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July 17, 2007
HousingPANIC Stupid Question of the Day
Posted by blogger at 7/17/2007
Labels: DENIAL ain't a river in Egypt
93 comments:
Still in full denial mode. A friend just told me that his family took out an equity loan against their house in Sacramento. The bank thinks that the house went up in value again!
- July 17, 2007 6:41 AM
San Diego,
I see No Fear..................
....but plenty of denial to go around still!
- July 17, 2007 6:49 AM
The more the
so-called 'professionals' talk about finding the bottom, I realize how far we actually are from it!
We have a long way to go folks!
It's gonna get ugly!
- July 17, 2007 6:58 AM
well a friend of mine that bought in HB a few years ago has started to enter the fear stage, thinking that he may be lucky to get what he paid for it. I spoke to a contractor that does foundation work and he really thinks early 2008 things will pick up again in Texas(denial if you ask me) and I know a few people that just bought houses and think prices will keep rising(Austin, TX)- more denial. I think fear is just beginning.
- July 17, 2007 7:02 AM
We've got such a long way to go
- July 17, 2007 7:09 AM
I'm starting to see a little fear here and there by the smarter folks.
But Phoenix as a whole? They're way too dumb to be afraid yet. I'm not even sure if they're smart enough to be in denial yet.
- July 17, 2007 7:14 AM
What people who bought at the top originally thought they were feeling.
Then when prices began deflating, they realized it was not euphoria at all, but rather really ignorance combined with greed.
- July 17, 2007 7:32 AM
case by case basis. It will deflate in the strangest of ways.
- July 17, 2007 8:31 AM
FB's = denial
realtrolls = desperation
lenders = panic
- July 17, 2007 9:00 AM
euphoria: greg swann
denial: home owners
fear: realtors, builders
desperation: lenders
panic: hedge funds
- July 17, 2007 9:55 AM
- David in JAX said...
I believe we moved into fear in March 07 when the MSM started to report (finally) that there were problems in the housing market. If not, we will be there by September when the summer sales numbers are a flop.
- July 17, 2007 10:48 AM
ARM resets will provide constant barrage of fire at prices well into 2008. Dollar is also very near of collapse. If that happens, living costs will kill the US consumer. Already consumer credit is increasing rapidly even when retail chains are reporting declining sales. Consumers are now spending more to MAINTAIN their standard of living.
Another thing to consider: Oil exporting countries have deposited about 750 billion dollars out of 1000 billion to EUROPEAN banks, according to Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Americans have no control over these dollars. So it is not only Chinese and Japanese awash with dollars...
- July 17, 2007 10:53 AM
- Unknown said...
Still in full denial mode. A friend just told me that...
These are the most entertaining posts, and usually on the 'cycle' threads.
- July 17, 2007 11:25 AM
If they don't have fear, they haven't looked at the ABX. Off a cliff yesterday on AAA and AA on 2006 and 2007 vintages.The lower tranches are headed to zero on a rocket.FUGLY
- July 17, 2007 11:26 AM
100% in denial mode.
- July 17, 2007 12:40 PM
Why would anyone be in the fear stage? MSM keeps reporting about 2% price drops. Even if you bought at 2005 peak prices and the MSM says 2% loss and a turnaround is coming next month, there is no reason to have fear.
Long long way to go, I'm thinking laye 2008 maybe 2009 before the real fire sales even begin.
- July 17, 2007 12:44 PM
Seriously, I've started to see fear.
Most are in denial still, be were are quickly approaching the inflection point to fear.
- July 17, 2007 1:38 PM
Call me crazy....but those folks in Florida who bought townhouses for $300k, only to have the builder sell the same model for $145k, at a later date, didn't seem like they were in denial on that youtube bit. Is there a 'pissed off' point in that wave?
- July 17, 2007 1:42 PM
My old 'hood in Las Vegas:
House 1: Sold for $465K in 2005. Foreclosed in 2006. Just sold this week by bank for $371K.
House 2: Sold for $405K in 2005. Foreclosed January of this year. Bank listed it on MLS for $389K in March. Asking price is now down to $342K, if they get more than $300K I will be surprised.
This is real, on the ground stuff. Yet ask 100 people in Las Vegas about housing and 98 will say prices are holding steady and should start going up again soon.
- July 17, 2007 1:53 PM
- Flagg707 said...
Still denial. Maybe a few pockets of actual fear in Florida or Denver, but denial abounds. Remember, HP is much closer to the facts and the research that shows just how rotten the foundation of this housing boom has become.
Folks won't enter fear until a full-blown 'mark-to-market' event happens where a bunch of folks start lowballing their prices and selling them for even less - and they watch as comp sales in their neighborhoods plunge and their loan goes underwater. Add that on top of the next wave of ARM resets and, well...
Until then, real estate always goes up and is the best investment ever.
- July 17, 2007 2:06 PM
- July 17, 2007 2:07 PM
Baltimore still between anxiety and denial.
I can see close to 2000 units under construction from my office window. Checked the property tax records for the most recent condo- 99% flippers, defined by LLC's and people with multiple units. I assume the same thing for the 2000 under construction. It's so obvious.
- July 17, 2007 2:23 PM
Just wait until the Wall St. debt market seizes up. Then the stock market will drop like a rock, and no one will be able to get approved for a mortgage without a 20% down payment, proof of income, etc. Then people who need to sell will positively freak.
- July 17, 2007 2:25 PM
- The Thinker said...
Keith, you keep asking this question, month after month, but the answers are always the same. We are squarely in DENIAL mode, at least nationally. The California/Florida/Arizona/Las Vegas markets may be in worse shape than the rest of the country, but at least here in the North-East it's denial, denial, denial.
We don't have any half-off auctions around these parts, if you want a crappy condo, you will have to pay pretty much what people payed back in 2005, although they may through in an elevator for your 2-story townhouse.
Perhaps when the selling season of '08 turns out to be another bust people will start to worry. Or maybe when interest rates start to climb again, lending standards begin to tighten in earnest, or more interest rates reset, maybe then we will begin to see some panic, but at least for now, perhaps you should rename the blog "HOUSING DENIAL"
- July 17, 2007 2:28 PM
Word is hedge funds are PANICKING!
- July 17, 2007 2:34 PM
We just hired someone to become a director and the person first accepted the job and then refused to start when he found out he could not sell his house to move here. He had a nice $100,000 equity in his stucko box that got wiped out by the crash. Fear is creeping in at last. The wall of worry is caving in.
- July 17, 2007 2:49 PM
Still no place on that chart here, YET! If you are not in a bubble area, there is no concern. Try to talk to locals about the national economy, their eyes glaze over. The ripple out effects will affect everyone, buts it's gonna be damn slow!
- July 17, 2007 2:59 PM
- Peahippo said...
Honestly, Keither, your standard "denial" graph doesn't account for the False Recovery, a.k.a. the Reflation Effort.
Neither does the graph account for regional differences. Real estate really IS different, depending on which region ... but I mean they're different in which part of the bubble they're in. For example, the Carolinas are still peaking, and may yet have a good selling season next Spring (which should then be the end of the national bubble's peak).
So, if you're in the Carolinas, you're somewhere before "Euphoria". If you're in Detroit, you've reached "Capitulation". If California, you're between "Anxiety" and "Desperation". If the Midwest, you're only at "Anxiety". Florida, "Fear". Etc.
The False Recovery is still running its course in many areas. From the news reports, Countrywide's loans took a significant uptick. I'm sure that mortgage fraud is also spiking.
I can't wait for the ARM resets to start hammering more millions of moronic Americans until the Spring selling season in 2008. If you think that there was a lot of inventory in Spring of 2007, just wait until the horde of f*cked buyers HAS TO SELL by Spring 2008. Remember also, that we have a lot (and a growing number of) fence sitters now, and they will NOT run down the inventory sufficiently until Spring.
What I can't predict is how many of the fence sitters will bite on the hook in the Spring despite clear evidence that prices will continue falling.
P.S. I just checked your newslink, and the LA Times blogger clearly pointed out the False Recovery peak.
- July 17, 2007 3:11 PM
Dow hits 14,000
Blue-chip average strikes milestone as a generally tame inflation report drives gains.
**dancing** I'm in the money, I'm in the money ***dancing***
SHOW ME THE MONEY! Hellya!
- July 17, 2007 3:12 PM
Laura Vella said: Believe it or not, some are still in Euphoria! Prices drop alittle bit, think it's a good deal!
Others know prices are down, but don't think anything bad is going to happen.
- July 17, 2007 3:14 PM
Seattle is still in euphoria stage. Realtors claiming that Seattle's market is "bulletproof" and will never go down.
Only problem is that Seattle doesn't have California salaries. Salaries have stagnated here for years. Price of homes here are now easily 30% overpriced v.s. the economy. Thousands of new condos will be flooding the market here in the next 2 years. All of them starting at 400K for a shoebox sized studio.
- July 17, 2007 3:16 PM
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- July 17, 2007 3:16 PM
I think we are between denial and fear stages.
- July 17, 2007 3:18 PM
Here in Tampa most folks still think that denial is a river in Egypt, and those bush/Chaney bumper stickers are the most cherished items that they own! No kidding, this area has the biggest pile of sheeple brainwashed dumbasses that has ever been assembled anywhere which makes me believe that there must be a government sponsored goebbels like study going on down here... ROTFLMFAO, I met this character the other day telling me realestate is hot and he is selling houses like hotcakes right now... So many gomers, so little time...
- July 17, 2007 3:26 PM
- gregoryw said...
"More than 700 homes were in foreclosure in Montgomery County between April and June of this year, up from 49 during the same period last year"
Nothing to see in Washington, DC, area. Move along.
- July 17, 2007 3:49 PM
I've asked thisquestion many times and none ofyou liberals ever answer:
how is Bush at fault for this bubble, yet Clinton in praised for the "great economy" of the 90s which was built on the .com bubble.
- July 17, 2007 4:02 PM
For the vast majority of people that purchased since 2003, I would say somewhere between Anxiety and Denial. Of course, if you owe a lot and need to sell, Fear.
- July 17, 2007 4:14 PM
California is home to the most winning towns on Money Magazine's Best Places to Live list this year.
- July 17, 2007 4:29 PM
Anonymous said...
euphoria: greg swann
denial: home owners
fear: realtors, builders
desperation: lenders
panic: hedge funds
July 17, 2007 8:55 AM
Anonymous said...
FB's = denial
realtrolls = desperation
lenders = panic
July 17, 2007 8:00 AM
The Thinker said...
Keith, you keep asking this question, month after month, but the answers are always the same. We are squarely in DENIAL mode, at least nationally. The California/Florida/Arizona/Las Vegas markets may be in worse shape than the rest of the country, but at least here in the North-East it's denial, denial, denial.
We don't have any half-off auctions around these parts, if you want a crappy condo, you will have to pay pretty much what people payed back in 2005, although they may through in an elevator for your 2-story townhouse.
Perhaps when the selling season of '08 turns out to be another bust people will start to worry. Or maybe when interest rates start to climb again, lending standards begin to tighten in earnest, or more interest rates reset, maybe then we will begin to see some panic, but at least for now, perhaps you should rename the blog "HOUSING DENIAL"
July 17, 2007 1:28 PM
Thinker, I disagree and point to the market player approach some posters have taken to highlight where each currently sits. It looks like there is consensus that no player has yet capitulated sans those who've just walked away from it all, sub-prime lenders and possibly the MSM. Here is my take on it:
Capitulation: Sub-prime lenders & the MSM which is now reporting the truth is spades.
Panic: Hedge funds and CDO/MBS investors who are now firing up their lawsuits against the hedge funds. Alt-A lenders and some prime banks/lenders & some homebuilders are also here.
Desparation: Prime banks/lenders and most homebuilders, some realtwhores and other RE transaction parasites (appraisers, title companies home inspectors etc.)
Fear: Realtwhores and those retailers and manufacturers and companies that feed off of homeowner consumption in some way, e.g. Home Depot/Lowes, lumber companies, appliance retailers and mfgers, furniture makers and retailers etc.
I'd also put sub-prime borrowers who are already suffering from rate resets who've been attempting to sell there homes for the last six months. The Silent Spring Selling season pulled the wool off their eyes in conjunction with their monthly payments doubling and finding out that the could not refi either due to bad credit or the huge penalties they would incur.
Denial: The majority of home owners. Many of whom this may not impact upon directly, but all of whom will be affected by it indirectly via drops in value due to sub-prime borrowers and ATM HELOC neighbors who cannot keep up, cannot sell for a profit and cannot refi so either massive foreclosure motivated price cuts or blighted property will hit everyone in some form to pull them out of denial.
Note that the stage the players are at are a function of how the slowdown ripples through the market hitting different players at different times due to the way the RE market is structured and entwined into the greater economy.
Good Luck!!
- July 17, 2007 4:36 PM
Yep the world is ending. Depression is coming.
Enjoy the 5% CD losers.
- July 17, 2007 4:39 PM
re: best places to live
look at median incomes of the top 25 highest income cities....$150K and up. You ask who can afford expensive homes, there is your answer.
- July 17, 2007 4:44 PM
I am not a liberal by any means but I'll take a shot at answering this. The reason is because Bush was on the watch when Greenspan droped the rate to such low levels and kept them there for too long. Bush also was pushing homeownership at a time when he should have been talking to Greenspan about raising rates as prices were running out of control. It is on record the number of visits that Greenspan had to the whitehouse for both Clinton and Bush and he talks with our current president alot more then the last one.
On the flip side Clinton was just lucky to catch all of the upside of the tech bubble and only catch the tail of the downside so it's not much better there.
- July 17, 2007 4:46 PM
we will be there by September when the summer sales numbers are a flop.
Here in NorCal summer almost is over. Two new price reduced signs up this morning on the street I drive going to work. MANY houses for sale here. MANY for rent signs as well. All the FBs from SoCal that thought the houses up here were such a good deal are finding out the hard way this is just a backwater town with few jobs... and no money.
- July 17, 2007 4:48 PM
The two developers I have been working with here in California hit the fear stage over 6 months ago. They wouldn't say it outright but I could see it in their eyes and their actions.
They are now entering the next stage. Desperation I believe it is called?
As for the thousands of recently layed-off management personnel, I would say they simply blew right throught both of these stages.
- July 17, 2007 4:48 PM
- Unknown said...
What the public doesn't know makes them the public.
I agree with the others that there are different stages happening in different places. Brokers and builders are definitely aware, and some in the know, are well aware of the storm on the horizon....the public are clueless until the butter meets the bread and reality hits home in real dollars.
- July 17, 2007 4:56 PM
Bankers love the sweet, sweet taste of your tears. They sip them from champagne flutes while cruising down the main street of your little town in their Bentleys. They also eat babies whenever they can get away with it!
- July 17, 2007 4:58 PM
- Unknown said...
Ohh..."us liberals"....so typical the ole label ploy. Give it up fuk tard we conservatives who understand real economics and what a traitor Bush is to flag and country, aint going to bite on that tired and played out stupid neo-con ploy.
Coward in Chief Bush is an utter failure and moron, so put that in your pipe and smoke it traitor lover.
Now back to the conversation at hand, begone traitor loving troll.
- July 17, 2007 5:03 PM
Anonymous said...
Yep the world is ending. Depression is coming.
Enjoy the 5% CD losers.
July 17, 2007 3:39 PM
I'm getting 6% from FNBO on 100k from the profit of my overpriced condo sale (purchased pre-bubble). I'm getting 5.5% from a CD offered by 1st Horizon for the balance of the proceeds from the sale and I've paid off all my debts and own a new car outright with all the bells and whistles. The interest income I make EXCEEDS the rent profit I would have made if I continued to own, after tax matters are factored in.
So basically I'd like to thank naysayers like you for helping me hit the lottery by buying my condo, which when I bought it, it was considered a ball-n-chain bad investment and which now just a few years later is again a ball-n-chain that will not sell!! I think the GF that bought off of me must be a friend of yours because he's saying the same thing!!
- July 17, 2007 5:25 PM
The San Francisco Bay Area is still firmly in denial. People seem to have realized that prices have stopped going up at 20% per year, but they firmly believe that prices could never, ever go down. We're toooo special for price declines I guess.
- July 17, 2007 5:45 PM
- firstname.lastname@example.com said...
i would like to humbly point out that since this is a psychological index it will be very hard to sit straight at the fear stage since MSM media still controls the emotional intensity of the "message". it will oscillate in and around denial for a long time and suddenly they will try to switch the message to the "hope" stage as peope finally abandon the denial stage.
The only way you'll see "panic" and "capitulation" in MSM is if the TV station, or Radio station, or newspaper building is bombed directly by the USAF at the same time a quake is happening and there's an active SARS-Osama epidemic.
- July 17, 2007 5:52 PM
After reading this article below, it appears desperation is in full swing inside the corridors of Wells Fargo.
The stock market continually rising without valuations to back it up is getting really scary. The higher this market goes, the more painful the fall is going to be, and it looks like it's going to be really painful.
- July 17, 2007 5:56 PM
The stage of the wave will differ from area to area. IMHO
When an airplane wing stalls, it does so from different places. That is to say, the whole wing doesn't stall all at once. It varies from one place to another and works over the course of time.
As each day goes by and there are fewer and fewer "qualified" borrower/buyers (a.k.a. chumps), and fewer and fewer places offering cheap and easy-to-qualify-for mortgage credit, this noose gets a little tighter.
As builders add to inventory (and that will vary from one place to another), the noose gets a little tighter. My personal theory is that towns that don't recognize what is happening early on (last year) and continue to issue building permits as if it is business as usual (present day) will suffer more than other areas that trim back on the building permits issued - but that idea and 50 cents will get you a cup of coffee.
Each time a lenders "gets the keys back" from their borrowers who are throwing in the towel on their debts and those lenders are forced to sell a foreclosure (a.k.a. "fixer upper") into a market that is weak as it is, this noose will get a little tighter.
IMHO, this will be like a frog in a kettle of water that is slowly brought to a boil over a somewhat lengthy period of time. The frog will just sit tight until it is too late. I do believe it will unravel faster than previous bubbles because things move faster today than in decades past.
Smug Bastard
- July 17, 2007 6:09 PM
"look at median incomes of the top 25 highest income cities....$150K and up. You ask who can afford expensive homes, there is your answer."
Too bad those making the median cannot afford to buy in their own towns anymore. For example, Great Falls, Va Median household income: $181,318; Median home price: $1,419,278
Quite a far cry from the 2.5 to 3X income.
- July 17, 2007 6:11 PM
"They also eat babies whenever they can get away with it!"
- July 17, 2007 6:12 PM
- Unknown said...
Nope... I smell it, but haven't seen it yet... It's getting closer but there is still alot of cranial rectal inversion
- July 17, 2007 6:13 PM
Clinton bubble: good
Bush bubble: bad
Reason: Clinton is a communist, Bush isn't, therefore the libs love Clinton and hate Bush.
- July 17, 2007 6:30 PM
- g said...
First MSM story on ripple effects yesterday in the San Diego Union Tribune - saying how the housing slump is killing the local economy. I think the fear stage is finally beginning.
- July 17, 2007 6:44 PM
- Bill said...
I remember this one time in Band Camp we were all sitting around masturbating to the thought of a DOW 14,000 and actually thinking we were making money.
- July 17, 2007 6:55 PM
Anonymous said...
Obviously you didn't watch the full video or you just don't get it. The 4 billion was just held by the two hedge funds that got in trouble. there's trillions more held by other funds. but that's OK, you still serve a useful purpose in showing how much denial is still out there.
- July 17, 2007 6:58 PM
previous post - "cranial rectal inversion"
I like it.
- July 17, 2007 7:04 PM
look at median incomes of the top 25 highest income cities....$150K and up. You ask who can afford expensive homes, there is your answer.
Ba ha. Dude, hard to respect your post...these are not cities by any stretch, they are mostly communities or areas of communities.
By the way, there are some 5 million dollar homes on a street near me (DC area), the median income of these 12 houses is likely around 500K each. Ergo, the DC area median income must be 500K. Ba ha ha.
- July 17, 2007 7:06 PM
"look at median incomes of the top 25 highest income cities....$150K and up. You ask who can afford expensive homes, there is your answer."
Huh, where? I don't see any answer. In the real world $150K will qualify you for a $450K house. In which one of those cities can you get a decent house for $450K? And please, don't say it's different now and you don't need as much income as you needed pre bubble to qualify for a mortgage. Teaser rates may still be around but they're only for idiots.
- July 17, 2007 7:12 PM
Denverguy said...
I am not a liberal by any means but I'll take a shot at answering this. The reason is because Bush was on the watch when Greenspan droped the rate to such low levels and kept them there for too long. Bush also was pushing homeownership at a time when he should have been talking to Greenspan about raising rates as prices were running out of control. It is on record the number of visits that Greenspan had to the whitehouse for both Clinton and Bush and he talks with our current president alot more then the last one.
On the flip side Clinton was just lucky to catch all of the upside of the tech bubble and only catch the tail of the downside so it's not much better there.
July 17, 2007 3:46 PM
Dot com bubble was made worse by changing regulations allowing Venture capital funds to pump and dump IPOs. Under previous rules Venture capitalists could not sell nearly as many shares after the IPO. Previously there was a longer holding period. This encouraged IPOs for every Dot com scam Wall Street could dream up. Clinton does not get much credit for this.
- July 17, 2007 7:40 PM
2.5 to 3X income is a fantasy. Never was never will be in coastal areas. Maybe in flyover country that is the case. In DC, LA, NY, SF, Boston...not gonna happen, never did happen.
I lived in NYC from 1997 to 1999 right after college. My rent in '97 for a marginally OK 1 bedroom on W 34th was $1400,which everyone I knew thought was the deal of a lifetime. $1400 today - 10 years and a housing boom later - will rent you a 3 bedroom home in Dallas or Phoenix or Denver or pretty much anywhere 100 miles or more away from an ocean.
Yes it **IS** different in some places, always has been, always will be. NYC r/e will never see 3X median income levels and neither will DC, Boston, etc. Anyone who thinks otherwise is dreaming.
- July 17, 2007 7:41 PM
It seems everyone I am talking to has either recently filed or is getting ready to file Bankruptcy! Alot of it has to do with CC. They ask me if I will be filing Bankruptcy, and I'm like no, I have no CC bills - they look at me shocked, but then again my house is simple and I don't have the newest car, nor the latest gadget.
- July 17, 2007 7:45 PM
Kieth - this is eerily like the months before 911.
We had a stock market crash,and recession looming large,Congress went on Vacation ,as did the Bush.
To keep in perspective realize that all the rising prices of anything are a function of devaluing USdollars.Iraq was getting out of dollars,and Saudi Arabia was in line too.
Nasdaq was absorbing alot of excess,as was the SP,with hollow companies,and a scapegoat called Enron.
The MSM has always pushed the "Lack of Supply",or some sort of turmoil for the cause of rising prices.This is total diversion.
If Joe Six Packer realizes that prices are a function of devaluing USDollars,even the unsophisticated masses would stert to save ,or convert to hard assets.Joe must consume in the dollar scheme.
Their is no lack of oil,water,food without a manmade scheme or catastrophe.Prices of everything began rising faster in 2001,and now are accellerating out of control.To remain stable,the Dollar requires redemption in hard assets<------Remember that. Gold dumping by central banks is the Hard asset function that stabilizes currencies best.Then giving away resources,land,and now infrastructure to foreign holders of us dollars.
We have no gold to give anymore,and have handed over valauble resources,and strategic property to various countries.
Iran is starting a panic(GOOD For Them)They are getting the hell out of dollars.We have warships building up off the coast of Iran,and no valid reason to attack.
GulF of Tonkin part2?
Us/Isreali Backed Kurds attacking Iran in the north,and this Morning the MSM in Los Angeles is running the boogie man AlQaida,and terrorist scare tactics like crazy.
To stabilize the dollar the CBs need war now.China has resrvations about purchasing anymore worthless USPaper,and Retsinas is trying to prepare Americans for a mass immigration event from Mexico.
Watch for an ugly falseflag event by US/Isreal to be blamed on Iran.The Mexicans will be absorbing excess dollars,and the Draft is on.The Mexicans will be sacrificed.
- July 17, 2007 7:48 PM
In Phoenix, title companies are laying off or firing en-masse.
Houses on my street have been for sale for over a year now.
New arrivals to Phoenix is still 103 thousand a month.
go figure.
- July 17, 2007 7:50 PM
How will housing accelrate down if the US is hit by another terrorist strike like the news keeps saying? Or is this a government red herring to divert attention away from what is or about to happen in the financial world?
- July 17, 2007 7:50 PM
Seattle area is in cautious denial. The prices are still up, but the sales have slowed down a bit. I have a condo for sale, but had to drop the price almost 20K against a comp for somebody to bite. Hoping it will sell.
- July 17, 2007 7:54 PM
Some buyers are still in a combination ' denial/excitment' mode!
I am trying to unload my primary home at the drop (now) and I held an open house Sunday. I had 7 families drop by and 3 were interested, 1 saying as soon as they get approval from the lender this week, they wanted to make an offer. God damn, its amazing. Still a shit load of misinformed douche bags. Message to all the realtwhores: keep lying to them and keep them coming!
- July 17, 2007 7:55 PM
I have a store in a strip mall in the Ft Myers area where there is an Exit Realty Co. Yesterday, the agents came to work to find the door to the Real Estate Office locked. Everything had been moved out on Sunday. Apparently, they were three months behind in their rent.
They owe me money too. I was stupid enough to carry an account for them. What was I thinking? Oh well, I will just tell the world not to do business with them.
- July 17, 2007 8:10 PM
In the words of Greenday "WAKE me up when September ends!" We are at the cusp of denial and moving toward fear (local fear in a few areas is spreading) After the summer selling season ends and the foreclosures keep climbing, coupled with even more lending standards being tightened we will be in the fear stage by October and will continue to mid summer of 08 at the mid to end of the summer is when panic shall start and creep across America-leaving 09-10 the bottom except in the areas where such an oversupply will take longer to work off (south Florida / Las Vegas condo igh rise.
- July 17, 2007 8:15 PM
Nothing but denial.
I happened to over-hear two people talking at my gym about their desire to get into the "house flipping" game. So ignorance still abounds and this will take a lot longer than most people think to fully unwind.
- July 17, 2007 8:23 PM
- Unknown said...
Clinton bubble: good
Bush bubble: bad
Reason: Clinton is a communist, Bush isn't, therefore the libs love Clinton and hate Bush.
Brilliant observation! Bravo....yes BRAVO! Now why don't we save a small golf clap for you, as you ride out the room on a cloud of fairy dust. You sir are as smart as a bag of hammers, and as enjoyable to read as a stomach pump.
It is sad there is no upgrade for stupidity like a program...imagine what we could do....*sigh*
- July 17, 2007 8:41 PM
I believe we have entered Fear. My freinds who bought 600-700K dollar homes this summer can not unload their existing 300-350K homes and their moving date is in August. I am renting a nice house and 2 friends last month contacted me asking how did I go about renting and how they can find renters for their 300-350K homes.We have 1 -2 more years to go before things stop deteriorating.
- July 17, 2007 10:06 PM
I still think most people are in denial since the prices aren't dropping off a cliff. But it makes my heart all warm and fuzzy every time I hear a bubble story on the news - where you used to hear outrage at the mere mention of a housing bubble - there are more and more stories about trouble in the housing segment - they try to spin it positively saying the worst is over or that it's limited to subprime - but I don't think any amount of positive spin will prevent the sh*t from hitting the fan.
- July 17, 2007 11:16 PM
Way to go there borka!
- July 17, 2007 11:44 PM
(From Keyser):
Call me crazy....but those folks in Florida who bought townhouses for $300k, only to have the builder sell the same model for $145k, at a later date, didn't seem like they were in denial on that youtube bit. Is there a 'pissed off' point in that wave?
These people that have the f*&king nerve to be "pissed" when their neighbor sells for less should be shot. These twisted imbeciles actually believe they have the "right" to the price they paid (or more!). All this means is that these people are distinct enemies of a free market system, and are simply upset that others will not straight out collude with them to cheat others. It is THEY who have the criminal and selfish motivations, not the sellers.
If they want to be pissed, then they should be pissed at THEMSELVES for being ignorant, greedy, and just downright stupid. (And for CAUSING the problem to begin with.)
These same shitheads lived in better places than they deserved for the last several years while smarter and more selfless people lived within their means and worth. They have some nerve to be resentful - they've taken from society and are now indebted to it.
Basically, "STFU".
- July 17, 2007 11:50 PM
Colorado Springs has a big river running through it. However I think Fall will be interesting. Seeing a lot of 500k up houses in a 39000 average income city sitting on market for months. Also we are on pace for a record number of forclosures.
To the ignorent troll 3 questions.
If housing is such a good investment why are people choosing to go into forclosure? Why not sell for a huge profit, maybe they have to much money?
Also give one reason for the DOW to go up. Show me one fundamental for DOW 14000.
Also if we are dumb asses sorry Keith why are the home builders so pessimistic?
Waiting patiently for your answers idiot,
- July 18, 2007 1:21 AM
"I've asked thisquestion many times and none of you liberals ever answer:
how is Bush at fault for this bubble, yet Clinton ..."
Simple: Clinton/Gore were fiscal conservatives and social liberals. Remember "smaller, cheaper, better"? During the Clinton era, Democrats went well beyond centrism and became barely distinguishable from mainstream Republicans, something difficult for right-wing extremists such as yourself to comprehend. There was a balanced budget - a surplus - that had little to do with the stock market. It was quaintly referred to as "the peace dividend". Guess we won't be seeing any of the fruits of that labor for a looooooong time, thanks to Shrub.
- July 18, 2007 1:34 AM
I like this one: "despondency".
- July 18, 2007 1:35 AM
Stop repeat offenders.
Don't re-elect them!
- July 18, 2007 2:46 AM
still in denial.
- July 18, 2007 6:13 AM
how is Bush at fault for this bubble, yet Clinton in praised for the "great economy" of the 90s which was built on the .com bubble.
that is an easy one, bush screwed up what clinton handed him on a silver platter. ;)
- July 18, 2007 6:16 AM
The only people affected are the ones that have to sell, like the friend of mine who bought last year in Blowmont, California and now has to move. Realtor is telling them a 7% (30k) loss at least. He has no equity because he was taking out "Free Money" loans (his words). The mood quickly goes from anxiety to fear, to shock, to disbelief, to depression when you have to sell. His relatives (who got him to buy) are all like, "How can you possibly lose money on a house? That never happens!" the wife can't believe it because she's been watching all the "Pimp your Flip" shows on TV.
- July 18, 2007 7:56 AM
Yes it **IS** different in some places, always has been, always will be. NYC r/e will never see 3X median income levels and neither will DC, Boston, etc. Anyone who thinks otherwise is dreaming.
You, my friend, don't know what you are talking about. Stick to discussing Manhattan where (supposedly) you have some experience.
Up until 5 years ago, DC was running at 2-3x income; just 10 years ago in close-in DC burbs, you could buy nice houses for under 165K. Back in 1965-1970, you could get the same home for 25K. Oh, and by the way, the average salary for entry level government engineers was around 8K at that time. My dad raised six kids on one government salary and retired after 30 years. And the Bush administration doesn't understand why Americans don't feel connected to the great economy?!? Outside of the investor class, this country has been heading to hell in a handbasket since the day I was born.
There is no historical evidence of crazy multiples outside of Manhattan and Nob Hill; there is likewise no evidence of anything other than 30 year fixed loans, with either 20% down or mortgage insurance.
- July 18, 2007 1:45 PM
Anonypussy 5:16 said . . .
"that is an easy one, bush screwed up what clinton handed him on a silver platter. ;)"
Um, wasn't the economy already in recession before Bush took office?
Bush's tax and spend policies, and the abhorrable acts that the Fed committed under his watchful eye (actually, he probably doesn't what the Fed does), are not my favorite either.
However, I really don't think that Clinton handed Bush anything on a silver platter, except for maybe a steaming pile of shit, which Bush then proceeded to play around in like a mentally challenged kindergartner.
- July 18, 2007 4:53 PM
Anonymous 7/17 17:11 said:
"2.5 to 3X income is a fantasy. Never was never will be in coastal areas. Maybe in flyover country that is the case. In DC, LA, NY, SF, Boston...not gonna happen, never did happen.
Yes it **IS** different in some places, always has been, always will be. NYC r/e will never see 3X median income levels and neither will DC, Boston, etc. Anyone who thinks otherwise is dreaming."
You're wrong, at least about DC. My grandparents bought a new no-frills 2-story house (about 1900 sq ft) in Potomac, MD (a nice DC suburb) in 1966 for $25,000. My grandfather (they were 1-income as most people those days) was quite middle class and made about 10,000/year (which was typical then). He was by no means rich; they had 1 car and hardly ever went shopping. It was a similar situation for all of their neighbors. Let's see 25,000 / 10,000 = 2.5X income.
- July 18, 2007 5:53 PM
There was a balanced budget - a surplus - that had little to do with the stock market.
You have a tiny brain.
1. The budget wasn't balanced until the Republicans took over the House and Senate in 1996. All spending bills come from Congress, not the White House. If you can name some spending cut initiatives that were pushed by Clinton, then you can say he helped with the budget surplus.
2. The stock market has everything to do with a balanced budget. People making money on stocks pay lots of taxes. People losing money on stocks get tax deductions.
If you are so stupid, why do you have to advertise it by posting online?
- July 18, 2007 6:32 PM
that is an easy one, bush screwed up what clinton handed him on a silver platter. ;)
This is funny. Though many people at this site have a fair understanding of economics, it's amazing how many believe that the U.S. President is the main driver of the U.S. economy.
The economic burst of the '90's had almost NOTHING at all to do with Bill Clinton (e.g.: what else would you expect with the incredible boom in the tech industry [this was Clinton?], or with the inevitable downsizing of the military after the end of the cold war [this was Clinton?], etc.?). And this phase had begun during the previous president's administration.
Although I personally sit far more "right" than "left" politically,I will admit that about the only exception I see to this are the most extreme conditions, such as when a nation is engaged in an expensive war that a president may (or may not) have been the main force behind. However, there are several points to be made on this, as well:
a) the decision to enter Iraq was American policy before Bush was in office.
b) one can argue at long length the overall effect of war on an economy. True, the budget deficit has grown ridiculously, but history has shown that this is in fact the fastest fix for an economy that is due for a massive deflation and is running out of superficial and speculative quick fixes (ref: the Great Depression).
In short, the man who sits in the Oval Office tends to take credit or blame for a whole host of things that in reality he has very little to do with.
- July 18, 2007 9:50 PM
The only people affected are the ones that have to sell...
I get tired of hearing this. So you're trying to say that if person (a) has $500,000 debt and person (b) has no debt, that person (a) is "not affected", and they are each in the same position?
Which person is more able to buy more goods at this point (translation: which person is "wealthier"?). Who has a higher net worth?
True, person (a) may not be affected - if where he is in life at that moment is exactly where he wants to remain for the rest of his life.
Really, this isn't complicated. Usually, though, I hear it from those that are in this undesirable position and are looking to console themselves. It's all about relativity. That's really the essence of "wealth", right?
- July 18, 2007 9:58 PM
In short, the man who sits in the Oval Office tends to take credit or blame for a whole host of things that in reality he has very little to do with.
July 18, 2007 8:50 PM
I agree. Except that in the liberal media, history books written by far left "historians" and socialist blogs like HP, Clinton gave us prosperity and Bush stole it from us. Just like FDR was a great President for ending the depression. Repeat a lie often enough and it becomes the truth.
- July 19, 2007 1:55 AM
"Watch for an ugly falseflag event by US/Isreal to be blamed on Iran."
Hey Shakster, you moron -- for such an authority on the US/Israel plan, you might want to learn how to spell their names correctly.
Nice babble, though.
- July 24, 2007 11:50 AM


text:
As you know, our government officials are taking unprecedented precautions in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. In an abundance of caution, we are taking steps to help with these efforts and are therefore moving our sale dates. Our thoughts are with you and your families at this stressful time.
Therefore we are postponing our spring sale.
We want to make sure we are doing everything we can to keep our families safe.
Once we have been able to reschedule, you will be the first to know.
We will announce our new Spring Sale Dates soon!
Check out below the schedule for shopping times. Come and shop for Toys, Name Brand Clothing, Strollers, Outdoor toys, Baby gear, Books, Shoes, Everthing that you need for your kids for the Spring and Summer!
Best place for bargain shopping for all you need for your kids! Bring your friends & families and hurry. Premium items sell out fast!
We will have Brand NEW Melissa & Doug at 25% off the retail price! NEW Joovy baby gear, NEW Vera Bradley and MORE.....
We are happy to accept cash, debit cards, Visa, Mastercard or Discover credit cards for payment.
New Dates TBD soon!
Wed | Pre-sale
12:30pm - 9:00pm: Team Leads
1:00pm - 9:00pm: 12 Hour Team Members
1:30pm - 9:00pm: 8 Hour Team Members
2:00pm - 9:00pm: 4 Hour Team Members and JBF Ambassadors
2:30pm - 9:00pm: Prime Time Shopping (This ticket is also valid to shop the 50% off presale Fri 4-8pm) GET TICKETS
(Tickets released TBD)
3:00pm - 9:00pm: Consignors + 1 guest
3:30pm - 9:00pm Early Access Shopping (This ticket is also valid to shop the 50% off presale Fri 4-8pm) GET TICKETS
(Tickets released TBD)
4:30pm - 9:00pm: First time parents, military, teachers, foster parents, first responders FREE but need to GET TICKETS
(Tickets released TBD)
Thur | Public Sale
Opening Day Public Sale
Open 10:00am - 8:00pm
(Free Ticket needed or $3 at door)
(Tickets released TBD)
Fri | Public Sale
New Items dropped off and added to the Sale!
FREE ADMISSION (No Ticket Needed)
Open 10:00am - 5:00pm
Half off items without a star on the tag!
4:00pm - 8:00pm Team Members
4:30pm - 8:00pm consignors + 1 guest
5:00pm - 8:00pm Mom's night out Presale $5.00 GET TICKETS
(Tickets released TBD)
Sat | 50% off Public Sale
(No Ticket Needed)
Half off items without a star on the tag!
Open 10:00am - 4:00pm
Soccer City
545 S Consumers Ave
Palatine, IL
NW Hwy and 53
FREE parking available at the location!
Look for the JBF signs for easy-spotting!
Check out images from one of our previous sales! Take note and come shop at our spring sale!
Komal B
December 12, 2019
This sale has been growing with each event and is overwhelming to witness how the communities have benefited from the values that JBF Schaumburg brings with its events.
Chantelle H
November 06, 2019
Very organized
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November 05, 2019
"I like that I can find a huge range of childrens items in one place! Infant clothes, to toddler clothes, to toys and a booster. One stop shopping is a mom's best friend!"
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Email: email@example.com
Phone: 847-973-6521
Come and be a part of JBF Schaumburg Event!
I am a mom with 5 kids who is aware of the challenges of raising a big family. I appreciate saving money where I can and JBF allows me to make money on items that my kids no longer use.
It's my fourth year of running the JBF sale and I love how I am helping families save money. This is what JBF is all about! We can help our own families but also donate to help others in need.
Buying and selling at JBF is also beneficial to the environment, recycling at its best!
So come and be a part of this event!

subset: commoncrawl


text: You don't have to be Jewish to enjoy this funny and captivating concert presentation featuring original songs by the finest composers and lyricists of the theater. This new musical adaptation, based on the best-selling book by Abigail Pogrebin, celebrates the identity of some of the most well know Jewish personalities including Marilyn & Alan Bergman, Andy Cohen, Gloria Steinem, Kenneth Cole, Fran Drescher, Edgar Bronfman Sr., Aaron Sorkin, Leonard Nimoy, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Joan Rivers, Tony Kushner and Norman Lear, among others. Their stories have been adapted into touching, humorous and often moving songs.


text:
Caught On Tape: Bronx Beating. (Man Bats Away At A Radio Talk Show Host)
New York Post report: 'Two thugs armed with a bat savagely beat a Boston radio show host in a Bronx vestibule early this morning - striking him on the head eight times before stealing his phone, wallet and gold chain, authorities said. Pelagio de la Cruz, 52 - who hosts a Spanish-language radio talk show on WESX-AM in Chelsea, Mass. - was in town visiting his three kids in University Heights when the two men crept up behind him around 4:30 a.m. as he tried to get into his children's building, cops said. De la Cruz had been returning from a trip to a nearby restaurant where he'd had a few drinks when the men apparently spotted him as they drove in dark-colored car down Davidson Avenue, sources said."
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text:
here's another i can't believe i haven't posted about this yet post. but the truth is, it's sort of like talking about the sartorialist. "hey, have you guys heard about this blog called the sartorialist?! it's this guy who takes beautiful photos of rad people on the street who dress nicely! it's beyond awesome."
… that's how it feels posting about megan of another day to dress up, i just assume that everyone knows about her. every outfit she wears makes me go, oh noooo i want it too. so if you don't follow her blog already – do it.


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Fingerless and spell casting
Have Pathfinder or Ponyfinder rules questions, ask here!
2 posts • Page 1 of 1
Fingerless and spell casting
Curious what the default(not realistic deficenices) ruling is for casting spells with Verbal (V) components while wielding an object(primarily weapon) in your mouth. The way rules are stated I assume this is not a problem, but I am a little bit unsure what balances a pony mage down, Fingerless seems to have very little affect on them.(even without unicorn hands) What is the main drawback of fingerless for a spellcaster?(Though still new to the game so I might be misjudging their balance)
Re: Fingerless and spell casting
If the spell need a material component and your mouth is full, you're out of luck, to start.
This makes casting many spells with a rod impossible.
This makes casting many spells with a rod impossible.
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text:
Editor's Note: Fifty years ago this evening, Pope John XXIII died in his apartment in Vatican City. This is the unedited version of our story reporting on his death.
By Msgr. James Tucek
VATICAN CITY, June 3–A worldwide death watch came to an end at 7:49 p.m. (2:49 p.m. EDT) June 3, almost 20 hours after Pope John XXIII murmured his last words praying for the union of all Christians.
The Pontiff's last breath freed him of the agony which brought the world to his side by every modern means of communication for a four-day sorrowful vigil.
Within minutes after the Pope's death Vatican Radio announced:
"It is with profound sorrow that we announce the death of our beloved Pope John XXIII. His Holiness, whose kindness and humility have won the admiration and affection of all mankind, died peacefully and serenely in his apartment in the Vatican apostolic palace at 7:49 p.m. this evening, the third of June 1963.
"The Holy Father had received the last sacraments of the Church on Saturday morning (June 1) at his own request. He had been attended with loving care right to the end by his closest collaborators and by his doctors.
"The inexorable disease which had become graver and graver during the last few months had gradually worn down his strong constitution, but it did not prevent the Vicar of Christ from fulfilling the arduous duties of his high office with indomitable pastoral zeal. …
"His Holiness lived 81 years, 6 months and 9 days."
The inevitable word "The Pope is dead" came gravely through the loudspeakers and echoed through St. Peter's Square where an estimated 100,000 were gathered. They had just finished a Mass offered for Pope John on the front steps of St. Peter's Basilica by Luigi Cardinal Traglia, the Pope's Pro-Vicar General for Rome.
On this same square on another anxious evening four and a half years ear1ier, a similar crowd had heard the words, "We have a pope." On hearing the name Angelo Giuseppe Cardinal Roncalli, few had recognized it, and this reporter had heard the prophetic comment: "He'll be uncommonly common, a pope of the people."
The words "The Pope is dead" were hardly spoken when the bells of St. Peter's begun their mournful toll. The sound was taken up and repeated by the city's 400 churches as the word sped across the earth's surface by radio.
For some 60 of the 82 members of the College of Cardinals, the news signaled immediate preparations for the journey to Rome. A new pope, the 262nd, will have to be elected.
At 8 p.m., 11 minutes after the pontiff expired, the lights in his room were seen to brighten. They had been kept low in the Pope's last agony and now were turned up as his body was prepared to receive the veneration of the first mourners.
Present in the Pope's room at the moment of death were: Amleto Cardinal Cicognani, his Secretary of State; Bishop Alfredo Cavagna, his confessor, Msgr. Loris Capovilla, his personal secretary; his brothers, Zaverio, Giuseppe and Alfredo Roncalli, and his sister, Assunta.
Also present as he died were his nephew, Msgr. Giambattista Roncalli of Bergamo; four nieces; Guido Gusso, his personal valet; Drs. Antonio Gasbarrini, Pietro Valdoni and Piero Mazzoni, and a male nurse, Augustinian Brother Federico Bellotti.
Pentecost, Monday, June 3, was a day which the church would never forget for it marked the day when one of the most beloved popes of all times died.
Never before had a pope's final agony been followed so closely and with such deep and sincere sorrow, not only by Catholics but by men of every creed and circumstance on the face of the earth.
An intercontinental airliner flying over the Atlantic had kept its passengers informed of the Pope's condition with hourly bulletins given over the loudspeakers by the plane's captain.
Radio and television programs in every part of the world were interrupted to keep listeners posted on the latest report from the Pope's bedroom on the top floor of the apostolic palace.


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Malloy's Newtown panel meets for first time
HARTFORD — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's panel charged with reviewing state laws and policies after the deadly Newtown school shooting was set to hear from experts who sat on similar commissions following mass shootings in Colorado and Virginia.
Malloy's Sandy Hook Advisory Commission, scheduled to hold its first meeting on Thursday, also was expected to be briefed by Danbury State's Attorney Stephen J. Sedensky III on the status of the investigation into the Dec. 14 shooting which left 20 first graders and six educators dead.
The 16-member panel of experts, headed by Hamden Mayor Scott Jackson, faces a March 15 deadline to provide Malloy with a preliminary list of recommendations pertaining to school safety, mental health and gun violence prevention.
In addition to Malloy's group, the General Assembly has formed a bipartisan task force that is examining the same issues. A subcommittee on school safety is holding a public hearing on Friday at the Legislative Office Building. A hearing on gun safety is planned for Jan. 28 and another hearing on mental health issues is scheduled for Jan. 29.
Members of Malloy's task force will hear Thursday from two former members of similar commissions created by governors following mass shootings.
Former Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter, Denver's district attorney at the time of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting, will make a presentation. He was a member of the Columbine Review Commission, which conducted a review for then-Gov. Bill Owens.
Ritter was elected governor of Colorado in 2007 and he served until 2011.
Also, Virginia Law Professor Richard Bonnie will discuss how his state reacted to the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting. He was a consultant to then-Virginia Gov. Tim Kane's Virginia Tech Review Panel. Bonnie is director of the Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy at the University of Virginia and is chairman of the Virginia Commission on Mental Health Law Reform.
Thursday's meeting, scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., was to be aired live by the Connecticut Network or CT-N.


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old photos
Early on in the Spring, back when I had a working camera (forgot what that's like!) I snapped some shots of these English roses. Well, I think they are English roses, anyone know if I'm wrong? They have got to be one of my favorites, right up there with Peonies and Tulips for me. This is the ideal color too, just the slightest shade of pink.
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8 comments:
Beautiful photos, I love flowers! xoReplyDelete
I think they may be ranculous? But I'm not sure! So pretty whatever they're called.ReplyDelete
Beautiful photos! So pretty!ReplyDelete
- OnewomanAugust 02, 2012
Yes, absolutely English roses.ReplyDelete
If you ever want some of the best ones for your garden, I recommend David Austin Roses. http://www.davidaustinroses.com/ They are one of the most famous country rose providers in the UK - always a prime spot at the Chelsea Flower Show in London - and also sell roses here (will ship around the US). Just looking through their catalogue is a life-affirming experience. Many of these old roses also smell divine.
2nd photo is SO gorgeous. Have such a weakness for flowers...ReplyDelete
These shots are breathtaking. Thank you for sharing them :)ReplyDelete
These are beautiful... The flowers and the photographs. Do you shoot film, or is this just a filter? Hope you get your camera back soon!ReplyDelete
These photos are heavenly! I would print and frame them!ReplyDelete
Thank you for your comments, I love hearing from you!
Questions, comments or sponsorship inquires, please contact me via the 'contact' link.


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In summer, the breakfast buffet is set up in the shadow of giant rubber plant from 7:00 to 10:30. We offer a wide variety of products: vegetables, meats, cheese, cereals, jams, scrambled eggs ... You can also take a continental breakfast in your room. Price: €13.50. We also offer an express served at the bar (coffee + 2 mini pastries): €6.
The bar is open 24/24 and the restaurant welcomes guests in the evening (7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) from Monday to Saturday.
For dinner, enjoy a traditional cuisine with sunny flavors, among bamboo and bougainvillea.
Menu (appetizer, main course, dessert): €29.
In winter, we suggest you to dine by candlelight in the lounge bar by the fireplace.


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Canadian Pacific orders to dismantle and remove community gardens along the Arbutus Corridor could be delayed by an infestation of European fire ants in the garden plots near East Boulevard and 68th Avenue.
These tenacious pests are nearly impossible to eradicate and are being spread throughout southwestern B.C. by the movement of infested plants and soil, said Rob Higgins, a biologist at Thompson Rivers University.
About 30 colonies have been identified near the CP rail right-of-way in Kerrisdale, but the rest of the corridor should be surveyed before any plants or soil are removed, he said.
"I just this morning sent emails to entomologists with the City of Vancouver and the province," he said. "I'm very concerned about [CP's] request to remove soil from the community gardens. We don't have a way to control them yet, so we really don't want to make the situation worse."
In the four years since European fire ants were first discovered in B.C., their presence has been confirmed in at least 25 locations throughout Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Fire ants are well established in Delta, Maple Ridge and Chilliwack, as well as Victoria and Courtenay. Colonies have recently been confirmed in Coquitlam and Surrey.
"These ants typically spread very slowly," said Higgins. "They can only really move around when we help them by moving soils and plants along the rail line."
CP has issued a July 31 deadline to community gardeners along the Arbutus Corridor to remove plants, gardens and structures that encroach on the railway's right-of-way. Dozens of plots are partly or entirely within the right of way, according to maps distributed by the company.
Higgins worries that dozens of new infestations could take hold if gardeners move soil or transplant prized plants in new locations.
"The area between 66th Avenue and 68th Avenue near East Boulevard is quite heavily infested, but we haven't sampled in other areas so I don't how many other community gardens along the corridor might be affected," Higgins said.
A CP environmental expert will consult with Higgins on the threat before any further action is taken by the company, according to CP spokesman Ed Greenberg.
"Our railway will be developing an appropriate plan to address the situation," said Greenberg.
In the meantime, the removal order remains in effect, he said.
"It's important that the gardens that are infested with fire ants not be moved or it could spread the infestation," said Sadhu Johnston, deputy city manager of the City of Vancouver.
"We are dealing with fire ants in a number of locations outside the Arbutus Corridor and at this time there are no effective methods to eradicate fire ant infestations," he said.
The city is posting signs in the area of the known infestations instructing gardeners that plant roots should be free of soil if they are being removed and that no soil should be removed from the area.
Sadhu stressed that the property belongs to CP and is not under the city's jurisdiction.
Though tiny, fire ants swarm very quickly when disturbed and deliver a painful sting. Eradicating these ants with chemical means has not been successful and removing colonies from an infested area can take years.
The nests can be dug up and removed during the winter months when the ants cluster together into a ball the size of a fist. But it may take several winters to completely remove all the nests in an infested area.
Blog: vancouversun.com/greenman
Is there more to this story? We'd like to hear from you about this or any other stories you think we should know about, at vancouversun.com/moretothestory.


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Armor Officer (19A)
- Enlisted
- Officer
- Active Duty
- Army Reserve
- National Guard
- Entry Level
Armor officers are responsible for tank and cavalry/forward reconnaissance operations on the battlefield. The role of an armor officer is to be a leader in operations specific to the armor branch and to lead others in many areas of combat operations.
Job Duties
- Command the armor units and combined armed forces during land combat
- Coordinate the employment of armor Soldiers at all levels of command
Those who want to serve must first take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), a series of tests that helps you better understand your strengths and identify which Army jobs are best for you.
Job training for an armor officer includes completion of the Armor Officer Basic Course where you learn the skills and operational aspects that are used in an armor platoon. Cavalry officers will need to complete the Scout Leaders and Cavalry Leaders Courses.
Helpful Skills
- Self-discipline, confidence and intelligence
- Physically and mentally fit to perform under pressure
- Ability to make quick decisions
- Capable of bearing numerous responsibilities
Total compensation includes housing, medical, food, special pay, and vacation time. Learn more about total compensation.
Earn Cash For In Demand Jobs
You could earn up to $40,000 in cash bonuses just for enlisting under certain Military Occupational Specialties. Visit Jobs in Demand to see if this job qualifies for an enlistment bonus.
Education Benefits
In the Army, qualified students can earn full-tuition, merit-based scholarships, allowances for books and fees, plus an annual stipend for living expenses. Learn more about education benefits.
Future Civilian Careers
The skills you learn will help prepare you for a career in fields such as business management. An officer in the Army is closely related to managerial positions in corporations.
PARTNERSHIP FOR YOUTH SUCCESS (PaYS) Program
Those interested in this job may be eligible for civilian employment, after the Army, by enrolling in the Army PaYS program. The PaYS program is a recruitment option that guarantees a job interview with military friendly employers that are looking for experienced and trained Veterans to join their organization. Find out more about the Army PaYS Program at http://www.armypays.com.
- AT&T, Inc.
- Hewlett-Packard Company
- Kraft Foods Global, Inc.
- Sears Holdings Corporation
- Time Customer Service, Inc.
- Walgreen Co.


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New gun range aims to educate general public
Safety, education key for officers
Gun control is one of the hottest topics in the country, especially when it comes to young people.
Locally, an effort is being made to educate beginning gun users on how to use weapons safely and with respect.
"I've only been shooting five times," said 19-year-old Emma Webster.
Webster, a college sophomore enrolled in the Army ROTC program, is spending part of her holiday break practicing using a gun.
"When I first started shooting in the Army, I wasn't even hitting the paper," she said.
But thanks in part to a new gun range in the Platte River State Park, Webster is becoming a pretty good shot.
The Roger G. Sykes Outdoor Heritage Complex features four shooting ranges, including an indoor pellet-shooting range, an archery range, a small-caliber range and a shotgun trap-shooting range. Each area has trained safety officers to help shooters.
"That's one of the best things about this whole job," said Les Hlavak. "Get someone who has never shot, some kid, get him started, it's just wonderful."
The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission built the $162,000 facility to give the general public a chance to shoot.
"It's all about education," said Bill Oligmueller. "Proper use and care of a firearm."
Park officials said they've seen a number of young people who got rifles for Christmas.
"And they bring them out in the box and everything, and they come out with their dads or moms and come out and shoot it for the first time," Oligmueller said.
Webster said she's ready for the next round of ROTC training.
"I hope they are pleasantly surprised," she said.


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Bisons/Chiefs rained out
The Bisons spring training game against the Syracuse Chiefs on Monday afternoon has been rained out. With just three games left on the spring schedule, Monday's contest will not be made up.
Today's Mets game was also washed out in Port St. Lucie, FL.
The Herd will face the New Orleans Zephyrs (Triple-A affiliate of the Florida Marlins) on Tuesday afternoon from Jupiter, FL (1:00 p.m.).
There are just 10 days until the Bisons' 2011 Home Opener on Thursday, April 7 against the Syracuse Chiefs (3:05 p.m.). Tickets are now on-sale at bisons.com or by calling THE-HERD at (843-4373).


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Blooper Of The Week: Ray Allen's Face After Watching Nate Robinson Bodyslamming Himself!
"NBA: Where Fail Happens". go to the 22 sec. mark to see Ray Allen's reaction.
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With MLB's Opening Day in the books and the grind of a 162 game season underway, there's both good and bad news related to the first couple days of games on ESPN.
The Rangers-Astros opener on Sunday night drew a 1.5 overnight, down 17% from both 2011 (Giants-Dodgers) and 2012 (Marlins-Cardinals), which both drew a 1.8. The 2.3 million viewers the game drew was flat with 2011 (2.3 million viewers) and nearly flat with 2012 (2.4 mllion viewers). Oddly, both of those games came on weeknights, compared to the Sunday night matchup this year, which isn't a good sign for MLB. However, the lack of the defending World Champion in the game likely also played a huge role in the decline, and the relatively non-descript offseasons that the Rangers and (especially) the Astros had probably didn't help matters at all.
Monday was a different story though, as the four games aired by ESPN averaged a 0.7 and 961,000 viewers, up 45% in ratings from a year ago and 51% in viewership from four games (though over a two game period) last year. The 1 PM Red Sox-Yankees game led the way with a 0.8 overnight and 1.1 million viewers, up 72% in ratings and 87% in viewership from a Red Sox-Tigers matchup from 2012. The 4 PM Giants-Dodgers game picked up a 0.7 and 963,000 viewers, up 69% in ratings and 68% in viewership from Marlins-Reds last year.
ESPN2 aired the Phillies and Braves at 7 PM, and that game had a 0.7 and 1.0 million viewers, up 49% in ratings and 48% in viewership from Giants-Diamondbacks last year. The Cardinals-Diamondbacks game that closed the night out was essentially flat from 2012's Royals-Angels game.
Locally, some of Monday's games did huge numbers. The Phillies-Braves matchup drew an 11.5 rating on WPHL in Philadelphia, the highest-rated Phillies Opening Day since 1996. In Atlanta, Fox Sports South drew an 8.9 for the game, the highest rated Opening Day ever on FSS and the highest locally-rated Braves game since 2000. The Tigers' opener with the Twins drew a non-simulcast Opening Day record 11.1 on Fox Sports Detroit. The Nationals (4.8) and White Sox (3.4) each set Opening Day ratings records on MASN and CSN Chicago, respectively. But the real local winner of the day was the Cincinnati Reds and Fox Sports Ohio, which drew a monstrous 23.5 rating for their opener with the Angels, the highest ever for a Reds Opening Day.


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Roughed up: Golf course project almost there
Gaylon Beights has been trying to get his Crozet golf course approved by the Albemarle Planning Commission for the past year and a half. Everything was looking green on January 28, when the 18-hole Old Trail project got a thumbs up from the commission but had to head back to the drawing board because adjoining property owners hadn't been notified.
Beights explains the county's snafu. When he submitted an application in April 2002, the county didn't want a golf course to eat up 207 of the 485 acres Beights and his partners own in the designated growth area around Crozet.
He withdrew the application, bought an adjoining farm, and resubmitted the application with only 45 acres inside the residential growth area defined in the Crozet Master Plan. But when it came time to notify adjoining property owners, only those surrounding the original parcel were notified.
"There was a clerical error," says county planner Scott Clark about the property which lies across from Western Albemarle High School on U.S. 250 west.
"It's very frustrating," says Beights, "but it's better to go through with it now than to be setting up tee times and find out we don't have permits."
At the January 28 hearing, the four property owners who did show up seemed supportive of having a golf course next door instead of another subdivision, says Beights.
"There was generally not a lot of opposition to the golf course as a whole," says Clark. "There were some concerns about details, such as where the roads would go."
Old Trail's owner is March Mountain Properties, LLC, whose principals are Beights, Jerry Kamis, Suzanne Staton, and Jay Jessup. While golf courses are frequently derided for looking– rather than acting– green, these owners tout the fact that the course will be an Audubon Sanctuary, which means that 137 of the course's 207 acres will be kept as a natural habitat with native plants.
"It's a neat thing to do with commercial property," says Beights, "and we're also weaving walking trails into the property."
Beights lists other benefits of Old Trail: The property has two ponds, so they won't be drilling wells to water the course. The $7.5 million project will generate sales tax revenues from greens fees, and he expects to employ "almost 70" people.
The plan is to plant grass this fall and– if all goes well– open the course in fall 2004.
With Laurel Ridge, Meadow Creek, McIntire Park, Swannanoa, Birdwood, and Wintergreen in the area, why would local duffers need another public course?
Two reasons, replies Beights. For one, Old Trail will be a challenging 7,000 yards long and a par 72 course. "In the golfing world, that's large, a true championship course," says Beights.
And the anticipated $34 greens fee qualifies the course as affordable, especially compared to the $100 it costs to tee off at Wintergreen on a weekend during peak season, explains Beights. "This will make an amenity for the county."
Beights and course designer Jerry Kamis appeared back in front of the planning commission February 25, when once again, the commission smiled on their special use permit by a 5-0 vote. The project goes before the Board of Supervisors March 5, a few hours after The Hook's deadline.
On a visit to Scotland, Beights was impressed that golf courses there are public places with walking trails and benches. "Golf is just one of the things that take place on them," he says. He wants to replicate that with Old Trail, which he thinks will attract bird watchers and cross country runners as well as golfers.
In effect, Old Trail will be a privately owned public park, and that's Beights' dream. "We're so conditioned to think of golf courses as private property," he says. "Even with public courses like Meadow Creek, you don't think about using them for something other than golf."
And he reassures hikers who might worry about getting beaned by a golf ball that most of the trails are some distance from the fairway. "I guess you could be hit, but it would be an effort," he says.Read more on: old trail


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Pain as a Top-Down Phenomenon: a Bibliography
September 5, 2012
by Daniel B. Carr, MD, FABPM, FFPMANZCA (Hon.), Director, Pain Research, Education and Policy (PREP) Program, Tufts University School of Medicine
Since its inception in 1999, a single concept has unified PREP's curriculum and connected its community. This theme is that the study of pain is best accomplished if it is seen as a top-down (i.e., population-based) public health phenomenon as noted in the 2011 IOM Report on Pain. We are fortunate that PREP has always been situated within the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine and grateful that its Chairs and Deans — Harris Berman and Aviva Must — have shared this view and continually encouraged PREP's growth.
Advances in pain research and education, particularly as informed by the emerging field of social neuroscience, have made PREP's vision more and more timely. Reflecting the broader pain community's growing awareness of PREP's distinctive voice, this year I've had the privilege of delivering keynote addresses at congresses of the American Pain Society, the Special Interest Group on Pain Education of the International Association for the Study of Pain, and the American Society of Pain Educators' PAINWeek. The specifics of each talk differed somewhat but all conveyed PREP's underlying theme.
In response to requests from attendees at these lectures, I have assembled an interim bibliography to allow anyone interested to become better informed about some of the sources that the PREP program draws upon. Reflecting PREP's interprofessional, eclectic outlook, many are from the humanities and social sciences, complemented by the biomedical literature. For example, according to the narrator in the novel by Greer, "I do not know what joins the parts of an atom, but it seems what binds one human to another is pain".
Those who wish to immerse themselves in our curriculum will enroll in a course or one of our certificate or degree programs. Click here to find out more about taking a course. Following the great success this summer of PREP 233 (End of Life and Palliative Care, directed by Pam Ressler) in a blended onsite-online format, our foundational course PREP 230 is the next of our courses to be offered in this format. This fall, PREP 230 will begin on September 28. To reflect exciting advances in the field of pain, we have changed this course's title from "Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology of Pain" to "Neuroscience of Pain: from Society to Synapse". Click here to learn more about this course. As in earlier years it will be directed by Steve Scrivani, who has consistently earned high praise for his meticulous running of this course. Besides his own lectures, over the years Steve has assembled a core group of dedicated, expert faculty to provide students with an unparalleled learning experience.
Click here to access bibliography.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized. Tags: IOM, MS-PREP, Pain, Pain Education, PAINWEEK, PREP program, Public Health, Tufts, Tufts Public Health.
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'Women Jefferson Loved' author at Monticello
While Sally Hemings, the half-sister of Thomas Jefferson's wife, Martha, is perhaps the best known of the women associated with the third president, there were others, and they were all related.
Three generations of men in Jefferson's family had relations with Hemings women. Talk about complicated. And this extended family lived at Monticello, some masters, some slaves.
In The Women Jefferson Loved, history professor Virginia Scharff looks at these relationships that Jefferson tried to keep out of the public eye and how they influenced his views on slavery and politics.
She'll be discussing the book at Monticello November 30.
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There is no concrete proof that Thomas Jefferson ever had sexual relations with Sally Hemmings. The only thing DNA tests can prove is that someone in his family had sex with ol Sally.
Sounds like no one in a skirt was "safe". Looks like some of our Congressmen and former Presidents could have contributed to the book.