Kim Kardashian may seem trustworthy because she's a celebrity, but get her prepaid card and pay dearly with fees. Image: David Shankbone/Wikimedia Commons/CC-BY

A new product to get celebrity endorsements are credit and debit cards. Celebrity debit cards work like a typical card, except that because a celebrity endorses it, the fees are higher than normal. A person would be better off with a cash advance than some of these cards.

Consumers urged to avoid the ‘Kardashian Kard’

Not long ago, a line of prepaid debt cards was announced by the Kardashian sisters. Celebrities sometimes lend their name or likeness to a product because it will sell. That isn’t so bad; plenty of products that have endorsements that are perfectly fine. However, their card has been slammed, according to US News and World Reports, as being disgustingly expensive. For instance, every ATM withdrawal from the “Kardashian Kard” costs $1.50, on top of ATM fees. It also costs $9.95 to get one, and a monthly fee of $7.95. The “Kard” has to have six to 12 months of fees paid to even use it, and it costs $1 every time a person puts money on the account. Basically, a people using the Kard have to give the Kardashians and MasterCard some money now every time they want to use their own payday cash.

Maybe a payday advance would be better

A six-month Kardashian Kard costs $59.99, considerably more than the average payday loan costs to borrow. According to the Washington Post, the normal fee for similar pre-paid debit cards is $10 per year. Though a prepaid card like the Kardashian Kard or the Green Dot Card may not carry as many fees as some bank accounts, it seems ridiculous to be giving up that much from pay day for use of a debit card. It is better to get a checking account through a credit union, as credit unions have far fewer fees than traditional banks. They also don’t have as many account fees, and credit unions benefit the community, not wealthy celebrities and shareholders who pocket the proceeds.

Better options

If you need a small loan until payday, getting a loan from a payday lender may be better than getting one of these celebrity debit cards. The interest saved from card fees alone may be a huge savings. You can read more in the Payday Loan Facts and Statistics Report on Personal Money Market.

"I got a job! I need an installment loan for bad credit to get to work!" (Photo: Thinkstock)

An installment loan for bad credit may be the solution to your problem. This problem is surprising. You would think this is a good thing, not a problem. You lost your job months ago, just like so many people you know. You looked and looked. You struggled with down days and depression. You never dreamed this could happen to you. You nearly gave up. Then, just when you thought it would never happen, you found a new job. And who would have ever dreamed that it would cost money for you to start working?

Can an installment loan for bad credit help you start a new job?

There’s so much more to consider than just heading to work. Sometimes the new job is in a new city, which can be really expensive. You may have moving expenses, which could include a moving truck, a deposit on your new apartment, and even cable and electric deposits. Sometimes it’s simpler but expensive, nonetheless. Sometimes you need new clothes because the clothes you wore at the last job a year and a half ago, just don’t fit, aren’t in style or are the wrong type of clothes. Sometimes you need special work boots or licenses. Sometimes there are books you need to purchase to brush up on old skills or learn new ones. Sometimes the car needs to be fixed before you can even get to the job. Or maybe you need gas money and lunch money until the first check comes.

You need a personal installment loan and you need it fast

You need the money fast so you can get to work and start making money again. You can’t risk losing this job by not having the things you need to get to work. You can apply for these loans for new job expenses right here, right now. The 60-second online application is quick and easy. In most cases, if not all, no credit checks or faxing of documents are required. You can do everything online and — here’s the best part — if you are approved, the money can be deposited right into your own checking account, sometimes within two hours.

You need an installment loan for bad credit so you can get on with it

After all of the turmoil in your life, you are finally on your way to starting your new job and getting your life back. You are looking forward to being able to pay your bills once again. You can’t wait to go back to “normal,” as your life was before the economic crisis hit. One little glitch is the lack of funds now, but if all it takes is an installment loan for bad credit, then there’s nothing else to think about. Click the apply button right here.

For an installment loan for bad credit, apply HERE!

Need emergency money now? Waste no more time and apply today! (Photo: Thinkstock)

Are you saying, “I need emergency money now?” You can get that money you need, no matter what your emergency is, from moving expenses to car repairs of up to $1,500. If you need money today, not tomorrow, apply today, right here.

For any situation, get emergency money now

This is a tough economy. Most of us never imagined we’d be in the place we are financially right now. Maybe you, like me, are employed, but making half as much as you used to make. Or maybe your spouse is unemployed. You are barely hanging on financially, and then an emergency happens. There are so many emergencies that can come your way, such as:

• Your washing machine stopped working.
• The car won’t start.
• You have to move and need money for a moving truck or first and last month’s rent and deposit.
• Your child needs a cast for the broken arm.
• Your dog is sick.
• Your roof is leaking.
• Someone slashed your tires or broke your windshield.
• Your basement flooded and now there’s a mold problem.
• Your electric bill is two months late and if you don’t pay it, you will have disconnect, reconnect and late fees.
• Your checking account is going to be overdrawn, and if you don’t get money in it today you will have to pay overdraft fees.
• Your rent is past due and you have to have a place to live.
• Your father is sick and you have to fly to see him.
• You need an emergency appendectomy.
• Your refrigerator or freezer went out.
• You’ve had a fire.
• You have to fly to a job interview.
• You need a new suit for your new job.
• You have a traffic ticket that has to be paid today.
• And the list goes on and on.

Emergency help is available

You can’t just wait it out. Most emergencies just get worse with waiting. Luckily, if you need emergency money now, even if you have bad credit or bankruptcy, there is help, right here, sometimes in as little as two hours. Luckier still, these loans are easy to get today. There are typically no credit checks and everything is done online — saving you time and the embarrassment of waiting in line at a loan shop. Your money is deposited directly into your bank account quickly. Don’t wait another minute. Apply for your emergency money now!

If you are saying, “I need Emergency Money Now,” apply HERE!

Big bills and no way to pay them? Money Loans can help today! (Photo: Thinkstock)

Have you been struggling with stacks and stacks of bills? Are you facing late charges, overdraft fees and emergency expenses and know you need money now? Are you having a hard time because no bank will lend you money because of the credit problems that have been created by how this difficult economy has affected you? Have you ever considered Same-Day Cash Loans, also called Money Loans? Check this out!

What are the qualifications for Money Loans?

Don’t waste any more time worrying about what you’re going to do. Apply right now if you:

• Have a job
• Have a checking account
• Are at least 18 years old

Surprisingly, just a few easy requirements!

I’ve never had to take out a short term loan before

Good, hard working people, just like you, are taking out short term loans for the first time. The economy is tough, and it keeps getting tougher. The economic indicators are getting worse every day. Many of us have never struggled with underemployment before, or late fees and emergencies that happen without a way to pay for them. It’s OK; it is happening to so many of us.

But I have bad credit

That’s OK! And there are more good things about these loans:

• Loans are available of up to $1,500
• It doesn’t matter what your credit looks like because there is typically no credit check
• Even a bankruptcy on your credit is OK
• You can be in the armed forces
• The whole application process is done online
• You don’t have to make a phone call to get started
• You don’t have to fax anything in most cases
• It only takes an average of 60 seconds to get an answer on the online application
• It’s completely secure and hassle-free
• The funds are sent to you quickly, sometimes in as little as two hours
• The money is deposited directly into your checking account.

How hard is it to pay back Money Loans?

Getting the Money Loans are easy; paying them back is as easy.

• Many lenders will let you make smaller payments over time rather than making one lump payment
• Payments come out of your checking account: no checks or stamps or running to make a payment
• Everything is online, from the application to the repayment

Get rid of that stack of bills today with Money Loans.

Apply HERE for Money Loans!

Do you need money now? (Photo: Thinkstock)

Do you need money now? You could run to the bank, use a credit card or borrow money from a friend or relative. Or could you? same-day paydayloans may be the smartest, easiest and maybe even the only solution for you.

How fast can I get money if I need money now?

Really fast! If you qualify, same-day paydayloans of up to $1,500 can be deposited directly into your account, sometimes within two hours. If you need money deposited into your account today, you’ve come to the right place.

If your car is broken or the rent is due or the electric bill is past due or the washing machine has stopped working, you may not have time to figure out where to get the money you need now. Bad credit is not a consideration for paydayloans since no credit check is done, in most cases. Even if you have had a bankruptcy, other judgment or liens on your home or garnishment on your wages, you may be able to qualify for payday loans and get that loan money deposited into your account in as little as two hours.

Paydayloans online

Another reason these loans are so fast is that everything is done online. You don’t have to drive to a bank or lender, or even make a phone call or fax in documents. It’s all done online, and your money is deposited directly into your bank — no going to pick up a check.

Do you need money now and are you:

• In the military?
• Have bad credit?
• Have no credit?
• Have filed for bankruptcy?
• Worried about security?
• Afraid of a hassle?
• Looking for something to help you that’s online?
• Need the funds fast, ideally in as little as two hours?
• Unable to use a fax machine?
• Don’t want a ding on your credit report?

You have nothing to worry about. Apply right here!

Do you need money now with a workable payment solution?

Traditional paydayloans are due to be paid in full on your next payday with a single automatic deduction from your checking account, but times have changed. Many lenders will work with you to make smaller payments over a period of time, instead of deducting the full amount on your next payday. Pay for your emergency expense now and still have a workable budget.

Apply HERE if you need money now!

What are the requirements to get a Louisiana payday loan?

1. Must be at least 18 years old to apply
2. Must have a job for at least 3 months and currently working
3. Have a valid social security number
4. Legal U.S. citizenship

How much cash can I get with a Louisiana payday loan?

If you are in a situation where you need money now, you can apply for up to $1,500 and have the cash deposited straight to your bank account, sometimes in as little as two hours. The amount you are approved for will depend on the information you submit on your application as well as how much you make each month. Once you submit your application, we’ll get right to work to find you the best lender that fits you best.

Can I get his loan if I have bankruptcy?

Yes. You can still get approved for this loan because our loan companies typically don’t look at credit histories. Based on the information you provide, we will match you with the lender that best reflects your situation, no matter how good or bad your credit history may be.

I need a loan. Where can I get started?

Below this article is a short application form where you can input your information. It should take only a few minutes to complete and, after submitting your application, you will know whether or not you are approved for a Louisiana payday loan in no time.

Start your Louisiana payday loan application HERE!

Payday Loans with instant approval

When you’re short of time and you need a quick, easy fix, getting payday loans with instant approval is vital. You shouldn’t have to waste even more time and money driving around town looking for the right lender that fits you best. That’s what Personal Money Market is here for.

Getting loans with instant approval

You can cut the waiting time out by filling out our short application form. Once you submit your application, it will only be few seconds before you get an answer. Based on the information you provide us, we will sort through our wide network of payday loan lenders and pair you with the best. There’s no need to waste time moving from one lender to another, only to find out you are being denied of the quick help you need. We can help get you payday loans with instant approval and have cash in your pocket in as little as two hours, in most cases.

Loans with instant approval — even on bad credit

Worried you won’t qualify because of bad or poor credit? Then you should be pleased to know that Personal Money Market also works with many lenders that provide bad credit loans — with instant approval.

Getting loans for people with bad credit is also made easy when you apply here for the cash help you need. Even better, in case you should need more time to pay off your loan, you can apply for installment loans for bad credit. Unlike payday loans, this type of loan can be paid off in small increments that fit well into your monthly budget.

Fast cash loans with instant approval

To get started, begin filling out the short form below. It takes approximately 2.5 minutes to complete and, as mentioned earlier, you will get a quick response as to whether or not you have been approved. You don’t have to answer unnecessary questions like why you need the loan, and you don’t have to wait hours on end just to get an answer. Let’s cut to the chase and get your finances back on track — apply for payday loans with instant approval.

Apply now and get instant approval | Start HERE!

Saving money while spending it

Many consumers believe that saving money heavily depends on how much an individual makes. However, how much you earn is only one part of the equation. Making more money doesn’t necessarily mean you are free from financial troubles. In fact, without good money management in place, it will feel no different than earning a minimum-waged income.

So focus on your monthly bills and realistically evaluate the things that are important and things that are not. Just as you make time for eating, sleeping or leisure activities, you must also dedicate some time to your personal finance each and every month. This way, you know exactly where your hard-earned money is going and make a few changes if necessary.

Having self-control

Temptation comes in many forms, and it is often so potent it seems almost impossible to resist. “Spend now or save tomorrow” is a common issue many are faced with each day. Many confuse their needs with their wants and fail to make realistic choices on what would benefit them the most. They clutter their closets with absolutely unnecessary things and even fill their fridge with food they are not really fond of. Not having self-control can lead to impulse buying, which can in turn lead to overspending and eventually, insurmountable debt.

From kids and adults to small business and corporate owners, learning the skills and strategies to save and invest money can improve the quality of life. And the only way to do that is to have discipline and self-control.

Save for emergencies

Simply forgoing saving money can spell future financial catastrophe. The average person knows that having a financial back-up plan is crucial, particularly in times of immediate monetary needs. Unexpected things happen at the most unexpected times, and when the unexpected happens without a moment’s notice, you had better hope you have some extra cash stored away somewhere. Of course, you can get payday loans in times of absolute urgency, but the fact remains that there is nothing more shielding than to be financially prepared.

Saving money makes dreams come true

There are many reasons why you should start saving money, if you have not yet already. If you are still thinking of the beautiful dream house with a white-picket fence, that dream house will remain a dream for the rest of your life if you do not take immediate action and start saving. What about the vacation trip to Cancun you promised the family? Think you’ll ever get there without saving? What about retirement? Time is ticking and the longer you wait, the longer it will take you to reach financial stability. So put your money to work — start saving now!

Online loans are fast

Applying for online loans is fast, private and secure. In many cases, a payday lender can deposit cash to your bank account in just a couple of hours.

• Loans of up to $1,500
• Quick, easy and hassle-free
• Credit check typically not required
• Bad credit, no credit and bankruptcy history accepted
• One short application finds the best payday lender
• Convenient, automatic repayment

Online loans are short-term

Online payday loans are a form of short-term credit. One of the best things about online loans is that they’re paid back quickly so you aren’t saddled with months of payments. Most online loans are paid back in one automatic deduction from your bank account on your next payday, but if you need more time, installment loans are also available. If you need more time and you have credit problems, installment loans for bad credit may be the answer.

Online loans make good sense

Anyone who struggles with money — and really, who doesn’t? — knows what it’s like to come up short of cash at the most inconvenient times. If you need money now and can get by on your next paycheck after paying back a cash advance, an online loan makes good sense. The cost of a quick payday loan can be much less than late-payment fees or bounced-check charges, and the peace of mind is worth every dime.

Online loans are available right now

When you need to borrow money, don’t wait for problems to spiral out of control. Instead, save yourself added headache and hassle by applying for an online loan sooner rather than later.

Need fast online loans? Start your application HERE

Quick payday loans are easy to get

• Generally no credit check, no faxing
• Bad credit and no credit OK
• Installment loans for bad credit available
• Apply online from your home or office
• Instant matching with a reputable lender
• Immediate response to your application
• Up to $1,500 can be available in as little as two hours

Quick payday loans save money

Late fees add up quickly when you fall behind on the bills. A cash advance isn’t free, of course, but the cost of a quick payday loan can be much less than the late fees on your rent or mortgage. If you’ve ever had a utility service disconnected, you know how expensive it is to get it reconnected. Add credit-card late fees or bank overdraft charges to the mix, and the cost of a payday loan pales in comparison.

Quick payday loans protect your credit

Today, credit scores are used for much more than obtaining credit. Landlords use them to make decisions about leasing or renting. Employers use them to make decisions about hiring or promoting. Insurance companies use them to set premium amounts.

If you have good credit, protect it from derogatory marks by getting a quick payday loan rather than paying your bills late. If your credit score is less than perfect, a quick payday loan can prevent further damage and can even improve your credit by helping you pay your bills on time consistently.

Quick payday loans make ends meet

When you’re struggling with money, it can be dangerous to use credit cards. Money problems become much worse when you accidentally overspend with credit cards. Payday loans used wisely, on the other hand, really can help you live within your budget. When you get a payday loan, you know exactly how much money you have in the bank, how much the loan costs and when it will be paid off. There are no surprises, just well-deserved peace of mind.

Quick Payday Loans | Start your application HERE!

If you have struggled with your credit report, the last thing you want to ever see is another late payment. Luckily, if you need money now, even if you have bad credit or bankruptcy, you really can get money now, sometimes in as little as two hours. Luckier still, personal installment loans are easy to get today and are easy to pay back later. There are typically no credit checks for your money now and everything is done online — which makes them fast. You don’t make a phone call or fax in documents. Your money is deposited directly into your bank account quickly.

Are you saying, “I need money now” and:

• I’m in the military
• I have bad credit
• I have no credit
• I have a bankruptcy
• I need it to be secure
• I need it to be hassle-free
• I need an online application
• I need the funds available in as little as two hours
• I don’t have a fax machine
• I don’t want anyone to do a credit check

Then you have come to the right place.  Apply here for any of these situations.

I need money now to keep my finances from getting worse

Do you need money to fix your credit? Do you need to bring your accounts current and pay your debts down to fix your credit? These are such important things for you to do when your credit score has been hurt in the past by excessive debt or late payments. It took time to hurt your credit score; it takes time to fix that credit score. While you’re working toward improving your credit score, it’s essential that you not get further behind. Money now can help you to fix your credit, so help you to have a better tomorrow.

I need money now and I need to have a workable pay back solution

Most payday loans are due to be paid in full on your next payday with a single automatic deduction from your checking account. But when you get a personal installment loan, instead of deducting the full amount on your next payday, you make several smaller payments over a longer period of time, Personal installment loans are a much better workable solution than payday loans.

If you are saying, “I need money now,” Apply HERE!

Fires have broken out and a curfew has been imposed in Bangkok in the wake of protests. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

As violence and unrest continue in Bangkok, the government has imposed a curfew.  This may be a prelude to martial law being declared in the capital of Thailand, if the situation doesn’t begin to subside. The anti-government Red Shirt protesters are not giving up, and violence is beginning to escalate.  Several foreign governments are urging their citizens to avoid Thailand altogether or to leave as soon as possible.

Bangkok protester encampment raided

The damage that has been done will take more than a little money now to undo and restore order and confidence in leadership among the citizens. According to the Christian Science Monitor, troops from the Thai military entered an encampment of anti-government protesters.  After the raid, a curfew was imposed in Bangkok as well as in other areas of Thailand.  As soon as government troops had taken over the camp, leaders of the Red Shirt protesters announced they would surrender to avoid further violence and bloodshed.  Following this announcement, further violence broke out in Bangkok streets, and several buildings were set on fire in apparent arson attacks.

British Government advises Britons to leave Thailand

Following the violent Bangkok protests, the U.K. Foreign and Commonwealth Office has advised British nationals to avoid traveling to Thailand, according to the BBC.  The British Embassy had closed on May 14 due to violence in the capital. They are advising Britons in Bangkok and other areas of Thailand to stay home if at all possible, and if they must travel, to do so after curfew hours with all appropriate paperwork to ensure their safety.  Thai officials said travel after curfew hours will be fine if all passports and appropriate paperwork are on hand and people are cooperative with police and military checkpoints.

Further unrest

After the raid on the encampments of Red Shirts, numerous buildings were set on fire, and emergency services had difficulty extinguishing the blazes. The Red Shirt protesters are deeply unsatisfied with the current government, and are calling for the government to hold immediate elections.  It may be some time before order is restored.

Credit card confusion

It’s no secret that credit cards have drawn millions of people who need cash today into an endless struggle with debt management. Complex terms and fees hidden behind fees make it very hard for average people to understand that they are actually taking out loans. Most people who need a loan wouldn’t choose a money lender who wasn’t up front with how much they are actually borrowing, what the interest rate is and how long it’s going to take to pay off the debt.

With responsible borrowing, credit cards aren’t necessarily a bad thing. When credit cards are the only thing, they can cause problems. Credit cards bring many benefits–as long as credit cards aren’t the only thing you use to manage money and debt.

Credit cards: small loans are big loans

Responsible borrowing is thinking differently. Charging everything on a card and getting by with the minimum payment makes whatever you buy with a credit card more expensive every day. Imagine buying a pair of shoes for $99.95 with your credit card. That amount goes into your balance and increases the interest you pay on your account. Your minimum payment mostly goes toward interest, because that’s how the credit card company makes its money. The credit card company doesn’t want you to pay off your balance. As long as you make your minimum payment, you will never pay off your balance and the credit card company will be making money off you forever.

Keeping a small loan small

To borrow responsibly, pay for things differently. Use an account for everyday spending that is paid in full. Have another one handy if you ever need to finance an emergency, or more expensive necessities. A good example of an account to pay in full is American Express. Use your American Express for groceries, gas, phone bills, utilities, etc. Every charge on your statement adds up to the minimum payment you pay each month. Using a card you pay in full every month is a very convenient way to spend money, manage debt and build a strong credit history.

Installment loans

Responsible borrowing also includes using other types of credit, like an installment loan, when you need a small loan for unexpected expenses — like a crown at the dentist, a medical bill from a minor emergency or getting your car fixed. Getting an installment loan is a lot smarter than paying the mechanic with a revolving credit card account, adding that amount to the balance and simply feeding the interest dragon with a minimum payment.

To borrow a small loan responsibly in an unexpected situation, use the credit card account that is paid in full at the end of the month at the mechanic’s garage. Then get an installment loan to pay that credit card bill when the next payment–in full–is due. With your installment loan, you will know exactly how much you are borrowing, what the interest rate is and how long it’s going to take to pay it off — in full.

Good, common sense

Think about it. You would never take out a car loan with no repayment schedule and make payments on it forever, long after the car ends up in the junk yard. But irresponsible borrowing with credit cards for stuff like big screen TVs, new tires or expensive toys is exactly that. Small installment loans or a short term loan is just good, common sense.

Installment Loans | Start your application HERE

How to get installment loans for bad credit

Personal Money Market has built a vast network of payday advance lenders that provide many different types of loan products, including installment loans for bad credit. No more do people with bad credit have to worry about their less-than-stellar credit scores; there are generally no credit checks, so it doesn’t matter how good, bad or blank your credit history may be.

You can apply right here for the money you need now. Just fill out the short application form and Personal Money Market will do the rest. Within minutes, you will be matched with a lender that fits you best, based on your circumstances. Plus, you get an answer in no time. Upon approval, you can have access to the money you need in as little as two hours!

What are bad credit installment loans?

Bad credit installment loans are loans specifically designed for people with bad credit. They are almost like payday loans, only you are not required to pay back the full loan amount on your next pay day. With this type of loan, you have the option to make installment payments until the loan is paid off or repay the loan amount in full if you feel financially equipped to do so.

Just like faxless payday loans, you can apply for bad credit loans right from the comfort of your home or office, online or over the phone. It doesn’t get any easier than that.

Get instant approval

If you need money now but are worried about a bad credit history, worry no more and apply for the help you need with installment loans for bad credit. The application takes an average 2.5 minutes to complete, and you get an answer within seconds of submitting your form. So what are you waiting for? Apply today and get the help you need, regardless of your credit.

Installment Loans for Bad Credit | Start HERE!

Arbor Day 2010 is a national holiday, and the occasion to plant a tree generates numerous economic benefits. Photo by geograph.org.

Arbor Day is a U.S. national holiday that comes and goes quietly the last Friday in April. Nobody gets Arbor Day 2010 off of work. Everybody is focused on the weekend. Most people take trees for granted. The Arbor Day Foundation is dedicated to changing that attitude — at least for a day, by encouraging people to spend a little money now on Arbor Day trees. The Arbor Day Foundation is active year round, but Arbor Day 2010 is its annual opportunity to sell the environmental and economic value of Arbor Day trees.

The business value of Arbor Day trees

Arbor Day 2010 draws attention to the health of urban forests and the benefits of a leafy canopy to a city’s quality of life. The Arbor Day Foundation knows that associating a dollar value with them is the best way to get Americans to appreciate Arbor Day trees. Its National Tree Benefit Calculator monetizes the investment in planting a tree. Based on geographic area, the calculator uses information about species, size and purpose. Return on investment is presented for  stormwater, property value, air quality and carbon dioxide (co2). Using the tree benefit calculator, a silver maple 12 inches in diameter located in the Northwest generates $57 dollars in benefits a year to a commercial business.

Plant a tree and save the planet

Arbor Day 2010 is an appropriate time to focus on trees and co2. Plant a tree for one of the cheapest, most effective ways to draw excess co2, a primary greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere, reports coloradotrees.com. Plant a tree and when it matures it will absorb 48 pounds of co2 a year and produce enough oxygen to support two humans during that year. An acre of trees absorbs enough co2 in a year to cancel out 26,000 miles of driving. Over a 50-year lifetime, the U.S. Forest Service estimates a tree generates $31,250 worth of oxygen, provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycles $37,500 worth of water and controls $31,250 worth of soil erosion.

Plant a tree gift

If every American family gave a plant a tree gift, the amount of CO2 would be reduced by 1 billion pounds annually — about 5 percent of the amount that humans pump into the atmosphere each year. It doesn’t have to be an Arbor Day tree. On a birthday, it’s easy to give a plant a tree gift at treesforchange.com.

Plant a tree in memory

Plant a tree in memory of someone to add to their meaningful legacy. Consider that 12-inch sugar maple above, growing along a roadway. In one growing season, it  removes not only co2, but 60mg cadmium, 140 mg chromium, 820 mg nickel and 5200 mg lead from the environment. To plant a tree in memory of a loved one, go to arborday.org.

Arbor Day history

Arbor Day history began in 1872 with a respected agriculturalist named J. Sterling Morton. He goes down in Arbor Day history as the founder of the holiday in Nebraska City, Nebraska, a state more commonly associated with cornfields than trees. On the first day in Arbor Day history, about 1 million trees were planted in the U.S. Sterling later became Secretary of Agriculture for President Grover Cleveland. Sterling is credited for being instrumental in setting up national forest reservations.

Why Choose Bad Credit Loans?

Bad credit loans provide just that – quick loans for people with bad credit. They are designed for people in need of money now but struggle to get the help they need because of bad or poor credit. One example of bad credit loans is installment loans for bad credit. They’re similar to payday loans, but you are not required to repay the entire loan amount on your next pay day. More or less, these types of loans provide the very help most people with bad credit need in times of temporary financial despair.

Getting Loans on Bad Credit

Having a good credit score comes with many advantages. But once that image is even slightly tarnished, even perhaps because of reasons beyond your control, you are no longer allowed the same privileges. Most lenders, private or corporate, become particularly cautious when comes to dealing with people with bad credit. People suffering from bad credit are given a much harder time getting even some of the simplest luxuries in life. Thankfully, there are still a good number of payday advance lenders who care little about your credit history and offer up the very help you need instantly.

When you need money now, there is really no time to waste. To avoid more penalties and damage to you credit, you have to think of a plan –fast. Bad credit loans can help. Don’t risk anymore damage to your credit and get the help you need now. These loans are made accessibly available online; it’s the perfect time-saving option for your instant cash needs!

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Noah's Ark found? A group of evangelical explorers claim to have found the smoking gun to Noah's flood--not to be confused with a Club Med cruise, pictured in this Flickr photo.

Noah’s Ark is found … again! A group of Chinese and Turkish evangelists are saying they have located Noah’s Ark after finding remains of a structure that could have possibly been used for livestock. The intrepid explorers are keeping the site secret, but they told Hong Kong correspondents of Agence France Presse (AFP) that carbon dating proves their discovery is 4,800 years old–about the time, they say, Noah’s Ark set sail.

Noah’s Ark found … honest

“Noah’s Ark found” is the claim of The Noah’s Ark Ministries International, formed in 2003 in Hong Kong. The South China Morning Post said the expedition is a joint effort between Hong Kong-based Media Evangelism, Noah’s Ark Ministry International and the Turkish government. Local Turkish officials will ask the central government in Ankara to apply for UNESCO World Heritage status so the site can be protected and pave the way for a major archaeological dig. No word on how to pay for it yet. Perhaps they need a loan.

Noah’s Ark dimensions

Noah’s Ark dimensions listed in the bible have led expeditions over the centuries to swear  they had discovered the vessel in which Noah, under orders from God, gathered mating pairs of all the world’s animals in a boat. Noah’s Ark dimensions measure 300 cubits by 50 cubits. The cubit was an ancient measurement said to be about the length of a forearm. Let’s say a forearm is about 20 inches long. That would make Noah’s Ark dimensions about 500 feet long by 83 feet wide. At last count, the world had about 5,416 species of mammals alone. Fitting 11,000-plus animals of various shapes and sizes into a vessel that size would have taken an act of god, for sure. The amphibians, bugs and plants would have had to fend for themselves. The fishes, clams and lobsters would have been OK, of course.

Noah’s Ark found timeline

Noah’s Ark found? The evangelical explorers claim their carbon dating dates their discovery at 4,800 years old, lead Yeung Wing-cheung (not to be confused with 1980s one-hit wonder Wang Chung) to tell the AFP, “It’s not 100 percent that it is Noah’s Ark, but we think it is 99.9 percent that this is it.” Unfortunately, the sliver of doubt in Wing-cheung’s mind becomes a two-by-four blow to the head with a simple review of reality. Biblical legend says God sent a flood to destroy a human race overcome with sin and depravity. Apparently this flood wreaked its havoc while the great civilizations in Egypt, Greece and China got a free pass.  Or perhaps they appeased the almighty with instant cash.

Noah’s Ark found in Turkey again

Noah’s Ark found in Turkey is a headline that’s been seen before. One of today’s most enduring claims of Noah’s Ark found concerns the “Durupinar site” about 18 miles south of the Greater Ararat summit. The Durupinar site is a large rock formation that looks like a boat. Even though geologists, doing science, have determined it is a natural rock formation, tourists still flock to the site and Wyatt’s Ark Discovery Institute continues to try and make money now on the idea.

Noah’s Ark found–just kidding!

The latest expedition that claims Noah’s Ark is found joins a long list of hopefuls and hoaxes. As usual, the media can’t resist the temptation. One of the latest and greatest hoodwinkings happened in 1993, when CBS aired a tabloid-flavored special entitled “The Incredible Discovery of Noah’s Ark.” The star of the show turned out to be an actor named George Jammal, who later admitted the “sacred wood” from the ark was taken from railroad tracks in Long Beach, Calif., and cured with various sauces in an oven.

Many legislators are angry that a Republican fund-raising letter looks like a Republican census scam. Image from Flickr.

Both Republican and Democratic leaders are speaking out strongly against the Republican census form that is turning out more like a Republican census scam. The fund-raising letter is disguised as an official “Republican census letter” that asks people to give the party money now. The Republican census scam is not new, but this year it may violate a law signed on April 7.

Republican census form aims to deceive

The Republican census form that has been mailed out is dated April 12. Given that the Republican census form uses phrases such as “Census tracking code,” “Census document registered to” and “OFFICIAL DOCUMENT, DO NOT DESTROY,” it looks very similar to official U.S. Census forms. Many are saying this is a Republican census scam. Think Progress.org has posted a copy of the Republican census form, while Politico quoted a “Republican operative familiar with the program” as saying:

“Of course, duping people is the point. … That’s one of the reasons why it works so well. …They will likely mail millions this year (with) incredible targeting.”

Republican census scam

The Republican census letters have been sent out for decades. Ten years ago, senators requested that the Postmaster General investigate the Republican census “scam.” The result of that investigation was that because the Republican census letters did not use a seal or official “U.S. Census Bureau” name, they did not violate the law. However, the House passed a law that President Obama signed on April 7 that specifically banned mailers that were “designed to confuse recipients.” Many senators have asked John Potter, the Postmaster General, to investigate the mailers.

Does the Republican census letter violate law?

The specific law that was signed on April 7 requires many things of the Republican census letter. Any mailing with an envelope marked “Census” must clearly indicate both the sender and the return address. The Republican census letter must also include a disclaimer that it is not from or affiliated with the federal government. The official Republican census letters that are dated April 12 do not appear to include these elements in the request for money loans.

So what do you think? Are these Republican census letters a Republican census scam or a legitimate fund-raising effort?

Sources:

TPM
The Plum Line
Politico

An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana is growing from a leak in the well drilled by the Deepwater Horizon, which exploded and sank last week. Picasa Web Albums photo.

Click here to read May 17 update.

An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Louisiana has spread to cover more than 1,800 square miles as of Monday afternoon. Gulf of Mexico oil spill update here. The oil spill is coming from a leak in the well that was drilled by the Transocean Deepwater Horizon, a giant offshore drilling rig that exploded and sank last week. The oil spill is reported to be leaking about t 42,000 gallons a day from a well nearly a mile deep. The U.S. Coast Guard has been using robot subs to try to stop the leak.

The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico is expected to remain about 30 miles offshore, based on an analysis of ocean currents and weather patterns. In a statement Monday, the Coast Guard warned states along the Gulf Coast to be on alert. The oil rig that burned and sank was drilling a well about 50 miles off the Louisiana coast, putting that state’s shoreline at the highest risk.

Oil spill response

To prepare for the oil spill, which the Coast Guard said my reach landfall sometime Tuesday, Louisiana has begun spending money now on oil spill response, installing containment booms around environmentally sensitive areas. The Associated Press reports that Alabama has also mobilized oil spill response to prevent damage when the oil slick makes landfall. The Coast Guard said it’s spending extra cash on 15 specially designed skimming vessels, which had collected 48,000 gallons of oil-water mix by Sunday. Aircraft have been dumping dispersant chemicals to break down the oil.

Oil spill disaster fears come true

An oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico was one of the greatest fears When the Deepwater Horizon exploded and sank. The New York Times reports that the well is leaking its liquid cash today from the “riser.” The riser is a 5,000-foot-long pipe extending from the wellhead on the ocean bottom that was connected to the drilling platform. Now detached, the riser is kinked like a garden hose. The leaks are at the sea floor, and officials believe the kinks are preventing an even worse gusher of oil from escaping. Before the platform sank, a geyser of oil and gas shot from the riser to create a giant plume of flame and black smoke.

Oil spill cleanup

To contain the oil spill, the Coast Guard aims to have robotic subs activate a 450-ton valve at the wellhead 5,000 feet deep that could possible seal the well. However, it’s possible that this valve, which was designed to prevent sudden pressure releases that led to the explosion that sunk the platform may not work. As a contingency, BP has dispatched two rigs to the area that could drill relief wells. Officials estimated that this strategy, drilling down to the cavity of oil and gas and pumping it full of  mud and concrete, could take two months.

At this rate, The New York times said, the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, at a rate of 42,000 gallons of oil a day, would have to continue for 262 days to match the 11-million-gallon spill in Alaska’s Prince William Sound from the Exxon Valdez in 1989, the worst oil spill in United States history.

The Story of Bottled Water, a short film released by Anne Leonard on World Water Day, intends to put a dent in bottled water sales. Flickr photo.

The Story of Bottled water is a short film by Anne Leonard that she released Thursday, which was World Water Day. In The story of Bottled Water, Leonard shows how corporations have convinced Americans to spend extra cash on half a billion bottles of water every week though most people in this country can get it for free. “Purified” bottled water has become a $5 billion-a-year industry in the U.S. and ironically threatens public health and the environment.

World Water Day

In an article on huffingtonpost.com, Anne Leonard said she chose World Water Day to release the Story of Bottled Water because World Water Day is:

“a good day to pause and consider the insanity of a global economy where 1 billion people lack access to safe drinking water while other people spend billions on a bottled product that’s no cleaner, harms people and the environment and costs up to 2,000 times the price of tap water.”

In The Story of Bottled Water, Leonard compares spending money on bottled water to buying a shrink-wrapped sandwich made by unknown hands costing $10,000. She blames multi-billion dollar marketing campaigns commissioned by industrial giants like Coca Cola and Pepsi and Nestle to make Americans afraid to drink tap water.

Toxic chemicals in bottled water

The Story of Bottled Water points out that while people may think they are drinking purified water, it is often no safer than the water coming from the tap. It could also be less safe. Toxic chemicals from the plastic in the bottle can leach into the water inside. A report on mindfully.org states that Water bottles are made from various plastics, including Bisphenol-A (BPA), a chemical that leaches into the water in the bottles to some degree. Bisphenal-A, it turns out, is a hormone disruptor that mimics estrogen and is linked to early onset puberty, declining sperm counts, obesity and breast and prostate cancer. In March 2007 a billion-dollar class action suit was filed in Los Angeles against five leading manufacturers of baby bottles containing Bisphenal-A.

Filter water at home

Leonard says that bottled water costs up to 2,000 times more than tap water, yet up to 40 percent of bottled water is simply filtered tap water. Consumers can filter water at home with products costing anywhere from $15 to $120. The Story of Bottled Water lists many other facts about bottled water that Leonard calls “inconvenient truths:

• Bottled water is subject to fewer health regulations than tap water.
• Municipalities often need money loans to cover more than the $70 million it costs to landfill water bottles alone each year, according to Corporate Accountability International.
• Making the plastic water bottles used in the U.S. takes enough oil and energy to fuel a million cars, not including the fuel required to transport the bottles from the factory.

Use metal water bottles

The Story of Bottled Water does see a bright side it its argument, however. Leonard says that fewer people spend money now on bottled water — sales fell slightly in 2009 for the first time ever. More consumers choose to filter water at home,  pass on bottled water at the store and carry reusable metal water bottles. Steel or aluminum water bottles cost anywhere from $5.95 to $19.95. Sure beats a $10,000 sandwich.