The economic mountain has come to Mohamed El-Erian, and a "new normal" may be the result. (Photo Credit: CC BY-SA/Mattbr/Wikipedia)

Pacific Investment Management Co. (Pimco) CEO Mohamed El-Erian, a sought-after commentator on the United States’ economic condition, has called the past decade a “lost decade” of unemployment and dismal tidings for the nation’s labor market, reports Bloomberg. The economic waters the U.S. has become accustomed to sailing have turned back, never to return, suggests El-Erian. More people than ever need a loan, but the credit market will not currently bear the demand. There will be, in his words, a “new normal” to which America must adjust.

Unemployment and labor continue to suffer

Unemployment remains at a high level, credit markets are on their guard and additional federal stimulus isn’t likely to solve the issues plaguing the nation’s labor market, said El-Erian. Charles Nenner of the Charles Nenner Research Center is even more pessimistic. On Bloomberg Television’s “On the Move,” Nenner predicted that the Dow Jones will fall to 5,000 within two years, underscoring El-Erian’s belief that the U.S. economy isn’t as flexible as policy experts believe. Playing with interest rates and holding hands out for an instant money bailout aren’t necessarily the best springboards to long-term recovery. People and institutions that look for cash now without understanding the long-term impact of borrowing from the future to prop up the present are doomed to fall from the trapeze and strike bottom.

“This country has very weak safety nets,” El-Erian said on “Bloomberg Surveillance.” “It is built on the assumption that our labor markets are very flexible, that if you lose your job in California you move somewhere else, you get another job, and what we’re seeing is structural unemployment.”

Stocking up on high-quality assets

Pimco’s strategy has been to stock up on high quality assets. The company’s Total Return Fund, which has returned 11.8 over the past year (besting return on peer bonds by 67 percent, writes Bloomberg), is the largest of its kind in the United States. But for the country as a whole, a more dramatic focus on structure is needed, says El-Erian. In addition to the mildly ineffective bouts of stimulus, the dead-in-the-water U.S. housing market isn’t producing the assets needed for recovery. The U.S. economy needs to restructure the way business is done. “It needs other agencies to help and in particular, it needs structural policies to be there,” El-Erian informed Bloomberg. “Put another way, you need to stimulate not just demand, but also you need to make supply more flexible.”

El-Erian’s concept of a “new normal” could act as a fresh rubber band that will snap back after economic calamity, or a faux safety net made from IOUs and dreams of wild market speculation.

Sources:

Bloomberg

Pimco

Understanding the “new normal”

Apartment building loans are being shifted around the big lenders Citi and JP Morgan Chase. Image: Flickr/NCinDC

As a part of its goal of expanding its lending portfolio, JP Morgan Chase has purchased a loan portfolio from Citi. The deal is worth about $3.5 billion, and is a part of the $8 billion in troubled loans Citi has been selling to others. The purchased loans are practically guaranteed payday loans for JP Morgan Chase, as they are loans for apartment and multi-family buildings.

Citi selling off no fax loan portfolio

As a part of its rebuilding strategy, Citi has been selling off a wide range of loans and securities. Citi Holdings group has been the recipient of some of these loans, while about $19 billion worth of products have been sold to other companies. In short, Citi is trying to shrink its business, while selling securities at close-to-value prices.

JP Morgan Chase purchases credit loans

The portfolio that JP Morgan Chase has purchased from Citi includes about 3,800 multi-family dwelling loans. With this purchase and others, JP Morgan Chase has become the third-largest mortgage lender behind Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This adds to the $300 million in multi-family loans that JP Morgan Chase has “in the pipeline.”

The increase in mortgage lending

Applications for new mortgages have been slowly but surely ticking up. Applications for new home loans increased by about .6 percent last week. The number of people who need a loan but are not applying for one, though, also appears to be rising. Though legislators are putting pressure on banks to increase their lending, banks are fighting back. The argument is that banks are doing everything they can to offer loans to “credit-worthy” applicants. After years of economic downturn and job losses, there are fewer “credit-worthy” people than ever. JP Morgan Chase’s purchase of multi-family home loans is helping shift assets around large banks, but there is debate as to whether it will actually help increase lending from either entity.

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!

The SBA offers emergency loans to victims of emergencies and disasters. Image: Flickr/U.S. Geological Survey

In some areas of the country, low interest Small Business Administration loans that have been heavily pushed are not proving to help. This cash advance product has been promised to homeowners and business owners to help rebuild after emergencies. Offered at 4 to 6 percent interest, the SBA offers this supposedly quick loan solution to victims of floods, fires and the Gulf oil spill.

The purpose of SBA loans

In “everyday use,” SBA loans are intended to help small businesses build and develop. The SBA is actually a loan guarantee entity. It does not offer loans online but instead works with banks to provide loans. Disaster loans, also administered through the SBA, are given to both individuals and businesses who have been affected by disasters. Like all loans, SBA loans consider the credit of borrowers and their ability to repay. Unlike other loans, SBA loans are intended only for individuals who “are having difficulty accessing other credit.”

Denial rates for emergency loans

SBA emergency loans are often initiated or offered very soon after an emergency hits. In Massachusetts, for example, the SBA has announced that loans of up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to rebuild after floods. Businesses will be able to take out loans of up to $2 million, with interest rates as low as 2.75 percent. However, in Louisiana as many as 70 percent of SBA loan applications are being denied until BP pays out damage payments. In Tennessee, about 66 percent of flood emergency loans are being denied.

Appealing loan denial decisions

The incredibly high rate of denials for emergency victims who need a loan is causing a lot of frustration among disaster victims. SBA loan programs are intended to help, but they cannot help if most people cannot access the credit. The SBA does have an appeal process that allows applicants to provide new information, show proof of altered circumstances or correct information in the original applications. In the end, though, these loans usually end up going to individuals who show proof they can repay them — and that can be very tough to show after a disaster and in the tough economy.

Sources

The Tennessean
Boston.com

You need the best loan

When you need a loan, payday loans can provide instant cash no matter what kind of credit score you have. At Personal Money Market, one short online application instantly locates the best payday loan for your needs. You don’t waste time comparing lenders and you get an immediate response to your loan request.

You need a loan quickly

The minute you’re down to your last few dollars, something unexpected happens and it always involves money. It takes money to make money problems go away, and an online cash advance is a quick way to get the money you need.

• Get up to $1,500
• Poor credit and lack of credit acceptable
• Bankruptcy history acceptable
• Credit checks rarely required
• Fast and secure online application
• Apply in the privacy of your home or office
• Typically nothing to fax and no calls to make
• Automatic deposit to your bank account
• Cash often available in as little as two hours

You need a loan that’s easy to pay back

Most online payday loans are automatically paid back on your next payday. Compared to using a credit card, with a payday loan you aren’t tempted to overspend and you won’t run up a debt that you can’t pay back quickly. If you need a little more time, installment payday loans and installment loans for bad credit let you make smaller payments over a longer term.

You need a loan for peace of mind alone

When you’re short of cash until payday, it doesn’t take long before you’re overwhelmed by past-due bills, late fees, overdraft charges and nagging calls from creditors. So if you need a loan, take a few minutes right now to apply for one. Your peace of mind alone is worth it.

Need a loan? Start your application HERE!

Get cash today

When you need a loan, it’s quick and easy to apply at Personal Money Market.

• Online application is private and secure
• Cash is often available in as little as two hours
• Credit checks are rarely required
• Bad credit and no credit are okay
• Bankruptcy is okay
• Military loans are available
• There’s typically nothing to fax
• You won’t be kept waiting and wondering
• It’s hassle-free!

Pay it back on payday

Most online payday loans are paid back automatically on your next payday. A single-payment loan is an ideal way to get back on track when you know you can get by on your next paycheck after repaying a cash advance. If you need to make smaller payments over a longer period of time, payday installment loans and installment loans for bad credit may be better options. Whichever you choose, when you use an online loan to get extra cash until payday, you know right up front how much you owe and when it will be paid back.

Use your cash advance like a credit card

When you’re short of cash until payday, it makes good sense to get a payday loan rather than rely on credit cards. If you’ve ever used a credit card, you know how easy it is to charge more than you should. It can take months or even years to pay off the balance, and when finances are already tight a long-term monthly obligation is the last thing you need. If you want to make electronic or online purchases, avoid overspending by funding your bank account with a quick loan and then using your debit card.

Find the best payday loans

When you need extra cash until payday, you need it right now. Save valuable time by applying at Personal Money Market where one short application instantly finds the best payday loan for your individual needs.

Need cash until payday? Apply HERE!

You might need a loan to cover big expenses

One of the hardest things about living on a strict budget is planning ahead for large, periodic expenses like insurance premiums, property taxes and necessary home repairs. When a major expense won’t fit in your budget, consider applying for an installment payday loan. An installment loan provides instant cash and then allows you extra time to pay the loan in several payments rather than all at once. Installment loans for bad credit are available, too.

You might need a loan to avoid using credit cards

If money is tight, think twice before using credit cards. It’s easy to run up an unmanageable debt when you use credit cards to provide extra cash between paychecks. Instead of resorting to credit cards when you need a loan, take just a few minutes to apply for an online cash advance. You won’t overspend and you won’t be surprised by an unexpectedly large bill at the end of the month. You won’t struggle for months or even years to make the payments, because with a payday loan you know right up front how much the credit will cost and when it will be paid off.

You might need a loan… just because

One of the best things about getting a payday loan is that how you spend the money is completely up to you. Payday lenders won’t ask why you need a loan. In most cases, they won’t run a credit check, either. You can apply in minutes from your home or office without having to fax documents or wait in line.

When you need a loan, get the best and get it quickly!

One short application at Personal Money Market instantly matches you with the best payday lender for your particular requirements. Depending on when you apply and which lender best suits your needs, funds can be deposited to your bank account in as little as two hours.

Need a loan? Start your quick application HERE!

Why do people prefer short term installment loans?

Short term installment loans are preferred by most, because usually they are loans in the $500 to $1,500 range. This is a reasonable amount for the average person to pay back within a respectable amount of time. The second reason is the installments the loan company expects you to pay each month are low and can be paid very easily. All you have to do is pay the minimum that is owed, so you do not get behind on your balance.

Customize a loan plan to fit your needs

It’s all about customizing a plan that works for you and suits your needs. Whether you need a loan that will allow you enough time to pay it off or you need a loan that will give you the maximum amount that you need, the people here at Personal Money Market will help you find the right loan agency to fulfill that request.

Get a short term loan today

If you are seeking a loan today, go to the bottom of this article and fill in the short little form application to get started. After you do this, the application process will guide you through everything that you need to do regarding the application, as well as what to do after you send in your completed information.

Stay updated on your current status, once you have turned in your application.

The loan company that accepts your loan application will notify you of your status. Even better, a message should pop up on your screen within seconds after submitting the form saying whether you have been approved for short term installment loans. Make sure to check it from time to time, so you can stay up to date.

Short Term Installment Loans | Start HERE!

The Cash for Caulkers 2010 bill, which passed the House Thursday, provides homeowners from $3,000 to $8,000 in rebates for energy-efficient improvements. Flickr photo.

Cash for Caulkers 2010, also known as the Home Star bill, offers homeowners rebates from $3,000 to $8,000 for energy-efficient improvements to their homes. The Cash for Caulkers 2010 bill, which was passed by the House on Thursday, will dole out $5.7 billion over two years for a program aimed to stimulate the construction industry, which has been gutted by the recession. Republicans, as usual, were nearly united in opposition to the Cash for Caulkers bill, which still needs Senate approval before President Obama can sign it.

Cash for Caulkers details

With Cash for Caulkers  2010, homeowners may not need a loan for thousands of dollars in energy-saving home improvements. The name of the bill is word-play inspired by the 2009 Cash for Clunkers bill that encouraged car buyers to get rid of their gas hogs. CBS News reports that Cash for Caulkers details include two programs: The Silver Star program provides upfront rebates of up to $3,000 for specific energy-efficient improvements in homes, such as installing energy-efficient appliances or duct sealing, insulation or new windows or doors. A Gold Star program would entitle people to up to $8,000 when they conduct comprehensive energy audits and implement measures that reduce energy use throughout their homes by more than 20 percent.

Cash for Caulkers rules

To prevent fraud, Cash for Caulkers rules require licensing for all participating contractors and a certain percentage of projects will be inspected. The Silver Star program provides upfront rebates for renovations such as insulation, improved windows and doors and water heaters at the time of purchase. This credit is worth up to $1,500 per improvement and capped at $3,000 or 50 percent of the total project cost. Following an energy audit, the Gold Star program can provide $3,000 for energy savings of 20 percent, with an additional $1,000 for every additional 5 percent energy savings. This rebate is capped at $8,000 or 50 percent of the project cost.

Cash for Caulkers home energy audit

Cash for Caulkers details about the Gold Star home energy audit requirement can be found on the web. A home energy auditor can help home owners assess how much energy their homes use and evaluate what measures will improve efficiency. Five minutes and the last 12 months of utility bills are all it takes for a do-it-yourself home energy audit using energystar.gov. Professional home energy auditors can deliver more energy savings. A professional home energy auditor uses a variety of equipment such as blower doors, which measure the rate heating or cooling escapes the home, and infrared cameras, which reveal hard-to-detect areas of air infiltration and missing insulation.

Cash for Caulkers economic impact

Now that it has passed the House, Cash for Caulkers 2010 moves to the Senate. CBS News reports that the Senate will likely attach Cash for Caulkers to the next jobs bill. Supporters of the Cash for Caulkers bill say it could create 168,000 jobs. They also estimate that 3 million households could take advantage of its programs, saving $9.2 billion in home energy costs over 10-years. They said it would create 168,000 jobs. The cash for Caulkers bill would approve $600 million over two years for grants to states for replacing mobile homes with more energy efficient models.

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.

The Nokia N96 (pictured above) was one of the first phones to use Symbian OS. Image from Flickr.

This morning, the Nokia N8 was officially announced, and the Nokia N8 is one little smartphone packed with entertainment features: HD-quality video and editing software, surround sound, Web TV social networking, navigation, web browsing and – oh yeah – the ability to make phone calls on just about any network. The Nokia N8 runs on the Symbian ^3 operating system. The Nokia N8 release date is late this year – so if you need a loan to get it, start the application now.

Nokia N8 with 5-band tech

The biggest stumbling block most new phones run into is the network, but Nokia N8 is built to vault over this challenge. In the United States, there are two major wireless networks, and most cell phones use either one or the other. This forces customers to choose their network first and their phone second – or “jailbreak” their phones to use them on an unsupported network. However, the Nokia N8 comes with 5-band WCDMA network coverage built in. This means users in the United States and internationally can use this phone no matter who their wireless network carrier is.

Nokia N8 Basics

Before we get excited about all the bells and whistles on the Nokia N8 phone, it is important to consider the basics. What good would the Nokia N8 phone be if you couldn’t make a basic call? The Symbian OS is the most popular operating system in the world, so it is sure to be stable. Bluetooth 3.0 allows close-quarters connection with your other gizmos. Its Wi-Fi connections will work in most coffee shops and college campuses. The 3.5-inch touchscreen display will include multi-touch and multi-tasking support. Finally, the 1200 mAh battery is not replaceable — which may ultimately be the downfall of this device.

Nokia N8 built for entertainment

The real power of the Nokia N8, assuming that the battery can hold up to the use, is the multimedia integration. This smartphone will include an HDMI port and surround sound support – so you could plug it into your home theater and watch videos in full HD glory. With only 32GB of internal memory, though, don’t count on using it as your main storage device. An FM transmitter and FM radio will keep you entertained when your podcasts run out, though. The 12 megapixel camera boasts Carl Zeiss optics and HD video capture, as well as editing — so you can create YouTube videos everyone else will be jealous of.

Nokia N8 release date

Though the Nokia N8 has been officially announced, no U.S. carriers have provided a Nokia N8 release date on their networks. At about $493 dollars (370 Euro) per handset, the Nokia N8 release date in the United States gives you plenty of time to get online loans to cover the cost. While you are waiting, you can drool over the five aluminum casing colors available or consider ways to hack a better-performing battery into the Nokia N8.

Sources:

ZD Net
Nokia.com

From left: Jeremy Wariner, Chris Brown, LaShawn Merritt. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

LaShawn Merritt, the reigning Olympic champion at 400 meters, has failed a drug test and faces a suspension. Merritt could be hit with a two-year ban from competition by U.S.A. Track and Field (USATF) after testing positive for a steriod he said he ingested unwittingly in an erectile dysfunction drug. The unlikelyhood of a 23-year-old world-class athlete needing a male enhancement product isn’t expected to help his case.

LaShawn Merritt drug test

LaShawn Merritt accepted a “provisional suspension from USATF and announced Thursday that he was withdrawing from competition while he awaits a rulling on his case. His attorney Howard Jacobs said the LaShawn Merritt’s positive drug test detected DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a steroid banned from Olympic sports but readily available legally as a dietary supplement in the U.S.

LaShawn Merritt, falling star

LaShawn Merritt burst onto the international track and field scene at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Bejing, where he upset race favorite and 2004 gold medalist American Jeremy Warriner in the 400 meters. Merritt also beat Warriner in last summer’s world championships in Berlin. Merritt and Warriner have developed a spirited rivalry that the sport of track and field can ill afford to lose as it competes for attention with more popular sports.

Merritt’s erectile disfunction punchline

LaShawn Merritt’s positive drug test for an erectile disfunction drug and subsequent tearful confession sparked ridicule from track and field officials. In a statement USTAF CEO Doug Logan, who has been trying to clean up the sport after a load of drug scandals in the last decade, said Merritt had brought “shame to himself and his teammates” and become “the object of jokes.”

LaShawn Merritt may lose future pay day

Lashawn Merritt’s positive drug test means he may be joining the list of track and field athletes suspended from competition over the years by USA Track and Field for failing a drug test. Athletes currently under suspension include include 2004 Olympic 100 meter gold medalist and former world record holder Justin Gatlin, whose suspension may end July this year. Gatlin told naplesnews.com that his four year suspension has cost him about $5 million in extra cash, performance fees and endorsements.

LaShawn Merritt: read the label

LaShawn Merritt just may need a loan. His prospects for avoiding a suspension don’t look good. USATF anti-doping policies make it clear that athletes are personally accountable for what they ingest, especially when all you have to do is read the label to check for banned substances. A two year suspension would mean the Merritt will miss the 2011 World Championships. If his ban starts soon enough, he could make a comeback for the US Olympic Trials in 2012.

Find out who these online personal loan companies are

If you want an online personal loan, then you need to know where they can be found. A great place to start is right here where you are, right now. Personal Money Market can meet all your needs when it comes to linking you with great loan providers.

Your credit score is important

Most personal loan companies today want you to have higher credit scores even more than they did before the economic crisis of 2008. But that isn’t to say that an online personal loan company wouldn’t accept bad credit, fair credit or poor credit, as well. Places like Personal Money Market understand that it’s difficult to maintain a good credit score, particularly because of economic hardships. Hardworking individuals in need of money now should not be turned away because of bad or poor credit, and neither should they be treated any different because of it.

Sign an agreement with the lender

It must be clear for the both of you what the stipulations are, as well as the interest and installments to be expected. Don’t sign any form, until you know exactly what the entire agreement states.

Provide brief information

The loan company will want to know a little about you and your financial history. This provides some basis on how much they should lend you. Make sure to fill out their forms completely and accurately so that the online personal loan form can be completed accurately.

Send form to the online personal loan company

Once you have finished filling out the online personal loan form, send it in to be evaluated. It should take just a few minute before you are notified of your status. If you are approved, the money loan will be sent to you in the manner you agreed to in the form.

Start your Online Personal Loan application HERE!

A meteor in Wisconsin blazed across the sky and exploded Wednesday night, triggering forest fires and a flood of emergency calls. Photo by Ed Sweeney.

A meteor in Wisconsin was seen streaking across the sky from west to east about 10 p.m. Wednesday. Witnesses overwhelmed emergency response phone lines, reporting to have seen a yellow/blue fireball swiftly tracking from northwest to southeast. A meteorologist with the National Weather Service said the meteor exploded over Iowa County in southwest Wisconsin at about 24,000 feet, showering meteorites to the ground, which started some forest fires. Witnesses reported a window-rattling sonic boom.

Meteor in Wisconsin data wanted

If you happened to see the meteor in Wisconsin, the International Meteor Organization would like to hear from you. Information with some precision about where the meteor in Wisconsin may have landed is a pay day for The International Meteor Organization for helping scientists find any possible meteorites. Information about its trajectory also helps scientists track the orbit of the meteor in Wisconsin to possibly link it to asteroids or comets.

Meteor in Wisconsin video

The meteor in Wisconsin was a natural object that originated in outer space. When it entered the atmosphere, friction caused it to superheat into a brightly glowing fireball captured on video. If pieces of the meteor in Wisconsin actually did reach the Earth’s surface, they officially became “meteorites.” As of February 2010, about 1,086 meteorites have been found after witnesses reported them as meteors. More than 38,000 meteorites have been found. Apollo astronauts also found meteorites on the moon.

Did meteor in Wisconsin become a meteorite?

The meteor in Wisconsin, although bigger and more spectacular than most meteors, isn’t exactly unique. The American Meteor Society Fireball Sightings Log: 2010 shows nearly daily reports of meteor sightings from around the country. However, meteorite discoveries are rare. On Jan. 22, 2010, a meteorite struck the office building of Dr. Frank Ciampi in Lorton, Va. The meteorite punched a hole in the roof and ripped up the floor about 10 feet from where Ciampi was working. Fragments of meteor about the size of a tennis ball were strewn about the room. Damage was light, and he probably doesn’t need a loan to fix it.

Meteor in Wisconsin danger was unlikely

According to astronomer Alan Harris on wikianswers.com, the chances of being killed by a meteorite in any person’s lifetime are about the same as Bill Gates needing a pay day loan: 1 in 700,000.”As a comparison,” he said, “you’re more likely to die in a fireworks accident. But what’s funny is, this is a slightly higher chance than being killed by a terrorist!” The last recorded impact on a human was in 1954, when Elaine Hodges of Sylacauga, Ala., was struck in the hip as she was napping on her couch. There is a famous Life magazine image of her showing her injury.

Meteor in Wisconsin not the first

The meteor in Wisconsin isn’t the first fireball to have an impact on the state. Space.com reports that scientists, years ago saw something different about rocks around Wavery, Wis., and concluded an ancient catastrophic event occurred. They believe a 650- to 700-foot meteorite crashed into the earth at speeds up to 67,500 mph. The impact 450 million years ago released more than 1,000 megatons of explosive energy, blasting a massive hole in a 4-mile area called Rock Elm about 70 miles east of Minneapolis, three scientists said in an article published in the Geological Society of America Bulletin. Over time, shale, dirt and sediment filled the hole. A shallow sea covering Wisconsin at the time blunted the impact.

Worldwide, there are about 200 known meteorite impact sites. About a couple dozen are in the U.S. Scientists estimate they occur every few hundred thousand years, and only a couple dozen in the United States. They are believed to have occurred only every few hundred thousand years.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfKrd2NrnHk

8.4 earthquake prediction

After a 6.9 magnitude earthquake injured more than 8,000 people in Qinghai, China last night, Twitter, Facebook and text messages lit up with warnings of an 8.4 earthquake prediction for California. The 5.0 magnitude earthquake in Guerrero, Mexico seemed to confirm the 8.4 earthquake prediction. The rumor started with an email claiming that CalTech had sent its employees home with notice to “prepare for the big one.” CalTech has confirmed that no such e-mail was sent out.

Earthquake prediction

The 8.4 earthquake prediction claiming it will happen in the next 72 hours is simply not possible. The closest thing in existence to a reliable earthquake prediction is the seismic activity detectors that allow researchers to immediately warn areas that are seeing increased seismic activity. However, as Popular Mechnics outlined, true earthquake prediction is “still a long way off.”

The 8.4 earthquake prediction may eventually come true

The fact that an 8.4 earthquake in California has not been predicted does not mean that the big earthquake is not coming. California is a well-known earthquake zone. In 2008, the Working Group on California Earthquake Probabilities predicted that a 6.7 or larger magnitude earthquake has a 67 percent likelihood of happening. In other words, an 8.4 earthquake prediction is generally true – it may very well happen. An accurate earthquake prediction is just not possible, though.

Preparing for an 8.4 earthquake in California

Any resident of an earthquake-prone area should always be prepared for a large earthquake, just as everyone should be prepared for a large disaster. A basic disaster kit is easy to put together, and getting a quick personal loan to finance one may be a good idea. Check with your local Red Cross to get help putting your emergency kit together. That way, when another earthquake prediction or major disaster comes your way, you will know you’re ready.

Sources:

KHTS AM 1220

Bakersfield Now

Los Angeles Times

Butt Drugs Commercial Video

The Butt Drugs commercial was created by comedy duo Rhett and Link. Known for their music videos and “internetainment”, Rhett and Link created the Butt Drugs commercial as a part of their “I Love Local Commercials” series. Funded with quick cash by business company MicroBilt, the “I Love Local Commercials” series asks people to nominate their favorite local business for free commercial creation.

See the Butt Drugs video here

Butt Drugs is a real store

Sure, the commercial is incredibly funny. The best part about the commercial, though, is that Butt Drugs is a real store, the kind of old-fashioned, small-town drug store that can rarely be found anymore. The store was founded in 1952 by businessman William Butt. Butt Drugs the store is now owned and operated by William’s son and granddaughter. The store has a pharmacy, general merchandise, liquor, and an old-fashioned soda fountain. The stuffed fishing trophies of the original store owner and his son still hang on the walls. When the store was first founded, the town was tiny – and as of the 2000 census, Corydon, Indiana only had 2,715 people. Beyond Butt Drugs, the one claim to fame that Croydon can take is that it was the original state capital of Indiana – before that capital was moved to Indianapolis in 1825.

Get Butt Drugs merchandise

If you can’t make the trip all the way to Corydon, Indiana, you can still have some fun with the punny excitement of Butt Drugs. The web site, ButtDrugs.com, offers everything from T-shirts to bumper stickers. Of course, it’s important to have as much of a sense of humor as you can – after all, Butt Drugs is an entirely legitimate name that just happens to incite a few giggles. Be prepared to answer a number of questions and get a lot of odd stares if you choose to declare your love of Butt Drugs.

Apple seems to have entirely snubbed Adobe products in the iPhone 4.0 OS. Image from Flickr.

When Apple announced the new iPhone 4.0 operating system yesterday, there was a clause buried in the developer agreement that has raised Adobe’s hackles. The Apple Adobe rivalry has been going for years, but Apple has now officially snubbed Adobe’s Flash platform for the new OS 4.0 iPhone. If you want to watch video on your OS 4.0 device, you may need a loan to buy the right iPhone app.

Adobe Flash not allowed on the iPhone

The basic reason Apple gives for not allowing Adobe Flash programs on their operating systems is simple – that Flash will use more than its fair share of operating resources. Steve Jobs and Apple have answered all questions about allowing Adobe Flash to run on the Apple operating systems with simple a simple “no.”

Adobe’s response to Apple

Adobe systems, recognizing that not being allowed on any of the millions of Apple devices could be a business killer, has created a workaround. It is an embedded program that re-renders all Adobe Flash programs into a non-flash, iPhone OS friendly system. However, Apple has not yet approved the Adobe workaround App, and has not stated it has any intentions of doing so.

Is Adobe really better for Apple devices?

Of course, the biggest argument for why Apple devices should include Adobe Flash is that many websites already use flash. About 70% of online gaming sites use Flash.Of all online video sites, including YouTube and Hulu, 75 percent use Adobe Flash as well. However, Apple developers insist that their proprietary programs and HTML-5 based systems simply work better. Though like payday advances, the best user experience depends on many factors.

How will the Apple Adobe rivalry work out?

Adobe is not saying that the Apple snubbing of Adobe Flash will be the death knell for the company. Adobe is working with many other hand held device manufacturers, and over 1.2 billion mobile phones on the market are still Flash-capable. The iPad competitor WePad is also set to run Adobe Flash, as will the HP Slate.

(Photo: Flickr)

MoneyGram International, Inc., the parent company for MoneyGram (aka Money Gram) is what is known as a “global payment services company.” Money transfers, money orders, bill payment and prepaid Visa debit cards are available in MoneyGram’s vast array of parent and agent stores across the globe (visit www.moneygram.com discover moneygram locations) or via its online portal, www.moneygram.com. Since 1940, MoneyGram has worked hard to become a highly efficient, economical and secure (See http://www.moneygram.com/MGIUS/CustomerService/ConsumerProtection
/index.htm) means for consumers and businesses to send and receive money. The small money order company known as Travelers Express that opened in Minneapolis, Minn., has grown by leaps and bounds to become a payment services leader.

MoneyGram doesn’t offer payday loans, but it is recognized worldwide

Through it all, MoneyGram’s corporate values of “respect, courage, passion, integrity and teamwork” have guided everything it does. A good business cannot be built without good people, and so MoneyGram has gone forward by “providing a challenging, friendly and rewarding environment” for its employees. Considering the company’s longstanding tradition of success in the global payment services market, it would appear that employees have risen to the challenge. Part of that challenge is MoneyGram’s initiatives that give back to the community (See www.moneygram.com/MGICorp/CommunityGiving/index.htm).

Loyal customers are rewarded for using MoneyGram

Customers want to be made to feel special at any business, which is why MoneyGram has programs like MoneyGram Rewards. The company will automatically keep track of the number of Eligible Money Transfers (See www.moneygram.com/MGIRewards/ProgramRules/index.htm) a customer makes via a MoneyGram Rewards card. It’s free, much like a standard grocery store savings card. The more times a customer sends money, the lower the cost for sending money becomes. Special promotions also become available to MoneyGram Rewards customers over time, a “Thank You” from MoneyGram to the customer for their loyalty.

How much do customers save with MoneyGram Rewards?

• For three to five eligible money transfers per year: Save 5 percent off transfer fees!
• For six or more eligible money transfers per year: Save 10 percent off transfer fees!

Other ways MoneyGram Rewards benefit MoneyGram customers

• Speed – No forms to fill out, as identifying information is contained on a customer’s MoneyGram Rewards account
• Control – Receive Notice instantly notifies customers when their sent money is picked up

Online metrics: How www.MoneyGram.com fares

Compete.com tells a story about MoneyGram’s online portal – www.moneygram.com – that mirrors its longstanding tradition of success. According to February 2010 numbers, www.moneygram.com received 217,393 visitors, an 8.22 percent increase over the previous month. Overall, 349,980 visitors came to the Web site in February, which actually reflects a 9.57 percent drop. That kind of fluctuation appears normal for financial service companies, however, based upon recorded numbers for the past 12 months.

In terms of referral share, Google.com sent the most traffic to www.moneygram.com in February (17.43 percent), while Yahoo.com (10.31 percent) and Emoneygram.com (9.89 percent) came in for show and place. Search share indicates that 33.87 percent of www.moneygram.com visitors used “moneygram” in their favorite search engine, while “money gram” (12.07 percent) and “moneygram locations” (6.73 percent were also significant.

When you go with MoneyGram, you go with a payment services leader

When friends or loved ones need a loan and live on the other side of the country – or in another country – MoneyGram is an excellent choice. Low cost, speed, efficiency and security have kept the business strong for 70 years.

(Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/renaissancechambara/ / CC BY 2.0)

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The Autism Ribbon symbolizes the mystery and complexity of the disorder.

Today is the third annual World Autism Awareness Day, an international day of observance intended to improve our understanding of autism. Autism is a mysterious and complex disorder, which is now said to be the most rapidly increasing developmental disorder in the world. Autism has a strong genetic basis; proposed environmental causes, such as heavy metals, pesticides or childhood vaccines are matters of controversy.

World Autism Awareness Day was created by unanimous resolution of the United Nations General Assembly in an effort to help provide full and meaningful lives for autistic children and adults. Twenty countries participated in the inaugural celebration on April 2, 2008.  Even if you need a loan today, you can gain a better understanding of autism without borrowing money.

A better understanding

World Autism Awareness Day is one of the many ways in which the United Nations promotes the rights and well-being of disabled persons. This year, in his message for World Autism Awareness Day, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated:

“Let us join persons with autism, their families and their advocates in a community of voices for greater awareness and understanding. Let us also look within, and re-evaluate our attitudes and those of our societies so we can remove the prejudices that discriminate against persons with disabilities. Let us dedicate ourselves to creating a fair and caring society that affords true dignity and rights for all.”

Community events to raise awareness

World Autism Awareness Day is a time to celebrate the unique talents and skills of people with autism, and to encourage their involvement in a wide variety of community events being sponsored throughout the world. A calendar of events can be found on the World Autism Awareness Day website. There is no known cure for Autism, which now affects some 67 million people. About one every 110 children has been diagnosed with the disease.

April is National Autism Awareness Month

Since the 1970s, the Autism Society of America has promoted April as National Autism Awareness Month. The ASA’s month-long campaign efforts are intended to improve public awareness of autism and increase concern for its treatment and management. The long-standing campaign evidences our increasing understanding of and respect for people with autism.

Austim includes a wide range of disorders

Autism is a spectrum disorder characterized by varied and complex neurological problems. Autism is referred to as a spectrum disorder because its symptoms can range from very mild to significantly disabling. Generally, autism appears in children by age three and is initially marked by atypical development of socialization and communication skills combined with restrictive and repetitive behaviors. The three general categories of disorders included in the autism spectrum are autism, Asperger’s syndrome, and various non-specific and pervasive developmental disorders.

Earth Hour is easy

In the most basic sense of the word, Earth Hour’s call to action is the very least we can do. Taking part in Earth Hour doesn’t mean we have to actually take responsibility for the environment by changing any part of the way we live or consume. All we have to do is switch off the lights for an hour.

Shop, donate, borrow money

It costs nothing to participate in Earth Hour; however, those who hope that buying more merchandise will help stop climate change, can shop for Earth Hour Gear on the official web site. Those who believe it may make better environmental sense to donate money directly to Earth Hour can do that online, too. At the time of this writing, Earth Hour Gear was not yet available, but donations can be made now, so it’s not too early to fill out a personal loan application if you need a loan to do your part for Earth Hour.

Climate change in a nutshell

According to the Earth Hour web site, the effects of climate change are being felt throughout the United States. Alaska’s climate has warmed twice as quickly as the mainland United States. Spring snowmelt is earlier, sea ice is reduced, glaciers are retreating and permafrost is thawing. In the Northwestern states, winters are wetter and summers are drier, water supplies are strained and erosion is increasing. In the Southwest, water supplies are becoming increasingly scarce and droughts are a significant concern.

In the Midwest, heavy downpours are now twice as frequent as they were 100 years ago and lake ice is reduced. The Northeast has less snow and more rain. The Southeast has more hurricanes, increased air temperatures, higher winds, greater rainfall, and more storm surges. On the coastlines and islands, which are particularly sensitive to impacts of climate change, sea levels are rising, shorelines are eroding, wetlands are drowning and the man-made environment is threatened.

Taking a real stance doesn’t have to be hard

It makes sense to take a stance about global climate change, but taking responsibility for the problem requires more than an annual hour-long blackout ritual. Taking responsibility, on the other hand, doesn’t have to involve living in a teepee without electricity or running water.

A person might ride a bike on occasion instead of driving a car, purchase fewer wasteful and unnecessary products, or choose foods that require less fossil fuel energy to produce. There’s nothing to stop people from switching off the lights for Earth Hour while making real changes, too; except, of course, that change is hard and flipping a switch is easy.