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Regina

Minimum wage in the United States was established by the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938. So, the minimum wage has been around for awhile.

Every state is different as to what their minimum wage is. Many states have established their own minimum wage -- which is usually higher than the federal minimum wage.

For example, the current federal minimum wage is $7.25. (It increased from $6.55 on July 24, 2009.) But in my home state of Washington, the minimum wage is $8.55.

The nice thing about this is the fact that in situations where the federal state laws have different minimum wages, the higher wage always prevails. This works to the benefit of minimum wage workers, so employers cannot choose to pay the lower minimum wage.

Here's a list of minimum wages by state. (Interesting!)

photo credit: will engelmann

Most of us will be asked to write a letter of recommendation at one time or another. However, it's not always easy to find the right words. Sometimes, it's difficult to just get started!

Whether the reference letter is for a job, a scholarship, a grant, or some other opportunity, there are some key points you will want to make when writing your letter of recommendation.

Why? Because the better your letter is, the more likely your friend or relative will get what it is they are seeking.

Here are the most important things you will want to include when writing a letter of recommendation or reference letter for a friend or colleague...

Did you know that you can get some of the exact same channels that you watch on cable and satellite television right on your computer?

Well...you can!

If you're paying $90 or more a month to have cable or satellite television then you're paying too much.

There is a wealth of television available online that is easy to access and watch if you know where to look.

That is the biggest thing: knowing where to find what you're looking for. Because believe me, as much good stuff as there is available online, there is just as much junk.

Whatever you do, do not buy one of those software packages that "gives you satellite TV on your computer." Nearly all of them are a scam, and you can actually get the same software for free! Yup, that's right for FREE, and I'll tell you how to do that.

Here are 7 free programs that enable you to watch TV and movies on your computer...

Smart cars (and micro minis) have swept through Europe with the force of a tidal wave.

We've all seen them, the cute little cars that only seat 2 people and are sometimes in very vibrant colors (such as neon green, for example).

I was actually surprised to see one of these parked on Lake City Way the other day here in Seattle. Personally, I love how cute they are, but they have other advantages as well.

Here are 7 pros and cons of the micro mini or smart car...

Many people (myself included) buy used tires. After all, that's one way to save money, right?

It's also another way to practice a green lifestyle since you're reusing something.

However, this might be one time when reusing an item is not in your best interest. The fact is, old tires simply may not be as safe as new tires -- whether they've been used or not.

After a tire is older than 6 years, there is an increased risk that that tire is going to suffer a catastrophic tread separation:

Following are some of the dangers associated with buying used tires -- or even OLD, unused tires!  Plus, how to make sense of the letters and numbers on your tire's sidewall and determine the true age of your tires.

Who doesn't hate fax machines? I have yet to find anyone that doesn't feel like I do about fax machines.

Personally, I have wanted to heave more than one fax machine out the window in my lifetime.

I think that while fax machines are a major pain, they are necessary.

Or are they?

I mean really. You pay for the machine, then you have to pay for the ink, and the paper. Oh, and if you have an older machine and switch your phone service to digital, then you have to buy a machine that is compatible with a digital phone line.

The irritations are endless, but there are some ways that you can get the most out of sending and receiving faxes without so many of the aggravations.

Here are some ways to get the most out of faxing...

Everyone knows that the day after Christmas is when the really great sales are, right?

Yes, but the shopper who is not discriminating can end up with junk and/or stuff that they don't really need.

It's really important to plan ahead for your day after Christmas shopping trip, instead of going willy nilly to stores with their newspaper sales page in hand buying whatever strikes your fancy at the moment.

Keep in mind, stores use day after Christmas sales primarily to:

Unload overstock

Get rid of items that are soon to be on clearance

Sell old models that they've had on display

Re-sell returns and exchanges that have been opened (or not)

Now, in many cases, these items can be truly good buys. But it is still important to be discriminating when you shop.

Here's how you can best plan and prepare for your day after Christmas shopping trip...