Stuff sold in Unabomber sale bring over $200,000

Personal effects of the “Unabomber,” Ted Kaczynski, were recently sold at sale. Ted Kaczynski, before he decided to become a terrorist, was a statistical genius and on his way to becoming a brilliant academic. However, he ended up falling away and ultimately became an eco-terrorist, sending bombs in the mail to victims, of which three died and almost two dozen were injured. Greater than $200,000 was raised by selling Kaczynski’s belongings and artifacts. That is much more than an easy personal loan.

Payment for shades and hooded sweatshirt ended up at $20,000

The Washington Post states that the hooded sweatshirt and pair of sunglasses were sold off for $20,025. It was an online sale. The hooded sweatshirt and shades in question belonged to the notorious “Unabomber,” serial murderer Ted Kaczynski. Kaczynski turned into one of the worst domestic terrorists in the U.S. after his career as a mathematician. He sent bombs in the mail from 1978 to 1995 in the mail. Three were killed and 23 injured from the bombs. The United States Marshals service wanted to help pay some restitution to victims and their families by selling some of the objects, which got the online auction started. The sale raised $232,246, according to CNN, and was administrated by the General Services Administration.

What the typewriter was value

The Smith Corona typewriter that Kaczynski used to type the document now called the “Unabomber Manifesto” fetched $22,003. The copy of the manifesto that was the original sold for $20,053. Kaczynski’s journals, the highest grossing individual lot in the auction, went for $40,676. There were interesting reactions from victims and their families. They were mixed. Some were in favor of receiving some kind of recompense, and others just wanted to forget about the events. Ted’s brother that tipped off the FBI about Ted’s whereabouts in 1995, David Kaczynski, wrote a blog about how the “murderabilia” enthusiasts, or those obsessed with murders and serial killers, are the only individuals willing to buy the items. However, he acknowledged the cause was “entirely worthy” and that “I hope (the sale) raises a ton of money.” However, he lamented that the victims themselves received little support from the government ! after working class individuals had to cover the $8 million costs of the 17-year manhunt.

Murder menagerie

Sometimes, things that are very common can get for a lot of money as long as they’re connected to a high profile case. This is because there are so several supporters of murderabilia. The coat rack Ryan Jenkins used to hang himself was put up for auction recently for $1,750, the Toronto Sun said. Jasmine Flore was the model ex-wife of Jenkins. He killed her and killed himself later while on the run. The site murderauction.com is one of the largest auction sites for such memorabilia. On the site there was a signed letter from Jeffrey Dahmer. There was also artwork for Charles Manson and John Wayne Gacy being sold. The lots don’t sell cheap. $1,000 is the cheapest they might go.

See yourself what Kaczynski’s brain was doing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDss8h8jljk

Citations

Washington Post

wapo.st/mhfw6H

CNN

news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/03/unabomber-auction-pulls-in-big-bucks/?hpt=us_c2

David Kaczynski’s blog

blog.timesunion.com/kaczynski/423/423/

Toronto Sun

torontosun.com/2011/05/13/suicide-coat-rack-on-auction-block

Murderauction

murderauction.com/

Debt consolidation and debt relief frauds still a danger

During the last few years, many may have noticed a greater number of advertising campaigns and other media relating to debt relief or debt settlement businesses. Some of these corporations are on the level and are trustworthy. However, many of them are scams. Many debt relief businesses still try to evade the laws regarding debt services.

Rules in the Federal Trade Commission disregarded

More than half a year ago, the Federal Trade Commission created new regulations to help deal with the growing number of complaints about ineffective or fraudulent debt settlement and debt settlement companies. Debt servicing corporations, according to KNDU, an NBC affiliate in Washington state, are prohibited from asking for an advance fee, have to make specific information accessible up front and cannot misrepresent themselves in any way. Businesses have to give customers realistic estimates of how much money they could save and disclose exactly what fees are incorporated in the service. There are still some businesses not following this law. This is a problem.

Large debt reduction company busted

Laws for debt services were not being followed by Freedom Debt Relief. This is what the states of New York and Washington found in a sting, WalletPop explains. The firm is located in California. It misled customers in the states mentioned. A settlement of about $2 million was paid to customers in both cases by the business. Four other states had settlements just like this with the business in the past and a class action lawsuit is involved with the business also. The Federal Trade Commission, according to the Wall Street Journal, recently won large settlements against two debt management businesses illegally “robocalling” customers with automated phone messages. The two businesses promised reduced debt for a hefty fee when robocalling people. These businesses were Dynamic Financial Group and Advanced Management Services NW. Advanced Management Services offered a refund if efforts were unsuccessful, but both businesses would just pocket the cash and send a c! ard telling consumers to pay credit card bills on time.

Too great to be true

Do not forget that “if it looks too great to be true, it most likely is.” This is especially true with debt settlement company promises. The Federal Trade Commission and Federal Deposit Insurance Company agree on one thing. They both suggest anything that says you can pay “pennies on the dollar” to get something removed from your credit is a scam you need to keep away from. Also, it is illegal for any debt settlement or debt reduction business to ask for any money whatsoever until after the debt is reduced or somehow changed. Customers can get a debt reduction plan from nonprofit debt counselors too. The FDIC advises customers look at a not-for-profit credit counseling service before looking at any for-profit debt reduction service. You can get help from the National Foundation for Credit Counseling. This will be where financial advisors with your area can be found.

Information from

Walletpop

walletpop.com/2011/03/08/freedom-debt-relief-agrees-to-pay-back-consumers-after-accusatio/

KNDUO/p>

kndo.com/story/14696586/how-new-federal-debt-relief-rules-protect-consumers

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110526-711657.html

FDIC

fdic.gov/consumers/consumer/news/cnfall10/debtoverload.html

FTC

ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/moneymatters/dealing-with-debt-relief-services.shtml

NFCC

nfcc.org/

Are you using Credit Card Act help like you need to be?

In 2009, consumers in need of credit card help were blessed with the United States Credit Card Act. Part of the law is that credit card issuers and the National Foundation for Credit Counseling must work together to provide free credit counseling to delinquent consumers. While they’ve held up their end of the bargain, recent NFCC studies have found that customers simply are not taking advantage, reports Bankrate.

Free credit counseling, fallen by the wayside

Nonprofit help is hardly ever used by United States consumers even though the NFCC and banks have access to it. NFCC spokeswoman Gail Cunningham explained that only 150,000 United States consumers that have had issues dealing with debt have accessed it. You are able to call toll-free the contact number. It can be found on credit card statements that you get. As credit card debt still weighs heavily on the average, recession-weary American, the lack of initiative is troubling.

“I certainly think one of the reasons for the low response rate from consumers could be attributed to a lack of prominence,” said Cunningham. “Perhaps the number is buried somewhere.”

There is so much public prejudice. This is where the number can be buried at. Several consumers think the toll-free Credit Card Act number is just a “service” that the credit card business has put together so they can get even more money from them. Cunningham reports the number has not even been put on some statements. This is now illegal though.

Fewer people got credit card debt in 2010

United States customer charge card debt decreased an average of $7,404 per person, an 8 percent increase, from Jan to December, according to a Credit Karma report. As much as an 11 percent improvement was shown in eight states including Connecticut, Indiana, Oklahoma, TN, Nevada, California and Colorado. Wisconsin made the biggest dent in credit card debt, slashing and burning through the credit jungle for a 31-percent improvement over 2009.

New Mexico, Nebraska, Missouri, Louisiana, Iowa and Delaware all increased credit card debt though. It went up as much as 6 percent in all states. The Credit Karma Survey states that Mississippi had the biggest increase in credit card debt. It had an 8 percent increase.

Want help with credit card debt?

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling site is where you can find non-profits to help near you. Go to nfcc.org to find the information. The Federal Reserve’s website also has a free calculator with which you can calculate how much you’ll owe if you only make the minimum monthly payment on your charge card. You are able to go to the Android Market for tools as well. The Personal Financial Calculator should be downloaded. Or, if you are seeking to compare overdraft APRs of private loans and other customer loan products, have a look at Personal Money Network’s “Loan Overdraft Calculator,” connected below.

Articles cited

Android Market

market.android.com/details?id=com.adworkz.pms.mobile.tools.calculators_2001.com

Bankrate

bankrate.com/financing/credit-cards/nfcc-credit-card-help-unused/

Federal Reserve

federalreserve.gov/creditcardcalculator/

Personal Money Store

tools.personalmoneystore.com/free-payday-loan-calculator/

National Foundation for Credit Counseling

nfcc.org/

Obama signed the Credit Card Act. Are you using its programs?

youtube.com/watch?v=OVFj2p8JeKo

Sex change coverage a thing Portland mayor would like for community staff

Portland, Ore., Mayor Sam Adams has defended the transgender area employees, claiming that community insurance should cover sex change surgery. As stated by Adams, it is only right that area health insurance cover the treatment. The Portland Community Council is expected to vote on Adams’ proposal as early as June.

’Fair, common sense,’ he says

Mayor Adams told The Oregonian newspaper that the transgender medical operation bill amounts to “fair, common sense.” If the legislation makes its way into law, it would override the previous year’s area committee decision to veto gender change medical operation coverage out of Portland’s self-insurance fund. The denial occurred as the committee could not reach the consensus needed to recommend change to city policy.

It would cost about $32,000 a year for transgender surgery benefits in Portland according to Adams’ estimates. There would be about a .08 percent increase in the self-insurance plan spending budget for the city.

The ‘medically necessary’ things are covered

In 2008, the American Medical Association has identified transgender health care as “medically necessary.” Under the AMA resolution, withholding coverage for treatment of gender identity disorder when such procedure has been prescribed by a physician isn’t allowed.

“As Mayor, it is important to me that we attract and retain the best and brightest employees to the City of Portland,” writes Adams in a press statement. “Covering basic, medically-necessary care is a matter of fairness, and it’s the right thing to do.”

Kaiser or self-insurance

Portland gives two opportunities to employees for health insurance including a self-insurance plan called CityCore and insurance through Kaiser. CityCore would cover gender change medical operation if Adams gets what he wants making the city’s plan the same as 22 percent of Fortune 100 Companies’ plans and just like many other Oregon businesses.

It all started in San Francisco

Transgender medical operation benefits became covered in 2001 in San Francisco. This made it the first U.S. city to do so. Then-Mayor Willie Brown and the San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved a bill that extended coverage of the gender change operation for city employees, also as accompanying hormone treatments and related medical needs.

Male to female operation costs $37,000 and female to male cost $77,000 at that time. Fees were capped at $50,000 per person for life in the San Francisco ordinance while 15 percent if the surgeon is on the area health plan had to be paid.

Sam Adams at a rally for same-sex marriage

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BMPgHIrjKA

Information from

Basic Rights Oregon

basicrights.org/

OregonLive.com

blog.oregonlive.com/portlandcityhall/2011/05/mayor_sam_adams_to_push_sex-ch.html

Portland Online

portlandonline.com/mayor/?a=350579&c=49278

SF Gate

sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/02/16/MN202072.DTL

2013 automobiles will call for brand new stickers

The U.S. Department of Energy last week introduced its new label design, required for all 2013 automobiles and light trucks. For the first time, the stickers will require estimated yearly fuel expenses and rate overall environmental influence.

Energy Independence and Security Act

The stickers stem from the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which required stickers for energy usage. Consumer information was in the agreement between the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Transportation last year. It is there too.

Previous conceptual drafts look about the same

The labels are pretty close to the Environmental Protection Agency conceptual draft stickers that came out. The fuels for the cars are displayed to them. They have the emission ratings, levels of consumption and miles per gallon listed.

Letter grades done away with

The inclusion of letter grades on the new stickers inspired much debate in earlier drafts. The original reason of the grades was to rate from D to A PLUS the efficiency of the car. The B- was anticipated to be the average. Five-year fuel costs will be estimated on the labels instead. Harmful emissions from 1 to 10 will be rated on there too.

Hybrid and electric automobiles

The distance an automobile can drive fully charged will be put on electric and hybrid automobiles. This will help customers a lot.

Personalize with a QR rating

To be able to help out smartphone users, the stickers will have a QR code too. This is also required. The code can be used to calculate estimates on gasoline prices depending on the driver’s personal habits also as tailored to his or her locality. QR calculators will even be available online.

Washington calls it a ‘win-win’

”These new window stickers are a win-win,” according to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “They’ll help consumers make informed choices to save at the pump.”

Huge program

Much more basic information was needed in a five-year old program which the brand new sticker program will replace. It is a huge change. The 35-year-old sticker program will be swapped out.

Not done quite yet

Brand new fuel economy standards will be released for commercial buses and trucks in July by the Environmental Protection Agency. Also, new gas mileage standards will be released for all other vehicles. This will take place next fall.

The vehicles could be seen very soon even though they won’t be required until 2013 sales.

Data from

Edmonton Journal

edmontonjournal.com/cars/labels+better+reflect+fuel+costs/4865881/story.html

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/05/26/business/energy-environment/26label.html

Automotive

blogs.automotive.com/6730328/miscellaneous/new-fuel-economy-window-sticker-update-details/index.html

Should little banks fear the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau?

The American Bankers Association has a bone to pick along with the CFPB, writes Investor’s Business Daily. Community banks and credit unions think over 1,000 of their kind will disappear, due to what they see as over-regulation from the Dodd-Frank Act. They see this action as likely, and feel it would be an abuse of power on the part of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

Strong enforcement arm in consumers’ corner

Elizabeth Warren, the interim chief of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, has warned that “change is coming” and that all U.S. financial institutions will have to play by new rules. Warren has spoken time and time again about how the United States consumers’ financial rights will be protected by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau with the Customer Financial Protection Bureau’s budget. Half of the budget will be going to supervision and enforcement.

Community banks and credit unions fear their own Rapture

ABA representatives have stated publicly that if Dodd-Frank rules go into effect as they are currently written, more than 1,000 banks will be forced out of business before the end of the decade. Any information requested, in any format requested, must be given to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau by banks. The resources taken to put this together could possibly be devastating to small banks. The Home Mortgage Disclosure Act is meant to stop predatory lending, which the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would want to make sure of. The bureau will probably ask for even more information from a borrower so it can choose if there has been any discrimination.

According to Investor’s Business Daily, ABA Chairman Stephen explained that this is bad for credit unions and small community banks. They will make the loans larger banks won’t most of the time. The more small banks that shut down, the fewer capital sources remain accessible. This is passed on to customers in higher rates and fees, argues Wilson.

“If we tie up our capital system, it’s going to take money away from the people who need it to create jobs,” warned U.S. Chamber of Commerce President Tom Donohue.

Elizabeth Warren debated

On July 21, the CFPB will be launching. There is no permanent chairperson still. Warren will likely be nominated by President Obama, but numerous lawmakers who support the banking industry have attempted to derail the Warren nomination. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has too much power, Republicans argue. Warren is hoping the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will be “toothless” she states.

By way of comparison, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 – one of the more critical pieces of financial regulatory legislation, pre-Dodd-Frank – changed sixteen rules over two-and-a-half years. The Dodd-Frank Act will require more than 250 rule changes over several years.

Articles cited

American Bankers Association

aba.com/default.htm

Florida Realtors

floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/article.cfm?id=259538

Investor’s Business Daily

investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article/572889/201105201812/1000-Small-Banks-May-Be-Shut-Down-Due-To-Dodd-Frank.htm

SEC

sec.gov/about/laws/soa2002.pdf

Rep. Sean Duffy (R-Wisc.) fights for community banks and credit unions

youtube.com/watch?v=8yqmp_kIucQ

Joplin, Mo., may deal with 2nd tornado right after catastrophe

More than a hundred people are dead in Joplin, Mo., due to a savage tornado touchdown in the town, and a second one might soon be on the way. A storm front is at the moment converging on the lower Midwest region. There’s a strong probability of tornadoes. An extreme thunderstorm alert, including a huge chance of tornadoes, is in impact for five states.

Which states need to worry a tornado might hit

MSNBC explains that a storm system has produced tornadoes already after starting in the south of the U.S. and continuing with more tornadoes after hitting Joplin, Mo., on Sunday, May 22 and killing 116. A thunderstorm advisory is in effect for Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and the northeast corner of Texas, and people are told to view for tornadoes, hail and strong winds throughout the region. The tornado risk was commented on by a National Weather Service official. The official said the risk is “not through … not by a long shot.” As the storm progresses in the week, the chance of another tornado just like the one that hit Joplin taking place will decrease, although the chance is still there, reports USA Today.

Because it is La Nina, possibility of storms goes up

Tornadoes have been the reason for 482 fatalities this year. The increased strength of storm systems and tornadoes is being credited to La Niña, a periodic weather phenomenon caused when the tropical Pacific Ocean cools. Storm systems become more severe meaning more tornadoes may occur when the Pacific cools since the jet streams get stronger and cool air rises to the atmosphere. Yahoo News explains that meteorologists aren’t surprised by the storms. They say that the events aren’t out of the ordinary even though they are terrible events. Weather patterns, such as low pressure systems conducive to tornadoes, can form in areas and stay for long periods of time. Last month, several tornadoes tore across several states and killed more than 300 people.

Insurance losses in the billions

Billions will be lost by insurance companies. Reuters reports that a lot will have to be paid out. A normal year means only $2 billion to $4 billion would be paid out by insurance companies while this year is expected to total $10 billion with all the tornado outbreaks and river flooding in the United States happening. All of the insurance companies in the world might have to pay up to $55 billion this year. This is just for the damage the New Zealand and Japan earthquake have caused. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is trying to get towns rebuilt after the 1,151 tornadoes that have already hit in 2011. There were 181 people killed in Woodward, Okla., in 1947 making Joplin’s tornado the deadliest since then. At one point during the storm, the Joplin tornado was three-quarters of a mile across. Speeds of 200 miles per hour came from it.

Citations

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/43147795/ns/weather/

USA Today

usatoday.com/weather/storms/tornadoes/2011-05-23-tornadoes-hit-plains_n.htm

Yahoo News

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_sci_midwest_storms_science;_ylt=AjjcCUBXXogIBRiQGeOupzqs0NUE;_ylu=X3oDMTNjM21oOHRnBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwNTI0L3VzX21pZHdlc3Rfc3Rvcm1zBGNjb2RlA21vc3Rwb3B1bGFyBGNwb3MDMQRwb3MDNgRwdANob21lX2Nva2UEc2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yeQRzbGsDcmVsYXRlZA–

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/05/24/us-insurance-disasters-idUSTRE74M6GH20110524

An increase in Cuba travel from law changes

Many people have longed to enjoy many different drinks in the same bars as Hemingway, but the ban against traveling to Cuba has made that impossible. However, the restrictions are slowly being lifted. There are ways around the travel ban, and a lot of people are aware of them. More people are starting to travel to Cuba annually. However, bear in mind that Cuba is not Disneyland.

Ability to get to Cuba elevated

The relationship between Cuba and the U.S. in the last half century has not been very good. It has been quite terrible actually. A small number of individuals were allowed to go to Cuba in 1999 when Clinton signed a bill to allow it, states MSNBC. The Kennedy administration’s Cuban embargo is still in effect though. As long as an individual is going to Cuba for “people to people contacts,” it is acceptable. This means that people have to go to Cuba with the intention of learning about the Cuban culture. Adjudicating the quality of the pina coladas doesn’t count; most groups have itineraries packed with museum, factory and farm visits.

Clampdown going away

An individual has to book a trip through a group authorized to go to Cuba if an individual wants to get in. The State Department won’t have to approve travel itineraries anymore ahead of time meaning it will be easier to get into a tour of Cuba. However, Cuba it isn’t an excellent place to take the children. People go to Cuba for religious, journalistic or governmental reasons. That means that even though there is still “person to person” travel, you should not just go to getaway, the State Department website explained. As long as relatives are Cuban nationals, individuals can go to Cuba to see them. There is no U.S. Embassy in Cuba, though a U.S. Special Interests Section is located in the Swiss Embassy in Havana, functioning as an embassy of sorts.

Get papers in order first

The State Department claims Cuba is “a totalitarian police state” that uses physical and other means to control its citizens. Do not worry about being safe while in Cuba. However, make sure you are respectful and have your paperwork in order if you are going to visit. Most Cubans cannot travel at all. In order to leave Cuba, Cubans need a “white card” exit visa. Costs have to be around $150 to go. Typically, Cubans have about $20 a month to live on. They typically don’t have enough to eat either, the Christian Science Monitor explains. President Obama, according to Reuters, is open to normalizing relations and lifting some restrictions on trade and travel if the Raul Castro regime makes meaningful changes to the notoriously tight-fisted Cuban regime. Cuba communism will not change, claims Castro, although he will let some trade occur.

Citations

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/43126754/ns/travel-news/

U.S. Department of State on traveling to Cuba

travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1097.html

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2011/0513/Cubans-may-no-longer-be-stuck-on-Caribbean-isle

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/05/13/us-usa-cuba-obama-idUSTRE74C3P820110513

Smaller businesses get credit through OnDeck

In business, there are big-idea startups that attract a ton of funding. Several of the companies that all of us use every single day, however, are not a big idea. They’re the restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, and hotdog carts that we use every day. A new startup called OnDeck is trying to help these 5 million companies qualify for loans more easily.

Small business lending issues

It could be difficult to qualify for a small company loan. Most financial institutions do not want to lend to individuals without a credit history or business history. This means companies may not be able to get a loan. Businesses typically do not like to do loans less than $100,000. The work involved in a 14-item business loan package just is not worth it. Financing can be secured by business owners with less than 25 employees as long as they use their personal credit. The business ends up tied to personal accounts with this, which can be dangerous. The risk is somebody potential owners will not like.

The best answer from OnDeck

Cloud-based and interconnected, OnDeck aims to streamline the creation of financial reports and information for lenders. It links companies with their accounting, credit card processing and online banking accounts. This will be in their business profile. The full financial profile, business credit report and prospectus is created with the information as well as industry data, regional information and tax data. Big businesses like reports to help them decide on loans while this program was created in five years. The information is much more real time than the information banks will give you. The process for loans between $5,000 and $150,000 will be much better with it.

Small Businesses have more resources

OnDeck provides new financing resources for smaller businesses, but it is not the only new resource for getting small company credit. A new government partnership called StartUp America aims to provide discounts, resources and information to help small business owners get their business going or growing. For counseling, information and loan guarantees, there is another place business owners can go. This is the Small business administration. There are lots of resources out there for entrepreneurs willing to watch for them.

Articles cited

Tech Crunch

techcrunch.com/2011/05/19/smart-lending-on-deck-gives-your-startup-a-credit-score-so-you-can-secure-a-loan/

Startup America Partnership

startupamericapartnership.org/

Crime rates worsened by cash advance lenders claims new study

A new study links payday loan lenders to increasing crime rates and falling property values. This is not the first time that a connection has been discussed between payday lending and crime, however the academic literature until now has never had much consensus. The total impact of payday lenders is not entirely known. It might be impossible to know if payday loans are truly a force for good, evil or occupies a gray area.

How cash advance lenders are connected to crime

WalletPop reports that a connection between payday advance lenders and crime would suggest payday loan lenders are responsible for crime rate increases after re-examination. Charis Kubrin and Gregory Squires of George Washington University and Steven Graves of California State University Northridge all worked together to write the study called “Does Fringe Banking Exacerbate Neighborhood Crime Rates?” which was really a paper that has been around since 2009. Environment influences crime over anything else, according to the report which utilizes social disorganization for its framework. The contention is that pay day loan lenders enter environments that are highly disorganized, such as poverty and crime-ridden areas, and cause things to get worse.

Just a repeat

Areas with more payday cash advance lenders have higher crime rates in Seattle, according to the study. It claims that the more payday lenders, the higher the crime rate. The study is meticulously done, and does make a case for its central premise of payday loan lenders driving up crime rates. There was a rise of crime of only 1 percent shown in a 2010 study of payday loans and crimes done by Heather Luea. Poverty is a huge trigger of crime while individuals who are not able to get charge cards or rely on banks tend to use pay day loan lenders more often. More crime in an area causes more crime. That is the real problem.

Both sides of the issue

Deciding whether or not payday loans are morally acceptable has been hard for many. There are surely correlations with crime and payday lenders while there have been accusations of bias and other concerns for pay day loan positives. The United States Census data on Wikipedia shows that household income for the lowest 40 percent has stayed the same while income for the top 20 percent has increased steadily for the last 30 years. That’s demographic that personal loan companies cater to. Nobody has suggested how to help the individuals on the bottom. Without payday loans, they will need another solution.

Information from

WalletPop

walletpop.com/2011/05/12/payday-lenders-fuel-crime-drive-down-property-values/

Fringe banking and crime study

gwu.edu/|newsctr/09/pdfs/Payday_Lending_and_Crime_Working_Paper.pdf

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_Income_Distribution_1947-2007.svg

The United States to get new Ford Focus ST seven years after the last one

Years after the original, Ford is going to be unveiling a new Focus ST in America. The ST is the sport version of the Ford Focus, and it will have a sport suspension and far more powerful engine. The ST is slated to hit dealerships in 2012.

New Ford Focus in the U.S.

Before the Ford Focus performance version, or Focus ST, comes out in late 2011, it is doing a lot of tests, USA Today states. There can be good suspension and horsepower from the care. The U.S. did get some of the 60 prototypes of the auto Ford released. This was done so individuals know about the auto and to test it out. You may have seen the Focus ST if you see an odd colored Focus that is closer to the ground and works really well while photos show leopard-like black spots on silver.

Motor specifics

The new Focus ST has the same engine as the rest of the Focus lineup. Until 2004, the Focus SVT was sold in the U.S. MotorTrend reports that it had a five-cylinder engine with 227 horsepower and 2.7 liter tank. The ST will be turbocharged with Ecoboost direct injection which could be the only different between the 2.0 liter incline four cylinder other Focus models have. The horsepower on the ST is 246. It gets 250 foot pounds of torque on it too. Ford’s Electric Power Assist Steering and racing suspension could be on the auto too. The price of the automobile has not yet been put up. Still, most expect it to be in the range of upper Focus models. The Ford website shows that the Titanium package is probably the most expensive Focus at $23,000.

London wants it

The U.S. may be excited to have the performance Focus. It isn’t the first Ford has made though. The ST is a performance-oriented compact car as a hatchback, making it a European auto that several want. The 2.5 liter five cylinder Focus ST has been sold in Europe and Australia already. Ford started selling them in 2005, states Wikipedia. Soon the ST will hit international markets while the Focus itself is being re-released by Ford as an international model. London’s new Focus is the same as Melbourne’s and Los Angeles’ vehicles. In The United States, the Ford Focus sells really well. It sells even better with the British though. Top Gear explains the U.K. has made the automobile one of its best-selling cars. In Britain, it was the 3rd best in 2010. Number one was the Ford Fiesta.

Citations

USA Today

content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/05/ford-starts-us-testing-of-powerful-focus-st/1

Motor Trend

wot.motortrend.com/new-ford-focus-st-test-mules-force-76643.html

Ford

ford.com/cars/focus/features/#page=FeatureCategory1

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Focus_%28International%29

Top Gear

topgear.com/uk/photos/uk-top-ten-cars-of-2010-2011-01-07?imageNo=0

CARD act could make financial freedom harder for some

The 2009 financial reform CARD Act was meant to help protect customers. One provision of the bill is that those that provide credit can’t issue credit unless the applicant can prove that they can repay it. The bill is causing some severe unintentional consequences, however. Stay-at-home spouses are very possibly going to be losing financial freedom, under the provisions of this bill. Article source – CARD Act could strip stay-at-home partners of financial identity by MoneyBlogNewz.

What changes with the CARD Act in place

The CARD Act contains several provisions intended to safeguard consumers from unfair or inappropriate practices of charge card issuers. The Act also created several new rules that change how card corporations consider income. When applying for credit, “income” is very specific. It does not contain community property or household income. Instead, all income on an application for credit must be individual. Consumers won’t be able to over qualify for credit without money with this law.

The change from the CARD Act rules

Though it may not be intentional, the CARD Act could have a disproportionate impact on stay-at-home partners or parents. There might be one person who works while the other stays at home. In this case, the CARD Act makes it very hard for that stay at home person to get credit. Any stay-at-home spouses can be unable to get an independent credit history although it will stop those without income from getting a charge card. Without credit, there can be less opportunity for jobs. That will make it harder on an individual if the relationship ends suddenly.

The CARD Act and community property

In all the 50 United States, there is some “community property.” This is only in 10 of them though. A pre- or post-nuptial agreement would change things, but the property law means the couple shares anything. Every little thing in the marriage belongs equally to both partners. The CARD Act needs finances to be split in half for couples in community property states. For couples not in community property states, the CARD act simply means that one partner can’t obligate the other partner to bad credit loans or other debt without their explicit agreement.

How you’ll be impacted by the CARD Act

The CARD Act provisions will be really hard on any person who is a stay-at-home partner. If you stay at home and don’t have paying employment, you may be required to get your partner’s signature on every little thing from credit card applications to personal loans. Try and get a good credit history. This can help you a lot. Employment or some way of verifying monthly income from your partner is essential, as is maintaining open lines of communication about finances.

Citations

NCLC

nclc.org/

The Library of Congress

thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:HR00627:@@@D&summ2=m&

Can't pay your taxes? What to do about extensions and interest

The deadline for filing federal taxes is three days later than usual this year. Even with that additional time, some people will need an additional amount of time to get their taxes filed. Filing your taxes on time is very important. If you cannot file or pay your taxes on time, then you need to contact the Internal Revenue Service as easily as possible. As with all debts that you owe, ignoring the problem isn’t the best way to manage the situation. Instead, you need to contact the IRS as quickly as possible to address the problem. Source for this article – Can’t pay your taxes? What to do about extensions and interest by MoneyBlogNewz.

Extending your filing deadline

You will need to get an extension in filing if you will not be able to file your tax return by April 18. The proper filing of IRS Form 4868 should do the trick. This will make the deadline October 17 instead. Filing can be extended very easily. Nevertheless, the deadline for paying taxes won’t change. Whenever you file form 4868, you are required to estimate what your taxes can be. That has to be paid with the extension form. Failure to file an extension or a return will result in a 5 percent per month penalty, up to 25 percent of your total tax bill.

Payment deadlines also accessible

Tax filings and tax payments are different. That means the deadlines are different as well. You will have to file taxes nevertheless, even if you can’t pay the entire tax bill when it is filed. That way, you can keep away from paying both a failure to file and failure to pay penalty. You need to pay as much as you can as easily as possible. Make an effort to pay at least 90 percent of what is required when filing. This will cancel all penalties for six months, until the extended filing deadline. After you file, the IRS will send you a bill. It will only take 30 to 40 days to get it. It is important to pay fast since interest and penalties accumulate at 4 percent each day. Get a hold of the IRS if there is no way to pay. Call 1-800-829-1040 to talk about payments.

Exploring tax settlement choices

There are always ads for tax debt settlement. Television uses these often for commercials. Typically it is a poor choice to make an effort to use these tax settlement services. Getting same day loans to pay the debt would be a safer choice. Working class individuals can file an Offer in Compromise on their own with the Internal Revenue Service, which is all the tax settlement services do. An Offer in Compromise should be the last resort, after attempting to create a payment plan with the Internal Revenue Service. There are individuals standing by to talk to individuals at the Internal Revenue Service. Just call and figure things out.

Articles cited

IRS

irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=104593,00.html

H&R Block

hrblock.com/taxes/tax_tips/irs/extension_info.html

Child identity theft victims hurt most often by their family

sufferers of identity theft are increasingly those too young to realize it. New research shows that identity thieves are focusing increasingly on children because parents don’t pay attention and the theft can go undetected for years.

Why child identity theft takes place

There have been thousands already sufferers of identity theft while thousands more have the risk there nevertheless. A Carnegie Mellon University CyLab cybersecurity research center report explained this clearly. There were 42,232 children in the report looked at from the 2009-10 Debix AllClear ID Protection Network scan where parents were told about compromised child IDs. There were 4,311 kids, just a little over 10 percent, which had identity thieves steal Social Security numbers according to Debix AllClear ID data. Of 347,362 adults in the Debix AllClear ID data, there were 663 attacks. That is 51 times lower than the child rate at 0.2 percent for United States adults. The youngest it ever got was a five month old. The identity was stolen nevertheless. A 17-year old girl from Arizona found she was $725,000 in debt with 42 open accounts including mortgages, vehicle loans and charge cards. Her Social Security number was connected to eight suspects. A 14-year-old boy f! rom Kentucky had a credit rating going back 10 years listing a mortgage foreclosure.

Sufferers of friendly fraud

There has been lots of child identity theft. The early 1980s was when it began. The Social Security Administration got orders from the Internal Revenue Service. It said that children should be given Social Security numbers to go with them. Parents, family members and family friends started to do identity theft with these Social Security numbers. Javelin Strategy and Research reported that there were several “friendly fraud” cases last year. That was 30 percent of identity theft cases. Because credit checks do not verify age, identity thieves can freely take out loans, get credit cards and create accounts. The non-profit Identity Theft Resource Center recently helped a young man from Florida who failed a background check to become a police offer because his estranged father had stolen his identity years earlier and destroyed his credit.

Child identity theft solutions

According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, every child should be taught out identity theft. They should know sharing information on the Internet isn’t always safe. All personal information, including Social Security numbers and birth certificates, should be kept in a secure place. Be worried about a child having had credit opened if mail comes in the child’s name. A credit score could possibly be taken for the child from all three credit bureaus. Sometimes there is no credit report. That is most likely good for child. For those who have a credit history for the child, file a security alert. Do this at TransUnion, Experian and Equifax. File a police report using the credit reports as evidence. The credit bureaus are required to remove the credit report issues within 30 days after a police report listing the fraudulent accounts.

Articles cited

Forbes

blogs.forbes.com/moneybuilder/2011/03/31/protecting-your-child-from-identity-theft/

Atlanta Journal Constitution

ajc.com/news/child-identity-theft-increases-572552.html

Wallet Pop

walletpop.com/2011/04/05/report-as-child-id-theft-grows-rapidly-consider-these-precauti/

CEO pay soars as flat middle-class wages erode with rising cost of living

CEO pay in the United States was up 12 percent last year, averaging about $9.6 million. Fourth quarter profits for U.S. companies grew at a 30 percent rate, the most in several years of Sundays. While CEOs were giving themselves pay raises, wages for U.S. workers were stagnant as increasing gas and food prices eat into paychecks.

CEO increases at the expense of the workers

At a time when millions of Americans simply hope they keep their jobs, average CEO pay has risen to surpass pre-recession levels. The economy is beginning to rebound and executive pay is increasing, however employee pay is still constant with the recessions drop. As corporate profits soar, stock prices rise and productivity increases, CEOs can increase their own pay but don’t have to hire or award employees with rises because more than 13 million people are looking for work. CEO’s have no reason to hire employees when they are making do with who they have. Last year, an average of 12 percent raises was given to CEO’s by economic bail out sectors. Yet, private sector pay rose by about 2 percent. In March, unemployment was around 8.8 percent. It is forecasted to be years before the unemployment rate drops, according to most economists.

CEOs rake in huge stock opportunities

The highest paid CEO in the U.S. last year was Phillipe Dauman of Viacom who pocketed $84.5 million in just nine months. Ray Irani of Occidental Petroleum made $76.1 million past year, making him take the place of the second highest paid CEO. Forbes also states that Oracle’s Larry Ellison brought in $39.5 million making him the third highest paid. Fueled by Wall Street, CEOs are raking in the biggest paydays since 2007 with stock opportunities. Many CEOs accepted stock choices during the recession when they held little value, knowing that huge paydays lied ahead when the market recovered. Thanks to taxpayer bailouts and interest-free leverage offered by the Federal Reserve, the stock market has recovered spectacularly and the CEOs are cashing in. There was well over $20 million made by several CEOs cashing in their stock choices according to USA Today.

The rising commodity costs impact middle class

Middle-class America is having a difficult time with these payments to CEOs since they have had a hard time with pay increases. In the last five months, hourly income have not increased by as-much-as a single penny according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. United States workers aren’t getting raises, yet the cost of products is ever increases. Since the start of the year, U.S. income and prices have been moving in opposite directions. Gas is the biggest thing hurting the American worker. An average of 12 gallons of gas a week is used by the average employee. Individuals have reported that filling a gas tank is costing $40 more per month than it did past year. In the mean time, the average weekly wage is up just $18 from past year.

Citations

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/04/10/business/10comp.html?_r=2#38;ref=business

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/companies/management/2011-04-04-1Aoptions04_ST_N.htm

NPR

npr.org/2011/04/10/135272006/paychecks-cant-keep-up-with-rising-prices

Tax write offs you should not try at home

Some people are loading up to fire some strange tax deductions at the Internal Revenue Service this tax season. Whether it is sperm contributions or some other less than savory "business" expense, do not expect such things to go undetected. Don’t take these as examples, however marvel at the ingenuity – or laziness, or lunacy – that went into these crazy tries at tax deductions. Source of article – Bizarre tax deductions to brighten your tax day by MoneyBlogNewz.

Holy travel and entertainment write offs, Batman

Bankrate states that CPA Ken Sibley knew a male who tried to claim travel and entertainment expenses as tax deductions as a minister. Apparently, the minister was looking for real estate investment properties however never found his promised land after years of trying. It was not business expenditure.

Charity does not consist of getting married

Getting married is not enough to deduct expenses. It cannot be a part of business expenditures being deducted. Massachusetts CPA explained that it is not business expense, even if clients are attended. Wedding expenses are not considered a charitable donation either since it isn't a charity.

Expense taking 30 years

Don Meyer is a New Jersey CPA. He said that one manager of a famous entertainer got a $2 million office building purchased. It would be business expense and deducted as one. The manager wanted to use it that year for it. The recovery would take over 30 years to get. This was what Meyer told the male. Even a suitcase full of money and an ominous admonition to "make it work" couldn’t change the tax law.

Taxes for life

You cannot claim pets as security expense although you can deduct things are home for business expenditures. The IRS is also not okay covering home security systems. The Hunter Group of Fair Lawn, N.J., explained this detail of the IRS. One woman said that if somebody came into her home and killed her, she wouldn't be able to pay taxes anymore which mean she should be able to deduct her home security system.

Don’t make an effort to deduct adult magazines

Dues and subscriptions for professional and trade publications might be listed as tax deductions, so long as you are a professional in an approved field. According to Quizlaw, these would go under miscellaneous as long as the 2 percent floor rule is met. This means it must account for 2 percent or more of the adjusted gross income.

A Massachusetts CPA explained that a self-employed real estate agent trying to get adult magazines written off should probably reconsider the business strategy.

Once, Don Meyer had a prostitute client. That was different. Declaring her income was important to her. She said her job was in "public relations."

Articles cited

Bankrate

bankrate.com/finance/taxes/10-craziest-tax-deductions-for-2011-1.aspx

IRS

irs.gov/businesses/small/article/0,,id=204169,00.html

Quizlaw

quizlaw.com/federal_income_tax/can_i_deduct_dues_and_subscrip.php

On deducting haircuts and sperm donations

youtube.com/watch?v=uW6HWOekZ3M

Paying home loans getting simpler, however housing nevertheless depressed

Fewer individuals are having a difficult time paying the mortgage, though the housing market is still not doing too well. The housing market has continued to struggle, though employment is beginning to turn itself around.

Less homes underwater

A recent Harris Interactive poll, according to Daily Finance, revealed that, compared to last year, fewer survey subjects believed that their homes were underwater. There were 3,000 respondents, and 21 percent of them thought their homes were worth less than what was owed on it which was at 34 percent last year. Past year, there were 29 percent of Harris respondents that were not able to make mortgage payments, which dropped this year to 22 percent. There were 3 percent fewer with mortgages in the poll. There are fewer people applying for installment loans to cover a mortgage with a lower joblessness rate too.

Distressed homes flooding the market

USA Today reports that the number of distressed properties has been really worrying several. There were 1.8 million distressed homes without payment for at least 90 days as of January. The price of a distressed home always is at least 20 percent lower, which makes them attractive to bargain hunters and real estate investors. There are lots of them there though. That means all home costs end up being low. Soon the moratorium on foreclosures will end too, states Reuters. This will mean more foreclosures are to occur in the coming months. Several of the nation’s largest mortgage loan providers, including Bank of America and Wells Fargo, had to suspend foreclosures as questionable foreclosure practices at those institutions were being investigated by the government.

Cheap homes for those who can take advantage

More than likely, the market will continue as a buyer's market. More than likely, home prices will keep falling. MSNBC predicts this for the next few months. Mortgage rates are still coming off record lows several months ago, and people who can get the financing may never have to run out for same day loans to cover the mortgage payment if a low rate could be locked in. Lending might be hard to get. This is because loan providers are nervous about the market still.

Citations

Daily Finance

dailyfinance.com/story/real-estate/fewer-us-mortgages-in-trouble/19902674/

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2011-03-30-distressed-homes-shadow-inventory.htm

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/03/31/us-financial-regulation-mortgages-idUSTRE72A63J20110331

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/38770102/ns/business-real_estate/

Ask for an Extended Payment Plan when you face payday loan default

If you’ve ever had trouble repaying your payday loans on time, here’s information you need. If you are dealing with a payday lender that is affiliated with the Community Financial Services Association of America, you can ask for an Extended Payment Plan (EPP). This amounts to a kind of emergency installment loan that stretches out the payments for four more paydays with no charge. Article source – Avoid payday loan default with an Extended Payment Plan by MoneyBlogNewz.

Lenders determine, after the state, EPP rules

Depending upon the state in which payday loans originate and whether the lender is a CFSA member, the stipulations of an Extended Payment Plan will vary. State laws are followed if the law already provides an EPP for customers on payday loans. CFSA members offer the service as an aid to customers in states where a specific law does not already exist. CFSA-member extended payment plans generally allow customers to repay their quick installment loans in four equal payments over the next four paydays, says eHow Money. Sometimes an EPP payment is missed. In this case, additional fees may apply.

How to request an EPP from CFSA-member lenders

• Lender should be CFSA. Try and get this. Any payday lender member will have the CFSA blue oval logo on its site or in its office. A lender doesn’t have to be a CFSA member to offer an Extended Payment Plan. This could nevertheless be accessible. Just ask about this. They’ll tell you what they can do.
• The lender needs to be contacted. Do this prior to the due date end of business day. If you are going to run into trouble repaying your payday loans, contact your lender before close of business on the day just before your loan is due. Go to the lending office or contact the lender online. The topic will be an Extended Payment Plan. Say this is what you need. You’ll then need to sign an agreement form that will specify the additional due dates. Read the extended payment plan carefully right before signing.

If the lender is a CFSA member and you haven’t used an EPP in the past 12 months, however the lender refuses to offer you an EPP to help you keep away from default, you can file a complaint. Contact the CFSA during Eastern time business hrs at 888-572-9329 (fax 703-684-1219) or cfsa@multistate.com. You can also send a letter to 515 King St., Suite 300, Alexandria, Va., 22314 to get a hold of the CFSA.

Articles cited

CFSA Consumer Complaint Form

cfsaa.com/cfsa-member-best-practices/how-to-file-a-customer-complaint.aspx

CFSA

cfsaa.com/cfsa-member-best-practices/what-is-an-extended-payment-plan.aspx

eHow

ehow.com/how_5906522_extended-can_t-pay-payday-loan.html

Get a money market account on the internet quickly

If you are dissatisfied with the rate of return on a traditional savings account, you’re in the right place. For a better rate of return, consider a money market account. They have slightly less liquidity than a savings account, however money markets are a safe investment that customers can easily sign up for on the internet. Post resource – Signing up for a money market account online is easy by MoneyBlogNewz.

Money market has accounts and funds

There are two basic variations when it comes to a money market: the money market account (aka the money market savings account) and the money market fund (aka the money market mutual fund). A bank usually is in charge of money market accounts while the FDIC insures it. These accounts are referred to as "electronic savings," "Internet savings" and "High-yield savings" by banks. There are requirements on a money market savings account that are not on a regular savings account. Nevertheless, they both offer liquidity.

Money market mutual funds are quality, short-term investments with some liquidity and interest rates that fluctuate daily. There have not been troubles with money market funds in the past when it comes to safety even though they’re not FDIC insured. Nevertheless, investors should know that if something takes place to the bank they’re invested in, they will not get their money back.

Which money market account will work best for you?

Your financial situation will determine what I best for you. You will have to shop around nevertheless. Between financial institutions, there will be great rates. Check Bankrate.com to compare rates. Watch out for banks that have a really high opening rate. Sometimes they plan to drop it down later.

Some banks give customers free checks and access to electronic funds transfer (EFT) from a money market fund and checking account. The number of monthly transfers might change though. There is typically a limit on this.

If you sign up for a money market account through a brokerage, unlimited check writing, an attached debit card and EFT transfers are common features. Future trades can be paid for by a separate money market account where extra cash is "swept" into. This account will get extra money from trades and investments.

Take a look at the website for your institution

It’s very clear what the procedure is to opening an account after you are at the website for the financial institution of your choice. When applying, you’ll have to get an account agreement form to print, sign and mail in. In case you are also getting checks, make sure you send in a signature card with it. You might nevertheless have questions about it. Call the toll free number most banks make accessible. It could be hard to do any transactions with a bank that makes it too difficult to sign up for a money market account.

Try an EFT

Make sure you sign up with an EFT connection if you are hoping to be able to instantly transfer money in or out of your money market account or money market mutual fund from your checking account.

Articles cited

eHow

ehow.com/how_6624319_open-money-market-account-online.html

Investopedia

investopedia.com/articles/mutualfund/07/money_market_savings.asp

Cathy Pareto, MBA, CFP, on the benefits of money market accounts

youtube.com/watch?v=BH_uiP5UlUE

Discharge of discount window details reveals big European bank bailout

The discount window provided by the Federal Reserve attracted a hoard of banks heretofore unknown as the financial system melted down. Thanks to a Freedom of Information Act request enforced by the Supreme Court the other day, data showing the true level of discount window lending has been released. The information provides a window on the severity and extent of the 2008 financial turmoil.

Bailing out banks throughout world

The discount window was created by the Fed a century ago to help healthy banks caught in a money crunch with short-term loans. When the Fed has to help out a financial institution, generally that bank's identity is kept secret. This is due to the stigma surrounded by a bank that needs some help. However the Fed was forced to make the details public by the Supreme Court after it ruled in favor of a Freedom of Information Act request filed by Bloomberg and Fox Business. Nobody was worried about the stigma anymore after the report was released Thursday by the Fed. This was because almost every financial institution in the world during the financial turmoil needed a bit of help. More than 25,000 pages of documents show the Fed lent as much as $110 billion through the discount window in one day as the financial crisis peaked.

European banks borrowing more than others

During the financial turmoil, Wall Street financial institutions got lots of criticism for taking government bailout funds. All of the data showed that European banks borrowed probably the most. The Fed report was clear about this. On Oct. 29, 2008, Belgian-French bank Dexia borrowed $26.5 billion and Dublin-based financial institution Depfa, owned by German mortgage lender Hypo Real Estate, borrowed $24.6 billion. There were other European banks to get billions from the discount window. These incorporated France's Societe Generale, Austria's Erste Group and Bank of Scotland. On this side of the pond, before it became the biggest bank failure in history, Washington Mutual borrowed $2 billion on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008, to get through the weekend. Until Wamu was taken over by J.P. Morgan Chase on Thursday, September 25, 2008, it kept taking out the $2 billion loan overnight as it could not be paid back.

Details shows global degree of financial turmoil

When the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008 triggered the financial turmoil, the global economy went into a tailspin, the financial system froze and banks worldwide begged the Fed for help. The release of the discount window data shows just how bad the damage was and the way quickly it spread. During testimony to a congressional panel investigating the financial turmoil in November 2009, Fed chairman Ben Bernanke said of all the financial institutions lined up at the discount window, only one was not at risk of total collapse. About two years after the loan has been released, the discount window lending information must be released in the future. This was part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform bill.

Information from

Fox Business

foxbusiness.com/industries/2011/03/31/demystifying-feds-secretive-discount-window/

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703712504576234700412932330.html

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/03/31/usa-fed-lending-idUSN3126104220110331?pageNumber=2

Real price of nuclear power evident at Fukushima

nuclear power appeared on the brink of a renaissance, until the Fukushima disaster. However in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake and tsunami, nuclear reactors worldwide have been turned off and construction of nuclear plants has been put on hold. Safeguards to harden nuclear reactors from natural disasters, as well as clean up costs, could make nuclear energy too expensive to be profitable to investors in the future.

What it will cost with nuclear power

About 62 percent of the public was interested in nuclear power in a Gallup poll in 2010. This was because of the idea of nuclear power as a clean, reliable energy source. The Obama administration announced plans to provide $54.2 billion in loan guarantees for the construction of nuclear power plants. The Fukushima disaster was not the reason why it was unlikely that nuclear reactors would be built in the U.S. Mark Cooper of the Institute for Energy and the Environment at Vermont Law School explained it was already unlikely. Cooper gave a presentation at the House of Commons in Ottawa, Canada, where he said there was a U.S. nuclear industry bubble that was not going to last soon. In 2001, he said, the bubble started. Nuclear energy was given loan guarantees in billions of dollars by the Bush administration. In 2008, several were upset about the nuclear industry. It was not doing also as many hoped it would. It ended due to the recession, several other clean energy opt! ions and cheap natural gas.

Energy from nuclear power not as cheap as it used to be

In the wake of the Fukushima disaster, building new reactors could become even more cost prohibitive. Cooper's research shows that there was a 95 percent increase in construction costs after the Pennsylvania Three Mile Island accident in 1979. Everyone had to pay 40 percent more in electricity due to this. There was also an incident in Ukraine at Chernobyl in 1986. This caused a 42 percent increase in electricity costs after an 89 percent increase in construction costs. The expense of construction goes up quite a bit after accidents occur for nuclear reactors. This is because the safety needs to be addressed causing a design change. Because of the Fukushima incident, the United States already has the Nuclear Regulatory Commission together to start figuring out what changed need to be made.

An unacceptable risk to investors

Going forward from Fukushima, investors will view clean energy alternatives for instance natural gas, wind and solar as more attractive than nuclear plants. Utilities might also pass on assuming the risk of nuclear plants. When it comes to energy sources, nuclear energy makes sense if you don’t want to pay much. Before taking into account the cleanup costs of a nuclear accident, onshore wind farms, for instance, are up to 35 percent cheaper than nuclear plants. In the future, alternative sources will become increasingly capable of helping meet the world’s energy needs without the financial and ecological costs of nuclear power. For savvy investors, clean energy alternatives promise more lucrative opportunities.

Articles cited

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/03/25/idUS423443138820110325

Fast Company

fastcompany.com/1742619/what-are-the-economics-of-nuclear-power-after-fukishima

The National

thenational.ae/lifestyle/personal-finance/japans-nuclear-woes-add-pressure-to-invest-in-green-energy

Frivolous tax arguments are entertaining, but the Internal Revenue Service penalty isn't

When it comes to frivolous tax arguments, the IRS hears new ones yearly. Probably the most popular unsubstantiated claims made by taxpayers annually are compiled into a compendium by the IRS. Certain arguments the IRS considers frivolous might draw a chuckle, but they may also draw a heavy fine.

Why you should not cheat on your taxes

The Truth about Frivolous Tax Arguments is an annual report the IRS has just released for 2011. The document was 87 pages long. It described several tax evasion scenarios that have been popular. The people would often get penalties based on the arguments which were integrated in the document. It also had the official legal policies used by the government to argue these cases. The philosophical, semantic, religious and moral reasons not to pay taxes are usually incorporated. These spread on the Internet to anybody hoping to evade paying taxes.

The cost of frivolous tax arguments

An argument some have is that they are not a "person." This is in accordance with the IRS definition. The taxes are unconstitutional, some argue. Others say it’s voluntary because of this. To some working class individuals, military income is exempt and only foreign income is taxable. According to estimates, several make an effort to keep away from paying taxes yearly. In fact, about 10,000 people will do this in the U.S. Many try to file frivolous tax return arguments. These individuals will get a $5,000 IRS penalty. Taxpayers who go to court with their frivolous arguments can receive an IRS penalty up to $25,000. Since the 2000 tax year, the Department of Justice has filed injunctions against more than 455 corporations and individuals for frivolous tax arguments.

Not valid tax arguments, courts say

The IRS said there are three very popular arguments. These include that paying taxes is against the 13th Amendment, that it is against the Fifth Amendment and that it is against one's religion. "Paying taxes is against my religion" is one courts just rule against. The Fifth Amendment says a person shall not be "deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law.” Still, the government can collect from U.S. citizens. This is part of the law. The 13th Amendment outlaws slavery, however the claim that paying taxes is servitude has been consistently rejected by courts.

Information from

Main Street

mainstreet.com/article/moneyinvesting/taxes/tax-excuses-irs-won-t-buy?page=2

Portfolio.com

portfolio.com/views/blogs/resources/2011/03/21/irs-warns-taxpayers-about-excuses-for-not-paying-that-won

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/Business/2010/0415/Tax-Day-101-42-excuses-you-can-t-use-to-avoid-filing-IRS-forms

Money-saving methods to avoid online news subscription paywalls

If you are an internet news addict with limited funds, the move toward news paywalls could possibly be awful news. No news is bad news. But there is another way. With a few end-around, you can avoid those paywalls and get your news for free or at low cost. Post resource – Money-saving ways to avoid online news subscription paywalls by MoneyBlogNewz.

Everything you want from news at Google

The best part of Google News is access. A lot of news sites are brought to one place. It is a good place to get your daily news fix. there are local news and top news categories. Anybody loves the clear and simple format it has.

Read the newspaper in an app

Newspapers are an app at the Apple App Store that you pay $1.99 for to be able to get links to all online newspaper web sites. Read articles on your iPod, iPhone or iPad in Safari. You can download stories and read them later. Instapaper is an example of an app to do this with.

RSS feeds popular

RSS feeds are a fantastic way to keep up with the news that’s significant to you, and Reeder does it the clean and simple way. It reformats the page to make it easier to read the stories. The iOS app also has an interface that is newspaper style. Get it for Apple device for only $2.99.

Zite app

The free iPad app Zite acts as a kind of "personalized magazine," claims Business Insider. It recommends news you might like, via connections to your Twitter and Google Reader accounts. It can help to just pick articles in the app you might like.

Do not pay for Associated Press and CNN apps

Mobile apps by the Associated Press and CNN are good iOS and Android options for world, national and local news. The AP app allows users to pick a favorite broadcaster. Then, the stories can be followed of that person. there are great videos accessible in the CNN app. It also has an iReport feature that lets users submit photos of news events.

How to get free access to NYT and The Daily

Users on Twitter have had access to NYT Twitter feeds. They can create a list for this. There is a 20 article a month limit by the Times to stay free. The Twitter and blog posts do not count towards this. A similar process work with The Daily, which is indexed by the blog The Daily: Indexed.

Right now, there is a five per day limit on free referrals for NYT which may not apply to other search engines such as Bing, according to MediaMemo's Peter Kafka.

Why did the Times put up a speed bump for Google? Google might be used by users to get in without having to pay by simply typing in the article name.

Citations

AP

ap.org/mobile/

Business Insider

businessinsider.com/how-to-get-around-paywalls-2011-3

CNN

cnn.com/mobile/iphone/

The Daily Index

thedailyindexed.tumblr.com/

What to expect with the NYT paywall

youtube.com/watch?v=jOkvPOY3VKU

Those who win and losers of Google algorithm modification

The Google algorithm change on February 25 had an instant and significant impact on the internet writing industry. Google’s algorithm change impacted traffic, work, income and stock costs for internet writing companies. Google changed its search algorithm to stem the tide of worthless content that has been overwhelming its search engine results, a move that shifted a believed $1 billion across the content industry.

Google rewards quality content

Google’s search quality has not been that great in the past year with all the content accessible on the web. Several industry groups have publicly encouraged Google to take action to repair the quality of its search. As soon as Google made this quick algorithm change, the content farms got published and in-depth reports that have analysis in them were rewarded just as Google planned them to. Any websites that had original quality content material on them all the sudden got lots of traffic. All online websites that are there to lure traffic did terribly. The algorithm update has noticeably changed 11.8 percent of search queries, in accordance with Google. ComScore is an internet marketing research company that explained that the algorithm might modification 1.4 billion searches in just one month based off of the 12 billion search queries in Jan that Google had.

Content material farms take a big hit

The Online Publishers Association said that the traffic changed to its website just a day after Google's algorithm changed. There was a 5 to 50 percent increase in members that went to the site. This caused "click bait" content material farms to get hit hard. The internet metrics firm Sistrix explained that this hurt the content material farms fairly badly. There was more than a 75 percent drop in Google search traffic for online websites like Mahalo.com, Wisegeek.com, Ezinearticles.com and Yahoo's Associated Content. Ten percent of Mahalo.com workers were terminated. This is what it did last week because of this modification. Another content material farm is Demand Media. It has quality and click bait on it though. The Google algorithm change actually ended up helping Demand Media even though the eHow.com stock that just had a $1.7 billion IPO went down. AnswerBag.com and Trails.com weren't so lucky. These Demand Media websites did not end up doing well.

Where Google can get a web page

The online writing industry changed quite a bit due to Google's algorithm. If a company is on the top list of the search motor, about 20 percent to 30 percent of traffic will go there. Second and third spots collect 5 percent to 10 percent. About 1 percent of traffic goes to all other outcomes on the page. More or less, a business becomes invisible when it gets to the second page. The new Chrome browser for Google called Personal Blocklist lets users cut off any offensive domains when they show up in search outcomes which Google algorithms tend to follow. Google said that although it does not use data gathered from Personal Blocklist, 84 percent of the domains blocked by Chrome users have been demoted by the algorithm modification.

Articles cited

CNN

money.cnn.com/2011/03/08/technology/google_algorithm_change/index.htm

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2011/03/08/technology/google_algorithm_change/index.htm” target=”_blank

Adweek

adweek.com/aw/content_display/news/e3i0fcd39a826b5c1cd3b13fba6c2a9dfba” target=”_blank

International Business Times

ibtimes.com/articles/116434/20110225/demand-media-google-algorithms-content-farms.htm

Sistrix

sistrix.com/blog/985-google-farmer-update-quest-for-quality.html

Google blog

googleblog.blogspot.com/2011/02/finding-more-high-quality-sites-in.html

Return to profit could possibly be in the future for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Despite the last few years being dismal, troubled home loan backers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are slowly making headway toward being solvent again. The 2 troubled home loan banking firms were placed under government control in 2008, receiving more $130 billion in loans since that time. The pending foreclosures postponed by legal problems involving foreclosure practices loom on the horizon, which could hamper any progress the 2 firms have made. Source of article – Economic effect of biking vs. driving is astounding, experts say by MoneyBlogNewz.

Staying in business is the goal of Fannie and Freddie

Lots of bailout money went to Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. They were able to continue business this way. To be able to keep the real estate industry from collapsing, the mortgage houses got $130 billion between the 2 of them. ABC states that the corporations are starting to lose less money currently. During the last quarter of 2010, the period from Oct to December, Fannie Mae posted a loss of only $2.1 billion and Freddie Mac posted a loss of only $1.7 billion. In the very same period of 2009, Fannie posted a $16.3 billion loss and Freddie posted a $7.8 billion loss. Fannie has asked for $2.6 billion and Freddie has asked for $500 million in loans, even with these deficits decreasing.

Plans to wind down the home loan titans

For decades, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have played a crucial role in the real estate industry. Mortgages are purchased and then resold as investments through the companies. This means loan companies can lend more mortgages because capital is freed. Fannie and Freddie's involvement in the home loan sector is frowned upon in the government right now where ways to get them out of it are being looked into. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner has admonished Congress to have a significant plan ready before trying to vote on anything, according to USA Today. Congress was warned by Geithner that there could be really terrible troubles by cutting out the 2 programs. The housing finance industry may be destabilized completely with this. Geithner has recommended a gradual program as the best course.

Hopefully the worst is almost over

It’s anticipated that Freddie and Fannie will not get much better. They’re expected to get hurt even more soon. Until "robo-signing" cases are solved, several foreclosures cannot be completed while about 50 percent of mortgages in the United States are owned by Freddie and Fannie while 90 percent were created in the last few years. In the next few years, Treasury Secretary Geithner thinks that housing prices will go up in the next few years, no matter what occurs with Freddie and Fannie, Reuters states. He also recommended that given housing conditions over the past few years, home buyers put larger amounts of money down to ensure greater stability.

Citations

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=12995329&page=1

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2011-03-01-fannie-freddie-geithner_N.htm

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/03/01/us-usa-housing-geithner-idUSTRE72000P20110301?pageNumber=1

Bill goes through Wisconsin Assembly reducing collective bargaining

The bill that would controversially deny the right of collective bargaining to Wisconsin state staff has been passed by the Wisconsin Assembly. The Assembly is the lower house of the Wisconsin state legislature. The Wisconsin U.S. Senate still has to sign off on the bill before it goes to the governor for approval. Post resource – Wisconsin Assembly passes bill curtailing collective bargaining by MoneyBlogNewz.

Too few members of the Wisconsin State U.S. Senate means the bill can't pass

Collective bargaining rights will be taken away from the state unionized employees with the Wisconsin Assembly SB11 bill that has approved. There isn’t enough Wisconsin Senate present to vote on the bill though. MSNBC states that this will mean the bill can be stuck not going anywhere. There has to be 20 individuals minimum to vote on the bill while right now only 19 members are present. The capital was left by 14 Democrats that did not want to vote on the bill. These are the ones missing for the Wisconsin U.S. Senate. No voting on any legislation can occur until the Senators return.

Assembly Democrats cry foul

The questionable bill was approved in a manner that Wisconsin Democrats view as dishonest. Wisconsin Assembly Republicans voted for a roll call vote after killing the debate after there were 60 hours of debate with Democrats filibustering with additional amendments for the bill. Before Democrats even realized what had occurred, the bill approved 51 to 17 with 28 not even having a chance to vote, Bloomberg states. Tries to reach out to the absent U.S. Senate Democrats by sending Wisconsin state troopers to their homes have been for naught, as they remain in exile in Urbana, Ill. for the moment.

There was not going to be a bargain with the governor there

There was a phone call done recently as a prank to Scott Walker where the caller pretended to be campaign donor Koch. In the call, Walker said he wouldn't work with any unions when attempting to determine how to balance the Wisconsin state budget. Unions agreed to absorb more costs for pension and health care plans which the bill demands. Walker does not want unions to have collective bargaining privileges though, which the unions want. There are a couple of specific unions that can keep collective bargaining privileges. This involves unions for firefighters and police in Wisconsin.

Articles cited

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/41774667/ns/politics-more_politics

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-25/wisconsin-assembly-passes-bill-curbing-unions-collective-bargaining-power.html

Gasoline prices not likely influenced by using United States oil reserve

As gas and oil costs rise, Congress is using Middle East turmoil as a reason to utilize the U.S. strategic oil reserve. Politicians are urging the Obama administration to open the spigot, despite a worldwide surplus of oil production capacity. United States supplies of oil and gas are also far above average seasonal levels. Tapping into the strategic oil reserve could have the opposite effect, energy analysts say, and the administration does not think gas prices have raised high enough to warrant such a drastic measure. Resource for this article – Why tapping U.S. strategic oil reserves will not lower gas prices by MoneyBlogNewz.

Oil reserve tapped by Congress/span>

The U.S. strategic petroleum reserve, the largest in the world, contains 727 million barrels of oil, its full capacity. Nationwide, the average price of a gallon of gas has risen 28 cents in the past 10 days. To be able to stabilize oil costs and keep oil supplies from being disrupted, Senator Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., has suggested as Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee chairman that a major portion of the oil reserve be sold. Other politicians suggest that not only would gas prices be helped by this sell, however billions might be elevated to help work on the deficit and to help give tax breaks for electric automobiles and hybrids reducing oil consumption.

Lots of U.S. oil still accessible/span>

About $500 million of oil from the reserve would be sold to fund projects with the 2012 budget although the Obama administration is saying no to sell a part of the U.S. strategic petroleum reserve as part of the spike in gasoline and oil costs. What the administration believes is that, when the U.S. isn’t at all running low on oil, it would send a panic that is false to consumers. You will find record inventories in the Oklahoma major oil storage facility. There is production in North Dakota right now. Also, the United States has a pump from Canada getting some of the fuel. United States crude oil inventories, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, are at 346.4 million barrels. There are 9.86 billion gallons of U.S. gasoline in the inventories. For this time of year, the amounts of the inventories are both higher than normal.

Fixing oil costs that rise and drop/span>

The Obama administration is making a good decision, oil industry analysts suggest. It would make individuals driving up the gasoline costs more fearful while doing nothing else to oil and gas costs. Those who oppose tapping the reserve believe that instead of an oil supply shortage, a shortage in surplus production capacity is the real issue. Speculators are betting that spreading Middle East unrest will reduce surplus oil production capacity. The oil price problem would become a severe problem if the surplus oil production capacity perished off. Adding the capacity to produce more oil rather than a temporary infusion from the strategic oil reserve will put the international oil markets at ease.

Information from/span>

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/03/04/business/energy-environment/04oil.html?_r=1

Foreign Policy

oilandglory.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2011/03/04/the_weekly_wrap_march_4_2011

UPI

upi.com/Business_News/2011/03/03/Crude-oil-supplies-fall-slightly/UPI-22221299189942/

CFPB may have its funding stripped by House GOPs

Here’s news that will not shock anybody: Elizabeth Warren and the CFPB don’t rank high among the favorite things of House Republicans, writes the Huffington Post. Dodd-Frank Act opponents Majority Whip Eric Cantor, Rep. Bachmann and House Financial Services Chair Spencer Bachus have already voted to cut the Federal Reserve-funded budget of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau from $ 143 million to $ 80 million. If the trend continues, the CFPB – which is scheduled to open on July 21, 2011 – will be the only federal financial institution regulator in the U.S. subject to political budget cuts.

CFPB helps customers out a bit

The way that banking has hurt U.S. families is something that has been studied by Harvard Law Prof. Elizabeth Warren who helped co-author the book "Two-Income Trap." It seems the middle class is slowly dropping down to the poor classes. In order to make up for lost salaries and to pay bills, these families have to borrow. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s goal is to unify the following seven federal agencies, per the Federal Register:

• Federal Reserve Board of Governors
• Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
• This includes the Federal Trade Commissioned
• Next is the National Credit Union Administration
• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
• Office of Thrift Supervision
• Last is the Department of Housing and Urban Development

Customer protection hasn't been a goal of these agencies. Now it’s the primary focus. The reason of the CFPB is to serve the middle class. The personal bankruptcies can be focused on.

"The numbers are sobering," Warren said at a Feb. 23 Chicago lecture. "Since the late 1970s, (personal) bankruptcy filings have doubled and doubled again. Women have been hit particularly hard. Over the course of 20 years, the number of women filing bankruptcy petitions increased by 662 percent. By the early 2000s, a woman was more likely to file for bankruptcy than to graduate from college."

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau needs support

Things for instance credit cards with high interest rates, financial institution overdraft loans which have high rates of interest, military loan businesses that try to get over the 36 percent Annual Percentage Rate cap that is federally mandates, and payday advance loan outlets with additional fees can be protected against with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau , states the Consumer Federation of The United States.

What is being done with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is something that consumers should be paying attention to, states John Wasik who writes for Reuters.

"I believe everyone with a credit card, bank loan or savings account needs to back Warren now," writes Wasik. "Contact your senators and congressmen and urge them to leave the bureau's funding alone, which is tied directly to the budget of the Federal Reserve."

Information from

Consumer Federation of America

consumerfed.org/pdfs/PR-CFA-CFPB-6-months.pdf

Federal Register

edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-23487.pdf

Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/ed-mierzwinski/iin-the-public-interesti_b_829659.html

Reuters

blogs.reuters.com/prism-money/2011/02/28/why-elizabeth-warren-needs-your-help-to-police-the-banks/

‘I’m not here to support criminal schemes,’ said Rep. Maxine Waters

youtube.com/watch?v=TUVxcNxULyU

Justice Departments stops supporting DOMA

The Defense of Marriage Act, also called DOMA, will not any longer be defended by the United States Department of Justice in court. Same sex marriage at the federal level is governed by DOMA, which states that the federal government does not recognize same sex marriages. The Attorney General and the president have each concluded that the law is unconstitutional.

Unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act, White House and Justice Department determine

ABC states the lawsuits that are about the Defense of Marriage Act, or Defense of Marriage Act, will not be pursued by the Department of Justice anymore, the Attorney General told Congress. DOMA, passed in 1996, mandates that states and territories of the United States do not have to recognize a same-sex marriage, regardless of whether the same-sex marriage was legally executed. When it comes to the government, marriage is legally defined as a union between a man and a woman with Section 3 of Defense of Marriage Act which is why the act is objected. President Obama agrees with what Attorney General Holder believes. It is unconstitutional to have Section 3 of DOMA.

Better attention can be paid

Because of the lawsuits Pedersen v. OPM and Windsor v. United States, Defense of Marriage Act was something the government had to choose to uphold or not. Both challenge Section 3 on constitutional grounds in court districts that lack previous cases regarding homosexual marriage, in accordance with the NY Times. The cases were reviewed by the Justice Department. "Rational basis" and "heightened scrutiny" was used to do so. The reason for a "rational basis" test is to see if a law has no logical reason. This is done on constitutionally legal laws. A “heightened scrutiny” test is to determine whether an unconstitutional law serves a legitimate governmental purpose. It is discriminatory to have the homosexual marriage law, the White House and Justice Department suggested. This makes it unconstitutional because there is no government reason to do so that is legitimate.

Defense of Marriage Act is nevertheless there

The DOMA law hasn't been repealed even though the Justice Department refuses to pursue any more lawsuits. For now, the Defense of Marriage Act and Section 3 are each in impact. President Obama explained that he is constitutionally mandated to keep legislation upheld to a certain extent even though he feels it is a "flawed" act. Obama can order the Justice Department to review legislation in court though.

Citations

ABC

blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2011/02/president-obama-instructs-justice-department-to-stop-defending-defense-of-marriage-act-calls-clinton.html

NY Times

nytimes.com/2011/02/24/us/24marriage.html

Justice.gov

justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/February/11-ag-223.html

Speed test outcomes show AT&T iPhone faster than Verizon

Dropped calls might be what people associate probably the most with AT&T’s iPhone, but the company’s 3G network is quicker than Verizon’s. The examination compared average download speeds between the 2 phones. AT&T’s 3G network doubled the speed accessible from Verizon’s 3G network. While AT&T beat Verizon in 3G network speed, Verizon’s network offered a more dependable connection.

With regards to the iPhone, choosing AT&T over Verizon might be good

Dropped calls have become AT&T's iPhone hallmark, but iPhone users who place a premium on network speed ought to think twice before switching to Verizon. When connecting to the Speedtest.net app, the numbers were looked at for both AT&T and Verizon iPhones by Ookla. In the examination, data transfers for AT&T were two times as fast as those from Verizon. This was done on iPhones too. There were 42,000 AT&T iPhones and 14,000 Verizon iPhones around the U.S. in the Ookla speed outcomes. Most iPhone users ran the Speedtest.net app several times to total 106,000 AT&T iPhone tests and 40,000 Verizon iPhone tests.

Testing the Verizon iPhone out

About 1,768 kbps for downloads and 730 kbps for uploads was the speed for AT&T iPhones. The Verizon iPhone averaged 846 kbps for downloads and 606 kbps for uploads. Verizon iPhones are more reliable although AT&T iPhones might have a greater speed. Due to a dropped connection, AT&T iPhones could not even complete the examination sometimes. The iPhone at Verizon was slower for sure. Still, the connection was maintained in all tests done. The companies both know each others' weaknesses. This is shown in the advertising wars. AT&T touts "the nation's fastest 3G network." Verizon advertises "America's Largest and Most Reliable Wireless Network."

Selecting an iPhone

When getting an iPhone, you will need to choose whether you want AT&T or Verizon. Think about how you will use the machine first. If media consumption is a priority, AT&T would be more satisfying. Be sure you go with Verizon if you mostly want dependability. In order to test an iPhone's 3G network speed, the best way to do it’s with the Speedtest.net app. With the iPhone, you can get the Speedtest.net app for free. Go to the Apple App Store to do this.

Articles cited

Wired

wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/02/iphone-speedtest/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

NPR

npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/02/17/133849171/on-the-iphone-at-t-network-is-faster-than-verizons

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/41485079/ns/technology_and_science-wireless/