Increasing college tuition results in more non-payments on student unsecured loans

A college education practically guarantees a pupil may have to talk out some huge unsecured loans to finance it. The costs involved have led to a higher rate of default. There are clear beneficiaries and clear losers. Pupils are the ones who profit least. Numerous live every week on payday loans just to pay back these enormous loans. Article source – Rising tuition leads to more defaults on student personal loans by MoneyBlogNewz.

Pupils have to get more unsecured loans due to rising tuition expenses

The rising cost of college tuition for higher learning is a trend that will continue and has continued for many years. This means students have to come up with more cash. Typically this means more personal loans are taken out. Loan providers do not mind it, of course. There is an 11 year high for installment loan non-payments from pupils trying to go to college right now. This is what Fox News reports. the government is offering these loans to students trying to help them get an education and a good job. That means the taxpayers have to pay for it when a pupil ends up defaulting on a loan.

Non-payments mean billions are lost

In 2011, there have already been about $880 billion in federal loans taken out with the Department of Education. The rise in college tuition and expenses is going up with all the non-payments on loans as well. From 2005 to 2008, the cost of a year's college tuition and living expenses rose from $28,505 to $30,258. There was increase within the loans defaulted from 2008 to 2011 from $33.5 billion to $58 billion in just the last three years.

There's an unpredictable workforce graduate students are expected to enter

Pupils are facing more than just an increase in tuition. You will find fewer jobs available currently with fewer wages for college graduate students. It doesn't make sense that pupils are borrowing more money in order to make less money after college. The chances of getting that job are smaller too.

Citations

Fox Business

foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2011/01/24/default-student-loans-pays/

Obesity and memory troubles are an effect of sleep disorders

Getting enough rest can be a tough problem. Two new analyses show that a lack of sleep means bad health. Children and adults with insomnia are at a higher risk of obesity. Sleep may also help memories build and be stronger.

The ways sleep and weight problems link with each other

The rest habits of 300 kids were studied. They were 4 to 10 years old within the study. Kids that slept irregularly tended to be obese. This was something noticed in the study. This was not necessarily kids who got too little sleep, but children that slept more or less on various days of the week. The lead researcher on the study commented on these outcomes. He said, “We think that the direction of the arrow is you sleep less, you eat more, you exercise less because you’re tired, and therefore you gain more weight.”

The connection between rest and memory

Nature Neuroscience today is a journal. Another sleep study was published in it. It was discovered by German scientists that about 25 percent more information was retained by subjects who took a nap right after studying than the others. The theory is that memories, which are first stored in the short-term hippocampus region of the brain, “download” during sleep and are stored within the long-term portions of the brain. Sleep can help memories stay there.

The more rest you get, the better off you are

For many individuals young and old, getting sufficient rest is difficult. Typically, school aged children are supposed to be getting nine hours of rest. Adults are really only supposed to get between 8 and 10 hrs. This is considered "enough" by most. Resting until you naturally wake up is what sufficient rest really is. The good news is, however, that “catching up” on rest seems to be helpful. You should certainly catch up on rest during the weekend. It can reduce weight problems risk from 280 to 400 percent.

Citations

AFP

google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5ir9Aq3KpWK1wbwDG1A9sqQLxq0nQ?docId=CNG.3d70bb040bdfdd29691ee978be81fc1a.2e1

Fox News

foxnews.com/health/2011/01/24/study-sleep-extra-pounds-kids/

U.S. military not permitted to buy Chinese solar panels

No country within the world makes more solar panels than China. Solar panels are providing an advantage to the United States military in Afghanistan where conventional options for energy are not practical. The military spending bill signed into law Jan. 7 excludes solar power panels from China as an official visit to the U.S. by Hu Jintao, China’s president, is scheduled for next week. Taking out a payday loan to be power efficient could pay down in China.

Clean energy in China

Talks about solar panels will likely be contentious next week. This will be for the U.S./China trade talks specifically. The Beijing government subsidizes the Chinese solar panel manufacturers. In the $29 billion international market, this accounts for about half. China has been accused by members of Congress of breaking free trade rules that the World Trade Organization laid out while the U.S. is trying to keep china from leading in the clean energy industry. China will be subsidizing the solar panel manufacturers. On the other hand, the U.S. only gives subsidies to solar panel buyers. In order to benefit from government subsidies, most of the Chinese solar power manufacturers are putting their product in the U.S.

The only thing discussed in China/U.S. trade talks is the clean energy dispute

Requiring the U.S. military to buy only American-made solar panels is bound to generate criticism from Chinese officials on the eve of Hu’s visit. There were many objections from China a few years ago when the 900 billion economic stimulus package passed. This was because a "buy American" provision was added for the construction materials such as steel that was bought by the government. However, in 2009, China required that its entire $600 billion economic stimulus package be spent in-country. The Obama administration is preparing a case against Chinese clean energy subsidies it plans to bring before the WTO. Solar and wind energy exports with government subsidies are supposedly illegal. This supposedly creates a competitive disadvantage for European companies and U.S. companies.

Buying a European solar energy company is China

It seems the U.S. is only interested in getting trade restrictions on solar panels put in place. China wants to be the top dog in the clean energy industries though. State-owned China National BlueStar Corp. announced the purchase of Norwegian solar panel manufacturer Elkem for $2 billion. China’s acquisition of Elkem gives it cutting edge solar energy technology made by a company entrenched in the European market.

Citations

New York Times

finance.yahoo.com/news/Pentagon-Must-Buy-American-nytimes-512023817.html?x=0&.v=1

UPI

upi.com/Top_News/US/2011/01/10/No-foreign-solar-panels-for-US-military/UPI-50331294678189/

Christian Science Monitor

csmonitor.com/Business/Latest-News-Wires/2011/0111/Solar-panels-China-buys-Norwegian-unit

Tucson shooting suspect Jared Loughner set for arraignment

The Tucson shooting suspect, Loughner, will appear in court on Jan. 10 for arraignment. He could be indicted for quite a few charges. The list of federal crimes he will charged with includes murder and attempted murder. He is said to not be cooperating with investigators. He is likely to be applying for a huge payday cash loan to cover his legal team.

Arraignment the reason Jared Loughner will be seen in court

The Tuscan, Arizona, shooting spree was something Jared Loughner has been accused of. January 10 he will have to go to court for arraignment. Loughner, 22, will face five federal charges, including murder and attempted murder, according to the New York Times. The Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Robert Mueller, said there may also be charges of terrorism while there may even be state charges coming. Loughner will be making no statements to police and investigators under his Fifth Amendment right. Judy Clarke, who defended Tim McVeigh of the Oklahoma City bombing, Ted Kaczynski "Unabomber," and even Zacarias Moussaoui who was a 9/11 conspirator, is the federal public defender who will be defending Loughner.

Behavior in past is disturbed

Jared Lee Loughner has a history of strange behavior and outbursts. Pima Community College had him suspended. Disruptive behavior was the reason. He had at least five instances of unruly behavior that involved campus police. CBS reports that after his name was said to be part of the shooting of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, one of his former professors came forward. After Loughner didn't get full credit for one late assignment, there was an incident that Debbie Scheidemantel recalled on "The Early Show". He claimed that not giving him full credit for a late assignment was infringing on his First Amendment rights. He was then pulled out of class. Campus police had to do this. There were videos on his YouTube page for Loughner that he put up. They are very odd.

Possible death penalty

The arraignment will take place in the federal courthouse in Phoenix. The death penalty is on the table for Loughner. If he gets convicted, it is a possibility. In 2005, Timothy McVeigh was executed after being given the death sentence while Clarke defended him.

Information from

New York Times

nytimes.com/2011/01/10/us/10giffords.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1

CBS News

cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/10/earlyshow/main7230271.shtml

Expired assault weapons ban applied to Glock-19

The Glock-19 is an Austrian-made semi-automatic pistol liked by the military and most police departments. A Glock-19 that fires more than 30 rounds without the need of reloading was the weapon used by Jared Lee Loughner for his mass murder in Arizona Sunday. The Glock he used had been illegal under an assault weapons ban that expired in 2004. This person might not have had to take out a large payday loan just to obtain this gun if the assault weapons ban had been extended.

The Glock is lightweight

There is a reason the Glock semiautomatic pistol is lightweight and compact. Synthetic polymers make up the weapon. NATO forces typically use the Glock-17 which holds ten rounds at a time while it is also used in the U.S. by over 60 percent of law enforcement agencies. Criminals started becoming just as well armed as police in the 1990s. This is when Glocks replaced the six-shooters. The Glock is very easy to reload while also firing the 9 mm bullets as fast as the trigger can be pulled which is why soldiers and police like it.

You don't need a permit to shoot an Arizona Glock

The Glock-19, which can hold up to 33 rounds, was the weapon of choice for Arizona shooter Jared Lee Loughner. The Glock-19 was used by Cho Seung-Hui also. This was when the Virginia Tech massacre happened, killing 32 people. Legally, Loughner was able to buy the Glock-19. This he did. Republican Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer signed SB 1108 in April 2010, eliminating the requirement for a concealed weapons permit. Because of SB 1108, the Glock was something Loughner was able to carry in public. Because of this, he killed Re Gabrielle Giffords, D-Ariz., and a federal judge along with five more. Bystanders subdued Loughner before he could reload his Glock.

The expiration of the Glock-19 in the assault weapons ban

There was an assault weapons ban that started in 1994. It made it so the Glock-19 was illegal. Magazines that held more than 10 rounds couldn't be manufactured with the assault weapons ban. The National Rifle Association pressured the House to not pass the assault weapons ban extension after it expired in 2004. It did pass in the House though. It is easier to get an extended magazine Glock-19 now in the U.S. than it is to get a credit card. Whether or not someone knows how to use a Glock-19 gun, anyone in Arizona can get one.

Information from

Washington Post

washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/08/AR2011010803995.html

AZ Central

azcentral.com/news/election/azelections/articles/2010/04/16/20100416arizona-concealed-weapons-bill16-ON.html

Salon

salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/01/09/giffords_shooting_assault_weapons_ban/

Additional flocks of deceased birds show up in Louisiana

Recently, accounts came out concerning deceased birds dropping from the sky in Arkansas. Days later, comparable incidents of deceased birds are taking place in Louisiana. Only a few hundred miles and couple of days separated the 2 incidents, which is an eerie coincidence. Why the birds dropped in mid-flight will have to be determined by testing. The testing is going to require a cash advance to complete. Source of article – More flocks of dead birds show up in Louisiana by MoneyBlogNewz.

Additional dead birds in Louisiana instead of Arkansas

Several birds have been dropping by the mass out of Louisiana skies. This taken place right after the Beebe, AR incident. On New Year's Eve, there were thousands of blackbirds that fell from the sky. Pointe Coupee Parish, near Labarre, Louisiana, is where 500 birds were found on a stretch of highway dropping out of the sky, says CNN. They were blackbirds, starlings and even sparrows. The plunge didn't kill all the birds. They did all perish though. About 300 miles south of Beebe, Ark., or where the dead birds were found first, was where the rain of birds taken place. The birds are being sent to test laboratories to see if there are any commonalities between the incidents.

Trauma brought down birds in AR

In AR, there was trauma that brought on the birds to drop from the sky. This is what an autopsy of the birds reveals. There was tension to the breast tissue that was very physical. This is what the Arkansas Game and Fish Commissioner explained. The birds were found to have internal bleeding. There were hemorrhages as well. It did not seem like there was a disease.

Experiencing all sorts of pouring birds

Hail or lightening may very well have been responsible for the groups of birds being deceased. There may have been a cold weather and storm front that moved through. The first event may have had fireworks as part of what happened since birds in flight have trouble with loud noises, although there is no connection to the second event.

Citations

CNN

us.cnn.com/2011/US/01/03/arkansas.falling.birds/index.html?hpt=T2

Social media gets you out of congestion

United States carmakers have brought Facebook and Twitter to the vehicle with such new goods as MyFord Touch and others. However Popular Mechanics claims that some new practical application for drivers is being introduced. Thanks to advancements in the OnStar system, drivers could have access to in real time data from other drivers using the same system – from road status to suggestions on option routes around town. Post resource – Can social media kill the traffic jam? by Car Deal Expert.

Traffic jam up-dates all around us with the cloud

While standard GPS units give traffic jam up-dates, the information provided is situated on historic traffic data. Such units have not taken variables into account as they are introduced, for instance road changes or more vehicles in circulation. Now mobile and dashboard devices are crowd-sourcing drivers, bringing real-time reports to the in-car cloud.

The Inrix is a traffic information group. Jim Bak, as the Director of community Relations, says that this means drivers will now know what traffic conditions look like. Google is not even as good as it makes it seem like all the streets and roads are uninterrupted. The information cannot be delivered by Google Maps because the algorithms aren't sophisticated enough to do crowd-sourcing yet although new in-car technologies can help drivers know what is ahead.

Is this journey really necessary?

Author of "Traffic: Why We Drive the Way We Do (and What It States About Us)" is Tom Vanderbilt, and he believes that the in-car cloud is just another driver distraction just like all the other gadgets like OnStar, MyFord Touch or even the Toyota Entune's computer system.

“The classic issue is if everyone is told road A is suddenly not congested, everyone shifts to road A, and it becomes congested. Past a certain point, when roads reach the sort of capacities that spill into stop-and-go traffic, route information isn’t going to matter much,” he told Popular Mechanics.

Citations

Popular Mechanics

popularmechanics.com/cars/news/industry/will-in-car-social-media-kill-the-traffic-jam

How to sync a Bluetooth device with Ford Sync

youtube.com/watch?v=UCDpVHbCOD4

Chuck Berry in good condition after nearly passing out in concert

A recent event took place at a Berry live performance, which had enthusiasts of the rock legend afraid for his health. He is doing fine, though. Berry had to be assisted offstage, after almost passing out at a piano bench. However, he is now in strong condition. The 84 year old living legend is relaxing at his home.

Chuck Berry nearly faints at Chicago concert

At a recent live concert performance at the Congress Theater in Chicago on New Years, Chuck Berry fell ill in the course of a concert before he got to “Auld Lang Syne”, as outlined by ABC. Berry began to slump over while sitting down at the electric piano onstage while performing. Then Berry waved because he needed help. Then he went offstage immediately. He returned a half an hour later to reassure followers that he was fine, and even managed an abbreviated “duck walk,” the dance step he made famous. The “duck walk” has been copied by many people, perhaps most famously Angus Young of AC/DC. That whole evening, Berry was feeling very ill. Then he went the next day to his home in St. Louis.

Enthusiasts will get to see Chuck Berry's concert another time

The concert is already rescheduled for January 19 and is sold out, as outlined by Yahoo News. Berry is said to be active and in superb health at 84 years of age, however he simply was fatigued. Berry flew to Chicago after performing 2 concerts in NY City on New Year's Eve.

Still doing well

With musicians, there are some that have a ton of influence and longevity, although there are only some. Berry is one of these. Berry has been the influence for artists like the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Ted Nugent, AC/DC and legions while he has recorded since the 1950s. "Johnny B. Goode" has one of the best guitar riffs ever known in it. Part of the bedrock of rock and roll includes other songs of his including "Roll Over Beethoven" and "Maybellene". If there is a person who personifies the genre, Berry is as close as it gets.

Citations

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=12523212&page=1

Yahoo

news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110103/ap_on_en_mu/us_people_chuck_berry_18

Laws in Texas seeks to restrict payday lending

You will find over 3,500 personal loan companies within the state of Texas. The Texas legislature is thinking about SB 253 and HB 410 to restrict this short-term credit business. The two pieces of laws make an effort to re-define “credit service organization”. Article resource – Texas lawmakers propose SB 253 and HB 410 to limit payday loans by MoneyBlogNewz.

The Credit Service Organization exemption

Right now, you will find a lot of limits in Texas. Financial institutions and consumer credit are both limited due to this. Currently cash advance stores have to be put under an umbrella phrase. “Credit Service Organization” is what this phrase is. Those without a credit history or with a bad credit history the ones that short-term credit is offered to with payday loan stores. The exemption does not make note of any differences between check cashing services and payday advances. Check cashing is for those who don’t have banks while pay day loans are for anyone who does not have the right credit available.

What will take place with the TX payday advance regulation?

The two bills that have been introduced within the TX legislature re-define “Credit Service Organization” to specifically exclude payday loan stores. The fees charged based on annual percentage rate would be very limited. About 3,000 to 6,000 of the 7,800 employees at payday advance stores would lose jobs in Texas if this passed. This is what industry estimates expects. It would also reduce the amount of accessible credit to consumers who use cash advance stores.

Welcoming additional oversight

Further regulation and oversight is welcomed by Texas payday advance stores and loan companies even though they have shown they’re against TX SB 253 and HB 410. There is something very distinct about the short-term credit that is available through pay day loans. Charge cards, credit unions and banks generally cannot afford to give this kind of credit to many. The cash advance industry says that it provides a useful and needed service. The interest rates, which are less than credit card cash advances typically, are what lawmakers are concerned about.

Articles cited

Texas State

legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/82R/billtext/pdf/SB00253I.pdf#navpanes=0

Texas HB

www.legis.state.tx.us/tlodocs/82R/billtext/pdf/HB00410I.pdf#navpanes=0

KXAN

kxan.com/dpp/news/politics/state-looks-to-curb-payday-loans

Personal Money Store

personalmoneystore.com/payday-lending-statistics/

Schiff warns house values nevertheless have a long way fall

While many people think right now is a great time to buy a new home because interest rates are so low, you will find experts who continue to advise caution. Euro Pacific Capital CEO Peter Schiff states home values have not bottomed out yet. In a recent Wall Street Journal piece, he even goes as far as to suggest that home values will fall at least 20.3 percent – and may decrease even further. Before you take out pay day loans to purchase your home, make sure you are taking caution to get the best deal out there.

Following pattern means house values have to decrease more

Schiff explained that there is a historical trend that comes with the home values falling like this. It means that there needs to be another 20.3 percent decrease in home prices. He explains that home values might go even lower than that though. Considering the U.S. has recently seen a negative Case-Shiller home price index, it is clear that we’re in the middle of a housing double-dip. Marry that to other economic data on jobs, retail sales and industrial production and Edward Harrison of Credit Writedowns believes that while the United States may technically be in economic recovery, that recovery is weak at best.

The Fed is stalling the inescapable

It is suggested by Schiff that the Federal Reserve is not helping the housing industry at all really. It is just a distraction. The job industry, public debt and private debt are all are making the economic picture for the United States get a bit clouded making it so the only way to get out of trouble will be with economist defined historic cycles.

Over the next five years, Peter Schiff thinks that it would make sense for the home prices and the Case Schiller to go 10 percent beneath the 100 year trend line. If rates on mortgages were to go to the consumer amounts, it would make sense. If it were just a 5 percent decrease, that would be good too. That is half. The dips will get smaller while the rates stay low, according to Schiff. He also thinks that there can be a rise in inflation.

Several say buy now

Despite Peter Schiff’s warning that home prices will fall significantly, several believe the grass is greener on the other side. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman says ignore the naysayers, because houses are now “a screaming purchase.” Right now there are cheap government loans, value loss that already occurred and low interest rates. This is why Ackman says it’s the perfect time to buy.

Information from

Business Insider

businessinsider.com/bill-ackman-ignore-plummeting-house-prices-and-real-estate-doomsayers-houses-are-now-a-screaming-buy-2010-12#-1

Credit Write Downs

creditwritedowns.com/2010/12/housing-double-dip-progress.html

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304173704575578190261574342.html

Schiff doesn’t think the dollar is in a good place, either

youtube.com/watch?v=pQ34p8MBf2E

Harmon Killebrew announces he's got esophageal cancer

Killebrew, a member of baseball’s Hall of Fame, has announced that he is suffering from esophageal cancer. About 15,000 individuals are killed by esophageal cancer every year, accounts the American Cancer Society – and men are 3 to four times more likely to contract the disease than women. This is something that Killebrew cannot use a payday loan to fix, he just has to hope for the best with treatment that is available.Article resource – Harmon Killebrew announces he has esophageal cancer by MoneyBlogNewz.

Will esophageal cancer strike ‘Killer’ out?

Northwest Cable News accounts that Harmon Kilebrew who’s 74 announced that he’s got esophageal cancer on Thursday. With esophageal cancer, the survival rate is much higher than other cancers. Still, he is preparing for a battle as the previous Washington Senator and Minnesota Twins slugger. He could be treated by doctors at a branch of the Mayo Clinic, one of the most experienced medical centers worldwide when it comes to the treatment of esophageal cancer.

“While my condition is very serious,” said Killebrew in a statement, “I have confidence in my doctors and the medical staff, and I anticipate a full recovery.”

From the state of Idaho came Harmon “Killer” Killebrew as one of the best ID athletes. In fact, he was 11th all time with his record of 573 home runs while nevertheless playing major baseball. When playing he played for the Washington Senators (1954 to 1960, the Minnesota Twins (1961-1974 and also for the KS City Royals last (1975). Despite the inflation of home run statistics following baseball’s steroid era (mid-1990s through early 2000s), Harmon Killebrew’s home run stats stand the test of time.

All about esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer happens within the esophagus according to the Mayo Clinic. This is how food gets to your stomach from your throat. Anywhere on the esophagus can be where the esophageal cancer ends up going. Typically the cells on the inside of the esophagus are the ones affected though. There is one common place that esophageal cancer is typically found within the U.S. This is the part of the esophagus that connects to the stomach.

The cancer has progressed more than it ought to if you start to see esophageal cancer symptoms. This is what the American Cancer Society reports. Difficulty swallowing, chest pain, weight loss, frequent choking and various forms of pain are among noticeable symptoms. Treatments typically consist of radiation therapy, surgery or chemotherapy.

Information from

American Cancer Society

cancer.org/acs/groups/content/@nho/documents/document/esophagealcancerpdf.pdf

May Clinic

mayoclinic.com/health/esophageal-cancer/DS00500

Northwest Cable News

nwcn.com/sports/Pride-of-Payette-Harmon-Killebrew-has-cancer-112671059.html

Harmonic history

youtube.com/watch?v=hffB9um2Q8g

Glucose costs at 30-year high as supplies deplete

Tues, glucose hit a record high price. On Wed, the commodity price was beat yet again. The glucose prices 30-year high comes after last year’s double in sugar prices. The unpredictability within the sugar market means more than just increasing consumer costs, though. Individuals are not expecting to need a paydayloan just to purchase their sugar.

Sugar costs 30-year high

Sugar costs reached a record 30-year high of 30.64 cents per pound on Tuesday. The 30 year high went up even higher to 34.77 cents per pound on Wednesday. Glucose that can be delivered and refined in March will be what these prices apply to. The costs are only going up due to the unpredictable weather, expectations of shortages and the smaller than expected crops in Brazil.

Product and sugar costs transforming excessively

Within the last few years, there has been lots of unpredictability in sugar, cotton, coffee and cocoa. Glucose has changed from 14.35 to 30.64 cents per pound within the last year. It has been altering that much. Recently, coffee set a 13 year high while cotton set a 130 year high. Extreme weather in many commodity-growing nations has played a major part in this unpredictability. Governmental policies in nations such as India are also contributing to the volatility. Every person from growers to consumers could be affected by the change in price that comes with unpredictability. This will occur when it gets to the industry in two to nine months.

More people want glucose

The glucose prices 30 year high has a lot to do with the demand of “real” sugar that has gone up. As outlined by the United States department of agriculture, there was an 11 percent drop this year for high fructose corn syrup. This is an option to glucose that is popular. Corn, the basis of high fructose corn syrup, is also at historically high commodity prices of about 10.72 cents per pound — nevertheless three times less costly than glucose. In the United States, many corporations are choosing to replace HFCS with sugar. Mexico and other glucose producing countries are not using sugar as much though. The other sweeteners that are not as expensive are being used. There will continue to be volatile prices in sugar and other agricultural goods because of tariffs, weather and government factors.

Citations

Index Mundi

indexmundi.com/commodities/?commodity=corn

Sydney Morning Herald

smh.com.au/business/sugar-price-sweet-as-weather-slashes-global-supplies-20101230-19b2p.html

Bloomberg

bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-29/sugar-rises-to-highest-price-in-21-years-in-london-after-australian-floods.html

Financial Times

ft.com/cms/s/0/43cfbb7a-e6b2-11df-99b3-00144feab49a.html#axzz19cgXLVk0