Part 2: Arguments against Marijuana Legalization in California

California’s November ballot will include the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis act. The arguments for passing the initiative are summarized in California Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act: Part 1. Naysayers of the bill say that the tax pay day will not be worth the problems of the bill, even though polls show that 59% of decided voters support the act. Major opponents of the bill include those who believe the act will increase crime and those who believe the act will worsen the quality of marijuana available.

Medical arguments against legal marijuana

The medical uses of marijuana are fairly well-accepted by some doctors. However, if marijuana is legalized, public health might be harmed.

Marijuana is mainly ingested through smoking, and the smoking of any substance, especially long-term, can seriously damage a person’s lungs. Reaction time and short term memory have also been shown to be damaged by long-term pot smoking. Medical opponents of legal recreational marijuana argue that legalization would increase use, and therefore negatively affect public health.

Arguments against legal marijuana – Criminal

The California Peace Officers Association, among quite a few others, has spoken out against the initiative intended to legalize marijuana. John Lovell, who lobbies for the association went on record against the bill, saying “We have enough problems with alcohol and abuse of pharmaceutical products. Do we really need to add yet another mind-altering substance to the array?”

No matter what California voters do, opponents point out that marijuana is nevertheless considered a Schedule I illegal drug by the federal government. The possession, sale, and distribution of marijuana remains a serious federal crime, even if enforcement against medical marijuana states has been greatly diminished. If marijuana were to be legalized in California, it could entice organized crime and drug cartels to the state.

Quality arguments against legal marijuana

While many marijuana smokers and growers usually stand at odds against those who want to keep marijuana illegal, a small coalition is emerging. Some marijuana growers are speaking out in opposition to the voter initiative, saying that legal pot could be economically damaging. Growers fear that if marijuana were legal, it would reduce the sales price of their cash crop. If the price of pot were to drop, the growers fear they would have to attend credit counseling because their livelihood would be damaged. In addition to price fears, growers worry that large corporations would begin growing marijuana. Like quite a few other small-scale growers in America, the growers would be compelled to compete against agribusinesses, which could drive up the cost while driving down the price of their crops.

There are several arguments both for and against the passage of California’s Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis act. The debate about legal marijuana has been raging in the United States for over a hundred years, and the result of California’s election is certain to be attentively watched.

Dwight Gooden had his five year old son within the car when he was arrested for a DWI

Baseball fans with memories that date back to the 1980s know the New York Mets’ Dwight Gooden was one of probably the most untouchable pitchers of all time. Dr. K (aka Doc Gooden) combined an amazing 95 mph fastball with a fantastic movement and a wonderful curveball that buckled bather’s knees. Sadly, the four-time All-Star’s playing career and life after baseball was marred by alcohol and drug abuse. The New York Daily News said that Gooden’s DWI arrest in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey came after “three and one half years” of sobriety. Dylan, his five year old son, was sadly in the ca! r.

Dwight Gooden faces multiple charges at 45

In addition to driving while intoxicated, Dwight Gooden has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, DWI with a child passenger, leaving the scene of the two-car accident and reckless driving. A 911 call was how the accident was reported.

It was reported by the Daily News that Gooden was released eventually on his own recognizance. The drug involved has not been revealed by the New Jersey Police, although Gooden has had problems with cocaine and alcohol within the past. Territory came with financial struggles. If Dwight Gooden did use installment payday advances, hopefully he used them appropriately.

Missing the hall of fame – and on life

There’s little doubt that if Dwight Gooden hadn’t battled with substance abuse in the course of his baseball career, he’d be on his way to the Hall of Fame. Time spent in five separate rehab stints and in court also as battles with the bottle and cocaine shortened his career. Yet that doesn’t even begin to touch upon how much Dwight Gooden has lost in life due to addiction. During times of hardship, he might are involved with no credit check personal loans since it was a personal family struggle.

The evidence is sufficient regarding his play days. He concluded with a 194-112 record and 3.51 ERA. His 162-game average, according to Baseball Reference, was a 16-9 season with 7.4 strikeouts per nine innings, both of which are superb. Those stats don’t even truthfully represent his early life career magnificence. He set the Major League rookie record of 276 strikeouts and 11.4 strikeouts per nine innings within the 1984 national Rookie of the Year. You can’t count the rookie “Matches” Matt Kilroy’s 513 strikeouts for the Baltimore of American Association in 1886 since the rules were very different then and nowadays the American Association is considered less than Major League caliber.

1985 was Dr. K’s year

After an amazing rookie season, Gooden got much better. All he did that was different in 1985 was go 24-4 with a 1.53 ERA and a league leading of 268 strikeouts. It was one of one of the most dominant pitching seasons in Major League history. The next season, Gooden played a large role within the New York Mets’ first world series winning since 1969. The red flags began to show, unfortunately. Because he was on a cocaine binge, he skipped the team’s victory parade, and he was arrested after fighting police in his hometown of Tampa, Florida by December 13, 1986. There were flashes of greatness afterward, but nothing like what had come before. He played for the New York Yankees, a team that won titles in 1996 and 2000, and threw a no hitter on May 14, 1996.

How does someone who endangers a young child like that walk?

That’s a question for New Jersey Police to answer, but they aren’t talking. Dwight Gooden clearly needs help, but he should not be allowed to destination a five-year-old at risk again. Hopefully it wasn’t a position of skating on fame.

The California Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act: Part 1

The secretary of state confirmed last night to everyone how the voter initiative to legalize marijuana received about 523,531 legitimate signatures-over 433,971 were needed to get it on the November ballot. The initiative has quite a few supporters who believe that that legalizing pot will not only save the cash-strapped Californian economy, but will even bring in instant cash of tax revenue. Those who don't support the bill suggest that legalizing pot will lead to more crime and large health impacts. Other detractors worry that legalizing gray-market marijuana will decrease the quality of marijuana and significantly harm the budding marijuana industry. Part 1 of this article covers the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act in California and the arguments for its passage. Part 2: Arguments against Marijuana Legalization in California covers the arguments against marijuana legalization in California.

History of marijuana legalization in California.

In 1913, the first state law criminalizing marijuana in the United States was enacted in California. Other states quickly followed suit. The federal law made transfer and possession of "Marihuana" illegal for all things except industrial and medical use by 1937.

This act was declared unconstitutional in 1969, but the U.S. Federal government included marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. In 1996, California legalized medical marijuana with Proposition 215, reigniting a national debate. On the federal level, marijuana continues to be an illegal Schedule I narcotic considered to have “no valid medical use."

California legalization of marijuana measures.

The California voter initiative to legalize pot, known as the Regulate, Control, and Tax Cannabis Act lays out several limitations on the legal use of marijuana. Anyone 21 or older would be permitted to "possess, cultivate, or transport marijuana for personal use." Marijuana would be taxed and regulated through commercial sales or production by local governments in California. Individuals would also be prohibited from smoking marijuana in public, smoking marijuana when minors are present, providing to any underage person, possessing the drug on school grounds or driving when under the influence of marijuana.

The cost-savings discussion for marijuana legalization

Supporters of the Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act argue that the legalization of marijuana would conserve the State of California a significant amount of cash. Because California has a huge spending budget deficit, they have been using payday cash advances on the state to cover spending budget costs.

The cost savings estimates are anywhere from $ 156 million to $ 1 billion. Supporters claim that once the currently-stretched-thin law-enforcement system stops prosecuting individuals for growing, possessing or selling marijuana, they can focus on crimes and criminals that are more violent or dangerous. Those for the act also point out the fact few deaths in California are due to marijuana when hundreds of death each year are due to alcohol.

Taxation for cannabis legalization argument.

While saving California millions of dollars in law enforcement, the Regulate, Control and Tax Act also gives government the ability to tax marijuana. $ 15 billion worth of gray-market and black-market marijuana is sold in California each year as approximated by proponents of the act.

$ 1.3 billion a year or more in revenue would be brought in with an excise tax on the retail sales. Some counties and cities within California already tax medical marijuana dispensaries. These city and county taxes bring in as much as $350,000 per dispensary.

Job arguments in legalizing pot

Humboldt county as well as other areas in California already have a large marijuana tourism industry. The area brings in millions of dollars a year in tourism revenue through services from medical marijuana dispensaries to schools that focus on growing marijuana. As pointed out by proponents, if the marijuana tourism industry grew to even one third the size of the wine industry, it would create at least 50,000 jobs. It would add the agricultural base in California if hemp were to be legal to produce in state with marijuana being legalized.

The Californian's Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act can be on the November ballot. If you were interested in the arguments against the legalization of marijuana in California, I’d suggest you see Part 2: Arguments against Marijuana Legalization in California.

Challenges Associated with Purchasing an Automobile

In case you are planning to buy a vehicle, it becomes imperative for you to understand all the risks that are involved with any kind of auto buying. You’ll need to consider a lot of things while buying a car.

You will encounter a lot of interesting incentives provided by the dealers in order to attract a lot a lot more customers. However, it is vital for you to understand if such incentives are really viable for you within the long run. Some risks that a customer faces when purchasing a vehicle are listed below.

Servicing

Purchasing a car is obviously not going to be inexpensive, and therefore, you might want to maintain your car for a long time to come, probably even fetch a good price if you were to sell it sometime down the line. Maintenance of a car will reflect on its actual value at any given point. A good car company should have a sufficient number of service centers with your vicinity, so that for those who have any problems with the car, you can get it fixed up easily. The maintenance cost should be low as well, and ideally it is the dealer who should provide you servicing facilities and even the spare parts if required.

False claims

A lot of car companies use unrealistic and false claims in their product propaganda, and hence the customer should not blindly believe on the claims of the company or even the dealer. The false claims can be about mileage, power, etc. They usually provide us information of tests conducted in controlled conditions and these results are not true on the road. A test drive is very helpful in these cases. It will give you a correct idea of what the automobile is, and you also need not pay attention on the claims of the manufacturer. You are able to choose yourself.

Zero cost Care and Warranty

Each manufacturer should provide the consumer with at least some warranty lasting for a minimum period of one to two years. One should not be too much attention to the seller’s warranty and should ideally go for cars where the manufacturer provides warranty. Although, within the case of free servicing, it is just the opposite. Lots of companies claim to provide servicing, but they will have their own set of terms and conditions. If the dealer doesn’t provide free servicing, then you need to completely abandon the idea of buying a car from them.

Financing

Nowadays, financing is available in most auto buying deals. However, there are a few risks involved with this financing.

Several dealers claim to provide zero interest loans but usually all such claims are false as they include various hidden costs hence customer discretion is very important. It would be wiser for you to negotiate with the dealers in order to reach the situation which is favorable to both the involved parties.

Reliability

Buying a new automobile is about authenticity. It is always a good idea to buy an auto from the dealers who have proven their credibility within the market. The dealer is a point of contact for both the manufacturers and car buyers. Therefore, you may want to do a little research about the dealers in order to find the ones who have proven their honesty over a certain period of time.

How you are able to Benefit by a Fixed Mortgage Loan

Different Mortgage Rates Available

When you are looking and comparing mortgages, one main thing you need to be concerned with is how much you can be paying every month. You could face concerns about your monthly expenses in relation to your income. You can make a choice between a Fixed Mortgage Rate and an Adjustable Mortgage Rate at this point. Fixed Mortgage Loans have interest rates that are fixed at a single price rather than fluctuate on your mortgage. This will only give you an advantage whenever you compare your monthly expenses in relation to your mortgage. Look at the benefits that you will be able to enjoy with such a mortgage.

Have you Finances Budgeted

Being able to budget your finances accordingly is one of the main advantages of having a fixed rate of interest on your mortgage. Your monthly payments will never change during the duration of your loan. It will even give you the financial stability that you need. Management of your spending budget will become easy after you set aside a fixed amount from your monthly income towards your mortgage. Home owners are left comfortable with the idea of having a long term arrangement such as this. Mortgage payments remain predictable during the life of the mortgage because of the fixed rates.

Keep Surprises Away

Fixed Rate Mortgages differ from Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARM) as they will not surprise you after 5 years. For the first five years repayments on ARMs are usually low, after which the rates suddenly go up. You will be short by a couple of hundred dollars after that every month from your spending budget. The low payments that ARMs offer will look attractive towards the borrower within the beginning. Two problems start when the rates go up. Because of the low payments that you make, you end up not building adequate equity inside your home. Second, once the rates go up, any payments you make will go towards the interest rather than the principal amount owed. From the beginning, if you opt for a fixed rate mortgage, you could be better off in these circumstances. You might be asked to pay a little extra to start with, but you’ll build up a good equity over the first five years. The best time for you to opt for an ARM is when the interest rates are historically at the! ir lowest. But be prepared for the five year surprise as it nevertheless exists. However, if you only plan on staying within the home less than five years, this may be an attractive alternative.

Search for Good Offers

Currently, you are able to discover numerous offers advertised over the print and electronic media. Do your research and try to find the best deals available. If you are looking to make a deal online, make sure the business is accredited by the Better Business Bureau for safety.

Randy Neugebauer cries BABY KILLER over health care bill

It might be that Republican Rep. Randy Neugebauer might have just become the poster baby for why Texas should go ahead and secede from the Union: to hide public officials like Randy Neugebauer from view. Neugebauer, who has since admitted to shouting “Baby killer!” in the House of Representatives after the health care bill passed, objecting to anti-abortion panic over the bill. He is now a colleague in shouting nonsense just like Rep. Joe Wilson, who shouted “You lie!” at the President during the State of the Union, and Neugebauer apparently couldn’t resist the temptation for making himself look like an idiot. It was apparent that he shouted at Rep. Bart Stupak the “baby killer!” after the Michigan Democrat voted in favor of the bill.

Neugebauer claims it wasn’t aimed at Stupak

Neugebauer apologized to his colleague in the House anyway. His justification for his remarks – how the health care bill is “a baby killer” – may be his last-ditch effort to squeeze campaign dollars out of anti-abortion groups. Maybe he needed some debt relief?

He Who Shouts Baby Killer might be steamed over receiving less than $ 3,000 from the anti-abortion gallery (dollar figure taken from a Center for Responsive Politics survey). OpenSecrets.org purports that anti-abortion groups might be enticed to get out their checkbooks. A lot of opponents of the health care bill are none too pleased. Former G.W. Bush speech writer David Frum says “It’s Waterloo all right: ours.” The Fire Nancy Pelosi petition is circulating, but it’s too little too late for those who vowed to fight Democratic health care reform tooth and nail.

Who fattens He Who Shouts Baby Killer’s war chest?

As per OpenSecrets.org, “the National Auto Dealers Association, National Association of Home Builders, Quantum Energy Partners, National Beer Wholesalers Association and National Association of Realtors” are big Randy Neugebauer bankrollers. That’s just in case you want to know.

Is this the type of thing that Texans are happy with?

Despite whether someone agrees with Randy Neugebauer, is anyone really impressed with this “baby killer” routine? Mr. Stupak is far from being a baby killer. Acting like a neurotic, emotionally unhinged, and panicking teenager benefits no one. They draw ridicule, not just from the media, but from people who understand adult behavior.

Shouting “Baby killer!” at Vietnam veterans didn’t exactly make people popular decades ago, either. In both cases, it has every little thing to do with knowing nothing about what you’re talking about and giving in to the dumber side of human nature. Randy Neugebauer would have been additional endearing if he’d been more transparent. Holding up a sign begging the anti-abortion lobby for money would have been more direct, and perhaps a lot more respectable. He could have also looked into payday loans with no fax as a quick source of funding, though Mr. Neugebauer would have to pay it back.

Small Businesses are Scrambling to handle the Estate Tax

Congress is in the midst of debates over the estate tax. In the mean time, small businesses are left to hope how the tax is manageable.

The small company tax

Small Businesses are having difficulty managing in today's economic climate. The recession was difficult on them and most are nevertheless looking for ways of returning to old ways of operations. The real estate tax debate is not making it easier to manage. Currently, this tax is caught up within the Senate. That makes things difficult for smaller businesses because they do not know what is going to happen in long term. Studies are projecting that as lots of as eight times as several businesses might be taxed next year with the estate issue. That elevates concerns for businesses and owners wonder how they are going to cope.

The key elements from the tax

There are two things affecting the real estate tax. First, the limit on assets that are transferable to the future at tax-free status and second, the rate in the tax are both up for debate. In 2001, Congress increased the exemption from $675,000 to $3.5 million and decreased the tax rate from 55% to 45%. There is a loophole however that rescinds the tax for the coming year and causes it to revert earlier to pre-2001 rates. That rate is set at $1 million in exemptions and a tax rate of 55%. In 2009, over 5,500 estates paid death taxes, according to Tax Policy Center in Washington. Of that number, about 10% might be taxed again this year if Congress doesn't make moves to change the tax laws in time. That could put an added stress on smaller businesses that are already suffering because in the recession.

Strategies to manage the tax

If the law changes, business owners could be able to rest, but until that happens, most are taking pains to prepare for the huge cost. They are already strategizing ways to handle the issue. Some owners are taking out hefty life insurance policies. The goal is to bring enough money into the company after the owner passes away so how the remaining owners won't have to sell the company to afford the estate taxes. Another strategy is for business owners to transfer some assets to their children. There is a gift tax that has a $1 million exclusion and that means married couples can hand down $2 million to their children tax-free. Anything over $1 million per person has a gift-tax rate of 35%. Though that sounds high, it's nevertheless considerably lower than facing the estate tax.

Finally, some business owners are establishing trusts that let them pass tax-free money to heirs. This would allow business owners to deposit assets into the trust and then pay earlier the owner for a certain number of years. The assets would earn interest and eventually pass tax-free down to children named on the trust. The problem with the strategies though is that they apply to companies with millions of dollars in assets to move around. Most small businesses don't qualify for the possibilities above and are left hanging on what Congress is going to do.

Managing the estate tax

Handling the estate tax is proving to be difficult. Small business owners see it as a threat to render their businesses bankrupt if they die. Though there are some ways to handle the issue, it nevertheless is causing much concern in the business world. Everyone is hanging on Congress, waiting to see what it will do to help business owners, or hinder them.

Is it feasible to become satisfied

Very few of us seem happy today. So many seeming to be chasing one “thing” or another that we are made to believe will make us happy. Lots of us are not sure if there was any time in our lives where we were truly happy, other than the occasional momentary happiness that comes with a pleasant surprise. Momentary and fleeting happiness is not really happiness at all, it is an emotion more closely related to excitement than happiness. Given the apparent lack of happiness, the question before us is “Is it possible to become happy”?

Such a question is intriguing for lots of different reasons. It indicates a loss of direction and self confidence, two very important qualities on which true happiness depends. The question also indicates an awareness in the overwhelming prevalence of emotions that are something less than true happiness. Finally, simply asking the question betrays the true impetus behind the question. Of course happiness is possible; the real quandary is how to achieve it and why it seems so elusive

Happiness is the basic motivation behind human existence. If we are happy, then we are either fulfilled or working towards fulfillment. Fulfillment is the key to happiness. Unfortunately for humans but very fortunately for humanity, fulfillment means something different to each and every one from the billions of us on the planet.

A key to fulfillment is interpersonal relationships. The additional relationships we have, the better our chances at happiness. In our mad chasing of material dreams, we have forgotten how to even be civil to our neighbors. When was the last time you spoke to your neighbor with anything more than a wave of your hand? There was a time not long ago, when a new neighbor moving in was an event that would cause existing neighbors to welcome the new member towards the area. Now, we rarely know our neighbor’s names, and a new neighbor is just an opportunity to discover out what homes within the area are selling for.

Through intensive marketing, the mass media has confused most of us as to what self fulfillment and happiness are. We have come to think that others’ desires must be our desires, when really they’re normally unrelated. We have confused our herd mentality, that of conforming to those around us, with the need to become just like all in the others around us. Our herd mentality allows us to make life easier in those areas that are not important to us. If style is not vitally important to us, we look at what others are generally wearing for clues as to what to wear. We look to those around us to see how to act in public in various settings and situations. We get an idea in the “best” products to buy by what others have purchased. The herd mentality should not dictate what we do or have, but simply make decision making easier for us in those areas of life that may not be so important as individuals. We have to get dressed before we go out for th! e day, so we generally wear what others are wearing in our vicinity. In the west, men wear pants and a shirt. These things are readily available. Men do not have to hunt for them. Men who are not overly concerned with fashion can and should dispense with the expense of name brands if an equivalent choice is available. However, if fashion is your passion, then purchase that especially well-made, name brand item that is the latest in style. But buy it because the item speaks to you that it fits your fashion sense, is well made, and to you is truly worth the extra money, not because you feel you need to be like the rest in the crowd of supposedly fashionable folks.

We have confused our “need to conform” into thinking we need to be exactly like those around us. This is where we need the confidence to go our own way when our desires dictate. We do not have to have the latest fashion trend. Living in a McMansion is not necessary. Spending cash on a new automobile every couple of years is contrary to what we know is in our best interests, and indeed the best interests of the planet. The associated stress with making the payments and knowing that with just a little more self confidence we could stay clear of the extra expense ultimately makes us unhappy. The momentary excitement that we feel when we drive an expensive new car off from the dealer’s lot, which we mistake for happiness, ultimately can become a key component in our unhappiness. Yet, without some self confidence, we will put all of our efforts into keeping up with what we perceive everyone else to be doing, even though we know they’re not any ne! cessarily happy.

It is very evident that “stuff” doesn’t make us happy. With all from the wealth that has been created within the last couple of decades, lots of people should be very happy. Wealthy people and rich countries seem to become the unhappiest. The poorest countries, as measured by per capita income, consistently are the happiest according to the World Happiness Survey conducted by London School of Economics.

All we need to do to be happy is to listen to that little voice of reason that is constantly talking to us but being drowned out by the marketing din so pervasive today. Let your passions dictate a lot more of your life, do not let Madison Avenue decide for you. It is not practical for most of us to turn our passions into our career, but whatever your passion is, work at it just a little every day, ignore all of the outside din telling us what we ought to do, be or purchase. If happiness is not the norm, what is the point?

Italian Art May Help Produce Happiness In Your Home

There are usually quite a few hard times and many stresses people are under these days, and its not a big surprise that more people haven't discovered the therapeutic and soothing benefits that Italian art can provide. For some people, doing almost everything perfect is simply not enough to break free from the emotional traps that difficulties in life can produce. There exists a psychological phenomenon that many men and women usually are totally not aware of.

Society can be quite hectic and Italian art contributes the perfect spice

Have you seen a messy table or desk and experienced a sense of stress? Have you been in a very poor mind set because your home or office is simply filled together with a lot of stuff? You usually are not alone. Lots of people suffer exactly the same dilemma. Clutter is an example of how visual shapes and colors could cause your subconscious brain to become overburdened with information. Precisely the same problem together with clutter is magnified when it comes to a lot more pervasive elements, like wall color, curtains, and various other big features of your home.

Color can begin to play an essential role concerning the subconscious mind

It is apparently common knowledge that some specific colors cause you to feel one way or another. The overstated case in point is the saying "I was seeing red I was so angry." Bull fighters as an example have been aggravating bulls for centuries together with the color red. Employing red in your home can be a a good or bad thing, based upon your attitude.

A number of establishments utilize color to control behavior

Hospitals and federal government institutions are already using color like a behavior modification technique for many decades. Ever wondered why massive facilities have properly coordinated color schemes? Quite a few institutions use shades of blue, green, and earthy tones so as to generate a peaceful condition particularly in places where patrons may be in a upsetting predicament and may be readily irritated. Many medical professionals and health officials think that environmental factors can increase the pace of recuperation just after injury or surgery and color plays an important purpose in that process.

Total satisfaction in life is tricky to find and that’s precisely why your home needs Italian art

There isn’t a uncertainty that Italian artists understand how to inspire joy and emotions of well being as a result of their masterful use of color. You won't usually see Italian art this is filled with colors that clash. The eye desires to understand of the world and too most contrasting color combos repel a lot of viewers. Italian painters have the art of mood-altering enhancement using colors down to a formula. It truly is no wonder that individuals may be willing to pay a very high price to have this magnificent kind of mood enhancing art in their houses.

A Fun Budget Vacation

Nebraska Trip

A few years ago I decide to take a road trip to Nebraska. During that time, I had an excellent automobile that was able to make the trip. Gas prices had been at an all time high then. Fortunately, I didn’t have to take out a payday loan to cover for that gas.

An Inexpensive Escape

When preparing a vacation on a low budget, why not consider a road journey? With a excellent automobile, you can forego the costly airlines. Plan for the rising price of gasoline inside your spending budget, or you could be stuck somewhere without having money or gas.

Lodging

There are quite a few options when it comes to exactly where you will sleep while you are on holiday. Steer clear of the high priced resorts and go straight towards the budget hotels. Pricier resorts are not that much better than the budget resorts, but you will conserve at least $ 50 to $ 100. Look for the national chains, as they will have higher standards.

Food

To save money on eating out throughout my road journey to Nebraska, I packed an ice chest wtih food and drinks. When it was time for a meal, we just stopped at the rest stop and pulled out the meals and ate. At least $ 150 was saved by doing this. Purchase meals ahead of time as you plan for the trip. When you reach your destination, heading out to eat might be a necessity at times. You may have the ability to visit a grocery store other times. When visiting family or friends, consider adding to their meals stock. They will love you for it!

Buy Mementos

Of course you will want to buy souvenirs, as it’s a holiday. A holiday is not that good if you don’t purchase souvenirs, right? When purchasing, you should use the exact same common sense that you simply are using for each other aspect of the trip. You will meet your goal of saving cash if you do not invest a lot of cash on anything. The center of the vacation is not when you need to take out a payday loan.

Getting Back Home

While you are having fun in your holiday, don’t forget that you simply must have enough cash to purchase gas for the journey home. {In the midst of your fun, be sure to set apart this money|Be sure to set apart this money within the midst of your fun|While having fun, be sure to set aside this money|Setting aside the money while having fun is a good thought|Set aside this money while you are having fun|While you arehaving fun, make sure to set aside this money. The online payday loan you might have had to take out in your journey could be difficult to pay back. If you take out a loan after you get home, it is going to be easier to pay back. Overspending on a trip away from home is truly not a great idea!

The best time of day to find debt relief, without payday loans

Avoid the need for more payday loans by targeting specific times of day when making purchases.

One way to find debt relief as well as avoid the need for payday loans is to target specific times of day when making purchases. Businesses are desperate to find new customers, and they are consistently playing with specials and discounts that spur new buyers into their storefronts. The latest studies are showing that there are special times of day when deals can be more readily available. Here are some keys to finding extra savings.

Airline travel

When it comes to air travel, tickets seem to be cheapest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. According to Rick Seaney, CEO for FareCompare.com, you should "Start shopping for plane tickets after 3 p.m. Eastern time on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays." His claim is that studies have shown that this is when airlines offer the deepest discounts on flights. The absolute worst time to shop for flights is Saturday or Sunday, he added.

Entertainment

If you're going bowling, always go either before 10 a.m. or after 9 p.m. for the best rates. Another tip is to always go see movies early on Saturdays or Sundays for matinee shows. Smaller towns also may have a theater downtown that shows older movies at a greater discount. In Lagrange, Ill., for example, the downtown theater offers movies on a two-month lag in scheduling, for $5.50 a show all day long and $4.50 for shows before 6 p.m. If golf is your choice in recreation, tee off by 8 a.m. or after 3 p.m. for the best rates. Also, gyms have great discounts on their "off peak" hours, like before 11 a.m. and after 8 p.m. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "The best time of day to find debt relief, without payday loans"

Vote on health care bill set for Sunday

The health care vote will likely take place on Sunday. Image from Wikimedia Commons.

The fight over the health care bill in the House of Representatives continues, and the bill is set for a vote on Sunday. The current bill was sent to the House by the Senate, and the House will require 216 votes in order to pass it, and that is what House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D - CA) is gunning for. Ohio Rep. John Boccieri (D) has crossed the aisle and pledged to vote for the bill. House and Senate Republicans are bound and determined to keep the bill from passing either house, despite CBO estimates that the bill will save a lot of payday cash for consumers and the government alike.

John Boccieri says 'Yes' to health care bill

A freshman legislator, Rep. John Boccieri (D-OH) has, according to the Washington Post, decided to support the legislation and vote in favor of the health care bill in order to pass it through the House and send it back to the Senate.  If the bill clears the Senate without further alteration, it will be sent to the president.

Falling into line

Several other House Democrats who had previously held the bill in dubious esteem, including Dennis Kucinich (D-OH), Betsy Markely (D-CO), and Bart Gordon (D-TN) have recently also committed to voting for the bill. The bill has likely appeared more palatable because of recent Congressional Budget Office estimates that the bill, with a price tag of more than $940 billion - that's a heck of a cash advance - will trim up to $138 billion from the deficit over the next 10 years. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Vote on health care bill set for Sunday"

Getting Insurance for your Pets

Pets are Part of the Family as well

Without a doubt, pets are a vital part of many families. They occupy a little part of our life that helps us relax and gives us joy. Costs of pet care are in no way less and are increasing at the very same pace as those for humans. Pet care insurance has been made available by insurers under these circumstances. Before you purchase insurance for your pets, what are the things you should know? Below are some tips that should help you when looking at insuring your pet.

Start getting Quotes First

If you were buying insurance yourself, you would ask for quotes from the insurer. Get quotes for your pet as well in the very same way while you would have for yourself. Different insurers will give you different quotes. You’ll get an opportunity to make comparisons before taking a final decision.

Read the fine Print

Policies to insure pets do not differ from policies that are for property or individuals. Policies are complicated and carry a number of points in fine print. Financial losses could be headed your way if you do not understand these points. At all stages, make it a point to go through all these points. Instead of neglecting them at any point, you will be better off spending some time and reading the document.

Look out for Reviews

Reviews for any product can be found all over the interent. Use the internet to conduct some research. It can be easy for you find a number of reviews about the product that you intend to choose for your pet. The reviews will are posted by independent users of similar products, therefore can be relied upon by you.

Understand the Claim Process

You are investing money in insurance for your pet, in order to conserve some. In doing this, you would want to avoid getting entangled in months of paperwork, if you ever have to make a claim. Take a good look at the policy and inquire about the claims process. Before investing the money, make certain you know every aspect in the claims process.

Talk to your Veterinarian

Someone else who will know your pet as well as you do is your pets veterinarian. One thing that you do not know is the fact that your veterinarian has more knowledge about the insurance for pets than you do. The veterinarian will be able to offer you sound advice about what type of policy best suits your pet. Don't forget to have a word with your veterinarian before you make the investment.

Ask the Insurers to include your Veterinarian in the list that is provided

In case of any problems with your pet, insures will have their own preferred veterinarians to direct you to. There should be no reason for you for making a change from the person you trust, while you are the one shelling out the cash. Insist the insurers add your veterinarian to the list of preferred veterinarians. If they cannot add the name of your veterinarian to their preferred list, take you business to a destination that can accommodate your request. Also look online for the best quotes and keep all from the above points in mind. Use you own judgment and not the word from the pet shop or your veterinarian to purchase insurance. All you need to do is look around to get better quotes than what they offer.

Finding 7 Additional Cuts To Make In Your Budget

Finding places to chop corners can be a tough challenge. Here are seven incredibly easy ways to cut out extra costs.

It may be tough to find extra places in your budget that you can cut out costs. Sure, you feel like you’ve cut out all the fat, but what if you have to save even more money? If you have already tried to cut out all the extras, try these things to save more every day.

Try out Vegetarianism

Two or three days a week, try cutting out meat. Depending on the cut, you’re likely to be spending anywhere from $2 to $8 a pound for inexpensive meat. Eating no meat only a couple of days a week will cut your grocery bill a surprising amount. Beyond saving some extra money, you will also give yourself a reason to try out new kinds of cuisine. You will have a chance to highlight grains, vegetables, or even fruit as the centerpiece of the meal.

Find A Shopping Partner

You usually have an option of shopping at a discount club or bulk purchasing retail store. However, because their items are in bulk, these stores complete storage space quickly. Try partnering with a friend instead – split the membership fees and shop together. Split the fee and the items in multiple-item packs. By splitting with friends, it can save you money without having to store five year’s worth of paper towels.

Less cash, More Sweat

Try doing exercises at a community college instead of a gym. Register for a one-credit gym class, then work out at the school fitness center. This can save you hundreds of dollars a year, and it will allow you to work out on a regular basis.

Add Some Spice To Your Day

At most grocery stores, spices and seasonings are very high priced. The local ethnic grocery store will have spices for much less expensive than $8 an ounce. You can usually buy seasonings in bulk packages, and for less than you can get them at standard food markets. Check stores online that are experts in spices if you cannot find ethnic grocery stores. This is another place to partner up with friends to split costs.

Secondhand Dressing

Although you may wear an unusual size, you can usually find fashionable and clean clothing at second-hand or consignment stores. Find a larger selection of clothing by checking the second-hand stores in different areas of town, or while you’re traveling. You can even sell clothing at these stores – anything that you no longer wear or doesn’t fit.

Go The Way Of The Union

Banks can charge you hundreds, if not thousands a year in fees. Most often, banks are ultimately considering their profits, as they have stockholders to keep happy. Credit unions could be a great place to do your banking at instead. Operating as member-owned not for profit businesses, credit unions certainly are a good alternative. Credit card and loan rates are usually better at credit unions, and by banking with them you’ll save money on fees.

Feel The Rush

Most performances or live theaters offer last-minute “rush” tickets. You can get some tickets for half or less of their face value if you purchase them right before the performance starts. It takes some planning ahead, but rush tickets are a great way to see expensive shows for much less.

Bernanke says Fed should regulate all banks

Federal Reserve building, Washington, D.C.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben S. Bernanke opposes a draft bill now in the Senate that would remove much of the central bank's supervisory role and limit its authority to the regulation of only the largest financial firms. The bill, proposed by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher Dodd, would limit the Fed's supervisory authority to banks with more than $50 billion in assets. Smaller banks would be regulated by the FDIC and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. By contrast, under a House version of the bill, the Federal Reserve would keep most of its bank supervisory duties.  Neither bill would have any bearing on personal installment loans from private money lenders.

Bernanke: Fed promotes stability

Bernanke told the House Financial Services Committee that the central bank does not want the responsibility of regulating only those banks that are "too big to fail." CNN Money quotes Bernanke as saying that the Fed's oversight of all banks "significantly improves its ability to carry out its central banking functions, including making monetary policy, lending through the discount window, and fostering financial stability." According to Business Week, Bernanke contends that the Fed is "uniquely suited to supervise large, complex financial organizations and to address both safety and soundness risks and risks to the stability of the financial system as a whole." ... ! click here to read the rest of the article titled "Bernanke says Fed should regulate all banks"

Rangers manager Ron Washington tests positive for cocaine

Ron Washington, between the lines (Photo: Wikipedia)

From alcohol to amphetamines, from cocaine to human growth hormone (HGH), baseball has seen its share of drug scandal. It's almost refreshing to say that the recent Ron Washington revelation has nothing to do with HGH, but his admission to having recently used cocaine is still bad news for a sport that desperately needs to maintain momentum and recapture the fan base lost to football and NASCAR (one is an outgrowth of the other, in terms of fan culture^*). The Texas Rangers manager claims it was a one-time thing, and he revealed the incident himself before one of Major League Baseball's random drug tests could kick the door open for him.

Ron Washington in his second straight option year with Rangers

So in other words, Washington isn't technically under contract. His two-year, $600,000-per-year deal ended after the 2008 season, but the Texas Rangers have picked up his option in each of the past two years for that same annual salary. That puts him in the middle of the pack among baseball manager salaries, and although he certainly doesn't need the services of a loan company, he may have to turn in a strong season (with an AL West Championship) if he wants to return to the Rangers after "Cocainegate." ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Rangers manager Ron Washington tests positive for cocaine"

Shutting Down Google in China

Google in China might no longer be obtainable, according to many online news reports. Google had originally decided to censor search results in China so that you can meet with the Chinese government’s requirements. Despite differences between Google and China, Google saw a chance to get their “foot within the door” to the extremely large Chinese market encouraged Google to work with the requirements of the government in China. However, on January 12, Google announced a “New approach to China”, a movement that was initiated after multiple cyber attacks occurred on Google, in addition to on Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists and advocates.

To find out more click here

Welcome, bracketologists! Want a 2010 NCAA printable bracket?

President Obama will be making his NCAA bracket public soon. (Photo: Wikipedia.org)

March Madness has set in, that welcome sports affliction that basketball fans anticipate all year. The only prescription for this fever is a healthy dose of Bracketology, so why not take a 2010 NCAA printable bracket and see how your team fares? A team of experts on the NCAA selection committee put the bracket together with all the power subjective analysis, conference standings and computer algorithms bring to bear. Scores of sports anchors and amateur bracket busters will have their NCAA basketball tournament 2010 predictions as well. Here are East region and West region breakdowns. There's also March Madness On Demand if you won't be near a TV and want to watch online; just keep in mind that you might need a payday loan to up your bandwidth. It all adds up to basketball insanity. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Welcome, bracketologists! Want a 2010 NCAA printable bracket?"

Retired General Robert Harding picked to head TSA

Robert A. Harding is a retired Army General and former head of a security company, which is the potential pick for head of the Transportation Security Administration, an agency under a lot of heat as of late. With extensive security experience and 33 years in the Army, Robert A. Harding is in a good position for senate confirmation faster than getting no credit check personal loans.

General Robert Harding's Army experience

Robert A. Harding served in the U.S. Army for 33 years. Harding held a position as a "senior human intelligence officer " in the Defense Intelligence Agency, the military component of the U.S. intelligence community, and that is essentially the military version of the CIA. Prior to his DIA service, Robert Harding was the Director of Intelligence in the Southern Command of the Army. The duties of the post had Robert A. Harding was responsible for the military intelligence covering Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. He was responsible for planning and executing intelligence operations, getting armed forces loans for those purposes, for more than one continent.

Robert A. Harding’s Decorations in Military Service

According to Executive Gov, "Harding's military awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Army Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Medal, the Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters." Obviously, his CV from the military puts Harding in a position for easy Senate confirmation.

Head of Harding Security Associates

After his retirement from the service in 2001, Robert A. Harding started Harding Security Associates in 2003. Harding Security Associates is a private contractor and consulting firm that, according to their website, provide "security specialists, intelligence analysts, counterintelligence professionals, forensic technicians and senior program advisors" to U.S. Government agencies. Robert Harding himself sold Harding Security Associates in 2009.

Harding nominated to head the Transportation Security Administration

Robert A. Harding was not President Obama's original choice for the top job in the TSA. Erroll Southers, who is an airport police official at the LAX airport, was Obama's original choice. However, Republicans made it a point to block the nomination based. This block was because of the fear Southers would create a screener's union, which would increase costs for the government. This makes the Robert Harding nomination easier to stomach.

TSA not without controversy

Created in 2001, the Transportation Security Administration that Robert A. Harding is set to take over is not without controversy. Screening airline passengers and baggage is a large issue for security, intelligence, and public relations. Airline passengers are growing frustrated with longer wait times and regulations. Some TSA stations are testing full body scanners, which raises serious concerns over privacy. Robert A. Harding will have to not only head up the security of the nation's airports, he will also have to balance that with the rising discontent and frustration of air passengers. It will be a very difficult job, though President Obama seems to believe that Robert A. Harding is the one to take on the credit repair of this agency.

An Uncut Diamond which is Riviera Maya

A Hot Destination

If you are thinking about going out for a vacation, the Riviera Maya is perhaps one of the best places that you could choose. Located around the Mexican Gulf coast, this is a perfect vacation spot for a romantic getaway, extreme sports or the best nightlife experience. The Gulf coast adventure is offered to you at its best. A wonderful sight awaits the traveler as hotels are not difficult to find. Have a look at a few of the places that Riviera Maya has to offer. At any stage of your vacation, you will not be disappointed.

The Center of the Riviera Maya is recognized as Playa Del Carmen

At the center of the Riviera Maya is Playa Del Carmen. This town has transformed itself into an lively city, which boasts of the highest urban growth in Mexico. Tourists looking to spend time with nature at its best find themselves drawn to this place. Long stretches of gorgeous white sandy beaches and with the multitude of oceans and jungles make Playa Del Carmen a destination truly to behold. People, other than lovers of nature can also visit this place. People can enjoy activities like the nightlife, bars, restaurants and hotels to their hearts content if they are looking to have a good time. There is something for everyone out here including water sports, which involve diving, snorkeling and boat trips. Avid golfers will have no difficulty in finding golf in this place. The only thing that is unavailable is displeasure.

A Paradise for Divers

Diving is a sport followed by lots of people around the world. Cozumel is one place where you can find you fill of this sport. These waters have over 250 species of fish, which tourists indulging in scuba diving can see. Visibility in these waters is so good that it can exceed 250 feet sometimes. The unique yellow and blue queen angelfish have made these waters its home.

Seeing the Eco Archeological Park of Mexico

If you’re looking to explore the Mayan culture, Xcaret is the place you will need to visit. This eco archeological park is known to be one of the most valuable in Mexico. Xcaret has a variety of attractions that are available. You can find beautiful flora and fauna and also take a guided archeological tour. For those considering water sports, snorkeling is available here as well. People will get an opportunity of swimming along with dolphins, which can be an excellent experience.

Hotels abound in the Area

If locating the best accommodations is one of your worries, you can lay your fears to rest. The Grupo Mayan Hotels have a very prominent presence in the area and are known to offer the top amenities. There is something available here for budget travelers and even for those who want to make their vacation a luxurious one. If you are searching for an exotic destination to visit, start looking at the Riviera Maya. You will undoubtedly have an amazing vacation.

A huge issue for Americans is gun control, and currently a case of whether Chicagoans should have the right to carry handguns is creating a brouhaha. The case has gone to the Supreme Court, and many are wondering which states permit open carry, as OpenCarry.org puts it, “a right unexercised is a right lost.” It is not easy to convince everyone of this, or of the value of guaranteed loans.

Which states permit open carry?

Complete open carry is prohibited by only six states. The following states were given a rating of “Gold Star” open carry states by OpenCarry.org. This means that "generally preempted open carry is permitted on foot and in vehicles without a license; localities are generally preempted.”

• Alaska
• Montana
• Idaho
• Wyoming
• South Dakota
• Nevada
• Arizona
• New Mexico
• Vermont
• Kentucky
• Virginia
• North Carolina

The following states allow open carry, but have restrictions on doing so

• Utah
• North Dakota
• Minnesota
• Iowa
• Tennessee
• Mississippi
• Georgia
• Indiana
• Maryland
• New Jersey
• Rhode Island
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts

Other states may have their own open carry approximation. For instance, California allows open carry, but only in rural, non-incorporated areas. Here is an open carry states map for more information.

Starbucks even has something to say about open carry laws

Recent events have gotten Starbucks, the nation’s most pervasive coffee house involved in the open carry debate. Patrons have entered Starbucks with guns strapped to their hips, which understandably made other customers nervous. Starbucks, as a matter of policy, adheres to and respects state laws, but has the right to determine if they wish to allow firearms in their stores as a matter of policy. Any other business, banks to money lenders to clothing stores, has the same right as it is their store after all.

Starbucks gun policy is something CEO Howard Schultz would rather not have to worry about, but The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence is demanding that Starbucks “offer espresso shots, not gunshots.” Starbucks’ office in Seattle received a petition with 28,000 signatures on Wednesday to that effect.

Both sides of the gun control debate are obstinate

This is an issue involving personal safety and civil liberties, and there should be healthy, vigorous, and open debate. Open carry states will likely remain so, but businesses tend to respond to special interest groups, particularly if they get corporate sponsors on their side. Thus, don’t count on being able to carry a holstered gun into your local Starbucks anytime soon, even if you live in an unrestricted state.

Sons of Tucson premiers this Sunday

Three boys hire a slacker to be their "dad" in Sons of Tucson. Image from Flickr.

Heads up, fans of Malcom in the Middle, The Reaper, or The Boxcar children - FOX TV's new Sons of Tucson starts this Sunday at 8:30 Eastern time. Three boys are left alone when their dad goes to jail, and rather than rely on the foster care system, they decide to take care of themselves. They don't even have to try and get installment loans no credit check - their dad was convicted of a white collar crime and left them plenty of money.

Sons of Tucson starts in Jersey

The show Sons of Tucson starts out in New Jersey. The dad of Benjamin, Frank, and Matthew goes to jail for an unspecified white collar crime - perhaps a tax resolution issue? Their mom isn't in the picture, so they decide to head to Tucson, where their dad had a house and (apparently) quite a lot of money.

The Sons of Tucson realize they need help

Of course, three kids trying to make it on their own need some help, no matter how you cut it. So these three Sons of Tucson hire a complete slacker to be their "dad" replacement. At first, they make him sleep in the shed outside - especially after he picks the wrong kid up from swim practice. Will this Sons of Tucson family ever be functional? That depends on your definition of "functional" but the story and the actors certainly seem to be lined up to make Sons of Tucson a comedy worth watching. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Sons of Tucson premiers this Sunday"

Gambling Wins Provide Quick Cash but Will be Taxed by the IRS

Gambling wins and the IRS

Many people look at gambling as a means of making quick cash, but paying taxes is an important part of the transaction. Let's say you go to a casino and get lucky. If you walk away with $600 or more at a race track, $1,200 or more at slots or bingo, or win $1,500 or more at keno, the IRS wants to know. The first step is to have a Social Security number and file the win on your taxes.

Gambling in the US

Some of the gambling world is still in limbo due to the debates of legalizing and regulating the hobby. The UIGEA of 2006 was the first step in the gambling world, but it proved to fail at managing it. In effect, the UIGEA stopped gambling operators from functioning legally in the US and that pushed gamblers to start using offshore gambling companies. Billions of dollars were channeled out of the country.

Now US legislators are smarter and want a piece of the gambling pie. Many legislators are working to amend the UIGEA and create new gambling laws that take advantage of the huge taxable dollars moving through the market. The recession left many states with huge deficits and few ways to fund various programs like education, public works and development. Lawmakers are hoping to capitalize on the millions of US gamblers and use their money as a means of meeting 2010/2011 budgetary shortfalls.

Poker is a game of skill

Poker is up in the air in terms of "gambling" because many are arguing that to be classified as gambling, a game has to be a game of chance. Poker, on the other hand, is a game that involves skill and can be taught and learned by players. Some believe that makes it a game of skill and therefore it should not fall into the same taxing or laws as gambling games do. Although the argument may hold up in court, according to the IRS funds won from poker are still taxable. In fact, any poker tournament operators who award over $5,000 have to report the winner's information for taxation. Those wanting quick cash from gambling are in for a big surprise. Informing the IRS about a win normally means you pay about 25% in upfront taxes. If you withhold the information by refusing to supply an operator with your social security number, the casino can take 28% upfront.

The W-2 form

If you win enough, the casino will supply you with a W-2G form to post winnings. This is a form that chronicles your wins and makes it clear to the IRS what their portion of your good luck is. If you don't make enough to warrant a W-2G form, the IRS still wants to know what you won. It may be $25 at poker, but the taxpayer still has the responsibility to report it.

Filing out tax forms

Filing out tax forms is simple with gambling. Though there are taxes to worry about, there is also line 28 on a Schedule A. It's the Miscellaneous Deductions line and this is where losses from gambling are reported. You can claim up to the total amount of winnings and that will wipe out your taxable gambling income altogether. The IRS instructs gamblers to keep some record of their games that include dates of wagers, location, amounts of each bet, type of game and wins along with losses. You should also keep any lottery tickets and bingo cards in case you need documentation.

Gambling and your taxes

Gambling is a great way to earn quick cash, but you have to remember that any income is considered taxable by the government. Keep track of winnings and losses and be sure to post them on your return or your W-2G. It may seem like a small amount, but the IRS wants to know about all earnings.

Cities are Finding Cash Now by Charging Additional Sales Taxes

Finding cash now that the recession is over may prove to be more difficult than previously hoped. The reason is because state and local governments have been elevating the taxes charged to consumers and little has been done to publicize it. Other issues have taken precedence in the media. Heath care policies, federal income taxes and changes in retirement planning have all become high priorities in the world of finance. The Obama administration has made waves with its focus on the above challenges, and that's where media attention has fallen.

A study done by Vertex, Inc.

Almost without notice, state and local tax rates have gone up. Vertex, Inc. is a company that calculates sales tax for internet sellers, and it recently released its findings. The general sales tax rate nationwide was 8.6% at the end of 2009. That's the highest it has been since the company began tracking the rate in 1982. That percentage translates into a nickel of additional tax for every $100 purchase over the past year. In 2009, seven states raised sales tax rates. Back in 2008, only four states used the tactic to bring in additional revenue, and the year before only one state made an increase. That is indicative of the state of the economy today and how desperate state legislators are to bulk up coffers. In addition to the changes in sales taxes, income tax rates for the wealthy and small businesses are also on the rise.

Cities with the highest sales tax rates

When it comes to finding places to make purchases, there are certain states that, according to Vertex, Inc., are the highest in charging sales tax. Here are the number one highest taxing locations: ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Cities are Finding Cash Now by Charging Additional Sales Taxes"

Look homeward, Nomar | Garciaparra retires with Red Sox

Nomar Garciaparra (Photo: Firebrandal.com)

Major League Baseball experienced quite a renaissance at shortstop when Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Jeter and Alex Rodriguez all manned the position. Potent hitting, good defense and a strong nose for the game were characteristic of this trio.

But now the circle is broken as Nomar Garciaparra has called it quits after 14 seasons that saw him move about the infield for four different teams. He returned to the Boston Red Sox – the team that gave him his first shot in the Majors – via a one-day minor league contract. That way, he could retire with the team where he experienced his greatest success and pay tribute to the Red Sox nation that still loves him.

Nomar Garciaparra made Boston's magical 2004 World Series victory possible

He did not directly influence it because of his play, however. The 2004 season was injury-plagued for Nomar, and by the second half he was traded to the Chicago Cubs. It was that four-way trade without guaranteed loans that brought three essential pieces to the Boston Red Sox. What would have happened if Dave Roberts hadn't been able to steal that essential base in the ninth inning of Game 4 against the rival New York Yankees in the 2004 ALCS? "The Steal" led the way. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Look homeward, Nomar | Garciaparra retires with Red Sox"