Mortgage rates 4.15

by Newspark | 15:20 in , |

Mortgage rates  4.15

Mortgage rates  4.15. Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), showing mortgage rates, fixed and adjustable, reaching all-time record lows providing further incentive for those homeowners looking to refinance. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.15 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending Aug. 18, 2011, down from last week when it averaged 4.32 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.42 percent. The 30-year fixed average of 4.15 percent, breaks the previous record low of 4.17 percent set on Nov. 11, 2010.The 15-year FRM averaged 3.36 percent, with an average 0.6 point, down from last week's totals when it averaged 3.50 percent. Last year at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 3.9 percent.

"The Federal Reserve's policy statement last week and ongoing market concerns over the European debt market carried momentum into this week allowing all mortgage products in our survey to reach all-time record lows," said Frank Nothaft, vice president and chief economist for Freddie Mac. "For instance, 30-year fixed mortgage rates are now the lowest in over 50 years. In comparison, the Bureau of Economic Analysis estimated the average effective mortgage rate was about 5.3 percent on single-family loans outstanding during the second quarter of 2011."

The five-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) averaged 3.08 percent this week, with an average 0.5 point, down from last week when it averaged 3.13 percent. A year ago, the five-year ARM averaged 3.56 percent. The one-year Treasury-indexed ARM averaged 2.86 percent this week with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 2.89 percent. At this time last year, the one-year ARM averaged 3.53 percent.

"Not surprising, many homeowners took advantage of this low mortgage rate environment and have already refinanced their loans," said Nothaft. "The refinance share of applications averaged nearly 70 percent of all mortgage activity in the first half of this year, according to our survey. In addition, an increasing share of refinancing borrowers chose to shorten their loan terms during the second quarter, according to Freddie Mac's Quarterly Product Transition Report."

Crackdown on Gladiator impersonators in Rome

by Newspark | 06:31 in |


Crackdown on Gladiator impersonators in Rome
Crackdown on Gladiator impersonators in Rome. Undercover police have donned togas, capes and sandals to stop a turf battle among Italians who impersonate gladiators outside the Colosseum and other landmarks in Rome and make money by posing for camera carrying tourists.
The trade has been tolerated for years, but that was before about 20 of the practitioners began assaulting and intimidating their competitors to take over lucrative tourist spots such as the Colosseum, the Forum and the Vatican, officials and police said Friday.

So police decided to intervene disguised as gladiators, garbage collectors and tourists, but their operation at the ancient arena and the nearby Piazza Venezia wasn't easy.

On Wednesday, police impersonating gladiators were attacked when they told competitors to leave the scene, but police dressed as garbage collectors and tourists came to their rescue.

The Rome newspaper Il Messaggero said one suspect demanded the money a woman tourist had paid for a photo of herself with a gladiator, but it turned out the pair in the photograph were both undercover officers.

Italian media carried photos or TV footage showing a handcuffed gladiator being taken away and a policeman pretending to be a tourist wrapping an arm around a gladiator's neck.

None of the civilian gladiators were arrested while the probe continues.

Police estimate that about 30 such tradesmen are scattered around Rome's top tourist attractions on a normal day, the majority around the Colosseum, where in the city's ancient glory days real gladiators engaged in combat to the thrill of the masses.

In future, such crackdowns may be easier.

Antonio Gazzellone, the mayor's point man for tourism, said there are no regulations controlling the activity of such gladiators but that parliament is considering a law that would allow police to quickly intervene in case of aggressive behavior by the impersonators.

Source: kold

Now use Facebook to kick the butt

by Newspark | 06:28 in , , , |


Now use Facebook to kick the butt

Now use Facebook to kick the butt. Nicorette, the leading provider of smoking cessation products, will launch the first Facebook application aimed at helping the 120 million Indian smokers (according to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2009-2010), quit the habit of smoking.
To be launched on Independence Day, the new Nicorette Facebook application 'Nicorette® Support is designed to help Indians gain independence from tobacco.


By moving beyond the 'like' and 'wall' features of Facebook, Nicorette has attempted to maximize the true potential of social networking by reaching out in a personalized manner to people struggling to kick the butt and supporting and guiding them through the process.

The personalized approach of the 'Nicorette Support' application takes into consideration factors like each individual's quit timeline, reasons for quitting, smoking triggers and craving patterns. This information enables the application to perform the role of a supportive friend who understands the quitter's needs and supports him accordingly.

The application can also help quitters find a 'quit buddy' who has a similar quit date or has kicked the butt around the same time to share experiences with. By feeding in moments of temptation when the craving is at its peak, quitters can track their temptation cycle, compare the where, how, when and use Facebook to make the whole process much more achievable and goal oriented.

Nicorette, the global leader in smoking cessation products, was launched in India by Johnson and Johnson Ltd, in December 2010. Currently their product range includes two mg and four mg smoking cessation chewing gums based on the WHO recommended Nicotine Replacement Therapy that helps combat nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

Through this application, Nicorette will reach out to the 25 million plus Indian Facebook users and act like a trusted friend and partner through the quit journey.

Gautam Suri, General Marketing Manager, Consumer Division, Johnson and Johnson Ltd, states"Nicorette is not just a nicotine gum but a complete infrastructure and support system for smokers trying to overcome their addiction.

With more than 46 percent of smokers intending to quit due to health hazards as per the Global Adult Tobacco Survey of India in 2009-10, Nicorette will play a critical role by helping consumers in the journey to quit."

In India smoking is still frowned upon socially and quitters find it hard to seek support especially from parents and family elders, which can sometimes result in quitters feeling isolated and depressed.

The new Nicorette Facebook application enables a much needed feeling of community and also ensures higher chances of success.

According to Dr. Prakash Chandra Gupta, Director, Healis - Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Mumbai and visiting scientist, Harvard School of Public Health, "Nicotine is one of the most addictive substances known to man and therefore for a smoker to quit successfully it is imperative to get support.

This initiative of Nicorette is a commendable attempt to use social media for a larger societal cause and promote a smoke free India."

Nicorette is a stop-smoking quit aid in the form of a sugar-free nicotine gum. It helps to reduce nicotine cravings that make quitting smoking so hard. It allows smokers to take control of their nicotine craving and doubles their chances of quitting.

Source: timesofindia

Gold price tops $1,700 as investors seek refuge

by Newspark | 09:03 in , , |

Gold price tops $1,700 as investors seek refuge

The price of gold streaked past $1,700 an ounce for the first time Monday. Anxious investors sought safety in the metal as stocks tumbled around the world after the U.S. lost its AAA credit rating.

Gold's allure stems in part from fears that the world's major economies are dangerously indebted. Its value, unlike that of a currency, doesn't hinge on whether countries can make their bond payments.

Standard & Poor's on Friday cut the long-term credit rating for the U.S. by one notch to AA+, deepening investor fears about a weakening U.S. economy. The move may have been expected, but economists say its impact is still unclear, and the downgrade could hurt the economy. For example: Rates on mortgages could rise, further damaging the U.S. housing market.

"The U.S. and global economy are in a feeble `rehab' recovery and a trifecta of shocks has hit the economy -- surging oil prices, the Japan disruption and the debt crises in Europe and the U.S," wrote Ethan Harris, a Bank of America Merrill Lynch economist. The downgrade could potentially be "the `straw that breaks the camel's back,' " he said.

A debt crisis in Europe threatens to destabilize financial markets. Investors are worried that Spain or Italy, two of the world's major economies, could get priced out of the bond markets and default on their debts.

That's one reason why gold has appealed to investors in the aftermath of the Great Recession. While the euro currency has been pressured because of concern that European countries could default, the value of gold isn't tied to any country's balance sheet.

Gold soared $61.40, or 3.7 percent, to settle at $1,713.20 on Monday. It reached a record high of $1,723.40 per ounce during the day.

Still, adjusted for inflation, an ounce of gold remains below its 1980 peak of $850, which translates into about $2,400 in today's dollars.

Investors have turned to gold as the appeal of the dollar -- the world's biggest reserve currency and traditionally a safe bet for investors -- has ebbed. The dollar has lost some of its allure because of concerns about the country's ability to pare its debt, the flagging U.S. economic recovery and measures the Federal Reserve has taken to support the economy.

Gold's price has nearly doubled in price since the start of 2009, and its climb accelerated this summer.

The metal has become another currency, said George Gero, vice president at RBC Global Futures. The euro and dollar are weighed down by debt concerns. There was concern about the yen and Swiss franc, which investors also regard as safe havens, after moves by the central banks of Switzerland and Japan last week to curb the gains in their currencies.

"Investors have been concentrating on acquiring an asset that preserves purchasing power," Gero said. Last week's panicked stock selling also heightened gold's appeal.
Source:yahoo.com

Tory councillor Bob Frost suspended racist Facebook

by Newspark | 07:22 in |

Tory councillor Bob Frost suspended racist Facebook
 Tory councillor Bob Frost suspended racist Facebook. A Tory councillor has been suspended after he made racist remarks about rioters. Bob Frost, who is also a secondary school maths teacher, described those involved in disturbances last week as 'jungle bunnies' on his Facebook page.The 49-year-old posted the insult, referring to the riots in London on August 7, less than 24 hours after trouble flared in Tottenham, north London

He had been elected to Dover District Council to represent the Conservative Party in May.

Mr Frost teaches at Sir Roger Manwood’s Grammar School in Sandwich and describes himself as a 'right-wing libertarian'.

The remark was removed from his Facebook page after he received a phone call from another Conservative party member.

Mr Frost then wrote on Facebook: 'I have just had a phone call that accused me of racism for my above posting.

'Looking at the dictionary it would appear that the term jungle bunnies is perjorative [sic] and is a racist slur relating to African-Americans.

'Needless to say I did not mean to use any offensive racist term and was referring to the urban jungle.'

The councillor, who represents north Deal, added: 'As for the bunny bit it was originally animals but I thought people might object to me calling fellow humans this so I chose something I thought was innocuous and also cuddly.'

Mr Frost's apology was also taken down after he received another phone call from a fellow Conservative representative.

The councillor has been suspended from the party and an investigation into the comments has been launched before a panel decides what action to take.

Mr Frost said: 'What I said was wrong and I apologise unreservedly. I am mortified by the offence that I have caused and have deleted these comments. I am very sorry.'

Read more: dailymail

Britons drink 5,800 pints

by Newspark | 07:09 in , , |


Britons drink 5,800 pints
 Britons drink 5,800 pints. Britons drink 5,800 pints in their lifetime and suffer 726 hangovers, according to a new study. The study, based on a survey of 2,000 people, found that Britons drink at least three nights a week and have nine drinks in total -- which works out at 468 a year.
However, while over half (57 per cent) sip a beverage in the comfort of their own home, just 17 per cent say they regularly visit the pub.

The resulting bar bill comes to an eye-watering 58,201 pounds over a lifetime, the ''Daily Mail'' reported.

The poll, by Benenden Healthcare Society, also revealed a fairly widespread dependency on alcohol.

The average Briton starts experimenting with alcohol at the tender age of 14. Four out of 10 admitted they can''t go longer than a week without having a drink, while 10 per cent said they would struggle to make it through just two days without cracking open a bottle.

Popular reasons for indulging included drinking to "unwind" and "escapism", the survey found.

Kay Burley admits to having a facelift

by Newspark | 15:42 in , |

Kay Burley admits to having a facelift
 Kay Burley admits to having a facelift. Kay Burley, the often controversial Sky News presenter, reportedly treated herself to a facelift after celebrating her 50th birthday. The anchor first went under the knife around a decade ago, but experts believe a new "subtle procedure" has helped her roll back the years, according to the Daily Mirror .Burley, who once claimed she is under no pressure to maintain her youthful appearance, has allegedly undergone a "tightening" of the jawline to help redefine its shape. Surgeon Alex Karidis explained, "There was a slight jowl before, but that's softened and much more clean. Also, the nose to mouth lines are not as evident now.But that could be injectable fillers". The presenter, who has worked for Sky News since November 1988, reportedly makes a conscious effort to stay "trim", running up to four times a week and performing aerobics exercises. The alleged facelift has already been criticised by former television host Fiona Phillips, who said, "If holding back the years rocks Kay's boat that's her business.But as she was voted 'most desirable' presenter on satellite for three years on the trot, I reckon she's unnecessarily worried over her boat race".
The presenter has often courted controversy during her time at Sky. In 2008, she was alleged to have been involved in a scuffle with photographer Kirsty Wigglesworth during a media scrum outside a courthouse.

Source: contactmusic

Mark Fowler dies Sydney

by Newspark | 15:35 in , |

Mark Fowler dies Sydney
Mark Fowler dies Sydney. A British Thai kick-boxing champion has died during a fight in Sydney, prompting calls for tighter regulation of the sport. Mark Fowler, 35, collapsed in front of spectators after fighting five rounds on Saturday night and failed to regain consciousness. He died on Monday afternoon of head injuries. Mr Fowler, a British citizen who lived in Australia, was the World Boxing Council (WBC) Muay Thai Lightweight champion for New South Wales.

Graham Annesley, the New South Wales sports minister, has ordered an inquiry into the death, which occurred after a NSW World Muay Thai Council event in Sydney's south-west.

"I have also instructed the Office of Communities to implement any additional precautions considered necessary to ensure all similar upcoming events fully comply with current legislation and safety requirements," Mr Annesley said.

The death will also be investigated by the coroner.

Source: telegraph

Prince Charles receives rap CD during Tottenham visit

by Newspark | 15:33 in , |

Prince Charles receives rap CD during Tottenham visit
Prince Charles receives rap CD during Tottenham visit. Prince Charles does not seem the most obvious person to be a fan of rap music but that did not stop a man in Tottenham giving him a hip hop CD. The Prince of Wales was assured by the rapper that the music on the album was "reasonable" as he visited areas in London that were affected by last week's riots. Accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, Prince Charles met families whose homes were burned down and volunteers who have been helping them.

On a visit to Tottenham Green Leisure Centre in north London, the royal couple saw first hand the emergency relief effort that sprung into action to help those affected get their lives back on track.

The Prince's Trust has announced a £2.5 million investment in the places hardest hit across the country.

Source: telegraph

Robyn Gardner’s boyfriend speaks on ‘Today’ about Aruba trip

by Newspark | 11:59 in , , |

Robyn Gardner’s boyfriend speaks on ‘Today’ about Aruba trip


Robyn Gardner (Courtesy of Richard Forester) The family and friends of a Frederick woman who is missing in Aruba have begun speaking out about her as two high-profile morning television shows, “Today” and “Good Morning America,” began covering her story Thursday.

Andrew Colson, Robyn Gardner’s brother, told ABC 7 that he believes Gardner is still alive, despite having been missing since August 2. Gardner’s companion on the trip, Gary Giordano, is being held in connection with her disappearance, but he has not been charged with a crime.

“My gut feeling and instinct is that she is out there somewhere to be found,” Colson said.

He described Gardner as a “very loving, caring and kind person.”

Giordano, of Gaithersburg, told authorities that Gardner disappeared during a snorkeling trip.

Richard Forester, Gardner’s boyfriend, said he doubted the story that Gardner disappeared while snorkeling, since exploring the ocean underwater is not the type of activity that would interest her.

“She’s too concerned about her hair, her makeup,” Forester told ”Today.” He also said he thought Gardner would probably have had “a couple of drinks” by the time they were supposed to have gone snorkeling, so she would be disinclined to get get in the water.

Forester, of Bethesda, said he did not know Gardner was traveling with Giordano. He also said that Gardner had posted a message on his Facebook wall during her trip that said, “This sucks,”--but added that he couldn’t be sure what, in particular, Gardner was referring to. Forester said the posting was followed by a Facebook message from Gardner that said: “I love you. I care about you. We’ll sort this out when I get back.”

The Associated Press reported that people who knew Gardner said photos of her tattooed, bikini-clad body, belie her quiet nature. Gardner enjoyed reality TV and traveling, and was a tennis player and a jogger, those close to her said. She had recently been laid off from a job as a scheduler at a dentist’s office, AP reported, and she had previously worked as a model.

Gardner graduated from South Carroll High School in Sykesville, Md. in 1994. Forester said she had taken some college classes but didn’t have a degree, according to the AP.

Christina Jones, a friend and part-time roommate of Gardner, told the Associated Press Gardner is a “trusting person” and a “hardworking, loyal, standup female.”
Source:www.washingtonpost.com

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