However, the cost of marijuana in the U.K. has significantly increased over the years. While hash (or bushweed) is usually cheap, the quality is still poor. Expect to pay around $15 USD for 1/8 ounce. Mid- to higher-quality marijuana in the U.K. (such as “skunk” or generic hydro) is priced around $40 for 1/8 ounce. The higher-end weed in the United Kingdom (sometimes referred to as charas and cheese) costs more than $50 for an “eighth.”

An average-quality weed costs about £70 to £120 per ounce. For one ounce of “cheese” (high-quality marijuana), prices have risen from £150 ($240) to £190. In London, you can purchase “skunk” for about £120 to £200 per ounce.

A sampling of 2012 user-reported marijuana prices in the U.K. according to region includes [1]:

• Shrewsbury, Shropshire – $40 for five grams – low quality
• Ottery Saint Mary, Devon – $20 an eighth – low quality
• London, London – $100 an ounce – medium quality
• Sheffield, Sheffield – $330 an ounce – medium quality
• Westminster, Westminster – $240 an ounce – high quality
• Kirby, Clwyd – $800 an ounce – high quality

[1] http://www.priceofweed.com/prices/United-Kingdom.html

Quality or Potency

The type (or quality) of product greatly affects the cost of marijuana in the U.S. There are typically three different grades of marijuana available on the black market (or street level) – poor (also known as “garbage,” “dirt weed” or “schwag”), mid-level (often referred to as “dro, “hydro,” or “regular”), and high quality (also called “exotic,” skunk,” “diesel” and “kush”). The better quality the product, the more you will expect to pay. For example, a half-ounce of poor quality marijuana costs an average of $75 as opposed to the $150 price tag commonly charged for a higher-quality product.

High quality marijuana found in big cities, such as Los Angeles and New York City, carry higher price tags. One ounce of the intensely potent ‘Kush’ in California costs $550 to 700 or $6000 to 7000 for a pound. On the East Coast, one ounce of ‘Sour Diesel’ costs $550 to 650 or $5800 to 6800 for a pound [1].

Location

Where marijuana is bought in the U.S. greatly affects the price of the product. With the exception of California, the majority of states located close to the Mexican Border (southern locations) enjoy lower prices as opposed to northeastern states, where dealers face a harder time obtaining product. The cheapest state to purchase marijuana is Texas, where an ounce of Mexican dirt weed sells for as low as $40 [2]. An ounce of hydro can be purchased in Texas for about $100, where customers in other states pay around $300 to $400 for an ounce. New Mexico is another state that offers cheaper marijuana prices.

The average cost of marijuana is typically greater in the states of Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. New York City is another location that offers a wide range of options with high prices that reflect a higher quality product.

Quantity

The average cost of marijuana in the U.S. reflects varying prices in regards of quality and quantity:

Lower-Quality

dime – $10
dub bag – $15
eighth – $25
quarter – $40
half ounce – $75
ounce – $100
QP – $400
half pound -$ 800
pound – $1200

Mid-Quality 

dime – $10
dub bag – $20
eighth – $50
quarter – $100
half ounce – $200
ounce – $250
QP – $800
half pound -$1600
pound – $3500

High or Exotic Quality 

dime – $15
dub bag – $25
eighth – $80
quarter – $175
half ounce – $350
ounce – $700
QP – $1500
half pound -$ 3000
pound – $5000 to $7000

Other factors that influence the cost of marijuana in the U.S. include:

• Relationship with dealer or seller
• Bringing new business to seller
• Bartering goods for reduced prices on product

[1] http://www.cnbc.com/id/28561896/A_Gallery_of_Medical_Marijuana?slide=2
[2] http://www.e-stoned.com/rec/44-Marijuana-Prices-in-the-USA/

The Cost of a Ferret

The average cost of buying a ferret as a pet is between $100 and $400. 

There are factors that can affect the cost of a ferret, including who and where you purchase your ferret from, as well as the type of animal you choose. The cost of buying a ferret varies when you purchase from previous owners, breeders, and local pet stores. A private breeder could sell their ferrets for $125 to $400 – depending on the color and whether the bloodline of the animal is considered superior. Pet stores tend to sell their ferrets for around $125 or more. For example, an advertised price for a ferret at Petco in 2011 was $129.95. If you live in New Jersey, Rhode Island or Illinois, you will need to get a permit to buy a ferret – New Jersey and Rhode Island both charge $10 per year for a ferret permit [1].

The type of ferret color and markings will also affect the cost of the animal. Colors for domestic pet ferrets range from a black sable to an albino white. Other shades include chocolate, champagne, silver, badger, and cinnamon. With the exception of a white ferret, your pet may display the following markings:

• Mitts – white paws
• Hooded or Banded – band over the eyes
• Siamese – eye rings and a line that runs down their underside
• Panda – white head, belly and feet
• Blaze – white bib and a head with a colored streak

The initial cost of getting supplies for your ferret can total around $500. You will also need to purchase supplies on a monthly basis for the rest of the ferret’s life. Typical annual costs are around $200 for food, $200 for litter, and $70 to $80 for treats and toys. A breakdown of expenses associated with owning a ferret includes:

Cage and Habitat: Ferrets need to stay in cages when you are not home with at least three hours of daily play time outside the cage. A popular option for housing is a large, multi-tiered cage for a ferret. Cages need to measure at least 2x3x2, which typically costs between $60 and $150.Their habitat should include a hammock, tubes, litter box, and toys.  If you plan on traveling with your ferret, you will need a portable cage – average cost is $15 to $30.

Food: Specialized food is needed to feed your ferret in order to ensure its health. Pet stores, such as Petco, can sell a 3-pound bag of food for $11. Yearly costs for ferret food average between $50 and $60. You can also give your ferret vitamins – a small bottle of concentrated solution costs around $8 [2].

Toys and Exercise:  Toys will help keep your playful ferret busy and stimulated – usually costing from $5 to $10. Some owners will take their ferret for a walk using a leash and harness – at a cost of around $10 to $15.

Veterinary Costs: Ferrets can come down with an illness or disease – even during their first year of life. Veterinarian costs can reach $250 to $500 a year. When not taken cared of properly, neutered too early, or a product of improper breeding, your ferret could face future medical issues.

If you wish to “descent” your ferret, expect a cost of between $75 and $250. After buying a ferret, they will need three additional distemper vaccinations that are required at 9, 12, and 16 weeks of age. Rabies vaccinations are needed between 13 and 16 weeks of age. Other veterinary care includes dental cleaning, blood screening test, and chronic illness treatments [3].

Other accessories to keep in mind for your pet includes bedding ($10 for 30 liters), ferret shampoo ($5), nail clippers ($8), deodorizing and conditioning spray ($7), litter scoop ($4), ear-cleaning solutions, habit cleaner ($10), hairball preventative, and grooming brushes ($5).

To save money, get your ferret from an animal shelter or previous owner, which means that you don’t have to pay for vaccinations or the spaying or neutering of the pet. Purchasing used ferret equipment can also help lower your overall costs. Check out eBay, Craigslist and the local classifieds for deals on used cages, feeding bowls, and other ferret products.

Sources:

[1] http://www.ferretcentral.org/faq/part1.html
[2]http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080107203951AArPKwQ
[3] http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=11+2072&aid=530

Baby cereals are sold premixed in individual containers or as a dry mix that you can add breast milk, formula, or water. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, premixed baby cereals are convenient, while dry cereals provide a richer source of iron [1]. You can also gain better control over the thickness of the cereal. Whichever type of cereal you select, make sure that it is made for babies because these types of cereals contain extra nutrients that a growing infant needs.

The Cost of Infant Cereal

The average cost of dry infant cereal is around $3. Depending on how much you use, one to two boxes will last you per month. One box of infant cereal usually contains 6 to 8 ounces of dry product. Organic and specialty infant cereals tend to cost more. A 6-ounce serving of Gerber 3rd Foods Mixed Cereal (with Apples & Bananas) comes in a jar that typically sells for around 79 cents.

As of January 2012, the following prices show an average range of costs for dry infant cereal:

• Gerber Cereal For Baby – Single Grain Oatmeal (8 ounces) [2] – $2.19
• Gerber Rice Cereal (8 ounces) – $2.59
• Earth’s Best Organic Oatmeal Cereal – Whole Grain (8 ounces) – $2.69
• Sprout Organic Infant Cereal Whole Grain Brown Rice (7 ounces) – $4.29
• Healthy Times Whole Grain Brown Rice Cereal (6 ounces) – $3.79
• Plum Organics Baby Organic Baby Cereals – Oatmeal (7 ounces) – $4 to $5
• Beech-Nut Homestyle Oatmeal Cereal (8 ounces) – $5

Sources:

[1] http://www2.aap.org/bookstore/brochures/br_solidfoods_2008_sample.pdf
[2] http://www.wegmans.com

With the dwindling supply of oil, coal is looking increasingly useful as a replacement energy source, which leads people to ask, ‘how much coal is left in the world?‘ Primarily burned as a fossil fuel to produce electricity and/or heat, coal also has a place in industry circles for the refinement of metals.

The majority of experts agree that there is at least a couple hundred years’ worth of coal remaining in the world. Coal is abundant in America, as well as in many countries around the world. Annual coal production is projected to continue around 1 billion tons into the next century.

With a steady rate of use, it is estimated that coal won’t be depleted for about 265 years [1]. At a rate of growth of only 2% per year, the depletion will occur after 93 years. If the growth rate is 3%, depletion will take place in 73 years.

The leading producers of hard and brown coal (expressed in metric tons) in 2010 [2] include:

• • China – 3,162
• • United States – 997
• • India – 571
• • Australia – 420
• • Indonesia – 336
• • Russia – 324
• • South Africa – 255
• • Poland – 134
• • Kazakhstan – 111
• • Colombia – 74

Coal in the United States

Coal deposits in the eastern part of the United States date back about 300 million years ago – long before dinosaurs roamed the earth. When compared to the eastern states, most of the coal in the West is younger – formed less than 140 million years ago during the Cretaceous period (around the same time dinosaurs were alive). Today, coal is found in 38 states within the U.S. with bituminous coal mostly coming from the Appalachian Basin and the Midwest states.

Sources:
[1] http://www.ucsusa.org/clean_energy/coalvswind/brief_coal.html
[2] http://www.iea.org/textbase/nppdf/free/2010/key_stats_2010.pdf

Cost of a Hamster

The initial cost of a hamster starts with the purchase of the pet itself. The average cost of buying a hamster ranges from $6 to $30 – determined by the kind of hamster you get and the method of purchase (breeder versus commercial pet store). Average costs of hamster breeds include:

• Syrian (white and cream colored fur that are highly energetic) – $6 to $11
• Russian Dwarf (lifespan of 3 years) – $15 to $25
• Fancy Russian Dwarf (black and white fur) – $16 to $25
• Winter White (black and gray fur that are quite active) – $16 to $25
• Robo Dwarf (mustard and white fur and can live up to 4 years) – $16 to $24

During the first year of owning a hamster, you may spend up to $100 on getting the necessary accessories. Additional costs to own a hamster include:

• Cages and Bedding – When you first get your pet, you will probably spend about $35 for a cage [1]. Hamsters often live in wire cages, but can also dwell in a 10-gallon aquarium with a wire-mesh top. Fancier cages with tubes, tunnels and hideaways can cost more than $75. You can spend $5 to $15 to outfit a less expensive cage with mental and physical stimulation for your hamster. The bottom of the hamster cage should be lined with shavings to allow the creature a place to burrow and enjoy comfortable surroundings. Bedding costs around $2 to $5 per bag.

• Food – Food runs about $50 a year, plus $20 annually for treats. Hamster mix is usually comprised of seeds, grains, cracked corn and pellets. The average bag of hamster food costs $5 to $10 – and depends on the brand and size. Premium hamster food that provides more ingredients and nutrients will cost more. You may spend around $5 on supplemental food items or on fresh food (such as vegetables and fruits) that are recommended for the addition of a hamster diet every three days.

Fresh, clean water should be available at all times and is best administered with the use of an inverted bottle with drinking tube (sometimes called a critter canteen). These usually cost $3 to $10.

• Exercise –To exercise your hamster, a wheel inside the cage is ideal. They typically range from $5 to $10 – depending on the material and diameter of the wheel [2]. A hamster ball (ranging from $4 to $8) also provides exercise by letting the critter roll around the floor within a protective, ventilated plastic ball.

• Health Costs – Hamster teeth continuously grow, meaning you will need to supply treats and other accessories to make sure they do not overgrow. A box of hamster treats costs about $3 to $5. You may also use dog biscuits as a substitute. Hamsters with a weakened immune system will need vitamins that can cost $5 to $10.

Sources:

[1] http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/hamster-care.aspx
[2] http://www.petco.com

 Wind Turbine Installation Cost

The total cost of installing a commercial-scale wind turbine will vary depending on a variety of factors, including the cost of financing, construction contracts, type of machine, and location. In 2007, such projects ranged from $1.2 million to $2.6 million [1]. Today, the majority of commercial-scale wind turbine installations cost around $3.5 million.

According to the California Energy Commission, residential wind turbine installation involving a 10 kilowatt home wind system costs approximately $25,000 to $35,000 [2]. Generally, a turbine of this size is constructed on a 1-acre lot with a tower that measures about 100 feet tall.

Independent farmers interested in the installation of a wind turbine will face varying costs due to size, generating capacity, fees, service agreements, installation, equipment, tower type and height. The average cost is more than $15,000. A few examples with installation costs include [3]:

• Southwest Windpower Skystream (3.7: 1.8 kW rated output, 40 ft. guyed tilt-down tower): $16,000 to $18,000

• Abundant Renewable Energy ARE (110: 2.5 kW rated output, 40 ft. guyed tilt-down tower): $24,000

• Bergey Excel 10 kW (10 kW rated output, 60’ fixed lattice tower): $64,000

Sources:
[1] http://www.windustry.org/how-much-do-wind-turbines-cost
[2] http://www.energy.ca.gov/distgen/equipment/wind/cost.html
[3] http://www.agenergysolutions.org/site/?p=198

The Cost to Join DirectBuy

DirectBuy is a franchise, meaning membership costs vary per location. Memberships typically involve two to three year terms with the option to renew each year beyond the initial term for the current renewal fee. In 2007, Consumer Reports stated that memberships at certain DirectBuy locations in the New York region ranged from $4,600 to $4,990 for a three-year membership with $190 renewal fees per year for the next seven years. In 2009, the Star Tribune cited enrollment fees were $4,700, and then $99 per year after 30 months [2]. Others have reported an initial fee of $6000 for two years, and $300 per year for the next eight years.

After joining DirectBuy, additional fees are attached to each purchase, including:

• 6% handling fee
• 8% shipping fee (sometimes higher on heavy items)
• sales tax

Sources:
[1] http://www.directbuy.com/FAQ/
[2] http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/yourmoney/51060852.html?elr=KArks7PYDiaK7DUdcOy_nc:DKUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

As of October 2010, a new copy of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 can be purchased on the average for $24 to $76 [1].  For example, Amazon.com sells new copies for $50.59 (Xbox 360); $47 (PlayStation 3); and $41.99 (Microsoft Windows); and used copies for $24.99 (Xbox 360); $27.46 (PlayStation 3); and $29 (Microsoft Windows) [2].

Sources:

[1] http://shopping.yahoo.com/search?p=call%20of%20duty%20modern%20warfare%202

[2] http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dvideogames&field-keywords=Call+of+Duty%3A+Modern+Warfare+2&x=0&y=0

Minimum Wage

Minimum wage is the lowest wage that an industry or other organization is legally permitted to pay a worker. This amount differs for each state with the exception of Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, South Carolina, and Louisiana, which do not have any state minimum wage laws [1].

The Fair Labor Standards Act is responsible for setting the federal minimum wage for the United States. It is currently at $7.25 per hour – an amount that is revised accordingly to make up for inflation and other economic changes. Also, the majority of states in the United States may have their own minimum wage standards that reach up to $8.55 per hour (in Washington).

There are some exceptions to minimum wage in certain states. For example, workers that earn tips are subjected to a lower base standard.

Salaries

If you are not paid an hourly rate, then you are paid a salary for your job. Salaries vary for each type of job and are also based on outside factors, including experience and place of employment. To find the average salary for a job, conduct a search on Salary.com [2].

Sources:

[1] http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm

[2] http://salary.com