 donated to his chosen charity in his name.

“Top Chef Masters” played with the format of “Top Chef” while still placing the focus of the show on food and cooking. The first six episodes of “Top Chef Masters” each featured four chefs. On each episode, one winner was chosen to compete with the other winners. The “Top Chef Masters” were generous all along the way. Each contestants chose charities in the beginning that would receive money if they won, but every charity ended up getting a donation, and during each episode the winner’s charity got $10,000.

Brilliant business

“Top Chef” is Bravo’s most popular, lucrative show, and I think the format tonight is a great move on Bravo’s part that will have millions upon millions of viewers tuning in. If the “Top Chef” season six premiere wasn’t enough to get viewers to plan their evening around it or the “Top Chef Masters” finale wasn’t incentive enough to convince people to tune in, both paired together will sure make people think twice about what they will be doing tonight.
Furthermore, if “Top Chef Masters” fans somehow forgot about the “Top Chef” premiere or don’t know about the extra 15 minutes, they’ll tune in at the usual time, 10 p.m., and voila, they’ll likely get hooked on “Top Chef: Las Vegas.” After all, the final 15 minutes are the most exciting. How can people resist? I don’t think there’s any other programming on cable tonight that will even begin to compete with this premiere/finale “Top Chef” event tonight.

Traditional payday loans and the ones credit unions offer are about as different as these cats.

I came across an interesting article on payday loans in the Las Vegas Review-Journal today. It bragged about credit unions in Nevada that now offers payday loans to its customers, supposedly at lower rates than traditional payday lenders.

But before you rush out to open an account at Nevada Federal Credit Union, you should know: You can get an instant payday loan online for the same amount or less than what credit unions charge, so don’t believe everything you read.

Story of Shawn Johnson

The Review-Journal article tells Shawn Johnson’s story: He’s a single father who sometimes needs payday loans to make ends meet.

At one point in the story, it says Johnson used to pay $79 for a two-week loan to a payday lender. I have a message for him and for anyone who has paid that much: You are going to the wrong payday lender. Most payday lenders do not charge nearly that much. Shop around for a new payday lender.

What’s the difference?

Regarding the short-term loans available at another bank, Review-Journal reports that:

Community One offers 30-day loans for $300, $500 and $700 with a fee of $15 per $100 loaned and an 18 percent annual interest rate for the 30-day loan period.

The fees for these payday loans are virtually identical to any payday loan you can get online EXCEPT payday lenders generally only charge a flat fee for their loans; they don’t layer an interest rate on top of it.

It’s always nice to have choices, but do your homework before you shake up your banking situation to take advantage of quick payday loans from a credit union. It might just be a waste of time.

Since its inception, the Consumer Electronics Show has gotten bigger and more extravagant by the year. But amid the current recession, this yearly technology extravaganza is following the pattern seen in households and businesses across the nation: It’s scaling back.

How far back?

CNNMoney reports at http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/05/technology/electronics_vegas.reut/index.htm?postversion=2009010512 that the convention expects fewer manufacturers, retailers and attendees than past years. Many businesses that would have previously attended can’t afford it this year. Same goes for consumers.

The items featured will also be scaled back, size-wise. In past years companies focused on displaying the biggest “insert item here” EVER. This year, the focus will be on greener technology and devices that help consumers save on bills.

By the numbers

Attendance is expected to fall by about 11,000, and about 300 fewer exhibitors will be there compared to last year. The convention will cover 1.7 million square feet. This may sound like a huge area, but it’s significantly smaller than last year’s space.

Companies will be focused on hard numbers, too. The Consumer Electronics Association reports that more businesses are asking for meeting space, a sign that companies are looking to do business rather than just arouse interest. In the past, CES was designed to get widen eyes and get technology buffs salivating. This year, companies are looking to make the sale. If you’re one of those who took out payday loans to get a ticket to the convention, be wary of salesmen who are being pressed to make sales.

Making connections

Looking over the list of products consumers can expect to see at CES, it is easy to draw parallels to the economy. TVs will be there, all right, but instead of trying to be the biggest, companies are advertising their most energy-efficient models.

The hot-ticket item this year seems to be a little phenomenon called netbooks. Small, inexpensive laptops are seeing rising sales as the sales of regular PCs and laptops drop. Netbooks go for about $300 or $400, and their screens are usually about 10 inches. They also use minimal power, thus making them more energy efficient. They generally don’t have disc drives because their primary purpose is to connect to the Internet. Nowadays that seems to be just about all people need.

Broken record

Recession, recession, recession. You may feel like this is all you ever hear about anymore. But the shrinking economy has caused even this extremely popular show in Las Vegas, the city of excess, to shrink, too.

So maybe it’s time to start paying attention. Until recently, I didn’t think the recession really affected me personally, and I thought I would never need payday loans. But after watching my bank account shrink and my bills grow, I know it’s time for me to get some financial education.

In Sunny LAS VEGAS!

Freak weather across the country has put a real spin on the green movements global warming proclamations. Not only has 2008 been the coolest year on record for the United States but the nation’s favorite payday loans hot spot, sunny Las Vegas, Nevada of all places, is enjoying winter storms with the rest of the country.

The Hot Party Has Turned Ice Cold

Storm advisories are being issued around the country as the snow continues to fall

The white desert dust was enough to get all the flights coming and going out of Vegas canceled. It’s been bad for tourists but good for the casinos as the Vegas visitors will be spending all their extra cash waiting for the storm to blow over. Payday loans stores will be getting their share of business as well to supply the extra cash demand.

Just how much snow is to be expected? Sources are forecasting up to twenty centimeters in places but only seven or so on the popular Vegas strip. Vegas isn’t foreign to snow and sees it yearly but usually in the mountains, not on the strip.

In 1974, Vegas set a winter record of 22.5 centimeters of snow. This year may beat that record as this is the second storm to hit Vegas in the last week and there is already another storm expected to roll in on Sunday.

While the snow continues to fall, tourists are getting their pictures taken in the white desert as it may just prove to be a once in a lifetime experience.

California is Getting Its Share of Surprises as well

Interstate 5, Interstate15 and State Route 14 are three north south routes that have been closed in southern California due to the ice and snow leaving people stranded on the side of the freeway and at rest stops trying to stay warm.

In Palm Springs, the snow wasn’t the problem as they have not reached freezing temperatures , however the warmer weather hasn’t stopped the precipitation from falling so instead of snow, Palm Springs has been experiencing flooded streets.

Hows the Northwest?

While we are on the topic of the weather, we might as well share what is happening in the northwest as well. Eastern Washington has been under a major winter storm warning with 18 inches in the last 24 hours and another 4 to 6 inches expected.

Over 200 traffic accidents forced the closure of all but a few main arterials in north and south Spokane. Extra cash is being alloted to work the road crews overtime to restore order to the streets.

Seattle, popular among tourists on the other side of the state, rarely sees snow, but they are seeing their share today with a few inches blanketing the city last night and another inch of accumulation expected today. The steep roads and inexperienced drivers will likely shut this city down.

Travelers Beware

Travelers are sure to be stuck in airports or at the very least experience delays in their travels. If you are planning on doing some holiday travels by automobile, be sure to pack emergency supplies with you in case you experience delays. Things like blankets, flashlights, candles, extra food and a plentiful supply of water are advised.

It looks like the entire nation may be destined for a white Christmas!

Be careful out there!

For updated weather advisories visit www.weatherchannel.com

Posted Courtesy of Your Payday Loans Source.

Times are tight in the desert

Car loans and home mortgages generate a lion’s share of credit union income, and Las Vegas credit unions have experienced a 43.6 percent decline compared with 2007. Results vary from one credit union to the next, with some shouldering the self-induced burden better than others.

They knowingly left the pen open, now they’re crying for capital to come back

Capital cushions credit unions from losses due to their own bad loans. All of a credit union’s capital comes from earnings. Unlike big banks, there are no independently wealthy investors who will ride in on white horses and bring the sheep back to the pen.

Signs are ominous, but some sun shines through dark clouds

Only one Vegas credit union -  Community One – has reached the “yellow zone,” with operating capital between the 6 and 7 percent, which is dangerously low and attracts the attention of regulators. None have fallen into the “red zone” below 6 percent that requires immediate action.

This is strange territory for credit unions anywhere. Member-owned, nonprofit structure and conservative management have saved credit unions from some of the more serious cataclysms banks have faced over the subprime market, but the drop in real estate values has been harmful.

Danger: Delinquency

What credit unions in Las Vegas and elsewhere face is delinquencies, or loans more than two months overdue. These don’t always mean outright losses. Perhaps a borrower will pay up or collateral covers the shortfall.

The amount of delinquencies in Nevada is now running at 15 percent of capital compared to four percent nationwide, according to  the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). In efforts to stem the red tide, the NCUA Last week, will lend $2.5 billion to sagging credit unions to prop up new mortgages and grow capital. The credit must remain fluid if the economy is to return to health.

Some credit unions are trying no fax payday loans

Wait a minute… now they’re offering payday loans? It’s dogs and cats living together!

Not exactly. They’re doing so at a lower rate than free-standing lenders, so we’ll see how long that will be profitable for them.

Nevada Federal President and CEO Brad Beal claims his business’s numbers have grown due to the addition of products like payday loans, but I’m more apt to believe that the growth isn’t due to faxless payday loans offered at an untenable rate. He does say that only $200,000 of their $800 million asset base comes from these loans, however.

There will be shrinkage

This will be a long, slow ride. Numerous credit unions in Las Vegas and beyond feel that they’ll be able to weather a few years of slowed economy, but since a number of economic experts predict that our current recession will end within the next year, it won’t take that long. Payday loans will be there as the economy cycles into its repair phase and beyond. Such a flexible product that offers consumers speed, convenience and a desired amount of privacy can’t go back to living on the farm… or merely digging in the desert.

• Are Credit Unions in Trouble?
• Regulators supply credit union aid
• Bad Times for Banks Means Boom Times for Credit Unions

This may be the answer you are looking for and it may be worth taking out a Payday Loan if you are blonde. Computers and technical gadgets just seem to get bigger and better, leaving people like me feeling not so technologically savvy. At my place of employment, the “please help me desk” is my best friend.

The OMG must have!

However, it is nice to know that in this ever expanding information technology era that someone out there understands, and is rooting for, blondes. Yes my fair-headed friends, a true entrepreneur has come along and has created the “OMG must have” pink computer keyboard designed with blondes in mind.

The backspace key now says, “Oops”

This keyboard has swapped out the more challenging phrases with more understandable and easy to use phrases. For example, the backspace key now says, “Oops,” and the caps lock reads “Warning: size XXL letters.” The escape key simply says, “NO,” while the space bar is entitled “The Big One: I need my space.” They should have put an “apply” key that takes you directly to an “apply” button for a payday loan!

Then there are the Useless keys!

The function keys have finally been properly named, “USELESS KEYS.” Laugh as you may, but seriously who really knows what those function keys are supposed to do?

Stand up and shout out a cheer you fellow on-line shoppers! The enter key has been named “Yes! I want it!”

Texters-this is for you!

Anyone hopelessly obsessed with texting? Then this keyboard is for you! There are a series of special keys that type out “OMG,” “ALI” (Absolutely Love It!), “LOL” or “XOXO.” Or that “apply” key would talked about earlier could have been shortened to a “PL” key to apply for that payday loan!

Have a hard time understanding the numbers?

Love Las Vegas anyone? Oh yes, the number keys not only have the numbers spelled out, but they also have dice dots for further reinforcement. Pink? Dice? Somebody pinch me!

If you are still not sold, this last bit of information might just cause you to inadvertently hit the enter key and scream, “Yes! I want it!” Some of the keys actually talk to you. For example, when you hit the $ sign, you will hear the sweet cha-ching of a cash register.

Only $49.95!

The keyboard sells for $49.95 at the Keyboard for Blondes Website. So if this has just been added to the top of your Christmas list, but you are a little low on cash, consider taking out a payday loan at www.personalmoneystore.com.