Today's Breaking News

Simon Cowell to Become a Father?

2013-07-31T20:21:00.001-07:00

Simon Cowell is reportedly expecting his first child with New York socialite Lauren Silverman. Cowell is friends with Lauren's current husband real estate mogul Andrew Silverman.

According to sources close to them Andrew and Lauren have been unhappy in their marriage for some time and as the marriage was deteriorating Simon and Lauren became close.

Silverman and Cowell were photographed on several different occasions on Simon's yacht having a grand time while Silverman's current husband was within feet of them.Silverman is allegedly going to leave her current husband and be with the father of her baby - Simon Cowell.

Unabomber's Stuff Being Sold by US Marshalls Service

2011-05-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Marshals Service has put some of the personal stuff of Theodore John “Ted” Kaczynski, also known as the Unabomber, up for auction. The online auction started Wed and will continue through June 2. The victims of Kaczynski’s almost 20 year-long mail bombing spree will receive the proceeds from the auction.
Purchasing personal stuff
On April 3, 1996, Kaczynski was captured in Montana in a cabin loaded with items. This stuff, about 60 lots of items, will be sold in the auction that is occurring. These items contain his trademark hooded sweatshirt and dark glasses. His driver’s licenses, deeds, checks, transcripts, letters and birth certificate will all be sold. All of his personal documents found will sell. Anything used by Kaczynski for instance bows and arrows, tools, books or clothing will be sold also along with photos. The Industrial Society and Its Future, or the Unabomber Manifesto, was written on a typewriter also for sale. There will even be 20,000 pages of the document sold, including hand-written and typed versions.
The catalog, photos and information of all the auction items are accessible at the GSA auction site.
Cause of Kaczynski’s recognition
Kaczynski was a mathematical prodigy after bring born in 1942 in Chicago, Ill. He was accepted to Harvard at age 16, and he received an undergraduate degree. Later he earned a PhD in mathematics from the University of Michigan. It made Kaczynski frustrated when technology became important to society. It started to rely on technology. Kaczynski moved into a cabin in 1971. This one room cabin in Montana was intended to help him become a self-sufficient male. He got the name Unabomber, due to University and Airline bomber put together, because of his 16 homemade mail bombs he sent to many airlines, universities and other targets between 1978 and 1995. Because of his bombs, three people perished. Another 23 were injured. The subject of a nationwide FBI manhunt, Kaczynski was eventually turned in by his brother and his sister-in-law and captured in 1996. Now, at the age of 69, Kaczynski is serving a life sentence without chance of parole at the “supermax” pr! ison in Florence, Colo.
Using what he hates most
“We will use the technology that Kaczynski railed against in his various manifestos to sell artifacts of his life,” said United States Marshal Albert Nájera in a statement to the press.
What individuals will pay
Nobody knows how much value is really in these items. ”This is an unusual type of case,” says Lynzey Donohue who is a Marshals spokeswoman. “It’s really difficult to put a value on these items because of the intrinsic value they have based on his notoriety.”
Citations
NY Daily News
nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/05/18/2011-05-18_unabomber_ted_kaczynskis_belongings_hit_auction_block_sweatshirt_glasses_typewri.html
CNN
articles.cnn.com/2011-05-12/justice/us.unabomber.auction_1_auction-plan-unabomber-ted-kaczynski-auction-website?_s=PM:CRIME
The Sacramento Bee
sacbee.com/2011/05/13/3623703/unabomber-kaczynskis-personal.html
GSA Auctions
gsaauctions.gov/gsaauctions/gsaauctions/

Students Expect Less Money - More Happiness

2011-04-30T17:38:00.000-07:00

College students, or individuals of that same age group, believe that they’ll be just as happy as their parents however expect to earn less over their lifetimes. The AP found that people aged 18 to 24 expected greater levels of debt and higher costs in their life than their parents, but were still generally positive about their futures. Resource for this article – Students optimistic about the future, despite expecting less cash by MoneyBlogNewz.
Younger generation expects less money, more happiness
MSNBC reports that several in college feel like they won’t be making any money although they’ll be happy nevertheless. A poll conducted by the AP and Viacom of 18- to 24-year-old individuals found that 40 percent of survey subjects thought that traditional goals like raising a family and purchasing a home would be more difficult than it was for their parents. When it comes to life, 25 percent believed they’d have it simple. They assumed it would be easier than their parents’ lives were. There were 90 percent that still expected to find an excellent career. They planned on it be fulfilling as well.
Problems with money start with student debt
The individuals in the AP survey indicated that they believed making a living would be harder due to increased costs. Among costs steadily increasing for individuals in that age group is student debt. The average college graduate has about $24,000 in loan debt, according to the New York Times, which at a rate of interest of 6.8 percent demands a payment of $276 per month, and student loans can’t be discharged in bankruptcy. The Department of Education reports that 65.6 percent of all undergraduates from 2007 to 2008 received some sort of financial aid, and 38.5 percent of all undergraduates had student loans of some sort. The Department of Education found that 30 percent of all undergraduates took out subsidized Stafford loans and 22 percent borrowed non-subsidized Stafford loans.
The right investment
The bureau of Labor Statistics states that the average earnings with a college degree are $53,000 a year. Hardly anyone gets it quickly though. A guarantee of income is unlikely with a college degree. Rather, the likelihood an individual will end up in the middle class eventually with the degree is higher. Individuals with college degrees also tend to have lower rates of joblessness; Americans with bachelor’s degrees had a 4 percent lower rate of joblessness than those with only a high school diploma in 2009. The cost of a degree is increasing though.
Information from
MSNBC
msnbc.msn.com/id/42643248/ns/business-your_retirement/
Department of Education
nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=31
New York Times
economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/04/15/how-worrisome-is-student-debt/?partner=rss&emc=rss
Bureau of Labor Statistics
bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm

Gold Prices Touch $1500 as Some Question Inflationary Pressures

2011-04-25T12:25:00.000-07:00

Gold costs are the same as any commodity. They fluctuate in the face of pressures of the outside industry. Today, after quality of U.S. debt was questioned by Standard and Poor’s, gold commodities struck a record high, $1,500 per ounce. The price of gold has been going up in a very strong trend over the last few years. Several say this is proof of a weak economy, others are worried this may be an industry ripe for a bubble. Resource for this article – Gold prices touch $1,500 as some question inflationary pressures by MoneyBlogNewz.
High record of gold prices
Two markers have gold on them. These are the major markers anyway. There is a commodity price of gold known as “exchange-traded products.” This is the industry price of shares being purchased in gold typically. Getting gold is also possible. Usually bars or coins are sold. It is easier to fake coins. They go for a higher price as well. Gold certificates are a middle ground, a promise that the gold indicated on the certificate is accessible and belongs to the owner. The commodity price and spot price are tied together. Today’s spot price of gold hit $1,500 in U.S. dollars, an amount that gold has never hit in the past.
Gold market concerns
Gold prices go up every time the financial markets go down. Investors often view gold as a hedge, a “safe haven” of investment. Gold is not like currency in that it will always maintain or increase in value. Since the value of currency of the United States was decoupled from gold, demand for gold has been going up. The value of gold will always stay the same, most assume. Some financial experts are concerned that several individuals are using short-term financial solutions or personal financing as a way of getting into the gold industry that may or may not be worth the investment. Gold prices could easily begin to drop again considering the chance that it could just be a bubble.
Be wary of gold-investment advisers
Investing in gold can have rewards. There are risks too though. Gold has over the years been a strong investment, but dips in costs are possible with fluctuating demand, central bank policies changing and inflation amounts of various currencies fluctuating. Gold is the “only smart investment in the current economy” according to some gold-investment advisers. A lot of advisers sell gold investments. This is done to make money. Balance your gold investment with other investments though if you are going to do it.
Information from
Wall Street Journal
online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20110419-701261.html
Kitco
kitco.com/charts/livegold.html
Gold News
goldnews.bullionvault.com/gold_bubble_111120105

As labor market stalls,more individuals agree to work for free

2011-04-04T20:50:00.000-07:00

U.S. companies are benefiting from a huge pool of unemployed workers who are willing to work for free to gain experience. The use of unpaid labor has increased substantially during the recession. Federal regulators are warning that if the pattern continues any recovery in the labor sector will be further pushed back. In an effort to pursue the integrity of the labor sector, federal regulators have been considering tighter control over the policies governing the application of unpaid labor by U.S. companies. Article resource – Trend of unpaid labor threatens to further undermine job market by MoneyBlogNewz.
People will work for free for a job
College graduates aren't the only ones trying to get unpaid internships right now. There are several seasonal workers starting to join the about 14 million unemployed while only about one sixth of them have jobs. It is simple to figure out that workers are being exploited in all areas where they’re working for free to hopefully get a paying job by simply going on to Craigslist even though you will find unpaid labor official statistics. For an employee, the experience and references of the job are sometimes worth it. For the businesses though, sometimes it isn't worth getting someone for free who cannot do anything you need done. Unpaid workers are not easy to handle while paying an employee is easier sometimes.
Many upset about unpaid internships
The rise of illegal unpaid labor in the aftermath of the recession has elevated red flags with the federal government. A report was issued last April by the Economic Policy Institute. “Not So Equal Protection — Reforming the Regulation of Student Internships,” was what it was called. The point of the report was to get unpaid internship regulation on a federal level. In accordance with the institute, current regulations controlling unpaid internships must be reformed, not only for the protection of unpaid workers, but to maintain a healthy labor market and prevent any further decline in wages, which have been sliding for 40 years. In the report, the institute contends that the present lack of clear regulations exposes unpaid labor to workplace discrimination and encourages businesses to replace paid positions with unpaid internships.
Unpaid labor regulations
Despite the institute’s call for more government regulation, federal and state rules require that workers must be paid the minimum wage and overtime. Unpaid internships are okay sometimes. Companies have to follow the Fair labor Standards Act though. An internship can't replace a paid position while benefiting the intern more than the company according to the FLSA. Back pay is required when a company is caught doing this. The company also has to pay $1,100 per violation and all of the damages. Companies that make less than $500,000 in revenue is considered a small company to the FLSA and do not have to follow the rules. The FLSA exemption is forfeited by a business if it does interstate commerce as simple as taking credit cards and calling another state.
Information from
Fortune
management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/03/25/unpaid-jobs-the-new-normal/
Inc.com
inc.com/news/articles/2010/04/what-unpaid-interns-could-cost-you.html
The Hoya
thehoya.com/news/interns-pick-experience-over-pay-1.2124349

Carmelo Anthony to Lakers:A Magical Combo

2011-02-15T22:16:00.000-08:00

There’s been a great deal of talk about exactly where Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony could be traded this season. The strongest buzz has been for the NY Knicks, although a new heavyweight might have entered the arena, reports ESPN. Carmelo Anthony to the Lakers might be the next big National Basketball Association headline.
All about the Carmelo to Lakers trade
It is very possible for a Carmelo Anthony to Lakers trade to occur. Mere days after former Lakers legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson proclaimed that the team has to change something in order to win a championship, Lakers General Manager Mitch Kupchak told the LA media that he is open to a trade. Carmelo and his wife, Music Television personality La La Vazquez, purchased a home in Los Angeles last summer, too. Lakers representatives have coyly denied interest.
Details on the Lakers
The first in Pacific Division is the Lakers that also have 36-16. Answers are being looked for by the team though since lots of high-profile losses have happened. Anthony would be exactly what the Lakers need as he is a strong scorer. He’s a dominant scorer who can pull up for the jumper or abuse smaller players down low (‘Melo is 6-foot-8, 230 pounds). With Pau Gasol, Bryant and Lamar Odem, the Lakers would be unstoppable. Guarding them would be hard.
The sacrifice the Lakers is willing to make
If the Carmelo Anthony to the Lakers deal goes through, ESPN reports the Lakers would likely move oft-injured center Andrew Bynum. Interior scorers can have difficulty scoring with the size and mobility of Bynum. Still, the durability of him is questioned. In accordance with ESPN, more players than just Anthony may be offered since salary is a major concern of the Nuggets right now. Also, the NBA requirements would all be filled with a straight up trade between Carmelo Anthony and Andrew Bynum.
Other Carmelo Anthony trade possibilities
The NY Knicks have been talking to the Denver nuggets about Carmelo Anthony trade as well as the Los Angeles Lakers. A three team deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves was one of the deals that have not occurred yet. None of the speculated deals have been happening. There were calf and ankle injuries that Kicks forward Wilson Chandler sustained. That means the trade hasn't happened yet.
Information from
ESPN
sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/news/story?id=6101304
ESPN Los Angeles
espn.go.com/blog/los-angeles/lakers/post/_/id/15841/the-philosophy-of-trading-andrew-bynum
Los Angeles Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2011/02/dont-count-on-carmelo-anthony-coming-to-lakers.html
Lakers’ Ron Artest on how to guard Carmelo Anthony
youtube.com/watch?v=a-QTcU9YEi8

Scientology,Tom Cruise religion,Investigated for Human Trafficking

2011-02-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

The FBI has launched a probe into Scientology, the faith that has gained notoriety from celebrities such as Tom Cruise and John Travolta. The FBI investigation has to do with human trafficking accusations leveled against Scientology. Stories of pushed confinement and slave labor have emerged from ex-Scientology members who escaped their captors. Post resource – FBI investigates Church of Scientology for human trafficking by Newsytype.com.
Using the desert as a scientology get away for work
Former Scientologists trying to quit were interviewed by agents in 2009 starting the FBI human trafficking investigation of Scientology. Those considered apostates would get confined to a Scientology compound east of LA in the California desert. This was where several had hazing occur while pushed labor for hardly any pay happened as well, in a story the St. Petersburg Times broke out 2 years ago. The New Yorker said on Feb. 7th the FBI investigation of Scientology was occurring. Screenwriter Paul Haggis revealed this. In 2009, the Church of Scientology lost Haggis. This was due not only to what the Times showed was human trafficking but also due to the Proposition 8 support that California had and was supported by Scientology.
Labor helped Tom Cruise get better
It was shown in the Times and New Yorker that there have been escapees out of the Scientology desert compound. They would be forced to return back there though. Women were pushed into abortions when getting pregnant as they were told not to have kids. The workers in the compound got paid $50 a week while previous Scientologists explained leader David Miscavige lived well on the church's money. Miscavige forced a worker to customize motorcycles for Cruise. Thousands of dollars is normally what is paid for something like this. Cruise also had an SUV customized and an airplane hangar renovated with forced Scientology labor.
Human trafficking with the scientology
Human trafficking was denied by the Church of Scientology meaning the FBI was denied. A spokesman called the New Yorker article a “rehash of unfounded accusations.” However, signs of human trafficking listed on the FBI website match the experiences shared by Scientology defectors. Some of those signs include individuals living and working in the exact same place who experience physical and emotional abuse, as well as control of their food, schedule, money, speech, ID and travel documents.
Articles cited
St. Petersburg Times
tampabay.com/news/scientology/article1150248.ece
New York Daily News
nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/02/07/2011-02-07_FBI_probing_allegations_of_human_trafficking_and_enslavement_in_scientology_repo.html
The New Yorker
newyorker.com/reporting/2011/02/14/110214fa_fact_wright
New York Post
nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/cruise_church_labor_probed_lNckRxqOTLp5LvQAe3iGFI

Brandi Farve Going to Prison for Her Part in Meth Ring

2011-01-24T12:47:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press accounts that Brandi Favre, younger sister to currently retired National Football League star Brett Favre, was arrested in her Diamondhead, Miss., home. As outlined by Hancock County Sheriff’s Maj. Matt Karl, Brandi Favre, 34, encounters accusations of manufacturing meth, possession of a controlled substance, transport of a controlled substance and creating hazardous waste. Favre was among five people arrested at a trendy Diamondhead residence on Golf Club Drive. She most likely will not need a payday advance to make bail.
Brandi Favre had help with meth getting made
When the Hancock County Narcotics Task Force came to see Brandi Favre, her neighbors weren't astonished although Diamondhead is a quiet community normally. There was a sting outside diamond head, said task force director Karl. WLBT3 NBC reports that this is what led to the location of where the meth was being produced. Seven units nearby were all evacuated. The risk of an explosion is very high with meth production because you will find flammable evaporated solvents that production releases. Authorities uncovered a large amount of the finished drug.

"We discovered the full lab in the bathroom; it was still cooking. I think we collected pretty close to 10 grams (worth about $1,000) of finished product, which, that’s a lot of meth,” said Karl.

Meth ring gets others arrested
David Logan, Marty Grimes, Alesha Kirkland and Carl Wynn III were all arrested with Brandi Favre. All of the suspects were ages 25 to 53. Favre has been arrested before, on charges ranging from felony shoplifting to unlawful use of a weapon during a drive-by shooting.
"She’s always in trouble," Karl told MSNBC, indicating that the current Brandi Favre mug shot circulating the Web is not her first.
Since you will find already issues with the Jenn Sterger debacle along with the Brandi Favre problems, maybe it is a good thing that Brett Favre retired.
Restricting cold medicine sales creates lucrative crystal meth market
It seemed like crystal meth became more wanted after the ban on pseudoephedrine. This was on any cold medicines using it, Impact Lab reports. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration explains that this made for a "sub-criminal culture." That means that by selling 10 grams of crystal meth, Brandi Favre was able to bring in about $1,000 in profit.
Articles cited
MSNBC
msnbc.msn.com/id/41051422/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/
Impact Lab
impactlab.net/2011/01/11/restricting-sale-of-cold-medicine-creates-lucrative-black-market/
NBC Sports
offthebench.nbcsports.com/2011/01/13/favres-sisters-mug-shot-is-here/
WLBT
wlbt.com/Global/story.asp?S=13831137
Meth lab toxic waste hidden by snow
youtube.com/watch?v=OQMemezw6Uk

Pennsylvania Gets Snipes for Prison Sentence

2010-12-16T13:29:00.000-08:00

Wesley Snipes has reported to jail. He started serving his sentence following a protracted courtroom fight. Snipes reported to a Pennsylvania prison to begin serving his sentence on Dec. 9th. Neglecting to file income taxes resulted in Snipes receiving a three year sentence. Evidently there wasn't a paydayloans large enough to purchase off his freedom with this one.
Wesley Snipes prison term begins
Actor Wesley Snipes reported to prison today, Dec. 9, in Pennsylvania, according to ABC. The McKean Federal Correctional Institution that he will be serving in is in Lewis Run, Penn., and he can be serving for three years. Snipes, now Bureau of Prisons inmate number 43355-018, is likely to be housed within the minimum security wing of the prison, a facility located adjacent to the primary prison. The wing for minimum security is typically for any inmates who don't have risk of violence. They are typically white collar criminals. Snipes will probably serve at least 26 months of his sentence supposed to last 36 months as he is in a federal prison.
Legal battle seemed too long
Staying out of prison was Wesley Snipes' goal. This is why he went via the legal battle. A federal judge in FL ordered a sentence to start being served by Snipes just this year. Wesley Snipes had appealed his sentence, which is not really for tax evasion. Wesley Snipes didn't file a tax return instead of willfully trying to keep away from paying taxes which is the definition of tax evasion as Wesley Snipes and Larry King discussed. Advisors told Snipes they were filing his returns. He thought it had been getting done. His firm had been defrauding him meaning they didn't really file.
Charges of finance with other stars
Snipes is not the first celebrity to face jail time over white collar crimes. Six months was given to Martha Stewart for insider trading charges. Charges for taxes got hotel magnate and heiress Leona Helmsley jailed. Then there was Willie Nelson who owed the IRS so much. He wrote a song called "The IRS Tapes: Who'll Buy My Memories?" after getting his house back after it was taken from him.
Details from
ABC News
abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wesley-snipes-report-federal-prison-year-sentence/story?id=12345648&page=3

ipad Expected to Slow the Sale of Personal Computers

2010-12-04T14:12:00.000-08:00

The 2010 Personal Computer sales prediction has been revised downward from initial projections. The iPad and other tablet Personal computers are whittling away at 2010 PC product sales and analysts expect the trend to continue. The growing popularity of hosted virtual desktops for business, combined with the tablet, is looked at as harbingers of the PC era’s conclusion.
Tablets slow sale of personal computers this year
The global 2010 Personal Computer sales forecast was cut by a popular tech research firm Gartner on Monday. There was a huge change in Personal Computer sales. This was since the Apple iPad tablet came out. You will find also a lot of product sales of tablet iPad imitators. PC sales are expected to drop due to them too. Gartner changed what the 2010 Personal Computer sales from 2009 were. It went from 17.9 percent to 14.3 percent now. Also, growth was intended to be 18.1 percent in 2011 for Personal Computer sales and is now 15.9 percent. 10 percent of Personal Computer sales are expected to be taken by tablets. Really, this ought to happen by 2014.
The reason fewer PCs are sold
Because of the weak employment and uncertain business climate, the PC sales already were suffering before Apple's iPad. Apple's Macintosh computers have been selling fewer than the iPad already. Personal computers haven't been able to innovate as much since the volume increase and price decrease has been the focus although Gartner points out that PC's are necessary. Steve Jobs is the CEO of Apple. He explained the change from farmer's trucks to family vehicles in the 20th century is just like the change from PCs to tablets.
The PC monster?
The hosted virtual desktops (HVDs) are also not helping Personal Computer sales. Employees are able to use HVDs in order to connect to a virtual machine running on a back-end server with cheap terminals. IT departments are able to fix problems with systems without having to go to each and every individual unit with HVDs. It’s expected that HP and Dell will take huge hits soon. This is what will occur with these changes. Microsoft, which sells 85 percent of Windows on new Personal computers, may also have to adapt.
Citations
Computerworld
computerworld.com/s/article/9198381/Tablets_expected_to_clobber_PC_sales_in_2011?taxonomyId=12
Apple Insider
appleinsider.com/articles/10/11/29/tablets_like_apples_ipad_expected_to_displace_10_of_pcs_in_2014.html
San Francisco Chronicle
sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/11/29/businessinsider-business-pc-market-strong-today-but-watch-out-2010-11.DTL

Giada de Laurentiis and John Mayer Linked

2010-11-16T14:10:00.000-08:00

A rumored fling by Giada de Laurentiis with Mayer has taken the internet by storm. De Laurentiis, upon hearing the rumors, was not amused and slammed the rumors. John Mayer's camp had a similar reaction. It could be that the gossip pages are making up celeb pairings to determine what sticks.
Giada de Laurentiis rumors across the internet
TV chef Giada de Laurentiis is rumored to have been seen out in New York on November 10 with John Mayer. However, as outlined by both parties involved it didn’t happen at all, and the alleged hookup had been a total fabrication by Star magazine, according to the Los Angeles Times. The parties involved say they have meet up once about something unrelated but that is it, there is no relationship. Giada de Laurentiis' representative requested an apology from the gossip magazine after spreading these rumors online. de Laurentiis is married and a mother already, not just the host of "Everyday Italian" a successful cooking show. She also comes from a line of success. Movie producer Dino de Laurentiis is her grandpa.
Dollar signs in eyes of reporters who report on celebrity hookups
Regardless of the truth behind a relationship, gossip magazines make big bucks when they report on the. Rumors about John Mayer tend to make a large amount of money. John Mayer has tried to stay out of the spotlight after a napalm incident when he discussed his relationship with Jessica Simpson. He even deleted his Twitter account. Additionally there were rumors about his relationship with Jennifer Aniston.
The term celebrity should disappear
It's not just Americans who have an awful obsession with celebrities. People need to think about taking up a new hobby and getting rid entirely of this unhealthy pointless term of a celebrity.
Details from
LA Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/gossip/2010/11/giada-de-laurentiis-john-mayer.html
Pop Eater
popeater.com/2010/11/10/giada-de-laurentiis-john-mayer-couple/

Investment firm Terra Firma loses lawsuit over Electronic and Musical Industries

2010-11-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

In 2007, investment firm Terra Firma purchased control of music giant EMI Ltd. $2.5 billion in the hole, Terra Firma has not done well with the investment. Terra Firma, headed by Guy Hands, sued Citibank over the investment. A jury decided in support of Citibank. Terra Firma accused Citibank of defrauding them within the obtain of Emi.
EMI bought by Terra Firma
The British business EMI was bought by Terra Firma in August 2007 for $6.8 billion. In October 2007, the obtain was funded by Citigroup right before the credit market stopped. Since that purchase, Guy Hands, who controls the Terra Firma fund, has lost billions within the business. He has additionally been the target of frustrated investors who aren’t happy with the fact two-thirds of the fund is tied up within the quickly shrinking Electronic and Musical Industries.
Citigroup and Terra Firma in the courtroom
Citigroup, which funded the Terra Firma purchase of EMI, has been on the defensive. Terra Firma states that it had been defrauded in the Electronic and Musical Industries purchase by Citigroup which led to the suit. It was not a "bidding war" to get EMI. This is what Terra Firma had been led to believe. Everybody in the jury agreed that Citigroup was no guilty. Terra Firma was not defrauded.
The upcoming place EMI will go
EMI is a music label in Britain. It’s one of the largest in fact. The Rolling Stones had been once on the EMI label. Others like Lilly Allen either have been or are on the label right now. In 2007, Guy Hands and Terra firma became in charge of the label. This meant that hardly cash was spent. This led to large acts leaving the label. The Rolling Stones was one of these. EMI cost Hands more than $8 billion he claims besides cost cuts. Hands might really well be removed as the head of Terra Firma, also as Emi. Refinancing for EMI is "much less likely" to take place with Citigroup after the suit. One more company might end up purchasing the musical industry giant due to this.
Citations
Business Week
businessweek.com/news/2010-11-04/citigroup-wins-trial-against-terra-firma-over-emi-sale.html

National Sandwich Day

2010-11-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

National Sandwich Day is Nov. 3. Maybe it’s partially a relief from election results, however it is also more. An incredibly versatile foodstuff, a good sandwich could be every little thing from a hearty Reuben to the vegan-friendly cucumber stack. However you generally eat a sandwich, National Sandwich Day might be the perfect day to try something new.
Exactly why we commemorate Nov 3 as National Sandwich Day
National Mustard Day and International Beer Day aren't like National Sandwich day. National Sandwich day has a place in history. Nov 3 is a birthday. The fourth Earl of Sandwich has his birthday then. The fourth Earl is John Montagu. He is who many say the first sandwich was made by. The first "real" sandwich may have come from Earl of Sandwich requesting meat between 2 slices of bread after having an all night gambling binge. It does not matter why we celebrate it though since it is just an excellent holiday.
How sandwiches have changed
Would you like to make a standard sandwich? You will find a couple things required for this. 2 slices of bread will be needed. There will even need to be a filling in the middle. The hamburger is probably the most popular United States of America sandwich. Sandwich culture has grown to contain every little thing from fast-food incarnations to high-end cuisine. There was even a sandwich challenge in numerous Television shows. Food Network's "The Next Food Network Star" and Bravo's "Top Chef" are both included in this. In short, a good sandwich proves culinary chops also as an amazing steak.
How you can commemorate National Sandwich Day
Do you like peanut butter and jelly? Even if it is that or a hamburger you normally have, you are able to check out some other things too. If you want to check out the ultimate resource on taste-testing all kinds of sandwiches from the KFC Double Down all the way to The Philly Taco (a cheese steak wrapped in a slice of pizza), NPR’s “Wait Wait Do not Tell Me” blog has a Sandwich Monday feature that simply cannot be beat. Either way, try a new sandwich today, and raise your stacked lunch to the fourth Earl of Sandwich.
Articles cited
NPR
npr.org/templates/archives/archive.php?thingId=126351221

Will the Sugarhouse Gambling establishment be a monetary gift?

2010-09-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

The casino that has been in the works for the Delaware River, the Sugarhouse Gambling establishment, opened its gates. The gaming licenses issued in 2006 were very limited. The business that owns Sugarhouse Gambling establishment received one of the five permits. While the Sugarhouse Casino is expected to bring in billions of dollars of gaming taxes, there is nevertheless debate. Many residents and anti-gambling groups continue to protest the Sugarhouse Casino, and are moving forward with plans intended to cut back casino earnings.
Discussions against the Sugarhouse Casino
Residents have expressed concern about the possibility of a casino ever since the license was granted. Groups ranging from the Philadelphia Neighborhood Alliance, the Northern Liberties Neighbors Association and Casino Free Philadelphia argued that the Sugarhouse Gambling establishment would create crime, noise, pollution and companies that offer payday advances no faxing and other forms of credit. A candlelight service was held outside the casino on opening night. Organizers have stated that the vigil was “for individuals…who are sure to gamble away their savings”.
Will Sugarhouse Casino assist the local economic climate
Though there has been a strong lobby against the Sugarhouse Casino, most residents of Fishtown, where the casino is located, are happy to see the casino opened. Sugarhouse Casino has already paid $ 175,000 to the Special Services District, which is getting used for arts, sports, schools and veterans’ affairs services. Over 900 individuals have been hired by the Sugarhouse Gambling establishment, including 800 full-time employees.
Will the Sugarhouse Gambling establishment carry on the exact same route
Though the Sugarhouse Casino currently has 40 gaming tables and 1,600 slot machines, that is 400 less than initially planned. Future plans for the Sugarhouse Casino include a parking garage, luxury hotel and spa. Opponents of the casino vow to start campaigns aimed at reducing the number of customers and revenue coming in to the new area business. The monetary stimulation provided by this huge employer who’s going to pay millions in taxes could be exactly what this depressed area needs.
Further reading
My Fox Philly
myfoxphilly.com/dpp/news/local_news/sugar-hpuse’s-pledge-to-keep-area-safe
Philly.com
philly.com/inquirer/front_page/20100921_SugarHouse_Casino_opens_this_week_in_Philly_to_hoopla_and_harrumphs.html?page=2 and c=y

Obama Pumping 3 Billion Into Unemployed Foreclosure Prevention

2010-08-18T17:22:00.000-07:00

The Obama administration is pumping $ 3 billion into programs to help the unemployed with foreclosure prevention. The Hardest Hit Fund would going to be doubled with an additional $ 2 billion was announced last week to be put to the fund. $ 1 billion was given to a program to help unemployed borrowers who have delinquencies on their mortgages called Housing and Urban Development. Experts are really just worried that banks rather than homeowners will benefit more from this.

Money pit with foreclosure prevention

To fend off an epidemic of unemployed foreclosures, the Hardest Hit Fund was launched in February as a way to help states design their own foreclosure prevention programs. 10 states are taking advantage of this initiative right now, reports the Wall Street Journal. The money is part of $ 50 billion earmarked for housing aid under the Troubled Asset Relief Program. The $ 2 billion infusion will be distributed to housing agencies in 17 states, plus the District of Columbia, that have the highest unemployment rates. HUD will get $ 1 billion for giving bridge loans with no interest up to $ 50,000 to those eligible who need to make mortgage payments for two years.

Hardest Hit Fund is nothing

The economic recovery is going down because of the housing market, which historically has helped all the recessions. Hardly everyone can refinance or buy although interest rates are at record lows, reports the New York Times. Unemployed homeowners who live in communities where values have fallen sharply are often unable to sell. Their foreclosures weaken neighborhoods and create a vicious cycle that further undermines the housing market. Until now, the Hardest Hit Fund had been projected to help about 140,000 borrowers. 14.6 million unemployed are looking at foreclosing, meaning the 400,000 unemployed helped through the HUD and Hardest Hit programs is hardly anything.

Easy comes for mortgaged lenders

It is likely that Obama has just helped a variety of banks out more than unemployed homeowners with these new programs. Banks should be hurting along with unemployed borrowers says David Abromowitz who’s the senior fellow at the Center for American Progress and had an interview with The Hill. He said the main problem with the funding is that mortgage lenders don’t have to make principle reductions on loans or any major modifications. Abromowitz suggested that lenders should be required to make concessions and possibly even match funding. Those with underwater mortgages wouldn’t be helped too much with extra funding, says Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Research to the Hill. Dean feels like that homeowners need to have equity in their homes at the end or they’ll lose them anyway making it something that won’t work.

Additional reading at these websites

Wall Street Journal

online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704901104575423493999575302.html

New York Times

nytimes.com/2010/08/12/business/12treasury.html

The Hill

thehill.com/blogs/on-the-money/banking-financial-institutions/114349-banks-to-benefit-most-from-white-house-program-to-stave-off-foreclosures

Mobile Monopoly make money with mobile marketing

2010-08-09T14:53:00.000-07:00

Kara Dioguardi and Ellen DeGeneres both leave American Idol

2010-08-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

The reality has set in for “American Idol” supporters that Simon Cowell is not anymore a part of the TV show. But judges are now dropping like flies, reports the entertainment mass media. Ellen DeGeneres most recently informed the world that she will no longer execute her duties as a judge on the well-known reality show. Adding insult to injury, now Kara DioGuardi has been fired, reports the Los Angeles Times. Chill dog Randy Jackson may not be lonesome for long, though, as reports indicate that Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler may be filling the vacant seats.
’American Idol’ faces a bevy of questions
Fox and the “American Idol” production group seem intent on squeezing each last bit of magic out of the show’s formula, and there may nevertheless be some left. Jennifer Lopez will allegedly bring the show muchos magicos as Kara DioGuardi’s replacement, says Deadline.com. Coincidentally, Lopez started her career as a dancer, much like Paula Abdul. A return to Fox would reunite Lopez with the network that launched her dancing career on the early-1990s Wayans brothers’ sketch comedy show “In Living Color”.
’American Idol’ viewership has decreased
While “American Idol” remains America’s most-watched television program, the loss of viewers in recent seasons gave the producers pause. The Times writes how the “AI” team was close to giving Ellen DeGeneres the ax. Nevertheless, the producers allowed Ellen to leave rather than firing her as they did DioGuardi. Ellen was non-confrontational in a statement- “A couple months ago, I let Fox and the ‘American Idol’ producers know that this didn’t feel like the right fit for me”. This mirrors what large segments of the viewing audience were thinking, as Ellen vacillated between “deer in the headlights” and saying something nice to cover up the fact that she knows very little about music.
”We love Ellen and understand and support her decision to bow out of ‘Idol’,” said Fox Networks Group chairman Peter Rice.
Better judging through chemistry
”American Idol” Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe knew that Kara, Simon and Randy didn’t click without Paula Abdul. Adding a visibly uncomfortable Ellen DeGeneres to the mix only served to underscore that fact. Lythgoe’s personal choices following the failed experiment would have been Usher, Elton John and good old Paula, but that is not close to happening. However, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler have garnered the most attention of late.
Steven Tyler won’t tell
Gossip site X17 Online spotted Steven Tyler outside the Sunset Marquis hotel in Los Angeles and asked for his take. Some sources think “Idol” plans to bring in Tyler within the head judge seat vacated by Cowell. Tyler revealed nothing. But he did not say no, either.
Find more info on this subject
Los Angeles Times
latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/07/kara-dioguardi-out-of-tune-with-american-idol.html
The Washington Post
washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/29/AR2010072905730.html
X17 Online
x17online.com/celebrities/steven_tyler/x17_xclusive_steven_tyler_tight_lipped_on_new_gig_as_idol_judge-07302010.php

Cut Back for All-including rich individuals!

2010-07-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

Wealthy individuals have been doing the spending with the economy needing to be stimulated. Now, as outlined by the New York Times, even the wealthy have quit spending like they used to. The Federal Reserve has acknowledged that America’s economic recovery has slowed. If conditions worsen, experts believe that an additional stimulus may be necessary.
New jobs created when spending occurs from all those with money
Demand for goods and services create the need for additional jobs, and spending – particularly that of the top 5 percent of U.S. income earners – indicates demand. “One-third of consumer outlays, including spending on goods and services, interest payments on consumer debt and cash gifts,” is what, as outlined by Moody’s, that 5% account for, particularly those who earn more than $ 210,000 a year. As 60 percent of America’s economic fortunes depend upon consumer spending, that one-third is of super-sized significance. Gallup found that those earning $ 90,000 or more – their “upper income” classification – spent $ 145 per day in May 2010.
In May 2009, it was 33 percent less than that. The numbers dropped in June 2010 the Times discovered. Only $ 119 per day was spent by Rich individuals. Were bank loans being used for this frequent spending and then stopped?
Businesses just for Luxury doing very badly
Early in 2010, luxury business showed strong numbers. Hotels like Four Seasons and also the Ritz Carlton lost many sales as summer came around. Sales at luxury retailers like Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue slowed at about the same time. Wealthy people are also getting less real estate in Manhattan and the Hamptons along with this sudden stop in spending. We know those low on money have to use an occasional fast loan to try and get by, but we know there’s a problem when the wealthy spending starts to die.
Going where you have to for the Dow
Considering their greater level of personal financial investment, rich people check out different indicators than the average person when it comes to evaluating the financial weather. The Dow Jones is a benchmark that means more to those who are extensively invested. Since the numbers were within the 7,000s for such a long time, we can see the affect taking place when they hit 10,000 again. Even in car sales, spending went up everywhere. Luxury vehicle dealers did well, but of late, some luxury auto dealers have enacted layoffs of 15 percent of more of sales staff. While individuals are trying to just keep themselves fed and with a roof over their head, it looks quite bad for the wealthy to keep spending, according to a study done at the Institute for Policy in Washington.
Are there signs of a future economic apocalypse?
It could be that “apocalypse” casts too dark a pall, but consider this. $ 15.95 tube wringer sells the best according to Linda Stasiak, a top saleswoman for skin care products. It will squeeze every single drop out of the tube because everybody feels the recession coming down on them. Does any person need a fast loan for their tube squeezers?
More info about this topic at these websites
New York Times
nytimes.com/2010/07/17/business/economy/17consumers.html?_r=1
Has the recession changed our perception of wealth?
youtube.com/watch?v=aCsIoHMxazs

Islamic Death Threats to Cartoonist

2010-07-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

Molly Norris is a Seattle cartoonist, but became well known and almost famous by instigating the, Everyone Draw Mohammad Day, on Facebook. Now an Islamic terrorist group has put a hit out Norris. Norris conceived “Everybody Draw Muhammad Day” as a Facebook-fueled protest for free speech in response to Comedy Central censorship of a South Park episode that threatened to depict the prophet Muhammad. This event got to large and out of control that numerous Muslim’s took it as personal hatred towards their people. Norris tried to offer a sincere apology stating that here intentions are not to offend the whole group, but it made no difference to the terrorist group that still wants her life. Post resource – Cartoonist Molly Norris marked for death by Islamic website by Personal Money Store.
The threat was put out by Anwar al-Awlaki
Islamic law forbids graphical depictions of Muhammad. Islamic law also says its okay for Muslim assassins to kill you if you draw anything or anybody and label it as Muhammad, even if you are not a Muslim. When Molly Norris launched Everybody Draw Muhammad Day, she drew the ire of radical Muslim cleric Anwar al-Awlaki–who is marked for death himself by the U.S. government. The New York Daily News reports that Anwar al-Awlaki has also been cited as inspiring the Fort Hood, Tex., massacre, also as the plot by two New Jersey men to kill U.S. soldiers. Anwar al-Awlaki singled out Norris in a rant published in an Al Qaeda magazine called Inspire, as a “prime target,” saying her “proper abode is hellfire.” FBI officials have notified Norris and warned her they consider Muslim assassins a “very significant threat.”
Idle threats aren’t often made by al-Awlaki
Molly Norris not only called off the event already, she also issued a public apology to the Islamic people in general. She stated that her intentions are not to offend individuals the way, Everyone Draw Muhammad, ended up doing. AOL News reports that despite the apology, al-Awlaki’s call for her murder on an Islamic terrorist site created to recruit American Muslims for jihad is not likely to be an idle threat. Kurt Westergaard, a Danish cartoonist, is also on the list of individuals marked for death by depicting the Prophet Mohammad. This past February, a man who was motivated by Jihad broke into Westergaard’s home and tried to kill him with an axe, forcing him and his granddaughter to hide within the homes panic room.
The mark for death has caused Molly Norris to take up hiding
Molly Norris posted a YouTube video explaining the real reason behind this day also as showing a picture she herself drew. She apologized to Muslims who were offended and urged viewers to call off the event. But the Washington Post reports that Norris couldn’t resist a parting shot. She posted a new cartoon titled “Diet of Fear” that reads: “All you’ve to do is tick off a couple of million Muslims and you’ll be too afraid to eat!”
This threat from al-Awlaki has caused Norris to take down all her personal content and close her Facebook account. Her explanation of this event through a YouTube video has also been removed by her.
Discover more about this topic here
New York Daily News
nydailynews.com/news/world/2010/07/11/2010-07-11_cleric_anwar_alawlaki_puts_everybody_draw_mohammed_cartoonist_molly_norris_on_ex.html
AOL News
aolnews.com/article/muhammad-cartoon-activist-lands-on-al-qaida-hit-list/19550262
Washington Post
voices.washingtonpost.com/comic-riffs/2010/07/draw_muhammad_artist_placed_on.html

Mel Gibson Has Real Problems

2010-07-19T19:51:00.000-07:00

Mel Gibson has received many publicity from the scandal between him and Oksana Grigorieva, his ex-girlfriend. None of it is good. Lawyers are costly, but he may have to pay it considering he is looking at a domestic violence charge with lawsuits. There were rumors of a domestic dispute. Adding domestic violence on top of the release of the “Mel Gibson tapes,” which are disturbing to put it mildly, add a darker layer This could seriously hurt his career.
Mel Gibson tapes show a verbal assault
It is a shame he didn’t sell the “Mel Gibson tapes”. He could make quite a bit of money if he simply trademarked the phrase. Radaronline.com shows these videos that, if they are real, he is probably not able to come back from in his career. His agency, William Morris Endeavor, already fired him. The thing about Hollywood is that if you don’t have an agent, you do not have a SAG card, which means you do not work as an actor or director, or at least it is very hard to do so. Gibson could be seeing the end of his career.
Tolerance fades easily
After this “Mel Gibson tapes” saga, there likely won’t be a “Lethal Weapon 5.”. Even though it may be wrong, individuals are allowed to believe whichever they want. No matter what they say, the government won’t be able to really do anything. There are going to be other consequences.
Who wants to keep a crazy person around?
Does John Rocker sound familiar? The Atlanta Braves kicked out the baseball player who made racist comments. Look at Rush Limbaugh. After the Donovan McNabb debacle, he was right away shown the door by ESPN. Another example is the NFL player, Larry Johnson. He was released after his homophobic comments he made publicly. He also wasn’t playing very well. Just because somebody is racist or prejudice doesn’t mean they can stay around working individuals.
Citations
RadarOnline.com
radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/07/exclusive-audio-out-control-mel-gibson-says-hell-burn-down-house-after-demanding

Merger Between Aon and Hewitt to Close in November

2010-07-17T11:41:00.000-07:00

Aon Corporation is purchasing HR outsourcing business Hewitt Associates for just under $ 5 billion. The combined Aon Hewitt Division will provide many of the services Hewitt did before the merger. The companies estimate that this merger will eventually save the companies $ 355 million each year.
Article resource – Aon Corporation purchases Hewitt Associates, creates Aon Hewitt by Personal Money Store
The Aon Hewitt purchase
Announced this morning and expected to close in November, the Aon purchase of Hewitt Associates will cost $ 4.9 billion. Hewitt is going to be getting over 40 percent more per share than they are currently trading with. Current Hewitt stockholders will get $ 25.61 in cash and .63 pieces of stock in Aon Corporation. Aon Hewitt will keep the same CEO and business model as Hewitt Associates while combining back-office operations with Aon. Hewitt Associates stock rose while Aon stock fell on this news. This new company will be based in Illinois. There are no official estimates on how many jobs will be cut in this merger.
The business Aon works in
Aon Corporation is a global “risk management and human capital consulting services” business. Aon offers clients advice on managing risk, along with insurance brokerage services. The company trades stock on the NYSE, and is classified as a financial business. Aon Corporation actually split three separate insurance businesses off of their operations just in August of last year.
How Hewitt Associates operates
Hewitt Associates is a business that focuses on human resource outsourcing. Hewitt offers HR management, benefits, and other administrative services. A small portion of Hewitt’s business also includes consulting. Hewitt provides “commercial service and supply” grounding to Aon’s business. Hewitt Associates has been through some major restructuring lately. Latin American operations have been spun off, and a company called HRAdvance Inc. was combined with Hewitt in May of 2010.

Shock Treatment Given to Autistic Children

2010-07-13T09:50:00.000-07:00

The Boston-area special needs school Judge Rotenberg Center enrolls students ages 3 to adult, all of whom are either autistic kids or are struggling with severe emotional, behavioral or psychiatric disorders. Those students who display undesirable behavior are subjected to a treatment which the United Nations is calling “torture.” Judge Rotenberg students are all subject to shock treatment.

Article source: Autistic kids subjected to shock treatment at Mass. School by Personal Money Store

’Aversive therapy’ for autistic children not torture, as outlined by JRC

Calling the JRC’s treatment of autistic kids in extreme situations torture is just like calling a physician using a scalpel on a patient assault with a deadly weapon, claim JRC representatives. They claim that shock treatment in short bursts is humane when in contrast to the alternatives of either allowing emotionally disturbed or even autistic kids to cause themselves or others physical harm or otherwise medicating them into a lobotomized state. Head JRC doctor Matthew Israel told ABC that the real torture for autistic kids and others is the latter. He stated that JRC’s shock treatment “has no detrimental effects whatsoever.”

Just a two second skin shock

The Judge Rotenberg Center uses a small device that administers a shock when necessary as a form of behavioral therapy, as outlined by Israel. Students are only subjected to the device after a court and (within the case of autistic kids) parents or caregivers have to approve. Allegedly, the short shock hurts just enough to dissuade JRC students from destructive behavior. After periods of good behavior, students are rewarded with points. In total, the Judge Rotenberg Center houses such students for $200,000 per year, taxpayer financed.

UN and advocates for disabled condemn this special treatment

Eric Rosenthal, an advocate for the disabled, created a report that prompted the United Nations to become involved within the JRC’s activities. Massachusetts Sen. Brian Joyce has tried to shut down the Judge Rotenberg Center but was unsuccessful. The United Nations reference America’s international treaty stance on torture when talking about the JRC’s shock treatment of autistic children and other students. The argument is apparently that if the United States shouldn’t be administering shock treatment to prisoners at Guantanamo Bay, how can any home soil organization be allowed do it to children?

Citations|Discover more info|Discover more information here|More info accessible at these sites|Discover more about this topic here|More info about this topic at these websites}:

ABC News

abcnews.go.com/Nightline/shock-therapy-massachussetts-school/story?id=11047334

Surgeon Sherwin Nuland discusses the development of electroshock therapy (Editor’s Note: A small amount of NSFW language is used):

Shooting Outside Virginia Nightclub Where Michael Vick Had Birthday Party

2010-06-25T17:33:00.000-07:00

Michael Vick's attorney said his client wasn't involved, or even present, when a shooting occurred outside a nightclub where the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback had celebrated his birthday, AFP reported Friday.

Larry Woodward, one of the lawyers who represented Vick in his federal dogfighting case, said Vick had already left the club by the time the shooting took place shortly after 2am local time.

The man who was shot at the party was Quanis Phillips, a co-defendant in the 2007 dogfighting trial that sent the NFL star to prison three years ago, according to The Daily Press of Newport News, Va.

Phillips was reportedly shot inside a Virginia Beach nightclub at 2am local time Friday. He was subsequently listed in good condition at a local hospital.

The Philadelphia Eagles player spent 21 months in federal prison after entering a guilty plea in connection with dog fighting charges in 2007.

In 2008, Vick filed for bankruptcy.

Arkansas Flooding

2010-06-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

According to Gov. Mike Beebe, at least 16 people, including some children, were killed Friday after flash floods swept through their remote Caddo Gap Arkansas campsites following a heavy rain.

ABC reported that about 60 campers were rescued by emergency workers, another two dozen hospitalized. Dozens more are still missing and feared dead.

Video below

NHRA death

2010-06-11T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today the Old Bridge Township Raceway Park and the NHRA were witnesses of a tragedy during one race, after driver Neal Parker died in a car crash. This is the second NHRA death in two years.
Neal Parker, 58, crashed his car, the Top Alcohol Funny Car, in the shutdown area in the qualifying round for the National Hot Rod Association SuperNationals.
“On behalf of everyone at NHRA and Raceway Park, we are deeply saddened and want to pass along our sincere condolences to the entire Parker family,” said the NHRA in a statement.