Monthly Archives: September 2010

Near-miss of Earth underscores need to deal with asteroid threat

Photo of an AsteroidTwo asteroids passed between the orbits of the Earth and moon Wednesday, putting the spotlight on efforts to prevent a catastrophic asteroid impact.

Boehner fuels Bush tax cuts buzz with hint of G.O.P. compromise

bush tax cuts make headlinesRepublicans say if the rich can't keep the Bush tax cuts, no one can. But John Boehner, looking ahead to mid-terms, is softening his stance.

MERS speeds mortgage process, yet raises serious concerns

Foreclosed Palm Springs, Calif., home with a graffiti message on the garage door that reads "Mortgage fraud by Mission Hills Mortgage."MERS is a corporation whose electronic process streamlines mortgage paperwork. However, serious legal concerns may point to mortgage fraud…

Some homebuyer tax credits were low interest loans

IRS buildingNearly a million people must repay the homebuyer tax credit they filed for. They got low interest loans for getting loans for a home.

Tropical storm Igor turns into Hurricane Igor

HurricaneTropical Storm Igor became Hurricane Igor recently, and the Category Four storm is headed toward Bermuda. It may become a Category Five.

More skin in the game a key to preventing another housing crisis

higher down payments, aka skin in the gameHigher down payments on mortgage loans are one of many reforms experts say the federal government continues to avoid.

Pentagon to buy Operation Dark Heart first print for book burning

burning books fires up salesIn an unprecedented attempt at censorship, the Pentagon wants to buy the entire first printing of Operation Dark Heart, an intelligence officer's memoir.

Senate confirms Austan Goolsbee as economic council chair

A public domain file photo portrait of Austan Goolsbee, who was approved by the Senate to chair the Obama administration's White House Council of Economic Advisers.Austan Goolsbee has been selected as chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advisers. Will he create change Americans can believe in?

Accident victims could have crash tax to go with deductible

Photo of a car that his a house.If you get in an accident away from home and emergency medical service comes to the scene, you get billed regardless of fault or injuries.

Agency says e-cigs need FDA approval as drug delivery devices

electronic cigarettes risky as tobaccoThe FDA has warned electronic cigarette companies to stop claiming they help smokers quit and to stop making them with poisonous chemicals.

Bite bedbugs back with the facts (Pt. 2)

A close-up of bedbug fecal matter and discarded exoskeletons on the side of a mattress.Bedbugs are icky, but they aren't as bad as you think. Here are some tips for dealing with them. Watch out, though - it can get pricey...

The top 6 things you do not know about bedbugs (Pt. 1)

A close-up of a bedbugThere are bedbug myths and bedbug facts. Discover the top six things you should know about the pests, which are quite expensive to be rid of…

U.S. basic labor suffers due to aggressive tech industry staffing

A group of people holding up signs during a rally.The U.S. labor industries are suffering lack of talent because many of the country's top talent are being recruited by the tech industries...

Two Federal Reserve banks want higher rates on emergency loans

Rocket LaunchIn recessions, the Federal Reserve keeps interest rates on emergency loans to banks low. A few regional Fed banks want rates raised a bit...

Falling credit card debt hurts economy, helps lending industry

reigning in consumer spendingFalling credit card debt drags on consumer spending and economic growth, but it helps credit card companies stabilize earnings and losses.

Jobless claims decline and trade deficit recedes

Loading dockJobless claims declined over the last month, and the trade deficit has also been reduced. These are good signs, but they indicate slow growth.

Truce in Apple/Flash feud called with open app approval process

a synopsis of the apple flash feudThe Adobe Flash/Apple feud ended now that Apple announced a transparent app approval process that allows cross-platform development tools...