Firesheep is a Firefox extension that allows wi-fi sidejacking

The Firefox extension Firesheep easily hacks into the private accounts of individuals logged on to open wireless systems. The designer of Firesheep created the Firefox expansion to prove a statement. It shows how easy it is to hack into accounts that use cookies for user name and password validation. There are means of protection available, however, in the form of Firefox extensions that add a layer of security to stop Firesheep.

Firesheep can make breaking inton internet sites easy

Firesheep makes it possible for you to hack into many peoples’ lives. All you’ve to do is walk into a coffee shop. Firesheep works because when users submit a user name and password to log in, the server replies with a cookie the browser uses for user authentication going forward. According to Eric Butler, who developed Firesheep, on the open wireless network in that coffee shop, cookies are being shouted via the air. The login is typically encrypted by web sites to protect user’s names and passwords. However, within the interests of expediency, the cookie isn’t really protected. It can be relatively easy to sidejack or do HTTP session breaking inton on a wireless network.

How to use Firesheep

Firesheep is available on Mac OS X and Windows. It’s free too. A new sidebar will appear on your Firefox browser after you’ve installed Firesheep. Go to the coffee shop, connect with its open wireless network. Simply click the “Start Capturing” button. People who log into Facebook will show up on Firesheep. It will do this for any insecure site really. Their name and photo will appear on the sidebar. Firesheep will log into their private account as soon as you double-click on the photo. After that, a sidejacker can do whatever they feel like. This is if they’re utilizing Firesheep of course.

Is there any way to block Firesheep?

There is a way to stop Firesheep. TechCrunch accounts that Firesheep works on most social sites. This is because the online websites go to the HTTP protocol after the login info is encrypted. Firesheep can only detect cookies since the HTTPS protocol can only be used with the Firefox expansion called “Force-TLS”. The Force-TLS Firefox extension allows users to change HTTP to HTTPS on online websites selected in the Firefox Add On “Preferences” menu. All HTTPS details are encrypted. This is why Firesheep cannot read it. Facebook, Twitter and Google all allow HTTPS connections. Most major websites will. Amazon presently does not.

Info from

Code Butler

codebutler.com/firesheep

The Register

theregister.co.uk/2010/10/25/firesheep_cookie_capture_peril/

Tech Crunch

techcrunch.com/2010/10/25/firesheep/

Beige Book info displays Fed about to enter stock market in a large way

The Beige Book, published by the Federal Reserve eight times a year, is a summary of economic conditions across the country. Info on economic conditions within each Federal Reserve bank’s district is detailed within the Beige Book. There wasn’t much to get anxious about within the Beige Book that hit the streets Thurs, however at least the flagging economic climate seems to have leveled off.

Guesses concerning the Fed verified with Beige Book

The latest Beige Book precludes a much predicted meeting of Fed governors on Nov. 2-3. The economy will probably be reviewed along with approaches to help the economy within the Fed meeting. There needs to be a stimulus, Beige Book data exhibits. This is what the Washington Post reports. The October Beige Book accounts on a weak job market, minuscule economic growth and the threat of deflation — factors that justify pumping money to the economy with major stock purchases, something Fed governors have hinted at for months.

The good Beige Book news

The Beige Book from the Fed’s exhibits all the bad things going on. Gail Marks Jarvis at the Chicago Tribune accounts on the great parts of the report. The Beige Book talked about “widespread signs of declaration” in the economic climate just last spring. The Oct Beige Book data was not all bad. Some improvements were shown too. Bright spots highlighted by Jarvis consist of a continued expansion of manufacturing, new factory orders for a lot of industries and a slight boost in consumer spending.

How the Beige Book affects the stock sector

The Fed’s Beige Book showed the twelve Fed regions. It had been shown that seven of these improved economically. The rest of them either went down a ton or just being questioned. The Fed is being expected to start into the bond sector based on the Beige Book, reports ABC News. This has brought on more traders to purchase bonds. They want higher treasury yield out of it. Following the Nov meeting, the Fed is expected to start purchasing more Treasury’s which would make bond yields go down a bit. The Fed is betting that purchasing Treasury’s will push long-term rates of interest lower to stimulate spending and investment.

Citations

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/20/AR2010102005512.html?sub=AR

Chicago Tribune

newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/marksjarvis_on_money/2010/10/fed-reports-glimmers-of-sunshine-in-economy.html

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=11929195

Obama requests Congress for $2 billion in Pakistan military aid

The cost of America’s “War on Terror” continues to skyrocket, suggests the Associated Press. This time, the Obama administration has committed $2 billion toward Pakistan military aid to fight extremist groups like the Taliban and al-Qaida. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced at a press conference that the funds would be distributed from 2012 to 2016 for United States of America arms, ammo and field equipment.

Pakistan military aid isn’t for all components

The proposed Pakistan military support would not go to all the Pakistani military services units, the AP accounts. This is what the Obama administration wants. Human rights issues are in question with some of the units. They have been torturing prisoners and having executions with trial. You will find also concerns about previous military services support from the U.S. which had been believed to buy missiles to target United States allies and also about whether the Pakistani govt even to be policing its border with Afghanistan. The nation is already getting $7.5 billion to help with its recent flood which is before counting the military aid.

Clinton and Qureshi declared the plan at a joint meeting

The meeting that it had been declared at had Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at it. This is why Secretary of State Clinton needed to be careful. The United States is uneasy with the Islamabad government’s perceived soft stance on terrorism, yet Clinton underscored “the sacrifice and service” that the people of Pakistan have made in their attempts to restore order to their nation.

Qureshi responded to the terrorism allegations by saying, “We do not understand what greater evidence to offer (as proof to the contrary) than the blood of our individuals.”

Pakistan told by United States of America to work on human rights<

United States of America military services aid is not given to Pakistani components that are allegedly committing human rights violations. This is what Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont supports as the 1997 legislation. The “Leahy Amendment” officially “bars United States of America military services assistance from going to foreign armed forces suspected of committing atrocities,” reports the AP. There can be negations made with the Pakistan military aid although the negations will take into account the Leahy Amendment. The U.S. is encouraging all units to comply with the Leahy Amendment. This is for those units who aren’t already.

Articles cited

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/39793097

Pakistani missiles targeting Indian targets

youtube.com/watch?v=Dhk3UAMWfEw

Southwest Airlines provides reduced fares to South Carolina

Southwest Airlines is a budget airline that pushes the competition to keep up. The near elemental force of change Southwest exerts on the commercial airline industry has been named the “Southwest Effect,” writes USA Today. It is so effective, writes USA Today, that within an hour of Southwest Airlines’ announcement that avenues are being extended into South Carolina, the competition dropped its fares into the state by thirty percent or more.

Having Southwest Airlines around saves consumers cash

Southwest Airlines shook up the industry and made rivals start lowering rates within one hour of announcing the brand new routes to South Carolina, more specifically Charleston and Greenville-Spartanburg. Those seeking to enjoy what the Palmetto State has to offer will be able to more easily manage air travel now the Southwest Effect has blown in like a warm southwesterly wind. According to Charleston’s The Post and Courier, “within an hour of Southwest Airlines’ revealing information of its service launching from Charleston International Airport next year, local airfares plunged to $59 each way to Southwest-bound destinations — however only after March 13.”

Travel agents anticipate added industry

The Travel Management Group in Charleston’s John Powers commented on it. He said there can be a ton of savings because Southwest Airlines moved there. ”All major carriers cut their rates by at least thirty %,” he explained. He then moved on. “And most slashed prices considerably more.” For instance, one-way flights for which rivals used to charge $228 have dropped all the way down to $59 to match Southwest Airlines.

Other reports like this have come from News 4 of Charleston which is an ABC affiliate. March 13 had been when the lower airfare started. One flight from Charleston to Chicago had been $219, but lowered to $99. Now you can get flights to Chicago one way at $129. They have stop-over and previously cost $400. Flights out of Greenville-Spartanburg should also see dramatic decreases, say travel industry experts.

Data from

USA Today

travel.usatoday.com/flights/post/2010/10/southwest-effect-in-south-carolina/128388/1

ymptoms of the Southwest Effect contain lower fares

youtube.com/watch?v=bMXNVUHmGU0

Vinyl dashboard restoration is not rocket science

Visualize the cracks with your chariot’s sleek vinyl dashboard. If you think covering them with masking tape and coloring the tape to match the dash is copacetic, shake yourself. Repairing a damaged dash should be so haphazard. Proper dashboard repair costs more than the tape and marker plan, however that’s appropriate. Cheap out on your car too long and it will turn its back on you.

Repair your vinyl dash panel even with a split

The typical vinyl dash panel does not consist of much. It generally means there is foam padding with some vinyl fabric covering it. Sun damage can be caused with too much sun exposure of course. Also, harsh cleaners can hurt it too. The merchandise cause the vinyl-chloride plasticizer to come off very easily. That is what Popular Mechanics explains. That’s what causes vinyl to become brittle and begin to split. You are able to clean it the best with a soft rag and warm water.

How to repair a damaged dash

You might not think that one small split is going to harm anything. However, if it begins to spread into too numerous cracks, then your dash may have to be replaced. You will have to pay for that. It’s expensive. Slapping a shag fabric dash cover over the issue will make individuals think you’re a stunt driver within the remake of “Scream, Blacula, Scream.”. You might stay away from a huge hassle. You can just repair the vinyl dashboard instead. eHow explains that vinyl pain, silicone caulking, painter’s tape and a utility knife are the tools you’ll need. Here’s the procedure:

1. The crack needs to be carved in a “V” shape. This will make it possible to get the caulking in.
2. Clean dust and debris out of the crack with rag and water. Let is entirely dry. Do this before anything else.
3. Mask off either side of the crack. You are able to do this with the tape.
4. The silicone caulking can now be put to the crack. Give it 15 minutes to dry. You can take the tape off after that. The split being small is a good thing. You can simply move to the next step. If the crack is large, you’ll have to give some texture to the silicone. You can do this with a vinyl restoration kit. You will need to remove the tape afterwards.
5. Let the split dry for two hrs before anything else. Then you could be able to paint the crack. You next ought to wait a couple of hours for the paint to dry. You can hit the street again afterwards.

Articles cited

EHow.com

ehow.com/how_2077554_repair-cracks-dashboard.html

Popular Mechanics

popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/saturday-mechanic-blog/repair-cracked-vinyl-dashboard

IMBD

imdb.com/title/tt0070656/

Everyone ought to embrace DADT repeal

Since the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal by courts, there has been a lot of controversy. Intervention into military affairs was a sore subject when it first passed. The objection is the exact same now. The ruling of DADT being declared unconstitutional by Judge Virginia Phillips has ruffled lots of feathers. Many of the opponents of a Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repeal come from the conservative camp. Nevertheless, Republicans, Democrats, and all others ought to not be opposed to repealing it at all.

DADT is a civil rights issue

Nobody will say that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is not a civil rights problem. It just is. It would be ridiculous to try and deny it. Individual liberty used to be one of the prime concerns of the Republican party. The slaves ended up being freed, with a simple view of the event, by Abraham Lincoln. Also, the Log Cabin Republicans brought forth the suit. That’s where the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell suit came from. Republicans have been known for civil liberties forever. Republicans have other things that are essential too. It has one more one of these incentives attached.

Cash will be saved

The public funds the military. Tax dollars pay for our troops. This is why Republicans might think fiscal conservatism is something to look into. If the military has to instantly drop all investigations and never conduct an additional one pursuant to a Don’t Ask Don’t Tell discharge, that is cash that won’t have to be spent. That results in millions per year. Investigations for DADT have cost a lot of money to the taxpayers, USA Today reports. In fact, by 2006 they had already paid more than $360 million.

Consider the Tea Party

The current mood among the more conservative wing of this nation, especially the Tea Party, is of deep concern with fiscal practices. Ending the Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy will do a lot. Millions could be saved this way. Also, our fellow citizens are treated poorly. This will protect their future rights. Those who are putting their lives on the line for our country ought to be treated well instead of being put in last place.

Articles cited

USA Today

usatoday.com/news/washington/2006-02-14-dont-ask-report_x.htm

Irving Payday advance - Texas money advance payday cash advances fast

When things pop up, you do not always have the financial resources to deal with them. Nevertheless, payday loans in Irving can be there to help. Money advances can be fast and easy. In fact, much faster than a traditional loan. With a fast application process, Irving payday loans can be deposited into your bank account in two hours or less.

Cash pay day loans in Irving

In Irving, you can get a payday loan. You can do this with poor credit even. A bank account, phone number and a regular income are all that you really need to have. Also, the application is super easy. You only need two or three minutes to complete it. The decision on whether or not you will get a payday money advance can be made in three short minutes after your application is sent in. If you can get an online payday loan, then you will know fast. It will only take as long as five minutes.

Do you need cash fast in Irving? You are able to do it too

The biggest reason you may want to get money loans is to get the cash quickly. When you get an Irving loan, the cash could be deposited into your bank account in two hours or less. This means the cash is available for you easily and effortlessly. You can get the cash fast to take care of things in Irving. Pay that bill or get that car fixed like you need to.

Best TX cash advances

What good is it getting an cash advance loans in Irving TX unless it’s the best deal you are able to get? In case you are need of a payday advance, the best place to go is Personal Money Store. The best loan lender in Irving can be matched up with you by processing your application. The loan providers give you the best poor credit loans. You may have some a bad credit score. These would be the best loans you can get with your credit too. Once your Irving payday advance comes due, the cash could be directly debited from your bank account – no muss, no fuss.

The cash advance application in Irving is no obligation

When getting a bad credit loan, you hope your info is safe. That is what you would like to know really. After we no longer need your application form or details, we get rid of any personal info we have. The 128-bit encryption keeps your Irving payday loan info ultimately safe. Want your Irving payday loan details to be safe and secure? We will make it happen. So why wait?

Luxury automobile sales ascend in spite of economic woes

Surprisingly enough, luxury car sales are climbing . In fact, vehicle revenue are really increasing in general . Unfortunately, Volvo was the exception to the rule . Sales for the troubled Swedish auto firm have not been exceptional for some time. Mercedes Benz is apparently reaping the benefits much more than most, overtaking Lexus in sales . U.S. domestic luxury brands Cadillac and Lincoln have seen huge increases as well .

More luxury automobiles getting marketed

After several years of dismal economic news, perhaps the rich are feeling lucky enough to buy new cars . Luxury brands have been selling more. These gains were reported. USA Today accounts that a 43.8 percent gain in the first nine months of 2010 was reported by Cadillac . Gains were reported by other corporations too. These were high end brands as well. There were also gains with Infiniti, Acura, Audi and Porsche. Just since September 2009, all of these companies have seen a 25 percent gain. There was a 10 percent increase since that very same time from BMW and Lexus along with a brand that nobody seems to remember getting a 6 percent boost called Lincoln . Next year, the Lincoln will be advertised more. This is the plan of Ford Motor Co. The only business of high end cars that didn’t post a rise in revenue was Volvo .

Mercedes outsells Lexus

In September 2009, there was a huge drop in high end auto sales although they have increased for all within the last year . A 43.8 percent increase was posted by Cadillac for 2010. Of course, it really has only been an 11 percent boost since Sept 2009. Mercedes managed to sell the most luxurious cars since that time, increasing sales by 22 percent since January of 2010 . Lexus sold more vehicles by volume than Mercedes until September, when Mercedes managed to sell more automobiles than Lexus overall .

Incentives have disappeared

Luxury brand rewards are hard to discover. They just do not seem to exist anymore. The economic climate is doing better though since more individuals are purchasing high end autos and getting loans again .

Citations

USA Today

content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/10/cadillac-other-luxury-makers-see-sales-soar/1

http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101004/RETAIL/101009961/1401

NAACP warns The United States about Tea Party tolerance of racism

The NAACP and also the Tea Party are at it again. Last summer the NAACP passed a solution denouncing racial discrimination in the Tea Party and a new report submitted by the organization reinforces that resolution. The grass roots movement has allowed extremists that consist of racists and neo-Nazis to express themselves politically, according to a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People white paper with the title “Tea Party Nationalism”.

Discovering a great deal of Tea Party Nationalism

The NAACP record on Tea Party Nationalism points out alleged ties among some Tea Party factions and “acknowledged racist hate groups.”. What most people probably won’t notice is the NAACP Tea Party report makes a point that it isn’t throwing a blanket allegation over the movement as a whole. President of NAACTP, Ben Jealous made a forward to the report. He said that “sincere, principled people of goodwill,” tend to be who Tea Party members are. However, he goes on to say that Tea Party Nationalism sheds light on connections between some known racist groups linked to the Tea Party that “should give all patriotic Americans pause.”.

Bad people nevertheless in the Tea Party

The NAACP Tea Party report refers to signs at Tea Party rallies containing racial epithets about President Obama. Tea Party members shouted racial slurs during a 2010 March protest. Tea Party Nationalism explains that this had been against the health care bill. Tea Party leaders were challenged by Jealous to denounce the protests that have racism in them. He also asked that they denounce links to the “birthers” who say Obama is not a United States citizen and the racial discrimination within the protests.

What solution happened with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Tea Party

The NAACP Tea Party feud started at the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People convention in Kansas City last July when NAACP members voted on a resolution condemning the Tea Party for racism. The NAACP had been called racist by some of the Tea Party members due to the media fight that started. Much like Wednesdays Tea Party Nationalism report, the NAACP Tea Party resolution said the presence of racism in the Tea Party originated from a couple of bad actors and called on Tea Party leaders to clean up its act. There were many within the Tea Party that said there would not be any racism although they also admitted that racist activity took place at Tea Party rallies.

Will Merkel-Sarkozy-Medvedev meeting bring economic security?

Europe is looking for solutions to piece together a lasting model for monetary prosperity and national safety. Atlantic Sentinel accounts that a potential “new Atlantic order” is on the horizon, as Merkel and Sarkozy are meeting with Russia’s Dmitry Medvedev to discuss an alliance. Merkel and Sarkozy don’t plan to cement any permanent financial and security bonds with Medvedev before the forthcoming G20 conference in South Korea, however. Doing so would cause their respective nations (Germany and France) to run afoul of the European Union. Article source – Merkel-Sarkozy-Medvedev meeting suggests new Atlantic order by Personal Money Store.

Sarkozy and Merkel working to work out all the post-Cold War détente with Russia

The NATO’s expansion into Central Europe has upset Russia, Merkel and Sarkozy explain. They have a specific focus for their talk with Russian President Medvedev. It will be all about the alliance which can grow stronger and Europe changes. Merkel explained this. He said, “We will discuss whether it is possible for Russia and NATO to cooperate better since the era of the Cold War is definitely over.” The plan Sarkozy has is for making Russia an ally. Being an enemy is a bad idea. An economic partnership would be really great for Russia and Europe. The European Union would have Russia a little closer with this.

Exploring the monetary regulation from the G20 desk

Merkel and Sarkozy hope to push more monetary legislation considering the global financial collapse. They have discussed having a permanent financial watchdog. This would be for the European Union. China’s currency manipulation has made things worse. Merkel and Sarkozy are just encouraged. China is concerned about the European alliance as clear by what Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao said to the European Union. He asked the union not to listen to America who said that a quick appreciation of the yuan should happen.

The United States wants a piece

The United States’ response to Merkel and Sarkozy cozying up to Medvedev has been negative. As the United States hasn’t been focusing on European ties recently, it’s a major concern that America might get left out of a Germany-France-Russia alliance. The United States of America has asked the G20 conference be where further discussion takes place. Right now, Obama is not someone Russia likes all that much. That is because you will find U.S. sanctions against Iran.

Citations

Atlantic Sentinel

atlanticsentinel.com/2010/10/france-germany-discuss-russia-partnership/

Tablet possibilities for Verizon, which includes Samsung Galaxy Tab

The latest tablet computer, a Samsung Galaxy Tab, could be offered on Verizon Wirelesses 3G network. A new tablet pc, the Tab could be accessible in early November. The $ 600 price tag might seem high. At less than the iPad for more functionality, though, it could be a (albeit high) middle ground price. Article source – Samsung Galaxy Tab – One more tablet option for Verizon by Personal Money Store.

Verizon to offer Samsung Galaxy Tab

The Samsung Galaxy Tab is a 3G, Android-based tablet computer. With seven inches, the Galaxy Tab is quite small still. The Verizon iPad which will sell for $630 is much larger. Right after Verizon starts selling the iPad bundle, it will start marketing the Galaxy Tab which Verizon can be offering a full data plan with.

Should you obtain the Galaxy Tab or the Verizon iPad?

Since Verizon could be selling the iPad, the choice becomes more difficult. This is the choice between the Verizon iPad and the Galaxy Tab. There are numerous advantages that the Galaxy Tab has. It is less difficult to carry around the Tab as it’s half the weight of the iPad. Also, it doesn’t require a MiFi gadget with it. The Galaxy Tab also has dual cameras, an SD card slot and double the RAM of an iPad. The Tab also supports Flash, unlike the iPad.

Galaxy Tab is easier to examine

There are numerous customers wondering if the $600 price tag of the Galaxy Tab is worth it, given the smaller sized size. The higher pixel density of the Tab, however, means that reading on it’s much easier on the eyes. The iPad does have much more of a screen than the Galaxy Tab does. The smaller screen might have actually cost more for making. The components were more expensive.

iPad on Verizon or the Galaxy Tab

If you would like a tablet pc on Verizon, you’ll have a few different choices. The Verizon Galaxy Tab does not require extra accessories or program support. The iPad has a large screen though with longer battery life. In short, whether the Galaxy Tab or iPad on Verizon is best really depends on what you would like to do with your tablet pc.

Details from

Engadget

engadget.com/2010/10/20/verizon-to-sell-galaxy-tab-starting-november-11-for-600-world/

PC World

pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/208420/comparing_verizon_galaxy_tab_vs_verizon_ipad.html?tk=hp_new

Houston pay-day loans that are fast and easy

Houston is a large city, but whenever you need payday loans, you need a lender you know you can trust. Houston pay day loans have to be just for you. Personal Money Store ensures that your cash advance application is customized — just for you. Whenever you simply can’t wait, our online payday loan process that gets you your money in two hours or less is perfect. Generally, our Houston direct lenders require no credit check and no faxing of paperwork.

Getting a cash advance in Texas

You want to know that you’ve the lender willing to give you the best deal whenever you try to get a payday cash loan. Our secure, confidential application takes less than three minutes. Your online payday loan will give you an answer in five minutes. It might even be as short as two minutes. Once you are approved, your payday advance is deposited into your Houston (or any United States based upon) banking account.

Houston money advance in a hurry

You can get your cash really fast in Houston if you need to. You just have to get an online payday loan first. As little as two hours are needed in order to get a direct deposit. The cash will come directly out of your bank account whenever you end up needing to pay back the loan. Driving all around Houston is needed. Paying off your cash advance is easier than that.

Payday day loan for Houston emergencies

You aren’t intended to use a payday advance or money advance for a solution to your long-term financial problems. If you run into an emergency in Houston and need money for an unexpected expense, an online payday advance could possibly be your answer. Your payday advance loan can be in your banking account before most storefront loan providers in Houston open up. In an emergency, speed is of the essence, so why would you choose any option?

In Houston, a lender could be found for you

Online cash advance providers are typically the best choice for many. This is because you get matched up with the deal that works best for you. Payday loan companies all offer slightly different deals. When you apply with Personal Money Store, we discover you the payday advance that best matches your situation. Your terms are what you go by. You determine what works best for you. You are able to reject loan offers you don’t want that come from payday lenders. You could be in control of your Houston loan the whole time.

Personal Money Store will always be the best place to go for a loan, pay day loans, or cash advance no matter where you are. Why would you wait? Make your way over. Apply for it.

Crystal Cathedral bankruptcy - More than $43 million due

One of the original megachurches, the Crystal Cathedral, has filed for bankruptcy. While the Crystal Cathedral gets thousands of visitors a month, it is not their only product. The Crystal Cathedral also generates the “Hour of Power” telecast. A large group of creditors claim that Crystal Cathedral owes over $40 million. This consists of millions of dollars to local vendors.

Bankruptcy problems for Crystal Cathedral

Bankruptcy is a real possibility for the Crystal Cathedral. In fact, it has been for a few months now. Earlier this year, a committee of creditors got together. They agreed to a moratorium too. This decision was meant to help the Crystal Cathedral church and creditors. Repayment plans could have been worked out. The moratorium was no help. It didn’t work. About $7.5 million is owed to vendors and $36 million in mortgage payments are what the Crystal Cathedral needs to pay.

Crystal Cathedral’s creditors

The Crystal Cathedral is filing a chapter 11 individual bankruptcy. That means reorganization is bound to happen. If chapter 11 is given, the Crystal Cathedral would be allowed to continue operations when attempting to settle creditors. There are numerous lawsuits that Crystal Cathedral is dealing with right now. One woman wants $50,000 for the camels she’s been renting the church for the nativity pageant it has yearly. The Crystal Cathedral bankruptcy would provide a modicum of protection for the church while it tries to re-organize and pay down debt.

The bankruptcy plan for Crystal Cathedral

While attempting to pay back creditors and file for bankruptcy, Crystal Cathedral is taking on a new financial plan. All the expenses are things that church is paying for with donations. About $2 million comes in every month in donations. The church has slashed 50 employees and a number of stations from the “Hour of Power” broadcast. The church and its leaders say that they have each intention of paying down all creditors, eventually. The repayment has to be overseen by the court. Until Crystal Cathedral is out of bankruptcy, this can be the case. Crystal Cathedral will have to show that is practices what is preaches as it is a church that encourages financial responsibility.

Citations

Yahoo News

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101018/ap_on_re_us/us_crystal_cathedral

Christianity Today

blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2010/10/crystal_cathedr_1.html

If Payday advance providers really preyed on poor people they would go bankrupt

Payday loan providers are an oft misunderstood bunch. It’s claimed that unsecured loan providers prey on the poor and desperate. A paycheck loans is offered to individuals too desperate for money to pass up the opportunity, or so the story goes. An endless cycle of debt begins once the ridiculously high payments come due. Preying on the poor is really not what payday loan providers do. They could not, even if they wanted to. They would soon be out of business.

A customer of payday cash advances averages

Demographic studies would show if Payday loan lenders preyed on the poor mostly. That isn’t true. It’s different. Middle class is what the average short term personal loan borrower is labeled as. The bulk of payday customers make between $25,000 and $50,000 per year, they are more likely to be high school graduates or have completed some college, be married, have children and be younger than 45 years of age. The govt gives the argument that payday loan companies are predatory. This is given because sometimes borrowers cannot pay back. Given that many payday loan providers barely make $2 of profit from a single loan, it’s hard to believe that instant cash would be lent to anybody that couldn’t repay it.

Lending to just anybody is not realistic for cash advance stores

The presumption would be that cash advance lenders will give cash to everyone just to get their hooks in them. That is far from the truth. The average payday lender rejects up to 20 percent of very first time applicants. 11 percent of total applicants just get completely rejected. This means that even a lender of small loans has some definite criteria. What is the standards if you would like a payday loan? You are able to discover that. It’s really easy. Having some definite payday money coming in is expected.

Crusaders’ claims do not hold water

Lending to anyone would not make sense for a payday lender to do. It would not make any money. If borrowers were unable to repay, no cash advance store would stay in business long. Furthermore, the profit margin is generally 10 percent or less. Bank of America makes much more than that most of the time. Personal Money Store has more facts and statistic accounts on pay day loan for you.

Spokane used vehicles are at higher risk of robbery than new vehicles

Spokane used cars are more at risk than new cars for theft. It isn’t just for Spokane vehicles and thefts, that goes nationwide. Car thieves are not generally following the newest and most expensive. That isn’t really to say some don’t. Some high end models, for instance the Cadillac Escalade and other luxury SUV models, and high end pickups, are also frequent targets. The smaller, innocuous sedans that numerous individuals drive are the most popular vehicles to steal. That doesn’t mean going to a Spokane automobile dealer or any dealer anywhere is all for naught and any vehicle is bound to be stolen. Post resource – Spokane used cars are at higher risk of theft than new cars by Car Deal Expert.

Eastern Washington auto robbery is getting out of hand

It isn’t really true the eastern half of Washington is all farmland as many individuals seem to believe. Large metropolitan areas sit in that side of the state. There are more than 100,000 individuals in the Tri-Cities, which has Kennewick, Richland and Pasco in it, Yakima and Spokane. The Seattle Times reports that car theft in Spokane and Yakima are both in the top 20 percent. One city in Washington having such a high theft ranking is just a little bit sad. This is because New York City has more people than all of Washington State. The ranking for theft of automobiles Spokane, WA, had been 18th nationally, and Yakima had been ranked sixth in 2009 by the National Insurance Crime Bureau.

Robbery means greater requirement for extreme caution

Theft ratings don’t mean that cities are unsafe. Spokane and Yakima are both places you might want to visit. When going to a large city, use common sense. That is what you have to don’t forget when in these places. Certain used cars are at more threat than others. Small sedans tent to be the automobiles that thieves like to steal in the Spokane area, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau. Anywhere you go in Washington state there is one vehicle most likely to be stolen. This contains any Honda Accords and Civics made before 1995. In fact, the top 10 most stolen autos in Washington state are all more than 15 years old.

Not really a shocker

Probably the most often stolen cars are cars that are seen everywhere. Typically they’re quite small too. Also, numerous thieves aren’t after the car, however often more valuable components. So if you live in or are staying in Spokane or Yakima for an extended period of time, be careful. Be even more careful buying a used car with financing a car in those places.

Information from

Seattle Times

seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/theblotter/2012948729_1992_honda_accord_is_favorite.html

NICB

nicb.org/newsroom/nicb_campaigns/hot–wheels

No McRib locator needed on Nov. 2 - The sandwich has returned

There is hardly any fast food item that elicits the excitement and aggravation of the McRib sandwich. The sandwich is generally offered at random outlets at random times. Almost all McDonald’s shops could be offering the famed rib sandwich on Nov 2. For about six weeks, no McRib locator can be needed to find the pork sandwich. Post resource – No McRib locator needed on Nov. 2 – The sandwich is back by Personal Money Store.

What makes the McRib so wonderful

A McRib sandwich McDonald’s is about as far from true ribs as one can get. A chopped, processed and pressed pork patty is fried and placed on a bun with barbecue sauce, pickles and onions. Some think the McRib is really pork when others call it a “mystery meat”. The McRib is loved by numerous either way. People will drive miles in either direction to find a McDonald’s that still sells the McRib. But from Nov. 2 to mid-December, they won’t have to.

McRib can be found in a multitude of locations

There is a McRib locator that fans can use to find the sandwich. All McDonald’s shops will offer the McRib sandwich on Nov 2, 2010 though. The McRib isn’t offered with any specific promotion or holiday, as far as supporters can tell. On average, a McRib sells about 20 million sandwiches per year — compared to 500 million Large Macs. The numbers aren’t all that huge for McDonald’s.

Why McRib is hard-to-find

McDonald’s representatives talked about the McRib. There is a reason why the McRib isn’t sold everywhere: It sells better when it is only offered each so often. As a standard menu item, it does not do all that well. Everybody who likes the McRib might just be part of the getting what you cannot have crowd. The McRib has not been supplied countrywide like this in more than sixteen years. Even without real meat, the McRib is pretty good. It is a great deal too. Are you going to go to McDonald’s to go get a McRib now?

NY Unidentified Flying Object accounts are most likely of balloons

A recent claim of NY Unidentified Flying Object sightings was all over the web just lately. It seems that some unknown objects appeared over NY City on Wednesday. Practically quickly, Twitter was set alight with Unidentified Flying Object in New York City related posts. Balloons are the usual suspects, as a balloon that reflects sunlight in the right manner can look like something else entirely. You will find also a fair amount of accounts of China Unidentified Flying Object sightings.

Balloons within the sky instead of New York Unidentified Flying Object sightings

New Yorkers started to report a UFO NYC sighting Wed afternoon when multiple flying objects were being seen in the sky. UFOs over New York were what everybody talked about. The Huffington Post accounts that this was all on Twitter. Not all the newest Yorkers believed these claims though. Almost as soon as states of a UFO in NYC came out, so did the explanation that what people saw had been a raft of large balloons that appeared silver in color. A tiny silver object flying away is all that could be seen within the videos of the event. Balloons with a silver tint can very easily appear metallic with glare from sunlight. Making the imaginative leap to visitors from an additional world isn’t too difficult, either.

UFO sightings in China too

China has had multiple UFO sightings reported within the past year. Through the summer, airports were closed for unidentified flying objects. The most recent sighting occurred a few weeks ago. Into Baotou, Inner Mongolia, a flight saw something. This had been on the radar for air traffic control. The object had been there over an hour causing the airport to reroute some flights. This one report of a UFO in China was not the only one. There were others during the summer. Xioashan Airport closed temporarily in July under similar circumstances.

Is this really occurring?

It’s worth noting that retired Air Force officer Stanley Fulham, according to Yahoo News, released a book online, titled “Challenges of Change” in September. The book predicts that additional terrestrials would make their presence known on Oct. 13, 2010, when the United States would see Unidentified Flying Object displays over its “principal cities.”. Fulham’s site is where you are able to get the book.

Info from

Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/2010/10/13/new-york-ufo-sighting_n_761717.html

Yahoo

news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20100914/bs_prweb/prweb4491804_1

Google

sites.google.com/site/challengesofchange/articles/full-articles

Michelle Rhee quits D.C. Educational facilities chancellorship

Michelle Rhee, hard-nosed Chancellor of Washington, D.C., Public Schools, has decided to resign rather than face a new city govt that will not support her education reform programs. According to the Boston Globe, Rhee’s decision had been made after discussion with new mayor Vincent Gray. Deputy Chancellor Kaya Henderson will assist out the remainder of the institution years, writes the Washington Post.

Michelle Rhee gets on the teachers’ union’s case

Public schools within the District of Columbia consistently ranked near the bottom in the most essential achievement categories before Michelle Rhee’s arrival. Teachers that weren’t doing their positions were either kicked out or had to improve which is how Rhee made schools better. The teacher firings in Washington D.C. begun to go up quite high. This made Rhee an enemy to most teachers’ unions and those who got fired. The school systems got used to the teachers that were there for more than 3 years. It’s this that the Innovative Education Management explains. Getting teachers fired was not very easy. Lots of proof had to be shown for these firings. Tenured teachers were more prone to lack of motivation, as job security was assured so long as they put forth enough effort to skate by.

'Unions can smell blood’ evidently

Michelle Rhee has resigned now which means the agenda she had in mind can have to be kept up by Kaya Henderson. ”The unions can smell blood,” though. This is what the Globe explains. Tenure programs will likely continue, Henderson will probably be “gone after Christmas” and the stream of teaching talent Michelle Rhee drew to D.C. Public Schools will likely dry up.

Many of the D.C. schools started to get donations from foundations because of Michelle Rhee’s passion there. This will probably all change pretty soon. Numerous wonder who is going to take over since Rhee was the only one many believed could change anything which means maybe D.C. educational facilities aren’t recovering anymore? Those who support education reform may need another hero, however Mayor Gray is reportedly a supporter of the D.C. teachers’ union. Business will get done within the D.C. schools. That’s all that is being called for at present. The American public schools lost another person who could have helped. She was a good reformer.

Data from

Boston Glove

boston.com/community/blogs/rock_the_schoolhouse/2010/10/_she_will_be_replaced.html

Innovative Education Management, Inc

ieminc.org/

Citizens United ruling leads to plague of political ads

With a major election just around the corner, political marketing dominates the media. You can run, but you can’t hide from the accusations, insults and innuendo. Attack ads are typically bad with an election around the corner, but politicians this year are setting new lows. For that you are able to thank the Supreme Court, and its ruling called Citizens United, which permitted unlimited spending by special interests, in secret, to launch ad campaigns that influence elections.

The Citizens United ruling

The Citizens United ruling was a landmark decision by the Supreme Court declaring that corporate funding of independent political advertising can’t be limited under the First Amendment. A provision of the McCain- Feingold Act, or the 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, was stopped by the Supreme Court which was good for Citizens United. The provision barred all corporations, both for-profit and non-profit, plus unions from running broadcast, cable, or satellite marketing that mentioned a candidate within 60 days of a general election or thirty days of a primary.

What Citizens United was able to change

The Citizens United ruling will be widely seen with the mid-term election coming up. In every state, the airwaves are overrun with a deluge of deceptive attack ads sponsored by special interests using front groups with misleading names. Nobody even tells the voters who is running their ads. According to the new York Times, even foreign corporations are spending freely to get candidates in their back pockets elected. In a report issued Tuesday by the Center for American Progress, the United States Chamber of Commerce is collecting “dues” to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars from foreign companies in Bahrain, India and Egypt and using the money to purchase ads for Republicans in midterm races.

What Citizens United should prepare for

The Los Angeles Times tells us what the real problem is with Citizens United. The Times writes that in the last two years government has stood up to the abuses of the financial industry and insurance companies. You will find less tax breaks for companies shipping jobs oversea. We are also enforcing clean air and water rules. But thanks to Citizens United, Republicans are hoping to ride a wave of unregulated, out of control political spending to victory in November. If that happens, the lobbyists will start writing the laws once more. The Times said congress has a responsibility to fix the problem. Even if they do, it will be too late to stem the damage already done in this election.

Citations

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/10/06/opinion/06wed1.html?scp=2 and amp;sq=us chamber and amp;st=cse

Los Angeles Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2010/09/weekly-remarks-greg-walden-stop-tax-hikes-obama.html

Let the Brett Favre photographs blow over and let's get back to football

Unfortunately, no one seems to want to discuss the Minnesota Vikings except for the Favre pictures thing. When a member of the brand new York Jets, Favre allegedly sent lewd photos to Jenn Sterger. What makes it worse is that the Jets may have some complicity in the event. Sterger was an employee of the team at the time. In reality, the NFL has it under control and everyone else should stop caring The reason why no one ought to care? The Jets – Vikings game for starters.

The Jets Viking game results

The Favre photographs thing ought to be the last thing on anyone’s mind. There had been a pretty important Jets-Vikings sport to consider. On “Monday Night Football” on ESPN, the sport had been played. The team that Brett Favre went to after he left the Green Bay Packers had been who he played against in this game. That made it pretty awesome. There was not a really good offense for Minnesota within the beginning of the game. Hardly any first downs for the first half of the game were picked up. Favre made some mistakes with fumbles. These 2 fumbles led to the other team scoring both times. Neither Favre or Mark Sanchez had a spectacular night, as the brand new Meadowlands had been soaked by rain. The first touchdown scored within the sport came in the 3rd quarter, as Favre connected a 37 yard touchdown pass to Randy Moss.

Final two minutes change things while the sport is lost

With only 2 mins left, the Vikings won the game. They made 2 final minute touchdowns. The Vikings had the ball when the Jets were winning with 2 points. Favre showed why he has the record for many interceptions and for passing touchdowns and yrds. Dwight Lowery ran for a touchdown as Favre had been intercepted .

Green manages to lose to purple

The final score was 20 to 29. The Brett Favre pictures scandal could be handled by the NFL. Really, all anyone cares about is whether or not Favre is going to win the game. On “Monday Night Football,” it had been evident he nevertheless can.

DuPont Circle will no longer house Rogue Burgers, due to lawyers

In the epic Burgers v. Lawyers battle, rogue burgers have lost. Rogue States Burgers in Washington, D.C. must shut down by Wed. Some are calling the lawsuit crazy. Doctors, lawyers, and a judge have found the suit genuine, however. This decision doesn’t mean that burgers are no longer available, though. A new location for Rogue States Burgers is already within the works.

The scent of the Rogue Burger

The Rogue States Burgers v. Steptoe and Johnson has been a fairly popular case as the D.C. Superior Court has been listening to the justifications. The huge law firm really doesn’t like Rogue States Burgers. In fact, “nuisance” had been the phrase used to describe the place. The office buildings in Steptoe and Johnson are right next to the Rogue States. The air intake system for starters and also the exhaust system for the other were also right next to one another. The resulting odor within the law office buildings caused “headaches, nausea, dizziness, watery and itchy eyes and distraction.”

The reaction from Rogue States Burger

Rogue States Burgers did everything they could to stop the exhaust system scent from flowing as much following the “Rogue Burger” lawsuit was filed. Employees were trained to minimize the fumes while new air scrubbers were also installed. Rogue States Burgers had been even going to re-route the exhaust system. The landlord said it wasn’t allowed though.

Relocating is what Rogue States Burgers must do

A decision on the lawsuit over Rogue States Burgers’ smell came down on Tuesday afternoon – and it was swift and severe. Rogue States Burgers must stop emitting fumes by 5:30 p.m. Wed, effectively shutting the doors. It is not terrible for those who love the DuPont Circle burger joint. A lease for a new location had been already signed by the owner of Rogue States Burgers. He said that 1931 14th St. NW could be the brand new area of Rogue States Burgers.

Citations

Above the Law

abovethelaw.com/2010/10/biglaw-beats-back-burgers-steptoe-steps-on-dupont-circle-burger-emporium/

Wall Street Journal

blogs.wsj.com/law/2010/10/12/steptoe-johnson-wins-great-hamburger-war/?utm_source=twitterfeed and utm_medium=twitter and utm_campaign=Feed: wsj/law/feed (WSJ.com: Law Blog) and utm_content=Google Feedfetcher

Chevy Volt evaluations equal in praise and blame

The first round of Chevy Volt reviews is starting to appear. There is mixed sentiment about the auto. General Motors’ first foray to the modern electric auto and hybrid auto field is the Chevy Volt. For some time, the Chevy Volt has been one of the most hotly awaited vehicles in recent memory. Critics contend that the car is too reliant on its gas motor to truly compete with other hybrids. GM has countered that the auto isn’t a hybrid, however rather an electric automobile with a longer range.

Chevy Volt is not the car experts choose

The Chevrolet Volt is a long awaited entry into the electric automobile and also hybrid car industry by GM. Everyone has been waiting patiently. There was a concern that the auto wouldn’t be very good. Automotive News accounts that critics are saying the Volt isn’t really a true hybrid or electric vehicle. The critics all say that it cannot be a true electric or hybrid vehicle since when it’s accelerating, it always utilizes gas. General Motors has responded by saying that unlike the Toyota Prius and other hybrids, it’s actually an electric car with the range extended by a traditional gasoline engine.

Have not seen any bad driving reviews

There haven’t been very bad evaluations of the actual driving experience with the Chevy Volt. USA Today gave the Chevy Volt a good review. It had done a drive test of the vehicle. The acceleration is not terrifically hampered. General Motors is claiming 40 miles can be driven with a full charge, which seems true thus far. There is one big difference from most electric automobiles. The gas engine charges the battery when it is in use. This means that diligent charging will not be as necessary as with other electric automobiles, such as the Nissan Motors Leaf.

It can cost way too much to save

The Tesla Roadster costs a ton. The Chevy Volt will not cost that much but is nevertheless expensive. The onetime tax credit takes the price down to $34,000 although it retails at $40,000. It is $10,000 more expensive than other hybrids. The Prius and Honda Insight are some of the cheaper ones.

Articles cited

Auto News

autonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20101012/OEM/101019963/1261

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/2010-10-10-chevy-volt-review_N.htm

Driver redundant when driving of the Google car

Google has developed an automobile equipped with technology that enables the vehicle to drive without an actual driver. The Google vehicles are Toyota Prius hybrids outfitted with radars, GPS and AI software. The experimental vehicles have driven thousands of miles without human hands on the wheel. The Google vehicle joins plethora of extra-curricular Google projects, including the Google wind farm and others, that have been within the news.

Will Google rule the road?

Human driving decisions are imitated with artificial-intelligence software that processes data thus driving the Google car by itself. According to the NY Times, Google tested 7 automobiles to see how they would do. These vehicles went 1,000 miles by themselves and with an occasional driver intervention could go over 140,000 miles. One of the steepest and most crooked streets in the world is San Francisco’s Lombard Street. The Google car can drive down that by itself. There was only one accident that occurred with the Google auto. It had been at a stop light and somebody rear-ended it, reports the Times.

Wanting a journey too

In a statement about the Google car on the official Google blog the company said its goal is to “help prevent traffic accidents, free up people’s time and reduce carbon emissions by fundamentally changing car use.” For making sure it’s positioned correctly in traffic, the Google vehicle utilizes video cameras, radar detectors, a GPS receiver, inertial motion sensor and a laser range finder spinning on the roof. A reporter from the Times was able to test drive the car. This was from the Google’s campus too. The car had been perfect when it came to getting on Highway 101. It went through Silicon Valley easily. A “pleasant voice” was there to announce when crosswalks and turns were ahead while driving through Mountain View following the Google car got off the freeway and took into account the speed limits.

Google taking over with a wind plantation and Health too

Google’s expanding reach was evident Tuesday as the company made headlines for an investment in a $5 billion, 350-mile long underwater power line off the Atlantic coast that will connect wind farms. The Financial Times wrote about the “Google Price Index” as “a daily measure of inflation that could one day provide an option to official statistics.” Google Health is a plan that Google is working on. It wants all medical records to be digitized. The Washington Post reports that Google does not plan to stop. It will use all resources to explore in new directions.

Articles cited

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/10/10/science/10google.html?_r=1

Google Blog

googleblog.blogspot.com/2010/10/what-were-driving-at.html

Washington Post

voices.washingtonpost.com/blog-post/2010/10/google_the_wind_maker_google_t.html

Economic downturn gives beginning to under-trained civilian law enforcement jobs

When police budget reductions and layoffs make responding to fraud, burglary and theft calls extremely hard, some cities count on an infusion of quick cash to turn the tide. When quick cash isn’t really there to fill the breach, law enforcement departments look to go cheap, says USA Today. It isn’t uncommon any more to determine volunteer and paid civilian police careers out there, employing people to ideally serve the public in much the exact same way trained officers do. Post resource – Recession makes civilian police positions frighteningly necessary by Personal Money Store.

Not paying a lot for the unskilled civilian law enforcement jobs

Numerous civilians are starting to get jobs for instance crime-scene investigators, photographers and even evidence gatherers. USA Today reports that this is taking place with civilian police jobs due to the recession . Executive Director Bill Johnson of the National Association of Police Organizations, (NAPO), explains that most are concerned the professionalism of the law enforcement departments are going down. Many police officers are angry about the pay that civilian law enforcement careers are getting. They get good pay and benefits like real law enforcement officers get.

”The economy ought not to be pushing this,” USA Today accounts Johnson saying

Civilian law enforcement with spending budget cuts

In cities large and small, law enforcement spending budget cuts have made civilian police force essential. It only cost San Francisco $1 million to hire 16 civilians to work on burglary and property crime cases. This would have cost the city a lot more had they employed those really trained for the jobs. USA Today accounts Thomas Shawyer, Assistant Police Chief, to say that $40,000 per person a year was saved in training, gear and benefits with the program. Eight civilian investigators were hired by the Mesa, Arizona police department in 2009. This has saved about $15,000 per person in salary. Working at Barnes and Noble, Costco and Southwest Airlines was what these civilians were doing. This was before they were employed on for the jobs.

In Durham N.C. everything is even worse. Neighborhoods see civilian operatives after murders and violent crimes. They’re there to canvas the neighborhoods. Even though it may help make sure more individuals are on the street now that law enforcement layoffs have happened, Johnson explains, “At that point of contact, we want a full-fledged law enforcement officer dealing with the public.”

Citations

USA Today

usatoday.com/news/nation/2010-10-11-1Acitizenpolice11_ST_N.htm

Global Positioning System machine planted on vehicle is owned by the FBI

A U.S. citizen born in the United States, Afifi got a bit of a surprise. Oil change technicians pointed out an unusual anomaly to him. Underneath his vehicle was a magnetically-attached GPS following gadget. The United States FBI has since demanded the GPS equipment back, and also the ACLU has vowed to challenge the FBI’s actions.

Federal Bureau of Investigation gets oil change shock

The FBI astonished Yasir Afifi. The auto mechanics doing his oil change discovered something interesting. The undercarriage of the vehicles had a Global Positioning System tracking device on it. Photos of it were posted online. Yasir Afifi’s friend said the Federal Bureau of Investigation issued that GPS device. While the FBI does not officially confirm that the device belongs to the Bureau, police and Federal Bureau of Investigation officials did arrive at Afifi’s home to reclaim the gadget.

No explanation for a GPS

The GPS tracking gadget had been allowed on the car due to a recent United States of America 9th circuit court ruling. The ruling states that a warrant is not needed to secretly track vehicles. Yasir Afifi thinks he was only being tracked for being half Egyptian since there is no other reason the FBI would be interested in him. Yasir Afifi is a United States of America born citizen and the son of an Islamic-American community leader.

ACLU doesn’t approve of the GPS monitoring

There had been a quick call to Afifi after he found the FBI machine on his vehicles. The American Civil Liberties union contacted him. This is good for the American Civil Liberties Union who wants to challenge the 9th circuit. They wanted a case that would help challenge it. Six months ago was when Afifi heard from the FBI first. Afifi said that if his lawyer approved, he’d answer any questions the FBI had for him. The Federal Bureau of Investigation evidently were not that interested. After being contacted by the lawyer, they never responded. The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it received an “anonymous tip” that Afifi might be a threat to national security.

Info from

Wired.com

wired.com/threatlevel/2010/10/fbi-tracking-device/all/1

Mexico and South The US struck by Hurricane Paula

Hurricane Paula has been officially declared a hurricane — however just barely. A Category 1 storm, Hurricane Paula is already cutting a swath through Mexico. Most forecasters predict the storm will not strengthen. The destruction the storm is doing, though, is just getting worse.

The master plan Hurricane Paula has in mind

Honduras had been the 1st place to see Hurricane Paula. The next place it goes has been predicted. The road is planned to go through Mexico. Tuesday morning the storm had already hit. Cozumel got hit really hard. Off of Cancun and Isla Mujeres shore, Hurricane Paula is likely to hit. A hurricane warning has been issued for the Caribbean Coast. Paula will not last too much longer. By Wed or Thursday night, the storm can have blown itself out. Areas near the direct path of the tropical storm have received warnings.

Damaging a great deal with Hurricane Paula

Hurricane Paula has blown winds of 75 miles per hour. Considering that and also the 3-6 inches of rain, lots of injury is bound to be done. Numerous schools are closed when Northeastern Honduras has had nineteen homes ruined. Some citizens are using a no no faxing payday loans to travel out of the danger zone. The heavy winds and rain are likely to trigger flooding and landslides. Hurricane Paula is being defined as a weak Category 1 storm. It shouldn’t be able to do too much destruction with that.

Time of year could end with Hurricane Paula

November of this year could be when Hurricane period really ends. That is the official end anyway. There is the hope that the time of year is over already. Hurricane Paula could be the finish of it all. However, hurricane season has been extending itself in recent years, with some storms creating before the period officially begins on June 1st. After November 30, there are storms beginning. This is rare though. The Atlantic tropical storm and hurricane activity usually only contains 97 percent of the storms. Some come other times. There are typically 10 to 15 hurricanes per season. Hurricane Paula is number 16 for tropical storms. This is all in the 2010 season too.

Articles cited

AOML

aoml.noaa.gov/hrd/tcfaq/G1.html”>Atlantic Oceanogranic and Meteorological Lab

National Hurricane Center

nhc.noaa.gov/

Spaghetti Tacos - Going gourmet with kids food

Fans of the kid’s show iCarly have long known of spaghetti tacos. The place many restaurants beg to be, the front page of the food section of the newest York Times, featured this food recently. It is possible to make this “joke food” palatable.

The start of the spaghetti taco

The spaghetti taco had been first seen on the Nickelodeon TV series, iCarly. The “Italio-Mexico treat” is what one of the characters never stops eating. Parmesan cheese and tomato sauce are within the taco shell. It also has past in it layered in there. This food is labeled as a kids food. The brand new York Times reports that it made it to the wider culinary world on October 5.

How to make tacos that have palatable spaghetti

Because the spaghetti tacos began as a joke, it has created quite the challenge. Spaghetti tacos are very carb-heavy and were unappealing on purpose. Spaghetti tacos could be made right. That is good to hear. The best part is that instead of paying a “children’s chef” to do it for you, you can conserve money by doing it yourself.

Spaghetti taco balanced carbs

Spaghetti tacos have way too numerous carbs in there competing for attention. Typical spaghetti wouldn’t work in the shell. It would be a huge mess with all the sauce going via the shell. It is easy and doesn’t cost much to get around this. Make the sauce salsa instead. This will balance things better.

How to make spaghetti tacos

• Get 6 – 8 corn taco shells
• Between 4 and 5 large Roma tomatoes will be needed
• You’ll want 2 tablespoons fresh basil
• Get 2 cloves of garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano
• About half a package, or 8 ounces, of spaghetti noodles cooked
• You’ll need a quarter cup of butter
• 1 cup of Parmesan cheese is needed

Wrap taco shells in foil and place in a 200 degree oven to warm.

The basil, oregano, garlic and tomatoes can be chopped together. Do this until there is a salsa like consistency.

Melt butter until it is bubbling in a large frying pan. Spaghetti noodles can be sautéed in the butter with Parmesan cheese until it is coated well. Remove it from heat.

Take the taco shells out of the oven with tongs. Spaghetti will go on the bottom of the shell with the salsa on top. You can put asigo cheese or more Parmesan cheese on the top of every little thing.

Articles cited

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/10/06/dining/06tacos.html?_r=2 and amp;pagewanted=1

Owen PowerPoint raises significant questions at Duke

By creating a fake “thesis,” Karen Owen has created a huge public relations nightmare for Duke University. The Duke student PowerPoint detailed sexual conquests. Intended just for friends, Karen Owen’s Powerpoint went viral — with heavy collateral damage.

The PowerPoint created by Karen Owen

As a project “just for fun,” Karen Owen created a PowerPoint of sexual conquests. The PowerPoint showed each pairing she had been in. This is what the Duke student did. First, Karen Owen shared the Powerpoint with just her friends. Everyone at Duke knew about the Powerpoint fairly easily. Next it went all around the world to numerous people. The PowerPoint became extremely popular because it was from a college student and traveled very fast. More than two million downloads of the Powerpoint have happened so far. That’s a growth rate that can’t even be reached by no fax payday loans no credit check stores.

Wounds widened with PowerPoint by Duke student

It had been just a couple of short years ago the private life of Duke became international news. The college’s private life when around the world after the lacrosse team had been charged, but cleared later, of sex crimes. The new PowerPoint by Karen Owen has reignited a discussion of the promiscuity of college students at Duke. Some say that Duke is unusual only in how much attention the students get. Some say it is not just the students, and that it is the college culture.

Lack of redaction on the Karen Owen PowerPoint

There are many other concerns to deal with instead of just the unintelligent Karen Owen who made this ridiculous PowerPoint. Jezebel, which first posted the Duke student Powerpoint, did not redact any names. Numerous students think this move wasn’t a very good one, including Karen Owen. News outlets have responded to this. The names were redacted by practically all of the outlets. What do you think?

Info from

Duke Chronicle

dukechronicle.com/article/sex-list-draws-media-duke

Jezebel

jezebel.com

Schwarzenegger approved to furlough CA employees by judge

Schwarzenegger has been cleared to implement the structure to furlough CA workers. There have been a number of years of a California spending budget crisis with little support for Governor Schwarzenegger. A budget shortfall has existed in California for consecutive years. A furlough was one of the few options open to Schwarzenegger, who was sued by state employees. However, the California Supreme Court has ruled in favor of the government.

Judge states sure to furlough order

Governor Schwarzenegger was forced to furlough California state employees in structure to conserve money. The workers would work two fewer days per month, without pay. The furloughs went up to three days in 2009. This was after they had already been initiated in 2008. When the state furlough orders were renewed in 2009, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was sued by the Professional Engineers in CA Government. They claimed it was illegal for making mandatory days off like that. That’s why the suit went through. The California Supreme Court, according CNN, ruled in favor of the government. The state of California is going to conserve $80 million each and every month by having the furloughs in place.

No gold left in California

For numerous years the state of California has been in a budget crisis of sorts. The state ended up with a spending budget deficit with the employment and real estate values dropping so low. It is just expected that CA will end the year with a spending budget deficit. It has been that way for a while. Governor Schwarzenegger has been opposed at each and every turn by legislators and other parties. The deficit is not something that he likes or approves of. It is his only option to get the deficit to go down. For $19.1 billion, the CA is at a budget deficit. This is what Bloomberg reports.

Money can’t be spent if it is not coming in

For the past two years, the state of California has been continually in a crisis. The governor and the state legislature are supposed to reach an agreement over the budget later this month. The legislature was in favor of the furloughs.

Articles cited

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2010-10-04/california-s-schwarzenegger-can-order-worker-furloughs-state-court-rules.html

CNN

cnn.com/2010/US/10/04/california.furloughs/

Comparing unsecured loans to charge cards as a money option

When only cash will do, customers with serviceable credit may do better getting a personal unsecured loan instead of using a charge card. Financial institutions are attempting for making more personal loans as consumers increasingly stay away from charge cards following a wave of complicated fine print penalties created in response to increased consumer protection regulations pertaining to credit cards. Instead of dealing with the uncertain nature of charge card debt, the easy, straightforward payment schedule of a personal loan could be a better long-range alternative for borrowers with a sound financial plan. Resource for this article – The advantages of a personnel loans over a credit card by Personal Money Store.

Every little thing simple with unsecured loans

There was a way of doing things before charge cards took place. Personel loans used to be what individuals got when money was tight. An idea came from Marlys Harris at MoneyWatch. She said that there might be a comeback within the old fashioned unsecured loans that we used to have. The confusing rules and rates for balances, purchases, money advances, rewards and balance transfers would not be there anymore with this. It is simple to keep things straight with a personal bank loan. For a certain number of years, you borrow a certain amount of money with a fixed rate. Payments have to be paid on time. This will be done until it is paid off completely.

Personal bank loan industry wanted by banks

Financial institutions are starting to advertiser personal loans. They want to get in the business. American Banker lists such institutions as Wells Fargo, Discover Financial, Citi and CapitalOne. If you need a loan between $3,000 and $100,000, try Wells Fargo. The loan could be for up to five years. Citi will lend from $300 to $7,500. Harris wrote that since the unsecured loans are risk-based, the financial institutions keep their rates secret until a borrower submits an application. A Wells Fargo spokesperson told Harris that her rate for a $10,000 five-year personal unsecured loan would be comparable to the rate on her credit card.

Where to try to find unsecured loans

If an individual faces unpredicted expenses like car repair or medical bills–or would like to consolidate debt at a lower interest rate, a fixed payment, instead of a payment based on average daily balance, is the primary advantage of a personal unsecured loan over a charge card. Credit Loan suggests the bank one already banks with is probably the best person to get a personal loan at because rates will be better. Numerous suggest that beginning online is the easiest method to do it. A variety of information is accessible for free, including loan calculators to determine the total cost of a loan over its term. There are a ton of businesses competing on the internet. There should be competitive rates. It is quite simple to get an online personal cash loan. No additional fees are associated with it other than interest owed by doing it this way.

Citations

American Banker

americanbanker.com/issues/

Credit Loan

creditloan.com/blog/2010/09/30/how-to-get-a-personal-loan-for-almost-anything/

Krystal Ball photographs named political dirty pool by candidate

To say that Virginia Democratic 1st Congressional District seat candidate Krystal Ball has “an image problem” may be an understatement, writes the Richmond Times-Dispatch. That’s because the Ball photographs that are making the rounds of the internet depict Ball as a really bad Santa that incumbent Republican opponent Robert Wittman can’t ignore. Wittman states his camp had nothing to do with releasing the pictures.

Photographs from Krystal Ball have Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

The Krystal Ball photos are actually about six years old. They show the prospect at a Halloween party with her then husband at the time. Ball’s husband has a small pet chain on him as he is dressed as a reindeer. Ball is wearing a Santa hat though. The real scandal is that you will find photos of Ball and a friend interacting with the nose on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer which looks like a sex toy.

Wittman hopes the pictures will be taken down soon

Wittman has requested the Ball photographs be taken off a blog because he either doesn’t believe in dirty politics or he knows the damage is done already, accounts the Times-Dispatch. That hasn’t stopped Ball from taking matters into her own hands, nevertheless. She has released a YouTube video in which she lashes back at the release of the racy photos. Ball doesn’t deny being the Santa within the photos yet. She just claims she is embarrassed the pictures were released.

Krystal Ball upset

The reaction that Krystal Ball made on YouTube does not talk only about the pictures. She talks about essential issues being brought up in midterm elections. She claims that there needs to be repair of unemployment and budget deficits. She also said the school systems need help. Ball doesn’t end there. She fired right back at the “crass political operatives (who) will make use of the politics of personal destruction when they can’t talk about the issues.” She calls the revelation of the Krystal Ball photos to be “sexist and wrong.” She encourages all young women to have political aspirations before ending. This applies even to those who have done embarrassing things on tape.

Articles cited

Richmond Times-Dispatch

2.timesdispatch.com/news/news/2010/oct/07/ball07-ar-547225/

Toasted skin syndrome latest hazard linked to notebook usage

The most recent danger through extreme notebook use to emerge is something called “toasted skin syndrome”. Toasted skin syndrome, a condition typically suffered by foundry workers or glass blowers, is mottled discoloration brought on by prolonged exposure to temperature. A young boy who was diagnosed with fried skin syndrome after habitual video gaming on a notebook drew headlines and warnings the condition could possibly lead to certain skin cancers.

Toasted skin syndrome from laptops

Toasted skin syndrome is something that happens to people who have laptops. The notebooks are put on a user’s thighs for an extended period of time. In a recent case, CBS News accounts that a 12-year-old boy came to his doctor with “sponge-patterned” skin on his left thigh. For months at a time he would spend time playing computer games for a couple of hrs every day. Another person got mottled skin on her leg as a student. Dr. Kimberley Salkey said that the student had gotten fried skin syndrome because she studied for 6 hrs a day with a computer on her lap the whole time. The temperature under the laptop was measured at 125 degrees.

Skin cancer develops with too much notebook use

Until now, toasted skin syndrome was documented in workers who toil around intense heat. If you were to take a look at the damaged skin under a microscope, states Salkey, it would look like intense sun exposure, reports the Associated Press. Heating pads that don’t burn however are used too often can cause toasted skin syndrome also. There hasn’t been anything to suggest it was harmless before. The skin just got humorous colored. However, Swiss researchers who published an article about toasted skin syndrome in the medical journal Pediatrics said the condition can trigger damage that leads to skin cancers.

Anticipated to get a laptop heat safeguard

The Swiss researchers did not discuss any specific cases in the Pediatrics article of skin cancer. There weren’t any real incidents discussed. But they suggested placing a carrying case or something else to act as a laptop heat shield. You will find generally warning signs from major computer makers that tell you it gets very hot. It explains surely it is a heat generated notebook and to be careful. Yahoo News published this report. The Associated Press explains that within the report, it points out that 1 in 10 cases in medical journals since 2004 talks about fried skin syndrome. One of these was about how scrotum temperatures being too high can lead to a decreased sperm production.

Info from

ABC News

abcnews.go.com

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com

PC World

pcworld.com

CBS News

cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20018447-10391704.html

Pediatrics

pediatrics.aappublications.org/

Yahoo News

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20101004/ap_on_hi_te/us_laptop_toasted_skin

Designed for business, Droid Pro business

The missing link of cell phones has been found in Motorola’s brand new Droid Pro. With the operating system of a Droid, and also the form and function of a Blackberry, the Droid Pro is making waves. Specifically designed for companies, Droid Pro has been called the “killer” of RIM’s enterprise prominence.

Droid Pro functions

Motorola launched the Droid Pro. This was part of a six-phone rollout that was planned. A built-in keyboard and portrait-style layout make the phone look and feel much like a traditional Blackberry. 1 GHz processor, 512 MB of RAM and global roaming are included in the Android operating system. The Droid Pro is very business friendly. Part of this is due to the full enterprise support that it has. Multi-VPN network support, complex passwords and on-board encryption are all built to the machine.

Blackberry line intersected while using new Droid Pro

Security has been the only reason why companies and the govt have stuck with Blackberry. Encryption is almost unbreakable with Research in Motion. That is the Canadian company that makes the Blackberry devices. The Blackberry has never perished off due to that and its enterprise functions. RIM might just have to rethink things with the Droid Pro.

The Droid Pro may have a chance at beating the Blackberry?

Many say the Droid Pro is a “kill shot” because so most are already switching from Blackberry to Android devices. That will not happen probably. Even though the Droid Pro has built in security that businesses like and also has a powerful operating system, it may never match up. Blackberry is popular because of the RIM devices in it. Also, the Blackberry PlayBook is being released soon which should help while using competition.

Information from

Droid Life

droid-life.com/2010/10/06/droid-pro-full-specifications-list/

Venture Beat

venturebeat.com/2010/10/06/motorolas-droid-pro-is-heaven-for-blackberry-fans-who-want-android/

Faisal Shahzad the Times Square bomber gets life in prison

The attempted bombing has earned Shahzad, the Times Square bomber, a life conviction in prison. He pled guilty and was not offered any deals by the prosecution to implement it. No parole will ever be possible in his sentence. This May, Shahzad attempted to carry out a terrorist attack. He tried to set off a crude explosive machine in Times Square. Pedestrians alerted police to a smoking automobile, which resulted in a Times Square evacuation. The device was defused and Shahzad was easily arrested. Shahzad is affiliated with a Taliban group depending in Pakistan.

Times Square bomber receives life conviction

Faisal Shahzad attempted to leave an explosive-laden SUV at Times Square. The Times Square automobile bomb didn’t work, and he was soon arrested. In June, he pleaded guilty. This is what CNN reports. He committed 10 crimes and was found guilty for all. Life in prison was the sentence the judge came up with. Not only that, however he’d never be able to apply for parole with the sentence. The Times Square bomber, as he has been dubbed, was defiant within the face of incarceration for the rest of his life. He said that The United States would be defeated soon. He was adamant that adherents of Islam would soon sweep Americans from their lands.

Communication occurred among Shahzad and also the Taliban in Pakistan

Shahzad claims he spoke with the Taliban group in Pakistan. This apparently happened often. The jihadist group, called Tehrik-e-Taliban, also funded his bomb operation, based on Reuters. He has a wife and two children, whom he moved from Connecticut to Pakistan. Shahzad meant to carry out another attack if the first had been successful. He prepared on killing over 40 people. He would have carried a second plot a number of weeks following the first. He was stopped at the LuGuardia airport trying to escape Dubai after his New York terror plot didn’t work.

Life sentence requested by prosecution

The prosecution within the case asked for life. The prosecution felt that life in prison would possibly deter anyone else from thinking about comparable acts.

Citations

CNN

edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/10/05/new.york.terror.plot/?hpt=T1

Reuters

reuters.com/article/idUSN0517486220101005

How you can roll like America's Least expensive Household

The Economides family of Scottsdale, Ariz., understands what it takes to make it during a recession. Some people struggle with impulse, however the Economides – “America’s Least expensive Family” – uses sound techniques like budgeting, living frugally and preparing for the future. Americans should take notes when the Economides take the time to rap about home economics, writes MSNBC.com.

Avoiding consumer credit is exactly what ‘America’s Cheapest Family’ does

Credit cards, automobile loan and squeezing as much equity as possible out of a home aren’t on the agenda for America’s Least expensive Household. Despite having a costly home in the golf resort community of Scottsdale, the Economides are able to live on $44,000 per year. The family wears designer clothing and eats healthily although you will find seven of them. The Economides explain that without impulse buying and with lots of bargain hunting, it is easy to live this way, although numerous may think otherwise. Anyone who wants to live fugally but doesn’t want to live life cheap nevertheless is encouraged to get their current book called, “Cut Your Grocery Bill in Half – With The United State’s Least expensive Family,” which helps many individuals.

Have strategies

Planning family spending is hard to do a while. One of the biggest parts of this is planning household spending. The Economides always plan for meals. This is done way beforehand. Preparing ahead tends to conserve individuals a lot of money on food. Without it, everybody just decides last minute what to get and ends up spending much more money. And the proof is in the numbers for America’s Cheapest Family. Where other families of similar size might spend as much as $2,000 per week on groceries, the Economides spend $350. It could be done. Part of this is avoiding eating more than necessary.

Dress nice

The Economides really wear some brand names rather than the hand me down clothing you may expect to view them in. However, as they lately told Matt Lauer on “Today,” they keep away from the hook of pricey new trends. Designer jeans may go for $200 in a mall boutique, but if a quality pair of jeans – even one with a designer name – can be had for $10 in a thrift store, it makes sense to purchase for less. The biggest thing to keep in mind is to save. They usually save money. That’s the philosophy that put the “economy” in Economides.

Data from

MSNBC

today.msnbc.msn.com/id/39416868/ns/today-today_people/

The new California marijuana law is too vulnerable

There is presently a full legalization proposal for cannabis in CA that’s pending. Nevertheless a slightly different California weed regulation was just signed by Governor Schwarzenegger. The proposal only makes marijuana slightly less illegal. The possession of small amounts of marijuana has slightly less stiff penalties. The law is for people who don’t have a medical cannabis prescription. Those caught with a small amount of cannabis will only receive a small fine. Possession of small amounts was formerly a misdemeanor criminal offense, which warranted a court appearance. Source of article – California marijuana law does not go far enough by Newystype.com.

The Schwarzenegger marijuana reform

Governor Schwarzenegger signed a recent bill, titled SB 1449. SB 1449 is about marijuana. Possession of less than one ounce of marijuana has a penalty that went down with it. Right now, an individual can be fined up to $100 and is required to show up to court with a misdemeanor offence. However, as of Jan. 1, 2011, the brand new penalty could be only a fine, based on the Los Angeles Times. It would be lawful to use weed for recreational purposes with a brand new bill. This one is called Proposition 19. Governor Schwarzenegger only signed SB 1449 for practical reasons although is really against Prop 19. The idea is to lower burdens on law enforcement and courts. Via the whole U.S., California’s medical marijuana laws are the most relaxed.

Many dispute bill is inadequate

Many argue that marijuana is just an evil that should be avoided. It is actually a pretty flawed argument. Marijuana is no more a gateway drug than tobacco or alcohol. If someone wants to do drugs, they’ll get a hold of them very easily. Weed may not have even been their first drug. The drug being illegal is odd to begin with considering the history of the criminalization of marijuana. Anybody who was considered a political dissenter was stopped with the “Drug War” that Nixon begun.

Fewer benefits

We can see in history the effect law has. Definitely, individuals won’t follow the regulation if they do not want to. Prohibition of alcohol within the early 20th century only enriched organized crime. Prohibition of marijuana does the very same. It opens the door to a police state. Everyone who testifies to that probably lived with the K.G.B. or the Stasi looking over their shoulder continuously. Nobody enjoys marijuana being illegal. It doesn’t benefit anyone.

Articles cited

LA Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/california-politics/2010/10/schwarzenegger-signs-bill-reducing-offense-for-marijuana-possession.html

Vice cops arrest Howard Arenstein along with his wife

Howard Arenstein and his wife, Orly Katz, have both been arrested for possessing and producing cannabis. Both Katz and Arenstein work for news producers. Yedioth Ahronoth, a newspaper in Israel, employs Orly Katz; Columbia Broadcasting System News Radio uses Howard Arenstein as their Washington D.C. bureau chief. Vice squad law enforcement officers busted both individuals when they found prepared cannabis in their home.

Arenstein cuffed by law enforcement

A search warrant was executed on the home of Orly Katz and Arenstein, depending on a tip from neighbors. Prosecutors have charged Arenstein and Orly Katz with possession of cannabis and intent to distribute the marijuana discovered in their home. After they were charged, the couple was released from jail without having to post any bail. D.C. law allows them to wait for their trial when outside of lockup. Katz and Arenstein might be fined for the weed in their house. They could also face a few years in jail for the marijuana discovered in their home.

Katz and Arenstein accused of possessing cannabis

After neighbors complained about weed within the back yard, vice cops raided Arenstein’s home. On that Saturday morning, 11 fully mature cannabis plants were discovered within the couple’s backyard. Six two-ounce bags of cannabis were also discovered in the home. The intent to distribute charge is based on the small packages of controlled substances found.

Employers may investigate Arenstein

CBS News officials have declined to officially remark on Howard Arenstein’s arrest. The investigation into the criminal arrest by the station has been begun, though, based on some informants inside the radio station. The internal politics of both news organizations is such that they may not be fired for their infraction. The couple cannot claim medical cannabis defense, as D.C. doesn’t have a provision for legal cannabis use.

Articles cited

New York Post

nypost.com/p/news/national/news_chief_in_pot_bust_lbSxPNSQJJALmj9gvLJNSO

Hollywood Reporter

hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/news/e3i6bc2dd0e5ce14ff2beb7b1e5dcba3034