Personal Money Store may be your portal for payday loans, but if you have your eye on an appliance, electronic device or piece of furniture and want to must up the liquidity to be able to get what you want, payday loans may not always be the most direct route. Utilizing the services of a rent-to-own company in order to pay the bill over time has been a popular method for some consumers, and Rent-A-Center is one of America's largest, most publicized rent-to-own companies.

3,000-plus stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico

According to rentacenter.com, the Plano, Texas-based Rent-A-Center and its 19,000 employees offers consumers "an easy, affordable way to furnish their homes without incurring a continuing obligation and without needing access to credit." Name brands are on the menu, as well as same-day delivery, 90 days same as cash and an early purchase option. Interesting, Rent-A-Center repairs merchandise still on rent at no charge to the consumer and they offer them a substitute while the original is being repaired.

In addition, Rent-A-Center offers the "RAC Worry-Free Guarantee," which is billed as "100% satisfaction or your money back." Not only do you not need credit to apply, but RAC will match competitor prices. If you aren't satisfied with your Rent-A-Center item, you can return it within the first week and the full first payment will be refunded. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Rent-A-Center is a rent-to-own industry leader"]]> If Magic Johnson and Troy Aikman speak for you, try Rent-A-Center

Personal Money Store may be your portal for payday loans, but if you have your eye on an appliance, electronic device or piece of furniture and want to must up the liquidity to be able to get what you want, payday loans may not always be the most direct route. Utilizing the services of a rent-to-own company in order to pay the bill over time has been a popular method for some consumers, and Rent-A-Center is one of America's largest, most publicized rent-to-own companies.

3,000-plus stores across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico

According to rentacenter.com, the Plano, Texas-based Rent-A-Center and its 19,000 employees offers consumers "an easy, affordable way to furnish their homes without incurring a continuing obligation and without needing access to credit." Name brands are on the menu, as well as same-day delivery, 90 days same as cash and an early purchase option. Interesting, Rent-A-Center repairs merchandise still on rent at no charge to the consumer and they offer them a substitute while the original is being repaired.

In addition, Rent-A-Center offers the "RAC Worry-Free Guarantee," which is billed as "100% satisfaction or your money back." Not only do you not need credit to apply, but RAC will match competitor prices. If you aren't satisfied with your Rent-A-Center item, you can return it within the first week and the full first payment will be refunded. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Rent-A-Center is a rent-to-own industry leader"

Image from Flickr.

It seems when Google sees a good idea, the humongous company just can't seem to keep its hands off of it. From everything I have read about Google's new product, which people are referring to as Gmail Buzz or Googlebuzz, it's the same thing as Facebook. PC World reports:

Using Buzz, you can share pictures, videos, and links, pulling in media from other sites like YouTube, Picasa, Flickr, Google Reader, and even Twitter. Google put an emphasis on sharing media, with features like inline video playback and a custom photo viewer that lets you quickly skim through shared photos.

That sounds pretty much exactly like what Facebook does. It does automatic compilation of information for the sites mentioned, but I am not so certain that is a good thing. I don't want to have to think through all my gmail contacts and whether they want to see every picture I ever post online. I'm just glad that I can still get a cash until payday loan and be sure that my privacy will be protected.

Signing up for Gmail Buzz

You can check out this new service for yourself at www.google.com/buzz. A lot of people who know more about technology than I do are saying good things about the fact that "the data is geotagged." But I also read that you will get an email every time someone comments on your status or comments on your comments. I am sure that will be easy to turn off just as it is with Facebook, but that sounds pretty annoying. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Gmail Buzz (Googlebuzz) tackles social networking"]]> What is Gmail Buzz or Googlebuzz?

Image from Flickr.

It seems when Google sees a good idea, the humongous company just can't seem to keep its hands off of it. From everything I have read about Google's new product, which people are referring to as Gmail Buzz or Googlebuzz, it's the same thing as Facebook. PC World reports:

Using Buzz, you can share pictures, videos, and links, pulling in media from other sites like YouTube, Picasa, Flickr, Google Reader, and even Twitter. Google put an emphasis on sharing media, with features like inline video playback and a custom photo viewer that lets you quickly skim through shared photos.

That sounds pretty much exactly like what Facebook does. It does automatic compilation of information for the sites mentioned, but I am not so certain that is a good thing. I don't want to have to think through all my gmail contacts and whether they want to see every picture I ever post online. I'm just glad that I can still get a cash until payday loan and be sure that my privacy will be protected.

Signing up for Gmail Buzz

You can check out this new service for yourself at www.google.com/buzz. A lot of people who know more about technology than I do are saying good things about the fact that "the data is geotagged." But I also read that you will get an email every time someone comments on your status or comments on your comments. I am sure that will be easy to turn off just as it is with Facebook, but that sounds pretty annoying. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Gmail Buzz (Googlebuzz) tackles social networking"

For anyone who loves math, there are high-paying careers waiting. We all know them.  The people who can work a scientific calculator like no one else. The people who can tell you the payment on any principal amount money amortized over a given period of time at a given interest rate. The people who can create entire spreadsheets in minutes. The people who seem to have been born to calculate.

Not everyone has the ability to understand and apply math, but those who do have some valuable career options. Here are some of today's most lucrative mathematical careers.

Actuary

Hands down, an actuary is the number-one career choice for a math buff. Actuaries are affiliated with insurance companies and other businesses that operate on the probability that certain events will happen. It’s a lot like predicting the future by basing the prediction on past performance. To become an actuary, college students normally major in business, statistics, or. According to the US Department of Labor, an actuary makes an average salary of about $83,000. It’s a great career choice for someone who loves math and statistics.

Marketing manager

Though it may sound odd, since marketing isn’t traditionally affiliated with math, there is a connection. Rather than predicting events involving people, marketing managers predict the performance of products and services. A marketing manager’s job is to create a viable plan for a company to introduce products, including the lifespan of the product and the curve of profitability the product will create. The Department of Labor reports the average salary of a marketing manager to be $118,100. Students interested in the field should focus on sales and marketing. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Profitable Career Options for Math Buffs"]]> Careers for the mathematically-minded

For anyone who loves math, there are high-paying careers waiting. We all know them.  The people who can work a scientific calculator like no one else. The people who can tell you the payment on any principal amount money amortized over a given period of time at a given interest rate. The people who can create entire spreadsheets in minutes. The people who seem to have been born to calculate.

Not everyone has the ability to understand and apply math, but those who do have some valuable career options. Here are some of today's most lucrative mathematical careers.

Actuary

Hands down, an actuary is the number-one career choice for a math buff. Actuaries are affiliated with insurance companies and other businesses that operate on the probability that certain events will happen. It’s a lot like predicting the future by basing the prediction on past performance. To become an actuary, college students normally major in business, statistics, or. According to the US Department of Labor, an actuary makes an average salary of about $83,000. It’s a great career choice for someone who loves math and statistics.

Marketing manager

Though it may sound odd, since marketing isn’t traditionally affiliated with math, there is a connection. Rather than predicting events involving people, marketing managers predict the performance of products and services. A marketing manager’s job is to create a viable plan for a company to introduce products, including the lifespan of the product and the curve of profitability the product will create. The Department of Labor reports the average salary of a marketing manager to be $118,100. Students interested in the field should focus on sales and marketing. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Profitable Career Options for Math Buffs"

People without kids are more likely to walk away from their homes.

Many people have reasons for wanting to stay in their home, regardless of how much they're paying. People don't want to uproot their families or don't want to go through the hassle of moving. However, some people are so fed up with the housing market that they're willing to allow their mortgages to go into default and walk away from their property.

Those who choose this option generally don't have a whole lot of money already invested in the home, don't have kids or actually cannot afford the monthly payments anymore. Even those who got the best personal loan rates are looking at what their house is worth versus what they are paying for it and deciding that allowing foreclosure is the best decision. Here are some reasons people have chosen to do so.

10. Cheaper monthly payments

Some homeowners, realizing that it could be years before they'd be able to make a profit on their home, have decided to let their mortgages default in favor of paying less expensive rent each month.

9. Too long to wait for profit

People who purchased property before the recession and have owned it only a few years, believe they'll save money in the long run if they simply let the bank take the house. One condo owner in Miami says he believes it could take until 2025, possibly 2040, for his condo to be worth what he paid for it again. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "10 reasons people are walking away from mortgages"]]> Allowing foreclosure on purpose

People without kids are more likely to walk away from their homes.

Many people have reasons for wanting to stay in their home, regardless of how much they're paying. People don't want to uproot their families or don't want to go through the hassle of moving. However, some people are so fed up with the housing market that they're willing to allow their mortgages to go into default and walk away from their property.

Those who choose this option generally don't have a whole lot of money already invested in the home, don't have kids or actually cannot afford the monthly payments anymore. Even those who got the best personal loan rates are looking at what their house is worth versus what they are paying for it and deciding that allowing foreclosure is the best decision. Here are some reasons people have chosen to do so.

10. Cheaper monthly payments

Some homeowners, realizing that it could be years before they'd be able to make a profit on their home, have decided to let their mortgages default in favor of paying less expensive rent each month.

9. Too long to wait for profit

People who purchased property before the recession and have owned it only a few years, believe they'll save money in the long run if they simply let the bank take the house. One condo owner in Miami says he believes it could take until 2025, possibly 2040, for his condo to be worth what he paid for it again. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "10 reasons people are walking away from mortgages"

Baby boomers may need extra savings, personal loans and family help to make it through their retirement. The bailout of 2009 was huge. It was supposed to spur on the economy and return the lending and auto industries to successful operations. Though its long-lasting effect has yet to be seen, another aspect of the economy is now calling for help. It’s the Social Security system that is the next big problem for the government to tackle. According to the Congressional Budget Office, for the first time in a quarter of a century the Social Security system is taking in less in taxes than it is putting out in benefits. The system is the biggest social program around today and that makes it a priority warranting quick action. It needs help from the Treasury to avoid bouncing benefit checks.

The negative Social Security fund

The government hasn’t officially announced that the Social Security fund is negative, but the numbers have been released to calculate proof. The interest that Social Security earns on its trust fund for 2010 will be $120 billion and the overall Social Security surplus for 2010 is $92 billion. That leaves a $28 billion deficit in the year’s fund on September 30th, the end of the fiscal year. Though some would argue that interest isn’t factored into the equation, there is good reason for that. Interest includes IOUs the fund gets on holds of government securities, but it isn’t liquid and, therefore, pays no money into the system to count on.

Social Security hasn’t been negative since the 1980s when the same issue arose. The Greenspan Commission report resulted and created money by instructing Congress to trim benefits and raise taxes. The moves created cash surpluses, but those have been used for the last 20 years to help finance the rest of the government. Though it was predicted the surplus would last much longer, the reality is that the cash-strapped government went through the money quicker than hoped. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Retirees May Need Personal Loans if Social Security is Gone"]]> Baby boomers may struggle in retirement

Baby boomers may need extra savings, personal loans and family help to make it through their retirement. The bailout of 2009 was huge. It was supposed to spur on the economy and return the lending and auto industries to successful operations. Though its long-lasting effect has yet to be seen, another aspect of the economy is now calling for help. It’s the Social Security system that is the next big problem for the government to tackle. According to the Congressional Budget Office, for the first time in a quarter of a century the Social Security system is taking in less in taxes than it is putting out in benefits. The system is the biggest social program around today and that makes it a priority warranting quick action. It needs help from the Treasury to avoid bouncing benefit checks.

The negative Social Security fund

The government hasn’t officially announced that the Social Security fund is negative, but the numbers have been released to calculate proof. The interest that Social Security earns on its trust fund for 2010 will be $120 billion and the overall Social Security surplus for 2010 is $92 billion. That leaves a $28 billion deficit in the year’s fund on September 30th, the end of the fiscal year. Though some would argue that interest isn’t factored into the equation, there is good reason for that. Interest includes IOUs the fund gets on holds of government securities, but it isn’t liquid and, therefore, pays no money into the system to count on.

Social Security hasn’t been negative since the 1980s when the same issue arose. The Greenspan Commission report resulted and created money by instructing Congress to trim benefits and raise taxes. The moves created cash surpluses, but those have been used for the last 20 years to help finance the rest of the government. Though it was predicted the surplus would last much longer, the reality is that the cash-strapped government went through the money quicker than hoped. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Retirees May Need Personal Loans if Social Security is Gone"

Ready for Rock on the Range? Image from Flickr.

Between the Rock on the Range 2010 lineup and the Bonnaroo 2010 lineup, today is a day of huge announcements about huge music festivals. Rock on the Range takes place May 22 and 23 in Columbus, Ohio. Today marks the start of the layaway sale. In order to buy tickets today, which cost $99 to $120 each, you must buy at least four tickets and pay a down payment of 34 percent of the total price of tickets you purchase.

If you buy four tickets at $120 each, 34 percent of the price is more than $160, but if you're worried that tickets will sell out, you can always get payday loans online to make your down payment on layaway tickets. Some of the biggest names in rock are included in the Rock on the Range 2010 lineup. Presale tickets will be available Feb. 16 through Feb. 19, and the rest of the tickets go on sale Feb. 20.

Full Rock on the Range 2010 lineup

The Rock on the Range 2010 lineup is pretty extensive, but I know that's what you're here for, so here it is in its entirety.

• Godsmack
• Rob Zombie
• Three Days Grace
• Limp Bizkit
• Rise Against
• Seether
• Slash
• Deftones
• Papa Roach
• Five Finger Death Punch
• Coheed and Cambria
• Bullet for My Valentine
• Mastadon
• Killswitch Engage
• Theory of a Deadman
• Puddle of Mud
• Sevendust
• Drowning Pool
• Skillet
• Apocalyptica
• Halestorm
• Airbourne
• Mushroomhead
• Adelitas Way
• Helmet
• Anberlin
• Escape the Fate
• Cold
• Nonpoint
• 2Cents
• Violent Soho
• Janus
• Shaman's Harvest
• Year Long Disaster
• Taddy Porter
• Like a Storm
• Noiseauction

So, in short, every hard rock band I have ever heard of and then some. To get all of the details, check out the Rock on the Range 2010 web site. I am betting a whole lot of people will take advantage of the layaway deal to make sure that they get tickets and don't run the risk of the festival selling out. Check out my other article to see the full Bonnaroo 2010 lineup. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Rock on the Range 2010 lineup confirmed"]]> Rock on  the Range 2010 lineup

Ready for Rock on the Range? Image from Flickr.

Between the Rock on the Range 2010 lineup and the Bonnaroo 2010 lineup, today is a day of huge announcements about huge music festivals. Rock on the Range takes place May 22 and 23 in Columbus, Ohio. Today marks the start of the layaway sale. In order to buy tickets today, which cost $99 to $120 each, you must buy at least four tickets and pay a down payment of 34 percent of the total price of tickets you purchase.

If you buy four tickets at $120 each, 34 percent of the price is more than $160, but if you're worried that tickets will sell out, you can always get payday loans online to make your down payment on layaway tickets. Some of the biggest names in rock are included in the Rock on the Range 2010 lineup. Presale tickets will be available Feb. 16 through Feb. 19, and the rest of the tickets go on sale Feb. 20.

Full Rock on the Range 2010 lineup

The Rock on the Range 2010 lineup is pretty extensive, but I know that's what you're here for, so here it is in its entirety.

• Godsmack
• Rob Zombie
• Three Days Grace
• Limp Bizkit
• Rise Against
• Seether
• Slash
• Deftones
• Papa Roach
• Five Finger Death Punch
• Coheed and Cambria
• Bullet for My Valentine
• Mastadon
• Killswitch Engage
• Theory of a Deadman
• Puddle of Mud
• Sevendust
• Drowning Pool
• Skillet
• Apocalyptica
• Halestorm
• Airbourne
• Mushroomhead
• Adelitas Way
• Helmet
• Anberlin
• Escape the Fate
• Cold
• Nonpoint
• 2Cents
• Violent Soho
• Janus
• Shaman's Harvest
• Year Long Disaster
• Taddy Porter
• Like a Storm
• Noiseauction

So, in short, every hard rock band I have ever heard of and then some. To get all of the details, check out the Rock on the Range 2010 web site. I am betting a whole lot of people will take advantage of the layaway deal to make sure that they get tickets and don't run the risk of the festival selling out. Check out my other article to see the full Bonnaroo 2010 lineup. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Rock on the Range 2010 lineup confirmed"

"They might think they’ve got a pretty jump shot or a pretty good flow, but our kids can't all aspire to be LeBron or Lil Wayne."
- President Barack Obama

I'll be the first one to admit that I'm not a part of Lil' Wayne's target audience. I take my hip hop more old school, when I'm in the mood. I prefer something like Grandmaster Flash, for instance, or even Gil Scott-Heron. Better yet, give me Leadbelly and Robert Creeley.

But I digress. Today more than ever, rap is more about image and street cred than music. "Artists" burn through more money than most people will ever see, but never let go of that street flow. That isn't a good thing. If you need payday loans to keep up with the Weezys and Jeezys of the world when it comes to your gold teeth collection, there's a problem. Get your act together, produce good music and stay out of jail.

And Lil Wayne goes to jail today

It went down as an illegal weapons charge back in 2007. Now Lil Wayne is doing the time at Rikers Island. Gotta stay ahead of Plaxico Burress and Gilbert Arenas in the arms race, I suppose. But Joy Daily in the video below makes a good point. If you want to carry around guns, fine. But they should be licensed and you should have your security carry them. If you have to have them on stage or in the club, you're posturing. You're a blow-hard who could accidentally kill yourself or others. That's Lil Wayne, ladies and gentlemen. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Calling all role models: Lil Wayne goes to jail today"]]> Got the flow to go to Rikers

"They might think they’ve got a pretty jump shot or a pretty good flow, but our kids can't all aspire to be LeBron or Lil Wayne."
- President Barack Obama

I'll be the first one to admit that I'm not a part of Lil' Wayne's target audience. I take my hip hop more old school, when I'm in the mood. I prefer something like Grandmaster Flash, for instance, or even Gil Scott-Heron. Better yet, give me Leadbelly and Robert Creeley.

But I digress. Today more than ever, rap is more about image and street cred than music. "Artists" burn through more money than most people will ever see, but never let go of that street flow. That isn't a good thing. If you need payday loans to keep up with the Weezys and Jeezys of the world when it comes to your gold teeth collection, there's a problem. Get your act together, produce good music and stay out of jail.

And Lil Wayne goes to jail today

It went down as an illegal weapons charge back in 2007. Now Lil Wayne is doing the time at Rikers Island. Gotta stay ahead of Plaxico Burress and Gilbert Arenas in the arms race, I suppose. But Joy Daily in the video below makes a good point. If you want to carry around guns, fine. But they should be licensed and you should have your security carry them. If you have to have them on stage or in the club, you're posturing. You're a blow-hard who could accidentally kill yourself or others. That's Lil Wayne, ladies and gentlemen. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Calling all role models: Lil Wayne goes to jail today"

Maybe I should ask him if he wants a Chillow Pillow.

My boyfriend and I have an ongoing disagreement about temperature; when it's time to go to sleep, he wants the fan on and I want it off. I had kind of accepted that this would just be the way it is -- that sometimes I'd have to put up with having the fan on, and sometimes he had to put up with leaving it off.

However, today I learned about the Chillow Pillow, and though I don't believe in miracle products that solve all of your problems, I am curious about whether it would help. It just might be worth the $25 to find out, especially because Valentine's Day is coming up, so I'll be spending some money on him anyway. Sure, it's not super romantic, but it is something that very well might make him more comfortable, and it's not so expensive that I'd need a low rate personal loan to afford it.

What is a Chillow Pillow?

From what I can see on the web site, the Chillow Pillow is a pad you place on top of your pillow. The Chillow Store says "The Chillow acts as a radiator for your body. It uses water to absorb, and then dissipate heat back to the surrounding air, leaving a cool sensation." Though the Chillow Pillow is filled with water, the web site assures that it stays dry on the outside.

It seems to me the Chillow is basically a specially shaped water bottle. My friend who had one said there's a sponge inside that holds the water, and it needs to be changed sometimes. While most users report that the Chillow Pillow did, in fact, stay dry, there is always the threat of the Chillow Pillow sprouting a leak or getting a hole in it somehow. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "The Chillow Pillow | A gift for Valentine's Day?"]]> Will the Chillow Pillow fix everything?

Maybe I should ask him if he wants a Chillow Pillow.

My boyfriend and I have an ongoing disagreement about temperature; when it's time to go to sleep, he wants the fan on and I want it off. I had kind of accepted that this would just be the way it is -- that sometimes I'd have to put up with having the fan on, and sometimes he had to put up with leaving it off.

However, today I learned about the Chillow Pillow, and though I don't believe in miracle products that solve all of your problems, I am curious about whether it would help. It just might be worth the $25 to find out, especially because Valentine's Day is coming up, so I'll be spending some money on him anyway. Sure, it's not super romantic, but it is something that very well might make him more comfortable, and it's not so expensive that I'd need a low rate personal loan to afford it.

What is a Chillow Pillow?

From what I can see on the web site, the Chillow Pillow is a pad you place on top of your pillow. The Chillow Store says "The Chillow acts as a radiator for your body. It uses water to absorb, and then dissipate heat back to the surrounding air, leaving a cool sensation." Though the Chillow Pillow is filled with water, the web site assures that it stays dry on the outside.

It seems to me the Chillow is basically a specially shaped water bottle. My friend who had one said there's a sponge inside that holds the water, and it needs to be changed sometimes. While most users report that the Chillow Pillow did, in fact, stay dry, there is always the threat of the Chillow Pillow sprouting a leak or getting a hole in it somehow. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "The Chillow Pillow | A gift for Valentine's Day?"

Drew Brees was on David Letterman, but Biff Henderson took one for the team. (Photo: Wikipedia.org)

The New Orleans Saints have risen from being the worst franchise in NFL history to Super Bowl XLIV champs, thanks in no small part to the strong arm of quarterback Drew Brees On David Letterman, the victorious signal caller rubbed some salt in the wound for the Indiana born-and-bred host. A Colts victory was predicted, but the Saints took the game to them and prevailed. Like payday loans during a budget emergency, the Saints' offense delivered.

Letterman was disappointed, but not overly so

According to the Huffington Post, David Letterman told Brees he was sorry to see his beloved Indianapolis Colts lose. However, the image of Drew Brees and son Baylen celebrating after the victory was timeless. That Drew Brees' son has Down syndrome adds poignancy to daddy's victory.

As touching as Letterman's touch pass to Biff Henderson

Popeater tunes us in to something that happened before Drew Brees came on David Letterman for his interview. Apparently, Letterman threw a pass to long-time stage manager Biff Henderson. The sure-handed receiver hauled it down, but his momentum carried him into a stage dive that landed him in a hospital bed. Paramedics had to take him out on a gurney, but reports indicate that Henderson is now back on his feet. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Did you see Super Bowl champ Drew Brees on David Letterman?"]]> It's as expected as "I'm going to Disneyland!"

Drew Brees was on David Letterman, but Biff Henderson took one for the team. (Photo: Wikipedia.org)

The New Orleans Saints have risen from being the worst franchise in NFL history to Super Bowl XLIV champs, thanks in no small part to the strong arm of quarterback Drew Brees On David Letterman, the victorious signal caller rubbed some salt in the wound for the Indiana born-and-bred host. A Colts victory was predicted, but the Saints took the game to them and prevailed. Like payday loans during a budget emergency, the Saints' offense delivered.

Letterman was disappointed, but not overly so

According to the Huffington Post, David Letterman told Brees he was sorry to see his beloved Indianapolis Colts lose. However, the image of Drew Brees and son Baylen celebrating after the victory was timeless. That Drew Brees' son has Down syndrome adds poignancy to daddy's victory.

As touching as Letterman's touch pass to Biff Henderson

Popeater tunes us in to something that happened before Drew Brees came on David Letterman for his interview. Apparently, Letterman threw a pass to long-time stage manager Biff Henderson. The sure-handed receiver hauled it down, but his momentum carried him into a stage dive that landed him in a hospital bed. Paramedics had to take him out on a gurney, but reports indicate that Henderson is now back on his feet. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Did you see Super Bowl champ Drew Brees on David Letterman?"

Never too old to ride a bike; never too young to plan for retirement

There was a time when planning for retirement was relatively straight-forward. A person simply worked at a job until age 65 and then retired to live off pension plans and Social Security benefits. This was the reward for years of hard work with one employer and paying into a dependable government-sponsored retirement fund.

Life has changed

Much has changed in terms of retirement planning and benefits. Years ago, life expectancy for most seniors was much lower than it is today. Today, people are living longer, which is good news. On the other hand, retiring at age 65 isn't always financially feasible with people living to age 90 or longer. As life expectancies increase, it becomes more difficult to acquire adequate funds for a comfortable retirement.

Jobs have changed

Today, most people change jobs or careers several times during their working years. In many of these jobs, pension benefits do not exist. To compound the problem, Social Security benefits have not kept up with cost of living increases, and most people cannot live comfortably on them today.

Health care has changed

The problem becomes overwhelming when you add health care costs to the mix. Health care costs, especially for older people, tend to be uncertain even as they continue to rise. Because of this, the future support of many elderly individuals is in question. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Retirement Planning Isn't Just for Old People"]]> Retirement planning then, and now

Never too old to ride a bike; never too young to plan for retirement

There was a time when planning for retirement was relatively straight-forward. A person simply worked at a job until age 65 and then retired to live off pension plans and Social Security benefits. This was the reward for years of hard work with one employer and paying into a dependable government-sponsored retirement fund.

Life has changed

Much has changed in terms of retirement planning and benefits. Years ago, life expectancy for most seniors was much lower than it is today. Today, people are living longer, which is good news. On the other hand, retiring at age 65 isn't always financially feasible with people living to age 90 or longer. As life expectancies increase, it becomes more difficult to acquire adequate funds for a comfortable retirement.

Jobs have changed

Today, most people change jobs or careers several times during their working years. In many of these jobs, pension benefits do not exist. To compound the problem, Social Security benefits have not kept up with cost of living increases, and most people cannot live comfortably on them today.

Health care has changed

The problem becomes overwhelming when you add health care costs to the mix. Health care costs, especially for older people, tend to be uncertain even as they continue to rise. Because of this, the future support of many elderly individuals is in question. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Retirement Planning Isn't Just for Old People"

Image of the Weezer symbol from Flickr.

The publicity machine behind this summer's Bonnaroo music and arts festival has decided to turn the announcement of which bands will play into a lengthy event. Tickets are already on sale, and you can purchase them at bonnarootickets.com.

Tickets for the four-day festival, June 10 through 13, are pretty pricey. There were a limited number of tickets for $234.50. Once those are gone, the rest are $249.50, but before you take out payday installment loans to get a ticket, make sure you check out the payment plans available through the Bonnaroo web site or Bonnaroo MySpace page.

Bonnaroo 2010 confirmed bands

Every six minutes, the Bonnaroo MySpace page is announcing one musical artist who will appear at the festival. However, several bands have announced on their own web sites or Facebook pages that they'll be there. Here is the list so far; I'll update it later today:

• Dave Matthews Band
• Stevie Wonder
• Gwar
• Madeski Martin & Wood
• Cross Canadian Ragweed
• John Fogerty
• Weezer
• The Flaming Lips with Stardeath and White Dwarfs
• The Avett Brothers
• Phoenix
• OK GO
• Punch Brothers
• Jeff Beck
• Neon Indian
• Ingrid Michaelson
• Bassnectar
• Carolina Chocolate Drops
• The XX
• Isis
• Regina Spektor
• Norah Jones
• Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
• Wale
• Mayer Hawthorne and the County
• Thievery Corporation
• Jay-Z
• Monte Montgomery
• Baroness
• Kings of Leon
• Blues Traveler
• Chromeo with Daryl Hall
• The Postelles
• Jay Electronica
• Manchester Orchestra
• Dropkick Murphys
• Local Natives
• Dave Rawlings Machine
• John Prine
• The National
• Zac Brown Band
• Baaba Maal
• Dr. Dog
• Japandroids
• Kid Cudi
• Tokyo Police Club
• Jimmy Cliff
• She and Him

There will be more announcements throughout the day, but most people are rushing to buy tickets as quickly as they can. During a special pre-sale event in December, before any bands had confirmed, the bottom two tiers of tickets, which cost $209 and $224, sold out. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Bonnaroo 2010 lineup | Bands confirmed, tickets on sale"]]> Bonnaroo 2010 lineup announced slowly

Image of the Weezer symbol from Flickr.

The publicity machine behind this summer's Bonnaroo music and arts festival has decided to turn the announcement of which bands will play into a lengthy event. Tickets are already on sale, and you can purchase them at bonnarootickets.com.

Tickets for the four-day festival, June 10 through 13, are pretty pricey. There were a limited number of tickets for $234.50. Once those are gone, the rest are $249.50, but before you take out payday installment loans to get a ticket, make sure you check out the payment plans available through the Bonnaroo web site or Bonnaroo MySpace page.

Bonnaroo 2010 confirmed bands

Every six minutes, the Bonnaroo MySpace page is announcing one musical artist who will appear at the festival. However, several bands have announced on their own web sites or Facebook pages that they'll be there. Here is the list so far; I'll update it later today:

• Dave Matthews Band
• Stevie Wonder
• Gwar
• Madeski Martin & Wood
• Cross Canadian Ragweed
• John Fogerty
• Weezer
• The Flaming Lips with Stardeath and White Dwarfs
• The Avett Brothers
• Phoenix
• OK GO
• Punch Brothers
• Jeff Beck
• Neon Indian
• Ingrid Michaelson
• Bassnectar
• Carolina Chocolate Drops
• The XX
• Isis
• Regina Spektor
• Norah Jones
• Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers
• Wale
• Mayer Hawthorne and the County
• Thievery Corporation
• Jay-Z
• Monte Montgomery
• Baroness
• Kings of Leon
• Blues Traveler
• Chromeo with Daryl Hall
• The Postelles
• Jay Electronica
• Manchester Orchestra
• Dropkick Murphys
• Local Natives
• Dave Rawlings Machine
• John Prine
• The National
• Zac Brown Band
• Baaba Maal
• Dr. Dog
• Japandroids
• Kid Cudi
• Tokyo Police Club
• Jimmy Cliff
• She and Him

There will be more announcements throughout the day, but most people are rushing to buy tickets as quickly as they can. During a special pre-sale event in December, before any bands had confirmed, the bottom two tiers of tickets, which cost $209 and $224, sold out. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Bonnaroo 2010 lineup | Bands confirmed, tickets on sale"

Oh Superman where are you now
When everything's gone wrong somehow
The men of steel, men of power
We're losing control by the hour
- Genesis "Land of Confusion"

I buy into the escapism of superhero comics. That's what good storytelling does for the mind, regardless of where the story originates. Such virtues as honor and commitment to justice – as well as the eternal inner struggle – are there in easily digestible yet satisfying form. Modern comic book writing has added many more shades of gray, and this adds a healthy dose of reality to the mix. If collecting wasn't so expensive that payday loans become necessary (at least $3.50 per book, per title), I'd still be haunting my local comic shop.

Superman's archetype tends to exist outside modern reality

Think about it. He was created in the 1930s to represent American ideals. His powers were so far above anyone else's that catching rank-and-file criminals rarely posed a challenge. Sure, there's the occasional kryptonite MacGuffin to knock him down a peg, but Superman has tended over time to be less interesting because of his invincibility and absolute purity. The same has held true for Superman movies – until now, perhaps. Christopher Nolan of "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight" fame is on tap for a Superman reboot. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Chris Nolan's Superman reboot is coming, comic film fans"]]> In the Superman reboot, will he actually get his hair mussed?

Oh Superman where are you now
When everything's gone wrong somehow
The men of steel, men of power
We're losing control by the hour
- Genesis "Land of Confusion"

I buy into the escapism of superhero comics. That's what good storytelling does for the mind, regardless of where the story originates. Such virtues as honor and commitment to justice – as well as the eternal inner struggle – are there in easily digestible yet satisfying form. Modern comic book writing has added many more shades of gray, and this adds a healthy dose of reality to the mix. If collecting wasn't so expensive that payday loans become necessary (at least $3.50 per book, per title), I'd still be haunting my local comic shop.

Superman's archetype tends to exist outside modern reality

Think about it. He was created in the 1930s to represent American ideals. His powers were so far above anyone else's that catching rank-and-file criminals rarely posed a challenge. Sure, there's the occasional kryptonite MacGuffin to knock him down a peg, but Superman has tended over time to be less interesting because of his invincibility and absolute purity. The same has held true for Superman movies – until now, perhaps. Christopher Nolan of "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight" fame is on tap for a Superman reboot. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Chris Nolan's Superman reboot is coming, comic film fans"

Mortgage and personal loans are perfect breeding grounds for con artist's tactics. The recession created problems for consumers nationwide. Foreclosure rates soared, unemployment was at an all-time high and debt was unmanageable. Consumers everywhere felt the crunch of the economic downturn and frantically looked to find aid for the difficult times. There was a lot of help from the government and non-profit agencies that stepped in to save consumers from disaster. Unfortunately, there also were a lot of scam artists entering the market. They preyed on people's desperation and made matters even worse for the consumer.

The Better Business Bureau

According to the Better Business Bureau, 2009 was a premiere year for scams. Particularly it was the jobless who were targeted by job offers requiring upfront fees. For example, some consumers looking for jobs were told that they needed to pay an upfront $39.99 fee for a pre-employment credit check. When the applicants paid the fee, they unknowingly were signed up by a credit-monitoring service to be charged monthly. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Mortgage and Personal Loans Perfect for Con Artist's Tricks"]]> The recession created desperate consumers

Mortgage and personal loans are perfect breeding grounds for con artist's tactics. The recession created problems for consumers nationwide. Foreclosure rates soared, unemployment was at an all-time high and debt was unmanageable. Consumers everywhere felt the crunch of the economic downturn and frantically looked to find aid for the difficult times. There was a lot of help from the government and non-profit agencies that stepped in to save consumers from disaster. Unfortunately, there also were a lot of scam artists entering the market. They preyed on people's desperation and made matters even worse for the consumer.

The Better Business Bureau

According to the Better Business Bureau, 2009 was a premiere year for scams. Particularly it was the jobless who were targeted by job offers requiring upfront fees. For example, some consumers looking for jobs were told that they needed to pay an upfront $39.99 fee for a pre-employment credit check. When the applicants paid the fee, they unknowingly were signed up by a credit-monitoring service to be charged monthly. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Mortgage and Personal Loans Perfect for Con Artist's Tricks"

For consumers with bad credit, getting quick cash access from debit cards is a priceless advantage. Credit lenders are stricter these days. After having faced the lending crash of the recession, many lenders are closing their doors to even moderate-level scorers. That leaves few options for people with bad credit and many turn to the debit card option for purchases. The debit card is useful because it has the “Visa” or “MasterCard” logo and is accepted by merchants who accept credit cards. Using a debit card also helps consumers manage a budget. By limiting purchases to the total in the funding account, consumers don’t have to worry about going over limit or incurring fees. It’s a great safeguard against more fees that can eat away at savings.

The downside of debit cards

There are some downsides to using debit cards, though. First of all, there are annual fees charged to consumers. An annual fee is normal, but some debit card providers charge more fees than others. There can be start-up fees that eat away at money. For example, the GoNow debit card offers the services of a bank account on a debit card, but charges $14.99 monthly and a $49.99 start-up fee. That means that if a consumer deposits $100 to the card, 65% of it is gone in the first month. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Debit Cards offer quick cash access but at a price"]]> The debit card option

For consumers with bad credit, getting quick cash access from debit cards is a priceless advantage. Credit lenders are stricter these days. After having faced the lending crash of the recession, many lenders are closing their doors to even moderate-level scorers. That leaves few options for people with bad credit and many turn to the debit card option for purchases. The debit card is useful because it has the “Visa” or “MasterCard” logo and is accepted by merchants who accept credit cards. Using a debit card also helps consumers manage a budget. By limiting purchases to the total in the funding account, consumers don’t have to worry about going over limit or incurring fees. It’s a great safeguard against more fees that can eat away at savings.

The downside of debit cards

There are some downsides to using debit cards, though. First of all, there are annual fees charged to consumers. An annual fee is normal, but some debit card providers charge more fees than others. There can be start-up fees that eat away at money. For example, the GoNow debit card offers the services of a bank account on a debit card, but charges $14.99 monthly and a $49.99 start-up fee. That means that if a consumer deposits $100 to the card, 65% of it is gone in the first month. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled "Debit Cards offer quick cash access but at a price"

This isn't the "Miss me yet?" billboard, but it's close. (Photo: synthstuff.com)

You know how these things go. A story begins on the World Wide Web that seems outlandish, but there's just enough truth to it for the idea to stick. Like payday loans for what ails your budget, there is a real connection to the waking world. And the idea spreads virally, snowballing until it becomes a mass of sticky, gooey fun – a guilty pleasure people can dive into with grasping hands. Forget Photoshop and digital image alteration and check your brain at the door.

But sometimes these stories have a way of being true

Considering President Obama's struggles with stimulus, bailouts, Nobel prizes and universal healthcare, it comes as no surprise that some Americans have questions. That's the real-world connection that makes the "Miss me yet" billboard so believable. But as Bob Collins of Minnesota NPR reports, it's also quite real.

It's on the I-35 outside Wyoming, Minnesota. As you can see from the video below, former President George W. Bush has a question for all of us: "Miss Me Yet?"

Who-what-when-where-why?

It's unclear at this time who paid for the billboard, but I think it is safe to say that Mr. Bush has better things to do with his time. Collins claims that his currently investigating the matter and will inform the nation once the secret is uncovered. My guess is that those who posted this "Miss me yet?" billboard gem won't be too far removed from the people who erected the Barack Hussein Obama turban billboard. Yes, I chose the word "erected" intentionally, as certain folks get excited by racial malice. I am not one of those people; I just report about it, then taint the notion of impartiality with my rhapsodical wax. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled ""Miss me yet?" billboard is no myth"]]> "Miss me yet?" asks George Bush

This isn't the "Miss me yet?" billboard, but it's close. (Photo: synthstuff.com)

You know how these things go. A story begins on the World Wide Web that seems outlandish, but there's just enough truth to it for the idea to stick. Like payday loans for what ails your budget, there is a real connection to the waking world. And the idea spreads virally, snowballing until it becomes a mass of sticky, gooey fun – a guilty pleasure people can dive into with grasping hands. Forget Photoshop and digital image alteration and check your brain at the door.

But sometimes these stories have a way of being true

Considering President Obama's struggles with stimulus, bailouts, Nobel prizes and universal healthcare, it comes as no surprise that some Americans have questions. That's the real-world connection that makes the "Miss me yet" billboard so believable. But as Bob Collins of Minnesota NPR reports, it's also quite real.

It's on the I-35 outside Wyoming, Minnesota. As you can see from the video below, former President George W. Bush has a question for all of us: "Miss Me Yet?"

Who-what-when-where-why?

It's unclear at this time who paid for the billboard, but I think it is safe to say that Mr. Bush has better things to do with his time. Collins claims that his currently investigating the matter and will inform the nation once the secret is uncovered. My guess is that those who posted this "Miss me yet?" billboard gem won't be too far removed from the people who erected the Barack Hussein Obama turban billboard. Yes, I chose the word "erected" intentionally, as certain folks get excited by racial malice. I am not one of those people; I just report about it, then taint the notion of impartiality with my rhapsodical wax. ... click here to read the rest of the article titled ""Miss me yet?" billboard is no myth"