Darion H.: 2011

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Smurfs cartoons packed with fascism and racism says French educator

The well-known show “The Smurfs” was accused by a French instructor for promoting racial discrimination and fascism. Antoine Bueno, an instructor at a prominent school in Paris, recently opined the main characters in “The Smurfs” live under and encourage authoritarian rule and improper stereotypes.

How Papa Smurf correlates with Stalin

The Telegraph reports that Antoine Bueno is an educator at the political sciences school in Paris, the Sciences Po. Many know him as the male that made accusations that “The Smurfs” is really a comic strip about fascism and anti-Semitism. The Smurfs debuted as a comic strip in 1958, written by Belgian comic strip artist Peyo. The comic strip was written by Peyo, or Pierre Culliford, wrote the Smurfs comics until 1992 when he passed away and it was taken over by his son Thierry Culliford who has been writing them ever since. The show in America made by Hanna-Barbera is located off the strip. It is fairly close to the same thing. The overtones in the series are bad according to Antoine Bueno. Bueno believes that Papa Smurf runs the village with a mustache and complete authority, just like the Soviet Union was run by Josef Stalin.

The anti-Semitic stereotypes

Bueno also alleges the chief villain in the Smurf’s world, the wizard Gargamel, is a caricature of anti-Semitic stereotypes. He claims that Jews were stereotypes by the Nazis and others just like he is with his hooked nose, crooked posture and obsession with gold. He also alleges that Smurfette, the lone female in the series, is similar to the perfect Aryan female under the tenets of the Nazi party. According to Bueno, the Smurfs, or “Les Schtroumpfs,” aren’t trying to be hateful in any way. He just says these themes display throughout the comic. Culliford explained that he read Bueno’s critique. It is supposedly very amusing. In America in 2011, a live action Smurfs film will be released.

Claims of other characters

There have been characters in the past to be criticized for their themes. Disney movies have accusations of racial discrimination all the time. This happens regularly over the years. Cracked.com explained that “Dumbo” has cows in it stereotyped as African Americans while “Peter Pan” and “Aladdin” have Native American and Arab racism in them all the time.

Disney Racial discrimination shown

Citations

The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/france/8554973/The-Smurfs-are-anti-Semitic-and-racist.html

Cracked.com

cracked.com/article_15677_the-9-most-racist-disney-characters.html

Friday, June 3, 2011

Problems with power steering structure leads to Toyota Prius recall

A problem in the power steering system has led to a Toyota Prius recall that is for every Prius built until 2003, which includes the first to roll off the assembly line. Low quality nuts can come loose in the power steering over time, causing the vehicle to become incredibly difficult to steer.

First Prius ever made impacted in recall

A recall of the Toyota Prius hybrid was announced by Toyota Motor Company, while Toyota has dealt with many recalls in the past two years, due to power steering troubles in the car, states MSNBC. All Prius automobiles made from 1997 to 2003 is being recalled. In just Japan, there are 48,000 vehicles being affected. These were all made from 1997 to 2003. Since Toyota didn’t start selling the Prius in foreign markets until 2001, the worldwide impact is only automobiles from 2001 to 2003. There are 58,000 Prius automobiles impacted from those years outside of Japan. Of those, about 52,000 are in the United States, about 1,800 in the United Kingdom and 800 in Germany. There will be a total of about 106,000 automobiles recalled. That’s lots of cars that need fixing.

All Prius cars will be fixed for free

Due to low-quality nuts in the power steering structure, the Prius has been recalled, AutoWeek explains. The pinion shaft is connected to the steering gear box with these nuts. They can become unfastened after a while which makes it hard to turn or to steer. The loosening will occur, according to MotorTrend, as the wheel is turned to the full lock position rapidly numerous times, which is likely to happen over a car’s lifetime. Toyota will fix the cars for free by simply putting in better nuts that don’t loosen, which will take about four hours. There has been only one accident, according to USA Today, and it was minor. The first complaint of the problem was made in August of 2007, in Japan. There were 28 more grievances in Japan and one in the U.S. This brought on the issue to be dealt with.

Toyota plans go back to full production

Soon, Toyota plans to be back to full production on its vehicles. After the Japanese earthquake and tsunami earlier this year, Toyota was unable to manufacture vehicles for a while along with other auto makers in Japan. Toyota plans to recuperate faster than originally though. This is after the March 11 catastrophe occurred. Almost right away, Toyota’s Japan operations are anticipated to return to 90 percent capacity. Global operations in Thailand, China and Europe are anticipated to be at 100 percent capacity this month. The recall is something Toyota is getting done. The company wants it finished as soon as it can. Toyota is ready to stop the PR troubles from all the recalls that occurred in the last two years. There were over 14 million automobiles recalled during that time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Su5V4I2kwQI

Citations

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/43235940/ns/business-autos/

Auto Week

autoweek.com/article/20110601/CARNEWS/110609999

MotorTrend

wot.motortrend.com/toyota-recalls-2001-2003-prius-steering-defect-82679.html

USA Today

content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2011/06/toyota-recalls-52000-prius-models-in-us-after-report-of-single-accident-/1?loc=interstitialskip

Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Credit Card Act can help, but individuals are not using it

In 2009, consumers in need of charge card help were blessed with the United States Credit Card Act. One of the conditions of the law is that charge card companies, in conjunction with the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, must have resources for consumers who have a hard time with their finances. In spite of this, credit-constrained customers simply are not using the resources, per NFCC states.

Credit card counseling hardly ever free anymore

Nonprofit help is hardly ever used by U.S. customers 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. The contact number is toll-free and printed on charge card statements. As charge 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.”

Within the recesses of public prejudice might be where that number is buried. Most consumers believes that their credit card corporations are evil and do whatever they can to take as much money as possible. They think that the “service” of a toll-free Credit Card Act number will cost them. However, Cunningham has observed that the number has been absent from some statements, which would be a violation of legislation.

Less charge card debt in 2010

U.S. customer charge card debt decreased an average of $7,404 per person, an 8 percent increase, from January to Dec., according to a Credit Karma report. There were eight states that showed as much as an 11 percent improvement. These states include Nevada, TN, Oklahoma, Indiana, CT, Colorado and California. There was a 31 percent improvement shown from 2009 to 2010 in Wisconsin making is the biggest in credit card debt change.

There was at least a 6 percent increase in charge card debt though in states for instance New Mexico, Delaware, Iowa, LA, Missouri and Nebraska. Mississippi was the biggest loser in the Credit Karma Survey, with 8 percent growth.

Looking for credit card help?

If you need information on non-profits, go to nfcc.org which is the National Foundation for Credit Counseling site. If you just make minimum monthly payments, you’ll still have a balance on your credit card debt. You can discover out what this balance is at the Federal Reserve’s site. For mobile, there’s a useful Android Market app called Personal Financial Calculator. You can also compare financial goods for instance installment loans’ APRs. Go to the Personal Money Network’s “Loan Overdraft Calculator” in the below connection.

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

Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Heat and Mavs are both in the 2011 NBA Finals

On Tues, May 31 at Miami’s American Airlines Arena, basketball enthusiasts will experience the kickoff of what should prove to be an outstanding 2011 NBA Finals between the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks. The Heat will have home-court advantage in the best-of-seven series. Get ready for the tournament with this NBA Finals schedule and a glance at these giants of the court.

NBA Finals listened to on ESPN and Sirius while you watch it at ABC

All 2011 NBA Finals games will air on ABC TV and broadcast on ESPN Radio and Sirius XM satellite radio. The games have been scheduled. They go like this:

Game 1: Tuesday, May 31 in Miami, 9 p.m. ET
Game 2: Thursday, June 2 in Miami, 9 p.m. ET
Game 3: Sunday, June 5 in Dallas, 8 p.m. ET
Game 4: Tuesday, June 7 in Dallas, 9 p.m. ET
Game 5 (if necessary): Thursday, June 9 in Dallas, 9 p.m. ET
Game 6 (if necessary): Sunday, June 12 in Miami, 8 p.m. ET
Game 7 (if necessary): Tuesday, June 14 in Miami, 9 p.m. ET

Individuals at Heat

LeBron James and Dwyane Wade are the dynamic duo for the Miami Heat that can scare any defense. The competitors are both known for how well they’re able to score, and they have learned to play together very well recently.

Sometimes the team ends up in danger. In these cases, “King” James ends up getting the ball. He is huge and athletic. He also has a fantastic basketball IQ which helps a ton. Thus, Dallas will have to keep his teammates down, which is a chore, particularly when Wade’s offense is flowing. If Chris Bosh plays to the letter of his ability also and Udonis Haslem manages to bang Dirk Nowitzki into a pulp of nerves and bruises the Miami Heat will win the 2011 NBA Finals in five games.

New Nowitzki playing with veteran fire

The Heat may lose against the Dallas Mavericks as James and Wade are challenged and with some careful passing. Dirk Nowitzki is on fire in the playoffs (28.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game), and his increased lower body strength has enabled him to muscle his way to his favorite spots on the floor more very easily, as Haslem will discover. The veterans Kidd and Terry, both Jasons, will help a lot too. The same can be said for Shawn “The Matrix” Marion, who has made key plays.

It is true the championship window is slowly closing for Kidd, Terry and Marion which might make them work harder. Also, Nowitzki has gotten better. He is no long a “soft” guy. Even with injuries, the Dallas Mavericks could beat the Miami Heat in seven games. Jose Barea and Tyson Chandler could do this easily.

It is unfortunate for LeBron. He may have to wait a year or two more.

Citations

Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/27/nba-finals-schedule-2011-_n_867972.html

Yahoo! Sports

sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ycn-8546101

Monday, May 30, 2011

Compact automobiles far more popular than electric automobiles

Gas costs have been increasing, and automobile purchasing habits have modified along with the costs at the pump. {However, American customers aren’t buying as several green cars such as hybrids and electric cars as they are compact and subcompact automobiles that sip the gas tank|That said, individuals are not buying more hybrids or electrics. Rather than green vehicles, people have been buying smaller compact and subcompact cars that sip daintily from the tank|Compact and subcompact carsare still much more popular than green cars, as individuals still want traditional automobiles that only sip from the tank| Subcompact and compact cars are still more po! pular than green vehicles like electrics or hybrids, as traditional automobiles that sip lightly from the tank are selling much better than greener but more expensive and less useful opportunities|Small BlogThis!Share to X Share to Facebook Share to Pinterest

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Hochul (D) wins seat from GOP in special House election

Tuesday’s special House election in N.Y.’s 26th Congressional District showed Democrat Kathy Hochul taking the seat from the Republicans. Hochul’s challenger was Republican Jane Corwin. Hochul narrowly won, 47 percent to 43 percent. A third candidate, Democrat-turned Tea Party candidate Jack Davis, garnered 9 percent of the votes.

Unhappy about changes made for Medicare

The changes House Spending budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan suggested for Medicare were addressed quite a bit by Hochul. Hochul vehemently opposed the changes. In last week’s debate with Corwin, who supports Ryan’s budget plans, Hochul said: “I will fight any plan that tries to decimate Medicare. That is something people in this district feel passionately about, and I do as well.”

A comment was given by Rep. Steve Israel of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. He said: “Even in one of the most Republican districts, seniors and independent voters rejected the Republican plan to end Medicare.”

Support for Medicare changes by the House

Ryan’s Medicare redesign was approved by the House on April 15 with all Democrats four Republicans opposing. The proposed changes include federally subsidized premiums for private insurance, and would apply to individuals who are now younger than 55.

Hochul’s win something Obama likes

The Hochul win was something Obama was happy about. He made a statement Tues praising it. “Kathy has shown, through her victory and throughout her career, that she will fight for the families and companies in western New York, and I anticipate working with her when she gets to Washington.”

GOP disputes that Medicare was deciding factor

The idea that victory was depending on Medicare reform problems was debated by House Republican Leader Eric Cantor. ”This race is about the belief that it’s a three-way race,” Cantor said. He said this to reporters.

Seat vacated in sex scandal

After Republican Rep. Christ Lee’s sex scandal, Hochul now gets to take his seat. In Feb., Lee stepped down after shirtless photos of himself that he had sent to a woman on Craigslist surfaced.

Special elections continue

Two more special House elections will be held later this year to fill vacancies. California Democrat Jane Harman will be replaced by a political election in July. Dean Heller, Republican in Nevada, will be exchanged this year too. Those elections will be in Sept. The seat vacated by John Ensign will be filled by Heller in U.S. Senate.

Citations

Huffington Post

huffingtonpost.com/2011/05/24/new-york-special-election_n_866074.html

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/43161820/ns/politics-capitol_hill

Chicago Tribune

chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/la-pn-ryan-special-election-20110525,0,3908152.story

McDonald's raises prices and stocks go down

McDonald’s is the world’s fast food leader with about nineteen percent of the market. However, challenged with the increasing costs of commodities needed, the business has declared that it plans to apply minor price increases throughout the year to be able to offset some, but not all, of this pattern.

Guesses wrong

McDonald’s guesses that food costs will rise between 4 percent and 4.5 percent in the United States and Europe this year. This is a rise from earlier estimates, which projected only 2 to 2.5 percent increases in the United States and 3.5 to 4.5 in Europe. Paper costs were also cited in the projected price increases. According to McDonald’s, food and paper costs took up 33.6 percent in the first quarter of 2011 of the company’s sales. From the same quarter a year ago, costs increased a lot. Those costs went up 32.9 percent.

Avoid price boosts

Fewer individuals will go out to eat if the costs go up too much. People are already dealing with increases in prices for housing, fuel and food. According to Steve West, “It’s very hard to pass through price increase(s) right now.” West is an analyst for the Stifel Nicolaus business.

Concern flusters investors

Stock costs dropped in the middle of the day after the company announced its plan. On the New York Stock Exchange, shares dropped 1.5 percent.

The company’s CFO Pete Bensen states the company intends to sacrifice some short term profits in favor of long term growth.

Increase by 1 percent in costs

The U.S. and Europe saw a 1 percent increase in menu items at McDonald’s. This increase started in March. More increases are prepared. They will happen throughout the year. Price increases are also planned for its stores in China.

McDonald’s still the best

McDonald’s continues to outperform its competition. Peter Jankovskis said, “The bottom line is they’re still doing a great job of growing revenue.” Jankovskis is an Oakbrook Investments officer. In the first quarter, the corporation made $6.1 billion in revenue. That is a 9 percent increase. There a huge difference shown in the European stores especially.

Articles cited

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/04/21/us-mcdonalds-idUSTRE73K0U820110421

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/42695011/ns/business/t/mcdonalds-warns-higher-food-inflation/

Daily Finance

dailyfinance.com/2011/05/25/higher-food-costs-will-eat-into-mcdonalds-profit-margins/

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Medical diagnostics getting a supercomputer support

The problem-solving computer Watson has surely proven itself. “Jeopardy!” competition demonstrated that Watson is able to parse natural-language questions and come up with answers that are usually, though not always, right. Healthcare questions are the newest target of the supercomputer. The problem-solving capability of Watson should, in theory, be able to provide succinct answers to healthcare diagnostic inquiries. Still in the test phases, Watson’s diagnostics programming may research every little thing from personal blogs to new research.

How Watson solves problems

Winning “Jeopardy!” was the primary goal for the International Business Machines supercomputer, Watson. The program was given a ton of information in order to develop answers to questions when asked them. In the showdown against two of the game show’s biggest stars, Watson won handily. Watson’s problem-solving ability is especially unique because it requires an understanding of natural language that can be very difficult to program into computers. There are a ton of possibilities brought forth with the “probability engine” style of problem-solving. This means more than just one answer to an issue is considered.

Watson plans to help with medical troubles

The programmers that created Watson decided that he would be better off in the healthcare field than just winning “Jeopardy!” once or twice. Now, that is going to become a reality. It has only been a few months though. Rather than the library of encyclopedias, film scripts and historical information, Watson is being fed healthcare journals and diagnostic manuals. Medical researchers have been helping get Watson ready at Columbia University. Healthcare students have been testing him with hypothetical students. Watson gives possible diagnoses and treatments after being given a list of symptoms. Watson will even consider narcotic allergies and complicating symptoms.

New information availability

One of the biggest benefits of Watson’s ability to digest all accessible information is the inclusion of newly available information. Programmers are considering adding medical blogs to Watson’s database. They’re also considering adding off-label narcotic utilizes. Diagnosing a patient will become more accurate. Doctors will have options for treatment they might never have considered. Watson’s diagnostic capability also has the benefit of not forgetting leaving out any piece of information. It will still be essential to have a doctor. A machine can’t replace a doctor’s care. Doctors have to make the final opinion on treatment for patients after considering what Watson has suggested. Doctors could consult “Watson portals” if IBM engineers can get it prepared. In the end, it will all be up to the doctor and patient though.

Articles cited

USA Today

usatoday.com/tech/news/2011-05-21-watson-medicine_n.htm

CBS News

cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-20065277-10391704.html

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

For-profit colleges' risky place to spend unsecured loans

Private, for-profit schools aren’t all created equal, and students should be persistent about any they may be thinking about. There have been numerous clashes between for-profit schools and the authorities, and profit driven school attendees have the highest loan default rates after graduating. Scholars should do their research before going to, though many for-profit schools are perfectly fine.

The chance for Indictment for Donald Trump

CNN states the New York Lawyer General is investigating five businesses that were for-profit universities. One of the schools involved is the previous Trump University, the small for-profit university launched by Donald Trump several years back. It became the Trump Entrepreneur Initiative quickly though. This was as the Department of Education said that it could not say it was a school at that point. The New York Times reports that Corinthian Colleges, Bridgepoint Education, Lincoln Educational Services and the Career Education Corporation are the other schools involved. Charges have not yet been filed. They are all being investigated still.

Latest brouhaha between universities and states

State governments and the federal government are beginning to come down on for-profit universities, and some previous students are not thrilled. Some scholars say they were misled by the now Trump Entrepreneur Initiative which is why these Californian students are now suing Donald Trump. The investigation of Corinthian’s colleges consist of those found in many states. These states consist of Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts and California. The Boston Globe reports the Massachusetts Attorney General will investigate the Apollo group also which is known as the Kaplan Career Institute, operated by the Washington Post business, and University of Phoenix. The corporate parts of smaller private colleges are also typically not very stable. For instance, Alpine College in Spokane, Wash., recently closed its doors permanently in the middle of a term, leaving students holding the bag for thousands in personal loans and no degree to show for it.

Affording it is hard to do

One of the considerations one must make in choosing a university is cost. It costs a ton of money to go to a for-profit university. In just one year after graduating from college, 15.2 percent of scholars who went to a for-profit university defaulted on student loans in 2009. That is almost twice the 7.3 percent rate that public university scholars had, Reuters explains. Private, not-for-profit schools had a default rate of 4.3 percent. About half of total loan defaults come from for-profit college scholars as well. Students have not been prepared well enough for the job industry after going to for-profit universities, some say. This has made it impossible for scholars to meet loan obligations that they have. A new rule is being considered by the Department of Education. This would not allow schools with scholars that have a 35 percent or higher default rate to get federal loans for students.

Information from

CNN

money.cnn.com/2011/05/20/news/companies/trump_university/index.htm

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/05/20/nyregion/trumps-for-profit-school-said-to-be-under-investigation.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&ref=education

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/05/20/education-forprofit-idUSN2028820820110520

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/05/20/us-education-idUSTRE74J55O20110520

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/43130397″>MSNBC

Boston Globe

http://articles.boston.com/2011-05-17/business/29552871_1_college-access-success-college-students-schools”

Friday, May 20, 2011

After scandal, Dominique Strauss-Kahn can't get bail

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, the head of the IMF, has been detained on sexual assault charges. When arraigned in a New York City court, he was denied bail. Strauss-Kahn was arrested on suspicion of sexual attack and false imprisonment. He is supposedly attempted to rape a hotel worker. He is in custody at Riker’s Island.

Director of international fund accusations

The International Monetary Fund head was brought into a New York City courtroom on Monday, May 16 and arraigned on charges of sexual assault and false imprisonment, states the Guardian. This will be among the highest profile sex scandals in years to come out. Strauss-Kahn was arrested on Saturday for sexual attack and false imprisonment after he was accused of sexually assaulting a hotel maid at Sofitel, the Times Square hotel he had been staying at. He went before a judge on Monday after being arrested while boarding a plane for France, Reuters reports. The attorneys that were prosecuting said he would be a flight risk. They said that if he had gone to France, the country wouldn’t have extradited him. He was denied bail and is now being held at Riker’s Island Correctional Facility.

Operation of IMF does not stop

The LA Times reports the International Monetary Fund has continued to run even though its head is in prison. Kahn missed a meeting with several finance ministers in Europe in Brussels because he was in arraignment. This meeting discussed the possibility of a joint bailout package for the Portugal debt crisis between the European Union and International Monetary Fund. There is still a Greece debt crisis. The topic of sending more aid was to be discussed as well. The headline “the chambermaid blocks Greece!” was shown in an Athens newspaper while the austerity measures in the country that were forced already have been destructive for Strauss-Kahn. While these matters are being discussed, Strauss-Kahn is in the holding cells near the Riker’s Island Courthouse called The Tombs, according to The Guardian, awaiting his next hearing.

Fallout from scandal

Dominique Strauss-Kahn is a prominent figure in the Socialist party in his native France and had been anticipated to challenge current president Nikolas Sarkozy in the coming elections. It is possible that Francois Hollande or Marine Aubry will replace him. His job at the International Monetary Fund is up for grabs, according to the Telegraph, and there are numerous people waiting in the wings to replace him. Even though current P.M. David Cameron won’t endorse former English prime minister Gordon Brown, he really wants the job. Axel Weber as a former finance minister of Germany is a possibility for the job. Christine Lagarde is also in the running as the current France finance minister.

Information from

The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/finance/dominique-strauss-kahn/8517119/Christine-Lagarde-and-Axel-Weber-front-runners-for-Dominique-Strauss-Kahns-IMF-role.html

Los Angeles Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2011/05/ron-paul-imf-dominique-strauss-kahn.html

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/05/16/us-strausskahn-arrest-idUSTRE74D29F20110516

Los Angeles Times

latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-euro-talks-20110517,0,2339845.story

The Guardian

guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/17/dominique-strauss-kahn-court-appearance

The Guardian

guardian.co.uk/world/2011/may/15/strauss-kahn-arrest-hits-french-elections

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Three congressional bills trying to weaken the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

In July, a new federal agency is going to launch. That CFPB has been in the planning stages for years. The CFPB, however, would be weakened by several new bills. All three bills have the intention of weakening the new agency before it even launches. All three bills will be debated in the House, however they have not become law.

How the CFPB is looking

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was initially created by the Dodd-Frank Act to be able to “promote fairness and transparency for mortgages, charge cards and other consumer financial products and services.” The beginning of the bureau is coming up. It is supposed to start July, 2011. Even with the deadline, there still isn’t a director. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau may have to wait a while for one. The Security of Treasury will take this role until a director is nominated.

Which bills would affect the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

In the U.S. House of Representatives, three separate bills to weaken the CFPB have been introduced. Rather than a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director, there would be a five-member commission with HR 1121. This is called the Responsible Consumer Financial Protection Regulations Act of 2011. Any rules made by the CFPB could be overturned by the Department of Treasury’s Financial Stability Oversight Council with HR 1315. It is also called the Customer Financial Protection Safety and Soundness Act. Finally, HR 1667, the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection Transfer Clarification Act, would block the agency from operation until a director has been confirmed. The Financial Services Committee has approved all three bills leaving it up to the House to debate.

Plans for the CFPB

There are several things the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will be in charge of, even though they may change. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will be in charge of consumer protection. They will monitor financial products with this in mind. The CFPB would be in charge of enforcing any federal financial laws in place already. Finally, the Bureau will have a ton of information available. Customers will be able to access the information.

Citations

Treasury.gov

treasury.gov/initiatives/Pages/FSOC-index.aspx

WalletPop

walletpop.com/2011/05/12/5-things-the-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-will-do-for-yo/

House.gov

house.gov/

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Tips to stay away from rental automobile gas penalties and other fees

Today, the average cost of gasoline in the United States is $4 per gallon. However did you know it will cost more than double per gallon needed if you do not return the rental with a full tank? Do not let this and other “hidden” fees burst your spending budget. Go to the rental car counter armed with knowledge and conserve.

Paying $9.29 a gallon for rental vehicle gasoline

Dollar and Thrifty is charging $8.99 a gallon to top of the gasoline tank while Hertz is charging $9.29 a gallon on average according to a USA Today survey of 13 large U.S. airports with rental auto businesses. With low base fees, rental corporations often charge these extra fees. They can be avoided if you pay for the extra gasoline ahead of time though.

Other rental vehicle add-on fees you need to beware

1. Additional driver fees – About $10 per driver is typically charged by rental businesses.

2. Insurance – You have no need to buy additional insurance if you already are paying for it every month. This is especially true when you have comprehensive on your insurance. See if your losses can be insured by the charge card business too.

3. Early/late return fees – It can cost $10 or more every day you are late, so return the vehicle on time. Generally, rental corporations will charge for early return as well. It costs about $15.

4. Child auto seats – Make sure you bring your own car seats into your rental. Otherwise, you’ll pay about $7 per day for each child safety seat rented through the company.

5. Toll bypass – There are rental businesses that make an effort to sell even more. They want you to purchase an electronic toll road pass. If you already have one of these for your daily commute or are not worried about this choice, just say no.

6. Mileage – Watch the mileage limit. Are you going to be driving long distances? If this is the case, you should make sure you’ve an unlimited mileage rental to avoid extra fees for going over your miles.

7. Cleaning – Clean up your mess, leave the cat with family and don’t smoke as part of your rental car. It can cost a lot to have the vehicle cleaned.

More tips for finding a cheaper rental vehicle

To discover the least costly rental cars, start by searching travel sites like Travelocity.com, Expedia.com, Priceline.com and Hotwire.com for deals on rental cars. You may want to try preparing ahead. You might get good airline ticket, rental auto and hotel deals put together. You may be able to save even more with entertainment coupon books and online websites like RetailMeNot.com. Make sure you rent for what you need. Do not go any longer. As long as you do not have too much stuff, you might be okay with an economy compact which will get you there safely.

Articles cited

Bankrate.com

bankrate.com/financing/cars/rental-car-gas-costs-9-a-gallon/

MSNBC

today.msnbc.msn.com/id/23471992/ns/today-money/t/secrets-renting-car-without-overspending/

Dollar Rent-A-Car was caught red-handed

youtube.com/watch?v=ZY4A-EJAbZs

Friday, April 29, 2011

Startup America Partnership helps smaller businesses grow

A three month old private entity, started by the White House, is aiming to make owning a small business easier. Over a dozen new businesses have pledged $400 million to help entrepreneurs grow their companies. Article source – Startup America Partnership helps small businesses grow by MoneyBlogNewz.

The Startup America Partnership

The United States government works in a partnership with Startup America which is privately funded. The Startup America Partnership is privately managed and funded. Nevertheless, it is a White House initiative technically. The point of Startup America is to give discounts to entrepreneurs. This will help them start new companies of their own. The partnership provides preferred pricing and discounts to members of Startup America as well as workshops, classes and business information that could otherwise cost thousands of dollars. Small Businesses account for 44 percent or more of U.S. payroll and generate more than 60 percent of new jobs in the United States. Part of the partnership is to encourage hiring in small businesses. This will help them grow.

$400 million in new funding

Startup America made an announcement on April 20. Big-name businesses donated over $400 million to the organization. American Express has committed $125 million in preferred pricing for Startup America companies. There was a Google donation as well. It came in the form of Google Ad credits worth $100 million. Even Facebook has gotten involved. It will host May’s “Startup Days” this year. HP is offering $100 million in discounts on products for startup corporations. Cisco, Ernst and Young, First Data, LinkedIn, The National center for Women & Information Technology and Palindrome Advisors have also signed up to provide services and discounts. Several partnerships with companies already existed. Included in this list are The Pearson Foundation, American Association of Community Colleges, Causecast, Intel, FirstData, Google, Intuit, Microsoft, Atisa, Cisco, Mass Challenge, IBM and Artists & Instigators.

Make an effort to sign up

Do you have a business idea or already own a small business? The Startup America Partnership can help you. You may have already gotten a personal loan to start your business. Either way, it is quite simple. Go to Startupamericaparternship.org, register, and start looking at deals. All the programs will be listed there, even though there are different requirements for the various Startup America Partnership programs. The business will determine how much money the Startup America Partnership program will save you. It could be thousands though.

Articles cited

Startup America Partnership Website

startupamericapartnership.org/

SBA.gov

sba.gov/advocacy/7495/8420

Monday, April 25, 2011

Lansing says no to payday advance lending as Michigan economy flails

The Payday Pundit states that kicking a legal, lucrative business like pay day loans out of town are a poor choice – so zoning them out is a poor choice. NWI.com reports that the Lansing, Mich., Planning and Zoning Board are looking for ways to revise ordinances to phase bad credit loans out of town. Couple this move with Michigan’s HB 4214 and impending financial martial law, and you have a bad scene for Lansing and the entire state. Article resource – Lansing says no to payday lending as Michigan economy flails by MoneyBlogNewz.

All the ’special use’ provisions to change

To see if changes are necessary, the “special use” zoning provisions are being looked at. Lansing’s Planning and Zoning Board of Appeals has been in charge of this. The suggestions that targeted payday lenders are not a coincidence. Parking near churches in residential neighborhoods and limiting the number of in-home day care centers may have its civic import, however the business of bad credit loans boosts both credit-constrained consumers’ ability to keep away from insolvency through credit default and a city’s economy as a whole.

While the proposed zoning change would only prevent new payday loans outlets from locating in Lansing, critics see such a move as the typical first step against an enterprise lawmakers want to covertly torpedo. Passing it off as encouraging “more variety in the types of companies” that call Lansing home, which is how Trustee Mikal Stole explained the proposal to NWI, is a smokescreen.

The anger

There have already been difficulties with Michigan House Bill 4214 as state AFL-CIO president Mark Gaffney said it was “an assault on democracy” while Detroit Rep. John Conyers said the government in the state would end up with a “financial czar” (EFM) with the power to “force a municipality” such as putting Lansing into bankruptcy. A new EFM will start to have control as the Benton Harbor, Mich., official’s powers have been superseded . HB 4214 gives the power for dissolution to the EFM appointed.

The per capita income in Benton Harbor is the lowest in Michigan at $8,965, the Rachel Maddow Blog states. Local “Twin City” St. Joseph is at $24,949 just across the St. Joseph River from Benton Harbor. This is significant because Benton Harbor is the home of the Whirlpool company, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. This is being celebrated on the “other side of the tracks” though. It is happening in St. Joseph instead.

The business staying at home is something the Benton Harbor business people would like. When it comes to payday loans, Lansing should be concerned about keeping its moneymakers around because a financial czar could possibly be waiting in the wings.

Articles cited

The Maddow Blog

maddowblog.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2011/04/18/6489195-whats-at-stake-in-benton-harbor

NWI Times

nwitimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_61f251e3-379e-5576-adde-8954a51e9131.html

Payday Pundit

paydaypundit.org/2011/04/18/too-prominent/

Friday, April 22, 2011

Misguided attempts to blame poverty on payday lending

Jobs fight poverty. Having a job empowers consumers to provide. Yet groups like the Anti-Poverty Coalition of Greater Dallas seem to have missed the memo, suggests the Payday Pundit. Fighting poverty is the coalition’s intended reason for attacking payday lending, reports the Dallas Observer. Article source – Killing payday lending does not fight poverty by MoneyBlogNewz.

What Larry James has to say

The coalition is hoping to create ways out of poverty. This is what CitySquare CEO Larry James said in a press release to the media:

“The Anti-Poverty Coalition of Greater Dallas is a new coalition that seeks to move 250,000 people out of poverty permanently by 2020 by coordinating efforts to keep people from falling into poverty and increasing pathways out of poverty,” writes James.

'A treadmill of debt’ is there

James says that, individuals fall into poverty in “a treadmill of debt” when getting personal loans and private loans, which is why they’re being attacked. All zoning ordinances would be challenged with legislation like SB 253 and Texas HB 410 that would keep personal loan companies out of the credit service organization category. The poor would be much better off with a “strong zoning ordinance to decrease the clustering of payday and auto title lending stores.” This is why the Poverty Coalition of Greater Dallas is attempting to get it put together. It believes that many would be better off with payday lending taken from them. There is nothing that speaks to Wall Street or bad spending habits being involved. In truth, eliminating payday loan lenders limits consumer choice and costs Texas jobs, both dire consequences in light of the recession-ravaged economy.

Better attack could have been prepared

Instituting zoning ordinances via HB 410 and SB 253 that would require personal unsecured loan and installment loan outlets to be at least 1,000 feet apart would only be the beginning, industry experts believe. When it comes to getting poverty fixed, it doesn’t really make sense to attack personal loan companies with 36 percent Annual Percentage Rate caps which would end up shutting down the corporations and putting more individuals out of work.

What “anti-poverty” coalitions really want is not shown in the zoning attacks. Communities without access have a higher poverty level in reality according to extant independent research. The Anti-Poverty Coalition of Greater Dallas and other charitable groups should take the time to review this research before putting all this effort into something that may really hurt the end goal.

Citations

Dallas Observer

blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2011/04/new_anti-poverty_coalition_to.php

Payday Pundit

paydaypundit.org/2011/04/12/flawed-plan/

Texas HB 410

capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=HB410

Texas SB 253

capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=82R&Bill=SB253

Texas Secretary of State

sos.state.tx.us/statdoc/faqs2800.shtml

Jobs fight poverty

youtu.be/w0v7OMt3vio

Inflation in China creates global ripple effect

The central bank of China declared over the weekend that its biggest banks must hold more cash in reserve, the fourth time in 2011 the reserve ratio has been increased. China’s financial leaders are struggling to keep inflation in check. A world addicted to cheap manufactured goods from China could be in for a shock. A 25 percent tariff on Chinese imports is the solution floated by Donald Trump, whose attempt to score points with such a canard has inspired laughter among the cognoscenti.

Economy is not growing the way the government wants

By requiring that banks once again raise their deposit reserve ratio, China’s central bank has been trying to cool down the nation’s overheating economy by raising interest rates and reducing the amount of cash accessible for loans. The announcement came on the heels of a government report that China’s economy has been growing at an annual rate of 9.7 percent, the most rapid pace in the world. The government is very unsure about the rising prices which this growing economy has brought on. The price for food or for gas went up a lot. Also, the home costs have become too high. Chinese businesses were told not to raise costs by Beijing while agricultural subsidies increased to stop the price increases. Citizens in China also got wage raises. That means the inflation program is just going up.

China inflation a global threat

Too much of China’s economic growth, according to analysts, is due to inflationary government spending on real estate development and multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects for instance roads and railways. Some predict that in spite of the government’s tries to douse the flames, China faces a rate of inflation approaching 5 percent for the next decade. With this inflation rate like this, China may have some difficulties. It might not end up dominating manufactured goods anymore. As Chinese wages and production costs rise, companies are asking higher costs for goods shipped overseas. Other economies may start to sell cheaper goods to big consumers for instance the U.S. and Europe. A contracting Chinese economy could hurt lots of businesses that count on China. This would consist of both General Motors and General Electric.

All the pressure

China has failed to stop the economy from overheating. Now, the pressure to have the yuan to rise in value is coming down even harder than ever on Beijing. It was suggested by Donald Trump that a tariff be put in place. This would be on Chinese imports at 25 percent. However experts say tariffs are a flawed response to China’s currency manipulation. A trade war between the United States and China would likely begin if there was a tariff started by Trump. A 25 percent tariff would make Chinese goods American consumers depend on more expensive, feeding United States rising prices. The United States is probably not able to trade with the United States anymore if China got angry over it. A Chinese appeal to the World Trade Organization would get rid of the tariff quickly anymore.

Articles cited

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/04/18/business/global/18yuan.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Associated Press

money.msn.com/business-news/article.aspx?feed=AP&date=20110418&id=13322016

CNN Money

money.cnn.com/2011/04/17/news/economy/trump_china_trade_war/index.htm

Pay up on your first-time homebuyer tax credit

Taxpayers who claimed the $7,500 first-time homebuyer tax credit two years back need to get ready to pay come tax day 2011, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. Come Monday, April 18, the tax day blue will set in as the first of 15 annual payments come due. Source of article – First-time homebuyer tax credit: Get ready to pay by MoneyBlogNewz.

Using the first time home buyer credit

A tax credit close to 10 percent of a home price, for a total of $7,500 maximum, was given to homebuyers. The tax credit might be divided by unmarried homebuyers or married individuals filing separately could get $3,750 each, according to the House and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. The credit applied to homes purchased after April 8, 2008, however before January 1, 2009.

Many people were looking forward to the tax credit. It was popular. It was really just an interest-free loan, not “credit” as it was called. For the next fifteen years, first-time homebuyers who claimed the tax credit can be repaying the government in equal installments each year. Somebody who gets a credit of $7,500 will end up paying $500 a year. This isn’t charged if the house is sold right away though. When selling the home, the balance is due instantly. It is not paid over time anymore.

The homebuyer tax breaks given

Congress made two other tax credits extended on top of the first-time home buyer tax credit. There was an $8,000 credit given to first time home-buyers. Between January 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010 was when this credit was valid. As long as the contract had been signed by April 30, the sale could be completed by September 30, 2010, and the taxpayer could qualify for the credit. The second (for $6,500) applied to long-term homeowners who purchased a new or existing home between Nov 7, 2009, and April 30, 2010.

The tax credits, whether it be for $8,000 or $6,500, had to be repaid by the homeowners if the home is sold within three years of purchase or if it is a secondary residence. However, there’s a bit of an escape hatch if the property is sold within three years. If the profit on the sale (when in contrast to the original purchase price) is less than the amount of the tax credit, then homebuyers only need repay the amount of the profit.

IRS having trouble processing returns

The Inquirer reports that there are many issues the Internal Revenue Service is having with tax refunds for married couples filing jointly. Working class individuals who submitted Form 5405: “First-Time Homebuyer Credit and Repayment of the Credit” before February 22, 2011, forced the IRS to process their returns manually, creating slowdowns.

The $7,500 first-time home buyer tax credit can be repaid by 1 million U.S. households, according to the IRS. Those working class individuals who haven’t gotten their refunds yet can check IRS.gov and click the “Where’s My Refund?” link for more information.

Articles cited

Housing and Economic Recovery Act

frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=110_cong_bills&docid=f:h3221enr.txt.pdf

IRS

irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=204671,00.html

Philadelphia Inquirer

philly.com/philly/phillywomen/119915874.html

How Canada helps first-time home buyers

youtube.com/watch?v=lg_i8SRhMO0

Military pay day loans not necessary as troops will still get paid

Congress has gotten its act together and approved the federal budget for fiscal year 2011. If it had not been passed or another emergency measure made, there would have been a government shutdown. Among the concerns concerning the shutdown, military service personnel would have to work without being paid and could have possibly had to turn to payday cash advance loans to keep the bills paid. The next quibble in government waits, though the federal shutdown was thankfully avoided.

How military personnel would have been effect

For Fiscal Year 2011, Congress upheld a bill. There was lots of stress about a government shutdown during all of this. Thankfully, the shutdown was averted, however it was well known that Congress would have continued to receive their pay while thousands of government employees would have gone on a forced furlough. Thousands more would have been forced to work without pay. Members of the military, for instance, wouldn’t be paid for their work during a shutdown. MSNBC states that military families may have had a really hard time though with this shutdown, especially since service personnel are not allowed to get subprime credit goods for instance payday advance.

Military personnel salaries

Nearly three of every four individuals in the armed services are in the six lowest ranks and are paid $31,000 a year or less. Mean earnings in the United States was estimated at $44,901 while median earnings were at $36,587, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Military personal are making less than the average person no matter which scale you take. Service families tend to have debt issues, the Washington Post reported a 2008 Department of Defense survey saying. There are also issues with bankruptcy as shown in a 2004 study the Government Accountability Office did. It showed that bankruptcy was filed by 1.2 percent of military members that are on active duty. Last year, over 1.5 million people filed bankruptcy, which when compared to the U.S. population is only 0.5 percent.

Dire straits for those in harm’s way

The people who elect to serve this country do not get rewarded much for their efforts. There are also incentives to not go into debt; service members can lose their security clearance if they fall into unmanageable debts. Granted, had the shutdown occurred, there would have been options for a lot of people. The Naval Federal Member Bank offered low interest personal loans to members in case of a shutdown, like other credit unions and banks for federal employees have done in previous shutdowns.

Articles cited

MSNBC

msnbc.msn.com/id/42559366/ns/business-your_retirement/?gt1=43001

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/blogs/blogpost/post/military-pay-faces-uncertain-future-troubling-for-financially-strapped-families/2011/04/08/AFHV311C_blog.html

Bureau of Labor Statistics

bls.gov/ncs/ocs/sp/nctb1346.pdf

U.S. Courts

uscourts.gov/uscourts/Statistics/BankruptcyStatistics/BankruptcyFilings/2010/0310_f2.pdf

Government Accountability Office

gao.gov/new.items/d04465r.pdf

Government Accountability Office

gao.gov/new.items/d04465r.pdf

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Twitter obtains tax holiday windfall from City of San Francisco

In an 8-to-3 vote, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors has decided in favor of an ordinance that will grant local company Twitter among others a tax break from the city’s corporate payroll tax on brand new hires, reports the Los Angeles Times. Twitter will benefit from a 1.5 percent payroll tax shield over the next six years. While San Francisco Mayor Lee sees this as a positive step toward keeping Twitter around and revitalizing sagging business districts within the city, critics view the ordinance as a major misstep toward allowing corporations to hold cities as economic hostages. Article resource – City of San Francisco grants Twitter a payroll tax break by MoneyBlogNewz.

It is ‘rejuvenation’ for Twitter to be there

Lee says that keeping Twitter in San Francisco could only have happened with the payroll tax break.

“This moment represents a real step forward in the effort to revitalize and transform the Central Market area,” he said. “Central Market and the Tenderloin have been burdened with high vacancies and blight for decades.”

Lee said that he appreciated Twitter's help in those districts to the San Francisco Chronicle although Twitter officials did not make a statement about the Wednesday tax exclusion. Those areas need some job creation. It would help out San Francisco a lot.

“There is great synergy between Twitter and the arts organizations and small retail businesses who are looking to expand in the area," said Lee. "The city can work collaboratively with businesses, community-based organizations, property owners and area residents to catalyze meaningful change.”

Some upset about a tax holiday occurring

Over the next six years, the Twitter payroll tax break is projected to conserve the business about $22 million on its taxes, the Chronicle reports. That’s $22 million that San Francisco needs, said city supervisor John Avalos.

“I don’t believe giving an exception to our payroll tax is the way to go,” he said. “I believe that businesses in San Francisco and around the country should be socially responsible. … If we allow a company to threaten to leave, then give them a tax break so they don’t, we’re setting a bad precedent."

Articles cited

Los Angeles Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/04/twitter-gets-6-year-payroll-tax-break-from-san-francisco-board-of-supervisors.html

San Francisco Chronicles

sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/04/05/BA7R1IQM9D.DTL

San Francisco Mayor's Office

sfmayor.org/index.aspx?page=330

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty on corporate tax holidays and offshoring

youtube.com/watch?v=MIRncAiu9Vw

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Microsoft contributes grievance to European Union antitrust investigation of Google

Last fall Google found itself being investigated in an antitrust probe by European Union authorities. Smaller European web corporations, some owned by Microsoft, accused Google of shutting them out of search engine outcomes, as well as other anti-competitive techniques. On Thurs Microsoft stood behind some of its subsidiaries and filed its own complaint towards Google with the EU.

Google dealing with Microsoft complaint

Alleging that Google is limiting its access to critical data it needs to compete using YouTube and other Google services to the detriment of European customers, Microsoft filed a formal antitrust complaint in Europe against Google. The European Union Competitive Commission is doing an antitrust investigation towards Google already that Microsoft is now behind. Google controls about 95 percent of the Internet search market in Europe while Microsoft’s search engine, Bing, swims with the other minnows. There have, in the past, been a lot of antitrust complaints that Google has been used to dealing with about competition as it is Europe's center place for advertisers to go. After fighting antitrust investigations into Windows and billions in fines from the European Commission for years, Microsoft has reversed roles with its complaint towards Google.

Clear fights between Google and Bing

Microsoft’s European antitrust grievance towards Google is about background technologies such as “application programming interfaces” that unlock access to Google products and services. The Microsoft criticism states that Google makes it extremely hard for Bing and other search engines to have access to YouTube due to the application programming interfaces used. Google then becomes the primary search engine used. The Windows Phones cannot work with YouTube very well due to Google's programming, Microsoft suggests; which isn’t an issue on the iPhone or Android. Microsoft suspects that Windows Phones are getting the short shrift because of Bing because Apple doesn’t compete with Google in the search engine industry. The European Union antitrust is already looking into the idea that Google blocks advertisers needed for optimization which is another claim Microsoft has.

Google's chance to explain

Google can give its side of the story as EU Commissioner allowed. To be able to keep a consistency with Google ads, Google said the third-party software restraint is necessary. Advertisers are allowed to access any data that is available; there are no restraints. The stakes go up when Microsoft is involved though. Over $29 billion in 2010, or up to 10 percent of annual global revenues could be charged to Google has a fine. It could also be forced to change the way it does business in Europe. Before Microsoft threw its hat to the ring, the European Union commission said it would give Google a chance to stay away from a fine or conviction of wrongdoing by changing the way it does business in Europe.

Information from

Associated Press

finance.yahoo.com/news/Microsoft-throws-weight-apf-1337664829.html?x=0&sec=topStories&pos=6&asset=&ccode=

Los Angeles Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/03/microsoft-files-european-antitrust-complaint-against-google.html

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/04/01/technology/01google.html?src=busln

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Anheuser Busch buys Goose Island in pursuit of world domination

Megabrewer Anheuser Busch has just completed purchasing Goose Island, a Chicago based microbrewery. Anheuser has been purchasing stakes in microbreweries for years. The chief rivals of the Budweiser brands, SAB Miller and Molson Coors, have been doing likewise. Macrobrewers take up well over 50 percent of the industry, and craft brews are thought to comprise less than 10 percent of all beer sales in The United States. Cynics contend macrobrewers like Budweiser do not want consumers to have the freedom of choice.

Microbrewery in Chicago not on the market long

About $38 million will be paid by Anheuser-Busch to get the Chicago Goose Island brewery, reports USA Today. Anheuser-Busch is the Budweiser beer macrobrewing family. Now, Goose Island will be an in-house brewery for Anheuser. Previously, Anheuser was already partnering with Fulton Street Brewery, maker of Goose Island beers, in a partnership. Anheuser purchased 52 percent of Goose Island’s shares outright, and the remaining 42 percent from Craft Brewers Alliance. BizJournals states that in 2008, Redhook and Widmer Brothers merged to create Craft Brewers Alliance Inc. as a small brew house conglomerate. About 32.5 percent of craft Brewers Alliance Inc. is owned by Anheuser-Busch which was bought by InBev a few years back.

Changes to distribution based on large companies

Goose Island, in accordance with the Chicago Sun Times, is selling control to Anheuser to expand the company’s ability to distribute its beer to customers in the face of growing demand. This is not uncommon, as it is not often advertised to the public that brewers, distillers and vintners all depend on distribution businesses to sell the beer, wine and spirits they produce to bars, restaurants and stores. Since large beverage corporations for instance Anheuser Busch/InBev, SABMiller and Molson-Coors have controlling interests in the distribution industry, small brewers such as Goose Island often have to sell themselves or partner with companies like Anheuser-Busch InBev and SABMiller in order to keep up with consumer demand, as the current distribution system is mandated by law. Microbrewers, in accordance with Reuters, accounted for 5 percent of beer sales in 2009.

Helping out the small brewers

The United States Senate currently has a bill before it called the Brewer’s Employment and Excise Relief Act, which would cut the excise tax on the first 60,000 barrels of beer produced by breweries in half, in accordance with Reuters. Breweries that make less than six million barrels a year would not have to pay as much of an excise tax. While producing beer, the first 60,000 barrels have a $7 excise tax currently. It jumps to $18 a barrel if more than that is made. Companies that stay under 6 million barrels a year will only have to pay $16 a barrel. This will benefit small businesses however not corporations. A version for the House of Representatives is supposedly in the works. The price of craft beer would go down with this helping out those that want to purchase craft beer.

Citations

USA Today

usatoday.com/money/industries/food/2011-03-28-anheuser-busch-goose-island.htm

Chicago Sun Times

newssun.suntimes.com/business/4552383-420/goose-island-brewery-sold-to-anheuser-busch.html

Biz journals

bizjournals.com/portland/news/2011/03/28/craft-brewers-sells-goose-island-stake.html

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/03/19/us-breweries-idUSTRE72I3E620110319?pageNumber=1

Friday, April 1, 2011

Deciding on the CD that meets your needs

A certificate of deposit (CD) resembles a savings account, in that a customer makes a federally insured, interest-accruing financial institution or credit union deposit. Unlike a savings account, however, a CD doesn’t allow early withdrawal without penalty. With some basic information, deciding on the CD that’s right for you is simple and pain-free. Resource for this article – Choosing the certificate of deposit that is right for you by MoneyBlogNewz.

Certificate of deposit

The certificate of deposit is a simple concept. It’s simple to get. The customer deposits a fixed amount of money for a specified term (from three months to five years) at a predetermined interest rate. Once the CD comes to maturity, the customer can either cash out the money with interest or roll it into another CD term. Most banks and credit unions allow customers to add funds to a CD at any time. There is an early withdrawal penalty. This usually eliminates interest and is taken from the principal balance. There is federal regulation for minimum penalty levels. There is no maximum level regulation though. Financial institutions can charge more if they want to.

What a bump-up CD is

For added flexibility, a bump-up CD enables you to opt for a higher rate on return, even mid-term. You are able to get the bank bump-up as long as you know the going market rate for CD interest rates. There is one problem with it though. The traditional CD has a trade-off rate lower than that of a regular CD at first. Every term, only one bump-up is allowed.

Go with the flow and stay away from withdrawal penalty

A liquid certificate of deposit enables you to withdraw money from your account, so long as the money invested at account inception remains untouched for at least seven days (the federal minimum; banks’ rules vary) and a minimum balance is maintained. Typically the liquid CD will allow penalty free withdrawals. You will find a maximum number of withdrawals per term in the agreement though. Generally, the liquid CD can have a lower rate of interest because of convenience. A traditional one may work better for interest. If you need the professional management of a liquid CD, try a Brokerage CD. It could have a higher rate of interest than a CD that is standard at banks.

There is the zero-coupon choice

A long-term CD option is the zero-coupon CD. At least 10 years are needed on a zero-coupon CD. The term does not have payments that occur directly. There is an investment done with all the money. At maturity, it’s all back-loaded. At 6 percent interest, you may get a 12 year, $100,000 CD, says Bankrate.com. The balance will end up at $100,000 by the end of it even though it could only cost $50,000 to open the zero-coupon CD.

Even though you do not have access to any zero-coupon CD funds, you may end up paying phantom tax on it yearly. For the most up-to-date information on the top yields for CDs; have a look at Bankrate.com.

Citations

Bankrate

bankrate.com/finance/cd/what-type-of-cd-is-best-1.aspx

Bankrate

bankrate.com/cd.aspx

What is a Certificate of Deposit

whatisacertificateofdeposit.com/

Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Certificate_of_deposit

How to calculate a CD

youtube.com/watch?v=V1kYrm7MgYs

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Real expense of nuclear power evident at Fukushima

Resurgence was brewing for nuclear power, but the Fukushima disaster may have nipped it in the bud. However, the darker side of nuclear energy has been exposed by Japan’s struggle to contain radiation from the reactor damaged by the earthquake and tsunami. Costly new security measures that may be required because of the Fukushima disaster could make the price of nuclear power prohibitive to investors as a primary energy source in the future.

Loan guarantees for nuclear power

In a 2010 Gallup poll, about 62 percent of responders said that using nuclear power as a clean, reliable power source was a good idea. The Obama administration announced plans to provide $54.2 billion in loan guarantees for the construction of nuclear power plants. But even prior to the Fukushima disaster, it was doubtful that new nuclear reactors would be under construction in the U.S. anytime soon, according to Mark Cooper of the Vermont Law School’s Institute for Energy and the Environment. Cooper said the U.S. nuclear industry was a bubble that was going to burst just like any. This was said in Ottawa, Canada, at a presentation at the House of Commons. Billions in loan guarantees were put out for nuclear energy by the Bush administration in 2001 which was when the bubble began. By 2008 it became evident that the nuclear industry couldn’t deliver on costs. Natural gas became a cheap choice while the recession started. The other clean energy possibilities ! helped bring it down also.

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

It might become more costly to build new reactors during the Fukushima disaster. In 1979, there was a Three Mile Island accident in Pennsylvania. After this, as Cooper's research shows, there was a 95 percent increase in construction costs. As a result, households paid 40 percent more for electricity. After the 1986 Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine, construction costs rose another 89 percent, and electricity costs were 42 percent higher. Construction costs for nuclear reactors skyrocketed because of design changes required to address safety concerns. The changes in the United States to address the safety after the Fukushima problem are being addressed currently. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is together working on it already.

Risking it is asking too much of investors

Now the Fukushima incident has occurred, investors are worried about where they put their money. Instead of invest in nuclear power plants, they are more likely to put money into clean energy alternatives for instance solar, wind and natural gas. Utilities may also pass on assuming the risk of nuclear plants. Financially, nuclear energy is not any longer a cheap choice to other sources of energy. Before taking into account the cleanup costs of a nuclear accident, onshore wind farms, for example, are up to 35 percent cheaper than nuclear plants. The world can get electrical power from several option sources. The nuclear power costs to the economy are avoided with them. It’s more lucrative for investors to invest in clean energy alternatives.

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

Google Books ruling depending on copyright and antitrust concerns

Google can’t scan all the world’s novels and make them available online, a judge said Tuesday . Using copyright and antitrust arguments, Google’s opponents successfully overturned a $125 million deal between Google and the publishing industry to complete the project. The negotiation could nevertheless be approved in the future, based on recommendations made by the judge issuing the ruling. Resource for this article – Google Books ruling based on copyright and antitrust concerns by MoneyBlogNewz.

What Google Books settled on

Google Books is an effort to scan every book ever published and make them available to everyone with an Internet connection. Due to the book-scanning project, Google got sued in 2005 by the Authors Guild and the Association of American Publishers. In 2008, Google agreed to pay $125 million up front and provide the means for authors and publishers to get paid any time their books are viewed online. The negotiation has been mired in the legal system as opponents such as Amazon, Microsoft, the Justice Department, copyright experts and some foreign governments argued against it. Denny Chin is the Manhattan federal court. On Tuesday, he said that it wouldn't be right for Google Books to do this because it would create a monopoly and exploit the works of copyright holders without permission.

The orphan works issue

Google Books would be able to digitize any book without permission unless the author and publisher opted out of the agreement because of a provision with Judge Chin objected to the most. Chin suggested that changing the provision to “opt in” could open the door to approval. The opt-out provision was written because of an issue with so-called “orphan works.”. Anytime a book has a copyright holder that cannot be found or is unknown, it’s an orphan work. According to Google, requiring an opt in leaves millions of orphan works out of Google Books, out of print and unavailable — exactly the issue Google Books was created to solve. Opponents of the settlement said the availability of orphan works is an issue best addressed by Congress, not the negotiation of a private lawsuit.

Issues on all of the antitrust

Google defends its book-scanning project as an effort to “democratize knowledge” by offering every book ever written, which is about 130 million and counting, in accordance with the business. Antitrust issues are there also though. Nobody would be able to compete with such a complete library as Google would have with this program. Other critics of Google Books said offering exclusive access to millions of novels would put Google in an unassailable position in Internet search. As the battle goes on, Google has scanned about 15 million novels. There are about 20 percent of copyrighted titles available on Google that the business licensed from publishers. Also, Google's Book Search has expired copyrighted novels accessible. Sample text can be accessed from copyrighted titles that haven’t been licensed to Google.

Information from

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/03/23/technology/23google.html?_r=1&emc=eta1

Financial Times

ft.com/cms/s/2/f7ee4948-54bf-11e0-b1ed-00144feab49a.html#axzz1HR3IHDr1

PC World

pcworld.com/article/222963/judge_rejects_google_book_deal_over_monopoly_concerns.html

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Expense of FHA loans set to increase again

Federally supported mortgages, last year, got more costly. April 18, 2011, the cost will increase again. This increase could make it even more difficult to get a mortgage in the tightening sector.

Where FHA loans go

There are home loans offered by the FHA. These are for specific home mortgage situations. The FHA does not give bad credit personal loans. Instead, it insures mortgages for other loan providers to lend. FHA-insured loans often require very little down payment – between 3 and 6 percent, instead of the standard mortgage down payment of 10 percent. FHA mortgages can be taken out for any amount up to $729,750. The intention is that borrowers who can make mortgage payments but have a tough time making a down payment can become homeowners.

FHA loan costs

For borrowers, getting a Federal Housing Administration loan isn’t significantly different than getting any other mortgage loan. Borrowers are required to pay mortgage loan insurance with FHA loans so that the federal government will repay the lender if something goes wrong. For many years, FHA loans required a 0.5 percent premium be paid as mortgage insurance. The amount went up 0.9 percent last year. In April, the cost is going to increase another 0.25 percent, bringing the total to 1.15 percent of the total loan amount. FHA borrowers have to pay 1.15 percent additional of the mortgage. This will be added to monthly payments. For a $157,000 mortgage, this increase will cost slightly less than $400 per year extra.

Good and bad of FHA

In the first quarter of 2011, the FHA wrote mortgage insurance for a portfolio of $72.1 billion worth of loans. This is fewer mortgages than in previous years, though the FHA also wrote more refinancing loans. The good news is that fewer FHA loans are currently entering default. The bad news is the lower number means the FHA has to raise rates to be able to remain solvent. The expense of mortgages will go up due to this. This might be an indication that the housing sector and the economy are recovering, or it could be an indication that the federal government is still nervous about the status of mortgage lending. Soon, the low interest rates are bound to end.

Articles cited

Tampa Bay Times

tampabay.com/news/business/realestate/fha-raises-mortgage-fee/1159586

Total Mortgage

totalmortgage.com/blog/fha/fewer-fha-loans-going-bad/11172

Monday, March 28, 2011

Investors considering medical marijuana IPOs

To different degrees, medical marijuana is legal in 15 of the United States. The business of supplying medical marijuana shops, and all associated products, can be very profitable. Now, two major marijuana industry corporations have declared plans for initial public stock offerings.

More marijuana use means more companies begin

Medical marijuana has created many new industries. There are several goods the companies offer. They consist of packaging equipment, processing equipment, fertilizers, humidifiers and grow lights. In just 10 years, the marijuana industry can be worth as much as $60 billion. The technology sector of the industry is also continuing to grow. There are wise phone apps to control "grow trailers" now. Also, there's always better hydroponic technology out there. Money is made by many individuals that start medical dispensaries and growth operations. They typically need short term loans to begin though. Typically between 70 and 120 percent market is done in stores.

Initial public offering soon

Companies that directly deal in marijuana exist in a difficult legal gray area. All marijuana is illegal on the federal level. All of the states have illegal recreational use of marijuana. That isn't different. Marijuana for medical use is legal in some states, however federal officials have raided state-compliant businesses in several states. General Cannabis Inc. and GrowOp Technology Ltd. sell equipment to grow your own marijuana. Neither of them sells the substance though to stay away from legal troubles. The corporations are hoping to be put on the stock exchanges for public trade by the end of 2011. The "growth industry" would be traded so many investors could hold parts of the corporations. The companies would get over $10 million from initial public offerings also.

Marijuana finances have problems

Medical marijuana is growing like crazy. Investors want a piece of the action. This growth, however, could be creating another financial bubble. Since medical use was made legal in California in 1992, the price of finished product has dropped from $3,000 or more per pound to $1,800 per pound. There is a lot of competition with warehouse-style operations franchising also. WeGrow is an example. Companies in the medical marijuana industry expect the business to grow. To be able to do that, more states have to make it legal.

Citations

Wall St

247wallst.com/2011/02/18/growop-the-hydroponic-ipo-for-medical-marijuana/#ixzz1F8E7ZdZo

Friday, March 25, 2011

Regulators considering approval of $39 billion AT&T deal

AT&T has opted to make an offer to purchase T-mobile. The merger would have to go through multiple approvals before starting. The Department of Justice and Federal Communication Commission would both have a say. Most consumers would partially benefit and partially be harmed by this merger. Article resource – Good news bad news for consumers as AT&T bids to buy T-mobile by MoneyBlogNewz.

What to anticipate with an AT&T/ T-Mobile company

Right now, T-Mobile is pretty popular in the United States It’s the fourth largest wireless provider. Deutsche Telekom AG owns T-Mobile. Both AT&T and Sprint-Nextel gave offers to T-Mobile. In order the purchase and merge with T-Mobile, AT&T is willing to put up $39 billion in money and stock. If the merger happened, the businesses would be bigger than Verizon Wireless. They would have over 130 million customers. The merger can't just happen. First the Federal Communications Commission and Department of Justice has to approve it. The DOJ must certify that the new business isn’t a monopoly. The FCC must certify that the AT&T / T-mobile merger wouldn’t violate communications law. These regulatory approvals could take a year or more.

Why the AT&T merger is good for your wallet

The AT&T/T-Mobile merger can be good. Consumers could benefit. Regulatory agencies will likely require the new, merged business provide extended service to underserved areas. There would be less of a strain. There are only so many wireless networks to go around. High-speed wireless broadband would become more readily accessible. Expanded service for any wireless customers would be available also.

Customers that might not benefit from the AT&T merger

The proposed merger is expected to increase income by $3 billion per year, most of which will come from the short term loans of customers. Combined, the new AT&T and Verizon would serve 75 percent of wireless consumers in the United States. The services together would be a duopoly. That would mean wireless service prices would increase. The combined company would likely follow AT&T’s lead in limiting wireless data and charging higher costs for overages.

Wireless service costing more and more

Wireless service costs might only go up from here, without contemplating the AT&T and T-Mobile merger. Taxes, just like the federal government taxes, are charged on cellular phone services by cities, states and municipalities. A lot of people end up paying a tax on mobile phone service that is fairly high. It’s about the same as cigarette and alcohol tax. Nationwide, the average tax is 16 percent. More income is paid, percentage wise, by a lower income individual than others for the very same service as the tax is regressive. A three to five percent tax is on landline telephone service.

Citations

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2011-03-20/at-t-agrees-to-buy-deutsche-telekom-s-t-mobile-usa-unit-for-39-billion.html

KSE Focus

ksefocus.com/wordpress-content/uploads/2011/02/2010-Tax-Study-Final-Tax-Notes-PDF.pdf

Friday, March 11, 2011

Android supplying far more smartphones than Research in Motion

Research in Motion is no longer the king of the hill for smartphones, as the Blackberry line has fallen behind Android. RIM, Microsoft and Apple goods have fallen behind Android, as the wildly popular operating system by Google started spreading like wildfire as soon as it was released. There are far more than 170 Android devices. Resource for this article – Android selling more smartphones than Research in Motion by MoneyBlogNewz.

Blackberry attractiveness dying

When it came to smartphones, Blackberry mobile phones were at the top of the list for Research in Motion. CNN reports the business isn't at the top anymore though. All of the competition has been beaten by the Google based Android system. With 31 percent of product sales, the Android beat Research in Motion product sales and got to the top. The first phone using the Android operating system was the HTC G1, which was released in Nov. 2009 and carried exclusively by T-Mobile. In early 2010, Android had only a 7 percent share of the smartphone sector, however the platform has loved constant growth since its introduction. Now, you will find a ton of Android OS mobile phones. Over 170 types of tablet computers and phones use it.

It is hard for old cell phones to make it

Android is the only smartphone in the United States to continuously grow even though there are four preferred platforms. Research in Motion at one point sold 42 percent of all smartphones, but Research in Motion product sales have dwindled to 30.4 percent between Feb. of 2010 and the end of Jan of 2011. For a while, Windows phones have been going down in industry share for smartphones. Now it’s lower than 10 percent. The iPhone has been good for Apple, but not good enough. It has stayed at a constant for the industry share. The activation of Android cell phones happens all the time. In fact, about 350,000 every single day are activated to begin service. A larger share of the industry was held by Symbian OS from Nokia than form Android until late 2010. This was when the Android sales came up and Symbian OS product sales went down.

Android Nokia cell phone not likely

Just about every phone business makes an Android phone, as Google licenses it for free, and adapting it is fairly simple for any developer, but Nokia isn’t really having it, in accordance with the Los Angeles Times. Nokia and Microsoft have a relationship now. It seems that Windows Mobile on Nokia phones will become the normal thing. Microsoft is reportedly going to pay Nokia $1 billion for the rights to put Windows Phone 7 on Nokia devices, which could possibly be a net benefit for both businesses if it is successful.

Articles cited

CNN

money.cnn.com/2011/03/07/technology/android/index.htm

Los Angeles Times

latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/03/Microsoft-reportedly-paying-nokia-more-than-1-billion-to-use-windows-phone-os.html

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Wisconsin Assembly approves bill dropping collective bargaining rights

The controversial bill denying Wisconsin state workers the right to collective bargaining has been approved by the Wisconsin Assembly. However, the bill has a long way to go before becoming law. The Assembly is the lower house of the legislature, and the Senate may not be able to vote on the bill in the near future. The bill still must pass the Wisconsin Senate. Article source – Wisconsin Assembly passes bill curtailing collective bargaining by MoneyBlogNewz.

Passing the bill will not take place with too few Wisconsin State Senate members

Collective bargaining rights are likely to be taken from the state unionized workers with the Wisconsin Assembly SB11 bill that has approved. There isn’t enough Wisconsin U.S. Senate present to vote on the bill though. MSNBC states that this will mean the bill will be stuck not going anywhere. The 19 Republican members of the Senate are present, however that’s one person shy of the 20-person quorum, the minimum number of people required to officially vote on the bill. There are 14 Democrats that left the state in order to avoid voting on the bill for the Wisconsin Senate. The legislation cannot be voted on until their return. That means no laws can pass.

Assembly Democrats cry foul

The controversial bill was passed 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. The bill passed 51 to 17 before some Democrats knew what was transpiring, and 28 failed to vote in time, in accordance with Bloomberg. 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 time being.

Governor did not want to cooperate

There was a prank call done recently where Scott Walker, thinking he was talking to campaign donor Koch, said that he will not work with the unions on the state budget troubles in Wisconsin. The bill mandates union workers absorb more costs for their pension and health care plans, which unions have agreed to. However, the affected unions have maintained they need to retain collective bargaining rights, which Walker refuses to compromise on. Police and firefighter unions could be the only ones in Wisconsin that keep the collective bargaining rights.

Information from

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

From whence the food: Libyan refugees go starving

The Libyan turmoil has thrown desperate refugees into a spiral of hunger. Ships from the United Nations’ World Food Program have been turned away from loyalist ports, as Col. Moammar Gadhafi is using food shortages as a weapon against famished rebels. The United States and U.N. are undergoing Libyan humanitarian aid efforts at this time. Article source – Libya needs food: The struggles of humanitarian aid by MoneyBlogNewz.

Refugees have no other option but to ‘invade Europe,' claims Gadhafi

Gadhafi has made it very clear in his comments and proclamations that he plans to fight until death, although several states about the anti-Gadhafi repels vs. Gadhafi loyalists would suggest a compromise can be in the near future for Gadhafi. Reuters states that Gadhafi claims thousands of Libyan refugees will "invade Europe" if he occurs to fall. Reportedly, tens of thousands have already fled into Tunisia, although that country is also politically unstable.

Gadhafi may be right that the refugees will go anywhere humanitarian aid might be available considering hospitals in cities like Misrata are running low on supplies while the rebels are running out of food. Military analyst Shanshank Joshi of Britain’s Royal United Services Institute told Reuters that the rebels don’t have the upper hand, even though their fighting skills are "reasonably competent."

“Government forces have more mobility than the rebels thanks to airlift and a decent amount of road transport," said Joshi.

Refugees from Libya seek United Nations help

Valerie Amos is a U.N. aid coordinator. She explained that there are already over 1 million Libyans in need of humanitarian aid while more are being taken out of their homes and need it every day. Rebel towns like Misrata, which was recently home to 300,000 people, are considered high-priority areas by the U.N.

“Humanitarian organizations need urgent access now,” said Amos. “People are injured and dying and need help immediately.”

A no-fly zone was set over Libya by U.S. Secretary of State Clinton. She also said that Libyan refugees can count on $10 million in U.S. aid. Interested individual donors are being urged to contribute through the U.N. World Food Program.

Economic climate in Libya needs help

Christopher Albon wrote for the Atlantic that lots of food in Libya is imported since sustaining agriculture is really hard. Considering that food prices have risen 50 to 75 % in war torn areas of Libya, the panic of food shortage has set in. The seaport of Benghazi is where the United States could supply food to the rebel side of Libya in accordance with Albon. Such a move would be a meaningful policy choice for Obama and would keep away from the burden of U.S. military engagement.

Information from

The Atlantic

theatlantic.com/international/archive/2011/03/how-food-could-determine-libyas-future/72097/

Army Times

armytimes.com/news/2011/02/ap-clinton-us-sending-aid-forces-near-libyan-borders-022811/

Reuters

reuters.com/article/2011/03/07/us-libya-protests-idUSTRE71G0A620110307?pageNumber=1

World Food Product

wfp.org/donate/fillthecup_getinvolved

The Telegraph

telegraph.co.uk/news/wikileaks-files/libya-wikileaks/8294883/HEAD-OF-LIBYAS-ECONOMIC-DEVELOPMENT-BOARD-U.S.-LIBYA-RELATIONS-NOT-JUST-ABOUT-OIL.html

U.S. Embassy in Tripoli, Libya (via Wikileaks) Al Jazeera reports: Using food as a weapon in Libya

youtube.com/watch?v=OfF7DmCGhmU