Get ready to lower your medical bills

Before you start negotiating to lower your medical bills, make sure your guns are loaded before you go into battle. Check out healthcarebluebook.com, where you can find out what some of the most common medical procedures should cost. Then you will have a good idea about how much instant cash you may need for a payday loan or other kind of short term installment loan or unsecured personal loan to apply for online. With cash at hand, you could have the upper hand when haggling with the health care billing department.

Your online cash advance speaks volumes

Negotiating to lower your medical bills could end up saving you thousands of dollars, depending on your situation. CBS News called doctors’ offices across the U.S. to see what results could be achieved haggling about healthcare billing. In Manhattan, a CBS staffer got the price of an MRI on her knee down from $1,800 to $600 by calling around and offering to pay cash. They had the same success haggling down the price of mammograms in Seattle, where prices varied wildly. After some horse-trading, nearly all the providers offered lower prices, and they got an offer 60 percent less than the first one quoted. The researchers called 16 health care billing departments and only one refused to bargain.

Tips on haggling with health care billing departments

There’s really no “by-the-book” way to haggle with health care billing departments to lower your medical bills. But insure.com offers some tips to get you on the right track. A few are listed below:

Don’t put off dealing with your medical bill. Get your online cash advance and get it over with quickly.

Make a phone call or write a letter directly to the provider. Explain your situation and ask if it’s possible to get an adjustment to your charges.

Find out what others are paying: Doctors and hospitals in different areas of the country charge widely varying amounts. The American Medical Association’s Web site has a list of how much Medicare reimburses doctors for certain medical procedures.

Never pay more than private insurers pay. Insurers never pay more than one-half to two-thirds of the total amount billed.

Cash talks: Offer to pay your doctor the discounted amount you both deem reasonable in cash, immediately.

Need a cash advance? Start your application HERE!

Do you want to delete your Facebook account? Here's how. Image from Flickr.

Amid concerns with privacy, new Facebook connect features and aggressive growth, many Facebook users are wondering “How do I delete my Facebook account?” The answer to this question is relatively simple, though questions about Facebook privacy may still persist. A Facebook account may feel like a necessity, but if you choose to delete a Facebook account, you can still operate in normal society. You can even get a pay day loan, log into other social networks, and order your movies online.

How do I delete my Facebook account: deactivation

If you’re wondering “How do I delete my Facebook account?” you actually have several options. Your first choice is a full deactivation. By deactivating your Facebook account, you are still allowing Facebook to store your information, pictures, updates, etc. However, a deactivated account becomes entirely “non-public” and is stored in case you re-activate your account. This is what you should do if you are not 100 percent sure that you want to delete your Facebook account. Go to your settings tab on the Account Settings page and choose “deactivate.” While this will not fully delete your Facebook account, it removes your account from search, profile and content association. You will need to manually delete all Facebook Connect accounts.

How do I delete my Facebook account permanently?

If you want to know how do I delete my Facebook account, and you are completely sure you do not want to return to Facebook, the process takes two weeks. Start by going to the Facebook Help Center and clicking “delete account” or go to the How do I delete my Facebook account page. Once you click on this link and confirm that you want to delete your Facebook account, you have to wait 14 days. Do not log into Facebook during those 14 days, or your deletion will be reversed. Facebook will not continue to associate any information with your email address after that point. You will also need to manually delete all Facebook Connect accounts.

Concerns about Facebook privacy lead to Facebook delete account increase

Many people with Facebook accounts are choosing to delete their accounts because of Facebook privacy. The website has always raised questions about Facebook privacy, as it is intended for use as sharing information. However, from the first time the website was set up, it has made major privacy changes first and reacted to user’s Facebook privacy concerns second.

How do I delete my Facebook account spurred on by Facebook privacy question

Many people are wondering “How do I delete my Facebook account” after seeing IMs sent by the founder that were printed in many different news sources today. Almost immediately after launching Facebook in his dorm room without the help of any other web developers, Mark Zuckerberg sent several instant messages that seem to describe his entire view of Facebook privacy. What did those Zuckerberg Facebook privacy IMs say?

Zuck: Yeah so if you ever need info about anyone at Harvard

Zuck: Just ask.

Zuck: I have over 4,000 emails, pictures, addresses, SNS

[Redacted Friend's Name]: What? How’d you manage that one?

Zuck: People just submitted it.

Zuck: I don’t know why.

Zuck: They “trust me”

Zuck: Dumb @$#%s.

Ouch. That’s a Facebook privacy faux pas that is bound to hurt. The company is currently worth about $22 billion, and Facebook has, at times, surpassed internet giant Google for direct online visits. Many people within the company know that their entire livelihood depends on Facebook users not deleting their accounts, so it will be interesting to watch how the company balances a need for privacy with a need to keep the company financially solvent.

After the first round of regulation was passed, more than 700 Ohio payday loan stores closed. Image from Flickr.

In 2008, Ohio passed a comprehensive payday lending reform law, HB 545. This law capped the interest rates lenders could charge for payday cash advances. Two years after this law went into effect, Representatives Jennifer Garrison, Gerald Stebelton and Matt Lundy are co-sponsoring HB 486, intended to further limit payday lenders.

The argument for more payday loan regulation through HB 486

Ohio’s HB 486 is being introduced under the auspice of more regulation for the payday lending industry. Many lawmakers are frustrated that payday lending stores are charging fees for services such as check cashing, loan origination and credit checks. When HB 545 passed in 2008, the goal was to reduce the cost of payday loans and more heavily regulate the industry. HB 486 is designed to tighten regulations even more. Legislators are concerned that payday lending customers are paying, in effect, $15 – $25 on each $100 borrowed for a two or four week period. Some borrowers misuse this service and end up digging themselves deeper into debt.

The argument against more regulation on payday loans

While the payday lending industry is not often well received or well liked, HB 486 attempts to punish payday lenders for following the law. When HB 545 was passed, interest rates on payday loans were capped at 28 percent annual interest — about that of most credit cards. However, over the two-week period of most payday loans, that interest rate does not provide the income lenders need to cover their costs. More than 700 payday lending stores closed, and 2,500 Ohio residents lost their jobs.

Ohio lenders operating under the Small Loans Act

In an attempt to remain open, Ohio payday lenders began operating under the Small Loans Act. The Small Loans Act allows lenders to charge fees for check cashing, credit checks and loan origination. The Small Loans Act also requires increased reporting, cash-on-hand and more regulated advertising. The payday lending stores in Ohio that began charging fees and operating under the Small Loans Act have followed the letter of the law, ensuring that they are providing a legal service. HB 486 seeks to end this practice.

The math of payday loans in Ohio

Many legislators are pointing to figures such as 391 percent APR to explain why they believe payday lenders need more regulation. However, neither HB 545 or HB 486 take into account that payday loans are intended as short-term financial solutions for between two and four weeks. Additionally, the only other option available to most payday loan customers are bank fees of $30 or more for bounced checks. Many payday loan customers have credit that does not qualify them for more traditional financial products.

So what do you think? Will HB 486 protect consumers? Or will HB 486 put Ohio payday lenders out of business?

The Steve Jobs/Flash war of words intensified Thursday when Jobs published his thoughts on Flash at apple.com. Flickr photo.

The Steve Jobs vs. Flash confrontation over Apple’s decision not to support Adobe’s software heated up on Thursday. In a letter available to the public on Apple’s site, Jobs called flash unreliable, “100 percent proprietary,” a battery hog and ultimately a “closed system” that “falls short.” In the letter Jobs rebuts Adobe claims that Apple’s no-Flash policy on the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad is “primarily business-driven,” and says Flash is the number one reason Macs crash.

The Steve Jobs flash fight intensifies

The Steve Jobs/Flash fight is has higher stakes than a pay day loan, especially after Adobe accused Apple of running a closed shop because of its App Store policies. Adobe’s argument stems from Apple’s complete control over what it accepts or rejects from iPhone developers. In the letter, Jobs counters that “Symantec recently highlighted Flash for having one of the worst security records in 2009, and that the video on almost all Flash sites relies not on hardware decoding but on software, which uses too much power.” According to Jobs, Flash is dead because even if Flash-powered Web interfaces could technically be made to work on iPhones and iPads, most would have to be rewritten because mouse-over gestures — common on Flash sites — aren’t possible on a touch interface.

Steve Jobs: Flash is wrong

Jobs is particularly bothered by the issue of whether Apple or Adobe is more open. “Adobe claims that we are a closed system, and that Flash is open, but in fact the opposite is true,” he says in the letter. “Flash products are 100 percent proprietary. They are only available from Adobe, and Adobe has sole authority as to their future enhancement, pricing, etc.” Jobs qualifies that Apple’s iPhone and iPad are proprietary, but he goes on to say “all standards pertaining to the Web should be open.”

Steve Jobs: Flash is dead

According to Steve Jobs, Flash is dead. The Steve Jobs/Flash standoff has been getting ugly as Apple has been criticized for refusing to add Flash support to the iPhone and iPad, while Adobe sets up its new Flash player for the latest Androids and Blackberries. Jobs calls Flash a relic of the “PC era” that “falls short” when it comes to the needs of mobile devices.

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

The Wowwee Rovio is a home-security robot that can be used for so much more. Image courtesy of Wowwee on Flickr.

If you’ve got wifi in your house and a desire to have some robotic fun, the Wowwee Rovio is built just for you. The Wowwee Rovio is half remote-controlled robot and half webcam. The remote control can connect to any available wifi connection – meaning you can have the Wowwee Rovio roam your house and show you what is going on – no matter what internet-connected computer you are at. At less than $250, the Wowwee Rovio won’t even take a pay day loan to purchase. The best part about the Wowwee Rovio is that if the fun of remote-controlling a wifi-enabled webcam eventually wears off, you can hack the Wowwee Rovio to do even more.

Basics of the Wowwee Rovio

The concept of the Wowwee Rovio sounds awesome, but how does the Wowwee Rovio work? The Wowwee Rovio uses the wifi connection that you have available in your home, and it can be accessed using most any computer, mobile device or gaming console. The Wowwee Rovio also has an automatic detection system – so when you pull it out of the box, setup is usually very quick and simple.

You can also purchase Wowwee Truetrack room beacons to help your Rovio navigate its way around your house or back to its charging dock, all on its own. You can also purchase a Wowwee Rovio headlight that will help it see its way in the dark.

Wowwee Rovio for home security

The biggest potential use for the Wowwee Rovio is a fairly obvious one: home security. This little robot can be easily overlooked, and the webcam can send a video feed out to be recorded. You won’t have to figure out if you should blame the dog or the cat for the latest broken vase – instead, the video from the Wowwee Rovio will let you know exactly what is going on. There are security concerns with the Wowwee Rovio broadcasting an audio and video feed of what’s going on in your home – so be sure that your wifi is secure before you connect the Rovio.

Wowwee Rovio for other uses

Just because you bought the Wowwee Rovio for home security doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun with the robot. The Wowwee Rovio comes equipped with a speaker and microphone system and can be programmed to run various routes around your home. Have a teenagers who hate waking up? Program the Wowwee Rovio to be their alarm clock that runs away. Out of the office and missing out on great water cooler conversation? Use the Wowwee Rovio to tell your officemates about your March Madness picks. You can even use the Wowwee Rovio to create LOL-worthy situations with your favorite dog or cat.

Hacking the Wowwee Rovio

Thanks to an night at the open bar at the Consumer Electronics Show, Woot featured the Wowwee Rovio for less than half of the usual price – only $99 cash now. The best part of this Woot feature is that the company teamed up with Hack a Day to bring you an instant hack for your Wowwee Rovio. So if you’re the type that loves to tear apart electronics and bend them to your will, today is the day to jump on getting the Wowwee Rovio.

Watch the Wowwee Rovio in action

The 2008 Honda Element will be included in this recall. Image from Flickr.

Today, Honda announced that it would soon be recalling nearly a half-million 2007 and 2008 Honda Element and Odyssey vehicles in the U.S., Canada and UAE. The Honda recall is because of an issue with the braking and stability system that causes a soft brake pedal over time, decreasing the braking power of the vehicle. Although the recall was announced today, Honda will not be notifying owners that they need the recall repair until the end of April -leaving some choosing to get a personal loan and get the issue repaired before the official recall repairs begin.

Honda recall is the 2nd this year

In February of this year, Honda Motors expanded a recall of 2001 and 2002 Accord, Civic, Odyssey, CR-V, and Acura vehicles for driver’s airbag inflation problems. That recall was to stop the driver’s side airbag from inflating too quickly, sending metal shrapnel toward the driver in the event of a crash. Honda also recalled 646,000 Fit, Jazz, and City cars in January on reports of fires that started in power window switches.

Honda recall is for safety concerns

As reported by the Dayton Business Journal, the Transportation Highway Safety Administration
has received reports of three crashes and has already initiated a probe into these braking problems. No deaths have been connected to the recalled Honda vehicles. This most recent Honda recall is for another safety-related issue – this time, in the braking system. According to AP reports, there is a flaw in the stability assistance device that allows air into the brake lines. Over time, this air can build up and soften the brake pedal.

Honda owners will be notified of the recall in April

As reported in the Wall Street Journal, owners of the recalled Honda vehicles will be notified if their Honda is included in the recall at the end of April. This is for two reasons: First, because Honda is still identifying exactly which vehicles are affected by the issue. Secondly, Honda is still identifying the best way to fix the issue that prompted the recall. There is a temporary fix available if owners wish to use a pay day loan or other options to pay for their own repairs. Technicians can seal the brake line to ensure no further air enters the brake line.

Faxless payday loans have become one of the most popular solutions for those needing cash in a hurry. Commonly referred to as payday loans, faxless payday loans allow one to apply for quick financing when in need of money for whichever reason you might have. Of course the turnaround time in terms of approval may well vary, however the standard nowadays has been drastically reduced, making this a quick and accessible option.

Going paperless

The paperless process of the faxless loan does not involve a credit check in most cases, which is of course a major benefit for those that have credit report-related problems. The need for quick cash varies from one person to the next, and with the faxless payday loans, this need will certainly be met. Whether it is for an emergency medical bill, a broken down motor vehicle, or some other emergency requiring the need for cash, the benefits of payday faxless payday loans can certainly help those requiring immediate cash flow.

Turnaround times in so far as getting the cash vary between providers and can be in as short a time period as one or two hours. This is largely due to the paperless option of these types of loans, which can be applied for directly online, even telephonically in some cases. Depending on current circumstances, the approved loan can amount to anything from a couple of hundred dollars to in excess of a thousand dollars; the current salary being earned will be the determining factor here. In addition to the factor of current earnings, the laws within the state or region that the loan is applied for must be taken into account with respect to the amount that will be approved.

No credit check

Many may ask as to why no credit check is necessary for the payday faxless payday loans. This held in the fact that the full amount is payable as agreed upon within the stipulated time period, and therefore there is no regular repayment or installment agreement that is imposed, and hence no need for a credit check.

This does not mean that everyone automatically qualifies, and certain criteria must be met. These include age requirements, current income criteria and the possession of a bank account, at the very least.

Applying for faxless payday loans are pretty easy and convenient and offers one the opportunity of securing much needed cash when needed most.

Start your faxless payday loan application HERE!

Death Bear is ready for Valentine's Day. (Photo: animalnewyork.com)

“I must not fear.
Fear is the mind-killer.
Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.
I will face my fear.
I will permit it to pass over me and through me.
And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.
Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.
Only I will remain.”
- Bene Gesserit “Litany Against Fear” from Frank Herbert’s “Dune”

We fear emotional pain more than anything else brewed in the nightmare world buried deep within the heart of dreams. This pain can take many forms, from the loss of a child to the fear of death. How many of us are able to face our fear? Like a knight at the end of the journey, can we place the pieces upon the board and still maintain the focus needed to endure beyond hopelessness?

Death Bear is available for the lovelorn

How we deal with a relationship that has met its end is another exercise in dealing with our fear. For those who need a little help, Death Bear is there, free of charge. You won’t need a pay day loan for his services. Nate Hill, a 32-year-old Brooklyn performance artist, will dress as Death Bear, come to your home and take away most all that your former lover leaves behind. The broken heart remains, of course. Even Valentine’s Day can’t heal that. We must suffer and we must persevere.

Death Bear’s mission statement

Straight from Death Bear’s Web site:

“We all have someone or something we would rather just forget. Things fall apart. Love hurts. Dreams die. But when you summon Death Bear to your door, you can rest assured that help has come.

“Death Bear will take things from you that trigger painful memories and stow them away in his cave where they will remain forever, allowing you to move on with your life. Give him an ex’s clothes, old photos, mementos, letters, etc. Death Bear is here to assist you in your time of tragedy, heartbreak and loss.”

Interestingly, Hill told “Today” that he holds on to much of what he takes.

Why is it easier for us to give up part of ourselves to an anonymous Death Bear?

A seven-foot cartoon character in black, Death Bear treats his customers with great politeness. Letting go of material objects to Death Bear is mostly symbolic, but I think the fact that people do not see the face of another human being in the transaction girds the heart. It keeps the dam from bursting, keeps the caravan of loss from carving a path through the lines of years. Or it could be that a cartoon bear keeps it from hurting.

Occupy yourself

Death Bear has his role, but the real work rests upon those left behind. Be good to yourself after a breakup – within reason. Don’t shut out your friends and don’t shut yourself in your cave for too long. Go outside, avoid self-destructive behaviors and remember that you are valuable. Your pay day loan blogger has told himself that before, and the inner eye continues to follow the path of my being.

Related Video:

I know that my spending habits have changed in the last couple of years. Yours likely have too. This change is the result of job cuts, lower pay and the overall financial downturn. We all need the economy to recover and getting out there and spending some money would certainly help turn things around, but few people can afford to do that at this point. We are basically just spending money on the essentials these days, and even that spending has changed somewhat.

Where is Money being Spent?

According to a recent article on the U.S.News site, market research is showing some definite trends in how and where Americans are spending their hard earned money. One noticeable shift is in the amount of debt that most of us are willing to carry at this point. Before the recession people were more likely to buy on credit and to spend money on large items that were not essential. Nowadays consumers are sticking much more to the basics and trying to pay in cash as much as possible, sometimes taking short term loans when necessary.

Thinking Outside the Box

Tough times often inspire more creativity. People do not want to completely give up the pleasures in life. Dinners out with friends, family trips, fancy coffees and home renovations are all things that can be altered to fit a more frugal lifestyle. Organizing rotating potluck dinners at friends’ houses can replace dinners out. Camping or visiting local attractions can substitute for larger family trips. Buying some quality coffee beans, a grinder and a milk frother will allow you to create specialty coffee at home each morning. Doing basic home updates yourself such as painting, can really save money.

Labels No Longer Matter

There was a time when name brand products were king. This way of thinking has all but disappeared in recent years. Particularly when it comes to food items, many people have turned to no name and store brand products instead of the pricier name brands. There are many great-quality products in this category, some of which are even made in the same factories, right alongside the name brand products. Many consumers are finding that saving a few cents on each item really adds up and, with the quality being surprisingly good, they will continue to buy the lesser known brands in the future.

Removing the Temptation

Another finding is that consumers are spending far less time casually browsing stores. They now tend to go to the stores only when there is something they truly need. On the same note, if there is a larger item you need, such as furniture or appliances you can often find used ones for a lot less online or in the classified section of your newspaper. Conversely, if you have items that you no longer need you can make some extra cash by selling them off and you will be de-cluttering your house at the same time.

A Little Extra Help

We are all doing what we can to save money and get by from one payday to the next. Unfortunately, sometimes unexpected costs arise before payday. In these instances you may want to consider a payday or installment loan. Both are quick and easy to apply for online and can offer you a way to get through the rough patch.

As much as we would love to have some spare money tucked away for any emergency that could arise, it is just not always possible and that is when looking into no credit check pay loans may help. Payday loans can offer the quick cash you need to pay off unforeseen expenses so that you can make it to the next payday. Particularly with the current economic situation it is a good idea to be aware that there are options out there if you get stuck.

We have All been There

Practically everyone has been there at one time or another. You are working a low paying job just to get by. You do not want to be there, but it is all that is out there right now and it pulls in just enough to pay the bills each month with a little left over. You figure that you will be alright until something better comes along, but then the unexpected happens. Your car breaks down. The fridge stops working. You get sick and have to go to the doctor. You have already spent your most recent paycheque and are strapped for cash until next payday.

Do Payday Loans Payday Loans with No Credit Check Exist?

You may be feeling that because of some unfortunate circumstances that ruined your credit in the past, there is nowhere to go for the money you need now. There are absolutely legitimate lenders out there who will offer payday loans to people without doing a credit check.

Real Options for No Credit Check Payday Loans

You do not have to turn to someone operating a shady establishment out of his basement or try to make do without. There are genuine lenders willing to grant no credit check payday loans for just such cases. Applying online is quick and hassle free and you can have the money you need in almost no time at all. You will be amazed at how smooth and fast the process will be and you can get back to concentrating on the important issues in life.

Apply Here for a No Credit Check Payday Loan!

The recession has brought widespread hardship; borrowing money in the form of pay day loans or help from friends is often one of the few ways that newly casual workers can make it to the next pay cheque. A huge contributor to the tough times has been the extensive jobs cuts. With only part time work available in many cases, those hit hardest have trouble making ends meet. Since the recent upturn in the economy, many have become hopeful that their old positions will come back. Sadly, as explained in a Wall Street Journal article, a lot of of these hopes may go unfulfilled.

No Longer Necessary

The surge in home building and lending that preceded the recession created a large number of jobs for the blue collar and white collar workers alike. With all of the building that happened, construction jobs were plentiful, as were positions in plants that manufactured material used in making the homes. The boom in the housing market caused financial jobs to rise too. Once the economy began to crash and business in these areas plummeted, the need for these workers became almost nonexistent.

Further Casualties in Need of Pay Day Loans

Unfortunately, when the recession hit it gave employers the opportunity to also cut increasingly outdated positions with little to no warning. Some of the workers hit hardest by these kinds of job cuts were clerical workers, mailroom staff, record store employees, photo finishing staff and directory and mailing list publisher employees. All of these positions were on their way out because of advances in technology, but they likely would not have been hit so suddenly if the economy had not taken such a nosedive. Due to the abrupt nature of these job cuts many former full time employees are working casual jobs and turning to online lending in the form of pay day loans, or installment loans to get by.

Hard Facts to Face for those who Need Money Now

Adding insult to injury, during the recession many companies looked to workers in other countries because they could pay them less money to do the job. Disappointingly, many of these jobs will likely stay overseas. These kinds of changes are hard on former employees’ bank accounts and self-esteem.

Pay Day Loans can Help in the Tough Times

If you are among the many that have been hit hard by job cuts and are relying on reduced income it can be tough when unexpected expenses creep up. Car repairs, school expenses, household repairs and sometimes just everyday costs can get the best of us at times. In this case pay day loans can help get you through. They may just provide the financial relief you are looking for.

Apply Here for Pay Day Loans!

Dell was first to bring us Netbooks.

Techies and gadget lovers must feel like their heads are going to explode this week — and the Consumer Electronics Show hasn’t even started yet! This week Google has shaken up the smartphone market big time with the release of Nexus One. The new gadget, which Google is calling a “superphone” is offered at a $350 discount if you get a T-Mobile contract.

It appears AT&T is responding with a resounding “Oh no you di-in’t!” Of course after the release of the Droid, only available with Verizon, and Google’s deal with T-Mobile, I expected AT&T to answer, and here’s what it’s saying: “Dell Mini 3.” No word on the price of this baby yet, so don’t fill out you  pay day loan application just yet.

Oh, just you wait

The Dell Mini 3 is not a brand new smartphone; it has been available in China and Brazil for a few months. Now, it’s the latest player in a game I like to call “Who’s The Smartest of Them All,” which is played in the U.S. and pits smartphones that run on Android processors against each other.

But Dell Mini 3 is only the very first step in AT&T’s game plan for how to combat Droid, Nexus One and all of the other phones Google will be offering through it’s brand new online cell phone store. AT&T says it will introduce five new Android phones in the next few months. Maybe the next few weeks.

Dell Mini 3

The Dell Mini 3 is similar to other smartphones out there, in both looks and operations. It has the same processor as the Droid, and it looks like the Nexus One, if I do say so myself. There’s nothing particularly remarkable about it as far as whether it has something to offer that other phones don’t. But it does run on AT&T’s network and Google’s processor so … there’s that.

As far as what we can expect from the new offerings, there’s not a whole lot of detail yet. From AT&T’s press release:

AT&T today announced plans to launch five new devices from Dell, HTC and Motorola based on the Android platform. The company also announced a major initiative to expand the universe of mobile applications beyond smartphones to more mobile phones – and spur future app development for emerging consumer electronics devices, its U-verse TV platform, and enterprise and small business workplaces.

Clearly,this announcement was just made to keep AT&T in the game, as the only real information is that “Dell Mini 3 is coming to the U.S. … sometime. Soon.”

Are we paying for cell phones or status symbols?

While Fred Vogelstein at Wired was correct when he said “there seem to be no end to the number of innovative things a company like Google could have done” with the launch of the Nexus One Google phone, you certainly can’t poke any holes in Google’s marketing strategy.

The Nexus One Google phone is only available online, through Google’s brand new online cell phone store, which was launched on the same day as the much-hyped Nexus One. Fox News says:

“The Nexus One belongs in an emerging category of device we call super phones,” said Mario Queiroz, vice president of product management for Google. It is the first phone in a series of devices for the search giant from various manufacturers and carriers, all of which will be sold in a newly announced Google store: www.google.com/phone.

Tricky times

So before you run out and get a pay day loan and head to a T-Mobile store or any store, be warned that you can only buy the Nexus One at the Google store, and the Google store only exists online. You might be able to buy it at the Consumer Electronics Show, I have no idea, but in general people can only buy the phone online.

This presents a couple of problems. For first-time smartphone, ahem “super phone,” buyers it can be very intimidating. When someone plunks down between $180 and $530 for a piece of hardware, they’d probably feel better having a person to talk to about it so they at least know how to get started using it and what to expect.

Only for the elite?

Of course, the fact that people who are not “in the know” about super phones kind of goes along with Google’s whole strategy with the Nexus One: Turn it into something everyone wants but only certain people can have. The $529 price tag is a dead giveaway that Google is targeting only a certain class of people. Also, even after the Google store was launched yesterday, the Nexus One wasn’t available everywhere, only in certain areas.

Maintaining that aura of elitism effectively turns the Nexus One Google phone into a status symbol, and society has proven time and time again that it is willing to pay big bucks for status symbols.

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Another Sign of the Times

Just when you thought the economic news could not get much worse, news that Colorado will be dropping its minimum wage comes through. According to an Associated Press (See: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Colorados-minimum-wage-apf-3883743937.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=7&asset=&ccode=) story, the state will lower the minimum wage by 3 cents an hour this year. While this amount may seem insignificant, it takes a toll on the moral of lower paid workers, even if their bottom lines are not much lower. The change leaves workers to wonder if they will ever be able to afford any luxuries and if all of their hard work will ever get them ahead.

Why the Change?

In order to keep workers in line with inflation, Colorado and nine other states base their minimum wage around the cost of living. This method is meant shield lower paid workers from being unable to meet rising costs on necessities. Unfortunately, using this system also means that when the economy takes a dip the minimum wage falls with it too. The minimum wage in Colorado will now be $7.25 per hour, which is as low as it can go because it has now hit the federal minimum and cannot drop below that. This is small consolation for those whose already low wages will be going down. It can be tough enough knowing that you are already working for the lowest amount in the state, but for that amount to drop further can be hard on the self esteem, even if the decrease is only a few pennies per hour.

The Good News

Labor officials in the state are fairly confident that the majority of employers who pay minimum wage will continue to pay employees the previous amount. It makes sense that if some employers are maintaining wages for their employees others will follow suit. If an employer chooses to drop to the new minimum wage, he may risk losing workers to other jobs. Employers should be mindful of the fact that if they lower wages they may be unable to keep valued employees, and they will really only save a relatively small amount of money. While the wage difference is not overly significant to a worker’s end result, being forced to take a decrease can make an employee feel undervalued and create a rift between employees and employers.

Buying some Good Will

If an employer is willing and able to pay just a few cents more than his competitors it can certainly create a more harmonious workplace. Employees tend to feel valued and appreciated and are more likely to remain loyal to the company when they make a little more than others in the same field. The slightly higher wage can bring a sense of pride and cause workers to want to put in more effort. Particularly in today’s economy, no one wants to be out looking for a new job, so if an employee is relatively satisfied with her position she will likely stick around. Paying a little bit more can help keep employees around and keep them happy.

There is Help if You Need it

If you are one of the many who is working a minimum wage or part time job right now it can be tough to make ends meet. Sometimes unexpected costs come up before payday. In such a case it may be a good idea to look into a payday loan for some quick cash to get you through.

Need money in a Hurry?

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Anyone in need of cash in a pinch should consider the option of taking out a pay day loan. If you have never heard of pay day loans before or only have a vague understanding of what they are then you will probably want to investigate the details to decide if they are right for you. There are offline sources for pay day loans, but by far the easiest and quickest way to get one is from a reputable online source. There is no driving to the outlet and waiting in line involved. You just go to your computer and apply online. It is secure, speedy and aggravation-free.

Know the requirements

There are a few requirements in the U.S. to apply for this type of loan, though they are far less than will be required for most other kinds of loans. Firstly, you need to be employed, as implied by the name. You need to have a savings or checking account. You must also be at least 18 years of age and be a U.S. citizen. If you meet these criteria you should be clear to apply for a pay day loan.

How to Apply

Once it has been established that you meet the basic criteria you can go ahead and fill out the application. Your banking information will be among the items needed for the process, so ensure that you are applying on a trusted site with the security lock symbol in the bottom right of the page. Lending websites tend to have quite high online security set in place, as they are dealing with personal information. On the application you will need to include such items as employment information, bank account number, your contact information (possibly one or two references on some sites).

What will be Checked?

Not all, but some lenders may take a brief look at your credit history. They will likely be most concerned with whether or not your bank account is in good standing and your employment information checks out. The lender is basically just trying to determine whether or not you be able to pay the loan back.

The Advantages

Probably the greatest advantage of a pay day loan is that the money is available to you very quickly. With an online loan the process is accelerated further because you do not have to go anywhere to apply and there is no waiting to fill out the application. The other big advantage to these loans is that they are relatively easy to get and when you need cash right away it is nice to know that there is somewhere to turn. Be aware that these kinds of loans do have a fairly high interest rate, so you will want to pick and choose the best times to apply for them. Websites who do financial transactions other than pay day loans tend to have better rates than those who do pay day loans exclusively.

Quick Turnaround for Your Important Situation

In a situation where you need a pay day loan you probably need money quickly. It is comforting to know that you can get the cash you require within a couple of hours.

Apply Here for a Pay Day Loan!

You can get your cash in as quickly as two hours in some cases. The average payday loan application time is around 2.5 minutes. In some cases, applications can take up to 3 more minutes to be processed. Some payday lenders who approve your loan may contact you in a few minutes but pay close attention and write down which lender appears on your screen as the one approving you.

No Faxing, Credit Checks, or Collateral For Payday Loans

Lenders typically don’t require you to submit to a credit check. This means no credit inquiries on your record and they do not show on your credit report. You will likely not have to concern yourself with faxing of identification documentation. Faxing can be expensive if you have to drive somewhere and pay per page. Unsecured loans do not require people to pledge any collateral. Getting a pay day loan on our site will bring you many benefits.

With Payday Loan Applications, Security Is Important

The detailed and personal data of applications is processed with our highly secure system. The encryption used to protect your data is state of the art. The application is always transferred to payday loans lenders in a secure fashion. Identity theft is not a problem when you apply online with us. Employee access to payday loan application data is even restricted.

You Will Need These Things To Apply Online

The payday loan application form is just a short click away. The information for your banking is required due to the direct deposit of the funds. You will provide your employment information. Your employment history will be taken into account. Residence info will be required on the application. Payday lenders pay close attention to the duration of your current residence.

What Process Is Used For Payday Loan Applications

The processing of your payday loan application starts when you complete it and click submit. At that point your application data will be transferred to a loan processing agency. Fraudulent activity detection and other underwriting filters may be used in the processing of your application. When the processor matches your payday loan application with a lender’s underwriting filters the lender then gets to see your info. Once the lenders underwriting system gets your information they give the processing center an answer. All this happens instantly and you will be notified if the lenders answer is an approval.

What Its Like To Apply For a Payday Loan

A good feeling will be with you when you fill out your payday loan application. You cant image how great it feels to get approved within seconds. Getting spendable cash deposited to your account before you know it feels the best. A payday loans can bring that great feeling to the next level because your financial problem will be taken care of.

This Is What You Should Do To Get a Payday Loan

So if you are ready to get your extra cash in a hurry start your payday loan application now. You will love receiving your cash funds direct deposited to your account. Spending that money will take care of some of your temporary financial problems. Our loan matching system is free for the public to use so start your application now.

Apply for Payday Loans Below!

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Congress today passed a bill that extends the homebuyer tax credit, which was set to expire at the end of this month. Homebuyers who initiate their purchase between now and April 2010 will be able to take advantage of a $6,500 deduction in their federal taxes for that year.

Of course, this tax credit isn’t available to all homebuyers. And, of course, there have been some changes to the tax credit that exists through this month. The most noticeable change is the amount, reduced to $6,500 from $8,000. But, hey, if you really need the extra $1,500, you can always apply for a pay day loan. First-time homebuyers are still eligible for a tax credit up to $8,000.

More changes to homebuyer tax credit 2010

You may have noticed that I wrote “homebuyers who initiate their purchase” earlier. Anyone who has purchased a home knows that it doesn’t happen overnight, so the bill stipulates that the buyer must sign a sales contract by April 30 and close the sale by June 30 to get the credit.

This year, only people who had not owned a home for three years were eligible to receive the credit.  Now, people who have owned their current home for at least five years can be eligible for the tax credit if they buy a new home. Also, the maximum income you can earn and still be eligible has been reduced to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples.

Exemptions from homebuyer tax credit

So, to review, people who have owned a home less than five years, people who make too much money and anyone who doesn’t sign a sales contract within the allotted time frame are not eligible for the credit.

Furthermore, the credit only applies to purchases of a primary residence. The cap on the home’s price is $800,000.

On a side note, the same bill that extends the homebuyer tax credit to 2010 also extends unemployment benefits so that people can collect them for an additional 13 weeks.

America's Constitution is a landmark document that protects freedoms. Is our government still paying attention to the "powers not granted" part of the Tenth Amendment? (Photo: flickr.com)

As Constitution Day approaches this Thursday, September 17, some awake and aware teachers will consider Constitution Day activities for their students, write up Constitution Day lesson plans and make Constitution Day worksheets. Celebrating the set of principles that the founding fathers of America set forth to guard against the intrusion of tyrannical power into this country’s government is certainly an admirable thing to remember, as the U.S. Constitution continues to be a landmark document in human history.

And the fight against possible tyranny lives on

And that tyranny isn’t necessarily coming from the obvious sources some people might expect, such as the Taliban, North Korea or C Street House. On Constitution Day, some people will be celebrating what power the Constitution grants individual states, a power that some feel the federal government is ignoring. In particular, the Tenth Amendment will be in the spotlight on Constitution Day. To set the state, take a look at this Supreme Court ruling:

“The Tenth Amendment was intended to confirm the understanding of the people at the time the Constitution was adopted, that powers not granted to the United States were reserved to the States or to the people. It added nothing to the instrument as originally ratified.” — United States v. Sprague, 282 U.S. 716, 733 (1931).

Some states want America to return to governance via the Constitution

A press release by Michael Boldin of the Tenth Amendment Center suggests that America’s government has ignored that “powers not granted to the United States” portion of the Tenth Amendment. They have launched the “10-4 Candidate Pledge for the Constitution” in response to this. Their hope is that Constitution Day 2009 will energize and inform the people that regardless of their personal stance on the reforms the Obama administration is attempting to pass (including those that would excessively limit or ban pay day loan stores outright), it is believed there are certain areas of the law where individual states have the right to accept or nullify laws that come from the federal government.

In particular, there have been seven states so far in 2009 that have passed sovereignty resolutions under the 10th Amendment. Two states have nullified federal firearms regulation. In opposition to federal law, 13 states have enacted Medical Marijuana laws. In response to federal health care reform and the public option, three states are thinking about constitutional amendments that will allow their residents to opt-out of a federally controlled plan. Despite one’s personal opinions about President Obama’s plans, it’s difficult to argue that people should have the choice to go one way or the other. The Tenth Amendment Center (and numerous others) believe the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution grants states that power.

What is the 10-4 Pledge?

The 10-4 Pledge is 10 affirmations and promises behind which politicians may affix their stamp of approval. “All just political authority is derived from the People,” is one example. Another is that they will “always vote in favor of the Constitution of the United States. Every issue. Every time. No exceptions. No excuses.” The underlying theory here is that the Constitution is not in need of revision, but that the principles outlined remain relevant and hence should be followed in America’s current iteration of government. Politicians from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas and other states have signed on; how many more will follow?

Fear of too much power

That’s the reason America’s founding fathers created the Constitution, and that is what supporters of the 10-4 Pledge fear today. Government without limits is what England threatened to hold over Americans in colonial times; 10-4 supporters feel that President Obama’s vision of the federal government’s role in certain affairs also represents such an government unlimited platform. “We the People” were intended to be represented by the Constitution. Boldin and the Tenth Amendment Center would like to keep it that way.

Their research indicates that somewhere in the neighborhood of 35 powers were granted to the federal government by the Constitution, which leaves some rather significant holdovers that individual states can rule upon, including health care, “creation of free speech zones,” federal gun regulation, the “war” on drugs and more.

Not left, not right – for all Americans

Some issues aren’t easy to resolve through national partisan politics. The 10-4 Pledge is intended to remind politicians (and the public) that some issues need to be resolved “close to home,” on the state level. But “that’s just the opposite of how things are today,” says Boldin. “People (should be able to) find candidates for office who believe in the strict limitations on power that the Constitution stands for.”

Any pay day loan company should take note

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A national government that is clearly in league with keeping Wall Street and the establishment healthy while largely ignoring the deepest financial needs of average people should drive people to question whether that’s the kind of governance they want. Constitution Day is a perfect opportunity to consider this, and the 10-4 Pledge could be a useful tool for those who feel that states should have the right to decide what works best for them when it comes to individual financial welfare – or anything else that plays a key role in individual freedom and welfare.

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