Saturday, October 16, 2010
Lose A Pound a Day, Reports from Boothe Ranch, Weight Loss Team: If Your are Fat, You probably are "D-3" Deficient....
Lose A Pound a Day, Reports from Boothe Ranch, Weight Loss Team: If Your are Fat, You probably are "D-3" Deficient....: "Vitamin D, IMPORTANT FOR OBESE PEOPLEInformation from Johns HopkinsThis information is intended for informational purposes only, and should ..."
If Your are Fat, You probably are "D-3" Deficient. Helps if energy low, fights cancer, helps general health.
Vitamin D, IMPORTANT FOR OBESE PEOPLE
Information from Johns Hopkins
This information is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. You should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions. We have included this information for those viewers of: http://lose20lbsin20daysWeight Loss Report
Background
Vitamin D is found in many dietary sources such as fish, eggs, fortified milk, and cod liver oil. The sun also contributes significantly to the daily production of vitamin D, and as little as 10 minutes of exposure is thought to be enough to prevent deficiencies. The term "vitamin D" refers to several different forms of this vitamin. Two forms are important in humans: ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Vitamin D2 is synthesized by plants. Vitamin D3 is synthesized by humans in the skin when it is exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays from sunlight. Foods may be fortified with vitamin D2 or D3. The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. Recently, research also suggests vitamin D may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension (high blood pressure), cancer, and several autoimmune diseases.
Rickets and osteomalacia are classic vitamin D deficiency diseases. In children, vitamin D deficiency causes rickets, which results in skeletal deformities. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, which results in muscular weakness in addition to weak bones. Populations who may be at a high risk for vitamin D deficiencies include the elderly, obese individuals, exclusively breastfed infants, and those who have limited sun exposure. Also, individuals who have fat malabsorption syndromes (e.g., cystic fibrosis) or inflammatory
General Sources, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins and others:
1. Vitamin D Short Facts: When you are overweight your body does not process “D3” well. Obese people need vitamin “D” supplements, because the deficiency can become dangerous to health.
2. When synthesized by body, converts to calcitriol whch helps the immune system. Calcitriol acts as a cytokine, defending the body against microbial invaders.
3. It circulates as a hormone, regulating, calcium and phosphate in the bloodstream (important to the heart.
4. It helps the bones to grow.
5. Deficiency can lead to thin, brittle or misshapen bones, rickets, and osteomalacia and osteoporosis.
6. Doctor Holik, (Institute of Medicine) now says that “D3” reduces risk of
· type 1 diabetes,
· multiple sclerosis,
· rheumatoid arthritis
· inflammation/cardiovascular disease
7. Your body will produce “D” with 14 to 30 min a day in the sun, but there are some risks of skin cancers from sunlight. "Sunlight is the easiest, it's free, and your body is very efficient at making vitamin D from the sun, and it lasts twice as long as other sources," says Dr. Holick.
8. Good dietary sources are fortified foods such as milk, yogurt, margarines and cereals, catfish, sardines, salmon, tuna and egg yolks. But "it is hard to get enough vitamin D from your diet unless you enjoy dairy and fish, so it makes sense to try to get limited exposure to sunlight if you can and take a vitamin supplement," says Elisa Zied, MS, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association
8. Good dietary sources are fortified foods such as milk, yogurt, margarines and cereals, catfish, sardines, salmon, tuna and egg yolks. But "it is hard to get enough vitamin D from your diet unless you enjoy dairy and fish, so it makes sense to try to get limited exposure to sunlight if you can and take a vitamin supplement," says Elisa Zied, MS, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association
9. Food for Thought Research Report on How to Lose Weight is an excellent source of in depth information with quotes from hospitals, doctors, and experts who have credibility and knowledge in weight loss issues.
10. Says ‘Dr. Holick’ “Chances are, you are not getting enough vitamin D for good health. So boost your D with safe sun exposure, or supplement your diet with 1,000 IU of vitamin D3 a day. And be sure to eat a variety of foods rich in vitamin D. Also, check with your dermatologist about guidelines for safe sun exposure.”
11. Dr Holick: Ph.D., M.D., Professor of Medicine of Physiology and Biophysics at Boston University School of Medicine. “ obese patients are more prone to vitamin D deficiency because they sequester the vitamin D. So we typically give obese patients two to three times more vitamin D in order to maintain their blood level of 25-hydroxy D, above 30 nanograms per ml.
Mayo Clinic: apoptosis of cells. apoptosis of cells.
12. Vitamin D reduces inflammation, and helps regulate the proliferation, differentiation and cell activity.
MAYO CLINIC:
Many of us are short on Vitamin D, which has plenty of health benefits.
By Kathleen M. Zelman, MPH, RD, LD
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic-Feature
WebMD Weight Loss Clinic-Feature
It has long been known as the vitamin that cured rickets. But today, vitamin D is being hailed for being able to do much more than that.
Scientists have known for some time about vitamin D's role in helping the body absorb calcium, in maintaining bone density, and in preventing osteoporosis. But new research suggests it may also help protect against chronic diseases such as cancer, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and autoimmune diseases.
Yet many adults have low blood levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is not abundant in our usual food choices, so we get most of the vitamin from sun exposure and multivitamins. The problem is that the sun is not a reliable source for everyone.
The season, time of day, geography, latitude, level of air pollution, color of your skin, and your age all affect your skin's ability to produce vitamin D. Further, the form of Vitamin D found in most multivitamins is vitamin D2, which does not deliver the same amount of the vitamin to the body as the more desirable D3 form.
Deficient in D?
Vitamin D is the only vitamin that is also a hormone. After Vitamin D is made by the skin or eaten, the kidney and liver help to convert it into an active hormone form. As a hormone, it controls calcium absorption to help the body build strong bones and teeth, and it helps maintain muscle strength. When you are deficient in calcium and vitamin D, your bones break down to supply calcium to the rest of your body. But being deficient in vitamin D can take a toll on more than just your skeleton.
"There have been concerns about vitamin D status in the U.S. because of increasing reports of deficiencies, with an estimated 10 million Americans over age 50 diagnosed with osteoporosis," says Atlanta-based rheumatologist Eduardo Baetti, MD.
"Vitamin D deficiency is associated with low bone mass and osteoporosis because vitamin D is needed to absorb calcium from the diet. Low levels of vitamin D have also been linked with poor muscle strength and other chronic conditions, such as autoimmune disease and some forms of cancer."
The Sunshine Vitamin
The Sunshine Vitamin
D is also the only vitamin that does not need to be consumed in food or supplements because our bodies are efficient at making it when our skin is exposed to direct sunlight (not through a window). But not all sun exposure is the same, and many factors help determine how much we absorb. In general, the farther away you are from the equator, the less efficient the vitamin D production, but cloud cover and air pollution can hinder the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays.How Much Do We Need?
The current recommended intake of vitamin D is 200 IU (international units) for those up to age 50; 400 IU for people 51-70; and 600 IU for those older than 70. Requirements increase with age because older skin produces less vitamin D.
But these recommendations date back to 1997. "Additional studies have been published since that time documenting the effectiveness of higher levels of vitamin D," says Holick, who was a member of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) committee that issued the recommendations.
Evidence is mounting that we may need even more -- especially older, dark-skinned, or housebound people.
According to the IOM Dietary Reference Intakes, the safe upper limit for vitamin D is 2,000 IU for children, adults, and pregnant and lactating women. Some experts have suggested increasing the recommended amount to more than 2,000 IU daily. But since vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is stored in the body, there's some concern it can be harmful in large doses.
"The current recommendations are not adequate to protect against chronic diseases or prevent osteoporosis," says Holick. "All evidence suggests that infants and adults can tolerate 1,000 IU a day as safe, without risk of toxicity."
"Take a daily vitamin D3 supplement of 1,000 IU or [get] safe sun exposure to maintain proper blood levels of vitamin D and reduce the risk of common cancers, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammation associated with cardiovascular diseases," he suggests.
For more information of a copy of the complete research data report on how to lose weight, see: Research Report on Losing a Pound a Day of Weight
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
How Much Overweight are You?
Did you know, that if your weight is 20 to 30% higher than average, that you have a 23% higher chance of Colon or rectum cancer?
83% higher chance of Endometrium cancer
38% higher chance of Uterine cancer
44% higher chance of Cervical cancer
76% higher chance of Gall Bladder cancer
27% higher chance of Prostate cancer
If you are 40% + Overweight:
435% more likely to have cancer of Endometrium
360% more likely to have cancer of Uterus
249% more likely to have Gall Bladder Cancer
51% more likely to have Breast Cancer
35% more likely to have Prostate Cancer
I picked up a bag of rice and it weighed 20 pounds and I have just lost 35 to 37 pounds and I thought, "How heavy this is!"
I was carrying an equivalent to almost 2 of these heavy bags of rice. Hard to imagine.
But as I have lost weight, I have found that I can again wear many clothes. I have lost 4 inches in my belt size. See this. I can also wear my good dress shirts and suits again, plus I feel great.
Contact me for information on the 17 steps to lose a pound a day. Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9E9umV2BvE
Ben B. Boothe Sr.
817 738 9595
I was carrying an equivalent to almost 2 of these heavy bags of rice. Hard to imagine.
Contact me for information on the 17 steps to lose a pound a day. Check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9E9umV2BvE
Ben B. Boothe Sr.
817 738 9595
Monday, September 20, 2010
RECESSION LONGEST IN 60 YEARS, BUT BANK LENDING CAN BRING NEW JOBS
Recession Longest In 60 Years, and Banks Still Not Lending
The National Bureau of Economic Research Announced that the recession started in 2007 and ended with the beginning of recovery in June 2009. Income, employment industrial production and wholesale retail sales for the analysis. The previous longest postwar recessions in 1973-75 and 1981-82 both lasted 16 months, it said. This recession officially lasted 18 months but most Americans would say it seems like much longer.
Boothe, a leading Appraiser and economic consultant said the following questions were critical:
"While Texas is supposed to be a bright spot in the economy with Houston, San Antonio/Austin, and Fort Worth/Dallas showing the best commercial building development growth in the nation, unemployment still remains high" observed Boothe.
In the meantime,the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also reduced predictions for US growth.
The OECD predicted the US economy will grow by 2.6% this year. It also warned in its latest economic survey of the US that we may experience higher long-term unemployment.
Meanwhile, the UK's Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) said that it expected the US economy to expand by 2.2% next year, after growing by 2.5% this year.
An informal "Global Perspectives" polling interview of leading bankers in Texas suggested that many bankers believe that regulators do not want them to lend. Others believe that the economy needs a positive change in psychology, for bankers and business leaders to become more involved in the economy. One banker (a former "Banker's Banker in Texas" said to Global Perspectives: "I don't think the bankers will lend, until there is a foundation change in market psychology. Therefore it could be 2 or 3 years before we see meaningful lending, and recovery."
At the rate of business failures and bankruptcy increase, plus the increases in ACH fraud cases and credit card defaults due to unethical high rates and policies of credit card companies, 2 to 3 years could equate to millions of Americans being ruined financially.
A disaster of that magnitude should not be allowed to happen. For that reason alone, the government should step in to create an environment of stable growth and bank lending to small business on a broad scale. This government cannot seem to take it's eyes off of Wall Street. Main street is the key to the solution, and the concept that we are not dealing with millions of numbers, but with millions of individuals.
Again, the editors of GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES call upon this President, to:
1. Make solid substantial moves to encourage, create incentives, for bank lending to small business.
2. To elevate that to strongly insist that banks begin to lend to small business, but with sound, bank designed loan underwriting policies.
3. The stick should be penalties and strong violation fines for banks that violate the Community Reinvestment Act by not serving the financial needs of their community. The CRA should be utilized not to "make bad loans to bad customers" but should be used to offset the current policies of banks that suggest that they simple have locked the vault doors.
Never let us forget that banks have a fiduciary obligation to serve the financial needs of the community, and the role of the Federal Reserve and the FDIC is to provide for a stable and prosperous economy. It is a Public Trust, and should super-cede bank prejudices, or political spin that would cause them to "hoard" taxpayer and depositor funds instead to investing these moneys back into our nations communities.
How Much Longer?
Most economists have concluded that if the US is to create jobs and start growth that banks will have to be given incentives to lend money to small business.
"We must point out that banks are still not lending and job growth is not happening as a result" said Ben Boothe Appraiser, and CEO of http://benboothe.comBoothe, a leading Appraiser and economic consultant said the following questions were critical:
- Why hasn't the Federal Government given incentives for banks to lend money to small business?
- Why hasn't the Government given small business tax breaks, grants or incentives to hire people?
- Why are bankruptcy laws which protect lenders and big business, not being reformed to help small families and business that are victims of this economy?
- Why are credit card companies still allowed to raise interest rates to 29% without notice, or to destroy credit scores, without scrutiny?
- Why is the ACH system of debits without notice to checking accounts not being regulated?
- Why are the mid to small business owners of America being forced to carry most of the brunt and pain of this recession?
Good luck surviving the recovery!
In the meantime,the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also reduced predictions for US growth.
The OECD predicted the US economy will grow by 2.6% this year. It also warned in its latest economic survey of the US that we may experience higher long-term unemployment.
Meanwhile, the UK's Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) said that it expected the US economy to expand by 2.2% next year, after growing by 2.5% this year.
An informal "Global Perspectives" polling interview of leading bankers in Texas suggested that many bankers believe that regulators do not want them to lend. Others believe that the economy needs a positive change in psychology, for bankers and business leaders to become more involved in the economy. One banker (a former "Banker's Banker in Texas" said to Global Perspectives: "I don't think the bankers will lend, until there is a foundation change in market psychology. Therefore it could be 2 or 3 years before we see meaningful lending, and recovery."
At the rate of business failures and bankruptcy increase, plus the increases in ACH fraud cases and credit card defaults due to unethical high rates and policies of credit card companies, 2 to 3 years could equate to millions of Americans being ruined financially.
A disaster of that magnitude should not be allowed to happen. For that reason alone, the government should step in to create an environment of stable growth and bank lending to small business on a broad scale. This government cannot seem to take it's eyes off of Wall Street. Main street is the key to the solution, and the concept that we are not dealing with millions of numbers, but with millions of individuals.
Again, the editors of GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES call upon this President, to:
1. Make solid substantial moves to encourage, create incentives, for bank lending to small business.
2. To elevate that to strongly insist that banks begin to lend to small business, but with sound, bank designed loan underwriting policies.
3. The stick should be penalties and strong violation fines for banks that violate the Community Reinvestment Act by not serving the financial needs of their community. The CRA should be utilized not to "make bad loans to bad customers" but should be used to offset the current policies of banks that suggest that they simple have locked the vault doors.
Never let us forget that banks have a fiduciary obligation to serve the financial needs of the community, and the role of the Federal Reserve and the FDIC is to provide for a stable and prosperous economy. It is a Public Trust, and should super-cede bank prejudices, or political spin that would cause them to "hoard" taxpayer and depositor funds instead to investing these moneys back into our nations communities.
But furthermore, it is my belief that bankers want to make money and they know that they have a strangle hold on the economy. They simply need assurances that regulators will not punish them or threaten them (as some examiners seem to be doing) if they do initiate new loans to their communities.
We should be past an environment where the examiners become the judge, jury and executioners of bankers. We should create an environment that suggest we are all working together for our nation and the prosperity of it's people.Recession Longest in 60 years, Banks Still Not Lending to Small Business
September 20, 2010
Recession Longest In 60 Years, and Banks Still Not Lending
The National Bureau of Economic Research Announced that the recession started in 2007 and ended with the beginning of recovery in June 2009. Income, employment industrial production and wholesale retail sales for the analysis. The previous longest postwar recessions in 1973-75 and 1981-82 both lasted 16 months, it said. This recession officially lasted 18 months but most Americans would say it seems like much longer.
Boothe, a leading Appraiser and economic consultant said the following questions were critical:
In the meantime,the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also reduced predictions for US growth.
The OECD predicted the US economy will grow by 2.6% this year. It also warned in its latest economic survey of the US that we may experience higher long-term unemployment.
Meanwhile, the UK's Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) said that it expected the US economy to expand by 2.2% next year, after growing by 2.5% this year.
How Much Longer?
Most economists have concluded that if the US is to create jobs and start growth that banks will have to be given incentives to lend money to small business.
"We must point out that banks are still not lending and job growth is not happening as a result" said Ben Boothe Appraiser, and CEO of http://benboothe.comBoothe, a leading Appraiser and economic consultant said the following questions were critical:
- Why hasn't the Federal Government given incentives for banks to lend money to small business?
- Why hasn't the Government given small business tax breaks, grants or incentives to hire people?
- Why are bankruptcy laws which protect lenders and big business, not being reformed to help small families and business that are victims of this economy?
- Why are credit card companies still allowed to raise interest rates to 29% without notice, or to destroy credit scores, without scrutiny?
- Why is the ACH system of debits without notice to checking accounts not being regulated?
- Why are the mid to small business owners of America being forced to carry most of the brunt and pain of this recession? Good luck surviving the recovery!
In the meantime,the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) also reduced predictions for US growth.
The OECD predicted the US economy will grow by 2.6% this year. It also warned in its latest economic survey of the US that we may experience higher long-term unemployment.
Meanwhile, the UK's Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR) said that it expected the US economy to expand by 2.2% next year, after growing by 2.5% this year.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
ACH SYSTEM POSES DANGERS TO MERCHANTS AND CONSUMERS, BILLIONS OF ANNUAL LOSSES
ACH System Poses Dangers to Merchants and Consumers into the Billions
ACH SYSTEM HAS BECOME FILLED WITH DANGERS AND RISKS FOR BUSINESSMEN AND CONSUMERS, RUNNING INTO THE BILLIONS.
The ACH (Automated Clearing House) was designed as a system to make transactions possible through electronic transfers. As it has evolved in recent years, giant banks and credit card companies are processing 25,000,000,000 (BILLION) ACH transactions per year, and billions of dollars of losses due to fraud and abuse result. It has become dangerous for consumers and business, with losses mounting and regulators showing little interest.
If you are a merchant, or service provider, and you set up a “Merchants Account” so that your clients can pay for your products or services by credit card, or make “on line” purchases, you may have opened a Pandora’s Box of liability. Because the ACH system is rarely fully understood by politicians, and a simple telephone poll I made of bank Presidents, suggested that few bankers know how the system really works.
But, let me teach you by a personal example.
At one of my banks, I had an account that was rarely used, and I kept 2 or $3000 in it. At some point we decided that our Merchant account was not being used, so we sent a notice to close the merchant account. The merchant account system is automated so rarely can you find a human to speak to.I went to the my bank, and they showed me that the “ACH system” had been taking $200 per month out of my account, plus fees and other charges. And this was on a system that we rarely used, with perhaps only one or two uses a year, it was not worth it. Just to be safe, the bank teller suggested that I close the account, before they took further funds from my account.
We closed the account.
A month later, I got a call from the bank, that said my account was overdrawn $790. I said: “Impossible, we closed that account!” They said: “When a debit comes in from the ACH system, we charge it to your account, even if it is closed. You must pay the bank now.” The bank President said: “This system is evil, no one knows how much power they have, and even most bankers don’t know all the rules. It is rarely looked at by regulators or politicians, because even they don’t know how the system works.”
We covered the charge, thinking that was the end of it, but the Credit Card clearing company continued to send “withdrawals” from our closed account for 3 more months, to the tune of several thousand dollars. We checked with regulators, bankers and lawyers, and found that we had little recourse.
What we learned, and what our financial and bank consulting service (http://benboothe.com) advises our clients is that, if you have a sophisticated bank, you can write an official letter stating: “I do not allow any ACH withdrawals from my account.” You need to send this letter before you have a problem. Some banks actually have such a notice. They will not encourage you to file it, because it makes them responsible if they let an ACH electronic signal take money from your account. But, you have the legal right to make such a restriction on your account, and it is a good idea.
As an example of how the system can work, we took a look at the account rules of Skylight Financial, posted on the Internet https://www.skylight.net/Content/OLB/PDF/EN/AccountRules_sky0270.pdf, U.S. Bank, N.A., and have excerpted a few points of interest showing what they can do. It is not particularly better or worse than the agreements of most banks. Look at some of their language and rights, and the lack of rights you have, and it might be enough to make you want to put your funds under your mattress, instead of a commercial bank.
The following is a synopsis of just a few points in their agreement:
1.“Whether you sign our agreement or not the agreement remains in effect”
2.“You are liable for any account shortages whether caused by you or another”
3.“You are liable for losses or shortages, you have no right to defer payment of this liability, you are liable whether you signed the item, and the liability includes our costs and legal fees.”
4.“You are liable for fees, including fees not included in any agreement”
5.“Fees may be collected by ACH at any date without prior notice”
6.“We have the right to put a hold on your account”
7.“We may change the terms of this agreement”
8.“We may close your account with or without cause at any time”
9.“Without prior notice we have the right to set off against any funds in your account against any debt you may owe us, and you hold us harmless from any liability if we do so.”
10. “We may charge expenses to your account without prior notice”
11.“Even after your death, or incompetence, we for 10 days may debit your account”
12.“ACH Provisional Payment. ACH payment to your account is considered provisional, and may be revoked. If revoked we will remove the money from your account without second notice”
13.“ACH debits or credits are subject to (NACHA) rules, and you agree to those rules.”
Read these 13 points, because they are typical of what the banking system uses, typical of ACH rules, and you can see how much risk you have, under this system. Simply put, the deck is stacked against the consumer, the businessman, and you have huge liability.
A prominent attorney who specializes in these cases, told me that there are over 200,000 cases of Internet purchase and ACH fraud upon consumers and merchants, in the banking system, per year. There are so many cases that the Justice Department and law enforcement agencies can’t review but a small fraction of them. My friends at District Attorney Offices, FBI, Secret Service, all confirm the epidemic of cases, some huge. They cannot and do not have resources to investigate all of the losses.
The ACH system was put in place to make the system more efficient and profitable for giant banks and credit card companies. But losses to the American public are running into the billions of dollars now. There may be merit, to simply “Opting Out”, and may companies are do so, refusing to participate in automated, ACH transactions.
Advice from our firm as banking specialists and economic consultants, at http://www.benboothe.com is:
HAVE YOUR ATTORNEY LOOK OVER ANY AGREEMENT YOU SIGN WITH YOUR BANK, BUT ALWAYS, SIGN A LETTER, THAT DOES NOT ALLOW THE ACH SYSTEM TO WITHDRAW FUNDS FROM YOUR ACCOUNT.
Ben B. Boothe, Sr.
Economic Consultant Former Bank Founder and President
Bank and ACH Consulting, click here http://www.benboothe.com
(article first published at: www.bootheglobalperspectives.com)
Your dollars can be taken,
through the ACH system without your
knowledge or permission
If you are a merchant, or service provider, and you set up a “Merchants Account” so that your clients can pay for your products or services by credit card, or make “on line” purchases, you may have opened a Pandora’s Box of liability. Because the ACH system is rarely fully understood by politicians, and a simple telephone poll I made of bank Presidents, suggested that few bankers know how the system really works.
ACH Can remove
funds with the touch of a button.
At one of my banks, I had an account that was rarely used, and I kept 2 or $3000 in it. At some point we decided that our Merchant account was not being used, so we sent a notice to close the merchant account. The merchant account system is automated so rarely can you find a human to speak to.I went to the my bank, and they showed me that the “ACH system” had been taking $200 per month out of my account, plus fees and other charges. And this was on a system that we rarely used, with perhaps only one or two uses a year, it was not worth it. Just to be safe, the bank teller suggested that I close the account, before they took further funds from my account.
We closed the account.
A month later, I got a call from the bank, that said my account was overdrawn $790. I said: “Impossible, we closed that account!” They said: “When a debit comes in from the ACH system, we charge it to your account, even if it is closed. You must pay the bank now.” The bank President said: “This system is evil, no one knows how much power they have, and even most bankers don’t know all the rules. It is rarely looked at by regulators or politicians, because even they don’t know how the system works.”
We covered the charge, thinking that was the end of it, but the Credit Card clearing company continued to send “withdrawals” from our closed account for 3 more months, to the tune of several thousand dollars. We checked with regulators, bankers and lawyers, and found that we had little recourse.
What we learned, and what our financial and bank consulting service (http://benboothe.com) advises our clients is that, if you have a sophisticated bank, you can write an official letter stating: “I do not allow any ACH withdrawals from my account.” You need to send this letter before you have a problem. Some banks actually have such a notice. They will not encourage you to file it, because it makes them responsible if they let an ACH electronic signal take money from your account. But, you have the legal right to make such a restriction on your account, and it is a good idea.
As an example of how the system can work, we took a look at the account rules of Skylight Financial, posted on the Internet https://www.skylight.net/Content/OLB/PDF/EN/AccountRules_sky0270.pdf, U.S. Bank, N.A., and have excerpted a few points of interest showing what they can do. It is not particularly better or worse than the agreements of most banks. Look at some of their language and rights, and the lack of rights you have, and it might be enough to make you want to put your funds under your mattress, instead of a commercial bank.
The following is a synopsis of just a few points in their agreement:
1.“Whether you sign our agreement or not the agreement remains in effect”
2.“You are liable for any account shortages whether caused by you or another”
3.“You are liable for losses or shortages, you have no right to defer payment of this liability, you are liable whether you signed the item, and the liability includes our costs and legal fees.”
4.“You are liable for fees, including fees not included in any agreement”
5.“Fees may be collected by ACH at any date without prior notice”
6.“We have the right to put a hold on your account”
7.“We may change the terms of this agreement”
8.“We may close your account with or without cause at any time”
9.“Without prior notice we have the right to set off against any funds in your account against any debt you may owe us, and you hold us harmless from any liability if we do so.”
10. “We may charge expenses to your account without prior notice”
11.“Even after your death, or incompetence, we for 10 days may debit your account”
12.“ACH Provisional Payment. ACH payment to your account is considered provisional, and may be revoked. If revoked we will remove the money from your account without second notice”
13.“ACH debits or credits are subject to (NACHA) rules, and you agree to those rules.”
Read these 13 points, because they are typical of what the banking system uses, typical of ACH rules, and you can see how much risk you have, under this system. Simply put, the deck is stacked against the consumer, the businessman, and you have huge liability.
A prominent attorney who specializes in these cases, told me that there are over 200,000 cases of Internet purchase and ACH fraud upon consumers and merchants, in the banking system, per year. There are so many cases that the Justice Department and law enforcement agencies can’t review but a small fraction of them. My friends at District Attorney Offices, FBI, Secret Service, all confirm the epidemic of cases, some huge. They cannot and do not have resources to investigate all of the losses.
The ACH system was put in place to make the system more efficient and profitable for giant banks and credit card companies. But losses to the American public are running into the billions of dollars now. There may be merit, to simply “Opting Out”, and may companies are do so, refusing to participate in automated, ACH transactions.
Why rob a bank, if you have ACH and a computer?
HAVE YOUR ATTORNEY LOOK OVER ANY AGREEMENT YOU SIGN WITH YOUR BANK, BUT ALWAYS, SIGN A LETTER, THAT DOES NOT ALLOW THE ACH SYSTEM TO WITHDRAW FUNDS FROM YOUR ACCOUNT.
Ben B. Boothe, Sr.
Economic Consultant Former Bank Founder and President
Bank and ACH Consulting, click here http://www.benboothe.com
(article first published at: www.bootheglobalperspectives.com)
CHINA TAKING HUGE SHARE OF EARTH'S NATURAL RESOURCES
China, a 'Black Hole' Sucking in the World's Natural Resources
While the USA has obsessed with the "Floating Yuan vs a Dollar pegged Yuan", China's
economic power expansion strategies has made it a huge “black hole” sucking in the worlds natural resources.
Think of it, after nearly 10 years of pressure on China to let the Yuan increase in value, instead of letting it fall with the dollar, China finally let it appreciate .5 percent, making the total increase to 1 % since last June. The United States has followed a decade long policy of allowing its currency to drop in value, hoping that would fuel economic growth. But China is following a more powerful concept. Invest, buy, or control the “hard” resources of the world, and finesse the USA on “currency issues.”
We are ignoring Chinese raw commodity import policies. I have witnessed this first hand, in Nepal, Cambodia, Mongolia, Ecuador, and even in the “Autonomous Regions”.
China is buying resources all over the world and as we reported 18 months ago, in GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES (http://www.bootheglobalperspectives.com) has become a resource hog, that in some ways distorts markets, and encourages corruption.
A few examples:
But even with currency trading, China is out maneuvering the USA. China has just signed a deal with Russia to do extensive trading in Rubles and Yuan's in their trading, and ignoring the once all powerful dollar. It is interesting, the Islamic nations have worked to “eliminate use of the dollar”, nations such as Venezuela, Korea, Iran have tried the same tactic, and now China and Russia are in the game.
As we have reported many times over the past 10 years, China has emerged as a world power, that will change the way we all live. VIPs and leaders will be well advised to monitor these trends. Access and control of natural resources continue to have global implications, and history shows, wars, and economic control.
In my trips doing consulting for the World Bank, USIA,USIA, and various governments we have found more and more political leaders with greater concern about the expansive and dominant policies of China. India's leaders specifically asked our company (Boothe and Associates, http://www.benboothe.com to review and advise them on perceived social, economic, and regional threats caused by China's policies. Leaders in Cambodia are particularly concerned about China's role in controlling and damming important water ways through their nation, especially the giant river deltas. Even American business leaders have run into competition where China has already monopolized or acquired resources around the world. This is a big issue and worth following. If we can be of help contact: www.benboothe.com at: 800 583 6655 or 817 738 9595.
China Grabbing Resources of the World
economic power expansion strategies has made it a huge “black hole” sucking in the worlds natural resources.
Think of it, after nearly 10 years of pressure on China to let the Yuan increase in value, instead of letting it fall with the dollar, China finally let it appreciate .5 percent, making the total increase to 1 % since last June. The United States has followed a decade long policy of allowing its currency to drop in value, hoping that would fuel economic growth. But China is following a more powerful concept. Invest, buy, or control the “hard” resources of the world, and finesse the USA on “currency issues.”
We are ignoring Chinese raw commodity import policies. I have witnessed this first hand, in Nepal, Cambodia, Mongolia, Ecuador, and even in the “Autonomous Regions”.
China is buying resources all over the world and as we reported 18 months ago, in GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES (http://www.bootheglobalperspectives.com) has become a resource hog, that in some ways distorts markets, and encourages corruption.
A few examples:
- In Cambodia it is against the law to “log” the old hard wood forests, but if you are on the back roads near Sean Reap, after dark traffic fills up with “illegal” logging trucks delivering ill gotten wood to Phnom Penh, on the way to China.
- In Mongolia, China has long made a concerted effort to gain control of Mongolian oil, copper, and coal resources. Much of Mongolia's coal is the high-quality "coking" variety vital to steel production which can be produced cheaply, for as little as $15 per ton. China is the world’s largest user of environmentally unfriendly “dirty” coal. But the nation is growing so rapidly, it now produces over half of the steel in the world, so it will continue to be the world’s largest polluter. This is made worse because three quarters of China’s electricity is powered by coal fired stations.
- In Kazakhstan, China is a major owner of oil fields.
- In Kyrgyzstan, China continues to show interest in natural resources and officials are easily bribed or “influenced” .
- Both China and Russian jealously lust for the oil, wood, coal and other resources of Central Asia.
- In Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, China has, with cooperation with Russia, financed new pipelines along a general route similar to the old Silk Road.
- Russia, is now a major source of oil for China, with the two nations jointly developing a new pipeline from Siberia to the Pacific by way of China, of course. Chinese oil imports will hit 12.5m barrels per day by 2020, up from 4m last year. Russia, is drifting away from Western oil and gas markets, at the consternation of Western Europe.
- China’s reach includes Latin America, and nations such as Ecuador, Venezuela, Bolivia, Mexico, Peru and Columbia find themselves “invaded” and courted by Chinese visitors, businesses, and buyers of natural resources. In some cases China is making financing and grants available for economic development in trade for access to natural resources of these nations.
But even with currency trading, China is out maneuvering the USA. China has just signed a deal with Russia to do extensive trading in Rubles and Yuan's in their trading, and ignoring the once all powerful dollar. It is interesting, the Islamic nations have worked to “eliminate use of the dollar”, nations such as Venezuela, Korea, Iran have tried the same tactic, and now China and Russia are in the game.
As we have reported many times over the past 10 years, China has emerged as a world power, that will change the way we all live. VIPs and leaders will be well advised to monitor these trends. Access and control of natural resources continue to have global implications, and history shows, wars, and economic control.
In my trips doing consulting for the World Bank, USIA,USIA, and various governments we have found more and more political leaders with greater concern about the expansive and dominant policies of China. India's leaders specifically asked our company (Boothe and Associates, http://www.benboothe.com to review and advise them on perceived social, economic, and regional threats caused by China's policies. Leaders in Cambodia are particularly concerned about China's role in controlling and damming important water ways through their nation, especially the giant river deltas. Even American business leaders have run into competition where China has already monopolized or acquired resources around the world. This is a big issue and worth following. If we can be of help contact: www.benboothe.com at: 800 583 6655 or 817 738 9595.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Social Architects, Church Leaders, to the 'Connected Generation'
Check this out, very relevent to our times.
Social Architects, Church Leaders, to the 'Connected Generation'
Social Architects, Church Leaders, to the 'Connected Generation'
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Print Article: Burning Koran? The 'Wing Nuts' are at it again. Mainstream Pulpits Should Speak For Moderation.
Print Article: Burning Koran? The 'Wing Nuts' are at it again. Mainstream Pulpits Should Speak For Moderation. Time for educated people to speak out for the main stream and recognize that religious fanatics are a danger to peace on earth.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
POLITICAL SUCCESS DEPENDS UPON JOBS, AND THAT DEPENDS UPON BANKS LENDING TO SMALL BUSINESS
Success for the Democrats or Republicans is simple.
Jobs! We don't create jobs by helping rich Wall Street traders, or giant banks.
90% of jobs in the USA, and on Main Street, are created by small business. Small business says "Our hands are tied because the banks will not lend." Bankers say: "Our hands are tied because regulators will not let us lend."
The way to create jobs is to give incentives, or to create pressure (by use of the CRA law or others) to make banks lend money to small business. The banks have sat on giant reserves, and refused to lend money to anything relating to real estate, new business, new ventures, expansions, or even help customers they have had for years.
The ONLY way a political party can survive is by getting people to work. The best way to create jobs is to stimulate small business, and that is through local community banks.
If the Democrats don't get the unemployment rate down, through new jobs, and new bank lending, they will be out of power. If the Republicans don't learn by this, they will be out of power as well.
Give incentives, and use pressure through regulators, and get the banks lending again. The USA is based on credit. Banks are essentially not doing their fiduciary duty for our communities. Get them to lend again, and win.
Jobs! We don't create jobs by helping rich Wall Street traders, or giant banks.
90% of jobs in the USA, and on Main Street, are created by small business. Small business says "Our hands are tied because the banks will not lend." Bankers say: "Our hands are tied because regulators will not let us lend."
The way to create jobs is to give incentives, or to create pressure (by use of the CRA law or others) to make banks lend money to small business. The banks have sat on giant reserves, and refused to lend money to anything relating to real estate, new business, new ventures, expansions, or even help customers they have had for years.
The ONLY way a political party can survive is by getting people to work. The best way to create jobs is to stimulate small business, and that is through local community banks.
If the Democrats don't get the unemployment rate down, through new jobs, and new bank lending, they will be out of power. If the Republicans don't learn by this, they will be out of power as well.
Give incentives, and use pressure through regulators, and get the banks lending again. The USA is based on credit. Banks are essentially not doing their fiduciary duty for our communities. Get them to lend again, and win.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Reports from Boothe Ranch: Super Bowl Committee Speaks in Fort Worth
Reports from Boothe Ranch: Super Bowl Committee Speaks in Fort Worth: "TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2010Super Bowl Committee Speaks in Fort Worth It was our pleasure to talk to and hear Bill Lively, President and CEO..."
Super Bowl Committee Speaks in Fort Worth
TUESDAY, AUGUST 31, 2010
Super Bowl Committee Speaks in Fort Worth
It was our pleasure to talk to and hear Bill Lively, President and CEO of the North Texas Super Bowl XLVHost Committee, in Fort Worth, August 31st. He is an impressive communicator, quick, witty and intelligent. As President and CEO of the SuperBowl Committee, Lively reports to the Host Committee and its Chairman, RogerStaubach, Troy Aikman Vice Chair, Ross Perot Jr., Emmitt Smith, and Mayors of Dallas, Fort Worth and other VIP’s in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
The North Texas Super Bowl XLV has now raised more money, than any other Super Bowl Committee in history “The Board of Directors and Executive Committee, expanded its membership to include more North Texas business, civic, cultural, education and religious leaders, and confirmed the highest number of million-dollar sponsorships in Super Bowl history.” Said Lively to the Fort Worth audience.
“Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent in our economy during this Super Bowl, and it will be the biggest economic boost from a special event that has ever happened in this area.” Said Mr. Lively. “This Super Bowl is expected to attract 150,000 people to Fort Worth/Dallas just by air travel alone, not to mention some 4500 press media reporters, 17,000 additional security and law enforcement officers, plus teams, coaches, and all the support groups that come with them.”
The host of the luncheon with Bill Lively was the Junior Professionals of the Fort Worth Club, Fort Worth, Texas.
“While it is probable more Super Bowls will be played at the Cowboys’ new stadium in the decades ahead, hosting the region’s first Super Bowl is a very important undertaking that must be managed with the utmost efficiency,” said Staubach, chair of the Host Committee. “The Host Committee selected Bill Lively to be its President and CEO because of his remarkable track record in creating new institutions and organizations, and raising millions of dollars to underwrite their operations.”
Lively comes to the Host Committee after nearly eight and a half years as President and CEO of the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts. While there, he was responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of the campaign which raised $338 million to design and build the Center which will open in 2009.
Lively spent 25 years on the faculty and in the administration of Southern Methodist University. During his tenure at SMU, Lively founded the Willis M. Tate Distinguished Lecture Series, the John Goodwin Tower Center for Political Studies, the Doak Walker National Running Back Award and SMU’s Athletic Forum.
Lively also spent 23 years in service to the Dallas Cowboys and the National Football League. From 1975-98, he served as Director of the Dallas Cowboys Band and game day Executive Entertainment Producer. Lively produced entertainment for Super Bowls XII and XIII.
Bill Lively told Saneh T.Boothe that her foundation (Cornucopia-Enterprise.com) to encourage children to learn about gardening, organic foods, and solar and wind powered greenhouses, was perfect to be a part of the SuperBowl effort. “We have allocated over a million dollars to foundations in Fort Worth/Dallas for children’s and community programs”, he said.
Other important facts about the Super Bowl organizers.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
- Roger Staubach, Chairman
- Troy Aikman, Vice-Chair
- Bill Lively, President and CEO
- Charlotte Jones Anderson
- George Bayoud, Jr.
- The Honorable Robert Cluck, MD
- Robert Estrada
- The Honorable Herbert Gears
- The Honorable Tom Leppert
- The Honorable Mike Moncrief
- Norma Roby
- Ross Perot, Jr.
- Dan S. Petty
- Ted Skokos
- Emmitt Smith
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
- Roger Staubach, Chairman
- Troy Aikman, Vice-Chair
- Bill Lively, President and CEO
- Charlotte Jones Anderson
- The Honorable Kenneth Barr
- George Bayoud, Jr.
- Mike Berry
- Alan Boeckmann
- Hal Brierley
- Al Carey
- Clay Christopher
- The Honorable Robert Cluck, MD
- Mike Eastland
- Robert Estrada
- Jeff Fegan
- Jeff Fehlis
- The Honorable Herbert Gears
- Mojy Haddad
- Tom Hicks
- Michael Johnson
- Daryl Johnston
- Gene Jones
- Phillip Jones
- Karen Katz
- Jim Kirk
- Tom Lazo
- The Honorable Tom Leppert
- Wendy Lopez
- Pam Minick
- The Honorable Mike Moncrief
- Rosie Moncrief
- Michael Morris
- Ross Perot, Jr.
- Dan S. Petty
- T. Boone Pickens
- Gina Puente
- Pam Roach
- Norma Roby
- Matt Rose
- Brint Ryan
- Ted Skokos
- Emmitt Smith
- Bob Terrell
- Clarice Tinsley
- Terdema Ussery
- Alan White
Fort Worth will be the host location for ESPN sports news, and also TCU and SMU will lend their football facilities for the SuperBowl teams to use in practice sessions.
“The hotels, restaurants, and tourist places will all be booked up in the week of the Super Bowl. This is huge for our economy and our image. This may be the highest watched, the largest audience, for any sports event in the world”, said Lively.
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