Saluting Fallen Soldier

Kenneth Varnes paid his respects to a fallen soldier by pulling off the road and saluting the funeral procession in the rain. He felt a duty because of the military brotherhood. The video appeared on MSN.  

Jobs That Pay The Most

I know money isn't everything, but for many students, it's an important factor in the career decision. Here are the 25 Careers With the Highest Pay. You will see a lot of engineers on this list, but the medical field is also well represented with Nurse Practitioner, Physician's Assistant, Pharmacist, Dentist, and Doctor on the list from MSN Money.

Giving Millions to Science

Ever wonder why philanthropists give away their money? Why does someone give millions of dollars to a scientific cause? appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 25, 2017.  

Helping the Homeless

I take my hat off to Padres Managing Partner, Peter Seidler, for working toward real solutions to San Diego's homeless problem. In Padres' Seidler Fuels New Push on Homelessness -- by Day and Dark of Night, Seidler is heading a group looking into Arizona's innovative program to help their homeless population with an eye toward bringing the solution to San Diego. The article appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 18, 2017.

Kindness

Ever wonder how people got their start in business? Avi Loren Fox got a push when a friend bought a used scarf for her from a thrift store, and Fox turned that generosity into a company called Wild Mantle.

21 People Reveal the Random Acts of Kindness That Changed Their Lives appeared on MSN Lifestyle.

94-Year-Old Veteran Wins 300K in Lottery

You often read stories of people winning the Lotto. Not many involve a 94-year-old World War II veteran. The following quote tells me he isn't going to blow it all in a casino: “I’m pretty frugal. I always shop sales and take care of my money and that won’t change. The only thing that will change is I won’t have as much stress in my life worrying about money." -- Ervin Smolinski, on winning $300,000 on his 94th birthday.

World War II Veteran Gets $300,000 Winning Lottery Ticket For His 94th Birthday appeared on MSN News.

Jobs With Pensions

Looking for a job with a retirement pension instead of a 401K?
8 Jobs That Still Come With a Pension appeared on MSN Money.

Jobs with Perks

If you have to work a job to help pay for school, why not pick a company that offers more than a paycheck? Insiders Reveal On-The-Job Perks from Starbucks and More appeared on MSN Money.

Consumer Reports Used Cars

The April 2017 car issue of Consumer Reports is out, and I'm listing their used car recommendations for the $5000 to $10,000 category here. I'm using this category because it is the least expensive and most college students don't have a huge amount of money to spend on a car. These recommendations are based on the magazine's tests of the cars when they were new and their above average reliability. Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is a crucial safety feature and it is included in the ratings as the first year it was available as an option and the first year it was a standard feature on the model.


Category $5k to $10K price range

Used Subcompact:
Honda Fit 2007 to 2011                 Optional ESC 2009, Standard ESC 2011

Used Compact:
Pontiac Vibe 2007 to 2010             Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2009
Toyota Corolla 2007 to 2011          Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2010
Toyota Matrix 2007, 2008, 2010    Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2010
Toyota Prius 2007 to 2009              Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2010

Used Midsized and Large Sedans:
Honda Accord 2007                        Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2008
Toyota Camry 2007 to 2008           Optional ESC 2007, Standard ESC 2010R


Researching Cars:

https://www.kbb.com/

https://www.edmunds.com/

https://www.carfax.com/

http://www.autocheck.com


Used car loans:

San Diego County Credit Union
 
Pacific Marine Credit Union

CA Coast Credit Union


Selling your used vehicle:

Carmax will make you an offer good for seven days on your vehicle. You won't get as much as selling it yourself but it's a lot less hassle.

Sell it yourself on Auto Trader.


Gas mileage comparison:

https://www.fueleconomy.gov/


Beware of salvage titles and faulty airbags:

How Dangerous Air Bags Can Find Their Way Into Used Cars

Recognizing heroic military animals

Animals have demonstrated bravery in military conflict and there's a way to recognize them: The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals has an award for these courageous heroes. Above and Beyond -- The Bravest Military Animals Remembered appeared in MSN News.

Finishing Chelsea's Run

“This day is a reflection of the beauty that there is in the world and the hope and joy that the San Diego community has come out and embraced our family and foundation. For us it’s about choosing hope every time.” -- Kelly King, mother who lost her daughter, Chelsea King, to murder.

Friends, Strangers Finish Chelsea's 7th Annual Run appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 4, 2017.

https://chelseaslight.org/

Vets and painkillers

“It had basically become my only coping mechanism” — on becoming addicted to painkillers, Camp Pendleton Marine, Jeremy Thomas.

Overprescribed: Veterans and the Painkiller Problem was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 2, 2017. 

Resource Help for Vets

"All of the community providers in San Diego were on their own systems and silos and unable to communicate with each other outside of phone calls and emails. Now, they are on a common system where they can connect the dots and send to each other simultaneously." -- San Diego United co-founder, Justice Taylor.

New Computer Network to Better Serve Veterans was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on Feb. 6, 2017.

https://sandiegounited.org/

Grandmother of Military Family Deported

“She’s not a criminal. That’s where I’m at. I just feel that she’s definitely not in that category, and I think we got it wrong.” -- Lt. Col. Marie Pauley.

Grandmother, 'Backbone' of Veteran's Family, Sent Back to Mexico appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 4, 2017.

Repaying Student Loans

The San Diego County Libraries have a series of Spring workshops, which include repaying student loans. These are free to the public! Here is the list of workshops, dates, times, and locations.

Student Concerns

"When you asked me what's on the mind of our students when they sit in their classrooms, it really gets to the issue of immigration." -- City College President Denise Whisenhunt.

College Leaders Voice Concerns About Trump Administration was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 1, 2017.

Homeless SD Students: 23,000

“The largest population of kids who are in our public schools and identified as homeless by the Department of Education are those who are doubled up, sharing places,” -- Michelle Lustig, director of Foster Youth Services, Coordinating Program and Homeless Education Services for the County Office of Education.

Homeless Students Reach Nearly 23,000 in County appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on Feb 28, 2017.

Organized Resistance

"Most of us are motivated by a moral outrage at what's happening." -- Peter Brown.

Migrant Advocates Organizing Resistance was published in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 3, 2017.

www.sanctuarysandiego.org

A Drive to Protect

"Jerry has a very caring heart and he's a man of action. When he sees something wrong, it's like instead of cursing the darkness he lights a candle. He has unlimited energy and an unlimited desire to respond when someone needs help." -- Mike Poyner, Koi Club volunteer, on Jerry Myers.

Homeless Fish Find Shelter at Koi Show appeared in the San Diego Union Tribune on March 3, 2017.