Payday advance liberation: Kentucky House Bill 182 does not pass

Kentucky House Bill 182, which would have set a permanent payday lending rate cap at 36 percent Annual Percentage Rate, fell in a vote Friday, reports the Louisville Courier-Journal. The state House Banking and Insurance Committee set it down in defeat by a narrow 13-10 margin. Army loans in the state will remain at a federally mandated thirty-six percent.

Payday cash advance businesses will remain open

Louisville Democrat Rep. Darryl Owens, who served as the sponsor of House Bill 182, compared the pay day loans bill to a cooked piece of meat.

"It’s done. You can stick a fork in it," he said.

Payday lending has been shown in numerous extant studies to be less costly than alternatives. Still, Rep. Owens believes the payday loans rates of interest are too "obscene" to stay that way. While it may be true that many people who use payday loans are in difficult financial straits, industry surveys indicate that not only do most users have sufficient income to repay their loans in a timely fashion, but defaults and rollovers are rare.

Keeping jobs more essential for Kentucky

House Bill 182 would have been "a job killer," said John Rabenold of the Kentucky Deferred Deposit Association, a payday lending industry group. When loaning $100 with an Annual Percentage Rate of thirty-six %, not much would be earned. Only one dollar in profit is made. The payday advance business then has to pay for operational and salary expenditures. That means most "profit" disappears entirely. In Kentucky, about 650 payday lending outlets would have to shut down. That means around 2,000 jobs would be lost. That is something politicians might never be able to admit to having done.

Payday loans a needed service in Kentucky

Consumers whose access to traditional credit has been restricted because of credit history will inevitably experience financial shocks from time to time, particularly when emergency expenses arise. Payday loans are needed whether it’s for medical bills or car repairs. Democratic Rep. Jim Gooch told the Courier-Journal that he feared lack of access would leave Kentucky families without access to money during just such an emergency.

Articles cited

Louisville Courier Journal

courier-journal.com/article/20110216/NEWS01/302160106/1010/FEATURES/House-panel-rejects-payday-loan-bill?odyssey=nav%7Chead

HCG diet popular for those hungry to slim down

The HCG diet plan is one of the latest weight loss fads in the United States, a country grappling with an obesity epidemic. Individuals on the HCG diet plan take doses of human chorionic gonadotropin while they eat no more than 500 calories a day. The HCG diet plan is not FDA approved and physicians describe the use of HCG for weight reduction as ineffective and dangerous.

Fewer calories mean losing weight in HCG diet

The HCG diet plan promises weight loss of up to two pounds a day by taking HCG hormone supplements combined with an very low calorie intake. Dr. A.T.W. Simeons wrote the book "Pounds and Inches." This is what the HCG diet is from. Doctors explain why the drug works for so many. Weight reduction is possible with a dropped appetite and also being able to burn more body fight with the human chorionic gonadotropin. The 40 day HCG diet plan needs to have an appetite suppressant. This is because only 500 calories a day are eaten on the diet. There are several different ways to take the HCG hormone in. These include injections, drops, pills and creams. A doctor has to prescribe the HCG diet for a strong enough dose of it even though the supplements are available over the counter at most stores.

Entire body changes with HCG

The hypothalamus which controls the metabolism in the brain is what the HCG impacts. A signal is sent to the hypothalamus to turn stored fat into nutrients that then go to the fetus through the placenta. Since doctors think it is impossible to get all the protein and amino acids needed on only 500 calories a day, it can be dangerous to do the HCG diet. The support of brain function is harder with the smaller amount of calories. The 500 calories just are not enough. The resting metabolism and consuming muscle are both lowered by the entire body in response to this. Weight reduction needs those things not to occur though. Exercise can induce a higher resting metabolism. It burns fat this way.

Causing HCG side effects in those trying it

When it comes to weight loss, the Food and Drug Administration has not approved HCG. However, HCG is FDA-approved as an infertility treatment for women in select cases, also as a hormone treatment for males with conditions such as undecided testes or low testosterone. Athletes use HCG to mask the negative effects of illegal steroid use. Headaches, mood swings, depression, blood clots, confusion and dizziness are all unwanted effects of HCG. Some women on HCG develop Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome and suffer from pelvic pain, stomach pain, swelling in the hands and legs, shortness of breath, diarrhea and nausea.

Articles cited

American Health and Beauty

americanhealthandbeauty.com/articles/?article=4226

Yuma Sun

yumasun.com/news/diet-67829-hcg-barnett.html

Diets in Review

dietsinreview.com/diet_column/07/hcg-diet-look-elsewhere-for-weight-loss/

Obstructing LOXL2 enzyme cut cancer spread dramatically

LOXL2 is an amino acid creation enzyme in the body that helps create collagen and elastin. A group of researchers in the United Kingdom have found an interesting fact. Blocking LOXL2 acids blocks cancer spread. About 90 percent of cancer fatalities are caused by cancer spreading from one part of the body to another.

Keep breast cancer from spreading by obstructing enzymes

In medical journal Cancer Research, researchers at the Institute of Cancer Research in the U.K. published their recent findings. Researchers put chemicals in cancer of the breast cells. This was so that the LOXL2 enzyme would be blocked. The body did not get the cancer cells spread to it as often when the enzyme blockers were there. The cancer that spreads quickly from breast tissue to the bloodstream is linked to LOXL2 enzymes and LOXL2 gene in the bloodstream. Cancer will end up quite much anywhere in the body after it had spread from tissue to the blood which makes death more likely.

Exactly what the LOXL2 enzyme is

Copper is used by the LOXL2 gene. This gets collagen and elastin both synthesized. The gene allows the body to create. Rebuilding takes place in the process too. In order to get cancer to move from muscle and fat and to the blood, the enzyme is used. Individuals who have cancer that spread easily typically have a high present of LOXL2 enzymes. Mice have been the only animals tested on when blocking enzymes to try and stop cancer spread. Humans haven't had the LOXL2 used yet. It has not commonly been used anyway.

The correct cancer medicine creation

Researchers have been working overtime to find a cure for cancer. Mostly specific cancers have been researched in this. Getting targeted cancer medications put together can be hard to do. This is because sometimes they differ from person to person. Up to 2 years would be needed to get FDA approval on human LOXL2 enzyme medications. This would be after the three years needed to make the medications work.

Articles cited

HC2D

hc2d.co.uk/content.php?contentId=17644

Federal government shutdown might be looming

The budget that controls when and where federal money goes will expire on March 4. Rumors are the government might simply shut down. A federal government shutdown 2011 is a possibility, however lawmakers are working to prevent the shutdown.

Possibility of a 2011 federal government shutdown

It is good to know what is going on with a government shutdown since it might possibly occur in 2011. In 1998, a full federal government shut down occurred. Almost every little thing was shut down that was government-run. There have been other federal government shutdowns since 1998, but they were very short-term, partial shutdowns that impacted portions of the government, but not the entire thing. A full government shutdown this year would mean that anything from Social Security to Veteran’s Affairs would simply cease to function. There was no longer access to national parks. Passport agencies were not working anymore while federal employees went unpaid. Some select self-funding agencies, such as the USPS, might stay open. Medical facilities would also continue to operate however with a skeleton crew.

Ways the federal government shutdown can take place

A budget is needed for the federal government which has to pass in both Congress houses while the president also has to sign it. The funds available won't be known by the federal government agencies without a budget. That means they will have to shut down for a while. As in 1998, Congressional debates over spending cuts are holding back the passage of a budget.

What it means to have a 2011 government shutdown

There would be lots of problems if the government shut down this year. Lots of pressure would be put on Congress to get a spending budget passed. Republicans and Democrats would have to play nice. Getting the budget made is necessary. The only time in the last 15 years that a surplus of federal funds was available was after the balanced spending budget spending was created in 1998 after the government shutdown.

Citations

CNN

politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2011/02/21/house-republicans-and-senate-democrats-in-talks-to-avoid-government-shutdown/#more-147736

Washington Monthly

washingtonmonthly.com/archives/individual/2011_02/028070.php

German brewery areas no-alcohol beer in United States as an athletics drink

A brewer from Bavaria is launching a campaign to sell non-alcoholic beer as an athletic beverage in the United States. Bavarian brewer Erdinger is wagering that American sportsmen have a taste for its Alkoholfrei brand. Erdinger also believes Alkoholfrei tastes well enough to reverse a trend of decreasing United States sales for no-alcohol beer. Sportsmen benefit from drinking Alkoholfrei, according to Erdinger, because it delivers nutrients for athletes without dehydrating them with alcohol. Article resource – German brewery markets no-alcohol beer in U.S. as a sports drink by MoneyBlogNewz.

Strong belief that Alkoholfrei could be successful in the United States, Erdinger claims

In the United States, beer is typically associated with sports marketing. Never has non-alcoholic beer been a part of this though. In Europe, Alkoholfrei has been promoted as a fitness beverage. Erdinger has done this since 2001. In Europe, Alkoholfrei became really popular while grass roots sporting events and major competitions typically gave free samples out by Erdinger. Erdinger products are sold in forty-five U.S. states, and the brewery has decided to step up marketing efforts for Alkoholfrei to increase its market share in North America. In Fort Kent, Maine, the February World Cup biathlon was held. Along with skis and rifles, the European sportsmen had mugs of Alkoholfrei.

Best sports drink is beer

Erdinger Alkoholfrei appears like beer, with an auburn color and foamy head. The beverage tastes like beer too. This is despite the belief that there isn't any alcohol in it. The beverage is promoted as something that can help recover athletes from a workout or competition with the carbohydrates and vitamins that are in it making it an "isotonic" sports drink. Athletics nutritionists explained the compounds in beer aren't generally high enough to make a difference for sportsmen when it comes to recovery. They typically have on top of the ethanol sodium, potassium, carbohydrates and B vitamins. The Erdinger Alkoholfrei will help rehydrate athletes due to the lack of alcohol.

Will genuine German beer flavor, matter to Americans?

In the 1990s, non-alcoholic beer became part of the United States sector. It started with Sharps from Miller and O'Douls Anheuser-Bush. Selling those brands has been difficult though. It has been that way for years. Even though Alkoholfrei is non-alcoholic, Erdinger has marketed the drink as a genuine German beer flavor. At nearly $10 a six-pack for Erdinger Alkoholfrei, whether Americans can accept that price for a German beer with no buzz or a European energy beverage without the sugar high remains to be seen.

Articles cited

San Francisco Chronicle

sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fn%2Fa%2F2011%2F02%2F21%2Fstate%2Fn084141S20.DTL

USA Today

usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2011-02-13-3781689740_x.htm

Business Week

businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LHEP0G0.htm

New lending program targets Reno companies with loan-lending troubles

A new program targeting smaller businesses in Nevada has started. The Rural NV Development Corp. is administering the program. The U.S. Department of Agriculture-funded program targets companies that could not otherwise qualify for loans. One-fifth of the money has already been handed out. This could help people stay away from pay day loan lenders if they can get the financing elsewhere.

Reno, Nevada, rural development loans

A $500,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture is funding a new “microlending” program. There is the USDA Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance program. This will fund bad credit loans to all Reno-area companies. Up to $50,000 can be given to businesses denied traditional banking loans with these loans. Between 10 and 12 percent interest will be charged on the loans that have only five years to pay them back.

While in Reno, what you need to get a bad credit business loan

There are some things a business has to do in order to get a Rural NV Development Corp. loan. Businesses have to qualify. Less than 10 employees in the business are allowed while less than $1 million a year in gross revenue is allowed. Traditional loan financing has to have been applied for by the business that got denied. Companies around Reno, Carson City, LV and India Reservation areas can get the money. In NV, only $500,000 total is being offered for these programs. In the first five days of the program, $100,000 was already handed out. Within the month, the whole $500,000 is anticipated to be gone.

Microfinance information

Many know the terms "microfinance" and "microlending" now. They’re more popular than ever. Though the United States Department of Agriculture is calling this Reno loan program “microlending,” it lends much larger amounts than most microfinance programs. Microfinancing is generally targeted towards very low income individuals, often in developing nations. Around $1,000 is typically paid for most "microlending" programs. The microlending for RNDC is huge when comparing these numbers. Businesses that do not have good credit and don't' have money to work on the business are in a "hole" in the credit industry even though microlending is usually given with private individuals from developed countries to developing countries.

Articles cited

RGJ

rgj.com/article/20110201/BIZ/102010321/1321/news

Conjecture abounds about tiny, cheap iPhone Nano

The next large thing from Apple might be a smaller, less costly gadget comparable to an iPhone. By storing all its data online, the gadget could possibly be just half the size of standard iPhones. Android has built industry share with a significant price advantage that might be erased by such a product as the iPhone Nano. Millions of people wouldn’t have to take out a payday cash advance to buy this smartphone. Post resource – Rumors fly about small, cheap iPhone Nano this summer from Apple by MoneyBlogNewz.

Android or iPhone Nano from Apple

For a few years, there have been rumors of a small and cheap iPhone from Apple. Industry analysts are saying the iPhone Nano’s time has come because Apple is ready to leverage its brand image with a new family of connected devices. The market for the iPhone is quite much saturated now. That means Apple might be ready to compete with the Android totally now. Although iPhone Nano is the generic term used for all the conjecture about Apple’s next move, it’s unlikely that can be the name for the device. A specific product made more for music and messaging but may also make calls will likely be what Apple does with the iPhone brand next.

Possibility of MobileMe on iPhone Nano

The MobileMe cloud storage for Apple's iPhone Nano can be something Apple will have to do with the iPhone Nano strategy. The cloud is where iPhone users can store information managed with the iPhone or computer. MobileMe allows this to occur. A MobileMe subscription currently costs $99 a year. With the iPhone Nano, users might get MobileMe for free meaning personal storage for photos, music and videos for Apple. The MobileMe cloud storage would be really helpful. Memory would no longer matter. MobileMe could also become the nexus for a new online music service in development at Apple, which adds to speculation about a possible “iPod phone.”

What Apple will do next

The iPhone Nano, or whatever it will ultimately be called, is expected in June, Apple’s customary release season for the iPhone. Carriers to subsidize the phone to be almost free since it would cost around $200. Until now, the majority of the innovations in the smartphone universe have been pioneered by Apple. The next wave of innovations is reported to be in cost reduction. Devices like the iPhone being cheaper have scared several mobile manufacturers. They’re worried about Apple being too far ahead.

Articles cited

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704657104576142262842435544.html#ixzz1DrugJhp0

Computerworld

blogs.computerworld.com/17806/iphone_nano_a_no_no_everything_you_need_to_know?source=rss_blogs

ADNet

zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/iphone-nano-could-swamp-the-mobile-market-kill-off-rivals/8232

Guitar Hero and DJ Hero dead; Rock Band might endure

In February, once-blockbuster game “Guitar Hero” is going to be shut down. Activision is shutting down production of the "Guitar Hero" video game along with "DJ Hero." Similar series "Rock Band" hasn’t declared plans to turn off – yet.

‘Guitar Hero’ to be turned off

"Guitar Hero's" death was something that video game maker Activision declared Thurs morning is over. Everybody wanted the "casual-gamer" title before. It was a big hit among people. In Jan of 2009, “Guitar Hero” was the first game to hit more than $1 billion in sales. The company lost $9.36 billion past year with U.S. sales dropping over 8 percent. In February, Activision can be shutting down sales. "DJ Hero" and "Guitar Hero" will both be shut down. Activision will be laying off a staff of approximately 500 people.

’Rock Band’ might survive

“Rock Band” and “Guitar Hero”, while very similar, are created by two different companies. Viacom and MTV Games own “Rock Band” and are able to make deals with musical distribution systems much more very easily and cheaply. "Guitar Hero" controllers can be used to play "Rock Band" although the company is able to stay profitable with the more expensive setup pack. “Rock Band” has maintained stronger download sales than “Guitar Hero” over time, also. This doesn’t mean “Rock Band” is in a comfortable position, however. When "The Beatles: "Rock Band"" came out in 2009, millions were expected to sell. In three months, only $1.7 million in product was sold with the game.

Music gaming in the future

In the shutdown announcement, “Guitar Hero” cites the “rapid decline in the music genre” as the major reason for the decision. Motion-based gaming systems such as the Wii and Kinect have been selling musical genre games since their release. Most motion-based music games, however, are depending on dancing, not being a part of the band. As the hardware component of sales is reduced (no controllers to purchase) corporations could have to focus on lower-profit, higher-sales software in order to stay solvent.

Information from

Investor Place

investorplace.com/30610/activision-blizzard-atvi-guitar-hero-sales/

USA Today

content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2011/02/activision-dropping-new-downloads-for-guitar-hero-dj-hero/1

Major banks could possibly be compelled to purchase $60 billion in mortgages

The repackaging of home loans into securities, for many investors, turned into a poor deal. A few lines in contracts imply something significant, though. The poor mortgages could actually be the responsibility of the banks. The banks might be forced to re-purchase loan securities gone terribly. A single term published into most contracts might mean the banking institutions will owe over $60 billion. Thousands have lost their homes while others struggled through payday loan after pay day loan just to stay on top of their mortgages.

Conditions in home loan securities

Mortgage securities were packaged, sold and re-packaged by banking institutions. Billions of dollars were made this way. Many of these mortgage securities were more than just bad credit loans, however. The investments also contained a terms that said if the loans go south, the bank would re-purchase the loans. During the height of the home loan bubble, this seemed like a minor issue. Banking institutions are not happy about the buybacks being forced with all the homes in foreclosure.

Sixty billion dollars lost

The mortgage backed securities buyback was triggered by values dropping. Credit ratings dropping didn't help either. Credit ratings agencies estimate the nation’s six largest banks face about $60 billion worth of buyback liability. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac own about half of the legal responsibility. In order to buy back a ton of home loans, Fannie and Freddie got about $2.5 billion from B of A in January. These home loans are spread all over the country, with a high number in high-foreclosure states such as Nevada.

A lot of buybacks for years to come

The "highest exposure" to buybacks were in banks like Chase and B of A. There are three groups of businesses seeking to sue banking institutions that aren’t buying back mortgages — insurers, mortgage finance companies and private investors. Some of the loans may be repurchased by the banking institutions. They surely will not all be bought back though. In the end, that means that banking institutions could have many years of possible lawsuits and poor loans on the books, all while the investors are stuck with foreclosed properties that their contracts say they ought to not have.

Citations

New York Times

dealbook.nytimes.com/2011/02/09/banks-could-face-60-billion-tab-on-bad-loans/

Working moms have more overweight children, states study

Childhood obesity has tripled over the last 30 years, claim several studies. Now a connection might have been detected by an American University professor between overweight kids and moms who work a fantastic deal of the time from home. Households with moms who worked more hours had children with a higher body mass index (BMI) over their lifetimes, the study found. This is even without people getting payday advances to purchase their food.

The reason why obesity is linked

The January/February issue of the Child Development journal published the childhood obesity study. There were 990 kids from 10 cities in the United States in grades 3, 5, and 6 looked at. Study founder Prof. Taryn Morrissey from American University’s Public Administration and Policy department, found the total number of years working mothers were employed had a small however cumulative influence on their children’s Body Mass Index. It isn't good for a child to have a higher BMI. Chances of obesity go up with the BMI.

Surprisingly, such factors as the children’s physical activity amounts and TV time did not explain the connection between maternal employment and children’s BMI, the study indicates. Researchers were confused when even the time of day a mother worked didn't make a difference in the Body Mass Index level.

Not implementing the time to cook

The probably culprit that Morrissey and team identified was the lack of time working parents have to shop for groceries and prepare food. The link tended to be more about eating out and eating more pre-prepared foods which tend to have more calories in them.

How to fix it

Prof. Morrissey believes something needs to change considering behavior problems and obesity-related illnesses like high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol could be brought on by childhood weight problems. It may also cause a lesser life expectancy which can be up to five years the Children's Hospital in Boston concluded in a study. Expanding the availability of healthy, affordable food is paramount to a healthier society.

"Community- and school-based programs offer promise for promoting healthy weight by providing information to children and their families about nutrition and exercise, as well as how to make quick, healthy meals," Morrissey said.

Articles cited

American University

american.edu/media/news/20110204-Childrens-BMI-May-Rise-Longer-Mothers-Work.cfm

Wiley

wiley.com/bw/journal.asp?ref=0009-3920

USA Today

usatoday.com/news/health/2005-03-16-obesity-lifespan_x.htm

Mom, get your kids on the juice. Jack LaLanne would approve.

youtube.com/watch?v=4AEeQZh1s4A

Palin’s Trademark submitting attempts to protect business pursuits

According to 2 patent applications submitted with the United States office, the Palins are seeking a trademark. The filing for trademark protection is a move typically used by celebrities. Politicians rarely file for trademark protection. The family lawyer for the Palins filed two separate applications — one for Bristol Palin, one for Sarah Palin. For somebody who is not famous or a politician, a trademark on a title would cost more than an installment loan would cover. Article source – Palin's Trademark filing seeks to protect commercial interests by MoneyBlogNewz.

A trademark title filed for

The name, “Sarah Palin," was filed to be trademarked by the Palin household lawyer on November 5, 2010. The trademark application cites uses for “Sarah Palin” as “political elections, political issues, educational and entertainment services.” The U.S. Patent office site has the application on there with serial number 85170226. On September 15, 2010, the “Bristol Palin” application trademark cites the uses of the name and trademark for “educational and entertainment services.” Serial number 85130638 is on that application for patent.

Unusual for politicians to do this

A lookup of the trademark application filings shows that political figures trade-marking their names is a very unusual move. Trademark applications were not submitted by Barack Obama, Mike Huckabee, Time Pawlenty, Mitt Romney or Bush. Trademark attorneys told Politics Daily that political trademark applications are very rare.

Exactly what having a trademarked title signifies

Celebrities will often make an effort to protect their brand by getting a trademarked name. A trademark allows an individual to take legal action against everyone using a name for a gain without permission. When a name is trademarked, it’s considered property that can be bought, sold, stolen and misused as Sarah Palin and Bristol Palin are attempting to protect from. Both Sarah Palin and Bristol Palin make a living off of their names rather than being public service figures. That means that they have to get their names trademarked to protect it.

Information from

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trademark

Politics Daily

politicsdaily.com/2011/02/02/protecting-the-palin-brand-sarah-and-bristol-go-for-trademark-s/

USPTO

tmportal.uspto.gov/external/portal/tow?SRCH=Y&isSubmitted=true&details=&SELECT=US+Serial+No&TEXT=85170226

Vegas sports book loses on each side of Super Bowl score

Las Vegas casinos experienced a rare loss on Super Bowl gambling this season. Green Bay’s decisive victory wasn’t what the Vegas sports book had been hoping to see. When all the bettors are paid, Vegas bookies are looking at their worst beating in the Super Bowl in thirteen years. People lost and won money from the short term personal loans they got for their wagering needs.

Super Bowl was not so good news for gambling establishments in Vegas

Las Vegas casinos should have avoid gambling on the Super Bowl this time around. The books did not show it helping much. There are the 2 ½ point favorites. The gambling public was excited with the 31-25 victory shown by the Packers. Many factors show a huge loss for casinos. This is taking into consideration the numbers won't be released until Tuesday by casino officials. The 3 point spread was covered by the Packers that most preferred. When it came to the Packers, there were at least 2 bets which were at $1 million. Most bet the Packers would win the game that had 56 points total while the Super bowl over/under was at 45.5 points. Plus, with Pittsburgh showing signs of life near halftime but down by 11, the Vegas second half line favored the Steelers by 2 1/2-points.

Vegas news is worse

There was a huge loss in Las Vegas with the Super Bowl. This is because the over/under is anticipated to be too low by most that also will bet on the favorite. The favored will hopefully win, if the sports books get what they want. They just want a low-scoring game to take place instead. The favorites have to cover in the win though. If this doesn't take place, there is a lost bet on them. The Packers won by six although they were favored by 2 ½. That means that a huge payday came in to those who bet on the Green Bay Packers. There was an even worse part so this. In the second half, the Steelers were favored by Las Vegas by 2 ½. When the second half started, the Steelers were down by 11. This wasn't a good start. As the 2 ½ point losers, several realized they could bet on the Steelers. This was because in the second half they were 8 ½ point underdogs. The Steelers lost by six. That means those betters also made some money.

The house does not always win

Casinos tend to do well on Super Bowl Sunday which is the busiest gambling day in Las Vegas every year. The Last Vegas sports book got a lot of bets though. This was for each team. There was $82.7 million bet in Vegas sports book in 2010. Casinos made money off of it. About $6.8 million was made. Estimates for Super Bowl gambling in 2011 at Las Vegas are as high as $95-$100 million. Vegas lost $2.6 million in 2008 when the New York Giants upset the New England Patriots. In the other nine Super Bowls since 2000, the gambling establishments have averaged a stake of $9.07 million.

Citations

Los Angeles Times

latimes.com/sports/la-sp-super-bowl-vegas-20110207,0,2227070.story

Business Insider

businessinsider.com/super-bowl-vegas-sports-books-lost-money-2011-2

Las Vegas Review Journal

lvrj.com/sports/packers-and-over-makes-it-big-day-for-betting-public-115485929.html

Protesters fill Tahrir Square pressing for Day of Departure

Demonstrators have overloaded Tahrir Square in Cairo demanding a "Day of Departure" for Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak. For over thirty years, Mubarak has held power in Egypt, but has declined to run for reelection in the fall. Mubarak’s concession to the increasing anti-government demonstrations has little appeased those who want him removed from office. This is one situation where he won’t be able to take out a payday loan and buy off the protesters. Source of article – Protesters fill Tahrir Square pushing for Day of Departure by MoneyBlogNewz.

Nevertheless lots of Tahrir Square demonstrations happening

Tahrir Square in Cairo has been plunged into chaos over the last few days, as protests against the government of Leader Mubarak have been met with retaliatory attacks from Mubarak followers. Mubarak has been told to exit by a ton of anti-government protestors that have filled the square in violence. He is being told to leave in a "Day of Departure" or "Friday of Departure" more specifically. This is what NPR reports. In September, Leader Mubarak has promised not to try and get re-elected. Nevertheless, protestors demand Mubarak to leave now. The international community is hoping Mubarak will leave right away also.

Demonstration location experiencing more Mubarak supporters

The Egyptian army has cordoned off Tahrir Square while anti-government protesters fill up it to capacity. However, pro-Mubarak protesters have infiltrated the area for the past few days, which has led to violent clashes. The Christian Science Monitor explains that the Mubarak supporters did not like journalists much. The journalists would get singled out. While on the scene and fleeing the scene, there were over a hundred incidents of physical assault which included CNN anchor Anderson Cooper was beaten. Foreign and domestic journalists have been in harm’s way, as the Cairo offices of Al-Jazeera were stormed by pro-Mubarak “thugs.”

Mubarak takes a stance and does not waiver

From the beginning of the protests, President Mubarak has been defiant about leaving. There has not ever been a full democratic election confirming him to the office seat even though he has been in for 30 years. In a recent interview, he said that he was tired of public service but claimed that “there can be chaos” and “the Muslim Brotherhood will take over” if he leaves immediately, according to MSNBC. He has invited leaders of opposition groups to begin talks to possibly create a transitional government.

Citations

NPR

npr.org/2011/02/04/133489032/egyptian-protesters-gear-up-for-friday-of-departure?ps=cprs

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2011/0203/Egypt-protests-journalists-under-attack-on-an-unprecedented-scale

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/41402303/ns/world_news-mideast/n_africa/

Price of Cyclone Yasi to Australia can be in the billions of dollars

Australia has been enduring a number of the most severe weather ever recorded in the history of the nation. Cyclone Yasi, a huge storm, slammed to the coast of the state of Queensland not too long ago. Just after Queensland experienced some of the most detrimental flooding on record there; the Category 5 storm slammed into the coast with wind speeds upwards of 200 miles an hour. The destruction from Cyclone Yasi will likely cost Australia $2 billion at the very least. Australia has such a high amount of destruction that personal loans alone would never be big enough to cover the costs of repairing the damages. Article source – Cost of Cyclone Yasi to Australia will be in the billions by MoneyBlogNewz.

Devastating agriculture is Cyclone Yasi

The Australian state of Queensland got hit with the Cyclone Yasi hard. This was right after terrible floods happened. Right before hitting, the cyclone went from a Category 4 to a Category 5. The storm was as large as Hurricane Katrina at first. Then, the Christian Science Monitor explained it changed to be the size of the U.S. Queensland is one of the chief agricultural locations in Australia, and destruction is thought to be near catastrophic. The agricultural losses are already thought to be at least $1 billion, with another billion in impaired property. As much as $500 million might be lost by the sugar cane crop in Australia considering 30 percent was lost. The Australian banana crop has also been severely affected, with 75 percent thought to be lost.

Prices of food increased

Reuters reports that world food costs went up after news of the cyclone and crop loss went around. The United States lost a ton of wheat in the snowstorms that hit while Australia lost a ton of banana and sugar cane crops in this storm. Together, the price of bread, sugar and bananas are all going up. American wheat costs already have begun increasing in the wake of the winter storm, which has been nicknamed “Stormageddon.” Nearly half of the United States is covered in snow and ice, with freezing temperatures setting in after the snow storm.

La Nina creating destruction

The Telegraph explains that "La Nina" is the reason for all the terrible weather this year. The phenomenon outcomes in lower ocean surface temperatures and atmospheric pressure, which is the opposite effect that an El Niño has. Results of La Niña periods are often wetter, colder winters in the United States and Canada along with milder summers. In the southern hemisphere, the rainy season usually has heavier rainfall and stronger cyclones.

Information from

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/World/Asia-Pacific/2011/0204/US-sized-Cyclone-Yasi-could-cost-Australia-more-than-2-billion

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/02/03/us-food-prices-idUSTRE71223720110203?pageNumber=1

The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/australiaandthepacific/australia/8297904/Cyclone-Yasi-La-Nina-and-record-ocean-temperatures-behind-storm.html

Hospital used in Cuckoo's Nest film passing remains of patients to family members

Remains of patients that died while in a mental facility can be hard to secure at times by the bereaved. The hospital used in the movie "One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest" is attempting to get remains to the hands of the family members of the dearly departed. OR State Hospital stored unclaimed cremated remains of patients from decades ago, until the room the remains were stored in was re-discovered several years ago. It could take many installment loans for family members to give these people a proper burial.

'Cuckoos Nest’ medical center keeps remains of patients

Oregon State Hospital, a psychiatric medical center in Salem, Ore., has been attempting to place remains of patients who passed away while within the hospital’s care with their families, according to ABC. There was a room of about 3,500 patients who died and had cremated remains left behind which was found in 2004 by legislators touring the hospital. An online database of those who passed away at the medical center between 1914 and 1970 that has remains there has been made by the hospital recently. A memorial can be created in 2012 for the unclaimed patients along with a new psychiatric medical center that the OR facility got together.

Setting for legendary novel and movie

The place in which the “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” movie took place is at the OR State Medical center. Jack Nicholson starred in this 1975 film. While at Stanford, author Ken Kesey worked at a mental health center which was why he wrote the 1962 novel. While looking for an appropriate location to film the film, permission was granted to film at Oregon State Hospital, the largest psychiatric medical center in Oregon. IMDB reports the character Dr. Spivey is the medical center administrator played by Dr. Dean Brooks. The Oregon State Hospital had Brooks as the administrator when this occurred as he has an M.D. in psychiatry.

Mental health effects

The film was credited for altering public perception about the nature of mental illness and psychiatric care, according to The Telegraph, by humanizing people who lived at mental health facilities. The movie made it so that electroconvulsive therapy for mental disorders was stopped. It’s also the reason why treatment standards got better.

Citations

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=12808876&page=1

IMDB

imdb.com/name/nm0111954/bio

The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/8296954/How-One-Flew-Over-the-Cuckoos-Nest-changed-psychiatry.html

Research proves red light cameras reduce traffic deaths

More cities within the U.S. are relying on red light video cameras. Red light video cameras are looked upon by most motorists as money cows instead of traffic safety equipment. However, new research has proven that not only do red light cameras raise money, they contribute directly to a reduction in deadly crashes. The short term installment loans that cities had to take out in order to put up these surveillance cameras have proven to be worth it.

Less traffic deaths with red light camcorders in place

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety accounts that the red light surveillance cameras do what they are supposed to in cities. The research industry did a study that was released explained the number of traffic fatalities went down within the five years that red light camcorders have been in intersections. There has been a 26 percent decrease. Within the research, research data from 2004 to 2008 were compared together with accident data from 14 large cities with the 48 others that don't have the red light camcorders. There was a severe drop within the traffic deaths for both categories while deadly crash deaths dropped faster in red light camera cities. A decrease in rear-end collisions were shown with the red light video cameras. However, the T-bone collisions dropped significantly.

The numbers for red light cameras

Red light surveillance camera statistics within the research also drew on traffic accident data recorded by the federal government. In 2009, 2.2 million crashes occurred at intersections, about 41 percent of all crashes. About 81,112 individuals were really hurt and 7,358 were killed in those crashes. About 676 of the fatalities and 113,000 of the injuries were caused by red lights being run. About 64 percent of the people who perished, including passengers, other drivers, pedestrians and cyclists, were killed by the person running the red light. The researchers suggest that about 815 lives would have been saved if there had been red light cameras used in all 99 cities.

Revenue red light video cameras bring in

When it comes to revenue, red light surveillance cameras are great for cities. Millions of dollars in revenue are made off of them. About $7.2 million in revenue was made from June 2009 to Might 2010 by Washington D.C. This was solely off of the 85,678 red light citations that were made. In the United States about half the states permit red light cameras. There were a few cities that installed them in 2000. These included 25 cities. Now, there are many more people that use red light cameras. In fact, 500 cities use them. The National Motorists Association, a long-time critic of red light cameras, said that longer yellow lights would make intersections safer. Red light video cameras have been banned in many cities with voter initiatives. This was done calling the cameras invasion of privacy.

Information from

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/01/AR2011020100021.html?wpisrc=nl_headline

Wall Street Journal

blogs.wsj.com/drivers-seat/2011/02/01/red-light-cameras-get-a-boost/

Fair Warning

fairwarning.org/2011/02/red-light-cameras-save-hundreds-of-lives-on-roads-report-says/

Nevada students organizing to fight spending budget reductions

In Reno, Nevada, university students are gearing up for a battle. These pupils, however, are equipped with figures, quantities and ideas. As the legislature considers cutting schooling financing once more, some pupils are fighting back. The state cannot just take out payday cash advances to fix this issue, so hopefully the students have a good plan.

The NV education cuts

A spending budget deficit that has to balance is a problem that NV has along with many other states. There is a new proposed physical spending budget to the next fiscal year in NV. It suggests that education programs have financing cut by $162 million. The Tobacco Settlement money is one in which the legislature currently is planning on taking a cash advance no fax from. Right now, scholarships are financed with that money. The cash would go other places within the state. These would be for state programs that are running out of funding.

Pupils don't protest

Sit ins and demonstrations aren't being used by pupils anymore to protest. Instead, a brand new way of handling problems like these is being put into action. In order to take on the legislature, pupil governments are starting up committees. Student activist groups are having pre-legislature meetings to go over the financial details and legislation being considered. Buses are being hired to take huge groups of pupils to the statehouse to testify in hearings. The pupils have a ton of information the show legislatures. The legislatures can be forced to listen.

Students argue they are an investment to be made

One extremely significant part of the students' argument is very clear. Students are short-term loans to the system. Sure, the state might get more budgetary money within the short-term. The state might not do well in the end though with less educated professionals. The career center and student-support services have been closed by the University of Reno, NV, already. There’s a reason for the cuts. It means the school will not have to shut down. At the same time, pupils contend that it means they are paying more money for an education that is simply sub-par.

Citations

Nevada News

nevadanewsbureau.com/2011/01/27/amid-budget-cuts-debate-university-students-organizing/