text:
IRS Can Help You Look After the Kids
Most working parents are well aware they get a tax break to help cover the costs of sending Jimmy or Janie to day care. But some parents overlook the tax advantage of summer day camp costs.
During school vacations, many parents turn to these supervised programs to provide child care while they work. Overnight camps don't count, but the Internal Revenue Service says day camp expenses do qualify for this popular credit.
Regardless of whether you paid for after-class child care during the school year or a week of day camp during summer break, you can apply the costs to the Child and Dependent Care tax credit and use it to cut your tax bill at filing time.
And while this credit also applies to care for dependents other than children, there are limits -- on what you spend as well as how much you earn -- that reduce the actual amount of the credit. Plus, you must make sure you and the person being cared for meet IRS eligibility guidelines.
In addition to summer day camp, here are some care services that are eligible for the credit.
Actual care Cost Limits
The first thing to keep in mind is that the credit probably will not pay for all of your child care costs. The IRS limits the dollar amount you can claim and you only get to count a percentage of that amount.
You can claim only up to $3,000 for the care of one person and $6,000 for two or more. Then this amount is further reduced based on your overall income (more on this later).
There is some good news, however. If you paid someone to watch over your two (or more) kids, you can combine all your care costs to reach the $6,000 limit.
In the case of Janie and Jimmy, their folks could count the $2,800 for Janie's care and $3,200 for Jimmy's in order to claim a total of $6,000, instead of only $5,800 by adding $2,800 plus $3,000. By using the total amount rather than splitting the actual costs and then applying the limits and figuring the credit, they'll get a larger tax break.
Percentage Restrictions
The second limit is the percentage of costs that you can claim. Once you determine your allowable expense amount, your actual credit is limited to a percentage of that figure.
So regardless of how much you pay, the potential maximum child and dependent care credit is $1,050 (35% of $3,000) for the care of one person, twice that for two or more. Depending upon your income, the percentage range drops from 35% to 20% of your allowable care costs.
The 35% rate is only for lower-income taxpayers. If you make more than $15,000, the credit percentage is incrementally phased down by salary range until it hits 20% for those earning more than $43,000.
And even if your care costs come up to the maximum credit amount, you may not get it all if your tax bill is less than your allowable credit. The dependent care credit is not refundable, meaning it can only take your tax bill to zero. Any excess credit is not usable.
For example, if you claim a $1,050 maximum credit for the care of one child and owe $750, the IRS will use your credit to wipe out your tax bill, but you won't get the extra $300 as a refund.
Defining Dependents
If you pay for child care, you can claim this credit to help offset some of your costs as long as your child meets IRS guidelines.
The youngster must be younger than 13. He or she also must meet the requirements set out in the IRS' dependent requirements. Basically, this means the child must be related to you and live with you most of the time. There are exceptions in the cases of divorced or separated parents, so read the tax filing instructions carefully or consult your tax adviser if this is your situation.
But the Child and Dependent Care credit is not limited to child care costs. It also can be claimed when you pay for care of other dependents as they are deemed qualified by the IRS. For example, if you pay someone to look after your spouse or a dependent of any age who is incapacitated because of physical or mental limitations, you might be eligible for this tax break.
Only Working Taxpayers Need Apply
Then there's the credit's job catch. You can only claim dependent care that was necessary so that you can go to or look for work.
If you're married, the IRS requires both of you to be employed or seeking a job. The only exception is when one spouse is either a full-time student or is physically or mentally incapable of self-care.
After clearing the employment hurdle, other requirements to claim the credit include:
*A filing status of single, head of household, married filing jointly or qualifying widow or widower with a dependent child. In most cases, married taxpayers who file separate returns cannot claim the dependent-care credit.
*The payments for care cannot be made to someone you can claim as your dependent on your return or to your child who is younger than age 19.
To claim Child and Dependent Care credit, complete and attach Form 2441 to your return, either Form 1040 or Form 1040A.
Identify Your Caregivers
You also must include on the tax forms the name and taxpayer identification numbers of the caregivers.
If it's a business, the operator can provide you with the employer identification number. You also can use Form W-10, Dependent Care Provider's Identification and Certification, to request this information from the care provider. For individual providers, you generally use the person's Social Security number.
You might have some additional filing duties related to this credit depending upon who you hire and how you cover the costs.
If you pay someone to come to your home to provide the care, you may be considered a household employer and have to pay employment taxes.
Company Benefit Considerations
Finally, if you received any dependent care benefits from your employer during the year, you will have to complete Part III of Form 2441 or Schedule 2 to determine the amount of your credit. These amounts are listed in box 10 of your W-2.
Company benefits include money you receive directly from your employer or that was paid by your employer to your care provider. The fair market value of a company-provided day care facility also counts, as does money you put into a dependent care flexible spending account to pay care expenses.
For example, if your company provides untaxed dependent-care benefits directly to you, those amounts reduce the amount of expenses you can claim. If the company pays you $1,000 for child care costs, you must reduce your credit amount by that payment, so a $3,000 limit now becomes $2,000 to offset the company payments.
In the case of a spending account, if you paid $10,000 for a nursery school to look after your two children while you were at work, $6,000 is the maximum allowable credit amount. But you used $5,000 from your workplace flexible spending account to pay part of those costs, so the account money will reduce how much you can claim toward the child care credit -- the $6,000 maximum care expense amount is cut to $1,000.
In both these instances, because the workplace child care assistance is not taxable income to you, you cannot use those amounts to help further cut your tax bill.


text:
Hello beloved Shark fans,
Due to insane schedules (4 jobs and 2 weddings between Tyler and Terry), Sharkadina is on a hiatus until July. Sorry for all the emotional and physical damage I am positive that we caused you. We will be back soon!
Love Forever and Always,
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Return of the Mako
Mako Morse is back!The return of Morse to the lineup provides a formidable offensive boost to the Nats roster. And it didn't spell the end of the Shark's Nationals tenure! Corey Brown was sent down upon Mako's return, leaving the Shark back in the PH, defensive replacement position, after some recent starts.
It will be exciting to watch the Nats play now with an extra Shark on the roster. I'm expecting a full Shark Mode version of the Nationals to dominate the NL East. When that happens, we are ready here at Sharkadina:
And even without the Shark starting everyday, he is still the Shark and he doesn't forget it!
|Shark acknowledges fans at Nationals Park (photo by @heycaseyg)
The Sharkadina crew has been pretty busy as of late (hence the lack of posts) but we will do our best to keep them coming, especially with the return of Mako Morse. Keep an eye out for the Shark in the news.
More to come.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Sunday, June 13, 2010
SketchUp for Woodworkers
This book offers many great things, one of which is that it's completely geared toward woodworkers. Meaning, tutorials cover cabriole legs, not cubicles and office buildings.
Another thing is there are videos embedded in the text which are mini-tutorials, so you can read about a technique and then see it in action. And all with Bob's cool-1950-Lee Marvin-esque voiceover.
We've all seen SketchUp illustrations, but many of us have never used the program or are new to it. Bob walks you through all the steps in order to design your own 3D models.
If you're a beginner like me, start at the beginning of the book. He covers the very basics. If you have some cursory knowledge of the program, you might want to skip a chapter or two, but I would at least skim them, because Bob gives you the best configurations for the tools and preferences.
Clearly, Bob knows his way around the program, and with his knowledge, you'll be able to build complex 3D models, complete with crown moulding and half blind dovetails. If you are interested in learning SketchUp, this is an excellent resource for woodworkers.
You can download sample pages and the table of contents for your own preview.
10 comments:
- Dave G said...
I really like this v-book! Something all skill levels of sketchup can learn from!
- June 13, 2010 at 8:49 PM
- Eric said...
I tried SketchUp & got aggravated at my own slow learning process.
I like Bob's stuff and intend to give this one a try.
Thanks Kari.
- June 14, 2010 at 11:36 AM
- Kari Hultman said...
Dave, thanks for you opinion!
Eric, I did the same thing and tried to figure it out on my own, got frustrated, and quit. I think you'll find that Bob's book demystifies the program and you'll pick it up much more quickly.
- June 14, 2010 at 11:53 AM
- Extremely Average said...
I have used Sketchup a bunch and love it. In fact, I have also rendered some of my designs into photo quality images. A few I have uploaded to stock photography sites and actually sold.
If you are interested in seeing the potential of what one can do in Sketchup.
- June 15, 2010 at 4:20 AM
- Keith July said...
I have a love/hate relationship with Sketchup. I don't use it enough to be proficient at it. (translation, I forget what I learned the last time I used it:) I think I spend more time in the help guide that working on the drawing. But... when I want to check proportions on a piece,for example a table. It is easy to make changes to see if a wider/narrower leg would fit, without have to redraw the whole project.
I'll check out the e-book.
- June 15, 2010 at 1:08 PM
- Dyami said...
I just ordered it. Thanks for the recco, Kari.
- June 15, 2010 at 10:31 PM
- Kari Hultman said...
Wow, Brian, you took SketchUp to a whole new level. Well done!
Keith, Bob's book should make a good reference for when you get stumped. I'm brand new to SketchUp, but it sounds like any software program: the more you use it, the faster you get.
Dyami, let me know what you think. :o)
- June 16, 2010 at 3:45 AM
I just got the book and found a bug, the videos won't play, instead I get a "find media player" popup. I have tried the disk on 3 different computers, all with windows media player installed and the same thing happens with all three. There seems no way around this and there is nothing in the book's documentation about this problem. Anyone have a solution?
- June 26, 2010 at 9:35 AM
- Kari Hultman said...
Alan, please contact Bob Lang at: firstname.lastname@example.com
I am sure he will be happy to help you. Sounds like it's a problem with that particular copy.
- June 26, 2010 at 10:53 AM
- Bob Lang said...
Sorry I didn't catch this until now. Some users of Windows 7 have reported this error message from Adobe Reader. The fix is to use QuickTime as the media player in Adobe Reader. The videos are MP4s embedded in the PDF, and in theory this format would work with any OS and media player combination. Apparently, the latest version of Reader and the latest version of Windows haven't learned to play nice with each other.
Any other issues or comments? My contact information is at the bottom of each page on the website.
thanks for all the kind words,
- July 2, 2010 at 6:07 AM


text:
Friday, September 16, 2011
Tip: Easy way to make felted balls.
100 comments:
Are you serious??? I have got to try this. I have a project that I want to do that requires 15 or so felted balls and I was not looking forward to making them. I will have to try this out. Very cool idea!ReplyDelete
LOL- yup, seriously. It's such an easy way to make little felted balls, I hope it helps you.ReplyDelete
You can also make bigger ones too- just use a larger container and moor wool. Bigger ones are great for making cat toys!
I do not believe you thought of this! OMG! It is awesome! Looks like it should work perfectly!ReplyDelete
I still have some of the roving you sent in my giant crafty box that i won on you giveaway earlier this year and I have soap and water and zip lock containers! Have GOT to give this a try!
GIRL, that's so simple and brilliant! I love it!ReplyDelete
I have to try this! I have always thought that this felting was too hard to do but this looks easy! Thank you for sharing this!ReplyDelete
Thanks everyone for leaving comments!ReplyDelete
Pam: I did not invent this- and cant take the invention credit. : )
Can't remember where I learned it, from someone I know I think. It's just the way I know how to make little felted balls. And I thought it was pretty common knowledge until I realized that I never really saw anything online about making them this way.
It really is very simple! I wish I could figure out how to use this technique to felt anything besides balls... it would make all felting waaaay easier!
What a great idea! I actually like to make felted wool balls but it is rather rough on the hands after a while! About how long do you have to shake it?ReplyDelete
I too have to say thank youReplyDelete
I have been needlefelting little balls because I can't stand the feeling of wet, soapy wool on the palms of my hands..
Holly and Carabeth, thanks for your comments. Glad this could help you!ReplyDelete
Holly- timing is a little different depending on the type or even colors of wool. The green ball I made for the tutorial only took about 5 minutes. The pink and white one took 8-10 I'd say. (But white wool can be hard to felt).
Like most wet felting I think it also takes just a little experimentation to get the right soap to water ratio.
That can effect how long it takes too.
You want enough water so that the wool shakes around the container instead of sticking to one spot.
Just made 10 with my 7 year old daughter. Thank you!!!!ReplyDelete
Wow Lydia- you made my day!ReplyDelete
Thank you : )
What if you made up multipe containers like this and then put them in either the washer or the dryer (no heat) with a few towels or even a load of clothes??ReplyDelete
Hi Abby,ReplyDelete
Neat idea- but personally I think I'd be scared to try putting a plastic container in the washer. The mister wanted a front loader but I insisted that we have a top loader so I could felt, I bet breaking the washer outright would result in some marital discord.
You can make larger (2 or 3 inch) felted wool balls in the washer. Cover a styrofoam ball with wool and put a bit of pantyhose over the whole thing. Throw it in the washer with hot water (you need hot water to felt). I usually make a half dozen a time that way.
If you try your idea let me know!
That looks fun, but don't know what I'd use them for unless you could post the acorn crafts???? Please!!ReplyDelete
Hi Jan,ReplyDelete
I don't have an acorns in my yard, but I can find some I'll make some acorns and post it. But I bet if you googled felted acorns you find a bunch of results.
If you make some a little bigger than the one I made they are great cat toys.
They make wonderful tails for knit softies (like rabbits, and bears)- here's a link where I used it for a little wool ball for a rabbit because I hate to make pom poms.
You can use them as trim for pillows or scarves, and even make a necklace or bracelet out of them by mixing them with beads.
Hope that helps!
AMAZING IDEA! I needlefelt, hate wet felting, so this is awesome. i just did 3 in under 15 min. I used an old container from little ceasers, it has a serrated bottom, which causes more friction, causing the roving to felt faster.... thank u, thank u!ReplyDelete
I'm so glad this worked for you- I like both needle and wet felting but they are very different experiences! I can see how it would be easy to really like one and not the other.ReplyDelete
The container with the textured bottom is a great tip- I'll have to keep my eye out for one!
Do you know if these felt balls are similar to the felt balls that are sold as a green alternative to dryer sheets?ReplyDelete
The "dryer" felt balls are supposed to reduce the static and help soften the items being dried.
Hi Kadiya,ReplyDelete
I don't know if these are at all similar to dryer balls. Are those made of wool too?
I think just based on the size of these they are best suited to crafting. They are so small they'd definitely disappear to wherever it is all the single socks go!
: )
- AnonymousSeptember 20, 2011 at 1:53 PM
So excited to try this! Do you have to buy this "roving" everyone is mentioning or can I use scraps of wool yarn? Would this change the directions at all? Thanks!!!ReplyDelete
The term roving describes one way that unspun wool is sold. You call also use wool in batts which are large sheets. Any unspun wool you have will work with this method.ReplyDelete
And that's a really great question about using wool yarn instead of unspun fiber!
I've never tried it but I have needle felted with yarn and wet felted a knit item in the washing machine. Based on that experience my guess would be that it will take a lot longer to felt or may not really felt that much at all.
But why not roll up a little ball of yarn and try? It's wool so you should get at least some felting that happens. I definitely think it's worth a shot- if you try it please let me know!!
- AnonymousSeptember 21, 2011 at 9:35 AM
Wow! That is so neat! Thanks for sharing this awesome tip! I never knew you could make these! Def. pinning this! I have a party going on over at my blog if you want to join! I'd love to have you! Check it out under the "Stache Party" page on my blog: mylilpumpkinpatch.blogspot.comReplyDelete
I never knew you could do this! I will have to try it with my kiddos! Thanks for sharing! Stopping by from Someday Crafts link partyReplyDelete
What a genius idea! Definitely one of those "I should have thought of that" moments. :) Thanks so much for sharing!ReplyDelete
AWESOME! Thanks so much for the tips on how to make these! Will be giving it a try for sure! Pop Art MinisReplyDelete
Thanks for the comments! If you give it a try let me know how it worked out for you. Or even better send me a link to any projects you've done with them- I'd LOVE to see them!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 23, 2011 at 1:26 AM
I love it! I have some smaller amounts of roving, but I immediately thought! FAUX pompoms!! and i HATE making them - I am a serial pompom killer! You have pretty totally solved my elf shoe embellishments, and my life! (well, except for money - LOL!) But time, Hands down! Thank you! Would LOVE to see felted acorns. (I have an acorn fetish!) LOL!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 23, 2011 at 1:30 AM
One more Question! Drying time?ReplyDelete
for say 1/2 - 1 inch balls? like a day on the counter. or in a mesh bag in the dryer - sure they will get smaller, but that can be accommodated! LOL!
Jen again...
Hi Jen,ReplyDelete
Glad this helps you- I hate making traditional pom poms too! : )
Drying time really depends on how much water you use. I set mine out on the counter (or if it's nice the deck in the sun) and I think they are dry in a 3-4 hours but typically I just leave them overnight to be sure they are completely dry.
I did make end up making felted acorns, the post is here: http://www.megacrafty.com/2011/09/ideas-for-acorns.html
There are some other acorn ideas in that post too!
Found this idea on Pinterest!!! So awesome! I just made two. I am so excited. Thank you for sharing. :)ReplyDelete
Oh, that's so cool! I cannot WAIT to try this, thank you! (Now I know what to do with that fleece that turned out to be not soft enough for me to want to spin it up on my wheel.)ReplyDelete
These are really crafty clever cute and I'm anxious to make some as I've been doing it the "hard" way, as in knitting and felting. I'd like to know if you could elaborate a bit on the type of wool in batts that is sold in sheets as opposed to roving. Where do you find this; what type of store carries it? What is it called? I am familiar with lots of knitting and craft stores and see roving a lot, but not the sheet batting. What did you use? Thank you too much :)!ReplyDelete
Hi AlisonH, that's a perfect use for wool that isn't as soft as you thought it would be!ReplyDelete
Thanks Carol,ReplyDelete
Wool batts refers to wool that's in sheets. The same wool can come on both roving and batts or it can be different. Batts are made on something called a drum carder or other similar machine.
I can get batts at the store I usually go to New England Felting supply (they have a website too) but you can also search online or check any store that sells wool they will probably either have wool batts or know someone who does.
Is there a way to figure out how much wool you need for different sizes of the balls? I want to try this soooo bad, but not sure how much wool to use. Also, is wool made for needle felting okay, or does it have to be for wet felting? Thanks!ReplyDelete
Hi Edie, All good questions. For the amount of wool to use, you can see from the pictures that a good sized handful winds up making a small call maybe 1 inch across. How much the wool shrinks really depends on the kind of wool, even sometimes the color and how much you felt it.ReplyDelete
As for your second question- I used the same wool to make these that I use for needle felting.
Hope that helps!
Super excited to try this!! I'm new to the felt world...what kind of felt do you get? I've seen people just get sheets from the craft store and pull it apart...is that the most cost efficient way to go about this? Sorry if its a repeat question!ReplyDelete
ok, total blonde moment...despite reading the posts I still came home with wool that was ready to knit! Cut 24inches or so off, pulled it apart as best as I could and shook until the cows came home!! After looking in the tub for the 5th time and seeing what resembles wheat pasta in alfredo sauce I finally realized I used the wrong wool. grrr Back to the yarn store tomorrow :-)ReplyDelete
Hi Kelsey, I'm glad you are going to venture into the world of felting. Some craft stores (the michaels near me for one) have needle felting supplies. They carry wool with those supplies that will work but in my experience it's very expensive. If you go to a knitting store that carries felting/spinning supplies they will have wool more reasonably priced.ReplyDelete
Oh no Christina! So sorry you grabbed the wrong type of wool. And as you found out yarn doesn't really work with this. You want a bit roving or a chunk of a batt of wool. This kind of wool is for needle felting, wet felting or spinning.
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
Awesome! Thanks so much :) Also, do you have any tutorials or know of any good ones for needle felting? I'd love to give that a go as well!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 11, 2011 at 9:10 PM
Ok, I tried this and shook that container for over half and hour. All I have is something that resembles what you might pull out of the shower drain. Perhaps the particular roving I used is unsuitable?ReplyDelete
Kelsey- I sent you an email about needle felting.ReplyDelete
Lisa- Sorry this didn't work out for you. Three things I've thought of that might be going on. What type of wool are you using? Merino felts, but it doesn't felt as easily as some others. You want the wool to start out feeling kind of coarse- not smooth. Coarse wool felts easier. But I'm not really convinced that's the problem- if it's wool eventually it will felt.
What I think is most likely happening is that you either have too much water or not enough soap. You really only need enough water to make the wool move around in the container. And just a drop or two of diluted soap.
I just tried it! I made two owl buddies :) I am already sososo addicted. Needle felting is so fun!! Thank you for inspiring me!ReplyDelete
Kelsey I'm so happy to tried it! And yes it is very addictive, lol. Do you have a picture you can send me? I'd love to see how your project turned out.ReplyDelete
: )
Definitely! I just emailed some to you :) Let me know what you think!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousOctober 17, 2011 at 4:28 AM
Where did you buy the wool material? A specialty yarn shop? Or any basic craft store? Thanks!ReplyDelete
I buy my wool from New England Felting Supply. They are close to me but also have a website.ReplyDelete
Fun way to make a ball, I might have to try this with my Bever group! Thanks.ReplyDelete
Wow so cool and easy - thanksReplyDelete
Well we just made them at school - children as young as 3 could make them. It was so much fun. Thanks again for sharing.ReplyDelete
You can check out how it went here
Can you make these starting with felt squares that are purchased in the craft sections?ReplyDelete
Hi Jen,ReplyDelete
No it won't work with those felt squares. For the most part those aren't actually wool- they are made from recycled plastic. The ones that are actually wool, the wool has already been felted into sheet and won't felt any more.
To make these you need to start with loose wool that's sold in bulk or that comes in what's called a batt. Wool is also sold in what's called roving (a long rope of wool) but roving would be hard to work with when making these balls because it's pretty thin.
awesome! i cannot wait to try this!!!ReplyDelete
- Meredith IngramNovember 10, 2012 at 11:07 AM
I just made some with my 5 yr old son! I had some wool roving sitting in my stash to try needle felting(still have not done that yet). The roving worked just fine, took a little longer than what you and others are saying. I had to rinse the container and balls a couple times, and roll between my palms. But they look like your picture, so I'll see how they are when they dry. Hoping to get my son to make some Christmas presents with them :) Thanks for the tutorial.ReplyDelete
PS...My son has Sensory Processing Disorder...and this is GREAT for some of his excess energy and it results in a useful product!
Thanks for you comment Meredith- I'm so happy this worked out for you!ReplyDelete
one of my friends found a DIY on this in an Australian felt magazine, but they used the tiny plastic canister that comes with hair dye and has the rubber gloves in it, it is about the size of an old fashioned film canister but nicely rounded on both ends. The round ends seem to help the balling process move along faster and makes felt beads that would be necklace size in no time flat.ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks Erica,Delete
That tutorial sounds interesting. I'd love a link if you have one.
unfortunately no link, she said it was just a short paragraph - we tried it with a couple of layers of merino, very small amount and crammed it in the container with drop of shampoo and hot water, put the lid on and shook it - it took shape very quickly, you do need to experiment to see just how much wool will work, too much and it won't move about in the container.Delete
Once it forms you can take it out and condense the ball further by just rolling in your hands.
One of our friends took my green wool balls to make topiary trees for his dollhouse garden.
Thanks Erica, sounds very similar- maybe just a smaller container. Good to know it worked so well for you. : )Delete
- AnonymousDecember 16, 2012 at 5:21 PM
Thank you. I was working on some balls but they were not finished yet and looked little fuzzy so I did your process to give them such a nice finish. Only took about 2 min each.ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks so much for the feedback- glad it worked well for you!Delete
so glad I found this tutorial. I am going to try this right away. Do you know a good place to buy the wool for cheap and/or in bulk?ReplyDeleteReplies
I hope you let me know how it works out for you! I buy all my wool at New England Felting Supply. They are close to me, but also have a website and you can buy a nice variety of wool.Delete
- AnonymousJanuary 19, 2013 at 9:40 PM
I just found this info.! So anxious to try this! In one of your earlier replies, you mentioned covering a little larger sized styrofoam balls with the wool, putting pantyhose over it, and putting it in the washer. Hot water. But down ANY soap need added? And how long do I keep it in there?ReplyDelete
Thank you!!!
- AnonymousJanuary 19, 2013 at 9:42 PM
Sorry, auto correct. Should have said DOES any soap need added?ReplyDeleteReplies
Yes if I remember right I added just a tiny bit of soap. I can't remember how long I left them in the washer. I just kept checking on them until they seemed felted (usually you can see the wool fiber coming through the pantyhose when they've started to felt, and they feel very firm). Once I thought they were done I opened the one on the end to check if it was felted. It maybe took 15-20 minutes. But it also depends on the type and color of wool- there's no hard and fast rule on how long it takes.Delete
- AnonymousJanuary 19, 2013 at 10:44 PM
Wow! Thanks for such a quick reply! I am going to play around until I get it. Real felting on styrofoam is such a long process. Any way to speed it up, I'm there! :)Delete
Thank you sooo much! Just made my night!
Happy to help- And I'd love you see the results of your projects!Delete
It was a lucky coincidence that your comment came through while I happened to be checking my email. But in general if you have questions the best way for me to respond is if you leave your email in your comment. Or if you don't want to do that- you can always email me, it's in my profile : )
ok i must be crazy are these little balls coming out perfect you all? I tried it mine is all crumbled and in pieces not pieces but not together like it should be. I even tried some wet felting today over a vessel type shape with also not so desirable results what am I doing wrong I would show you a picture if I knew where to upload it???ReplyDelete
Meg someone...please help deb :O(
Hi Print2paint, - there could be a lot of things from the amount of water and soap you're using to the type of wool. I did see that you emailed me so I'll see if I can help you through email.Delete
- AnonymousFebruary 11, 2013 at 2:01 AM
Hi Meg - great tip! This is so easy to do. I've made four balls with varying success. I think I've figured out the right soap/water ratio but two of the balls have creases (they look a bit like Pac Man) and I think it's to do with the way the wool goes into the container. I'm fluffing it out and trying to make a neat, spherical shape with no ridges but this doesn't seem to work every time. Can you elaborate on your wool fluffing technique? Thanks in advance!ReplyDeleteReplies
I sort of tease the wool out into a big fluff ball. Sometimes I also used a skewer to wrap the wool into a loose ball- that might be something that works better for you.Delete
This is just a guess but creases could be caused by the bottom of the container, if ithas some sort of ridge or a shape that lets the wool settle. I've had a few creases wile doing more traditional wet felting and sometimes it can be fixed by needle felting over the trouble spot after the wool is dry.
Hope that helps!
Too cool! I've been trying to find any info on hand felting yarn balls (into dryer balls or beads) and am pretty much coming up empty..after 3 days of searching, I found you - just a few hours after trying something I thought of a few days ago: to throw my yarn balls into a large-ish container, with soap and water, and shake it. I also added a stone (will add more when I find my bag of river rocks) and after 5-10mins of shaking/shocking in cold/shaking again in reheated water, the 2 balls are starting to felt! I can't wait to finish them off and see how long it actually takes but your tutorial here has bolstered my confidence! ;-) thanks!!ReplyDelete
Thanks for your comment Angéle- good luck with your felting!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 13, 2013 at 12:34 PM
I´ve just come across your article on making felt balls.... I´ve just tried several times and all I am getting is a wadge of messy felted wool! I won´t be giving up though and am set to try again.
I´ve just been given 6 huge sacks of newly shorn sheep fleece. I am a complete beginner at dealing with it! But, I have washed one through and am now taking wads of it and picking,teasing it open, it and with my fistful of fluffy freshly picked wool I have been making felt balls using soapy water and my hands to roll them. Should I be carding the wool after I have teased it open to get rid of the bits of rubbish. Would that make it felt better for using the container method?
Your advice would be greatly recieved.
Thank you SylvReplies
Hi Sylv- Sorry you are having problems with this method. From what you are describing I am guessing that you might have too much water and/or soap in the container. It takes very little water and just a drop of diluted dish soap. Too much of any of these will give you a soggy mess instead of a nice felted ball. Hope that helps!Delete
- AnonymousMay 13, 2013 at 1:26 PM
HI again......... Thank you so much for the really speedy reply......... I came back on to say I had used much less soap and looked at your photos again and saw you had used just a little water....... I have just made several little felt balls..... hurrah .... they are a bit looser than the ones made by hand but I just finished them off by hand taking a only a wee minute or so!ReplyDelete
So thank you........ I am aiming to make a felt ball rug! I know ambitious!
Kind regards
- AnonymousMarch 29, 2014 at 11:11 PM
Seriously??? That easy? I'm going to have to try this one!!!ReplyDelete
- Never Felt BetterAugust 21, 2014 at 4:19 AM
I've only just come across this on pinterest. I needle felt but balls take to long and I want to make small ones for earrings so I'm going to try this method to see if it saves my fingers.ReplyDelete
Hi!! I am making some felt name banners and I have a question. I'm sorry if this has been asked already. I have not been able to read all of the comments. Where can I buy roving that isn't expensive but still good quality? I'm making about 30 of these name banners for all of the kids in our family for Christmas. So I need to be careful on how expensive the supplies are. Thanks so much!! I'm adding small balls to either side of the letters. They will go from small to larger. I'm so excited about this project. I was nervous about hand felting them. Not now! ;)ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMarch 21, 2015 at 3:16 PM
I know this post is older, but I have to comment on how amazing this is. I have about a pound of raw, unwashed black lamb wool that I wanted to felt into little round balls... but I didn't want to go through the long process of carefully washing it and drying it the way it is supposed to be done. I actually hand picked the cleanest handful of wool from the bag, making sure there was no foreign debris, then pulled it apart over and over again until it was a huge fluffy mess (basically teasing it, as if it were the 80's and I was making a big-hair ponytail hairstyle!). Then I gently squished it into a round shape and followed your instructions with one modification. I changed the soapy water twice and rinsed my ball twice during the process, since the raw wool smelled like lanolin. After only a 20 minute investment, I am the proud owner of a perfectly round, gorgeous fresh-smelling black woolly sphere! It's perfect. This was the most helpful blog article/tutorial I found about making felt balls. Thank you SO MUCH. -D.ReplyDeleteReplies
Thanks for your comment! It so nice to know this post helped you. And what a great idea to use this as a way to clean your wool.Delete
Meni je bas ovaj tutorijal trebao.HVALAReplyDelete
Adorei. Você faz parecer bem simples. Abraço brasileiro.ReplyDelete
Adorei. Você faz parecer bem simples. Abraço brasileiro.ReplyDelete
- JenniewrenMarch 14, 2016 at 4:59 PM
Well I've now tried the wool yarn balls - only made 2 from yarn given to me -yay! Not sure if it is quite felted yet so have left them in the pantyhose 'til they look "right". Put the whole thing (pantyhose too) in the dryer & wonder if that is why I did get static. Don't usually use fabric softener/sheets in the summer since it is humid here, & I think the scent attracts mosquitos, maybe other bugs. . . Anyway, mine are a work in progress & I just might try your method too. Glad I spotted this older post!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 25, 2016 at 11:06 AM
Wonderful method! Near the end of feltingI added a drop of essential oil. I am planning to add a string or ribbon and use an air freshener in my car. Thank you for posting this!ReplyDelete
Hi so I was hoping to make these felt balls but all I seem to have is felt sheets how if possible may I get my sheets fluffy to make the ball?ReplyDeleteReplies
It's not possible to make felt balls from sheets of already felted wool. If you can't get roving or other unflelted wool locally, it can be found online.Delete
Meg this a great bit of info. Thanks for sharing it. I have heard that using a salad spinner will work if you are trying to make several balls at the same time. I would use your method to get them started as individuals and then throw them all in together.ReplyDelete
Also I have had success using 100% wool yarn to felt. I use lengths not more than about 4" and undo them into their separate plies. 2 wire brushes from the pet section of the local $ store will fluff the wool further. Hold them pointing in opposite directions with one above and one below and the yarn between them. Look for pics/videos of carding to understand the action needed. This is also a great way to blend colors either a little or a lot.
Hi there, Mega Crafty,ReplyDelete
This looks like a fabulous method of making felted balls.
I make a lot of pom poms...I find it therapeutic! ��
I end up with heaps of fluff on the floor after trimming the pom poms. Can I use that, in this case?
Thank you so much for sharing this great idea xx
Read this and had to try straight away! I have a gorgeous sphere drying on the draining board - Yay! Brilliant!ReplyDelete
Hello PlzYes, I am a manufacturer so I can give the cheapest and best on time then others.I have more business with different products. I have naturally 100% hand made products. Specially : A) All kinds of felt( 100% NZ sheep wool) products. B) All kinds of cotton bags C) 100% organic soapberries D) 100% naturally bamboo fiber dryer balls & E) Many more products. So if we do business together that should be better for both. Plz check these link below: a) www.thexeniumcraft.com.np b) https://www.dropbox.com/sh/r6ocv0sslzricnv/AABqPjwCfhoqerBMSBU82aSDa?dl=0 Thank you and hope to response and if any question plz do not be hesitate to contact me.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousAugust 5, 2022 at 11:27 PM
Thank you this idea! This is so fun and actually will help develop many skills in a classroom - arm, wrist and finger strength. It also will support self regulation. The balls can then be used for sensory play, storytelling and math activities! Actually, the list is so much longer. I will definitely introduce this to teachers this year!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousSeptember 11, 2022 at 4:01 PM
Having trouble. What kind of wool did you use? I would like to set up a kids table at a local wool arts tour..ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJanuary 12, 2023 at 9:06 AM
Can you use this method for dryer ballsReplyDelete


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Yesterday we launched 'Grouping By Employees' for scheduling. This feature allows you to create a group picking specific employees that will show up in the scheduling 'Department' list. This is useful if you want to schedule all department managers on one screen.
To create an employee group:
1. Go to MANAGE MY BUSINESS and select 'MANAGE MY EMPLOYEE GROUPS'
2. Create the group, giving it a name and select the employees
3. Go to the scheduling screen and you will see this group on the scheduling screen


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GENEVA -- American sprinters who were stripped of their 2000 Olympics relay medals because teammate Marion Jones was doping won an appeal Friday to have them restored.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favor of the women, who had appealed the International Olympic Committee's decision to disqualify them from the Sydney Games.
The court said the IOC and International Association of Athletics Federations rules in 2000 did not allow entire teams to be disqualified because of doping by one athlete.
The IOC said the ruling was "disappointing and especially unfortunate for the athletes of the other teams who competed according to the rules."
In Sydney, Jearl Miles-Clark, Monique Hennagan, LaTasha Colander Clark and Andrea Anderson were part of the squad that won gold in the 4x400 relay. Chryste Gaines, Torri Edwards, Nanceen Perry and Passion Richardson were on the 4x100 bronze medal squad.
All but Perry joined the appeal.
"The panel found that at the time of the Sydney Olympic Games there was no express IOC or IAAF rule in force that clearly allowed the IOC to annul the relay team results if one team member was found to have committed a doping offense," CAS said.
Now that the case is over, Richardson can relax, her medal safe and secure in a wooden frame at the home of her parents in Florida.
"It's been a long three years, a long hard fight," Richardson told The Associated Press in a phone interview. "I wanted to believe they would do what was right, but there were some times where I wasn't as certain. Today, they did what was right."
Richardson spoke to Gaines and Miles-Clark and "everyone is extremely excited."
"Finally, the fight is over," Richardson said.
In 2007, Jones admitted she was doping in Sydney and also lost her individual golds in the 100 and 200 meters and bronze in the long jump. She spent about six months in a Texas prison in 2008 for lying about using performance-enhancing drugs and her role in a check-fraud scam.
She has since made a comeback in basketball with the Tulsa Shock of the WNBA.
"I've totally moved on," Jones told the AP on Friday in San Antonio, where the Shock were preparing to play the Silver Stars. "I'm moving forward."
Jones said she had not heard about the CAS decision and had not spoken to her former Olympic teammates recently. She declined further comment.
"She made some very poor choices. That's something she has to live with," said Richardson, who no longer has any ill will toward her former teammate. "We did what we were supposed to do and did it with fairness. You have to learn to forgive and forget."
The CAS panel of three lawyers acknowledged the ruling might be unfair to relay teams that competed "with no doped athletes" but added the decision "exclusively depends on the rules enacted or not enacted by the IOC and the IAAF at the time of the Sydney Olympic Games."
The CAS inflicted a further defeat on the IOC by ordering the Olympic body to pay 10,000 Swiss francs ($9,500) toward the athletes' legal costs.
Mark Levinstein, the Washington, D.C.-based lead attorney for the athletes, said there is still a lawsuit pending against the USOC.
"All they had to do was say, 'The rules are the rules, leave them alone,' and this didn't happen," Levinstein said in a phone interview. "To have your own national Olympic committee turn its back on you, it was sad."
The USOC issued a statement saying it respects the decision of the CAS.
"Although we continue to believe that the U.S. medals in the 4x100 and 4x400 meter women's relays were unfairly won due to Ms. Jones' doping, we have always recognized that the athletes who made up the U.S. teams might have a legal basis on which to defend these medals," said Patrick Sandusky, chief communications officer for the USOC.
"We are sorry that Ms. Jones' actions continue to have a negative effect on the world of sport and express our sympathy for all of the athletes who competed cleanly at the Olympic Games in Sydney and were damaged by Ms. Jones' poor decisions," he said.
United States Track and Field president Stephanie Hightower and CEO Doug Logan said in a joint statement, "Although USATF was not a party to this case, we are sympathetic to any clean athlete who was robbed of something because of Marion Jones' cheating: competitors, teammates, fans and anyone who strives for fair competition."
The IOC has now lost two CAS rulings within five weeks involving Olympic medals stripped.
"What better confirmation of independence can you have than the baby you have created says no to you?" IOC president Jacques Rogge told the AP in New York. "We're disappointed that we lose the case, of course. But it strengthens us to say to the athletes, 'You can trust the Court of Arbitration. They are independent. They are free. They can rule against the IOC.'"
Belarus hammer throwers Vadim Devyatovskiy and Ivan Tsikhan won their appeals last month against disqualification from the 2008 Beijing Games and regained their silver and bronze medals, respectively. Both had elevated levels of testosterone, but the CAS panel said tests were invalid because international laboratory standards in Beijing were not respected.
"The IOC will continue to enforce its zero-tolerance policy in the fight against doping for the sake of the athletes' health and to ensure fair competition," the IOC said in a statement.
The CAS panel said it accepted the IOC's claim that Jones was possibly not the only U.S. runner doping in Sydney, and it was mindful that Gaines later served a doping ban for cheating in 2002-03 with the same designer steroid -- known as "the clear" -- that Jones used.
However, CAS warned that judging an athlete based on suspicion could "deliver a fatal blow to any serious fight against doping and the CAS' reputation."
The case involving the sprinters was heard over two days in Lausanne, Switzerland, in May, when the relay runners' legal team argued they should not be punished for cheating by Jones.
The panel agreed unanimously Friday that the IAAF's rule in 2000 was the decisive point.
The court also confirmed its own precedent set five years ago in a previous doping case involving U.S. relay runners at the Sydney Olympics. That panel determined that teammates of Jerome Young should not lose their 4x400 gold medals after he received a retroactive ban from 1999-2001 -- meaning he was technically ineligible to compete in Sydney.
Young's relay partners -- Michael Johnson, Antonio Pettigrew, Angelo Taylor, Alvin Harrison and Calvin Harrison -- won their appeal to CAS after the IAAF annulled their result.
However, the IOC ended up stripping the entire team of the medals in 2008 following the admission of doping by Pettigrew. The IAAF amended its rules in 2003 so that relay teams could then be disqualified if one member was caught doping.
The ruling Friday dashed the hopes of Jamaica's team of being upgraded from silver to gold in the 4x400 relay. Russia finished third and Nigeria out of the medals in fourth. In the 4x100, the U.S. edged France out of the medals.


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Burying the Hatchet with Lisa
Adrienne discusses the good and bad in her life, her divorce, and the changes in store this season.
Here we go with Season 3! Last season was full of drama and excitement, I know this season will not disappoint. As you've heard, things are very hectic for me these days; there are several new business ventures (that you will be hearing about throughout this season) and of course being a mom is my top priority, and a full-time job!
In this episode, I found out that Lisa did not invite me to her restaurant opening. I was honestly not that bothered by it, though the snub made it clear that Lisa still hasn't moved on from our prior issues. At this point, I am definitely ready to bury the hatchet and let bygones be bygones!
Lisa and I have always had our differences, and I'm sure we'll never be BFFs; but at the same time we share social circles and I would like for us to leave the past in the past and work on being friendly again.
As for the very large flower arrangement I sent Lisa: I simply asked the florist to send something very nice, I didn't expect him to send the whole flower shop! It was a beautiful arrangement (if a little gargantuan). I hope she appreciated the gesture.
After everything that Taylor went through last season, I am so glad to see her in a better place. She looks beautiful and much healthier than last year, she is definitely in better spirits! I couldn't be happier for Taylor, besides, I love having a shopping "partner in crime." You know what I always say: "The higher the heel, the closer to God!"
As you've probably heard by now, Paul and I have separated. There is a lot going on in my personal life right now -- both good and bad. My priority is and always will be my three boys. I am very thankful that business is booming and I am grateful for the exciting ventures, new projects and new beginnings this season offers!
Sometimes in life the challenge is to take the bad with the good and find your balance.


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From the first A day in HELSINKI photomarathon I organised with my friend. We had about 20 participants, and we are planning to do this again in the future. Photos from this first marathon will be displayed in a digital exhibition in Helsinki on the 22nd of April.
rik041 & volker-jp.


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An excerpt from Depositions: Forest
Conservation and a Modern Ecology
By Catherine Seavitt Nordenson, ASLA
Araucárias, Paraná, ca. 1884. Photo by Marc Ferrez/Gilberto Ferrez Collection/Instituto Moreira Salles.
Speaking out against the military dictatorship of Brazil during the late 1960s and early 1970s had definite risks. Politicians, human rights advocates, artists, and intellectuals who publicly opposed the right-wing government's programs of hyperdevelopment did so under threat of arrest, imprisonment, torture, and death. Many fled into exile. Roberto Burle Marx, the Brazilian landscape architect (1909–1994), had been a public figure for decades when, three years after the 1964 coup, he was appointed by the dictatorship's first president, Humberto de Alencar Castelo Branco, to a 24-member national cultural council. For Burle Marx, the decision to join the council was ethically freighted. He accepted with one clear objective: to save the Brazilian landscape.
In a new book, Depositions: Roberto Burle Marx and Public Landscapes Under Dictatorship (University of Texas Press, 2018), Catherine Seavitt Nordenson, ASLA, brings forth a series of 18 frankly activist speeches, or depositions, that Burle Marx delivered as a member of the council. They target, among other things, the unchecked destruction of Brazil's forests for raw materials and agriculture. He surveyed the progression of environmental tragedy with a deep knowledge of botany and ecology, an intricate alertness to policy, and always appealing to a Brazilian pride in its national landscape patrimony.
"The way I read his depositions, Burle Marx is positioning an argument that's against the economic development theory of the regime," Seavitt Nordenson told me recently. "Sometimes they listen to him and sometimes they don't. But he's on the inside and he's arguing passionately, because he's been working on the cultural project of the Brazilian landscape for so long." Seavitt Nordenson notes that in these speeches of 50 years ago, Burle Marx touches on two huge problems of today, anthropogenic impacts affecting climate and the loss of biodiversity. "They're very clear—they're jocular speeches, often funny, and have so much spontaneity—and he manages to communicate a serious message to an audience that has significant political power."
This excerpt of Depositions includes a brief introduction by Seavitt Nordenson to three depositions on forests, followed by her translations of the depositions themselves.
—Bradford McKee


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Paul W. Nochumowitz describes himself as a bail bondsman who takes home $14,000 a year and is bankrupt.
Still, he and his wife, Amie Sue, own a $1 million high-rise condominium on Florida's Biscayne Bay as well as a home in Baltimore County. This year, Miami Beach was the setting for Amie Sue's 50th birthday party, complete with family, friends, her New York hairdresser, a triple-decker cake with sparkler candles and a troupe of ballroom dancers.
The party and other, large expenses show that the couple maintain a "lavish lifestyle" even as Paul Nochumowitz says he cannot pay his debts, contends the trustee overseeing the personal bankruptcy case that Paul Nochumowitz filed last year.
That lifestyle, the trustee's lawyer maintains in court papers, is financed in part by businesses related to ground rent -- Baltimore's arcane system of leasing the land under thousands of houses.
The Nochumowitz family is one of a few groups of investors who have bought large numbers of ground rents and frequently exercised their power under state law to sue delinquent bill payers, seeking either their houses or fees that dwarf the amount of rent.
Entities associated with four groups of individuals and families, including the Nochumowitzes, have filed more than half of the nearly 4,000 ground rent lawsuits brought since 2000, court records show. They also account for a majority of the more than 500 cases in which ground rent owners won legal right to the houses, though an unknown number of those homeowners reached settlements to regain their properties.
These family groups stand out from among the hundreds of charities, foundations, retirees and other small investors who through the years have rarely tried to seize houses.
R. Marc Goldberg, a Baltimore attorney and ground rent owner who is a member of one group that often files lawsuits, says rent owners are acting within their rights to sue homeowners who fail to pay them.
"Being in a business where somebody else has to lose in order for you to gain is a tough business to be in," said Goldberg.
Jay A. Dackman, a lawyer who is among the most frequent filers of ground rent lawsuits, suggests that rent owners are entitled to their gains because of the risks and "unknown issues" they face in taking control of aging and deteriorated Baltimore property. For those same reasons, he says, the ground rent business is not likely to appeal to someone looking for a conventional job description.
"Most people involved in this business are very interesting people," he said. "You have to be a certain kind of person to be involved in all of this. There are so many wrinkles."
Estate planning
The Nochumowitz name appears on more ground rent lawsuits than any family name -- more than 500 filed from the start of 2000 through last month. The plaintiff may be Paul and Amie Sue, or trusts overseen by Paul's 86-year-old father, Fred Nochumowitz. By winning the cases, family businesses have gained the right to take possession of about 160 houses, nearly one-third of the total for all ground rent holders during that period.
The Nochumowitzes run their various real estate enterprises from a branch office of Big Boyz Bail Bonds on East 25th Street in Baltimore, according to property records.
Over at least three decades, Nochumowitz family interests amassed a portfolio of at least 3,600 ground rents, property and court records show. It is not possible to determine exactly how many ground rents they own, because there is no central registry of rent holders.
The family's businesses take in $50,000 a month in ground rent and are managed by Paul Nochumowitz from the bail bonds company partly owned by his wife, the trustee's lawyer asserts. Lawyers for Paul Nochumowitz and for other family members vigorously deny the trustee's allegation that Paul Nochumowitz secretly owns, manages and makes all decisions for the ground rent businesses.
Paul Nochumowitz would not comment for this story, citing the bankruptcy case. Neither would his wife nor his father.
A rehabber who has done business with Paul Nochumowitz, Lauren Montillo, calls him "a stand-up straight guy.
"He loves Baltimore. He's like me -- born here and I'll die here," Montillo said.
The Nochumowitzes acquired blocks of ground rents, often at bargain prices, from sources as diverse as estates, banks, an evangelical college in Texas and the St. Vincent de Paul Society, a Catholic charity that helps low-income people find housing.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Amie Sue Nochumowitz began to share legal ownership of ground rents with her husband. Separately, more than 1,000 were placed in trusts created beginning in the late 1980s with Fred Nochumowitz as trustee. That's a relatively common practice for the intergenerational ground rent owners, several of whom said they consider it smart estate planning.
But the way the family set up its ground rent holdings has become a major issue in Paul Nochumowitz's personal bankruptcy. His creditors include plaintiffs in at least a dozen lawsuits -- one resulting in a court judgment for nearly $500,000 -- over alleged lead paint hazards in rental properties that he owned with a business partner.
George W. Liebmann, who as trustee administers the case, asserts in court papers that the ownership transfers were intended to put the ground rents and their income beyond the reach of Paul Nochumowitz's creditors. Liebmann, whose lawsuit is designed in part to make the ground rent assets available to pay creditors, alleges a "complicated, but fraudulent" asset concealment scheme.
Nochumowitz's lawyers counter that the transfers occurred several years before the lead paint suits were filed.
Liebmann's lawsuit also contends that at least $130,000 was withdrawn from family custodial accounts at Paul Nochumowitz's "behest and directive" to pay for marble floors in the Miami Beach condo and a custom-built entertainment system. Ground rent income is deposited into those accounts, the trustee wrote.
Also, Paul and Amie Sue Nochumowitz have spent thousands of dollars some months on restaurant meals and boutique clothing, the lawsuit contends.
"Our clients dispute the allegations asserted in the lawsuit and intend to vigorously contest these matters," said lawyer Richard M. Kremen. He represents Amie Sue Nochumowitz, her children and her mother- and father-in-law in the trustee's lawsuit.
Nochumowitz lawyers in court filings accused the bankruptcy trustee of "attempted intimidation" of family members through a series of "imaginative accusations to destroy their reputations and turn legitimate investments, business enterprises and tax and estate planning into fraudulent transfers."
In addition to earning money from regular collections of ground rent, ventures associated with the Nochumowitzes profit at least two other ways.
Between 2003 and July of this year, Paul and Amie Sue, or Fred acting as trustee, sold approximately 70 of the properties seized from delinquent rent payers for a total of more than $1.4 million. These included a vacant rowhouse in Harlem Park and a renovated house in McElderry Park that sold for $95,000.
Gunner Bay LLC, a mortgage company partly owned by Amie Sue Nochumowitz, financed some of those sales, generating additional income, records show. Several other ground rent owners also provide mortgage financing.
Touch of Class Properties LLC, a rehab business, has purchased at least 26 of the seized properties and financed some of the deals through Gunner Bay. Touch of Class co-owner Petar Pecovic describes Paul Nochumowitz as someone who has been a mentor ever since they met at a property auction where they bid against each other.
"Paul took us under the wing when we got out here. He helped us out a lot. I'm indebted to the man," Pecovic said.
Changing times
Though ground rents date to colonial times, many were created in the early 1900s, and after World War II, as returning GIs needed housing.
For investors, the rents were a safe, steady source of income greater than they would get from a savings account or bond -- 6 percent a year on the value of the lease. A state employees' retirement fund kept ground rents in its portfolio, as did a number of local foundations, charities and financial institutions.
"It became a good investment for widows because it was so stable," said Warren Komins, whose family owns about 800 ground rents but has not filed any ejectment actions in recent years.
Sometimes homeowners didn't pay up, but many of the old-time owners didn't find it worthwhile to hound debtors. In some cases, the houses had been abandoned or were in such disrepair that they weren't worth fixing up for resale.
All that changed in the late 1990s.
As out-of-town banks bought Baltimore banks and savings and loans, they sometimes puzzled over portfolios of ground rents and unloaded them. So did estates whose heirs had no appetite for the tedium of collecting paltry sums. Thousands of ground rents were sold, many in large blocks.
In August 1999, Crestar Bank sold a big block of ground rents that it had obtained in mergers with Baltimore savings and loans. "The assets didn't quite fit" with the priorities and mix of the Virginia-based bank, said Michael McCoy, a spokesman for SunTrust Banks Inc. in Atlanta, which went on to acquire Crestar.
Buying hundreds or even thousands of ground rents made it possible to manage them far more efficiently. There was adequate volume to pay for lawyers, title researchers and clerical staff in-house. Simultaneously, city real estate values were starting to rise. Before the late 1990s, ground rent holders had little reason to seize houses, because they were not worth much money, longtime holders say.
The changes gave big operators both the means and the incentive to move against homeowners in court.
Jack and Harvey
Jack W. Stollof and Harvey M. Nusbaum applied the same savvy to the changing ground rent landscape that had enabled them to make headlines a few years earlier. In the mid-1990s, they obtained the failed Fishmarket for $700,000 in unpaid property taxes. The previous owners tried to get it back, but Stollof and Nusbaum won the court fight and sold the Inner Harbor site to the city for $2.4 million.
Stollof also was a director of the former Fairfax Savings & Loan, which in its heyday in the 1980s lent millions to PTL so its pastor, Jim Bakker, could build a theme park. When the TV ministry collapsed over Bakker's misbehavior and PTL's misdeeds, Fairfax became PTL's second-largest creditor amid criticism over the soundness of the loans.
In the ground rent business, Stollof and Nusbaum in 1991 created Jack & Harvey Inc., with themselves as directors. Jack & Harvey has filed at least 235 ejectment suits in the past six years.
Another firm in which they have played roles became the first major ground rent holder to file a steady stream of lawsuits.
Houndswood LLC, which shares the address of Nusbaum's law practice, paid $1.4 million for the portfolio of 3,500 ground rents it bought from Crestar. In a 2001 court filing, Nusbaum, whom state records still list as the company's registered agent, identified Houndswood's owners as his son and daughter and two Stollof daughters. Stollof identified himself in court papers at that time as a consultant to the firm.
Shortly after the Crestar purchase, Houndswood notified homeowners that it had taken over their ground rents and "would step up orderly collection," Stollof testified in an affidavit.
In its first year of business, Houndswood filed batches of ejectment suits, many brought by attorney Tacey Nusbaum Himelfarb, one of the four owners. It has filed more than 500 such lawsuits since 2000.
Neither Stollof, 71, nor Nusbaum, 68, would comment.
Jack & Harvey and Houndswood have resolved most of their cases since 2000 without taking possession of homes, according to The Sun's analysis of court data. Typically, the firms settle cases by accepting payments for cumulative fees, such as "review of title," "title examination" and "examination of public records for purpose of service and certified mailing," records show.
Diana R. Cobb watched her fees escalate after discovering that $75 in ground rent was overdue on the Harlem Avenue house she had inherited from her parents. In April 2000, Houndswood notified her of its plan to sue unless she paid the debt and a $255 attorney's fee.
Saying she had not been properly billed, Cobb tried to pay only the $75 in person and then by mail. She was rebuffed, she wrote in a letter to the court.
Cobb, 42, said she had been unaware of the debt because the ground rent bill had gone to a vacant address that her family no longer used. She said she attempted to explain the situation in a phone call with Jack Stollof. "He rudely told me to shut my mouth, so he could speak because that was not his problem," she wrote in the letter.
Cobb said she went to a lawyer, who told her his fee would be more than she owed. On June 6, 2000, Houndswood sued Cobb, seeking to take the house for the unpaid amount of $330.
Cobb kept fighting back, without a lawyer. Seeking help, she said, she left a message at the attorney general's office and got no response. A spokesman for the office said he could not confirm that Cobb had contacted the office.
"It was really discouraging. I kept thinking I'm about to lose my house, and I just kept going around in circles with everybody," said Cobb. When she called city officials, she said, they told her there was nothing they could do.
"I couldn't get any help with it," Cobb said. "I'm just a taxpayer trying to do the right thing."
Cobb eventually paid Houndswood nearly $2,000 to settle the case. "I'm a single parent. It took away from a lot I was trying to do with my child," she said.
"I had to go into his college savings," said Cobb, an administrative assistant at the Maryland Shock Trauma Center. "It was hurtful."
Her son, Ramon Valentine, 21, is completing his senior year at Bowie State, a college that she said he picked for its affordability even though he had his eye on a more expensive one.
A cap of $1,500 on legal and title fees does not apply in Cobb's case, which was filed before the legislature set a new ceiling in 2003.
R. Marc Goldberg, the lawyer who Nusbaum says speaks for him and other ground rent holders, defends the fee system. "At the least expensive point in the procedure, everyone gets a chance," he said.
Personal experience
Goldberg said that the law and the courts provide adequate safeguards to protect homeowners. "You just can't take their house," he said.
Asked whether reform is needed, Goldberg replied: "I don't think anything needs to be fixed, except maybe the fees should be raised because things have gotten more expensive in recent years."
His viewpoint comes from personal experience in a family of ground rent holders beginning with his father, master plumber Stanley Goldberg. The ground rent operations are based at a lumberyard co-owned by Goldberg's brother, Glenn. Glenn, 49, also is involved with his brother in family ventures that have lent money to buyers of the houses that the Goldbergs seize for unpaid ground rent.
Goldberg-affiliated businesses have pursued more than 300 ejectment lawsuits since the start of 2000, seeking either back rents and fees or properties, records show. R. Marc Goldberg, 55, estimates that his family owns ground rents on about 2,000 homes.
The lanky lawyer won't give similar facts about other members of Baltimore's GRO Coalition, other than to say about two dozen belong to the trade and lobbying group. He won't identify them, saying they expect him to protect their privacy.
Favorite game
Jay A. Dackman's law office is in a former dress shop. He keeps a life-size Ronald McDonald clown figure in the old display window, where his basset hound, Buddy, sometimes appears.
In more than 60 ejectment cases, the companies that the lawyer is a member of or represents have been awarded the right to take possession of houses. It's not clear how often homeowners later settled the cases.
He said his involvement in ground rent collection has enabled him to make the most of his background in law, real estate and business. "I have no problems with what I've done, with what I continue to do," he said.
Dackman, 43, a one-time Baltimore magazine "Hot Single" whose profile listed a motor scooter among his favorite possessions, loved Monopoly as a kid.
His office on Charles Street features a Monopoly board on one wall. When he files lawsuits in foreclosure or ground rent cases, the plaintiffs sometimes bear names of companies with Monopoly themes -- Boardwalk and Short Line being two examples. He won't disclose how many ground rents he owns, or name the investors in companies he creates.
Dackman has been the attorney of record in more than 300 ground rent lawsuits since 2000. He has also filed more than 1,400 foreclosure suits.
His is often a two-pronged approach, as enterprises that he represents hold not only ground rents but also property tax liens.
The city sells these rights to collect back taxes at auction, and buyers can profit handsomely. The law permits them to charge the property owner 18 percent annual interest on the tax debt, along with legal fees. Property owners who don't pay up risk losing the home to foreclosure.
Businesses that acquire both city tax liens and ground rent on the same house can file dual lawsuits, making it that much harder for the owner or occupant to retain possession.
That's what happened to Anthony Sims.
On a steamy morning last July, the 54-year-old security guard watched as his family's possessions were piled in the street. His wife's family had owned a rowhouse in the 2000 block of Ruxton Avenue in Mondawmin for more than a generation, but when his mother-in-law fell ill several years ago, no one made sure to keep up payments on either the $84-a-year ground rent or the property taxes.
Boardwalk 2001 LLC, a firm that Dackman established, acquired the ground rent deed for $700 in January 2005 from an estate. Later that year, Boardwalk sued the homeowner, Elaine E. Johnson, demanding three years of overdue ground rent.
Boardwalk 2001 obtained a tax lien on the house as well. For that debt, it sought back taxes for four years with 18 percent interest, along with costs for attorney's fees and a title search.
The day that sheriff's deputies put Sims out on the street, the bill stood at $8,087.78.
Dackman rebuffed attempts to interview him about specific cases.
Standing in the street, as he pored over belongings such as vintage jazz albums and framed photos, Sims conceded that he had been warned to pay up or face the consequences. He said he couldn't afford a lawyer and didn't fully grasp the various fees.
"I just wish they'd make it a little more understandable so you keep from arriving at a situation like this," he said. "This is a trying day."
email@example.com email@example.com
Sun staff researchers Paul McCardell and Doris Johnson contributed to this article.


text:
Law enforcement recorder is a prominent enforcement field audio and video recording product of our company, applying multiple latest video and audio processing technologies. At the scene of law enforcement, law executors can use the equipment to record the conditions at the scene, collect evidence, standardize law-enforcing conduct, play back the picture of scene and assure the accuracy and fairness of law enforcement. Function of strong night vision, able to see the facial appearance of humans clearly within 10m in complete darkness. Double-filter switcher, no color cast in the daytime, clearer in the nighttime.
Unable to look up or delete the data of recording files, unless authorized. Function of character superimposition, all videos and pictures will be attached with time, device ID, police ID and other information, they are unable to be edited or rearranged, providing more effective legal evidence. Super-long filename, filenames of all video files include device ID, time, police ID and other information, convenient for data archiving and retrieving.
Can be fitted with external camera (AVIN function). Cameras of various models are available, such as Bluetooth camera, button camera, and camera equipped on the brim of hat, etc. Full HD 1296P video recording.
Pre-recording the video, extended recording function, do not miss any law enforcement picture. Three main functions, namely video recording, photo-shooting sound recording.Play audio, video and photo on scene. Video data will be partitioned and saved automatically, avoiding the data loss caused by faulty operation. Three kinds of operation prompts, namely vibration, LED light and sound. Multiple Recording Resolution 2304X1296P30/ 2560X1080P(30FPS)/ 1920x1080P(30 FPS)/ 1280x720(30 FPS)/ 848x480(30 FPS).
2X, 4X, 8X, 16X, 32X, 64X. User ID, Time and date Stamp Imbedded into Video. 33 Megapixel Camera option with optional burst shot(5/10/15/20/25 photos). Capture Photos During Video Recording.
Audible, Visual, and Tactile Vibration Confirm Activation of Record and Stop. 2 IR Light, Other Auxiliary Light, one red laser light.
2 inch TFT-LCD High-Resolution Color Display. Up to 10 Meters with Visible Face Detection. High Quality Metal Clip with 360 degrees Rotation.
Can Connect to Different Types of Radios. 1950mAH Lithium (one spare battery, total 3900mAh). Include 5 digit device ID and 6 digit police ID.
To set an administrator password to allow deletion via software. User can only view the videos but cannot delete it. 5/10 Shot burst picture taking. (1)We specialize in electronic p. Our goal is to delive quality products to our customers at the lowest prices possible.
All item are brand new and have been passed the quality check. All are packed in a good condition before item dispatch. (excluding items damaged and/or misused after receipt).
And also we offer local warehouse for return, you don't need to return the defective units back to China within 60days, it is easy to operate with the return. We have three warehouse located in. Two in CA, one in KY.We are 100% committed to your satisfaction. We strive to answer all questions and resolve any problems as quickly as possible. We never ignore customer and emails. The item "A7 1290P HDMI 64GB Security Cam Police Worn Camera Recorder Motion Detection" is in sale since Tuesday, August 21, 2018. This item is in the category "Cameras & Photo\Camcorders". The seller is "seasonshopping2016" and is located in Rowland Heights,CA,United States. This item can be shipped to United States, Canada.


text:
Homemade Hot Pepper Cream for Joint Relief
This blog does not intend to provide diagnosis...
In this article:
Arthritic joint pain can be alleviated by using hot peppers.
Arthritic joint pain can be unbearable for people suffering from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It is hard to believe, but most over-the-counter joint creams contain an ingredient found in spicy peppers.
Hot peppers, like cayenne and habanero, contain capsaicin. Capsaicin is the element inside of peppers that gives them heat and creates the burning, spicy heat in many favorite dishes. Although it may seem counterintuitive to put a spicy, hot pepper ingredient on a joint for pain relief, over-the-counter remedies contain this ingredient due to its ability to alleviate pain. Capsaicin lowers the amount of substance P, a neurotransmitter. Substance P is the neurotransmitter that sends pain signals to the brain, so when the amount of substance P is lowered, the amount of pain is also lessened.
While over-the-counter remedies are easy to buy, a similar cream is easy to make at home. Making homemade arthritis cream ensures that it is made with natural ingredients with no added preservatives or chemicals.
The differences between recipes are mainly the amount of capsaicin present in the cream. Capsaicin can cause an initial burning sensation when first applied to the skin, and some individuals are more sensitive to capsaicin than others.
It is important to note that when handling hot peppers, gloves should be worn. This is because the capsaicin can remain on the hands and, if the face is touched, can cause severe burning of the eyes and mouth. It can also be beneficial to wear eye goggles during the cooking process in case of splatter or splashing.
Capsaicin Cream Recipe
Capsaicin Cream is a basic recipe for mild or moderate arthritis pain relief. It has a moderate amount of capsaicin released from the cayenne pepper.
- 3 Tbs. cayenne pepper
- 1 cup grapeseed, almond, olive or jojoba oil
- 1/2 cup white beeswax beads
- double boiler
- glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Mix the cayenne pepper with the oil of choice.
- Heat in a double boiler for 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat.
- Stir in the beeswax beads.
- Stir until it has completely melted and the mixture is thoroughly blended.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, and then use a whisk to mix it up.
- Chill again for 10 to 15 minutes and whisk it again.
- Transfer the mixture to the glass jar and store it in the refrigerator.
The cream will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Super Strength Cream
This super-strength cream is exactly what it sounds like. It contains habanero pepper, which has a potent amount of capsaicin in it. It should be used for moderate to severe arthritis pain. A more intense burning sensation may be felt when first applied. Some people may experience skin irritation. If that occurs, it should be discontinued immediately. When making this cream, it is extremely important to wear protective gear like gloves and goggles.
- 1 cup of white beeswax beads
- 4 Tbsp. habanero pepper
- 4 cups of grapeseed, almond, olive or jojoba oil
- gloves
- double boiler
- glass jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Mix the habanero pepper with the oil of choice.
- Heat in a double boiler for 5 to 10 minutes over medium heat.
- Melt the beeswax beads into the mixture until it is completely smooth.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes and then whisk it up.
- Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for another 10 to 15 minutes, and then whip it again.
- Transfer the mixture to a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
The mixture will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Discontinue use if irritation occurs.
Little Bit Extra Cream
The Little Bit Extra Cream contains cayenne and other herbs to give it a boost. The additional turmeric and ginger have anti-inflammatory and pain reduction properties to assist the capsaicin in ridding the body of pain in the joints.
- 3 cups of grapeseed, almond, olive or jojoba oil
- 3 Tbs. ground cayenne
- 1/2 cup of white beeswax beads
- 3 Tbs. turmeric
- 2 Tbsp. ground ginger
- double boiler
- glass jar with a tightly fitted lid
- Mix together the cayenne pepper, turmeric and ground ginger.
- Add the mix to the oil of choice in a double boiler.
- Warm over medium heat and add the beeswax beads.
- Stir until the beeswax is completely melted.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 10 minutes, and then mix it up.
- Re-chill in the refrigerator for another 10 to 15 minutes, and stir it again.
- Transfer mixture to a glass jar.
Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. This mixture should be applied and rubbed in thoroughly, allowing it to dry completely. The turmeric in the mixture will stain.
How to Apply Cream
After choosing which cream to make and use, it is important to apply the cream correctly for maximum benefit. The cream should be massaged deeply into the affected joint in order to reduce pain. The massage stimulates blood to circulate around and into the affected joint. This circulated blood contains much-needed oxygen, which helps particularly with osteoarthritis.
Some people do not like the small pieces of spice that are left in the cream after the cooking process. To get rid of them, mix together the oil and the spices as it states in the recipes. Instead of melting the beeswax after mixing them together, cook the oil and spices for 15 minutes. After this, remove from heat and allow the spices to infuse the oil for 30 minutes.
When this step is complete, strain the mixture through cheesecloth and retain the infused oil. Place the beeswax beads into a double boiler and melt. When it is melted, add the infused oil to it and stir well. When this step is complete, the rest of the recipe can be followed as written.
When making these recipes, it is important to understand that the spices used can stain clothing, especially turmeric. Wearing an apron or wearing clothing that is not special is a smart habit when making and applying the cream.
For sufferers of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, creams using capsaicin to eliminate pain can help them live a life with fewer symptoms. Over-the-counter joint pain relief creams contain capsaicin, but they also contain preservatives and ingredients that are not necessary for pain relief. The peace of mind that comes with making joint pain relief cream at home can be especially welcome for those who are sensitive to artificial ingredients.
Making these creams at home instead of purchasing them at stores is a great way to know what is being put on the body. In addition, a homemade cream can be customized by adding more or less capsaicin if a person is sensitive to the heat or, alternatively, would like more pain relief. Making a cream with simple ingredients is the best way to go for an all-natural solution to joint pain.


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Lafayette Best Foot Massage Near Me
Walk-in Welcome – Best to call before you leave to come to make sure we can have someone available
We Provides Reflexology (Foot Massage) for people who are looking for qualified Reflexologist in Lafayette, La.
Foot Massage (Reflexology) Prices
30 minutes – $40.00
60 minutes – $70.00
Reflexology Definition Reflexology is a therapeutic method of relieving pain by stimulating predefined pressure points on the feet and hands. This controlled pressure alleviates the source of the discomfort. In the absence of any particular malady or abnormality, reflexology may be as effective for promoting good health and for preventing illness as it may be for relieving symptoms of stress, injury, and illness. Reflexologists work from maps of predefined pressure points that are located on the hands and feet. These pressure points are reputed to connect directly through the nervous system and affect the bodily organs and glands. The reflexologist manipulates the pressure points according to specific techniques of reflexology therapy. By means of this touching therapy, any part of the body that is the source of pain, illness, or potential debility can be strengthened through the application of pressure at the respective foot or hand location. Purpose Reflexology promotes healing by stimulating the nerves in the body and encouraging the flow of blood. In the process, reflexology not only quells the sensation of pain, but relieves the source of the pain as well. Anecdotally, reflexologists claim success in the treatment of a variety of conditions and injuries. One condition is fibromyalgia. People with this disease are encouraged to undergo reflexology therapy to alleviate any of a number of chronic bowel syndromes associated with the condition. Frequent brief sessions of reflexology therapy are also recommended as an alternative to drug therapy for controlling the muscle pain associated with fibromyalgia and for relieving difficult breathing caused by tightness in the muscles of the patient's neck and throat. Reflexology applied properly can alleviate allergy symptoms, as well as stress, back pain, and chronic fatigue. The techniques of reflexology can be performed conveniently on the hand in situations where a session on the feet is not practical, although the effectiveness of limited hand therapy is less pronounced than with the foot pressure therapy-.
5 Surprising Health Benefits of Foot Massage
1 Aids Speedy Recovery of Ankle and Foot Injuries
Regular foot massage keeps your feet healthy by preventing any kind of foot problem, foot massage stimulates the muscles around your feet and reduces pains in your heels, ankles as well as lessens stiffness of them.
It can even aid speed recovery after a foot injury and sore muscles. So, it is recommended to have at least a short session of regular foot massage with olive or coconut oil that gives you healthy feet and prevents future injuries.
2 Stimulates Blood Circulation
Because of sitting lifestyle, many of us are not getting muscle exercise for the foot regularly, in order to improve your blood circulation, you need to have regular 10 minutes massage session- this even transports oxygen to your body cells which enhances your overall health.
You can also use oil for massage and apply firm strokes on your feet firmly as well as gently, do it on both the feet for maximum results
3 Reduces the Effects of Edema
A regular foot massage especially when you are pregnant, it can help reduce the effects of swelling in your ankle as well as feet caused due to fluid retention.
So try to get a retrograde massage- from your toes towards your knee with some warm oil, this will certainly encourage fluid in your feet to move towards kidney and finally for flushing out through your body, to enjoy best results, you should also try to keep your legs elevated whenever possible, wear only comfortable shoes and take plenty of water and rest.
4 Gives a Deep Relaxation
A soothing foot massage is the best way to get relaxation after a long walk or standing or when you have swelling on your feet, it gives you energy and relief from stress and fatigue by releasing any blockages.
You can use warm oil for foot massage for 5 to 10 minutes before you go to bed, combining firm strokes along with foot massage gives best results for getting relaxation.
5 Reduces Depression and Anxiety
Foot massage along with reflexology treatment is great way to fight against depression as well as anxiety.
Studies have shown that there is a point located at center of your big toe that's related to your mental health and emotional stability, if massaged for 3 times a day relives you from depression and anxiety as well as its symptoms.


text:
Anthony Lewis, a Pulitzer Prize-winning legal journalist and longtime seasonal resident of West Tisbury, died Monday, March 25. He was 85.
As a reporter and later columnist for the New York Times, Mr. Lewis was a staunch defender of free speech and a keen observer of the nation's legal system. He is credited with transforming coverage of the U.S. Supreme Court, for which he received his second Pulitzer Prize in 1963.
"Tony Lewis was a giant in his field and was a wonderful person. He is one of my heroes," said Edgartown attorney Ronald Rappaport, who has known Mr. Lewis for many years.
A graduate of Harvard College, he was married twice, first in 1951 to Linda Lewis. In 1984 he married Margaret Marshall, who is retired as chief justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Mr. Lewis won his first Pulitzer Prize in 1955 as a reporter for the Washington Daily News for a series of articles that was considered responsible for clearing the name of a Navy employee who had been dismissed as a security risk.
For many years, Mr. Lewis served as a lecturer in law at the Harvard Law School. He also was the author of three books: Gideon's Trumpet, about a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case; Portrait of a Decade, about the great changes in American race relations; and Make No Law: the Sullivan Case and the First Amendment.
In 1962, after several years of renting, he bought a house overlooking Deep Bottom Cove on Tisbury Great Pond from Henry Hotchkiss, where he continued to spend as much time as possible.


text:
Government of course tries to stimulate consumer spending, since policymakers are stuck in the Keynesian mindset (that is, uninterested in the time structure of production). One way it does this is by keeping interests abysmally low. Why save if you get so little for your money, perhaps less than the increase in the CPI? You're just losing purchasing power.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
About that Reported Economic Growth
So GDP is growing at about 2 percent. (That's not the same as "the economy.") The rub is that it's driven by consumer and government spending. Real economic growth requires investment, and investment has not recovered. But private (real) investment requires savings--that is, deferred consumption. So increased consumption is not a path to economic growth. Increased sustainable consumer spending is an effect not a cause of economic growth.
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 9:33 AM 1 comments
Labels: consumer spending, economic growth, investment
Recent Scribblings
"Americans Should Reject Obama-Romney Foreign Policy" -- Future of Freedom Foundation
"Contraception and the English Language" -- Project to Restore America
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 9:28 AM 0 comments
Labels: Barack Obama, contraception, foreign policy, insurance, Mitt Romney
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Markets Not Capitalism: The Audio Book
Markets Not Capitalism is available as a free audio book, ably read by the Stephanie Murphy, who is simply excellent. Check it out!
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 2:10 PM 0 comments
Monday, October 22, 2012
Carson on Romney
Here's an excellent article by Kevin Carson on corporatists (i.e., Mitt Romney) in free-enterprise clothing. Do conservatives know that the Keystone pipeline relies on eminent domain?
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 8:42 AM 5 comments
Labels: corporate welfare, eminent domain
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Market, State, and Autonomy
This is the topic of my lecture tomorrow night at Hanover College in Hanover, Indiana, Horner Center 102. I'll also be lecturing at a political science class in the afternoon. If you're in the area, come to the evening lecture.
Update: Here is my essay "Market, State, and Autonomy."
Update: Here is my essay "Market, State, and Autonomy."
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 9:43 AM 2 comments
Labels: autonomy, Hanover College
Latest Op-Ed
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 9:31 AM 1 comments
What Took Them So Long?
Church Appeal on Israel Angers Jewish Groups - NYTimes.com
Churches finally get around to condemning the abuse of Palestinians.
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 9:28 AM 0 comments
Labels: Israel, Palestinians
Friday, October 19, 2012
Patents Stifle Prosperity
My latest article at The Project to Restore America is "Patents Stifle Prosperity."
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 8:25 AM 0 comments
Labels: copyright, Intellectual property, patents
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Op-ed: The Glaring Contradiction in Anti-Iran Policy
President Barack Obama, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have at least one thing in common when it comes to Iran. All are guilty of flagrant self-contradiction.Read the full op-ed at The Future of Freedom Foundation website.
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 9:57 AM 0 comments
Labels: Barack Obama, Benjamin Netanyahu, Iran, Mitt Romney
Sunday, October 07, 2012
Inside Iran
Watch this video and remember it the next time Obama or Romney says "all options are on the table" against Iran.
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 4:05 PM 0 comments
Labels: Iran
Friday, October 05, 2012
Who Threatens Internet Freedom?
Two months from now the World Conference on International Telecommunications (WCIT) will convene in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, sponsored by the UN's International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Depending on whom you believe, this is either the gravest threat to the Internet to date or a justifiable effort to free the Internet from U.S. domination.Read the full article at The Project to Restore America. My first article at the site was "What's Next for the Audit-the-Fed Bill?"
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 10:51 AM 0 comments
Labels: Audit the Fed, Federal Reserve, Internet
Monday, October 01, 2012
My Case for Socializing the Means of Production
From Cato Unbound:
In a sweeping essay, Sheldon Richman explains why private property and free competition are superior to state-provided goods and services. He warns against granting "private" corporate monopolies, which are not true privatizations, but act as arms of the state. He adds that for many state activities, the best way to privatize is not to provide the service at all — as in the case of punishing victimless crimes, which no one should do. For legitimate services, he recommends a "homesteading" approach, in which stakeholders in a public service, such as a school, would receive shares in a new, independent corporation.See the full article.
Posted by Sheldon Richman at 11:23 AM 0 comments
Labels: competition, freed market, market process, privatization
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text:
You know you're in Steamboat when three moose have decided to take up residence on the front steps of your office building. That's what happens when your headquarters are located at the gateway to the Steamboat Ski Area on a big snow year when the moose are migrating smack through the middle of town.
Ask anyone who has ever visited Steamboat Springs and the surrounding Yampa Valley and they will tell you this is an extraordinary place with extraordinary people. Rising atop any industry in such a place takes extraordinary thinking. At Steamboat Sotheby's International Realty, we've done exactly that for over 25 years. We are committed to providing a service that goes above and beyond what is simply expected from a real estate company. It is this commitment that has allowed us to remain at the top of the Steamboat Springs real estate market, and it's this commitment that will keep us there.
Our brokers are skiers who love to take meetings on the gondola during a powder day. We're ranchers who know what it means to live with the land. We're fisherman and hunters who appreciate the order of nature. We're parents whose kids are being raised Steamboat-style, getting pulled behind a horse down Lincoln Avenue, a century-old Steamboat Winter Carnival tradition. Or maybe they're launching off the 90-meter ski jump at Howelsen Hill, Steamboat's Olympic training ground.
Steamboat was a town first. It's cowboy country as much as it is a ski town. It's a friendly town and a family town. We know Steamboat because it's our home.
Steamboat Sotheby's International Realty has local roots that run deep. But we also have global reach that spans markets around the world. We're proud to provide all of our clients with million-dollar marketing for properties at every price point with distribution across 1000 offices and over 24,000 brokers worldwide.
We also understand that real estate can be complicated. And when you partner with us on your journey to buy or sell Steamboat Springs real estate, you can focus on finding your dream property instead of trying to decode title commitments, inspection contingencies and loan terms. In other words, we're real estate professionals so you don't have to be.
We think global, buy local. Let us show you why we're proud to call Steamboat home.