Consumer confidence reaches high for 8-month period

The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) has spiked to an 8-month high, writes the Associated Press. A rise from 53.3 in Dec. to 60.6 in Jan was observed within the CCI by the Conference Board, a global non-profit that monitors economic performance. Consumer spending is up, which is linked to the lower joblessness and additional optimistic business landscape that linked to the increase in consumer confidence. People even seem to be more comfortable taking out pay day loans when in need of them, because they are additional confident their job will still be around on their next payday.

Consumer Confidence Index better, but nevertheless not balanced

The CCI has gone to 60.6 which is a raise that is looking good, although normal consumer confidence in investing and use of payday loans along with other short term credit is typically around 90. There is something essential with the Consumer Confidence Index. It is how the United States economy is being taken in by people. The figure is situated upon a survey of 5,000 households, in accordance with the blog Banker Notes. There has not been higher than a 90 CCI in a long time. Dec. 2007 was the last time.

January's 60.6 CCI is the highest since a 62.7 mark in May 2010, when it appeared that the United States economy was ready to take off again. Yet the summer was sluggish economically, and the CCI flagged. The joblessness levels have not returned since the drop in 2009 while it also got to the greatest it has been since the 1930s within the U.S.

Many desire for work to come

The AP reports that a survey from the National Association for Business Economics shows that the number of businesses optimistic about hiring is at a 12-year high. There were 43.4 percent of respondents to a Conference board survey that said a job is too hard to get right now. From Dec., that has dropped three percent. The Conference Board survey also asked which individuals though there would be additional work becoming available within the next six months. From Dec. to January, that number went up from 14.2 percent to 16 percent.

Consumer investing up, joblessness down

The 2010 holiday shopping season was a boon for consumer investing, as sales increased at the fastest rate in six years. You will find also Social Security tax cuts. This means more cash can be accessible for spending. Meanwhile, unemployment was down 0.4 percent from November to December, yet U.S. career creation only produced 103,000 jobs.

Articles cited

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/41251437/ns/business-eye_on_the_economy/?ns=business-eye_on_the_economy&from=toolbar

Banker Notes

bankernotes.blogspot.com/2006/10/financial-term-glossary.html

Plunkett Research on U.S. retail

youtube.com/watch?v=FrgCCfVqPSs

Two suns are not likely for the Planet Earth in 2012

The newest craze within the 2012 mythology is the Planet Earth may have two suns in 2012, or something to that impact. Betelgeuse, a large star over 600 light years away, is beginning to die out and will supernova when it does. The Planet Earth will not be within the line of fire, but it might get a spectacular light show.

The chance that two suns could possibly be for the Earth

There might be 24 hrs of daylight for 2 weeks in accordance with a rumor going around. The Daily Mail explains this rumor states Planet Earth may have two suns. The Orion constellation has a star in it. This star looks like a supernova may soon happen. The red supergiant star is one of the brightest within the night sky. It’s called Betelgeuse. Australian astrophysicist Brad Carter, of the University of Southern Queensland, said in a recent interview that it could go supernova sometime within the near future, and the year 2012 got involved somehow.

Making the sun Betelgeuse

If our sun were replaced with Betelgeuse, it would take up so much room that Jupiter would be close to its surface. Stars much like this one have become supernovas as they have had too much mass and energy to just disappear. Because of the mass and gravity included, a black hole is instead created as the core of a star in supernova will collapse on itself with a perpetual state of collapse. CBS reports that there probably won't be much of a chance that Planet Earth will see Betelgeuse's light when it goes supernova because it’s 600 light years away.

2012 being included

Many are worried about 2012 since the Mayan Calendar ends that year. No serious Mayan scholars give it any credence. Conspiracy theorists are likely to have to discover another explanation for 2012. Betelgeuse won't do anything to Earth being 600 light years away.

Information from

Daily Mail on twin suns

dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1349383/Earth-second-sun-year-supernova-turns-night-day.html?ITO=1490

CBS News

cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/21/tech/main7269888.shtml

The best health supplements for immunity can cost less

Health boosters are a popular product during cold and flu season. Many people spend thousands of dollars on supplements. The U.S. supplement industry is worth $6.1 billion, and a single supplement bottle could run you $20 or more. While the benefits of health supplements run the gamut, there are some basics that can get you the very best supplements for immunity for money. These can also help you stay away from getting a payday cash loan to buy you health supplements.

Want immunity supplements to help you?

There are some health supplements that are widely believed to be good for your health. When it comes to colds, the best treatment and prevention medication is Echinacea. For 100 tablets, you can pay between $6 and $15. When it came to preventing and treating colds though, a New England Journal of Medicine Study showed a placebo did the same thing. Usually whatever is trendy isn't the very best way to treat for health even though herbs can be helpful.

Trying the best four supplements for immunity

1. Andrographis, also known and Kan Jang, has been found to be more effective than a placebo in treating cold symptoms.
2. Elderberry has long been used as a treatment for common illnesses. The strong antioxidants in elderberry extract called Sambucol has shown to stop virus growth quite well.
3. While honey is a topical antibiotic, honeysuckle has proven itself as a treatment for respiratory infections. Using honeysuckle leaves, stems and berries in a tea can help with mucus a lot. Over the counter drugs has the very same impact.
4. Vitamin C has long been touted as an immune booster, and it does help. A cold will not be prevented by this vitamin in any way. It can shorten it though. Don't go overboard with it though. You’ll end up just losing anything more than 400 milligrams a day that you take.

Get probably the most out of your supplements

Get the most out of your health supplements. If you're spending you cash to get the best health supplements for immunity, make sure you're spending your cash well. Make sure your supplement does not have a response with other medications you are taking. Also, make sure there isn’t any safety issued with it by looking at the FDA's list of alerts for dietary health supplements.

Articles cited

Nutra Ingredients

nutraingredients-usa.com/Consumer-Trends/New-report-breaks-down-US-supplement-market

Health

health.com/health/condition-article/0,,20251804_2,00.html

FDA

fda.gov/Food/DietarySupplements/Alerts/

Top viral films are the female who falls in a water feature and Scott

A Bart Scott interview and the "woman falls in fountain" video are the latest viral videos. A woman is texting on her phone, and in total oblivion to anything around her, the woman falls in a fountain that was right in front of her. The second is the odd statements in the Bart Scott interview, made by linebacker Bart Scott of the New York Jets after the team’s vanquishing of the New England Patriots. Both entertained the U.S. because we didn't have to take out a payday advance and purchase the clips, we just had to go to YouTube. Article resource – Top viral video roundup – Woman falls in fountain and Bart Scott by MoneyBlogNewz.

Woman falls in mall water feature while texting

Video footage of a woman who falls into a mall water feature while texting has gotten lots of views online. The movie of Cathy Cruz, or now the "Fountain Lady," was from a security camera. She obviously doesn't see the mall fountain as she is intending to walk and text at the very same time. She falls to the fountain immediately. The movie occurred in Wyomissing, Penn. This is where the shopping mall was. Oddly enough, she works in that shopping mall. Marrero was not amused, and she appeared on “Good Morning America” recently with her attorney. She seemed fairly upset that "nobody went to my aid" after she fell. The WA Post reports that they’re currently looking for the way the video leaked. If she sues the mall, it probably will not be her first trip to court this year as she was recently charged with illegally using a co-worker’s charge card.

youtube.com/watch?v=jPW8xmI4w6U

Then there's Bart Scott

The other huge viral video of the moment is of a bizarre post-game interview with Bart Scott. After the NFL playoffs where the Jets beat the New England Patriots, NY Jets linebacker Scott gave an emotional interview with ESPN's Sal Paolantonio. "Poetic Justice!" was practically shouted to the microphone by Scott. He said the Patriots' defense "couldn't stop a nose bleed" as well. USA Today reports that Brett Scott admit “I probably won’t live it down for awhile," while saying he was inspired by Hulk Hogan.

youtube.com/watch?v=QJshw2Axsqc

Articles cited

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/20/AR2011012003553_2.html

USA Today

content.usatoday.com/communities/thehuddle/post/2011/01/jets-bart-scott-rex-ryan-steelers/1

Good Morning America fountain lady

youtube.com/watch?v=AOBZmNVgOz0

Increasing unrest in city of Tunis causes Tunisian president to depart

Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, the president of Tunisia, has fled the main city of Tunis amid growing unrest in the African nation. Demonstrations and protests have broken out over high unemployment, increasing expenses of products and political corruption which have been met with hostile resistance by government forces. The government can have new elections in a few months. The PM has taken sudden control of the federal government. Chances are that Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, did not have to take out a cash advance to run away with how much cash he probably had set aside. Article resource – Escalating unrest in Tunis causes Tunisian president to flee by MoneyBlogNewz.

Causing troubles as Tunis loses President Ben Ali

Frustrated Tunisians have been taking to the streets of Tunis in droves to protest failures of the government and President Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali, who has occupied the office since 1987. The Tunisians are upset because there is apparently more unemployment, rights abuses and government corruption than ever, says CNN. They’re also mad that sugar prices and other essential goods' prices are going up. As a concession to demonstrators, the Tunisian security forces were directed by President Ben Ali that no live ammunition could possibly be used on protestors unless necessary. That didn't help much. He ended up ordering the federal government to dissolve with no other choice. Ben Ali has fled the North African nation, and Prime Minister Mohamed Ghannouchi has assumed control of the country.

Emergency rule imposed

Prime Minister Ghannouchi assumed emergency control of Tunisia and has vowed to fight runaway inflation, according to al-Jazeera. Supposedly, the laws could be respected by him. All the high unemployment and inflation could be fought. Meanwhile, the Tunisian army has reportedly cordoned off the main airport in Tunis and closed the country's airspace. In the streets, three or more people are no longer allowed to meet. This has been banned by the government. After 27 years of Ben Ali being within the presidency, the Tunis were mad meaning when President Ben Ali lowered food prices to try and help, the Tunisians still fought.

Nearly a month of protests

Tunisia has been growing increasingly unstable after nearly a month of constant protests and demonstrations within the streets of Tunis. It all started as a result of a college-education street vendor selling fruit to get by. His name was Mohamed Bouazizi. He protested by setting himself on fire after authorities took his cart.

Citations

CNN

cnn.com/2011/WORLD/africa/01/14/tunisia.protests/index.html

Al Jazeera

english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2011/01/2011114172228117723.html

Fees rise as largest banks need some cash advanced to fund bonuses

Bank account holders should get ready for more fees, as the nation’s largest banks want more cash advanced to them. Nearly each and every one of the largest banks in The United States are raising fees. You will find a few ways out of it, but this can be a continuing trend. It is going to get quite costly for people to use their own money. This is leading to more and more people having to apply for payday loans just make ends meet.

Cash advance wanted for banking

Banks are marketed by how large they are sometimes. They will say that their security is higher based on how large they are. For banking at one of these banks, you may have to pay a cash advance. This is because these banks know this. The largest national banks are raising fees on checking accounts, according to CNN, and the changes are starting soon. A base monthly maintenance fee of $12 a month will be charged by JP Morgan Chase in a new Total Checking program all its checking accounts are going into. You might end up paying between $8.95 to $25 a month with Bank of America. The plan will determine the amount paid. People will have to start paying Corporate America if they want to use their own money.

Free checking not disappearing

It may seem that there aren’t any banks that offer free checking anymore, but nothing could be further from the truth. You will have to look for one. Usually, there are some within a short distance. Non-profit organizations, such as credit unions, usually will mean you are putting money back into your community. They will offer free checking with community banks. Credit unions and community banks can be seen in almost every single city. Every state has them all over.

First we bail them out

These people got a ton of bailout cash before raising these fees. Not only do they want more of our earnings, they want our tax dollars too. The companies aren't all doing this, but there are some that shouldn't be.

Articles cited

CNN

money.cnn.com/2011/01/07/pf/checking_account_fees/index.htm

Do more online at dmv.ca.gov

There are few things in life as monotonous and frustrating as waiting in line at the DMV. But before our sun burns out, why not try dmv.ca.gov? It has been broadened to point that it is useful. Driving records and other services are available – as well as your sanity is saved within the process. This could keep you from having to take out a pay day loan for gas money to drive across town for you driving records.

Lines aren't needed when at dmv.ca.gov

You can refuse getting in line by simply going to dmv.ca.gov if you want to see driving records online. It is very easy and less time consuming to get access that is secure of a driver's record according to a news release from the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Create an account at dmv.ca.gov with a username and password. Then, it is that easy to secure a debit transaction after that. In addition, drivers can access additional services such as scheduling appointments for written and driving tests, registering vehicles, renewing drivers licenses, choosing personalized license plates and address changes.

There are often online driving record requests sough at dmv.ca.gov, reports the Modesto Bee. This is what the California DMV Director George Valverde said. Additional information on new online services is available at www.dmv.ca.gov and 800-777-0133.

California DMV news roundup

It isn't surprising that parking enforcement has been trying hard to take control, which isn't surprising with the budget crisis the State of California is going through. The Sacramento Bee reports that there have been lines crossed by Sacramento law enforcement though. Now parking enforcement vehicles patrol the streets of the state capital in the middle of the night, with extended hours as late as 2 a.m. in high-complaint areas.

DMV backlog got you down?

Worker furloughs and DMV backlog has made it very hard to get any services done at the DMV, which makes many glad that there are now new services at dmv.ca.gov. Before getting a new license, a month may be how long new drivers in California have to wait. It isn't that bad though. It was twice as long before that happened.

Citations

Modesto Bee

modbee.com/2011/01/02/1495045/dmv-offering-drivers-their-records.html

Sacramento Bee

sacbee.com/2011/01/10/3311646/back-seat-driver-sacramento-enforces.html

DMV.ca.gov also makes totally boss videos!

youtube.com/watch?v=xkf_NfEwZls

Toyota left behind as United States automakers boost sales

Ford was the most successful automaker in the United States in 2010, supplanting Toyota as the runner up in sales behind Gm. Every automaker increased U.S. sales except Toyota, which saw a decline in numbers. Safety recalls involving Toyota cars affected its 2010 sales totals when new models released by Ford and Toyota were well received by United States car buyers. If the recalls continue with Toyota the automaker might just need pay day loans to stay afloat.

U.S. auto sales being looked at

U.S. auto sales rose 11 percent in 2010 over 2009 and each and every major automaker except Toyota reported a sales increase. When the bailout for automakers happened Ford was the only one in the U.S. who didn't take the bailout money. This is how the company led automakers in a 19 percent increase this year. Ford recorded increased sales for the second year in a row, a feat it hadn’t accomplished since 1993. United States auto sales were at 11.6 million units throughout the industry which is the first increase recorded since 2005 and also the largest bump since 1984 from a 10.4 million boost in 2009. There were gains for many cars. Large ones integrated Chrysler's Grand Cherokee, GM’s Chevrolet Cruze and the Ford Fiesta.

Why has Toyota lagged behind Ford?

In 2010, Ford passed Toyota to become number 2 in auto sales in the United States having sold 1.97 million units when Toyota only sold 1.76 million. Toyota reported that its sales were down 0.4 % for the year. Something called the "unintended acceleration" is why Toyota had to recall over 8 million cars and trucks within the world in 2010. The Japanese automaker temporarily suspended production and sales of eight models in the United States, including its best-selling Camry and Corolla. Existing models that had flaws were what Toyota worked on all year. New models were sent out by GM, Ford, Nissan and Hyundai though.

One of the most recovery coming from auto industry than anywhere else

The impressive performance leads analysts to believe that the United States auto industry is experiencing a legitimate recovery. The proliferation of new models and higher quality standards also has them declaring that Toyota’s days as the dominant automaker within the United States and also the world might be gone for good. United States car buyers just want new, well-made products as Ford and General Motors both showed in 2010.

Information from

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-04/gm-december-total-u-s-sales-up-7-5-est-up-4-3-.html

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/01/05/business/05auto.html?src=busln

CNN

money.cnn.com/2011/01/04/news/companies/december_auto_sales/

Fixing troubles with National Whipped Cream Day

Jan. 5 is one of those holidays that most federal governments likely won’t recognize. It’s officially National Whipped Cream Day. Sure, National Whipped Cream Day probably won’t change your life. That does not mean it’s not worth celebrating, though. This day is as good of an excuse as any to try out a brand new style of whipped cream.

What National Whipped Cream Day is focused on

Whipped cream is generally in a can for most now. All you have to do to make your own whipped cream though is get dairy cream and put air into it. The stirring will get the proteins within the milk to start "grabbing" the air while reacting and stringing together. The one downfall of homemade whipped cream is that it can fall or break apart, because it’s not as stable as manufactured products with additives.

What damaged whipped cream really does

Broken whipped cream is not that big of a deal. It is not so bad that National Whipped Cream Day should not be celebrated. Just keep away from letting your whipped cream sit for more than 12 hrs. That's when it starts break apart like that. Preventing this is not too difficult. A new ingredient can just be added. Just put 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin into 2 tablespoons of heated whipping cream. Let it sit for a few minutes, and combine it with sugar and the remaining cream. You’ll get whipping cream that is much more stable if you whip it after that with a whisk or whisk attachment on a mixer.

Whipped cream does not need to be so boring

Whipped cream is sweet already. You may want to try adding a few ingredients though. This will help your whipped cream become a centerpiece to your whole meal. Try blending 1 pint whipping cream with 1 teaspoon salt and 2 tablespoons chili powder for a spicy kick. Use 2 tablespoons maple syrup rather than sugar for an earthy sweetness. You might even test adding ½ cup pureed avocado to your whipped cream. Then, you might use it with baguette slices or grilled shrimp. You can test out several different kinds of whipped treats on National Whipped Cream Day.

Girl Scout Cookies fund-raising to begin once again soon

Girl Scout Cookies are going on sale shortly, and you will find countless people waiting with excitement. Girl Scout Cookies season differs somewhat for every location of the country. Every box of cookies sold means more money for the troop. Each box sold means less than $1 for the troop. Post resource – Girl Scout Cookies – Tracing money from the fund-raising by MoneyBlogNewz.

You are able to get Girl Scout Cookies too

There is probably a reason why Girl Scout Cookies are popular. It probably has to do with not being able to get them all year round. Girl Scout Cookies season varies from state to state, though many areas are starting their cookie time of year in the next month or 2. The limited-time nature of Girl Scout Cookies helps make them more valued and marketable.

Discovering the locations that Girl Scout Money is separated into

Between $3.50 and $4 is how much a Girl Scout Cookie box costs. That is a lot of cash to put out for between 10 and 20 cookies, however thousands of people willingly pay the cost every year. The National Girl Scout organization said that each troop gets some cash off of each and every box. This is typically between 50 and 57 cents. The "neighborhood service unit" gets 1 cent while the baker gets 85 cents. Summer camps, training and adult volunteers are exactly where the rest of the Girl Scout Cookies money goes to with the regional council in charge. The Girl Scout Cookie name, images and cookies are given to companies such as Dairy Queen with the thin mint blizzard by the national Girl Scout organization in order to make money.

Making your own Girl Scout Cookies

Several have tried out Girl Scout Cookie recipes at home as Girl Scout cookies are only available for a little while. If you’re really feeling like you would like one, then try some copycat Girl Scout Cookies recipes. If you want to give cash to Girl Scouts, you can donate directly to every troop or regional council — or give yourself the gift of cookies. Either way, Girl Scout Cookies will likely continue to be one of probably the most popular and successful fund-raising efforts for scouting.

Information from

Wallet Pop

walletpop.com/2010/02/06/girl-scout-cookies-by-the-numbers-just-where-do-all-those-dolla/

MMN

mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/blogs/homemade-versions-of-girl-scout-cookies

Indiana earthquake measured 3.8, riles heartlanders

The Associated Press reports that the United States Geological Survey (USGS) recorded an earthquake in Indiana on Thurs. In all, five states experienced the 3.8-magnitude Indiana earthquake, although no destruction has been reported. While “Indiana” and “earthquake” might not seem to go together, there have been numerous significant earthquakes in Indiana, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Folks have gone as far as getting paydayloans for emergency preparedness.

Indiana earthquake based north of Indianapolis

Fifty miles north of Indianapolis was where the earthquake’s epicenter was, reports U.S. Geological Survey. The quake began at 7:55 a.m. and was located approximately three miles beneath the surface. The 3.8 magnitude earthquake in Indiana only was there for a few seconds. Nevertheless, it was felt in Wisconsin, Kentucky, Ohio and Illinois.

The magnitude of the earthquake wasn’t the original number reported. It was a 4.2 magnitude reported initially and then the USGS changed it to a 3.8 magnitude. Law enforcement got a ton of phone calls after all the booms that came with the Indiana earthquake although that is actually normal, as outlined by U.S. Geological Survey geophysicist Randy Baldwin.

There weren’t any fault lines

Michael Hamburger, a geologist at Indiana University, told local TV station WTHR the Indiana earthquake occurred in a location that is not common for earthquakes, a location that is “seismically very quiet.” The Indiana earthquake background has to be fairly limited since there aren’t any fault lines close.

Yet as Baldwin put it, wherever stress builds up within the earth’s crust, an earthquake can follow.

Indiana’s small earthquake history

The Indiana earthquake background shows that the New Madrid earthquakes taken place in 1811 and 1812 which are the first recorded. This massive series of earthquakes is estimated at anywhere from 7.0 to 7.7 on the Richter scale. Near the Illinois border between Vincennes and Terre Haute is where the most damaging Indiana earthquake taken place on Sept 27, 1909. Homes and buildings got lots of damage done to them although it was only a 5.1 magnitude. The quake in 1909 was felt for a long stretch. Over 30,000 square miles felt it.

Articles cited

Chicago Tribune

chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-in-indianaearthquake,0,6548124.story

USGS

earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/states/indiana/history.php

Local TV coverage of Indiana earthquake

youtube.com/watch?v=WCXt2NilqoI