$99 HP TouchPads Sell Off -- Are Cheaper Tablets on the Way?

Hewlett-Packard is offering their new TouchPad tablet computers for as cheap as $99 after announcing that the company is getting out of the tablet PC and smartphone business. The devices, which are normally priced at $399 - $499, are absolutely flying off of retail store shelves. Big online sellers like Amazon have already sold out of the powerful gadgets.

Americans and Canadians have jumped at the inventory-clearing sale. The devices cost about $300 each to produce so it's definitely an incredible deal... one that HP will lose a lot of money on. The company's actions have left experts wondering if any other big electronics maker will really be able to compete with Apple and their amazing iPad tablets.

The big problem seems to be price: how to create a really good tablet and sell it at a profit for less than the iPad 2. According to Noah Elkin, a mobile computing expert:

"One of the most revolutionary things about the iPad is its price... $499 is still a lot of money, of course, but it's cheap for a device that good and that polished. It's the single biggest challenge for Apple's competitors."

Over 90% of the tablet computer market is currently controlled by Apple. That's mainly because the best competitors -- such as Samsung's Galaxy Tab device -- usually have higher prices. Even when competing devices are priced equally, consumers tend to choose Apple products because of the "brand" advantage.

Experts say that Apple is able to sell a super high-end device at a reasonable price and still make big profits because they have huge advantages in the electronic components supply chain. It also has it's own direct retail channel (Apple Stores have exploded in popularity).

It's probable that stripped-down, lower-end tablets -- that still do the things most users want -- will soon be available. According to consumer surveys, $250 may the "magic" number to achieve big sales numbers. So while we might not see more 100 dollar deals like the current TouchPad offer in the near future, we might soon have a whole slew of under-$300 tablet to choose from!

Learn some mo': $99 HP TouchPads Magic Tablet Price Point

Lowest Mortgage Rates in Decades Hit US

Home mortgage rates in the United States have hit their lowest levels since 1971, according to new reports. The average rate on 30-year fixed mortgages is down to 4.15% according to Freddie Mac. The last time long-term home loan rates were lower than they are right now was in the 1950's!

15-year fixed mortgages, which are very popular home refinancing options, also fell to record lows -- 3.36 percent this week. So the good news is that, if you can get approved, at least you may be able to refinance your home and lower your mortgage payments.

The National Association of Realtors reported that significantly fewer Americans are buying previously occupied houses. In fact, home sales fell three and a half percent in July. Most experts don't expect the ultra-low mortgage rates to boost home sales any time soon. The consensus is that "unhealthy" housing prices and poor sales will continue to hold back the overall US economy for some time.

Many people who would like to buy homes can't even take advantage of cheap loans because they don't have the money. Many don't even have jobs right now! The ones who do are more focused on lowering their personal debt levels and increasing savings than in taking on new debt in the form of a big home loan.

To make matters worse, most lenders are only willing to provide mortgages to people with very high credit scores and/or big down payments, especially for first time buyers. Banks simply aren't willing to accept any amount of risk that a loan won't be paid back. The few borrowers who can qualify for new loans are often choosing to refinance in order to lower monthly payments. But refinancing provides much less benefit to the overall economy than home buying does.

We say: We are 90% sure that mortgage rates will drop even MORE. If you've got the cash or the credit scores now is a great time to buy cheap houses in troubled markets (like Las Vegas!).

Learn some mo': Mortgage Rates Hit 4.15 Percent, Lowest In Decades

Resveratrol-Based Drugs Might Protect Obese & Fight Aging

Here's some good news for obese and overweight people. A new drug that mimics resveratrol (the "red wine" antioxidant) appears to protect obese mice from common obesity-relate diseases and allow them to live up to 44% longer than untreated obese mice. The drug, called SRT-1720, seems to reduce the amount of fat build-up in the liver while increasing insulin sensitivity -- two very good things if you're very fat!

According to Dr. Rafael de Cabo, a gerontologist at the National Institute on Aging:

"[the findings] demonstrate for the first time the feasibility of designing novel molecules that are safe and effective in promoting longevity and preventing multiple age-related diseases in mammals..."

Some experts worry that a drug that removes many of the health risks of being obese is dangerous. But, in practical terms, it could greatly improve the quality of life of overweight people and extend the life of everyone who takes it.

Sirtris, the small pharmaceutical company that created the drug, designed it to mimic the natural grape/fruit compound resveratrol. They're also developing several other drugs based on resveratrol's incredible health-protecting powers. Their research is based on evidence that consuming large amounts of resveratrol and resveratrol-like compounds can provide benefits similar to very-low-calorie diets... especially longer life.

SRT-1720 appears to be able to increase levels of a powerful protein substance called sirtuins in the body. And it takes much less SRT-1720 than natural resveratrol to get the same amount of sirtuin boost. Most importantly, it appears to have no signs of toxicity! Another drug in development -- called SRT-2104 -- may be even more powerful and, according to one researcher, more suitable for human consumption.

We say: There's little doubt that resveratrol is a powerful chemical with lots of health-boosting, anti-aging benefits. If these new resveratrol-based drugs really work with no dangerous side-effects that will be GREAT news for millions of overweight Americans and aging baby-boomers. But until then we'll stick with our red wine, red grapes, cheap resveratrol supplements, and healthy diet!

Learn some mo': Longer Lives for Obese Mice, With Hope for Humans of All Sizes

Tracy Anderson Method Reviews: Does This HOT Weight Loss Method Work?

The Tracy Anderson Method has become one of the hottest "celebrity" weight loss/fitness programs in the US. Her "30-Day Weight loss Kick-Start" book is one of the best-selling quick weight loss programs on Amazon. Tracy's method involves things like muscle confusion and strict diet for losing weight and "shrinking" your body in just 30 days.

Many big actresses, musicians, and celebrities have used the Tracy Anderson Method to shed pounds and get into fantastic shape. Gwyneth Paltrow likes her stuff so much that she's become a business partner. According to Tracy Anderson, here method is based on scientific research and many years of experience. She says her workout and diet plan reshapes the body, tones the muscles, and "defies genetics" to drop weight rapidly.

The most unique thing about the Anderson Method is that it focuses on working the small stabilizer or "accessory" muscles, instead of the big major muscle groups (like the quadriceps and bicep muscles). According to Anderson doing this create a longer, leaner, more balanced look and not the bulked-up look woman apparently want to avoid.

The problem with that is that it's kind of BS. It's very easy for women to avoid getting big "bulky"-looking muscles. You don't have to focus on small stabilizer muscles. Compound, multi-joint exercises that work major muscle groups -- like squats, lunges, pull-ups, and push-ups -- are proven to burn fat, build sexy lean muscle mass, and give you faster results than single-joint exercises (like bicep curls).

Many reviews of the Tracy Anderson Method are not so great. Some claim it leaves you starving and nearly "blacking out" from hunger! Several fitness expert reviews are more negative than positive. Still though, millions of people -- including dozens of A-list celebs -- love Tracy's weight loss method... so it can't be all bad!

We way: What's wrong with a girl have some real muscle and definition?? We LOVE all those fit, buff, sexy fitness models. The Tracy Anderson Method might be OK if you want the "soft dancer" look but we hope most ladies stick to free weights and Crossfit workouts! :)

Do you have a review of this unique exercise and diet program? Please leave it below!

Ways to Make Money Without Having a Job (According to Zaarly)

Zaarly is a pretty cool new site that makes it easier to buy and sell goods and services with people who live really close to you. So, apparently, it's like Craigslist without all the driving. They've come up with a neat infographic that outlines ways to earn money without actually having a "job". We've been doing exactly that for several years now and we can honestly say it kicks lots and lots of butt (jobs sucks!).

Over the years we've tried several of the things on the list below. Blogging and writing/selling ebooks is a LOT easier than street performing and selling valuable bodily fluids, promise! Unfortunately most people can't write worth a dang, but starting an online store or selling stuff on Ebay can be done by just about anyone who's willing to make some serious effort.

Here's the infographic:

Walking dogs and collecting aluminum cans, bottles, and scrap metal might be good options of last resort if you're really desperate. But they have pretty low barriers to entry and something tells me we'll be seeing HUGE increases in the number of local dog walkers in the near future. Here in Las Vegas we already have thousands of hombres roaming the streets in beat-up pickup trucks pulling every bit of scrap metal out of the dumpsters.

Hopefully President Obama can start creating some more jobs before America's cities are overrun with dog walkers, scrap metal scroungers, and starving "focus group participants!"

Learn some mo': 10 Ways to Make Money Without a Job