Image of Sarah Palin from Flickr.

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

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

If  no news is good news…

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

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

Sarah Palin plus Newsweek plus Oprah

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

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

Sarah Palin popularity

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

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

Sarah Palin, image from Wikimedia.

It is confirmed, by the Chicago Sun-Times and the New York Times, Sarah Palin will appear on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” next month, the very day before her book “Going Rogue” hits the shelves.

Needless to say, people have some pretty strong opinions about this turn of events. Oprah is arguably the most powerful force in the media when it comes to giving publicity to products and businesses. Oprah also campaigned heavily for Barack Obama, but now she will interview a woman on the opposing presidential ticket the day before her books hits the shelves.

Selling power

Needless to say, anything mentioned on Oprah gets huge publicity. The only thing that can cause more hype than Oprah’s show is controversy. Here we have both. And this is no installment loans versus instant payday loans sort of controversy. This is pitting two very vocal groups with very different opinions against each other.

Understandably, many of Oprah’s viewers are angry that she would use her amazing powers of publicity to promote a book by someone they view as and enemy of sorts. Some of Sarah Palin’s fans believe that Palin is “lowering herself” by being on Oprah’s show. Clearly, any Palin fans who are opposed to her being on Oprah’s show don’t understand how much publicity this will give Palin’s book, “Going Rogue.”

Details, details

Oprah will interview Sarah Palin on the episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” that airs Monday, Nov. 16. Sarah Palin’s book “Going Rogue” is scheduled to hit shelves Nov. 17, and right now you can pre-order it from Amazon for $9.

I predict “Going Rogue” will sell out after Sarah Palin goes on Oprah’s show. I also predict that “Oprah” will have an unusually high number of viewers on Nov. 16. When you meld the fans of these two you get a pretty broad cross-section of America, plus I think a lot of people will tune in just to see what happens.

Oprah's show today was all about the booty.

As frequent “Oprah Winfrey Show” guest Arthur Ray is investigated after three people died from a sweat lodge ceremony he conducted, another Oprah guest, Cookie Johnson, is skyrocketing to popularity. Or rather, Cookie Johnson Jeans are skyrocketing to popularity.

Cookie Johnson Jeans are made specifically for women with curves, and that includes a lot of people. Cookie Johnson is Magic Johnson’s wife, and soon-to-be a famous clothing designer, thanks to the Oprah Effect.

About CJ Jeans

Cookie Johnson Jeans are the product of Cookie Johnson’s partnership with Michael Glasser, founder of 7 For All Mankind and Citizens of Humanity.  Glasser already owned a denim line called Rich & Skinny, and though Cookie Johnson Jeans cover those at the other end of the size scale, they stay on the “rich” end of the price scale.

Though $145 to $198 is pocket change to some, I’d have to take out a payday loan if I wanted to buy a pair of CJ Jeans right now.

Target audience

When Cookie Johnson first came out with her line of jeans, she said she specifically made them for women who have a figure like hers, “fit but curvy,” according to Fashion Windows:

“I couldn’t find jeans to fit my body type,” she explains. “It frustrated me to try on every pair in the store and leave with nothing.” Over the years Johnson realized that her testimony was one of many women. So, instead of waiting for a brand to appear that would fill the void, she decided to create one.

Cookie Johnson Jeans come in sizes 24 through 38. You can find Cookie Johnson Jeans  at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and Neiman Marcus.

Cookie plus Oprah equals big business

Oprah, who  happens to fit the exact body type Cookie Johnson Jeans are made for, says they are her favorite jeans. Get ready for a run on Cookie Johnson Jeans, as Oprah’s followers tend to view her as somewhat of a spiritual leader, even when it comes to material things.

On her show today, Oprah said Cookie Johnson Jeans are the best jeans for women with “real booties.”

Pictured: A sweat lodge in Hawaii. Many cultures have used sweat lodges for centuries, but they are very selective about the materials used. Image from Flickr.

James Arthur Ray a couple of weeks ago charged a few dozen of his followers $9,000 to attend a five-day retreat that culminated in spending couple of hours in a makeshift sweat lodge. Three people died and several others were hospitalized.

A lawyer representing a woman who survived the ordeal says Ray “created a death trap.” The “sweat lodge ceremony” took place after five days of activities that including physically taxing exercises and fasting. The lawyer represents Sidney Spencer, 59, who is suing Arthur Ray because she nearly died from kidney and liver failure.

An empire of crazy

The incident is still under investigation, but as sweat lodge survivors start speaking out, it’s beginning to look like there’s a very good change Arthur Ray will end up in prison. At first, I thought those prosecuting him didn’t have a leg to stand on because the whole thing was voluntary. In fact, many participants probably had to get hard money loans to pay the $9,000 fee for the retreat.

However, Beverly Bunn told The Associated Press that when someone reported that another participant was passed out, he said “Leave her alone. She’ll be dealt with in the next round.” I do believe that there is a term for letting someone die: negligent homicide.

Who is Arthur Ray?

Arthur Ray created the best-selling documentary “The Secret,” and he has appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” several times, gaining him quite the following. I can see a sort of “Million Little Pieces” scenario unfolding soon. Remember what happened when it turned out the author of that book was a fraud? Imagine what it would be like if it turned out an Oprah cohort was a murderer!

Arthur Ray urged all of the participants to stay in the 120-degree sweat lodge for the duration of the ceremony. Sweat lodge survivors say they were chastised if they tried to leave, though they were not physically forced to stay. Read the full story about Arthur Ray’s sweat lodge at ABC News, and listen to CNN audio from a sweat lodge survivor.

Dr. Oz image from Flikr.com.

Oprah Winfrey’s influence is so great that CNBC created a special highlighting it called “The Oprah Effect.” After serving five years as on-call doctor to “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Dr. Oz is getting his own show, “The Dr. Oz Show.” This show has been planned and in the works for a year, and many people are delighted the anticipation is over and they can finally watch “The Dr. Oz Show.”

Apparently even people familiar with The Oprah Effect can’t prepare for it, and the web site for “The Dr. Oz Show” is “down for maintenance,” meaning it crashed, “due to extremely high traffic.” Luckily, Oprah’s web site is accustomed to heavy traffic, so you can look up which station “The Dr. Oz Show” will be airing on in your area.

‘The Dr. Oz Show’ goes national

Private money lenders would be wise to invest in “The Dr. Oz Show,” as it is already apparent that it will be a big hit. The show is syndicated, so it’ll be shown on various networks at various times across the country. Reuters reports that the first episode of “The Dr. Oz Show” today will discuss erogenous zones and overcoming sexual dysfunction.

Later this week on “The Dr. Oz Show,” the seasoned heart surgeon Dr. Oz will cover Swine Flu, anti-aging secrets and overweight pets. For all of you out there who are as obsessed with “Project Runway” and Tim Gunn as I am, the articulate fashion guru himself will give a pair of women makeovers Thursday. Throughout the week, Dr. Oz will also attempt to freak us out about germs in purses and bathrooms and such.

Dr. Oz, Kate Gosselin on ‘The View’

This morning on “The View,” Kate Gosselin sat in as a guest co-host and Dr. Oz made a pre-”Dr. Oz Show” appearance to preview what he’d be talking about on his show today. He said he wants to create “an embarrassment-free zone” on “The Dr. Oz Show” where people can openly discuss all types of health issues without feeling uncomfortable.

If you haven’t seen Dr. Oz on “Oprah” before, Oprah.com has all kinds of clips up right now to give you an idea of what Dr. Oz is like.

More about Dr. Oz

Unlike Oprah’s one-time buddy Dr. Phil, who is not actually a doctor, Dr. Oz is a world-renowned cardiac surgeon, has co-authored five books, he is vice-chair of the Department of Surgery and Professor of Surgery at Columbia University, and he directs the Cardiovascular Institute and Complementary Medicine Program at New York Presbyterian Hospital.

In a time when so many people without any qualifications or any helpful messages for society are getting their own shows every day, it’s refreshing to see that someone who actually knows what he is talking about will be educating the midday masses. I hope that people switch off the soap operas and reality show marathons to tune in to “The Dr. Oz Show,” where they just might learn something.

Photo from money.cnn.com courtesy of Jollibee Foods.

Though higher-end restaurants are struggling as people try to scrimp and save, fast food restaurants in the United States are doing as well as ever. In fact, more foreign fast food restaurants are opening locations in the United States, even during this recession.

CNN Money wrote a series on several foreign fast food restaurants that are continuing to spread their businesses across the United States. Here are some highlights.

Jollibee

CNN Money says “Jollibee is known universally as the McDonald’s of the Philippines.” There isn’t a Jollibee anywhere near me, unfortunately, but this place sounds pretty good. Jollibee burgers can come with pineapple on them and sides of spaghetti. A side of spaghetti with a burger? Sure, why not.

I like the cute, smiling bee that’s the restaurant’s mascot. Also, instead of apple pies like McDonald’s, Jollibee has mango pies. Sounds delicious! And, because it’s fast food, you can keep up on your debt consolidation loan and still afford to eat there. Jollibee also serves a side dish called palabok, made of shrimp and noodles, and fried chicken.

Pollo Campero

Speaking of chicken, another restaurant continuing to open U.S. stores is Pollo Campero, the Guatemalan chicken place that beat out KFC in South America. CNN Money writes:

The problem, however, is describing exactly what Pollo Campero’s taste is. “Even when you talk to most experienced and devoted followers,” says Roberto Denegri, president of Campero USA, “describing the flavor is so hard.”

So as the chain grows in the United States — 52 stores so far, since they first opened in 2002 — they’re trying out a new marketing slogan this year: “Flavor you can’t Compero.”

Although it is a fast food place, it serves exotic foods — well, foods that seem exotic here in the U.S. — like yucca fries and fried plantains, and drinks like horchata, cinnamon-flavored milk served cold, and agua de tamarindo, a sweet-and-sour fruit drink. Pollo Campero is growing quickly and ambitiously. It has 52 U.S. stores now and plans to bring that number to 300 by 2014, so keep an eye out.

Chutney Joe’s

I am a huge fan of Indian food, but in some areas it’s so hard to find! If Chutney Joe’s has its way, though, that won’t be the case anymore. The founder, Vijay Puniani, had a restaurant in New Delhi, but moved to the U.S. to work in real estate. Apparently cooking and serving Indian food is where his heart is because he is back to it.

Chutney Joe’s uses healthy cooking techniques — no frying — and doesn’t use butter or heavy cream. Puniani said turning Chutney Joe’s into a fast food chain is challenging because Indian food is complex and consistency is an important element of a chain. He’s managed to focus on a few simpler dishes, and he plans to open five new locations in Chicago in the near future before expanding to New York, Dallas, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.

Nando’s

Most Americans have had Indian and Latin American food, but cuisine from South Africa is not easy to come by unless you’re in a large city. One of those places you could get South African food in Washington, D.C. is Nando’s, which expanded to several other countries — Botswana, Australia and Great Britain just to name a few – before finally coming to the U.S.

Though Nando’s serves foreign food, it’s using a very American marketing strategy, which is to tell people that Oprah Winfrey is a fan. No one’s saying that isn’t true, but I am hoping that the food will be able to speak for itself when it expands to 10 more stores in the next couple of years. CNN Money says:

At the heart of this chain is a Portuguese-style of cooking chicken in a spicy, vinegary sauce known as “peri-peri,” brought to South Africa long ago by Portuguese explorers.

What this woman says can transform a business from rags to riches.

It looks like the Centerville Pie Company will be the next business to receive the flood of business – and profits – that comes with being associated with Oprah. Apparently, Oprah didn’t even mention the Centerville Pie Company on her show. She simply confirmed for a small newspaper, the Cape Cod Times, that she had indeed ordered and purchased several pies from the Massachusetts bakery while she was in Cape Cod.
CNBC recently aired an entire hourlong special called “The Oprah Effect.” It’s undeniable that Oprah has a wide and very responsive audience. Even this web site, which helps people find the cheapest personal loans, has seen traffic greatly increase when Oprah-related topics were posted. The CNBC web site explains why the company created the show:

Everybody knows her. She’s the queen of talk, a cultural and financial icon and her impact on business is worth billions. Oprah Winfrey is the most influential woman in America-maybe the world. And, experts call her unprecedented ability to take companies from no names to brand names-The Oprah Effect.

More about Centerville Pie Company

Apparently even acquaintances of Oprah can spread the Oprah effect second-hand. The Chicago Tribune reports:

Pie company owner Kristin Broadley said she delivered a chicken pot pie to Winfrey’s traveling party last week, then followed with two more orders. Broadley says she delivered a total of 20 pies, including chicken, custard and banana cream, to Winfrey’s crew.

Broadley says a mention of the pies on Winfrey friend Gayle King’s radio show has sparked a flood of orders for her company.

So Oprah doesn’t even need to endorse or recommend a product or company. She just has to be associated with it in some way. Clearly, she did like the products she got from the Centerville Pie Company or else she wouldn’t have ordered 20 pies, so even though she never came out and said she liked the Centerville Pie Company, the business is profiting because of her.

More about ‘The Oprah Effect’

CNBC says its TV documentary “The Oprah Effect” studies individual businesses “to explain Oprah’s unparalleled impact on their bottom line.” The show also studies the process of getting a mention on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which clearly is worth a whole lot of money to a whole lot of companies.

“Businesses large and small know that there’s no better advertising than the power of Oprah. If you’re lucky enough to create a product she loves, a brief mention by the queen of influence can make you a millionaire,” CNBC.com says.

According to “The Oprah Effect,” one word from Oprah can bring companies back from bankruptcy or out of obscurity. The Oprah effect works, somewhat, in reverse to. As I said before, when Personal Money Store has posted articles about Oprah before it has attracted a lot more readers than normal. “The Oprah Effect” tells the story of a woman who is “living life according to Oprah” and blogging about it. Because the blog, one of countless blogs out there, is focused on Oprah, it has quickly gained a huge readership. Today, the Centerville Pie Company is one of the hottest topics on the Internet, further proving the power of the Oprah effect.

Making fruits and vegetables the basis of your diet is a good step toward reducing calorie intake.

You don’t need a personal trainer, a nutritionist — you don’t even have to watch Oprah to go on a calorie restriction diet plan. While some people count each and every calorie as part of their calorie restriction diet plan, some simply confine themselves to eating only low calorie foods to begin with.

The best way to stick to a calorie restriction diet plan is to eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods that don’t have any additives. Add in some lean meats, nuts and even more fruits and vegetables, and you have a basic calorie restriction diet plan. Fresh fruits, vegetables cost a lot less than packaged, processed foods so this plan can make your grocery bill lower, and that’s just the beginning of the benefits.

A very inexpensive diet plan

If you simply stick to natural, low calorie foods, you’ll be able to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight without having to buy expensive pills, books or diet food. There’s no need to take out quick cash loans to fund your weight loss.

But weight loss is just one of the many positive effects that a calorie restriction diet can have. Many people report that they have a lot more energy and never get colds while on a calorie restriction diet plan. An 85-year-old man reports on Oprah’s web site that he hasn’t gotten a cold for 20 years. He says his secret is drinking a smoothie made from 15 different fruits and vegetables multiple times a day and never consuming saturated fat. The vitamins and nutrients keep his immune system running so well, he never needs to buy cold medicine or other drugs.

Lower medical costs

Besides helping you avoid needing cold medicine, numerous doctors have confirmed that going on a calorie restriction diet plan can make people live longer and keep them healthier later in life. Eating a proper diet can keep people out of the hospital and away from the doctor, a good step toward avoiding medical expenses.

For those who like to have a little more structure, calorie restriction diet plan, for most adults, means eating between 1,500 and 2,000 calories per day. For instance, couple Paul and Meredith have been on a calorie restriction diet plan for 15 years. Paul eats 1,900 calories or fewer every day, and Meredith eats 1,600 to 1,700.

More than one way

Just as some people count calories while others simply limit the types of foods they eat, people on calorie restriction diet plans have different eating patterns as well. Many choose to have several small meals per day, usually five or six. Paul and Meredith say they only eat twice per day. They eat a very large breakfast and a smaller lunch, and that’s it.

The important thing is to limit the overall number of calories. Doctors report that this gets your metabolism and your body working very efficiently. To read more stories about following a calorie restriction diet plan, check out Oprah’s web site.

Team Mom, March of Dimes T-shirt

When I first visited the ProMom Couture web site, I thought that the “couture” part of the title was a bit misleading. You see, ProMom Couture is a line of T-shirts. Usually when I hear “couture” I think of the fancy, expensive dresses actresses wear on the red carpet.

The definition of “couture” according to Merriam-Webster is “the business of designing, making, and selling fashionable custom-made women’s clothing.” I suppose T-shirts can be fashionable and custom-made.Well, nevertheless, ProMom Couture was featured on “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” so now everyone is hungry for information about the country. Here’s what I’ve found.

A little pricey

Maybe the “couture” in ProMom Couture means “expensive.” I mean, these T-shirts won’t cost you a whole paycheck, but they are pretty pricey for T-shirts at $42 a pop.

However, if you’re the kind of mom who doesn’t mind spending a little extra on clothes that are well-made, environmentally conscious or support a good cause, this T-shirt line might be just right for you. I would never encourage paying for a T-shirt with a payday loan. Yes, these shirts have some great attributes, but payday loans should always be used for necessities only.

Is ProMom Couture a good use of money?

More about ProMom Couture

You can save some money right now by visiting promomcouture.com, which is holding a buy two get one free sale.

So, if you like the idea of supporting a good cause, protecting the environment and celebrating motherhood, ProMom Couture clothing just might be worth your money. The main goal of ProMom Couture is to “celebrate motherhood with style.”

ProMom Couture’s founder, Vicki Stern-Brown, says on the company’s web site:

Each and every one of us deserves to feel special, appreciated, celebrated and honored. We LOVE being a mom, no matter what our particular style. Why not express our passion with a stylish edge? This passion for motherhood is the common thread that links us all.

ProMom Couture Managing Partner Jill, says:

My goal is to take promom’s message across the globe and enable every mum, yummy mummy and mom to feel this “promom” good.

ProMom Couture Creative Director Melissa says:

I wear my promom proudly. They are comfortable and stylish, and I can’t help myself — I love the attention I get when I wear them!

Hal Colston

Hal Colston didn’t open the Good News Garage because of the recession. However, the chaotic economy has made stories about people who  help in tough times pretty popular.

So popular, in fact, that 13 years after he founded the Good News Garage, Hal Colston was featured today on “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

Colston’s contributions

The Good News Garage takes old, beat-up, broken-down cars as donations. Then, Colston’s team fixes them up, gets them in working condition and turns them into reliable transportation and provides them at affordable prices to low-income, working class individuals.

There’s no need for customers to go through a loan company in order to afford the cars. Colston’s nonprofit organization makes sure the new owners can afford their cars and hit the road right away. The Good News Garage web site says:

The mission of Good News Garage is to create economic opportunity by providing affordable and reliable transportation options to people in need. We have programs in CT, MA, NH, RI and VT.  Each state has very specific guidelines for who qualifies to receive assistance.

Good News Garage starts up

Hal Colston got the idea to open the Good News Garage while he was  working with low-income clients at a local social service agency. He knew a woman who was a single mother and had bought a $500 car so she could get to and from work.

However, the car’s breaks failed before the woman even got home from the place where she purchased it. Colston’s first response, after the woman told her story of the car’s continuing breakdowns, was to try to get the seller to refund the money. When that didn’t work, he decided to get a group together to start Good News Garage. That way, he could make sure that the cars would provide reliable transportation for people who really needed it.

The Good News Garage web site says:

(Colston) found many of his clients were unable to access employment because they had lacked reliable affordable transportation. Unfortunately, many employment opportunities that paid a livable wage existed in outlying growth areas impossible to access without a vehicle.

Spreading more good

Colston no longer works at the Good News Garage. He has started another nonprofit organization called Neighborkeepers. The Good News Garage web site  says:

The goal of this program is to end poverty in Chittenden County (Vermont) through socio-economic integration.

Alive and kicking

Despite Colston’s absence from Good News Garage, the organization continues to operate and even expand. You can apply for a car through the web site. You can also find out how to donate a car and read up on Neighborkeepers.

You can even sign up to become a volunteer for Neighborkeepers.

Hal Colston on Oprah

On his Neighborkeepers web site, Colston shares a personal account of what it was like to talk about Good News Garage and Neighborkeepers on “Oprah.” Here are some excerpts:

It was a magical moment, being on the show. I was pampered with deluxe hospitality and service from the moment I landed. … Before I could get to my seat, Oprah met me with a hug. She was wiping away tears. It didn’t occur to me until after the interview that she had been so deeply moved by the video. Then, a gentleman in the audience sitting in the front row told me how much of an inspiration I was to him because of the amazing work of Good News Garage.”

You can read the full account, including the story of who that man was and what he gave to Colston,  at neighborkeepers.org.

If the recent KFC free grilled chicken meal coupon giveaway has taught us anything, it’s that if Oprah talks, people listen. Not only that, but they go out and buy, or at the very least Google the topic like crazy. Not long ago, an appearance on the show by Dr. Mehmet Oz regarding the benefits of Niacin for sun-damaged skin brought some attention to a product called NIA 24 that could be useful to those among us who don’t want to have to take out instant payday loans or use credit cards to pay for doctor visits related to excessive sun exposure.

This doesn’t mean that it’s OK to bake in the sun or a tanning booth without sunblock. Far from it. It simply means that there could be something that can help repair the damage summer does to sun worshipers.

Promotes healing

NIA 24 is marketed as “Niacin-powered skin therapy.” In a nutshell, UVA and UVB rays from the sun can be very damaging to the skin. They can create problems like hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, small fine lines and a general decrease in the firmness of skin. With extended exposure, a breakdown in the skin via damaged DNA can lead to a host of very serious problems. An affected person would appear to be much older than they actually are.

A new patented Niacin molecule called Pro-Niacin is the primary ingredient in NIA 24 skin products. The Pro-Niacin penetrates down to the lower layers of skin and stimulates it to begin repair and fix damage. Think of it as an instant payday loan that helps your skin in a bind. However, you can’t depend upon it at the expense of not taking precautions when you’re working or playing in the sun. You still must take responsibility for the care of your skin.

Helps skin retain moisture

Pro-Niacin works with Vitamin B3 (Niacin) to recondition skin from the inside out. The molecule is fat soluble, which means that it penetrates the skin, and on the way, enzymes convert it to an active form of Niacin, which:

• Stimulates DNA repair by encouraging skin’s natural repair
• Promotes healthy function within the skin
• Stimulates Leptin release. This hormone is known to activate wound-healing in the skin, so the result is a stronger epidermal layer
• Helps rebuild the skin’s defense layer against environmental irritants like excessive sunlight. Time and exposure tend to break down the natural barriers, making skin more prone to drying out, since they begin to retain less moisture

Clinical Studies of Pro-Niacin

Click the above link to see some of the clinical studies that have been performed.

When Niacin content is increased in the skin, its defense barrier improves, there is greater moisture retention, cell turnover goes up and photoprotection is enhanced. Based upon current research, Pro-Niacin has been named by the National Cancer Institute as a potential skin cancer prevention agent.

Here are just of few of the measured results from NIA 24 clinical trials:

• 90 percent reduction in hyperpigmentation
• 82 percent  improvement in texture
• 81 percent improvement in tone
• 80 percent increase in skin smoothness
• 68 percent reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• 53 percent improvement in skin firmness

According to the manufacturer’s Web site, NIA 24 skin products are especially useful for adults who are undergoing “chemical peels, laser treatments, microdermabrasion, cryo therapy or the use of tretinoins.”

The variety of products the company makes available is wide and vary in price. “Gentle Cleansing Cream, Physical Cleansing Scrub, Skin Strengthening Complex, Intensive Recovery Complex, Mineral Sunscreen and Sun Damage Repair for Décolletage and Hands” are some of the variations. Visit the NIA 24 Web site for more information or to find a distributor near you. While products of this nature aren’t cheap, the amount of money you can save in medical treatments covered by instant payday loans and credit cards could be tremendous.

Related Video:

Yes, everyone is always suspicious when they hear about a “free lunch,” but if you visit Oprah.com/kfc today or tomorrow, you can get free chicken and sides.

If  you follow the link at Oprah.com/kfc, you can download a coupon that entitles you to a free meal, including two pieces of Kentucky Fried Chicken’s new menu item, Kentucky Grilled Chicken, two sides and a biscuit. That certainly sounds like a recipe for a full stomach to me.

Giving it all away

I have learned from checking Google Trends every day that if Oprah says something, millions (possibly billions) listen. KFC hit a marketing jackpot when Oprah agreed to run their promotion.

That means KFC will be giving away a lot of free chicken. A lot. Of course, normal coupon rules apply: one per person, per visit, etc. However, there does not appear to be a limit to the number of coupons that can be printed.

Media makeover for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)

At first, KFC will probably lose money because of this promotion. But that’s nothing that some short-term loans can’t fix. This promotion is tied to a campaign to change KFC’s image. If the plan works, KFC will have more new customers than it knows what to do with.

When you click on the link at Oprah.com/kfc to download your free chicken coupon, KFC’s new tagline “Unthink What You Though About KFC” pops up above the “print” button. From the free coupon page, there’s also a link to check out nutrition information.

Heading toward healthy

It also hasn’t escaped the ongoing effort to expose the fast-food industry as unhealthy. With its new grilled chicken, KFC hopes to appeal to calorie counters. The company says:

“Kentucky Grilled Chicken has fewer calories, fewer fat grams and less sodium than our Original Recipe chicken, all without sacrificing the great taste of KFC.”

Hooray for free stuff

Coupons can be redeemed now through May 19, but not on May 10, Mother’s Day. I guess Oprah doesn’t approve of giving your mom free fast food for Mother’s Day. We hear ya loud and clear, Oprah.

The offer says individuals can only redeem one coupon during offer period. You’ll also need to install a coupon printer on your computer to take advantage of the offer at Oprah.com/kfc. After that, it’s free lunch time!

Susan Boyle

Word has spread quickly about Scottish singing sensation Susan Boyle. She appeared on “Britain’s Got Talent” last week, and she hasn’t left the spotlight since. She appeared on CNN’s “American Morning” today, and reported that she was “absolutely gobsmacked” by her sudden fame.

Meaning of “gobsmacked”: very surprised, dumbfounded.

What’s all the fuss?

So why has this “Britain’s Got Talent” performer suddenly skyrocketed to fame? Well, it seems the judges and the audience were gobsmacked as well. They took one look at her and expected the worst.

But the 47-year-old Scottish charity worker surprised everyone with a rendition of “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables” that moved people all over the world to tears.

Will fame lead to fortune?

One fan who was moved to tears: “Today Show” host Kathie Lee Gifford. Boyle has also been interviewed on CBS. Word on the street is now Oprah Winfrey is seeking an interview.

So who stands to cash in in Boyle’s success? Certainly Boyle herself could make a pretty penny off of the limelight through cash advances on record deals. If she has ever considered seeking debt relief help, she probably won’t need to worry about that anymore.

Foreshadowing of fate?

“Britain’s Got Talent” winner Paul Potts, who took the title in 2007, went on to have a No. 1 album in 15 countries. If Boyle follows in his footsteps, she’ll be raking in the Benjamins in no time. The 10 finalists for this season’s “Britain’s Got Talent” won’t be announced until the end of May, but I think the entire world will be absolutely gobsmacked if she doesn’t make it.

As with many internet and TV sensations before her, everyone wants a piece of the Susan Boyle action.

Get your Susan Boyle merchandise!

A 10-year old recording of Boyle singing “Cry Me a River” recently surfaced, and people are already hawking it on eBay. The song is from a CD that was recorded for charity in 1999. You can also purchase a pink T-shirt proclaiming “I (heart) Susan Boyle!”

Boyle’s amazing singing voice and her appearance have sparked debate in the United States about whether someone who doesn’t fit entertainment-industry standards of beauty can be turned into a real money-making machine. We will find out soon enough.

World's richest person: Bill Gates

I had to laugh when I read the opening line of Forbes’ report on this year’s billionaires: “It’s been a tough year for the richest people in the world.”

I have my doubts about whether those people know the true meaning of “tough year.” However, it’s true that the more money you have, the more you have to lose.

“The List”

Overall, the list of billionaires in the world fell from 1,125 to 793.  Forbes also reports that the net worth of people with personal fortunes of more than $1 billion fell. Last year their fortunes added up to $3.4 trillion, but that statistic fell by $1 trillion this year.

This year is the first time since 2003 that the amount of billionaires has dropped. Average net worth of those billionaires also fell to the lowest rate it’s been since 2003. Average net worth dropped 23 percent to $3 billion. If you’re thinking of getting payday loans, maybe you can hit up one of these people first.

Top names

This year former Microsoft owner Bill Gates snagged the top spot and claimed the title of world’s richest man. After losing $18 billion in the past year, his net worth sits at $40 billion. Warren Buffett had the top spot last year, but it slipped away from him when he lost $25 billion in a year. His net worth now is $37 billion.

To find the world’s third-richest person, head south a bit and meet Latin America’s richest man, Carlos Slim Helu. He is worth $35 billion, thanks to Telecom and the fact that he owns the company that controls 90 percent of Mexico’s phone lines.

Money can’t buy love

Don’t worry, I won’t leave without telling you the world’s richest bachelors and bachelorettes. The world’s richest single man is the Mayor of New York City, Michael Bloomberg. His net worth now stands at $16 billion. The world’s richest bachelorette is also an American, and will likely surprise no one: Oprah. She’s a ways behind Bloomberg with her $2.7 billion. She has also been in a serious relationship for years, but on paper, she’s never ended her singleness.

Check out the full list of the world’s billionaires at Forbes.com.

Saving money is essential

The media gives us reports on America’s economic problems, often without offering solutions, but there are ways to get through it like cutting coupons, short term installment loans, taking advantage of energy incentives, and readjusting your thinking cap. You could already be a smart budgeter or you could be confused about where to start when it comes to saving. Either way, saving money is a lot easier than you think.

The Little Things

You would be surprised at how quickly the little things add up. You might think buying a latte every once in a while or leaving a few lights on are no big deal, but little expenses here and there can take a toll on your budget. Plus, in times like these, every penny counts. So let’s start saving:

Needs vs. Wants

Do I really need this?

Oprah Winfrey recently did a show on the “Thriftiest Family in America,” and the Heinz family gave viewers advice to live by. First and foremost, you need to start to separate your needs from your wants. Americans are accustomed to getting what they want, when they want it. Instant gratification has forced many Americans to develop the habit of classifying wants as needs. In reality, there are many things in life that Americans could live without. You do not need a LCD flat screen TV, and you do not need designer clothing.

To decipher between needs and wants, Mrs. Heinz suggests starting a journal and writing down your daily purchases and categorizing them as needs and wants. This practice will help you become very aware of where your money is going.

Lifestyle Change

Once you’ve determined how much you’re spending on things you want, you’ll need to cut back. Cutting back may seem hard at first, but Americans really just need to readjust their thinking. Americans are so used to buying things they don’t need with credit. Dylan Ratiga from CNBC also appeared on the Oprah show, and preached that responsibility is the key to solving the economic crisis, and you should have three priorities:

#1: Stop borrowing more money than you can afford to pay back.
#2: Realize that the more you borrow the more your lender will make.
#3: Find a way to pay your bills. The more bills America pays as a whole, the better the economy will be.

Small Sacrifices, Huge Savings

All it takes is a slight adjustment in the way you think and the way you live your life, and you could be saving hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars each month. Small sacrifices can save you big money. Here are a few simple things that will save you a lot of money:

-Pack a lunch to work. Your budget and your stomach will thank you.

-Take the bus, bike, or carpool to work. You’ll save on gas money.

-Rent DVDs for the kids from the library for free. They’re free! Enough said.

-Cut coupons. Couponmom.com can show you how to cut your grocery bill IN HALF!

-Sign up for energy incentives through your local utilities provider. You’ll save green by going green.

When Saving Isn’t Enough

You can plan, you can budget, you can cut coupons, you can save. But sometimes all that saving is not enough. Life often finds a way to throw your well thought-out budget for a loop. So, when you find yourself in that position you can always apply for a short term installment loan. Short term installment loans are a convenient and responsible way to get through a financial obstacle. Oprah, the Coupon Mom, and short term installment loans are all great tools to help you manage your finances.