Utah loan firm Global Payday Loan among 3 sued over rates, licenses
Posted on Thu ,29/07/2010 by adminDeseret News (Salt Lake City), Apr 1, 2010 by Brian Bakst Associated Press
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson on Wednesday sued three Internet companies offering short-term loans, including one Utah-based firm, accusing them of operating without proper registration and charging interest rates that topped 2,700 percent in one case.
Swanson’s lawsuits in state court mark the latest legal offensive against the payday loan industry and follows similar actions in California, Illinois and West Virginia.
She said all three — East Side Lenders of Delaware, Global Payday Loan of Utah and Jelly Roll Financial of Virginia — failed to register with Minnesota regulators and exceeded state caps on loan charges.
The companies, Swanson alleged, are “trapping these citizens into a spiral of debt.”
The lawsuits seek to force the companies to comply with state law or cease business in the state. They also ask for unspecified penalties and restitution, but Swanson didn’t know how many consumers might be affected.
Minnesota law limits interest rates for short-term loans. For instance, on loans between $50 and $100, charges are capped at 10 percent with a $5 administrative fee limit.
But Swanson said the companies went well beyond the limits and tacked on extra finance costs if they missed payment deadlines.
According to court papers, Global Payday charged some borrowers $30 for each $100 they were loaned.
Payday loans are designed to help borrowers get from one paycheck to the next.
“These are consumers that are at their very most financial distress,” said Dana Badgerow, head of Minnesota’s Better Business Bureau. “They signed up for these short-term loans and discovered that instead of improving their financial situation, they’ve made it worse.”
Badgerow said her office has received hundreds of complaints against the companies involved.
East Side argued in a letter to Swanson that it is exempt from Minnesota’s law
payday loans
Not too long ago, the
Posted on Thu ,29/07/2010 by adminNot too long ago, the vast majority of outdoor furniture was all made of teak. Teak has proved to be an ideal lumber species for outdoor furniture, due to its high durability, ease of working with machine tools, its low coefficient of radial and tangential expansion (which reduces potential problems in twisting, or swelling when wet), it’s attractive colour and good working properties. But such widespread use of teak, including for marine decking, has come at a considerable environmental cost. The once great forests of South East Asia have been decimated to the extent that legally logged teak is now only available in very limited quantities, which is reflected in its high price. But unfortunately, illegal logging is still rampant and in many areas of South East Asia, ensuring its continuing supply to the furniture trade.
Plantations of teak have now been established in a number of countries including Costa Rica for example (presumably planted in most cases where the great forests once existed).
pool replaster
Lights out in Geraldine
Posted on Thu ,29/07/2010 by adminLights out in Geraldine
0 Comments | Timaru Herald, Mar 18, 2010
GERALDINE will have its own Earth Hour celebration this year.
Earth Hour is an event in which people turn out their lights for one hour in support of action on climate change and towards creating a cleaner, safer and more secure future.
This year marks the event’s third year, which attracted nearly one billion people around the world last year, as lights dimmed on global icons such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Sydney’s Opera House, the Great Pyramids of Gaza and New York’s Empire State Building.
The event was started by the World Wildlife Fund
house cleaners sydney
El Parador Café Is the Spot for Memorable Events and Parties
Posted on Thu ,29/07/2010 by adminMarket Wire, July, 2009
El Parador Caf, NYC’s favorite Mexican
restaurant, has long been a creator of memorable personal and business
dining and entertainment group events. Whether it’s for smaller or larger
groups of people, the restaurant can accommodate parties of up to 100
people. Or, for more intimate events, the restaurant’s La Cueva (The Cave)
Lounge can offer a private experience for up to 50 people.
Rachel Rosen, a long time customer, has held various events at the
restaurant with her husband Matt. “We have had several events at El
Parador, including our rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding and a
surprise party that I threw for Matt’s 33rd (birthday). Alex has always
been an extremely attentive and warm host, and the food is always
authentic, delicious and consistent. We were not let down for either
event….with attentive staff, delicious food, and ample drinks. Everyone
was pleased with the food and the space. Matt said that he would not have
been (as) happy anywhere else.” Justin Stevens, another long time patron
stated that El Parador is “Great for parties, dates, or a meal with
friends. A neighborhood institution in the heart of Murray Hill.”
About El Parador Caf
El Parador Caf was established in 1959 and is the oldest Mexican
restaurant in New York City, celebrating its 50th year of operation.
Respected as having the best Margaritas by The New York Press and the best
Ceviche by The New York Times, Carlos Jacott launched and nurtured the
original establishment, first located on 2nd Avenue and 31st Street.
While Carlos was deemed Maitre D’ par excellence, he also made his mark as
an all-time great restaurateur. He sold his successful enterprise to Manuel
Alejandro in 1990. The torch has been passed to Manny’s son, Alex, a 1994
graduate of The French Culinary Institute, who continues to grow the
restaurant’s following by offering an excellent menu, world class bar &
lounge and warm atmosphere.
El Parador is dedicated to culture, care, and warmth
nyc private party
Dear Annie: I am 55 and have been married to Jim… [Derived
Posted on Thu ,29/07/2010 by adminDear Annie: I am 55 and have been married to Jim… [Derived
Comments | Bismarck Tribune, Jul 28, 2010
Dear Annie: I am 55 and have been married to Jim, age 73, for five years. Jim’s wife died six years before we met, and his two children became furious when he began dating, saying he was being unfaithful. They badgered Jim until he deeded them his house and property. Jim also gave each kid $250,000 in cash and paid off the mortgages on their homes.
The deeds specify that Jim can stay on the property as long as he lives, but make no provision for a surviving spouse. When we married, Jim asked the kids to allow me to continue to live there after he dies, but they refused. After that, whenever the kids asked for money, Jim told them it was time they lived within their means. (They have good jobs.) They became hostile and accused Jim of choosing me over them. They have not allowed him to see the grandchildren for three years. The only time they speak to him is to demand he divorce me.
Without telling Jim, I sent both his children a polite e-mail asking what it would take for us to be a family again. They told Jim about the letter, and he accused me of interfering in his relationship with his kids, saying it was none of my business and I have “ruined all possibility of reconciliation.” I was shocked by his reaction, but apologized. However, Jim will not accept my apology. Was I out of line? What about his kids? Is there any hope for this family? – Tired of Drama
Dear Tired: Jim is worn down from fighting with his kids, defending his marriage and missing his grandchildren. Although your intentions were good, the e-mail was the straw that broke the camel’s back. His selfish children used it as an excuse to attack him in force. Ask Jim to go with you for counseling to see whether your relationship can withstand the pressure. If he won’t go, go without him.
Cheating goes digital
Dear Annie: My best friend is having an online affair. She feels it is only a minor form of cheating since they are not meeting in real life. Frankly, in my book, it’s cheating all the way around.
I told her that if her husband asks me about it, I will not lie to him. But I am so uncomfortable with the situation that I no longer call her or visit their home. Even if she were to stop e- mailing this guy, I still would not lie to her husband if he asked why we’ve stopped speaking
make good money
NATURAL SELECTIONS ; ORGANIC MATERIALS ARE THE NEW WAVE IN THE BEDROOM.(all-natural mattresses)(Brief Article)
Posted on Thu ,29/07/2010 by adminHFN: The Weekly Newspaper for the Home Furnishing Network, May, 2004 by Kunkel, Karl
Byline: Karl Kunkel
There’s a new back-to-nature movement in the bedroom. People are paying a premium for mattresses made of organic wool and cotton and other natural materials.
“Natural materials are making a comeback because people are becoming more health-conscious,” says Larry Klein, vice president of sales at Natura World. “They are concerned that they are living with environmentally unfriendly products, and they are looking to natural products to help ease allergies.” Natural materials tend to be non-allergenic and resistant to mold, mildew and dust mites.
The primary material used in all-natural mattresses is latex cushioning foam from rubber trees
natural latex mattress
In an actual interview, Hatcher admits
Posted on Thu ,29/07/2010 by adminIn an actual interview, Hatcher admits to having had some work done on her face. She said, and I quote, “In the past I’ve had Botox and collagen”. She then went on to deny that she and Nicolette Sheridan have had any plastic surgery and didn’t know if Sheridan had had Botox injections. Sheridan herself would not offer any comment but if you take a good look at her face, as many plastic surgery experts have pointed out, and compare it to her days on Knots Landing, it is painfully obvious that she has had work done on her face and most likely has had Botox as well.
Hatcher went on to say that she stopped the Botox injections, not for any health reasons but simply because she finally decided to let herself age naturally.
gastric bypass surgery
Don’t wear loose clothing
Posted on Thu ,29/07/2010 by adminDon’t wear loose clothing or hair that could possibly drawn into rotating parts. Use safety glasses and dust masks when the need is required.
Step 3: Prepare your lawn beforehand. Pick up rocks, sticks, wires, toys, tools or any objects that could be thrown by the blade.
Step 4: Prepare your unit. Make sure all parts are tightened and nothing is missing. Check for and correct any leaks. Check your oil levels and the lawn mower blade for proper retention.
Step 5: Handle gasoline with care. If you spill fuel, wipe it up promptly and allow time for vaporization before you start the mower. Store gasoline in a proper container away from children and your home.
Step 6: Warn other people before mowing your lawn. Keep children inside and pets penned up while operating your mower. Always be prepared to stop in case someone or something darts in the area you are mowing.
Step 7: Start your mower according to operators manual. Keep your hands and feet safely away from the mower deck while starting. Always cease starts if your engine becomes flooded to prevent ignition spark.
Step 8: Be mindful.
pebble floor
Police consider new non-lethal weapon options; Weapons Police May
Posted on Thu ,29/07/2010 by adminPolice consider new non-lethal weapon options; Weapons Police May
0 Comments | Dominion Post; Wellington, New Zealand, Jul 22, 2010 | by Julie ASH
POLICE are investigating more non-lethal weapons – including Taser electric bullets – in the wake of a rash of shootings of officers in the line of duty.
While frontline cops have a range of tools they can use when trying to catch someone who is closer than six metres – such as batons, pepper spray and Tasers – for offenders who are further away they are forced to rely on police dogs and, in extreme cases, firearms.
Superintendent John Rivers is heading a study examining how police deal with armed offenders more than 6m away. It has been brought to the fore with a spate of violent incidents, including the shooting of Senior Constable Bruce Lamb and Constable Mitchel Alatalo in Christchurch.
“Overseas and quite routinely in places like Canada and Australia, they have less lethal medium munitions that are effective over a range that extends to 50m and in some instances more. The intention is to effectively put the person out of business – obviously not kill them. It would incapacitate and create an opportunity for police to apprehend that person.”
After the shooting of Waitara man Steven Wallace in 2000, police conducted a report into the use of less lethal weapons, which are designed to incapacitate, not kill offenders.
The report identified several options used around the world. Some of those weapons are now back in the frame, including sock rounds, bean bag rounds, and the Taser XRep – an electric bullet fired from a standard pump-action shotgun.
However, Police Association president Greg O’Connor said such weapons were not the answer. “There are all sorts of options you can look at when dealing with an offender when you know they are there and you arrive from distance. That is not the issue we are confronted with . . . Every day frontline police are being confronted increasingly by armed criminals.”
He said it was unrealistic for all officers to have shotguns.
Mr Rivers and his group would report back before Christmas.
Weapons Police May Consider
Taser XRep – an electric bullet that can be fired from a standard pump-action shotgun. The cartridge is not attached to wires, as the probes in our present Tasers are. Several bullets can be loaded into a gun. Their range is about 30 metres.
Bean bag rounds – a square, rectangular or circular fabric bag, usually containing lead and used with a launcher. The round is intended to flatten on impact and is fired directly at an individual
Danger Driver Fled; Boozed-Up Crash Motorist Left Passenger Seriously Injured In Car
Posted on Wed ,28/07/2010 by adminEvening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), July 12, 2010
Byline: LINDA RICHARDS
THIS luxury car was smashed up by a boozy driver who fled, leaving a friend trapped and badly injured.
The passenger, who had to be cut free by firefighters, suffered such serious injuries that he had to have his left hand and part of his forearm amputated.
To escape responsibility, callous drunk driver Stephen Goodwin, who was almost three times over the limit, ran off into nearby fields, sparking a police search.
The 27-year-old was found nearby a short time later and had 94mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35. Tests also showed he had taken cocaine.
Smartly-dressed Goodwin, of Mansion Heights, Whickham Highway, pleaded guilty to driving dangerously, with alcohol above the limit and failing to stop after a road accident when he appeared before Gateshead JPs.
Prosecutor Justin Gibson said Goodwin first gave cause for concern when he was spotted near Asda petrol station at the MetroCentre at 8.40am.
A witness putting fuel in their car heard the screech of tyres and saw Goodwin’s Audi convertible coming around a corner into the car park.
“The driver seemed to have hit a kerb and lost control,” said Mr Gibson. “CCTV shows the car driving through some bushes surrounding the entrance to the car park. After that, witnesses suggests the Audi struck a signpost then drove off through bushes and drove at speeds of 60mph.”
Then at 9am three witnesses driving in a vehicle on Whickham Highway feared they were going to be hit by the speeding Audi coming towards them.
The Audi careered on to the wrong lane, hit the kerb, then swerved back to its correct side. It hit the other kerb and a lamppost before coming to rest in bushes.
Mr Gibson added: “The driver, who was Goodwin, ran off into nearby fields. There was a front seat passenger left there by Goodwin. When emergency services attended the scene the passenger needed to be cut out of the vehicle.”
Goodwin must now wait to learn his fate after magistrates decided their powers of punishment were insufficient
bad breath