Verizon confirms Motorola RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD available October 18th

When Verizon said the RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD would be out before the holidays, it wasn't kidding. October the 18th is the big day if you're after some of the sharp-sounding Motorola action. The 8-megapixel, NFC-enabled RAZR HD , if you recall, sports a 4.7-inch 720p display, running ICS (Jelly Bean update in the works) on that dual-core S4 chip. If you cast your memory back once more, you'll remember that the RAZR MAXX HD has the same sized screen, but the real killer feature is that 3,300 mAh battery. The RAZR HD will set you back $200, in either black or white with 16GB storage, the MAXX, however will run you an extra $100, and has double the storage. So, which one gets your money?

Filed under: Cellphones, Mobile, Microsoft, Verizon

Verizon confirms Motorola RAZR HD and RAZR MAXX HD available October 18th originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink   |  Verizon  | Email this | Comments

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2012/10/11/verizon-confirms-razr-hd-and-razr-maxx-hd-available-october-18th/

courtney stodden Ncaa Football Scores Mia Love Plaquemines Parish paul ryan alabama football michigan football

Bankers growing more worried about student loans

By Allison Linn, TODAY

Here?s the good news: Bankers seem pretty confident that most Americans will continue to pay off most of their consumer debt on time.

Here?s the bad news: They?re not nearly as optimistic about Americans? ability to deal with ballooning student loan debt.

A new quarterly survey of U.S. banks? risk managers finds that more than six in 10 expect student loan debt delinquencies to increase in the next six months. Only about 13 percent expect delinquencies to decrease.

The survey of 215 risk managers, released Tuesday by the credit risk analysis firm FICO, shows that student loan delinquencies have been worrying bankers for most of the year. Nearly 64 percent of the bankers surveyed in the previous quarter had predicted an increase in student loan delinquencies, and about half were expecting such a rise when the survey was conducted in the first three months of the year.

The survey found that bankers were much more optimistic about Americans? ability to pay off other types of debt.

About two-thirds of the bankers surveyed said they expected delinquency rates on credit card debt to stay the same or go down in the next six months. About three-fourths were expecting delinquency rates for car loans and residential mortgages to stay flat or go down.

Despite worries about rising student loan debt, it appears Americans are continuing to borrow heavily to fund their education. On Friday, the Federal Reserve reported that consumer credit for things like car and student loans rose by nearly $14 billion in August from July. In total, U.S. consumer credit rose by more than $18 billion in August.

Financial experts have traditionally said that it?s OK to borrow some money to pay for college because the investment should pay off with higher earnings and more stable employment. In recent years, many adults also have flocked back to school in the hopes that more education would give them an edge up in a tight job market that increasingly prizes specialized skills.

But the high cost of college and easy access to student loans have left some Americans deeply burdened by debt.

According to the College Board, for students who received a bachelor's degree in the 2007-08 academic year, the median debt load was about $7,960 for public institutions, $17,040 for private, not-for-profit institutions and $31,190 for-profit institutions. The figures include students who graduated with no debt.

Related:

Student loans, backed by government, crushing families?

?Economy leaves many returning students disappointed, deep in debt

Loving the job, but hating the student loan debt

{"contentId":"14322987","totalVotes":"17078"}

How worried are you about student loan debt?

Source: http://lifeinc.today.com/_news/2012/10/10/14322987-bankers-growing-more-worried-about-student-loans?lite

mothers day gifts clippers lisa lampanelli lisa lampanelli bronx zoo memphis grizzlies celebrity apprentice

Evolve dives in ? Crystal clear future for Australian swimming pools

Clontarf based Evolve Composites Pty Ltd (Evolve) today announced the addition of Poolrite?s Magnapool product range to their ever growing stable of quality innovative products.

The company has the exclusive rights to manufacture, market, sell and distribute the Magnapool range of mineral water swimming pool equipment and associated Poolrite products.

Evolve is based in Brisbane and manufactures and distributes the Australian-made Polyslab and Evo-Crete range.

Evolve has an extensive distribution network and well established sales and marketing channels into the largest wholesale and retail plumbing, irrigation and home improvement stores across Australia, New Zealand and the USA.

Evolve managing director Ty Hermans continues to buck the growing trend which has seen manufacturing move offshore. Evolve will continue to use its business model which focuses on Australian-made products, through innovative design and manufacturing, using Australia?s largest wholesalers and retailers as distributors.

?We are proud to ensure the ongoing supply of Australian-made Magnapool and Poolrite products well into the future,? said Mr Hermans.

Magnapool was started in 2005 by entrepreneur Ross Palmer and, with over 7000 Australian swimming pool installations using the mineral science therapy, Magnapool went on to find success in international markets.

?Evolve shares similar philosophies with Mr Palmer and Magnapool in regard to continued innovation and its critical importance to the ongoing development of Australia?s economy and export opportunities.?

Evolve will immediately start production to ensure that all customers receive stock.

?Leading up to what looks like a nice and hot summer we want to make sure that existing Magnapool owners have all the supplies they need to ensure their pool is crystal clear for the holiday season,? said Mr Hermans.

?All of our plans are long-term for the ongoing success of the Magnapool range of products. Most importantly, the changes that are made now will ensure that the business is even bigger in years to come. We have plans for rapid growth both here in Australia but also internationally through our vast distribution network.

?Mineral pools offer considerable benefits over conventional chlorine and saltwater systems. We believe that every pool owner in Australia should have access to the Magnapool system and we now look forward to expanding its market and making this possible.?

Queensland will benefit from the expected growth with additional jobs created in the future with Evolve as all manufacturing operations are planned to remain in Brisbane.

Source: http://www.redcliffecitynews.com.au/evolve-dives-in-%E2%80%93-crystal-clear-future-for-australian-swimming-pools/

Foo Canoodle Isaac path Tropical Storm Isaac path Hurricane Katrina Hurricane Isaac Path Isaac Hurricane

Today's Smartphone Cameras Are Already Better Than Point-and-Shoot Cameras from 5 Years Ago [Cameras]

The saying is that the best camera is the one that's with you and that's more than often your phone. But phone cameras are getting so good that they may eventually just became the best camera period (DSLRs notwithstanding). And it might be sooner than you think. Already, phone cameras are better than a 5-year-old compact camera. More »

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/gizmodo/full/~3/fDDIbMedods/todays-smartphone-cameras-are-already-better-than-point+and+shoot-cameras-from-5-years-ago

wiz khalifa taylor allderdice mixtape reggie wayne taylor allderdice vincent jackson vicki gunvalson pierre garcon brown recluse spider

Adult Music Lessons Create New Horizons In Westerville | NBC 4i

New Horizons is the only program of its kind in central Ohio. Anyone age 50 or up who wants to get back into the band or orchestra, or?start an instrument for the very first?time,?can join.

WESTERVILLE, Ohio --

It happens all the time; you play a musical instrument in elementary school, maybe junior high. Then you shove it in your closet and forget about it. A program in Westerville is letting people pick back up right where they left off -- decades later.

It's the only program of its kind in Central Ohio. The model works like this: anyone age 50 or up who wants to get back into the band or orchestra -- or play for the first time ever --?can join.

They want you to drop the apprehension at the door and play like you know what you're doing, even if you feel like you don't.?

Wes Miller is the owner of the Columbus Music Academy and helped start the program a few years ago. It's grown from three members to 16. Former music teacher Dee Smith was one of the first to join.

?I was a piano player,? Smith said. ?I majored in piano at college and I just realized as I got ready to retire, I?ve never been in a band."

So at age 63, she picked up the clarinet for the first time ever, seeing this as the right time and place to try.

?I just always have felt safe and so even though I hadn't played a clarinet before it was just fun and easy and I knew if I had mistakes it was OK," she said.

Mary Lee Bendig, on the other hand, decided she wanted to re-visit an old friend. She picked up her bow for the first time in decades.

?When I got to high school, I decided I was too mature for the violin. I was going to be a majorette," Bendig said.

Now, her re-discovered love for music serves as an escape.

"I work full-time and still try to get everything done. Family, elderly mother, grandkids, kids. So it's a time that I can just stop the merry-go-round, get off and have some fun," she said.

Both ladies also credit the program with health benefits. Bendig is seeing her bone spurs improve and Smith is hoping to counteract the effects of Alzheimer?s -- a disease her mother is battling.

Whatever the reason for joining, Miller is just hoping more people give it a chance.

"The model of New Horizons is your best is good enough,? said Miller. ?There?s a lot of apprehension in how they think they'll sound and that is not a worry."

The New Horizons rehearse Thursday afternoons at one. It's $85 for an eight-week session. ??

For additional information, stay with NBC4 and refresh nbc4i.com.
To submit a story idea or news tip, e-mail stories@nbc4i.com.
MORE: NBC4 Local News | Local Crime News
NBC4 SPORTS: Sports News, Video
NBC4 POLITICS: Headlines, Interactives & Video

Source: http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2012/oct/10/adult-music-lessons-create-new-horizons-westervill-ar-1200785/

international womens day joe the plumber lra lra eric johnson eric johnson big east tournament

4 Tips to Ensure a Smooth Mortgage Loan Process | Life'd

• 

With mortgage interest rates hovering between 3.5% and 4%, there has never been a better time to move up or jump into homeownership. The interest rate on your home loan dictates your monthly mortgage obligation, and when rates drop, you can lock in a low, affordable payment. But while low rates entice many to take out a loan, getting a mortgage approval is easier said than done.

The aftermath of the great mortgage crisis of 2007-2008 led to tighter lending guidelines, in which lenders went from one extreme to another. Anyone with a pulse could qualify for a mortgage before the crisis, whereas now you have to practically jump through hurdles.

Although tighter lending slows the path to homeownership ? with mortgage lenders rejecting between 26% and 50% of mortgage applications ? you shouldn?t let these figures scare you. The mortgage industry isn?t completely dead and many properties are sold each day.

To ensure a smooth, uncomplicated process, you have to know and give lenders what they want.

1. Get Your Credit Straight

Don?t even think about applying for a home mortgage loan with a credit score under 620. This is the absolute minimum to qualify for a home loan, wherein an FHA mortgage is your best bet. Conventional mortgage lenders require a credit score of 680 or higher, with a score of 720+ commanding the most favorable interest rates. Fortunately, there?s plenty you can do to give your credit a boost.

• Order your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and check for errors. Contact creditors to have errors removed from your report, or file a dispute with each of the three credit bureaus.
• Always pay your creditors on time. Late or missed payments can be the kiss of death when applying for a home loan, and many lenders only allow one 30-day late payment in a 12-month period.
• Pay off your credit cards and loans. This is by far the fastest and simplest ways to add points to your credit score. Even if you can?t pay the balance in full, start doubling or tripling your payments to widen the gap between what you owe and your credit limit.
• Read our Credit Score Blueprint

2. Get Your Documentation in Order

Lenders want to see proof (and more proof) of your financial history. This includes tax returns for the past two years, bank account statements and your recent paychecks. Yes, it?s a hassle to gather and make copies of these documents, but it?s necessary in order for lenders to assess your financial stability. Mortgage lenders will go to great lengths to avoid past mistakes, even if it means scrutinizing income records and denying otherwise qualified applicants for lack of financial documentation or gaps in their employment history.

3. Reduce Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

Paying down credit cards and loans not only give your personal score a boost, it also lowers your debt-to-income ratio and improves your odds of getting a home loan. Mortgage lenders factor in how much you currently owe. They?ll take the minimum payments for all your balances and weigh this against your gross monthly income.

As a rule, debt payments (including your home loan) cannot exceed 36% of your gross monthly income. This isn?t a hard and fast rule, and some lenders allow debt percentages as high as 41%. However, if you want to guarantee a home loan approval, pay down your existing debts and don?t take on new debts until after you?ve closed on your mortgage loan.

4. Save Your Cash

If you?ve never purchased a home, or if it?s been four or five years since your last purchase, you might not be up to speed with the latest cash requirements. Just a few short years ago anyone could walk into a mortgage lender?s office, sign their name and purchase a house with very little out-of-pocket. Maybe they paid cash for a home appraisal or a home inspection. But as far as down payments and closing costs, these were practically extinct. Lenders offered 100% financing, and when a seller didn?t pay a buyer?s closing costs, lenders simply rolled these fees into the loan.

Fast forward to present day and it?s a completely different story. Mortgage lenders no longer front the entire cost of a home purchase, but now require a minimum down payment between 3.5% and 5%. Yet, the costs don?t stop here. You also need money for your closing costs, which can fall between 3% and 5% of the purchase price. All in all, mortgage-related fees can run upwards of 10% of the purchase price.

Source: http://www.lifed.com/4-tips-to-ensure-a-smooth-mortgage-loan-process

the grey machine gun kelly saul alinsky annapolis wwe royal rumble trisomy leon panetta

Video: A life behind bars for Sandusky?

>>> a pennsylvania judge has told jerry sandusky that he will spend of the rest of his life in jail . he was sentence this had northern to a minimum of 30 years, maximum of 60 on 45 counts of child molestation. when handing down that sentence, the judge said, quote, the tragedy of this crime is that it is a story of betrayal. the crime is not only what you did to their bodies but what you did to their psyches and souls. joining me now is mark brennan who covers penn state . on his website fightonstate.com, he was in the courtroom today. mark, it's good to see you. obviously this story is never easy to discuss, but does this in some ways -- i hate the notion of closure, because it's not like you wake up and something suddenly goes away. does this help at all now that jerry sandusky will likely spend of rest of his life in jail ?

>> yeah. you talk about a 30 to 60-year sentence. it might as well be 300 years. if penn state fans have one concern, they think only 30 years? most people realize it's for the rest of his life. the real odd thing today, every time this guy opens his mouth, whether it was costas last november or the radio thing yesterday or whether it was today, he just looks more and more guilty. we could see why he wasn't on the stand at his trial.

>> you know, we heard people talk about perhaps a smirk on his face inside the courtroom before the sentencing he had this statement saying that the only person that he'd had, you know, sexual relations with was his wife during their marriage and she's still by his side. what is the large opinion at this point now that he's been convicted, no that he's been sentenced, when you talk to the kids and the benefactors, the people who still donate to the university? what is the larger feeling there?

>> you mentioned that sense of closure, and we know that we still have the tim occcurl dey and schwartz trials and mcqueary is suing the university. none of this is done. where this adds closure is with jerry sandusky who was the monster to everybody in this whole thing. i mean, as many mistakes as other people made along the way to whatever extent, i think everybody is happy to see justice was done and this guy is in jail for the rest of his life.

>> victim four who was abused in the late '90s gave the statement, i do not forgive you. i do not know that i'll ever forgive. my only regret is that i did not come forward sooner. that was one of the victims there. real quick, the assistant coach who saw the boy being sexually abused in that shower, he is trying to get some kind of protection under the whistleblower law. what's the latest there?

>> yeah. he's suing penn state for $4 million because he thinks he was wrongfully terminated and didn't get the benefits he deserved and that he was treated improperly by the university. he reported up the chain, and we're talking about mike mcqueary , the former assistant coach, he reported to his svr, who was joe paterno who reported to their svrs. the argument from a lot of people, it's a very polarizing debate is at what point do you stop worrying about reporting to your supervisor and go straight to the police?

>> mark brennan , thank you very much for reporting on the latest on what happened in that courtroom today. thank you.

Source: http://video.msnbc.msn.com/newsnation/49348041/

sugar cookie recipe how the grinch stole christmas macaroni and cheese festivus festivus zeno melanie amaro