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5 credit card fees you can avoid & how to do it
by Shelton on January 31st, 2016
filed under Cash Advances
We all love the security and convenience of credit cards, but nobody likes paying fees. Most credit cards charge a variety of them, along with some penalties, yet nearly all of them can be avoided.
So, if you are looking to take advantage of using a credit card, while minimizing their costs, here are five credit card fees you can avoid and how to do it.
1. Annual Fees
There are a number of credit cards on the market that have annual fees, but you dont always have to pay them. First, you can choose one of the numerous cards that dont feature an annual fee (keeping in mind that those may have less generous rewards and benefits). Another strategy is to choose one of the cards that have annual fees that are waived for the first year. You can potentially cancel the card before paying the second years annual fee, if you feel that its rewards and benefits are not really worth it. And, before canceling any card because of its annual fee, you may want to contact the card issuer. In some cases, particularly if you use the card regularly and make all of your payments, they will waive the fee or offer rewards worth as much in order to retain your business.
2. Late Fees
Late fees are not really fees, they are penalties that are incurred when account holders fail to make the minimum payment on time. The easiest way to avoid the fees is to create a foolproof system for making on-time payments. For example, you can set up an automatic payments with your bank or issuer to ensure you meet your due dates. But, if you do have a late payment fee assessed, you should contact your card issuer and ask to have it waived as a one-time courtesy. Most issuers will do so for consumers whose accounts are and have been otherwise in good standing.
3. Foreign Transaction Fees
These fees are imposed by many cards on any transaction processed outside of the US (So you can actually be charged these fees when doing business with a foreign company or when you are traveling to a foreign country.) Since an increasing number of credit cards no longer impose this fee, you can avoid the fee by picking one that skips the charge. Many of these are marketed towards travelers, but some card issuers such as Capital One, Discover, the Pentagon Federal Credit Union (PenFed), and the Navy Federal Credit Union dont charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards.
4. Balance Transfer Fees
When completing a balance transfer from one card to another, you are likely to be charged a balance transfer fee, which is typically 3% of the amount transferred. To avoid this fee, you can simply choose a card that doesnt charge one. We recently ranked the best balance transfer credit cards in America check it out.
5. Cash Advance Fee
Nearly all credit cards impose a cash advance fee when accessing money from an ATM. In addition, most cards will have a higher interest rate for cash advances. To avoid both the fee and the higher cash advance interest rate, dont use your credit card in this way and to rely on a debit card for your cash instead. If you must use a credit card to access cash, there is one card that doesnt have a cash advance fee, the PenFed Promise Visa Card. In addition, the Barclaycard Ring MasterCard charges a flat fee of just $3 for each cash advance while imposing the same interest rate for cash advances that it does for purchases.
Remember, its always a good idea to read the terms and conditions of any credit card you are considering so you understand what (and when) fees may be imposed before you apply for that particular product. You should also check your credit ahead of time to make sure you can handle another card or hard inquiry. (You can do so by pulling your credit reports for free each year at AnnualCreditReport.com and viewing your credit scores for free each month on Credit.com.)
Note: Its important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
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Satyavrat Mishra: Taxing times ahead under Nitish
by Shelton on January 31st, 2016
filed under Student Credit Cards
People in Bihar woke up on Wednesday to a shock, with more than snacks to chew over. The Nitish Kumar government imposed higher taxes on various items including packaged food, dry fruits, flour, refined flour, auto parts, inverters and batteries, saris, sand, cosmetics and mosquito repellents. Even edibles such as potato chips, sweets, samosas and kachauris were not spared.
The decision, which invited criticism from people and Opposition parties, was termed necessary by the government for funding development projects. These are mainly luxury items, used by the affluent. It will enhance revenue collection of the government, which would be used for the all-round development of Bihar, said Brajesh Mehrotra, Principal Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat.
However, sources say the real reason behind the decision is to minimise the impending revenue loss that would result from the partial ban on liquor from the next fiscal. The government has decided to ban the sale of country and spiced liquor and shut down almost 90 per cent of the liquor shops in Bihar from April 1, which is estimated to cost around Rs 2,000 crore to the state exchequer. The government is trying its best to make up for the losses by tapping other sources. However, the step to impose taxes, despite being wide and far-reaching, would mop up only Rs 430 crore in a year. This shows that the financial problems are too many and too big for the state government to cover.
Given the additional burden of Rs 30,000 crore due to the change in funding pattern in Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and impending pressure on the state exchequer for implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, the government will be neck deep in trouble. The total burden on the state coffers over the next five years to fulfil poll promises is expected to be Rs 2.7 lakh crore.
It means that Bihar, one of India#39;s poorest states, is looking at a financial shock in the coming month, when the Maha Gathbandhan (Grand Alliance) government will present its first Budget. The government may impose new or increased taxes to compensate for losses and has to borrow more to fund development projects. It also means that Bihar will have to reduce spending on social services to foot the bill of other projects.
It will be nothing short of a tightrope walk for the government, said a secretary-level IAS officer about budget-making. The partial liquor ban is expected to cost us Rs 2,000-2,500 crore a year. Then, there is the issue of additional burden on the state government due to change in funding pattern in CSS. There has been a major reduction in important schemes related to child development, health, education, rural electrification, rural road and rural and urban housing. The state will have to fund these schemes. The state will have to implement the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission, which will further drain its resources. The implementation of the chief minister#39;s poll promises would cost at least Rs 20,000-30,000 crore in the initial year. So, Bihar#39;s financial health is bound to suffer.
Overall, 56 per cent of Bihar#39;s total revenue of Rs 1.20 lakh crore comes from central taxes and grants. Only 25 per cent comes from its own taxes. Bihar#39;s revenue receipts, although growing at a commendable rate, are not sufficient to meet the government#39;s needs in the coming years. The partial prohibition is expected to make a dent in tax revenue in the next fiscal, which is estimated to grow by 20 per cent to Rs 30,875 crore in 2015-16 (from Rs 25,662.9 crore in 2014-15). Public debt, which has doubled between FY 2012-13 (Rs 9,553.96 crore) and FY 2015-16 (Rs 17,708 crore), is expected to go up further. As the state is hovering around the ceiling imposed by the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2003, it will be difficult for it to borrow more aggressively.
The central schemes earlier used to finance several development projects in Bihar, but after the cut in Centre#39;s share, Patna will now have to spend more on these projects. Despite the dire need to reduce money it spends on running itself, the state would be unable to do so because of the pending implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission recommendations. The state government will have to spend more on account of the revenue expenditure, expected to cross Rs 1 lakh crore.
The CM has already announced that the government would begin rolling out student credit cards, skill development schemes, unemployment allowances and Wi-fi in colleges and universities campus from the next fiscal year. Plus, it will also spend handsomely on road connectivity, electricity, drinking water and sanitation for all. Overall, the unofficial estimates of the first year#39;s expenditure on these schemes are around Rs 25,000-30,000 crore.
Therefore, analysts feel the government may further hike the taxes to get more resources. This is the first year of the government, so it can take some tough decisions. VAT on petroleum products, vehicles and luxury commodities might be hiked further. However, it will not be easy to increase tax rates after an extent because it is a coalition government. Therefore, it will have to look beyond tax hikes, said a senior analyst. It means it will have to cut funding where it matters the most – the social sector. The government may reduce spending on social services from Rs 38,080 crore, which it has earmarked for the current fiscal.
Education and road construction may get the lion#39;s share in the state#39;s planned outlay. Bihar has a literacy rate of 63.8 per cent against the national figure of 74 per cent. On the other hand, Bihar, home to 8.6 per cent of India#39;s population, has only 4.9 per cent of state highways.
Local business pays for family's groceries
by Shelton on January 31st, 2016
filed under Cash Advances
He and his daughter, 15-year-old Serena, had a two-page list of groceries to get, and expected an otherwise normal trip to Norwalks Walmart.
CashMax Ohio Auto Loans and Cash Advances representatives had a different plan in mind. They wanted to make it an exceptional trip for the family.
We just want to give back to the community, said Norwalk CashMax manager Becke Hoyt. We work with short-term loans like when someone just doesnt have enough money to get through the week until the next paycheck, so we definitely see the need. We wanted to help and give back.
All 41 CashMax stores in Ohio have participated in the Pay-it-Forward week by going to a local store and paying for a random persons groceries, up to $200. Wednesdays recipients of the businesss generosity were the Campbells.
Larry Campbell said it made him feel good to know people still cared and were looking out for each other.
It was a real surprise, he said with a laugh.
(My wife) isnt going to believe it. When we get home and she sees everything we got, shes going to ask what we thought we were doing. Were going to try to explain and shes not going to believe us. hellip; Shes going to need to see the sales slip.
Campbell said his wife has been battling MS for 14 years and it sometimes makes her weak and faint, so he and their daughter do the shopping for her. Although she has her days, its up and down.
This will make her day, he said.
The total bill for the cart full of groceries came to $270.71, which CashMax paid $201.60 of, leaving the Campbells with a total of just $69.11
I saw them with their list and I knew they were the ones we needed to help, Hoyt said. I can remember when I was younger, we had a list and we had to stick to the list and we couldnt get anything that wasnt on the list because of money. Im glad we (were) able to help them get a few things that arent on their list.
Appeals to Watch in 2016: The Appeals Monitor's Top Ten
by Shelton on January 30th, 2016
filed under Cash Advances
With each new year comes a new slate of interesting appeals for Canadian businesses and professions. Without further ado, the Appeals Monitor is pleased to present our annual forecast of the top ten appeals to watch in 2016.
Royal Bank of Canada v. Trang
Last July, the Supreme Court of Canada granted leave from the Ontario Court of Appeals decision in Royal Bank of Canada v. Trang, 2014 ONCA 883, and has now tentatively set it down for a hearing date of April 27, 2016. The appeal concerns the extent to which a judgment creditor who seeks personal financial information about a debtor from a mortgagee must first obtain a court order permitting it to examine representatives of the mortgagee, along with the circumstances in which the debtors consent to such disclosure can be implied.
The case will require the Supreme Court to examine the intersection between the federal Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act and provincial rules of civil procedure. It raises important issues about the conflict between access to justice and privacy rights in the debtor-creditor context, which provoked a 3-2 split in the Court of Appeal below. The Supreme Courts judgment is likely to clarify how these interests should be weighed, and will be of significance to a broad array of participants in the financial services industry.
Rogers Communications Inc. v. City of Chacirc;teauguay
Can a municipality prevent a company, who has authorization from the federal government, from constructing a cell-phone tower on municipal land? That is the question the Supreme Court of Canada considered on October 9, 2015, when it heard this appeal from the decision of the Quebec Court of Appeal in White c. Chacirc;teauguay (Ville de), 2014 QCCA 1121, in which judgment remains on reserve.
The facts giving rise to this appeal are the following: Rogers surveyed land in the Chacirc;teauguay area and located a site on which to build a cell-phone tower and fill gaps in the companys network coverage. The City initially opposed the project but eventually granted a construction permit. However, construction was stalled when City residents mobilized and the public consultation process required by Industry Canada resumed. The City then proposed an alternate site for the tower within Rogers original search area. However, the City did not own the land. It issued a notice of expropriation to the owner, who opposed the expropriation. After months of discussion, Rogers asked Industry Canada to break the stalemate and Rogers was given permission to proceed with installation at the original site. The City then served Rogers with a notice of land reserve that prevented construction of the tower. The Quebec Court of Appeal upheld the validity of both the expropriation notice and the notice of land reserve, finding that the City was acting for a legitimate municipal purpose.
The appeal raises important constitutional division of powers issues regarding the scope of the federal governments jurisdiction over radiocommunications. It will be interesting to see how the Supreme Court defines the scope of federal jurisdiction in the context of the wireless era, in which wireless services (and the national networks and infrastructure required to support them) have become increasingly central to the lives of Canadian individuals and businesses. The appeal also provides an important opportunity for the Supreme Court to provide guidance on the application of the doctrine of cooperative federalism.
Canadian Pacific Railway Co. v. Canada (AG)
On December 9, 2015, CPs attempt to appeal from the Regulations Amending the Railway Interswitching Regulations was heard by the Supreme Court of Canada, whose decision remains under reserve and is scheduled to be delivered this Friday, January 15. In this appeal, the Supreme Court will tackle an important (and politically-charged) constitutional question: To what degree must administrative bodies be free from interference by the executive branch of government when exercising legislative functions that have been delegated to them?
CP sought leave to appeal regulations enacted by the Canadian Transportation Agency (the CTA) in August 2014. Interswitching is a service in which one railway company collects a shippers rail traffic and transports it to an interchange point with a second railway company. The existing Railway Interswitching Regulations require federally regulated companies such as CP to perform interswitching services for all shippers facilities (eg, grain elevators) that are located within 30 km of an interchange, at the rate prescribed in the regulation. Interswitching outside the prescribed 30 km distance is performed on commercially negotiated terms. In 2014, various Federal Ministers expressed an intention to extend the prescribed interswitching distance from 30 km to 160 km in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan. In May 2014, Bill C-31 was passed, permitting the CTA to make regulations extending interswitching distances in different regions of the country. However, Bill C-31 did not prescribe any new distances specifically. The new regulation enacted by the CTA in August 2014 amended the existing legislation to extend the interswitching distance to 160 km as identified by the Federal Ministers.
CP sought leave to appeal the new regulation, asserting that it was enacted based on improper interference and direction from the federal government, and without any independent assessment of the need for or value of extending the interswitching distance. The Federal Court of Appeal dismissed CPs motion for leave to appeal, without reasons.
It will be interesting to see how the Supreme Court articulates the requirements of independence and impartiality of administrative bodies in the context of legislative decision-making; these concepts have typically been addressed in the context of delegated judicial (not legislative) powers. From a political perspective, the appeal will also be of interest to observers of the interplay between the judiciary, parliament and the executive branch after a contentious 2015 between the Supreme Court and the federal government.
Ferme Vi-Ber Inc. v. Financiegrave;re Agricole du Quebec; Lafortune v. Financiegrave;re agricole du Quebec
On December 10, 2015, the Supreme Court of Canada heard two appeals from the decisions of the Quebec Court of Appeal in Financiegrave;re agricole du Quebec c. Ferme Vi-ber inc., 2014 QCCA 1886 and Lafortune c. Financiegrave;re agricole du Quebec, 2014 QCCA 1891, in which judgment remains on reserve. The issue in both appeals is one that has attracted a great deal of attention in recent years: to what degree should financial programs administered by statutory authorities be governed by public administrative law principles, as opposed to the private rules of contract law?
The appellants in Ferme Vi-ber and Lafortune are farm businesses and livestock producers that participated in the Farm Income Stabilization Insurance Program administered by the respondent, the Financiegrave;re agricole du Quebec, under its enabling statute. The program provides participants with a positive annual income regardless of market fluctuations, and requires the Financiegrave;re to pay participants compensation when their market cost is lower than production costs. The appellants sought millions of dollars in compensation from the Financiegrave;re, and argued that the program was in essence an insurance contract under the Civil Code of Quebec that is governed by the rules applicable thereto. The Court of Appeal disagreed, finding the program is not an insurance contract but is governed by public law principles.
The most significant aspect of the case is likely to be the Supreme Courts treatment of whether the program should be characterized as a matter of contract law or public law. This issue has preoccupied the Court in several decisions, eg, Dunsmuir v. New Brunswick, 2008 SCC 9 and Canada (AG) v. Mavi, 2011 SCC 30. A clear articulation of the proper approach could have important consequences beyond Quebec, and affect how parties challenge government actions on the borderlines between private law and judicial review. As an added bonus, the Ferme Vi-ber appeal also asks whether the Financiegrave;re abused its contractual rights, which could allow the Supreme Court to elaborate upon the duty of good faith in Quebec contract law.
Teal Cedar Products Ltd. v. British Columbia; Heritage Capital Corp. v. Equitable Trust Co.
In two cases proceeding in 2016, the Supreme Court of Canada will reconsider its blockbuster decision in Sattva Capital Corp. v. Creston Moly Corp., 2014 SCC 53 on the issue of the standard of review applicable in contractual interpretation cases. In what circumstances does contractual interpretation involve a question of law alone, rather than a mixed question of fact and law that attracts deference on appellate review?
Teal is an appeal from a decision of the British Columbia Court of Appeal in British Columbia (Ministry of Forests) v. Teal Cedar Products Ltd., 2015 BCCA 263, and arises from an arbitral award in a dispute between Teal and the Province of British Columbia. In that case, the arbitrator awarded interest on the award notwithstanding a clause in the arbitration agreement that the Province submitted precluded interest. On appeal by the Province, the Chambers judge held that the arbitrators interpretation of the contract was based upon a consideration of the surrounding circumstances, and was therefore a question of mixed fact and law that could not be appealed under the BC Arbitration Act. The Court of Appeal disagreed, holding that the arbitrators decision raised a question of pure law, and set aside the arbitrators decision as inconsistent with the plain meaning of the contract. The Supreme Court sent Teal back to the British Columbia Court of Appeal for reconsideration in light of its decision in Sattva. On reconsideration, the Court of Appeal held that nothing in Sattva required it to change its decision, and that the interpretation of the interest clause raised a discrete question of law that it was entitled to review on a standard of correctness.
Heritage is an appeal from a split decision of the Alberta Court of Appeal in Equitable Trust Company v 604 1st Street SW Inc., 2014 ABCA 427. In Heritage, the City of Calgary contracted with the owner of a historic building to carry out rehabilitation work and provided that the owner would be compensated by the City by way of yearly payments over 15 years. The owner later sold the building to a third party, prompting the owner to apply for a declaration that the sale did not affect its right to receive the payments from the City. The Master in Chambers granted the declaration, and the Chambers Judge upheld it on appeal, citing the parties intention that the compensation be payable to the specific owner, and not to whomever happened to be the owner of the building at the time. A majority of the Court of Appeal for Alberta allowed the appeal, finding that the legal status of the contract, and whether it created an interest which ran with the land, was a question of law that was reviewable on a standard of correctness. The majority held that the positive covenants in the contract did run with the land, and the purchaser was therefore entitled to the payments due under the contract after the date of the sale. Slatter JA, dissenting, disagreed that the covenants ran with the land and held that, in any event, even if they could do so in theory, they did not in this case because it was contrary to the contracting parties intention.
The Supreme Courts decision will provide welcome guidance on how its watershed decision in Sattva is to be applied by appellate courts, and how consideration of the factual matrix by lower courts impacts upon the characterisation of matters of contractual interpretation as questions of law or mixed fact and law.
Canada (AG) v. Chambre des notaires du Quebec
Do provisions in the Income Tax Act that require lawyers and notaries to disclose information and documents that assist in the enforcement or administration of the ITA, subject to a defined exception for solicitor-client privilege that excludes lawyers and notaries accounting records, abrogate solicitor-client privilege and, if so, is that attempt constitutional?
That is the question the Supreme Court of Canada will tackle when it releases its decision in the appeal, heard on November 3, 2015, from the decision of the Quebec Court of Appeal in Canada (Procureur general) c. Chambre des notaires du Quebec, 2014 QCCA 552. In the decisions below, both Quebec courts held that the impugned sections of the Income Tax Act offended s. 8 of the Charter and were of no force and effect. The case has provoked great interest amongst law societies and lawyers associations across the country. The Advocates Society, the Canadian Bar Association, the Federation of Law Societies of Canada and the Criminal Lawyers Association were all granted intervener status in the appeal to the Supreme Court.
Together with the Supreme Courts forthcoming decision in Minister of National Revenue v. Duncan Thompson (also under reserve), Chambre will decide whether the ITA attempts to limits solicitor-client privilege and, if so, the constitutionality of any such limits, and presents an opportunity for the Supreme Court to discuss the interplay between solicitor-client privilege and sections 7 and 8 of the Charter.
Jean Coutu Group (PJC) Inc. v. Canada (AG); Canada (AG) v. Fairmont Hotels Inc.
When may courts rectify a transaction that is intended to achieve a particular tax result, but fails to do so based on an honest mistake by the parties? That is the question the Supreme Court of Canada will consider on May 18, 2016 when it hears the appeals from Canada (AG) c. Groupe Jean Coutu (PJC) inc., 2015 QCCA 838 and Fairmont Hotels Inc. v. Canada (AG), 2015 ONCA 441.
The facts in both cases are complex, but revolved around a series of corporate transactions which the taxpayers intended to carry out on a tax neutral basis. Owing to certain mistakes, the transactions produced unexpected tax results, and the taxpayers sought rectification (or its Quebec equivalent) from the courts, which was opposed by the Crown. The Ontario Court of Appeal granted rectification, consistent with its previous decision in Canada (AG) v. Juliar, 2000 CanLII 16883, but the Quebec Court of Appeal refused such relief on the basis that the parties intention to produce a tax neutral transaction is not sufficiently determinate to serve as the basis for the retroactive modification of an agreement.
The Supreme Courts decision will be an important one for corporations and other taxpayers that engage in complex transactions designed to achieve particular tax results. In the years since Juliar and Quebec (Agence du revenu) v. Services Environnementaux AES inc., 2013 SCC 65, rectification has emerged as a significant remedy for taxpayers in cases where a common and continuing intention was frustrated by mistake.
Lapointe Rosenstein Marchand Melanccedil;on LLP v. Cassels Brock amp; Blackwell LLP
Those following jurisprudence on the topic of national class actions in Canada will be keenly interested in the Supreme Court of Canadas ruling on the appeal from the Ontario Court of Appeal decision in Trillium Motor World Ltd. v. General Motors of Canada Limited, 2014 ONCA 497. In this appeal, which was heard on December 3, 2015 and is currently under reserve, the Supreme Court will consider the circumstances in which a contract is connected with a dispute for the purpose of the fourth presumptive connecting factor identified in Club Resorts Ltd. v. Van Breda, 2012 SCC 17, thereby permitting a provincial court to assume jurisdiction over a multi-jurisdictional class.
The facts of this case are likely well known, and involve a class action commenced in Ontario by a group of General Motors dealers from across Canada against Cassels Brock and General Motors. The class members are dealers who signed a termination agreement with General Motors. As against Cassels Brock, the trial judge found that, while it was acting as counsel for the class member dealers, Cassels Brock was negligent and breached its contractual duties to them by acting in the face of an undisclosed conflict of interest. Cassels Brock has commenced third party claims against the lawyers and law firms across the country that provided legal advice to the class member dealers before they accepted and signed the termination agreement with General Motors. Lawyers from Quebec appealed from the decision of the Ontario Court of Appeal agreeing that the Ontario courts had presumptive jurisdiction over the third parties because there existed a contract (the termination agreement) made in Ontario and connected with the dispute.
As Van Breda did not explain in detail when the fourth presumptive factor will apply, the Supreme Courts decision in this appeal will provide important guidance on the issue. It is anticipated that the decision will address questions including: What is the appropriate contract for the purpose of analysing whether it is connected with the dispute, and can there be more than one? What rule ought to be applied to determine the jurisdiction in which the contract was entered into? What are the parameters for rebutting presumptive jurisdiction if one of the factors in Van Breda is established? In deciding these questions, the Supreme Court will also have an opportunity to shed light on how the principles of fairness, efficiency and the avoidance of inconsistent results ought to be applied in national class actions.
Mennillo v. Intramodal Inc.
Oppression remedy cases are rare at the Supreme Court of Canada. The Courts last foray into this area, BCE Inc. v. 1976 Debentureholders, 2008 SCC 69, produced a blockbuster judgment that is a cornerstone of modern Canadian corporate law. It is therefore of no small interest that the Supreme Court heard another oppression case on December 8, 2015, when it considered an appeal from the Quebec Court of Appeals ruling in Mennillo c. Intramodal inc., 2014 QCCA 1515, judgment in which remains on reserve.
The Mennillo appeal concerns a claim by the appellant, a former shareholder in Intramodal, that the company and its other shareholder unduly and illegitimately deprived him of his shareholder status. The appellant had initially joined Intramodal as its director, officer and shareholder on the premise that he would offer it financial support. Approximately one year later, he resigned from his position and director and officer, though he continued to make cash advances to keep the company running. When the last of the advances was repaid, the appellant discovered that he was no longer a shareholder and commenced the oppression claim. His action was dismissed by the Court of Appeal, which concluded that the parties had agreed to retroactively cancel his share issuance after engaging in detailed review of the evidence.
The Supreme Courts decision has the potential to be an important one for the business community. Intramodal is incorporated under the Canada Business Corporations Act, so the Courts ruling will have implications that extend throughout the country. Further, the decision will allow the Court to examine how the oppression remedy should operate in the case of closely-held corporations, which it suggested in BCE may involve different considerations than cases against large public corporations. A final indication of the importance of the appeal: the Court chose to sit as a nine-member panel when it heard the case in December.
Endean v. British Columbia; Parsons v. Ontario
Our final choice for 2016 concerns the murky but perennially important topic of multi-jurisdictional class actions. Last November, the Supreme Court of Canada granted leave to appeal from Endean v. British Columbia, 2014 BCCA 61 and Parsons v. Ontario, 2015 ONCA 158, in which the British Columbia and Ontario Courts of Appeal divided over the jurisdiction of superior court judges to sit outside their provinces for the purpose of hearing applications under multi-jurisdictional class action settlements. The appeals are currently scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court on May 17, 2016.
The settlement agreement in Endean and Parsons arose out of class actions seeking damages for individuals infected with Hepatitis C through the Canadian blood supply, which were certified separately in British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. The agreement effected a national settlement of the class actions, and assigned a supervisory role to the courts of the three provinces, providing that any order by one of the courts would only take effect once there were materially identical orders by the other two courts. In order to reduce costs and the risk of inconsistent findings in a pending complex motion, class counsel brought separate applications in each of the three provinces for a declaration that judges of their superior courts could sit together outside their provinces to hear joint motions under the settlement agreement.
The Ontario Court of Appeal held that there was no constitutional, common law or statutory impediment to this, provided that a video link was provided from the out-of-province proceeding to Ontario in order to respect the open court principle. On the other hand, the BC Court of Appeal held that superior court judges have no jurisdiction to hold a hearing outside their province, but accepted that a judge may conduct a hearing in their provinces courtroom via a telephone or other communications link from another province.
The appeals will give the Supreme Court an important opportunity to clarify the scope of superior court jurisdiction in the multi-jurisdictional class actions context. Whatever the Court decides, its ruling is likely to spur much-needed law reform in this area.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago Names Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF) Community First® Fund …
by Shelton on January 29th, 2016
filed under Cash Advances
CHICAGO and MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 27, 2016 /PRNewswire/ –The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago today announced that Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF), a national, nonprofit community development financial institution (CDFI) based in Minneapolis, MN, has been named a partner of the Community First Fund and is the recipient of a $5 million, 10-year loan. The Community First Fund is a $50 million revolving loan fund that provides direct support to community development financial institutions, community development loan funds, and state housing finance agencies serving Illinois and Wisconsin.
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA has a proven track record of supporting small business growth and revitalizing surrounding communities one of many reasons this organization is an ideal partner for the Community First Fund, said Suzi Thackston, Community Investment Officer, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago. With mission-based financing by the Community First Fund, we expect CRF will continue to be a catalyst for economic growth in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Certified as a CDFI in 2009, CRF has a 28-year history of supporting community economic development and helping other mission-driven organizations improve efficiency and build capacity. The organization has worked with community partners, investors, foundations, and philanthropists to deliver more than $2 billion in loans, investments, and bonds, resulting in the creation or preservation of 73,000 jobs, the financing of nearly 19,000 affordable housing units, and funding for clinics, schools, childcare centers, and other community facilities. Since its inception, CRF has funded over 1,700 small business loans, 550 of which were made to minority- and women-owned businesses. To date, the organization estimates that it has served 1.5 million people.
Our partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and the Community First Fund provides CRF with affordable, fixed-rate capital, which is key to our ability to finance small business owners who have difficulty accessing conventional financing, said Frank Altman, President and CEO of CRF. We are grateful for the opportunity to work together to support the development of healthy communities where people want to live, work, and educate their children.
With the help of the Community First Fund, CRF plans to finance up to 30 small businesses and create or retain 600 jobs in the metropolitan Chicago area and Wisconsin, originating at least 60% of these loans to minority-, women-, or veteran-owned businesses or small businesses located in low- and middle-income communities.
True to our mission, CRF will use the funding to create measurable, transformative community impact in Illinois and Wisconsin, commented Keith Rachey, Chief Operating Officer of CRF. We will finance job-creating small businesses that can help build wealth and move the needle on the staggering unemployment statistics for African Americans, Hispanics, veterans, and low-income communities.
The Community First Fund is unique in the Federal Home Loan Bank System and provides organizations with lower-interest-rate, longer-term financing that focuses on expanding their capacity for affordable housing and economic development lending in the communities they serve. Because the Community First Fund is a revolving loan fund, the Bank expects to be able to continue lending as loans are repaid, extending the life of the fund. The Community First Fund is separate from the Banks Community Investment Cash Advances lending program. In addition, it is funded separately from the Banks traditional grant programs the competitive Affordable Housing Program and Downpayment Plus Programs which will continue to be funded by the Banks previous years net earnings.
About the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago is a $71.8 billion wholesale bank serving the needs of member housing finance institutions located in Illinois and Wisconsin. Our mission is to partner with our member shareholders to provide them competitively priced funding, a reasonable return on their investment, and support for community investment activities.
The US Congress created the Federal Home Loan Bank System, which includes 11 Federal Home Loan Banks, in 1932 to promote housing finance, but each Bank is wholly owned by its member institutions. For more information about the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, please visit www.fhlbc.com or @FHLBC on Twitter. Community First and Downpayment Plus are registered trademarks of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago.
About Community Reinvestment Fund, USA
Community Reinvestment Fund, USA, (CRF), a nonprofit organization and certified community development financial institution, is a national leader in bringing capital to underserved areas. Founded in 1988, CRF has injected more than $2 billion into low-income and economically disadvantaged communities around the country to help stimulate job creation and economic development, provide affordable housing, and support community facilities. CRFs mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged people and strengthen distressed communities through innovative finance. For more information, visit www.crfusa.com.
SOURCE Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago
OC Watchdog: You can now get online loans within minutes, but at what cost?
by Shelton on January 28th, 2016
filed under Cash Advances
Jason Berry and Stuart Hecker are well-versed in the promise and the pitfalls of online lending.
In the summer of 2011, the business partners were staving off creditors and struggling to keep the doors open at their Anaheim-based auto repair chain. They asked Wells Fargo for a capital infusion but were swiftly shot down.
Desperate, they took to the Internet and easily landed a $105,000 business advance with what some would call a last-resort lender. The deal: Give us 6 percent from your credit card receipts to repay the debt.
What seemed like a fair deal ended up bleeding them dry. The interest they paid, it turned out, was 39 percent.
We regretted it within 30 days, says Berry, managing partner of Becker Tire LLC. I cant believe we spent so much money on this thing.
The once niche market of alternative, online lending popular among small businesses with brief or spotty credit histories has exploded into a multibillion-dollar industry that offers quick and easy financing to everyone from students to homeowners. It has captured the attention of deep-pocketed investors and even large banks.
The alt-loan boom has also become synonymous with vaguely worded pricing terms, ultra-high interest rates and questions about how the firms should be classified and regulated.
For those reasons, Californias Department of Business Oversight is scrutinizing more than a dozen online loan providers to get a better handle on what they do, how much business they generate and how they make their money. Many of them are headquartered in California.
The companies under the states microscope include Lending Club, Prosper Marketplace and OnDeck, industry heavyweights that have championed peer-to-peer lending the practice of people lending money to people they dont know without the participation of a financial company.
Also in the mix are players like PayPal and Kabbage, both of which issue cash advances to small businesses. PayPal is primarily an electronic payments provider. Kabbage is a financial tech company that uses algorithms to extend credit to small businesses. It recently raised $135 million in venture capital.
Officials at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which regulates financial products, say they have serious concerns about these firms and want more rules in place to rein them in.
State and federal regulators are mainly concerned about how easy it is for businesses and individuals to get some types of online-based funding and their ability to repay the debts. In many cases, borrowers fill out simple forms and can get preapproved for funds in the tens of thousands of dollars, in some cases within minutes.
Such companies measure the creditworthiness of potential borrowers by checking everything from daily credit card receipts to social media presence, essentially creating their own customer-scoring models.
Were not interested in cutting off that access to financing, said Tom Dresslar, a spokesman for the California regulatory agency. California businesses and consumers have much at stake, and we have some questions about (whether) these lenders are appropriately licensed and regulated by the state.
For the owners of Becker Tire and Service Center, getting their advance was a snap. They suddenly had an influx of funds within roughly 10 days of applying, without having to dig up the reams of documentation that traditional banks expect.
But within a month of getting the money, Berry and Hecker immediately felt the weight of their repayment terms. The daily deductions of 6 percent by Merchant Cash amp; Capital were based on each days credit card sales, which fluctuated wildly. So while the repayment percentage was fixed, the actual payment amounts were not.
It became very difficult to pay my other bills while paying a fluctuating number to Merchant, Berry said.
It wasnt until later that they realized they paid almost 40 percent in interest, he said.
Borrowers in these types of scenarios are often in the dark about the online loans APR, which represents the true cost of the loan. Not all lenders will do the math for you.
Merchant, which now goes by Bizfi, says it assisted Becker Tire when no traditional banks would. The cash-advance firm was upfront about costs and does not disclose an APR because it does not issue loans, said company spokesman Lewis Goldberg.
This is a purchase of future receivables, he said.
Becker Tire says it received $15,000 as part of a class-action lawsuit against Merchant over its financial practices. Goldberg declined to discuss the details of that case, citing a confidentiality agreement.
An August study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland showed the average small-business owner says alt-lender websites make borrowing terms and conditions easy to understand. But when asked about specific products, the small businesses often answered questions, specifically about cost, incorrectly.
State regulations exist to govern disclosure of consumer and business loan terms. They strive to ensure borrowers get loan rates that are stated fully and clearly and are adequately vetted before being issued a loan, among other things.
But many alternative finance companies dont consider themselves lenders and maintain theyre not technically subject to state lending laws.
Take Prosper and Lending Club, which contend theyre merely facilitating the online loans. They say the party responsible for issuing the loan is their contracting partner, WebBank, a financial institution in Salt Lake City.
Along the same lines, companies including PayPal and Square call themselves money transmitters. Firms like Kabbage dont issue loans, either; they give out cash advances, similar to what Berry obtained through Merchant. The companies advance the money to the business and deduct payments on a daily, weekly, monthly or bi-monthly basis to recoup the costs.
Theyre essentially skirting state regulation, said Eric Weaver, head of the nonprofit microlender Opportunity Fund.
Some of the lenders that are under state inquiry say they do disclose loan conditions. Bond Street said it provides customers both the interest rate and APR in all of its loan offers. SoFi, which refinances school loans, told the Register in a statement: Fairness and transparency are critical factors in our partnership with our members, and we strive to have an equally transparent approach with regulators.
The remaining lenders declined to comment, did not respond to requests for a comment or merely confirmed the inquiry.
Ironically, one growing line of business for traditional, brick-and-mortar small-business lenders is helping borrowers get out of problem online loans, says Kurt Chilcott, chief executive and president of CDC Small Business Finance.
In late 2012, CDC agreed to refinance Berrys loan with Merchant and roll it into a $125,000 Small Business Administration-backed loan at the prime lending rate plus 3.75 percent, which comes out to be roughly 7 percent.
Refinancing may not be possible in all cases, especially when borrowers have dug themselves too deeply into debt by taking on a string of online loans to repay previous ones similar to the vicious cycle that victims of payday lenders experience.
Despite any glitches, theres no sign that online lending will slow soon.
Some of the top names are expanding with the backing of Silicon Valley venture capitalists. Lending Club went public in late 2014 with a valuation of $9billion.
And big, traditional banks seeing their retail branch and lending operations shrink are looking to tap into the alternative lending market.
JPMorgan Chase recently signed a partnership with OnDeck, and JPMorgan will use the online lender to offer rapid access to small-business loans. The service operates with JPMorgans name and capital.
Some of the money thats flowing into online lenders is being recycled into heavy marketing.
Berry, the auto shop owner, experienced this firsthand. Since paying off the Merchant loan, he receives regular mailings, emails and phone calls from similar cash-advance institutions.
They say, lsquo;So, youre saying you dont want the money? They try to make you feel stupid for not taking the money, says Berry.
Contact the writer: email@example.com or 714-796-4976 Twitter @LilyShumLeung
Safety is the word of the season
by Shelton on January 28th, 2016
filed under Cash Advances
Wouldn't it be nice if criminals took the holidays off? In reality, they don't, and I would venture to guess they may even thrive during this time of year. Talk about the Grinch that stole Christmas.
You don't have to look far to see a trend of seasonal criminal activity. Just check out the weekly police log or look at the posts being made on social media and you will quickly see what local crimes have residents concerned.
One such concern is thieves stealing unattended packages left on front porches. FedEx offers several tips on its website to help combat package theft. Some of the suggestions include requesting a signature for packages, having packages sent to the nearest FedEx Office where you can pick it up later, putting a hold on deliveries while on vacation, picking an alternate delivery place besides home and even scheduling your own delivery time.
The company also offers a free delivery manager service, which you can sign up for, and a delivery mobile app for your iPhone. More information can be found at www.fedex.com.
Another area of concern has to do with community mailbox break-ins. Last week's police log cited two separate reports, and another one was reported the week before.
"I noticed that I didn't receive mail for two days, which I knew was odd," explained Tracy resident Lindsay Ortiz, who lives in an area of Tracy that has seen multiple community mailbox break-ins. "I received a call from my bank stating that my credit card, newly issued with a chip, had attempted to be used in Stockton to withdraw money. Since I had never set up a PIN to take cash advances, the transaction was declined. I closed that account and reported the mail theft to Tracy Police Department and the post office."
Personally, I've never been a big fan of the community mailbox concept. I understand that the system might be easier for the person delivering the mail, but the grouping of boxes can also be an enticing target for mail thieves, instead of them going mailbox to mailbox.
The United States Post Office also offers a list of tips for postal customers with centralized (community) mailboxes, which can be found by visiting www.usps.com.
Quick cash loans under scrutiny in Virginia
by Shelton on January 27th, 2016
filed under Cash Advances
Marty Williams needed to pay off a loan quickly, and had his choice of 10 Lynchburg businesses that would copy his car's keys and take its title in exchange for money.
He used the cash to settle a years-old $150 loan from another lender after callers threatened jail time in March 2015 if he didn't pay the $400 they said he owed in interest, he said.
The disabled 52-year-old lives with his wife in Lynchburg and receives monthly Social Security checks of about $850. He called friends and family for a lifeline.
"They didn't really have money," Williams said.
Payday lending was legalized in 2002, giving Virginians a quick cash fix with minimal credit checks, but consumer advocates say it can prey on the poor.
The General Assembly is expected to take up several bills designed to tighten payday and title lending industry regulations in its upcoming session.
"It's a statewide problem," said Sen. Scott Surovell, a Democrat elected in November to the seat that includes eastern Fairfax, Prince William and Stafford counties. "And every time I get off I-81 it seems like I see four car title lenders."
Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring and Gov. Terry McAuliffe have vowed to support new rules.
Products require high interest rates
Payday loans are unsecured cash advances up to $500 where borrowers get no grace period and are generally required to repay the loan in two pay periods.
Instead of risking overdraft charges as high as $35, people opt for payday loans generally costing about $15 for every $100 borrowed, said an email from Amy Cantu, a spokeswoman for the Community Financial Services Association of America. The national organization represents more than 40 payday loan companies.
If interest rates were capped at 36 percent annual interest, fees on a two-week $100 loan would be $1.38.
Advocates in the title and payday lending industries argue high interest rates are necessary, because of the product's short-term nature.
"Consumers use payday loans to get through a financial pinch," Cantu said.
Borrowers repaid payday loans in an average of 45 days in 2014, according to State Corporation Commission reports on payday and car title lenders.
Title loans typically mature in 12 months and use a borrower's vehicle title as collateral.
Across Virginia, payday and title lenders provided roughly a quarter-million people with loans in 2014, the SCC report said.
Annual interest rates on payday loans averaged about 278 percent –equivalent to a two-week fee of about $10.50 for every $100 borrowed, the SCC report said.
Getting traction in the legislature
The Virginia General Assembly passed the Payday Lending Act in 2002 and car title lending was legalized in 2010.
In 2015, then-Del. Surovell proposed legislation keeping lenders from offering different loan products at the same location, he said.
The bill and several others restricting payday and title lenders were tabled in the House Commerce and Labor Committee, according to the Virginia Legislative Information System.
Surovell said his colleagues told him they delayed regulation to give lenders time to voluntary make changes in their businesses.
"I think the whole process is abusive, but some people feel that the industry is being evasive," Surovell said.
A year later, he said the voluntary changes have not materialized and hopes the climate in 2016 will be more favorable.
Clusters of lenders
Williams has no criminal record. When callers threatened his arrest he worried his right to carry a concealed firearm would be in jeopardy, even though failure to pay a debt is not a criminal offense in Virginia.
Out of options, Williams drove his 1998 Ford Explorer Sport to one of the three Lynchburg locations of Fast Auto Loans and traded his title for cash.
He already had a loan on his other vehicle and owed about $600 in three additional unpaid, short-term loans, he said.
In 2014, a quarter of the people given title loans in Virginia failed to make a monthly payment for more than 60 days, and 19,000 people had cars repossessed, the SCC report said.
Repossession and delinquency rates for purchased and financed cars averages less than 1 percent, according to a report from the credit reporting agency Experian.
Fast Auto Loans and its parent company, Community Loans of America, declined to comment.
In two studies conducted by the Center for Responsible Lending, researchers found correlations between lending store locations and neighborhoods with poor or minority groups.
"We suspect there is a lot of targeting there in terms of where they choose to put their stores," said Delvin Davis, a senior research analyst at the nonpartisan consumer advocacy group.
In Lynchburg, three title lending locations are clustered in the 2500 block of Memorial Avenue, where an average of 35 percent of people live below the federal poverty line — $23,834 for a family of four, according to 2014 US Census Bureau data.
Five more title lenders sit between the 3800 and 2100 blocks of Wards Road, where about 23 percent of residents — and about 40 percent of black or African American residents — live below the poverty line, census data said.
The cost of an emergency
With check in hand, Williams wired money to the debt collector, but quickly got behind on his title loan payment.
He also had a separate loan from CashNetUSA, a cash advance firm that lends money online or by telephone. "We've got you covered, cash for emergency expenses," said the cashnetusa.com homepage.
The next day, $450 was in Williams' account, he said.
Cashnet also tacked on an annual interest rate of 299 percent and a transaction fee of $67.50 — calculated as 15 percent of the advance amount, according to US District Court documents filed by Williams as part of his lawsuit against CashNet.
When Williams fell behind on his CashNet loan, the company began debiting his bank account, court documents said.
Virginia Legal Aid Society, Inc. Attorney Jeremy White filed a lawsuit in August against CashNet on Williams' behalf. White said 40 percent of his caseload involves title and payday loans.
Williams' case accused Cashnet of violating state and federal laws and settled for an undisclosed sum, White said. Williams has since paid off his outstanding debts.
Enova International, Inc., parent company of CashNet, was contacted but had no comment.
Changing products for new rules
Between 2002 and 2007, payday loans to Virginians increased from $165 million to roughly $1.3 billion, SCC reports said.
The General Assembly passed additional restrictions in 2008 limiting high-interest payday loans, Surovell said.
After the legislation passed, companies began offering open-ended lines of credit loans. The loans offer a grace period of 25 days and no term limit or interest rate caps on the debt, White said.
The number of borrowers seeking help from VLAS with what they think is a payday loan but is actually open-ended credit has increased, White said.
Companies also have designed alternatives for title loans utilizing the Depression-era Virginia Consumer Finance Act to loan, White said.
Under the Consumer Finance Act, amounts below $2,500 can be loaned with a maximum interest rate of 36 percent, but there is no rate restriction over $2,500.
The loans can still use a car's title as collateral, White said.
"It looks like a title loan, smells like a title loan, but they say it's not," White said.
When TitleMax added a consumer finance subsidiary to Virginia lending locations, loan amounts received between 2013 and 2014 increased 40 percent, but total loans only increased 16 percent, a Surovell press release said.
Between 2014 and 2015, lending companies TitleMax, Anderson Financial Services, Check into Cash of Virginia and Community Loans of America contributed about $650,000 to both Democrats and Republicans, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
Attorney General Herring worked with Surovell to introduce bills capping interest rates on consumer finance loans and open-ended lines of credit, Communications Director Michael Kelly said.
A bill enhancing reporting requirements and prohibiting car title and consumer finance lenders from opening in the same location or near military bases and casinos is also expected, Kelly said.
Advocates like White hope that legislators will pass the proposed rules eliminating some of the legislative gray areas on open-ended and consumer finance loans.
"Then you at least have the backstop of limiting this cycle of debt," White said. "And that's a step in the right direction."
Fired Ohio State band director's lawyers seek to withdraw
by Shelton on January 27th, 2016
filed under Personal Funding
Attorney David Axelrod, the former federal lawyer, said he could not provide further information on Waters legal bills. The effort had been supported in part by a legal fund set up by the celebrated bands alumni association, which stood behind Waters after the firing.
Were fully dedicated to our clients well-being and wish Jon, for whom we have the utmost respect, the best of luck, Axelrod told The Associated Press. Its very difficult for us to withdraw from representing him, but the specifics regarding our relationships with our clients have to remain between us and our clients.
The development could spell the end of Waters efforts to fight his July 2014 termination.
Ohio State fired him after it determined that he ignored a sexualized culture inside the celebrated band of students marching in their underwear, performing sexually themed stunts and distributing a songbook filled with profane lyrics. Waters has denied that he ignored matters, saying he was working to improve the culture.
His federal suit alleges he was a victim of gender discrimination on grounds the university gave a second chance to a female employee facing similar allegations.
It paints Waters as a scapegoat whose firing was used to show the school was serious about fighting sexual harassment amid a federal investigation. The litigation seeks Waters reinstatement and $1 million in damages.
Waters also is pursuing a separate defamation case in the Ohio Court of Claims. Its unclear whether that will also be affected by his financial situation.
In an email, a university spokesman declined to comment on the attorneys request to withdraw.
Waters said he was saddened that money has become a problem.
Im still saying what weve said since Day One: We are here to clear my name and to clear the names of thousands of alums who have been affected by this situation, Waters said. Its unfortunate that finances have gotten in the way of justice here, but we are evaluating our options.
In their filings Wednesday, his attorneys asked the judge to release them from the case and allow Waters time to engage new lawyers.
Waters said its unclear whether hell be able to proceed even if the judge grants the delay.
Whether it was personal funding or monies that others have given for the promotion of our case, we were just not in a position to pay the attorneys anymore, he said.
CHED execs face probe over P1.2-B scholarship fund
by Shelton on January 26th, 2016
filed under Cash Advances
In its 2014 annual audit report released this week, COA noted that out of the P5.2 billion appropriated in 2014 for college scholarships, grants-in-aid and study-now, pay-later loans, about P1.23 billion remained unspent due to the CHED's low absorptive capacity.
COA also noted several irregularities in the disbursement of the scholarship fund, including unliquidated cash advances, ineffective monitoring and other operational lapses that resulted in "internal control weaknesses in the processing and releasing of claims."
CHED's Stufap includes scholarships ranging from P15,000 to P30,000 per academic year, grants-in-aid and study-now, pay later loans.
The lawmaker said he would file a similar resolution this week to investigate the reported P3.13-billion unliquidated fund received by CHED through the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP).
The audit body, in its report, also noted "inadequate monitoring mechanisms and enforcement of the liquidation/refund thereof from recipient SUCs."
COA said such funds were meant to upgrade infrastructure in state universities and colleges, and fund grants-in-aid programs and researches.
"Where did these funds go? Why have these funds remain unliquidated? Clearly, there is something fishy going on. Congress needs to look into this matter, and see whether criminal acts – even corruption–have transpired," the lawmakers said.
"We are particularly concerned since these monies come from the controversial DAP," Ridon said.
CHED's failure to release the scholarship fund "highlights the deception of the Aquino government in repeatedly boasting that it has increasingly expanded spending on education… but in reality, the budget it has allotted failed to reach those students who need it the most because of inefficiency and shady practices in the bureaucracy," said Vin Buenaagua, national coordinator of Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan.
CHED has yet to comment on the COA report, although it earlier informed state auditors that it would conduct its own investigation into the supposed violation of existing guidelines for the release of student financial assistance.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines and its attached institutions like the Philippine General Hospital will receive an allocation of P11.8 billion in this year's budget, or about P1 billion higher than what was proposed by the national government. – With Janvic Mateo


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Brace yourselves, people -- we are now officially one step closer to finding out Teen Mom Kailyn Lowry's baby name. She's dropped a few hints in the past, but her latest reveal officially takes the cake.
Up until now, Kailyn's been pretty private about her bun in the oven. And rightfully so! This is her child we're talking about here. Which is why I was pretty surprised by the shocking baby name confession she made for the world to see.
Kailyn tweeted:
Girl names that start with H or L! #readysetgo #BabyM girl or boy? ð���— Kailyn Lowry (@KailLowry) November 12, 2013
Hold on a second ... is she seriously still trying to tease the sex of the baby as if we don't already know? I mean, all signs point to girl -- and asking for girls' names doesn't really add to the mystery, either.
Anyway, back to this baby name. I kind of love that she revealed her ideal initials -- H or L ... so many options! Not to mention, it's super cool of Kailyn to include her fans in naming her baby. What if she ends up picking one of their suggestions? Let's see what they came up with:
- Heather
- Hanna
- Hayden
- Havana
- Hope
- Holly
- Hazel
- Hilary
- Hunter
- Lorna
- Lacee
- Lana
- Laura
- Levi
- Lillian
- Lexie
- Layne
- Love
Do you have any other baby name suggestions for Kailyn?
Image via KailLowry/Instagram

subset: commoncrawl


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I've finally made the leap from the bloggoshpere to the YouTube world. This is just a simple intro video so that you can get to know me and my background a little and have an idea of what's to come. This is a way for me to enhance future posts.
Thank you all so much for all of your continued support!
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
Check out both blogs:
Princesss Pea and Scrumptious Things
Princesss Pea and Pretty Things
Disclaimer: All products mentioned on this site were purchased by myself unless otherwise stated. I am not affiliated with any brand or company, nor do I receive any payment for my posts unless stated. Any, and all, opinions voiced on this blog are my own. I attempt to deliver honest and thoughtful opinions on all subjects.


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July 24, 2017 from 6pm to 6:30pm – Downtown Independent Gene Thompson wakes up knowing that the decision he has made will change his life forever. Ticket sales are live at this link and will also be available at the door! Showtimes:… Organized by Downtown Independent | Type: film
July 24, 2017 from 6:30pm to 8pm – Downtown Independent Blue Velvet Revisited is a documentary film based on hours of documentary footage that was filmed and photographed in 1985 in the USA, on the set of "Blue Velvet" of David Lynch. Peter Braatz obtai… Organized by Downtown Independent | Type: film


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Before I get back to being all heavy and serious – because life is heavy – and since I couldn't be bothered to read hardly anything on my vast, ever increasing reading list this summer – here's a taste of how I spent my summer (when I wasn't holding hands and praying with folks at hospital beds).
(cue frantic Fraggle Rock drumming)
I discovered audiobooks – free from the library. Yay! I listened to two nifty novels about smart and feisty southern ladies
- A Grown-Up Kind Of Pretty, by Joshilyn Jackson; and
- The Peach Keeper, by Sarah Addison Allen; buried secrets and magic are bound to come up eventually. And speaking of magic
- The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern; magic. circus. the past. the future
- The Twelve Tribes of Hattie, by Ayana Mathis; Sad and Beautiful and sometimes Difficult. But also good. Read this book.
- The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake, by Aimee Bender; finally. This has been on my list for years.
And for the YA crowd
- Matched, by Ally Condie; the first in a three-part series (because apparently teens only read books in series nowadays. Meh. Government control of all aspects of life, and you just know the people are going to rise up and fight the power – led by the youth. Not as good as Hunger Games (no Rue), but it's okay to listen to and now I'm curious to see how the series ends.
- Shiver, by Maggie Stiefvater; the first in the Wolves of Mercy Falls trilogy (I said – "threes"). Don't bother with this one. Werewolves are the new vampires. But witches are more interesting that werewolves, so maybe try
- The Discovery of Witches, by Deborah Harkness. I haven't read this, but I've read good things about it.
With all the audiobooks, not a lot of music this summer. But here's what I can't stop listening to now:
"Blurred Lines," by Robin Thicke. Mired in controversy and preemptive lawsuits, sure. And do we really need all the b*&#@s from TI? But this is a not heavy blog post. I will say, though, this song with its sly, playful and kinda sexy lyrics reminds me a lot more of His Royal Badness than Marvin Gaye. And it was so much fun that it made me also download Thicke's "Meiplé" with Jay-Z (who is having his own trifling summer).
It's really challenging to talk about music and keep things light, so just two more:
Icona Pop's "I Love It". enough said.
And the CD that I've been driving too all summer long: Motown Remixed, Volume 1. I can't even describe how hot this is. Motown classics with new beats courtesy of Z-Trip, ?uestlove and the Randy Watson Experience, DJ Smash, Salaam Remi, and more more more. Just Listen Now.
Since I ditched my television, most of my tv watching is via Netflix streaming, but it gets the job done.
- The much awaited Arrested Development was alright, but not as good as I remembered.
- Drop Dead Diva: Super fluff, but I went back and watched Seasons 1 and 2 just to catch up for Season 3. I can't get that time back.
- Dr. Who! Series Seven, Part 1. Mad thanks to Matthew and to Ariane for reminding me that I could watch this via Amazon Prime. And then, since my New Whovian nephew is getting his mother up to speed:
- Dr. Who from the 10th doctor. With
- Torchwood: Children of Earth thrown in for good measure. And since I already had the accent in my head anyway,
- Mistresses – the BBC version. All three series. Just a whole lot of poor choices there. And now I'm watching
- Alphas, season 2.
Alas, sweet summer, it was real. Now back to work.


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Here is the link to the original problem. Briefly, I was unable to plot a custom x-axis showing abbreviated months in a time series plot of a zoo object.
In the
plot.zoo() function set
xaxt = "n" to suppress plotting of the x-axis
Since I needed abbreviated months to be plotted as the x-axis, I loaded a csv file with the dates of the first of each month as follows and converted it to dates:
(I included Dec 2004, because otherwise "Jan" would not be plotted)
month < - read.csv("~/R/2005months.csv")
month$month < - as.Date(month$month, "%Y-%m-%d")
After the
plot.zoo command I added the following line –
axis(1, month$month, format(month$month, "%b"))
The solution was inspired by a post from Gabor Grothendieck on r-help. The original solution is still the only way to plot abbreviated months for time series plots of monthly averages.
R-bloggers.com offers daily e-mail updates about R news and tutorials on topics such as: Data science, Big Data, R jobs, visualization (ggplot2, Boxplots, maps, animation), programming (RStudio, Sweave, LaTeX, SQL, Eclipse, git, hadoop, Web Scraping) statistics (regression, PCA, time series, trading) and more...


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Just a few moments ago, a California judge ruled against Prop 8, which passed by a rather large margin in November 2008. Prop 8 banned same-sex marriage in the state of California, upholding the traditional value of marriage between one man and one woman. Californians demonstrated an enormous amount of guts and bravery when they voted their conscience. But, like in Iowa and Massachusetts, a judge decided that the democratic vote held by the people of their state was irrelevent. The judge overturned the vote after two gay couples (in San Francisco, of all places!) brought suit against the proposition, calling it a discriminatory law which denied civil rights.
I guess voting really is important...unless some judge disagrees with you.


text:
.5 oz. and 1.7 oz. nourishing serum for all skin types.
You're reviewing: Rhonda Allison Skincare Infuse 7
Linoleic/Oleic Acid (EFA Complex), Tocopherol (D-Alpha) -Vitamin E; Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Macadamia Nut Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Essential Oil Complex (Bergamont, Ylang Ylang, Sweet Orange and Lemon Peel essential oils).
On cleansed skin, apply one to three pumps to face and neck. Use morning and evening. Can be used with other moisturizers.


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On April 13th, CVA Shipyards was removed from the Curatores Veritatis Alliance. The shipyards was a manufacturing project of returnee Lady Grr which was making an effort to supply officially fitted ships to CVA members.
On April 15th, Khanid Guard was removed from the Curtores Veritatis Alliance. In an internal memo to the alliance, Executor Equinox stated
"As per title, [Khanid Guard] was removed due to complete inactivity and no leadership posting in CVA leaders forum. If any corps want to pick up their members that are active (if any) than feel free to."
This marks the 3rd corporation removed this month for inactivity and the 4th corporation this year. These 'corporation' losses were offset by a positive gain in membership by the joining of Deep Space Supplies, previously from Care Factor and Paxton Fed, and Drama Llamas, previously of Phobia.


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As a backpacker by trade, I revel in the opportunity to soak in a little bit of luxury whenever I can. England, with all its history and charm is one of the best places in the world to indulge in a little bit of luxury. There are few places on the planet where people put more emphasis on the finer things in life than in England. There are plenty of places within the country to indulge in these bits of luxury as well.
As much as you expected me to say London, I'll bet you didn't expect me to say Bournemouth right? But for me, there is nowhere better to experience luxury than on the beach. Get yourself on a yacht and cruise around the beautiful coastline of Southern England, or maybe just post yourself along the shore and enjoy some martinis. Hotel accommodation in Bournemouth too can be very good. For me, there's nothing sweeter than sitting on the balcony of a luxury hotel and just taking in the beautiful view of the sea, and there are few places in England better to do that then in Bournemouth.
Of all the cities in England, Leeds is my favourite to spend time in. Sure, London has the grandeur, but Leeds is far more quaint and actually feels much more English to me. It is also a brilliant place to take in a touch of luxury. Personally, I recommend that you check yourself into one of the fine boutique hotels in Leeds. From there, book yourself a chauffeur to escort you around the city visiting some of the attractions such as the Grand Theater. If you're looking for a bit of outdoor activity, check out Hyde park, or have a swing at one of the many golf courses in the Leeds area.
Ok, so London is a pretty obvious choice as a luxury destination in London. The beautiful city of London is one of the busiest travel destinations on the planet, and there are a wide variety of ways to treat yourself in the city. Head down to the theater district and grab a box seat to one of the famous musicals like the Lion King. If the decadence of afternoon tea is what you're after, head to Bloomsbury. And when you're ready to rest your head against a $3,000 a night pillow, check yourself into the beautiful Dorchester hotel.


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Whilst at work, me mate Ian Corbett from York rung me that a Pied-Billed Grebe had been found at Hollingsworth Lake, Greater Manchester. Fantastic, the grebe I was missing from the set. I finished work, got home and saw the images on Birdguides that the bird could be photographed reasonably close.
Next morning I drove to the Country Park, and the leaving birders all said the bird was showing.
I quickly walked the perimeter of the Lake, to where 50 odd birders were viewing the grebe which was showing across the small mere.
I had a walk down to the very small hide and entered, and to my amazement was virtually empty. Ivan Ellison was sat on the right hand side, and showed me some of his images on the back of his camera.
He explained that the bird would swim through the narrow channel, that joined the main lake (that the grebe was now favouring) back to the small mere.
I got into position as the bird was now right at the mouth of the channel, about to swim back into the small mere.
As it entered the channel, I got ready and the bird dived. It rose way off to the right having been underwater right past where i was sat. Typical! It then swam further off to right and seemed to roost for a while before wandering around the mere.
It then looked like it was about to swim left back through the channel, but turned back from where it had come from. Aaarrgghh!
I waited patiently and then all of a sudden it popped up right in front of the hide (which by now was heaving with twitchers).
I rattled numerous frames off as it was so close. There was no more room in the hide, and I felt I'd got what I'd gone for, so made my exit.
My good mate Mike Malpass was in the crowd getting images and all in all, I was glad I'd got down there early.


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Blaen Bran Close, Cwmbran
Guide Price £100,000 — On Market
Key Features:
HATHWAYS ESTATE AGENTS are delighted to offer to the market this MODERN GROUND FLOOR 2 bedroom flat with no onward chain set in a fantastic location close to local amenities and Nuffield Health fitness and well-being gym. The property comprises of an inner hallway leading to an open plan lounge/kitchen, two double bedrooms and bathroom. Further benefits include gas central heating, double glazing and an allocated parking space.
Smart Property Tour
Rooms & Measurements
- Kitchen/Living Room
- 18' 3'' x 15' 0'' (5.55m x 4.57m)
- Bedroom 1
- 11' 7'' x 9' 3'' (3.52m x 2.81m)
- Bedroom 2
- 9' 3'' x 9' 5'' (2.81m x 2.86m)
- Bathroom
- 8' 2'' x 5' 1'' (2.48m x 1.55m)
- .......
- Viewing: Viewing strictly by arrangement with Hathways Estate Agents. Telephone 01633 870777 e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com Please note: Hathways Estate Agents have an obligation to all of their vendors to ensure that any potential purchaser is in a position, financially, to be able complete a purchase. This will therefore mean that all offers will have to be verified by one of our qualified Mortgage Advisors. Please note: We like to save paper and The Environment! Please don't ask us to print a copy of these details unless it is absolutely necessary, ALL of the property information we hold is displayed on our websites and can be downloaded if required. Mortgage Advice: If you are interested in this property we would strongly recommend that you speak with one of our professional, friendly WHOLE OF MARKET mortgage advisors. It may cost you less than you think to buy this property and different lenders offer different deals! Please Note: IMPORTANT: Hathways Estate Agents are the seller's agent for the sale and marketing of the property described on these property particulars and your legal representative is legally responsible for ensuring that the purchase agreement fully protects your position as a purchaser. Hathways Estate Agents make relevant enquiries to the seller to ensure that the information provided is as accurate as possible. However, if you become aware that any of the information provided to you is inaccurate please inform Hathways Estate Agents as soon as possible so we can make the necessary correction. None of the services at the property have been tested, if appliances and/or systems are mentioned in the property description there is no guarantee that any of these appliances or systems are working so any potential purchaser is advised to have any mentioned items tested prior to any commitment to purchase. Any vehicular access/right of way mentioned must be verified by your legal advisors. If the sales details mention any outbuildings, extensions or any improvements the purchaser must ask their legal advisor to confirm that the necessary permissions have been granted for these items. Hathways Estate Agents accept no liability if the relevant permissions have not been obtained. The details provided make no part of any contract and cannot be relied upon for this purpose. We have not carried out a structural survey and the services, appliances and specific fittings have not been tested. All photographs, measurements, floor plans and distances referred to are given as a guide only and should not be relied upon for the purchase of carpets or any other fixtures or fittings. Gardens, roof terraces, balconies and communal gardens as well as tenure and lease details cannot have their accuracy guaranteed for intending purchasers. Lease details, service ground rent (where applicable) are given as a guide only and should be checked and confirmed by your solicitor prior to exchange of contracts. No person in the employment of Hathways Estate Agents has any authority to make any representation or warranty whatever in relation to this property. Purchase prices, rents or other prices quoted are correct at the date of publication and, unless otherwise stated, exclusive of VAT. Intending purchasers and lessees must satisfy themselves independently as to the incidence of VAT in respect of any transaction relating to this property. Data Protection We retain the copyright in all advertising material used to market this Property.


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Scottsdale Culinary Festival: Great Arizona Picnic
April 21, 2012 @ 12:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Imagine the largest community picnic you've ever seen. With 50+ food and beverage exhibitors in the picture perfect setting of Old Town Scottsdale, that is exactly what you have in the Great Arizona Picnic. All your traditional favorites can be found here from finger-licking BBQ to mouthwatering pizza to oh-so-delicious burgers and dogs. Not traditional? No problem. You can also find Mexican, Asian, Indian and Mediterranean cuisine at this Picnic. Even your favorite food trucks will be joining us this year! The best part, all the food is sample sized so you don't have to choose between the taco you've been craving and the crab cake you've been dying to try.
Unlike your family get togethers, the Great Arizona Picnic also offers the opportunity to listen to great, live music on three stages, explore five specialty areas, a VIP area and see two national celebrities, Adam Richman of Man v. Food and Andrew Zimmern of Bizarre Foods.
NEW AREA! This year we are featuring the all new NBA Experience brought to you by BBVA Compass, Johnsonville's Massive Big Taste Grill and and Food Truck Court!
Text SCFEST to 70000 for the chance to win tickets to the Great Arizona Picnic! Winners will be notified by Saturday, April 14. Message and data rates may apply. Valid with participating carriers only.
Prices listed above are for admission into the Great Arizona Picnic only. Food, beverages and specialty tent areas are not included in Picnic admission.
Sorry, our four-legged friends will have to sit this one out. Feel free to bring chairs, umbrellas, and blankets if you wish. No outside food, beverages or items that may cause damage to the grass will be allowed. Event space is handicap accessible.


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News About Other Films, and Human RightsDecember 8, 2008 at 2:54 am | Posted in activism, Chris Maue, film, stl, Theater | 2 Comments
Tags: film, Flaming Lips, Human Rights
In keeping with the constant stream of film review posts that Brian has been faithfully putting up for the last few days, I've got a few events you might want to keep your eye on as well –
Doerr Center for Social Justice Education is sponsoring a showing of Morgan Spurlock's documentary "What Would Jesus Buy." The event is at 1:30 in the Carlo Auditorium of Tegler Hall, 3550 Lindell Blvd. The Showing is free, and open to the public.
Also, don't miss Amnesty International's Sponsored Showing of "Invisible Children." at Lafayette High School from 6pm until 8pm, on Thursday the 11th. If you haven't seen this film yet, make a point to – it's a real eye opener.
December 10th is International Human Rights Day, as well as A Day Without Gay – a day to protest discrimination based on sexual orientation, by not showing up to work and calling in 'Gay'.
There are some pretty cool events going on in town, including a Day Without Gay Teach-in hosted on December 10th at the Tivoli Theater in the Loop. The event starts at 9am, and Concludes around 4pm, with a free screening of "Milk." More details can be found at http://showmenohate.blogspot.com/
Finally, The Webster Film Series will be showing "Christmastime On Mars," the psychadelic freak out Christmas feature, made over the course of six years by the Flaming Lips. The film features amazing performances by the band, especially Wayne Coyne as the alien superbeing that saves Christmas. The film shows December 12th, and 13th at 9pm, and the 14th at 7pm. General admission is $6.
More info on many of these events, as well as other happenings this week in St. Louis, can be found at the Show Me Progress Blog
"St. Louis Weather"July 8, 2008 at 7:16 pm | Posted in Environment, Matthew Hurst, Photo Essay, stl | 2 Comments
Tags: midwest, severe, Weather
Ever since I was a young lad I have heard people discuss this Midwestern city's propensity towards extreme fluctuation in weather patterns, using the aforementioned quote in the title as a colloquial shorthand for this phenomena. Like most Midwestern cities St. Louis is indeed to rapid temperature changes which often result in pressure changes – in the summer this brings in strong thunderstorms, and in the winter a sunny day could be the precursor to cold-air snowstorms (as seen in this photograph of snow fall on a sunny spring day). Of course I still find it curious that people in the metro area like to treat this as a local phenomenon rather than a regional in their particular attempt to describe such everyday life as part of "St. Louis Weather"…
Yellow PostsMay 28, 2008 at 1:51 am | Posted in Matthew Hurst, Photo Essay, stl | 6 Comments
Tags: alert, infrastructure, posts, yellow
Does anyone know the purpose served by these yellow posts erected around the city of Saint Louis? You've probably noticed these 5 foot high pieces of infrastructure posted around street corners throughout the city, as I have. And yet despite my research into it over the last year, I have yet to discover the purpose of these urban posts in any literature online or off.
Do they serve some sort of emergency warning infrastructure, or do they stand as a legacy to an early fire department system the community developed? Although I am not sure the answer is on Wikipedia, WikiLou, or anywhere on the internet, I'm sure the purpose served has got to be interesting. And if you know, I'm sure our readers would be interested.
(I have many more photos of these posts around town if anyone else is interested in this local phenomenon)
Ya' Digg?February 19, 2008 at 1:28 am | Posted in Matthew Hurst, Media, stl | 5 Comments
Tags: broadcast, digg, diggnation, lafayette square, live, moulin, Podcasts, revision3, taping, techtv
We're not sure how this slipped under our radar, but if you're a member of Digg you've probably already given the proverbial thumbs up to the upcoming Diggnation taping in Saint Louis this week. This live taping of the Revision3 show, which will take place this Wednesday February 20th at Moulin (in Lafayette Square), has stirred up controversy among those youngsters under 21 years who will cannot attend the venue. Although that shouldn't be much of a surprise considering the last episode of Diggnation was recorded amidst an Edward 40 Hands session, it seems drinks will be provided for those able to attend this local tapping of the nationally podcast/broadcast/interwebnetz phenomenom.
And while I must admit my personal ignorance to the Digg world, I couldn't be more excited for this show, which has achieved success from some of TechTV's finest alumni. For those who weren't there when Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht graced our broadcast televisions (or for those who rather wouldn't be a TWIT), these savers of the computer screen have come to save the attention deficit of a town riddled by the internet! It's difficult to describe their site, which caters to the internet generation with original broadcast-quality shows with shows that cater to culture available only over the internet, only to say that they'll be bringing their culture to our own bastion of eccentricity we call St. Louis. Here's hoping we'll see you there.
Keep up to date with events around Saint Louis as they are updated by subscribing to the Highway 61 (revised) calendar. It will e-mail you a daily agenda of the latest events, including those we nearly didn't have time to write about (like this one).
SuperFat Tuesday (and the Hangover)February 6, 2008 at 2:21 am | Posted in Illinois, KWMU, Matthew Hurst, Media, politics, stl | 1 Comment
Tags: all things considered, beads, bush, election, fat tuesday, hangover, mardi gras, missouri, npr, parade, party, primary
With apologies to Antonio French*:
Super Tuesday– Barack Obama and John McCain win Missouri and Illinois primaries. Wayne Root wins Missouri Libertarain primary, and Cynthia McKinney wins Illinois Green Party primary.
Fat Tuesday– Mardi Gras parade canceled due to inclement weather. Ash Wednesday imminent.
Watch Party– Missouri, Webster Groves, and The Royale featured on NPR's All Things Considered. George W Bush still President.
Keep down with politics (or at least parties) on Highway 61 (Revised)*
Links with Your Coffee SundayNovember 18, 2007 at 5:03 pm | Posted in Coffee links, Matthew Hurst, stl | Comments Off on Links with Your Coffee Sunday
Tags: activism, google, map, peace, protest, student, Tools, Wash U Peace Coalition
Sunday remains a day of the week that peple take to civic matters, and civic content becomes prevelant of Sunday morning talk shows, expanded commentary and analysis in our newspapers, and for some in their places of worship. No matter how use your civicly minded time, we thought we'd pass along this useful map our friends at the Wash U Peace Coalition (who you might remember from a student protest demonstration we mentioned previously).
It might be of limited use based on your political affiliation, but whether you support the organizations visually organized here at least you'll know where they are. This easily bookmarkable collection of varied activism organziations and elected representative's offices is an impressive use of Google maps for all your Sunday morning civics over a cup of coffee.
Emigrant SongAugust 15, 2007 at 2:55 pm | Posted in Concert, Matthew Hurst, stl | 1 Comment
Tags: disaster
Music fans: Bang your…hammers! Friends of the Mullanphy Emigrant Home will be hosting a benefit concert this Friday August 17th @ the Tin Ceiling on Cherokee and Compton. For a donation of only $7 to this historic landmark in desperate need of repair you can check out country/bluegrass flavors of The Monads, Red-Headed Strangers, and the Bearded Babies (of "Cherokee shuffle" fame).
And even if you can't make the concert, we encourage you to learn more about this building, and maybe even make a donation. You can learn more about the Emigrant House on their website, and keep up to date on the restoration effort via Ecology of Absence blog. Thanks to Michael Allen and What's New in Old North blog for the tips.
It's STILL Hot!August 8, 2007 at 1:47 pm | Posted in Matthew Hurst, stl, summer | 6 Comments
Tags: disaster, Weather
We know that it's not the heat (it's the humidity), but there are certain limits to these things. Then our favorite forecasters extended the excessive-heat warning for the St. Louis area. Even the evening brings no relief to the day's harsh rays – I measured nearly 90 degrees Fahrenheit at 1am this morning.
By now you've probably run through any of the heat beating activities we suggested earlier, so we thought we'd suggest a couple more activities to keep you cool in every sense of the terms. As for another post related to the weather, we're pretty sure even Ben Abell couldn't rule it out.
- We know Ted Drew's has bills to pay, but dairy products can make you sick in the heat. And although the downtown sno-cone stand is only open on Tuesdays, Sauce Magazine has the hookup on all the hydrating shaved-ice products for the lactose-itinerant this summer.
- If you must spend time outside, make sure it's reveling in the abundant, tasty resource that gives this city life whilst making our hot air unbearable – water. Public pools are packed, but we hear they're staying open a little later to help you cool off. And don't feel guilty taking advantage of your friend with pool access – they acquired access to become popular on days like these.
- Continue Reading It's STILL Hot!…
Links with Your Coffee – 7/29July 29, 2007 at 4:25 pm | Posted in blogs, Coffee links, contest, Etcetra, Matthew Hurst, stl | 1 Comment
Tags: Tools
We love sharing some of our favorite links with you so much we couldn't wait for it earlier this week. But while these links would have to wait, let that not detract from great work from some of our favorite local blogs. For those of you taking a lazy sunday, here's some links with your coffee when you wake up in the late afternoon.
- Seems like everyone is playing blog games these days. PubDef.net challenged us fill in the caption between Mayors Bloomberg and Slay, and Dividing by Zero keeps giving us a monday mystery mix/podcast that keeps us guessing the tracklisting.
- Imagine St. Louis without the Arch. BrickCity helps us visualize this idea, which raises more questions about how we use public space. As they say, "if your town doesn't have one, it sucks to be you".
- KDHX finally redesigned their website, but they could use your help.
- Continue Reading Links with Your Coffee – 7/29…
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Reliable Self Storage of Victorville, California
Reliable Self Storage of Victorville was established in 2006. With nearly 100,000 square feet of storage units, the best security system in the region, unequalled service, unbeatable prices and free move-in truck, we are the facility of choice in the area.
We also offer full United State Post Office services at the same prices as what you pay at the Main Post Office. It is staffed with efficient and courteous personnel, providing fast service and always eager to help you.
- 16 video cameras recording 24/7
- 14ft walls around the facility
- Individually alarmed units
- Electronic gates operating with your code
- Moving and packing supplies available
- Well lit and very clean facility
- Managers residing on site
- Easy drive-up access to all units
- Seniors, Military and Students discounts
- Move-in Specials to fit your requirements
- Free move-in truck
- Facility is opened 7 days per week
- Office is opened 7 days per week
- No deposits required
We also have a United States Post Office Contract Unit on site, selling at the same price as the Main Post Office