I don't always recommend what I am about to suggest, but it's certainly better than a loan shark.
IF you have good credit, high credit limit, and a minimum of two credit cards, take out a cash advance (some CC's only give you a portion of what you can take out cash wise vs. your credit line, some allow you to use have all cash up to your credit limit ---> MBNA America). After you take out the cash advance, log in to your CC's website and check their offer for balance transfers. Transfer you cash advance credit card over to the credit card with the special balance transfer rate and you will SAVE money this way, instead of paying 18 - 24 % interest on the cash advance.
Watch for any balance transfer fees, which can be up to $50.00. These fees can be waived, as they ARE negiotiable. Also, depending upon your credit, the transfer rate should be from anywhere between 0 % for up to 6 months or even a year, to 3.9 - 6.9 for the life of the balance (AT&T Universal is offering 3.9%, no balance transfer fees for the life of the balance. AMEX is offering 6.9%, no balance transfer fees for the life of the balance).
Hope this helps.
Chalk