Deals of the Hour

Trying to find out what's the deal with the world, tracking what's on sale and who's talking about it on Twitter. Update hourly.

Deals of the Hour / October 1, 2010, 11:41 am

U.S. Mortgage App. Volume Dipped Last Week

The volume of mortgage applications filed in the U.S. last week slid a seasonally adjusted 1.4% from the week before, the Mortgage Bankers Association reported Wednesday. Refinance activity decreased for the third-straight week, dropping 0.9%, according to ... (Source: Smart Money 2010-09-22T12:30:54Z)

China, U.S. Resume Military Talks After Break Over Sales of Arms to Taiwan

The U.S. and China will resume military talks broken off after the Obama administration announced an arms sale to Taiwan earlier this year, starting with a meeting on maritime issues next month, a Pentagon spokesman said. That discussion will be followed ... (Source: Bloomberg 2010-09-29T22:52:32Z)

Japanese Detainees Admit Entering Chinese Military Area

Three Japanese nationals released by China admitted on their return to Tokyo that they had inadvertently entered a restricted military zone before their arrest. In a press conference at Tokyo's Haneda airport, one of the men said they are "extremely sorry ... (Source: Voice of America 2010-10-01T17:35:11Z)

Pro's Ranch Markets to Sell California Central Valley Stores to Vallarta Supermarkets

ONTARIO, Calif. & SYLMAR, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pro's Ranch Markets ( www.prosranch.com ) and Vallarta Supermarkets ( www.vallartasupermarket.com ) jointly announced today that they have entered into an agreement for the sale of the four Pro's Ranch ... (Source: Yahoo Finance 2010-09-29T16:25:59Z)

Long-term mortgage rates hit record low

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29 (UPI) -- The Mortgage Bankers Association said U.S. mortgage activity decreased in the latest weekly survey, even though long-term interest rates hit record lows. The average interest rate for 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell from 4 ... (Source: United Press International 2010-09-29T17:01:46Z)

Paladino: Cuomo took a 'payoff' as HUD secretary

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Republican candidate for governor Carl Paladino has accused Democrat Andrew Cuomo of taking a "payoff" while he was housing secretary during the Clinton Administration. Paladino cites a company sued by the federal government and run by ... (Source: Charleston Gazette 2010-10-01T11:01:29Z)

Japan PM urges China to act responsibly

TOKYO—Japan's prime minister urged China to act as a "responsible" member of the international community Friday and raised concern over its expanding maritime activity in Asia, including in disputed waters where a ship collision ignited a bitter ... (Source: San Jose Mercury News 2010-10-01T10:11:23Z)

Mortgage activity down in week

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- The Mortgage Bankers Association said Wednesday U.S. mortgage activity decreased in the latest weekly survey, despite dropping interest rates. The MBA's Market Composite Index fell 1.4 percent in the week ending Sept. 22. The ... (Source: United Press International 2010-09-22T17:45:52Z)

Boone County hosting forum on fighting gangs

BOONE COUNTY (WREX) - The Boone County state's attorney's office continues to ramp up its efforts to fight gang activity. Boone County State's Attorney Michelle Courier will host a forum to listen to concerns and generate ideas for combating gangs. It will ... (Source: 13 WREX-TV 2010-09-20T16:00:52Z)

Construction spending rose in August

WASHINGTON — Construction spending rose in August as a big jump in government building projects offset further weakness in the private sector. The Commerce Department says construction spending edged up 0.4 percent in August following a 1.4 percent drop ... (Source: Oregonian 2010-10-01T15:33:30Z)

Battling Belvidere Gangs

BELVIDERE (WIFR) -- Gang symbols, motivations and dress were part of tonight's meeting for "anyone concerned about gangs in the community." A panel of local leaders addressed gang related concerns and gathered public ideas on how to further prevent gang ... (Source: WIFR 2010-10-01T03:59:09Z)

Pentagon: China agrees to resume normal military ties after freeze over Taiwan arms sales

WASHINGTON - The Pentagon says a recent chill in U.S.-China military ties is beginning to thaw. A Pentagon spokesman says China agreed to resume maritime talks next month, and will send officials to Washington later this year. China froze military contacts ... (Source: Minneapolis Star Tribune 2010-09-29T16:04:30Z)

Pro's Ranch Markets To Sell 4 Stores

ONTARIO, Calif. — Pro's Ranch Markets here said Wednesday it has agreed to sell four of its stores in California to Vallarta Supermarkets, based in Sylmar, Calif. Terms of the transaction, which is expected to close by Thanksgiving, were not immediately ... (Source: Supermarket News 2010-09-29T17:30:24Z)

NY GOP gov hopeful: Dem rival took post-HUD payoff

The Republican candidate for New York governor — using a video press release to TV stations statewide — is accusing Democrat Andrew Cuomo this week of taking a "payoff" while he was housing secretary during the Clinton administration from a man who is ... (Source: AP - msnbc.com 2010-10-01T11:58:45Z)

Japan PM concerned over China's maritime expansion

TOKYO (AP) — Japan 's prime minister expressed concern Friday over China 's strengthening military power and expanding maritime activity in Asia , including waters near disputed islands where a ship collision ignited a bitter diplomatic feud. Prime ... (Source: USA Today 2010-10-01T17:28:02Z)

Bin Laden Told Partners To Plan Mumbai-Like Attacks

Intelligence officials and people familiar with an unfolding terrorist plot to target Europe tell NPR that Osama bin Laden is involved. Several months ago, sources say, bin Laden used couriers to send a message to al-Qaida's affiliates and partners: He ... (Source: NPR News 2010-09-30T21:46:55Z)

GOP's Paladino: Cuomo took post-HUD payoff

ALBANY — The Republican candidate for New York governor — using a video press release to TV stations statewide — is accusing Democrat Andrew Cuomo this week of taking a "payoff" while he was housing secretary during the Clinton administration ... (Source: Citizen Online 2010-10-01T12:27:23Z)

Europe on alert for 'Mumbai' terror

LONDON - Security officials said yesterday that a terror plot to wage Mumbai-style shooting sprees or other attacks in Britain, France and Germany is still active and that recent CIA strikes in Pakistan were aimed at al Qaeda operatives suspected in the ... (Source: Philadelphia Daily News 2010-10-01T06:58:06Z)

Gunmen torch NATO supply vehicles in Pakistan

Heavily armed gunmen in Pakistan set ablaze more than two dozen trucks and tankers carrying fuel and supplies for NATO forces in Afghanistan, one day after Pakistan closed the border to the convoys. Employing rocket launchers and assault rifles, it was the ... (Source: Raw Story 2010-10-01T18:18:08Z)

Construction spending expected to post fourth consecutive monthly decline

WASHINGTON (AP) — Construction spending likely dropped for a fourth straight month in August, reflecting significant weakness in homebuilding. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect construction activity dropped 0.4 percent in August. The Commerce ... (Source: WGNtv.com 2010-10-01T10:54:20Z)

Manufacturing activity rises for 14th straight month

NEW YORK — Manufacturing activity expanded in September for the 14th straight month, but at a slower rate than in the previous month, according to an industry trade group. The Institute for Supply Management said today that its manufacturing index read ... (Source: Oregonian 2010-10-01T15:33:30Z)

Southwest-AirTran deal taking flight

NEW YORK -- Southwest's decision to buy AirTran will mean more routes and fewer delays in small cities but higher fares in the Northeast and perhaps the end of the super-low sale fare. Southwest Airlines, which has built a loyal following with its tongue ... (Source: Times Union 2010-09-28T04:38:30Z)

Ahead of the Bell: Construction Spending

WASHINGTON— Construction spending likely dropped for a fourth straight month in August, reflecting significant weakness in homebuilding. Economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters expect construction activity dropped 0.4 percent in August. The Commerce ... (Source: Boston Globe 2010-10-01T12:34:32Z)

Pentagon: China agrees to restore military ties with US, ending freeze over Taiwan arms sales

WASHINGTON — China and the United States have agreed to resume normal military contacts after a period of estrangement over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, the Pentagon said Wednesday. The two nations will hold talks on maritime security in Hawaii in October ... (Source: Washington Examiner 2010-09-29T17:59:02Z)

Southwest-AirTran deal may open more opportunities for travelers

NEW YORK – Southwest Airlines' decision to buy AirTran will mean more routes and fewer delays and cancellations in small cities but higher fares in the Northeast and perhaps the end of the super-low sale fare. Southwest said Monday it planned to buy ... (Source: Northwest Herald 2010-09-28T10:29:15Z)

Vallarta Buys All Local Pro's Ranch Markets

ARVIN, Calif. -- Two of the biggest Hispanic supermarket chains in Kern County will be joining forces in a sale announced Wednesday. Sylmar-based Vallarta Supermarkets, which has two markets in Bakersfield and one in Delano, is buying the four Pro's Ranch ... (Source: Bakersfield Channel 2010-09-29T23:35:28Z)

Survey shows manufacturing activity grew in Sept. for 14th straight month, but at slower pace

NEW YORK (AP) — Manufacturing activity expanded in September for the 14th straight month, although at the slowest pace since November. The Institute for Supply Management said Friday that its manufacturing index read 54.4 in September, down from 56.3 in ... (Source: Los Angeles Times 2010-10-01T16:37:55Z)

State's attorney plans forum on fighting gangs

BELVIDERE — Boone County State's Attorney Michelle Courier will host a forum Sept. 30 to listen to concerns and generate ideas to combat gang activity. The public is invited to attend at 6 p.m. in the Community Building Complex, 111 W. First St ... (Source: Rockford Register-Star 2010-09-22T11:55:06Z)

Manufacturing activity up for 14th straight month

NEW YORK—Manufacturing activity expanded in September for the 14th straight month, but at a slower rate than in the previous month, according to an industry trade group. The Institute for Supply Management said Friday that its manufacturing index read 54 ... (Source: San Jose Mercury News 2010-10-01T14:43:23Z)

Southwest, AirTran deal may end cheap fares

NEW YORK — Southwest's decision to buy AirTran will mean more routes and fewer delays and cancellations in small cities but higher fares in the Northeast and perhaps the end of the super-low sale fare. Southwest Airlines, which has built a loyal ... (Source: Desert Sun 2010-09-28T08:13:15Z)

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