text:
More Lies Scammers Will Tell You
After corresponding with a criminal attempting to defraud me during the sale of a vehicle, the scammer Puckett Rich <email@example.com> from Romania IP 188.8.131.52 emailed this text to me:
PS: TIP : Usually WesternUnion or Money Gram takes higher fees for purchases of goods.To avoid these fees,in case the operator from WesternUnion(Money Gram ) ask you what is the reason you make this payment,you can tell them you make this payment for personal reason(eg:to send money to a relative) and in this way you will pay normal fees,not higher. This is just a tip to help you pay less to make this payment.
I will wait for the payment confirmation from eBay.
If it confirms today I will start immediately the shipping
and the shipping will take maxim 3 max. 4 business days.
I'm glad that we did business together.
Keep me posted with everything.
I cannot find an ounce of truth in any of the above. It is all a lie.
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Scammer: Michelle Furlong and her spoof of ebay
I replied to email@example.com (a scammer) requesting some info of a technical nature regarding the "contract" they sent. Here is their response for the search engines:
From: eBay <email@example.com>
Date: Tue, Feb 2, 2010 at xx:xx PM
Subject: eBay Note!
To: email@example.com
Hello Victim,
We have received your concern and we are gladly to help you solve this matter.
Our company assign a unique agent to bring speed for every transaction. In your case Dejan Krkelijas is the agent from financial department that takes care of your transaction with Mrs.Michelle Furlong.
eBay security measures are constantly reviewed and modified given evolving circumstances globally, drawing on both internal assessments and the support of government agencies. Our constant priority is for the safety of our people.
eBay confirms that you are fully protected in the transaction with Mrs.Michelle Furlong.
Protection covers buyers who complete a vehicle transaction through our company for the following types of deliberate and material misrepresentation by the seller:
-Paying for a vehicle and never receiving it.
-Paying for and receiving a vehicle:
*that was a stolen vehicle at the time of the transaction;
*with an undisclosed or unknown lien against its title;
*of a make and/or model that is different than what was described in the seller's listing;
*without receiving the title for that vehicle from the seller (restrictions apply); or
*whose title is subject to an undisclosed salvage,rebuilt/rebuildable, unrebuildable, reconstructed, scrapped/destroyed, junk, lemon, or water damage title brand.
Second, the Program also covers paying for and receiving a vehicle with undisclosed engine, transmission, or body damage.
You have 7 days from the reception date to request the refund. The refund is sent to your bank account, or by check or money order. The way you are refunded is at your discretion.
Our duty is to make sure both seller and buyer is satisfied with our services, and in order for that to happened we need both parts to cooperate.
We hope we have managed to answer your inquires. If there is anything else you need to know, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for your time.
eBay Customer Support
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scammer domain – motors-security-payment.com – parked domain
Registrar: Melbourneit.com.au (reseller = Lycos)
Host: Lycos
image of http://motors-security-payment.com :
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Scammer – email@example.com
Advertises on Craigslist; has nothing to sell but lines of BS.
domain: ebay-secure.com
email: email@example.com
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Be Wary of Links to Fake Ebay Sites
Some emails from scammers ask you to visit their fake ebay sites to "complete the sale." Watch the URL address window of your browser to make sure you are on the site you planned to be. Since many webmail interfaces are flagging the scammers links as bogus, some have begun to use a redirection service.
For example, the scammer may ask you to click on a link that looks similar to http://path.to/myebaycamper/ . This is a redirection link and was redirected to http://pre-approved-ebay.wz.cz/2009….(yadda…yadda) — a very fake ebay site. The folks at http://path.to/ have been very cooperative in removing those redirection links — but only after we reported them. Note: all the above links are now dead; scammers move around frequently.
Ya'll be careful out there!
Anatomy of an Ebay spoof site
I encounter a few brave scammers who develop fake ebay websites to convince victims that they really are Ebay. Below is an example of the work of the criminals. Since the site below has been reported for abuse, they will disappear soon, so I made screenshots of the pages. I'll start with the typical progression:
(1) The buyer responds to the advertisement
(2) The scammer will reply with a scripted answer along the lines of:
sorry for my delay in response. the vehicle is still for sale. it has no liens or other major problems. also i`m not interested in any kind of trade
(3) to which you reply:
Dude, you must have confused me with someone else. I have nothing to trade. I have cash. Where is the vehicle located?
(4) Scammer then follows his script and replies:
The vehicle is already at a shipping company my brother in law works for. He promissed me he will deliver it at no cost in all the US cities while I`m out of town. I also list it on eBay for a secure transaction using their VPP (vehicle purchase protection) program. If you are still interested in buying the vehicle I can give you the link to my auction. It`s a buy it now auction so you won`t have to bid. thank you for your time and God bless
(5) And the buyer writes back:
Well, duh! Yes, the link would be helpful.
(6) To which the scammer replies:
click on thel ink to be redirected to my ebay auction: http://path.to/antonaauction/ after you send the down payment of 2,100 dollars to the ebay representative you will receive the tractor (with attachements, all manuals, bill of sale) within 4 days right at your doorstep. you will have a 5 days trial for test driving then you must send the remainder. If you don`t like the tractor you will recieve your deposit back with no extra fees. Thanks and God bless
In the event you do not wish to click the link above and put fictitious data there just to see what happens, I made screenshots of the four fake ebay pages. These links are safe and are just pictures. Page 1 is the congratulations page. Note that the Marketplace safety tips vary from what you might see on a real Ebay page. Clicking on the payment button leads the victim to page 2 — the spot where your information is placed. The scammer really doesn't need that info; it's part of his game to convince you of his authenticity. He's going to have you pay via Western Union which does not require your personal info.
Now that you've shared your personal information with the scammer, he takes you to his checkout page 3. If you click the "Confirm Your Payment" button, you are led to page 4.
Unfortunately, victims send the money via Western Union and it is gone forever. You who have been scammed can attest to that. 😦
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Scammer – financialdepartmentebay.com – domain deaded; thanks Enom.com !
registrar: Enom.com
host: google apps
email from the scammer, email@example.com :
Dear victim,
Your payment of US $5,800.00 pursuant to our invoice, has not been received until today.
If you already made payment for your transaction please disregard this notice and send us the payment details.
Contact* eBay Motors Financial Department by replying to this e-mail the following payment information:
-Invoice #;
-Tracking # of the wire transfer;
-Sender's Name;
-Total Amount Sent.
Fax* the bank payment receipt to eBay Motors Financial Department at: (+1) 631-967-1543
Thank you,
Customer Support
Safety Department
eBay Inc.
Scammer – checkoutebay-inc.com – abuse sent
registrar: Godaddy
host: Google Apps
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Scammer – 2003 4117 John Deere 4×4 Compact Tractor
Lisa has this posted in numerous regions on Craigslist:
2003 4117 John Deere 4×4 Compact Tractor – $4900
Date: 2010-01-05, 11:10AM EST
Reply to: see below
John Deere
Model: 4710
Model Year: 2003
Hours: #450.1
Serial Number: LV4710H170681
Fuel: Diesel
Engine Cylinders: 4
Engine HP: 46
Transmission: Hydrostatic
Please contact me at firstname.lastname@example.com
2003 John Deere 4710 Compact Tractor with Deere 460 Loader.
Hydrostatic transmission so no shifting, just a pedal for forward and one for reverse.
Runs great, one of the nicest tractors you'll find for the age/hours.
Cat 1 hitch with 2500 lb lift capacity.
Loader has 73″ wide bucket with 2300 lb capacity and can haul a lot of snow, dirt, sand, etc.
It's been stored indoors .
Seat is new (I poked a hole in the old one with a screwdriver in my back pocket), paint is good with light scratches where you would expect them… on the loader, etc.
Starts easily even in the coldest weather, and runs like a champ.
Has kit so exhaust goes out the bottom instead of in your face.
Can be used for farm work, landscaping, general construction, a very versatile machine. Around 4500 lbs, so its light enough to transport on a small trailer or car trailer, but heavy enough to do what need to be done.
We've used it for the storage busines we run to move snow and dirt, spread and level gravel, move round and large square hay bales, move campers and boats from building to building, and pull trucks/cars from the ditches along our road and driveway.
we have a 7′ snow blower (included) that we use when the snow gets too deep and this tractor powers it great.
I also have a bale spear for the loader.
Takes up less space than many cars, only 74″ wide so it can easily be stored anywhere
This tractor has turf tires so it won't tear up your yard, plus they have great traction. They clean out well and work great in snow/mud, and have superior traction on ice. Tractor has 450.1 hours currently (loader has only about 228 hours)
A follow-up email from firstname.lastname@example.com, the scammer:
Hi , The John Deere 4710 4×4 Compact Tractor with 460 Loader is still for sale. The condition is simply excellent,engine cylinders 4, engine hp 46, transmission hydrostatic, diesel, has 450 hours loader has 228, instruments included in the price snow blower mower loader. Here are some pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/lisatlr75/2003JohnDeere4710 .The title is clear and on my name. My final price is $4.900. I already has tons of emails so I hope you understand that I need to sort them out. I will take in consideration only those who are really interested in buying the tractor, to be sure that I don't waste my time with endless discussions that will lead to nothing. This way, I shall be assured of the serious intentions. Thank you. P.S. I will list the tractor on eBay at the buy it now price of $4,900 so you can purchase it there. That way you will receive assistance for the purchase, paperwork, title transfer and an extended warranty. They also are guaranteeing purchases up to $ 10.000 so we will both be protected.
A Craigslist / Ebay scam – how it works
There are multiple methodologies employed by Craigslist / Ebay scammers. I ran across this well-documented posting on cockeyed.com which describes a scam where the criminal employs a spoofed Ebay web site. My experience is that most of this type of scam are hosted in the Czech Republic on a "free" web site hosted by Webzdarma.cz. Google will translate that URL for you [click here]. Ya'll be careful out there.


text:
We've been campaigning to improve access to Off-patent drugs. These are low-cost, effective drugs that aren't always getting to the people that could benefit from them.
We've been working with MP and Breast Cancer Ambassador Nick Thomas-Symonds, who introduced a Bill to try to tackle the problem. Nick's Off-patent Drugs Bill aimed to improve access to low-cost treatments for a range of conditions, including breast cancer.
Unfortunately, despite widespread support from the public, MPs, other charities, professional medical bodies and clinicians, the Government chose not to back the Bill and it didn't progress past its Second Reading. This means it will not become law. Read what our Chief Executive, Delyth Morgan, has to say about the Bill.
However, thanks to action from our campaigners, we are now seeing real progress made in Parliament on improving access to off-patent drugs. During a debate on the Access to Medical Treatments Bill (AMTI), the Minister committed to exploring how to make progress on a number of the issues that were raised, in order to improve access to repurposed off-patent drugs. For more information, you can read our full comment on the debate.
Old drugs – new tricks
New drugs are expensive because when they're developed, a pharmaceutical company will gain a patent which restricts their use and production for a set period of time. But when this patent expires, the price of these drugs falls significantly.
Research has found that some existing drugs are effective for new purposes, such as the breast cancer drug tamoxifen which, as well as treating breast cancer, can also help prevent breast cancer from developing in the first place. Others, such as zoledronic acid, a type of drug called a bisphosphonate, can help prevent breast cancer spreading to the bone. For this purpose, the drug would cost as little as 5p a day per patient.
But there are barriers preventing these effective, low-cost drugs from being routinely available. This is because each time a drug is shown to be effective for a new purpose, it requires a new licence to be sold and advertised for its new use.
Because the price of the drug will fall once a patent has expired, there isn't an incentive for a pharmaceutical company to apply for a new licence for a new use and make sure the treatment is made available on the NHS. And without a licence acting as a safety 'kitemark', and approval to use the treatment on the NHS, some doctors don't feel they can give their patients these drugs, despite research showing they're effective.
This means that drugs that have been proven to benefit people are not getting to everyone that needs them.
Fiona supports our work
Fiona, 26, is from West Yorkshire and her mum, grandmother and great-grandmother have all had breast cancer. She is a passionate supporter of our campaign.
"I don't understand the logic of cheap and effective drugs that could prevent this devastating disease not even being offered to everyone who could benefit from them."The Government should be doing more to fix this problem right now. I fully support Breast Cancer Now's work to encourage the Government to act in the public's interest, rather than relying on pharmaceutical companies whose interest is financial."
The Off-patent Drugs Bill was supported by the following charities:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
COFI Increases
It was a small increase, but an increase all the same for the Cost of Funds Index. Also rising was the index used on one-year adjustable-rate mortgages.
Solid Month at Fannie Mae
New business picked up at the Federal National Mortgage Association, while the secondary lender's book of business increased and serious home loan delinquency dropped to the lowest level in more than four years.
Continued Improvement for Mortgage Insurers
New business continued to build at U.S. mortgage insurers, and another monthly improvement appears to be on the horizon.
Fixed Mortgage Rates Surge
Fixed mortgage rates surged this week, and market data indicate that there is little chance they will retreat by next week's report. One adjustable-rate product, however, was lower.
HAMP Program Extended
Home loan borrowers will have an additional two years to take advantage of the government's loan modification program thanks to an extension announced by the Obama administration.
Fannie Employee Busted for Kickback
A California employee of Fannie Mae was arrested when he allegedly tried to collect a kickback for steering foreclosure sales, and he might not be the only recipient of such kickbacks.
Servicers Win NC Robo-Signing Lawsuit
A North Carolina judge this week dealt a blow to a county register of deeds by dismissing a lawsuit against mortgage servicers. The judge determined that robo-signing didn't violate state law.
Stearns Lending Sued By Victim in Modifying Scheme
A former loan originator at Stearns Lending Inc. is accused of referring clients to her husband, who allegedly took up-front fees from around 90 victims but provided only broken promises.
Appraisal Outfit Adding Employees
A real estate valuation firm that operates from the Lake Tahoe area is adding dozens of employees at an office near California's capitol.
PHH Mortgage Subpoenaed
The mortgage subsidiaries of PHH Corp. have been subpoenaed over its production process on government-insured loans and its foreclosure expenses on agency loans.
CFPB Eases QM, LO Comp Requirements
Small lenders are getting a break on qualified mortgage requirements issued earlier this year. In addition, some concessions have been made on requirements for loan origination compensation paid by mortgage brokers.
Housing Market Healing
Based on the number of homes lost to foreclosure, the monthly total has slowed more than 16 percent over the past year. Still, the pace of foreclosures stands at more than double the level before the housing crash.
Guaranteed Wins Dismissal of LO Lawsuit
A loan originator who was employed for only four months at Guaranteed Rate Inc. sued his former employer in federal court claiming the company retaliated when he complained about slow processing by not providing him with the same compensation perks as other originators. But Guaranteed Rate has prevailed.
Citi Settles RMBS Lawsuit With FHFA
Nearly two years after it was sued by the regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Citigroup Inc. has reached an agreement to settle the action.
Jumbo Transactions Dominate 2013 RMBS Issuances
Around $3 billion in residential mortgage-backed securities issued this year mostly consisted of jumbo mortgages to prime borrowers, and a Chicago-based bank originated a significant share of the underlying loans. Other RMBS activity includes the planned sale of securities backed by Alternative-A mortgages.
LPS to Be Acquired by Former Parent
Nearly five years after it was spun-off as a separate company, Lenders Processing Services Inc. is being brought back into the fold of its former parent.
Small Institutions Fear Non-QM Lending
Community bankers and credit unions are leery of stepping outside the qualified mortgage designation, with some planning on scaling back originations. Among their concerns are aggressive bank examiners and eager attorneys.
Advancements in Mobile Mortgaging
A digital business card, a mortgage payment tool and a mortgage insurance rate finder are among recent mobile applications made available for mortgage professionals. Lenders can look to multiple studies from federal regulators about providing services through mobile devices. Meanwhile, two lenders upgraded existing application capabilities and another developed its own new product.
Appraisers Go After Chase for Fees from Failed AMC
In January, Evaluation Solutions/ES Appraisal Services declared bankruptcy, leaving thousands of real estate appraisers, agents and brokers with unpaid invoices for work performed. With close to nine million dollars in unpaid invoices for appraisals and broker price opinions, it is the worst of a growing number of appraisal management company failures that have left appraisers stiffed and steaming.
Delinquency Falls to 4-Year Low at Freddie
It has been almost four years since residential loan performance has been this good at the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp., while it's been more than four years since the rate of late payments on apartment loans has been this low. New business, however, slowed.
Hotel Delinquency Leads CMBS Rate Down
The rate of delinquency on securitized commercial mortgages tumbled during April. While most categories of commercial real estate experienced a decline in delinquency, it was the hotel property category that saw the biggest drop.
Mortgage Rates Worsen
Interest rates on residential loans moved higher this week and could continue the upward trend into the next report.
Ally Discloses ResCap Settlement Amount
Ally Financial Inc. has unveiled the terms of its proposed settlement with creditors of its bankrupt former subsidiary, Residential Capital LLC.
AMC to Pay Some Appraisers Up Front
A new program from a national appraisal management company will enable appraisers to be paid when they do the inspection -- eliminating liability for mortgage lenders.
FHLMC Modified Loans to be Securitized
Modified home loans that are owned outright by the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. are now being securitized. Excluded are loans modified through the Making Home Affordable initiative.
Rising Home Sales Limited by Credit, Inventory
Home sales were better last month even as the distressed share of activity diminished. The news was good given that new construction and housing starts slumped.
Phoenix Leads Home U.S. Prices Higher
Home prices are continuing to climb, and multiple sources indicate that some of the biggest gains are being made in Phoenix. The national outlook is for ongoing increases.
CFPB Coordinates Regulation With States
An agreement two years ago between federal and state regulators to coordinate supervision of companies that provide consumer financial products and services took a step forward this week.
Private Investors Fund Growing Firm
Private investors have ponied up more than $100 million to help a growing mortgage firm fund further growth in originations and servicing.
Home Loan Performance Better 7 Straight Months
Not only did the rate of mortgage delinquency decline in April, it has retreated for seven consecutive months. The latest reading reflected a drop in both new delinquencies and foreclosures.
Lawsuits Allege Compliance Breaches
Among recent decisions in mortgage compliance actions, a California state appellate court decided in favor of the borrowers in a case involving missing disclosures, yield spread premiums and an inflated appraisal on a subprime mortgage. A federal court on the East Coast recently ruled that another couple failed to exhaust their administrative remedies under what some have termed an obscure federal law now finding use in mortgage compliance lawsuits.
Mortgage Bankers More Optimistic About Refi Originations
For three consecutive months now, mortgage bankers have raised their forecast for this year's refinance originations while maintaining their outlook for purchase production.
Serious Delinquency Improves 4 Straight Months
It's been five months since serious delinquency has increased on first mortgages, while the second mortgage rate hasn't worsened in three months.
Servicer Settlement Yields Over $80k in Relief Per Borrower
Report cards issued on two separate settlements with residential loan servicers indicate that borrowers have received more than $50 billion in relief. The bigger of the two settlements has yielded an average of more than $80,000 in benefits per borrower.
GSEs Win Appeal in Big Fee Case
An appeals court has rendered a decision in a closely watched lawsuit against the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. But the loser in the decision has vowed to take the case to the nation's highest court.
Special Servicers Recruiting Originators
At least two fast-growing special servicers are adding employees, and both are targeting mortgage loan originators -- though for different reasons.
CitiMortgage CEO Departing
The head of Citigroup Inc.'s mortgage business is bidding adieu to the company. In addition to replacing the mortgage chief, the company also named a new chief to its troubled asset unit.
HELOC Originations Up, But Still Lag Pre-Recession Levels
Lines of credit secured by residential properties have seen increased production lately but still lag historical levels. The slower activity has put pressure on student loan originations.
Mortgage Leads Target Reverse, Hard Money Prospects
Recent mortgage lead rankings rate both and mortgage lead providers and the mortgage firms that buy the leads. Several services are focusing on the reverse mortgage sector, while one is targeting hard money loans and another is zeroing in on Home Affordable Refinance Program prospects.
2013 Refinance Outlook Improves
Just a month after it was lowered, the forecast for residential refinance originations was lifted for this year. Mortgages outstanding are on track to exceed $10 trillion again.
Production Jobs Dominate Mortgage Hirings
Two years ago, it was mortgage servicers that were doing most of the recruiting in real estate finance. Today, however, it is increased mortgage originations that are driving mortgage recruiting efforts.
Company Ordered to Stop Servicing
Regulators in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts have ordered a mortgage company to stop servicing loans in the state as a result of mishandled escrow accounts.
Flagstar CEO Replaced After Less Than a Year
After spending less than a year on the job, the president and chief executive officer of the eighth biggest residential lender has been replaced.
Mortgage Rates Jump But Could Retreat
Strong economic reports this week pushed mortgage rates higher. But Treasury market activity suggests that most of the increase could be wiped out in the next report.
Refi Outlook Raised, Purchase Forecast Trimmed
The outlook for this year's refinance volume has been increased at the expense of purchase production. Expectations for government share were lifted for 2013.
New Kids on the Block
Since early March, at least 20 mortgage companies saw executive-level management changes. Over a dozen of the changes involved senior-level executives -- including two high-level company departures. The majority of appointments involved new hires as just one person was promoted.
USDA Mortgages Misunderstood
Many mortgage originators are not aware that a government lending program for rural properties can also be used to finance homes in not-so-rural areas.
Cost of Compliance
A recent survey of credit unions found that complying with the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 means that interest rates on loans will be higher, hiring will be reduced and third-party servicing will increase. Some financial institutions even intend to scale back mortgage originations.
Videos Created for New Mortgage Rules
Several of the mortgage rules that were finalized in January are discussed in a set of new videos from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
Mortgage Compliance Actions
A federal regulatory letter outlines last year's mortgage-related enforcement activity tied to noncompliance with mortgage rules and regulations. Prominent among the defendants were firms that promise to help distressed borrowers.
Mortgage Lenders Continue Easing Approval Requirements
For much of this year, mortgage lenders have been loosening their lending standards. On government-insured refinances, average credit scores have tumbled nine points over the past year.
Ohio Supreme Court Decision Bodes Well for Servicers
Ohio's supreme court has ruled that mortgage servicers are exempt from the Ohio Consumer Sales Practices Act -- a decision that bodes well for residential servicers.
Robust Originations Drive Hirings at KC Firm
Mortgage business has been stronger than expected at a thrift that operates a national mortgage business from the Kansas City area.
New Digs, More Employees for United Shore
United Shore Financial Services LLC has consolidated its Detroit-area locations and moved into a new headquarters location -- clearing the way for hundreds of hirings.
Settlement Relieves Ally of Mortgage Liabilities
A settlement reached with creditors of its former mortgage subsidiary will free Ally Financial Inc. from most of its mortgage liability to third parties.
Appraisal Services Expand
Though no new standalone products have recently been introduced, the appraisal business was abuzz with partnerships, product upgrades and new product features. Two companies reported financial growth, one of which celebrated a ten-year anniversary, and two more underwent identity changes.
Mortgage Crimes Prosecuted
Many mortgage-related crimes are committed by people who don't necessarily work for a mortgage lender -- though it is often the mortgage firm that takes the hit. Defendants include attorneys, investment bankers and real estate investors.
More Bank Executives Headed to Prison
Whoever said that nobody has gone to jail for causing the financial crisis hasn't been following the numerous criminal cases against former executives of failed banks. Defendants are accused of a range of crimes including mortgage fraud, embezzlement and accounting fraud.
Streamlined Mods for Delinquent Borrowers
Freddie Mac has rolled out a streamlined loan modification program for delinquent loans that is expected to help potentially thousands of borrowers.
HAMP Pace Slows
The government's loan modification program generated fewer new permanent modifications that earlier comparison periods. One servicer shifted much of its activity between operating entities.
Failed Bank's Former President Indicted Last Year
Losses at one of last week's bank failures are expected to exceed 40 percent of its assets. The former president at the bank had been indicted for loan fraud that allegedly occurred while he was at the firm. Two other financial institutions are also no longer in business.
Pomona, CA Council Approves Deal W/Eminent Domain Firm
A company that has made waves in the mortgage bond world over a controversial plan to use the power of eminent domain to seize securitized non-agency mortgages has landed an agreement with a California town.
Shift in Mortgage Servicer Concentration
Although the three-biggest mortgage servicers reduced their servicing portfolios during the first quarter, a trio of rising stars each added mortgage servicing rights on more than $100 billion in loans to their own portfolios. While overall mortgage originations were off from the fourth quarter of last year, several players still managed to grow their businesses. The second-quarter forecast is for stronger mortgage production.
Q1 Mortgage Originations Slow at Several Lenders
Several mortgage bankers reported slower activity in the first quarter. But one home lender reported a record quarter, another has since seen a record month and third is poised to capitalize on refinancing a $200 billion mortgage servicing portfolio.
Correspondent Business Soars at Stonegate
Quarterly mortgage originations increased at Stonegate Mortgage Corp., with correspondent lending activity surging even as new retail business floundered. The mortgage servicing portfolio jumped by nearly half over the past three months.
BOK Business Slips as Servicing, Staffing Edge Up
Despite a modest improvement in correspondent mortgage originations, overall mortgage production was slower at BOK Financial Corp. Staffing and servicing, however, edged higher.
Wholesale Business Slows at Fremont
New loan production slowed at Fremont Bank as a result of a decline in third-party originations. The mortgage servicing portfolio, however, leapt past $10 billion.
Acquisition Shakes Up CRE Servicer Standings
Two deals announced this week will create a new No. 3 servicer of commercial real estate loans and substantially reduce the CRE servicing portfolio of a mega-bank.
Community Bankers Call for More QM Flexibility
Mortgage rules implemented by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau will reduce access to credit, according to a survey of community banks. Residential originations by the sector are mostly maintained as portfolio loans outside the secondary mortgage market.
HUD Racks Up Another Maternity Settlement
In the past two years, eight mortgage firms have settled charges that they discriminated against loan applicants who were on maternity leave. A ninth action has now been announced.
Rates Rise, While 15-Year More Attractive
Mortgage rates moved higher this past week thanks to a strong employment report. Jumbo mortgages lost some of their luster this week, while short-term loans were more competitive.
Subprime ARMs, VA Loans Push Mortgage Delinquency Up
Thanks to deteriorating performance on adjustable-rate subprime loans and veteran mortgages, one-month delinquency on home loans, excluding foreclosures, was worse. The foreclosure inventory rate, however, was better -- pulling overall delinquency down.
Liquidation Rate Slows on Distressed Loans
A new ratings agency report on the performance of residential mortgage-backed securities found that despite the increased use of short sales, the liquidation rate on distressed home loans has slowed. It will take more than twice as long to clear out the distressed inventory in the Big Apple than in any other large city.
Record Earnings, Improved Performance at Fannie
Thirty-day delinquency at Fannie Mae continued lower for the ninth consecutive quarter as earnings soared to the highest level on record. The company made progress on some of its litigation, and now that Bank of America Corp. has settled it repurchases requests -- outstanding requests have plummeted. The secondary lender reported who its biggest servicers and mortgage insurers are.
Originations Off at United Shore
Loan originations slipped from the fourth quarter of last year at United Shore Financial Services LLC. Employment, however, expanded.
Mortgage Fraud SARs Filings Fall
The number of reports filed by banks and credit unions that suspect mortgage fraud slid more than a quarter last year. Also lower were the number of instances involving appraisal insiders.
MGIC Delinquency Down Again
There was no change last month in the volume of home loans insured by MGIC Guaranty Insurance Corp. Delinquency, however, continued to improve.
Mortgage Delinquency at 4-Year Low
The last time mortgage delinquency was this low was at the height of the financial crisis. The outlook is for the delinquency rate to fall further by the end of the year.
Freddie Q1 Earnings 2nd Highest Ever
Earnings were up more than a third on a quarter-over-quarter basis at Freddie Mac, while the year-over-year improvement exceeded 700 percent.
Radian Reports Stellar Performance
New monthly business jumped to the highest level in nearly three years at Radian Guaranty Inc., while delinquency fell to the lowest level in more than three years.
Freddie and HARP Higher Despite Refi Slowdown
Although overall monthly refinance activity slowed, refinances processed for the Home Affordable Refinance Program and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. turned higher.
Nationstar Expanding
Nationstar Mortgage Holdings Inc. reported record originations, grew its mortgage servicing portfolio and expanded its workforce. Thanks to the acquisition of another lender as well as the purchase of additional mortgage servicing rights -- the outlook is for further growth.
MTA Falls, Could Move Lower
With the recent rally in the Treasury market, the Monthly Treasury Average moved lower and is already well on its way to another decline this month.
Banks Expect to Trim Non-Agency MBS Holdings
Mortgage demand is holding up for bank loan officers, while approval requirements have changed little. Banks expect to reduce their holdings of private-label mortgage-backed securities over the next year.
Caliber Assembles Full-Service Shop
A mortgage banker that already generates mortgage originations through retail and wholesale channels is now opening a correspondent lending channel.
Another Huge Countrywide-Related Settlement for BofA
Bank of America Corp. has agreed to yet another settlement tied to its acquisition of Countrywide Financial Corp. But just as it puts out one fire, another one is lit.
MBA CEO Proposes GSE Path Out of Conservatorship
The head of the Mortgage Bankers Association has proposed a single security for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, lower guarantee fees for sellers with a bigger risk appetites, and more input from lenders on secondary marketing rulemaking.
NY AG Vs BoA, WFC
The attorney general for the state of New York has given notice that he intends to sue Bank of America Corp. and Wells Fargo & Co. for not keeping up their end of the mortgage servicer settlement. At issue are response times on loan modifications.
MBS Issuance Picks Up at Ginnie
Increased guarantees of mortgage-backed securities by the Government National Mortgage Association was driven last month by stronger residential activity, as multifamily issuance was lower.
Bankruptcy Filings Ease
Following a surge in bankruptcy filings during March, filings fell last month. Three southern states have the worst bankruptcy rates.
Fannie, Freddie to Only Buy QMs
The Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. have been directed by their regulator-conservator to begin buying only loans that meet the definition of a qualified mortgage.
Borrowers Face Wave of MSR Sales
During the past few months, mortgage servicing rights on nearly $500 billion in loans have changed hands. One estimate has MSRs on as much as a fifth of all U.S. mortgages changing servicers.
Distressed FHA Loans Up for Bid
The Department of Housing and Urban Development is auctioning off government-insured mortgages this summer. The sales are likely to involve more than $3 billion in distressed home loans.
Guides Released for Several CFPB Rules
Guides have issued for small mortgage firms on three rules that were published earlier this year. The guides address compliance with the Home Ownership and Equity Protection Act, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and the Truth in Lending Act.
Obama Nominee Has Ties to Failed Bank
President Obama's choice for commerce secretary might face some resistance in her confirmation process as a result of her role two decades ago as chairman of a bank that subsequently failed under the weight of subprime lending.
Mortgage Employment Expands 10%
Staffing among mortgage lenders and mortgage brokers has expanded by more than 10 percent over the past year. Meanwhile, positive government data about overall U.S. employment took an immediate toll on mortgage rates.
Former Wells Chief Says GSEs Should be Eliminated
The former chief of Wells Fargo & Co. says that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac must go. He sees the Federal Housing Administration as the government's ongoing tool for housing subsidies.
Mortgage Rates Teeter Near Record Lows
Fixed mortgage rates settled at or near their all-time lows this week, and there is little indication that they will increase in the upcoming report.
Ally Winding Down Mortgage Business
Mortgage originations were off more than a third during the first three months of 2013 at Ally Financial Inc., which is effectively exiting the home loan business.
Hotels, Multifamily Lead CMBS Delinquency Decline
Delinquency on commercial mortgage-backed securities hasn't been this low in more than two years, and the degree of improvement was the best on record. While past-due payments in every property category were lower, it was loans secured by hotel properties that had the biggest improvement.
Mortgage Servicing Portfolio Quadruples at Ocwen
The size of the mortgage servicing portfolio at Ocwen Financial Corp. more than doubled during the first quarter and was up more than 300 percent from a year earlier.
CBO Sees Principal Reduction Saving Billions
A government study has found that billions of dollars could be saved by providing principal forgiveness on loans owned or guaranteed by the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Corp.
Reverse Originations Off as Lender Count Holds
Government-insured originations by reverse mortgage lenders slowed in April. Business was better, however, than during the same month last year, while the number of active lenders in the sector moved slightly higher.
Fed to Hold Rates Down
Mortgage rates aren't likely to be pressured by the Federal Reserve, with the nation's central banker continuing to maintain its policy of keeping interests rates ultra-low.
Agency MBS Issuance Highest Since 2009
It was the best month since 2009 for issuers of agency mortgage-backed securities. Business would have been even better if it weren't for a drop in activity at the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp.
Maternity Settlements Continue
The latest settlement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development brings to at least eight the number of companies that have collectively forked over more than $2 million during the past two years to settle allegations of discriminating against women who are on maternity leave.
Business Slows at Fannie
It was the slowest month for new business at the Federal National Mortgage Association in eight months. The good news, however, is that home-loan delinquency fell again and stands at the lowest level in more than four years.
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We spent our last day in Lucca shopping and packing and eating. For dinner we consumed three kinds of local cheese from the fridge accompanied by a huge green salad and lots of onion focaccia from the best focaccia bakery in town. It's special because the oven has steam and the resulting bread is so tender.
I have a red duffel bag that folds into a tiny pouch. It has been from Australia to Peru to Italy with me and never lets me down. This time it is coming home filled with beans, olive oil, tuna, seeds for the garden, a couple of leather purses and lots of other goodies. We had to call a cab to take us to our car on the edge of Lucca simply because of the bean and oil poundage!
We took the highway past Pisa over to the coast and headed for Rome. We passed sheep and sheep and more sheep there in pecorino country. The views of the hill towns and the sun sparkling on the ocean were something to remember. After a perfect panini at an Auto Grille, we meandered through the seaside town of San Vincenze and down narrow roads between coastal farms before getting back on the highway where the ocean views kept improving.
And then we were at the airport Hilton in Rome. Sterile but convenient for our morning flight home. We missed our cozy Lucca apartment. Sigh….
Some final musings…
We learned that we can have a really good time in the rain!
It was an amazing trip and we love crowdless winter travel. Lucca would be so different with summer crowds and English heard everywhere.
Folks are warmer and less stoic in Tuscany than in Umbria where we stayed a couple of years ago, but Umbria, Italy's green heart is a beautiful place.
Next time we want to bird watch, visit national parks, hear some gypsy guitar, spend some time on the coast and in the chestnut forests of the Maremma. Sounds like we'll need at least a month.
We know we will return to Italy, but yesterday, Paul said our next international trip should be Botswana. I like his thinking. We'll start putting spare change in the jar for that trip right now.


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Insufficient content
Are you keep getting this message from Google every time apply for Adsense account, even though you have enough content in your blog?
As many people say there is no fixed number of words or pages to get your blog to be accepted by adsense.
I have gone through many posts and followed many tricks. But none of them worked for me. Finally I decided to give up setting up adsense. But, luckily I was able to setup adsense account with my blog with following Trick.
Now I'm able to setup adsense account to any blog with very less content also.
Requirements for this trick:
- Create new Google account(even if you have one already)
- Set up a youtube channel for your gmail account.
- Upload atleast a video in your youtube channel(not mandatory)
Once you completed all the above tasks follow the steps given below.
Step 1: Goto your youtube video manager.
Step 2: Go to Channel settings on left panel
Step 3: Once you click on Channel Settings page it displays settings page there you can see some thing called monetization option.
Step 4: Click on enable monetization button, then it shows monetization page.
Step 5: Click on Enable my Account
Step 6: Accept Terms and conditions.
Step 7: Goto Channel Settings -> Monetization
Step 8: Click on How will I be Paid option.
Step 10: Click next, it will redirect you to AdSense login page.
Step 11: Click on proceed to Google Account.
Step 12: Login with your Google credentials.
Step 13: Then google allow you to create Adsesnse account for your youtube channel.
Step 14: Then click on "Accept Association".
Step 15: Thats it now you have got newly created Adsense account for youtube.
Step 16: Now go to your blog, click on "Earnings" link and assoc your blog with your newly created AdSense account.
Now your blog is associated withe AdSense, then you can put Ads on your blog and Earn money :).
Hope this helped you. If you have any doubts you always comment.
Thank you for reading my blog.


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You are reading this on my new host. It gives me a lot more room to play around with – I was limited to 500mb and 5gb/month on my old host. Gallery 2 is working at the moment, but stuff like the RSS feed is busted, and the theme is just a quick hack. Once I get my claws into it, I should be able to do some pretty cool integration with this front page (random/new image blocks) and some interesting managing & sorting (photo map?).
(All photos for this entry are posted here)
Anna was in Austin last week for business, I tagged along for the weekend to check out the city. I have heard a lot about Austin, but this was my first time visiting the city. We stayed at the fabulous Austin Motel on South Congress. Cheap, stylish (in a mid century way), friendly, and well located. What more could you ask for?
Austin is a curious city to me. It is an odd mix; artsy-hippy-nuevo with a dash of proud-texan. The sort of place where you can order collard greens and brisket, omelets with velveeta cheese, or vegetarian chorizo tacos to go with your kombucha. For a smaller city (800k?), Austin has a lot going on, and a lively night scene.
Our fist foray into the city we decided to try Cuba Libre. Upon walking in, I was told to remove my hat. This seemed a bit odd for a city that was so casual, but it was fine with me. However, the dress code seemed silly when our too-cool-for-school server played with a toothpick hanging from his mouth the entire time we were there. Classy and hygienic. We should have taken that as an omen. The food was, in a word, horrible. I could only manage a few bites of my meal before pushing it aside. I wouldn't return if you paid me.
Not a great start. Luckily Cesar had some great recommendations. After some tea at Halcyon (I wish more places would do coffee house bars), and some great beer at The Gingerman, we had completely forgotten the earlier experience.
Of course, we hit up the usual suspects in Austin – The Alamo Draft House, live music, and BBQ. I wish we had a Draft House in San Diego. What a fantastic way to enjoy a movie, we ended up staying for two. There was a folk music convention going on in the city, so we caught some live music put on by some of the attendees. Good stuff. COTR were a lot of fun, a nice mix of musical styles. As for the BBQ, we got our fix at Stubbs, great food.
We spent a good bit of time wandering and people watching around the city. Austin is a cafe kind of town, and fairly walk-able if you stick to the downtown core and area. Outside those parts it does seem to be more of a car city. It was really nice to walk around the river, they have some well done trails. We definitely need to come back when it is warm enough to visit the swimming holes and see the bats.
PS – By my extremely scientific observations of the Dallas airport, I believe Texas has 85% of the world's supply of chunky gold nugget jewelry. What's up with that?
I have some Austin photos I want to publish, but I am busy fighting with Gallery 2 and importing the old albums onto the new site. Stay tuned..
Time was running out on my 1&1 hosting, so I took advantage of a good deal from dreamhost. Since I'm moving hosts, I figured I would do some infrastructure changes around here as well.
1) Migrate from Gallery 1 to Gallery 2.
a) Build a new theme
b) Integrate maps/location as a way to access photos (probably using gmap-module).
c) Restructure albums. Currently 1 album per date – ie gallery/060225. Too hard to navigate. Perhaps break down access like so: gallery/2006/02/25/ (top level years, then months, then days). It will be a bit awkward for months where there is only one album, and this will break my perma-links. Maybe I should only create day albums when there are multiple entries per month, otherwise just shove it all in the month album.
d) Change hotlink rewrite code for G2, maybe force watermark when hotlinked?
2) Move WordPress over to new host
a) Integrate gallery 2 (probably with WPG2)
b) Set up a site for Anna. Not sure of the best way to do that. Separate installs? Just different authors? Point sub domains to the author's archives?
c) Add location/map navigation, probably using something like Travelog. I would like to get it integrated with the gallery maps, but I'm not sure that's possible at the moment.
Sounds a lot like work. Gonna have to start with baby steps. Things could get ugly while I transfer stuff over. Suggestions?
This whole cartoon thing is rediculous. Michael Standaert has the right idea:
Why does the Danish Prime Minister even need to be involved in this situation or apologize for this? What I don't understand is the fact that GOVERNMENTS have been drawn into this mess. They are not responsible for the actions of writers and artists working at independent newspapers within their countries. Since when did a few independent newspapers become equated with the governments in those countries? One has to wonder what kind of cultural or psychological barrier there is between these worlds. How do the limits imposed upon free expression in the Middle East and the fact that a lot of the press in that part of the world have been under government and/or religious control play into the reactions we are seeing?
The greatest irony of all this, the depiction of the Prophet Mohammed with a bomb in his turban, is that the satire, crude as it may be, has been lost on the very people it could influence the most. Who can deny that a large faction of Islam has been debased by a militancy tied inherently, and falsely, to that religion of over a billion people? A Danish cartoonist didn't create that, he just held up a mirror. Muslims who use Islam for political means to rally others of their faith to do violence have debased the image of the Prophet Mohammed more than any cartoonist ever will. I'd say the exact same thing about fundamentalist Christians who try to depict Jesus as a militant hero, coming to slay the unbelievers, and I have.
What the world needs is more free expression, not less.
A group of people is mad about being shown as violent, this group of people then expresses their outrage by being violent towards innocent people. That's just retarded. Come on people, even this – Iran presents: Holocaust cartoon contest – is a much more reasonable response than firebombing an embassy.
Last year there was some debate over the possibility of two-tier internet, as a number of different ISPs wanted to charge sites for performance. This was more than a foolish money grab. It was the first shot in an attack on the very neutrality that has made the internet so successful.
Fast forward to today. BellSouth is still being dumb, and some others have decided it was about time they started as well. AOL and Yahoo will start to charge businesses for guaranteed email delivery.
"Companies will have to pay between one-quarter of a cent to a penny for each commercial message they want to send to AOL and Yahoo Mail users. Otherwise, they risk having their emails blocked entirely, delivered late, sent to users� spam or bulk message folders, or not have the graphics or links in their messages appear."
This will all end badly. I just hope people vote with their wallets.
Verizon jumps on the retard bandwagon.
Bells dig in to dominate high-speed Internet realm
One thing I neglected to mention in my Oh Canada post about Harper, was his plans for Arctic defense. This would include three heavy-duty, armed icebreakers as well as a new port for them near Iqualuit. Harper would also bring back the Airborne unit (but hopefully not its troubled history), as it would be critical to being able to quickly deploy troops to the Arctic.
This touched off a nerve with U.S. ambassador David Wilkins, declaring that Americans don't recognize Canada's claim to the Northwest Passage. This in turn lead to Harper saying he doesn't take orders on sovereignty from the U.S. ambassador, and that he will stick with his plan to station armed icebreakers, remote-controlled aerial drones and troops in the area (story here).
Why the need for so much posturing over a bit of ice? Times are changing, especially temperatures over the last 30 years in the Arctic. As a result of global warming, Arctic ice coverage has declined by 25 percent, and is 32 percent thinner. The U.S. Navy predicts that the Northwest Passage will be open to non-ice-strengthened vessels for at least one month each summer. So what? Well, The Tyee has a great article: The Need to Defend Our New Northwest Passage
The changing ice conditions offer a sea route between Europe and Asia that is 7,000 kilometres shorter than the route through the Panama Canal. The Northwest Passage could also accommodate supertankers and container ships that are too large for the canal. International shipping companies are eyeing the fuel, time and canal-passage fees that could be saved; some are already building ice-strengthened vessels.
The cruise ship industry is also looking north; the Kapitan Khlebnikovi, a Russian-flagged converted ice-breaker, already offers luxury voyages through the Northwest Passage-at US $10,000 per person. The melting ice will facilitate access to Alaskan and northern Canada's vast stocks of oil, gas, diamonds and precious metals.
Also, Canada's Arctic waters could eventually become a valuable fishery as reduced ice cover and warmer waters enable plankton and fish species from more temperate latitudes to move north. Indeed, Pacific salmon and Atlantic cod are already invading Arctic waters, with likely dire consequences for smaller, slower-growing indigenous species.
Canadians should be alarmed. An international shipping route along Canada's third coast could facilitate the entry of drugs, guns, illegal immigrants and perhaps even terrorists into this country, as well as providing an alternative route for illicit shipments of weapons of mass destruction or missile components by rogue states. And any shipping involves the risk of accidents, particularly in remote and icy waters. An oil spill would cause catastrophic damage to fragile Arctic ecosystems; a cruise ship in distress would require an expensive and possibly dangerous rescue mission. Any new fishery will be highly susceptible to over-exploitation, particularly because of the difficult-to-police location, rapid declines in fish stocks elsewhere and the consequent, excess fishing capacity that now exists worldwide.
Ideally, these challenges would be addressed by applying the full range of Canada's own environmental, immigration, customs and criminal laws. Sovereignty over the Northwest Passage is about much more than nationalism; it is about protecting people and the environment from serious potential harm. Yet, Canadians could soon lose any ability to regulate foreign vessels in the passage, since any foreign ship that passes through without our permission undermines the sovereignty claim.
Check it out, it is a really interesting read.
So Bush has finally admitted the US is addicted to cheap oil. He made some statements in his address to the nation:
– Coal. $281 million to develop clean coal technologies "to generate electricity while meeting environmental regulations at low cost." And $54 million for a "FutureGen" project with the private sector to seek "an emissions-free coal plant that captures the carbon dioxide it produces and stores it in deep geologic formations."
– Solar power. $148 million, more than double what was sought in 2006, "to accelerate the development of semiconductor materials that convert sunlight directly to electricity."
– Wind power. $44 million for wind energy research — a $5 million increase over Bush's 2006 request.
– Ethanol. $150 million, a $59 million increase over 2006, to find a more efficient way to make ethanol, the gasoline alternative now made primarily from corn in the United States. The focus is to use plant fiber from farms that is currently discarded as waste. "Research scientists say that accelerating research into "cellulosic ethanol" can make it cost-competitive by 2012, offering the potential to displace up to 30 percent of the nation's current fuel use," the White House said.
– Plug-in hybrids. $30 million, a $7 million increase over 2006, to develop higher capacity batteries for hybrids as well as "plug-in" hybrids that would allow drivers to charge vehicles and run on electric power only. "These vehicles will enable drivers to meet most of their urban commuting needs with virtually no gasoline use," the White House said.
– Hydrogen. $289 million, a $53 million increase over 2006, to develop fuel cell vehicles that run on hydrogen "with no pollution or greenhouse gases." Bush in 2003 launched a $1.2 billion hydrogen initiative and the White House said that "through the president's program, the cost of a hydrogen fuel cell has been cut by more than 50 percent in just four years."
From The Oil Drum
I found it interesting that the cheapest, and easiest method to reduce our dependence on oil was not even mentioned. Efficiency. We should be pushing for much higher efficiency standards for cars, appliances, and buildings. But of the points he mentions, I'm seeing some problems:
1) Clean burning coal would be nice, but ultimately we are still looking at a finite resource, with a cost peak (2nd half of the production curve becomes dramatically more expensive). This is just a stop-gap.
2 & 3) The increase in funding for wind and solar is a good start, but a drop in the bucket for what it should be. Bush's Mars Plans are hundreds of billions of dollars, yet we are spending less than a billion on working to change our country's energy source? Does that make sense? It remains to be seen if we can actually produce these technologies en mass (solar in particular) with out using the cheap energy and resources of oil.
4) Ethanol has some issues for mass use, without cheap oil. At least Bush seems to be pushing biomass vs. the dubious energy return of just corn. But on a whole, commercial farming requires massive amounts of oil for fertilizer and equipment. I'm wondering how long fields will remain productive if you remove all the plant material each harvest. My guess, not very long without fertilizer.
5 & 6) Plug-in hybrids and hydrogen don't do anything to change our needs for cheap energy. These are just delivery methods for energy.
Why the sudden interest in alternative energy? It just might be that Bush actually read a report. Authored by Robert Hirsch, Roger Bezdek and Robert Wendling and titled The Peaking of World Oil production: Impacts, Mitigation, & Risk Management, the report is an assessment requested by the US Department of Energy (DoE), National Energy Technology Laboratory. A bit technical for the average reader, but it is still worth looking at (PDF, HTML). Bonus: Audio interview with Robert Hirsch
Wondering what the hell Peak Oil is? Energy Bulletin has a great primer. You will just ride your bike? Well, it is a bigger issue than just your car. Oil is more energy dense than its competitors, and that is without counting its other uses.
Bonus links:
– Ready for $262/barrel oil? Soros and other investors say oil will be in short supply in the coming months.
– Carlsbad based start-up says it is planning for a 330 MPG hybrid for under $20,000. It sounds like the supercar from Amory Lovins.


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Nobody ever said anything worthwhile that could fit on a bumper sticker.
If it won't fit on a bumper sticker, it's not very likely people will remember it.
Which is true?
Probably both. Unfortunately. The sound bite republic would argue that you "support our troops," or "just do it." You can definitely win a short conversation by saying "shock and awe," but it's a little more difficult to actually shock anyone, or make them awestruck.
Unless they give a shit about what you have to say already. If you can create a context for caring with your actions, it's possible to continue a conversation past three words. Maybe not so easy for most, but it's probably better than following Maurice Saatchi into the fool's paradise of one word equity, or any reasonable facsimile.
So, where does that leave us? We're not really just advertising anymore, are we?
photo thanks to Elliot Swan


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I came across a video on YouTube by a user named Yvon Martel, demonstrating a track machine he has invented (couldn't confirm whether he made it or had it constructed by someone else). Now this thing looks really useful in snowy or possibly muddy conditions, if you haven't seen the video already I'd check it out.
The applications for this machine are quite impressive, with different attachments for the vehicle giving it different capabilities, like being able to plough snow covered areas, push a stuck car or even provide electrical power from the machine itself.
While watching through the video you can see he's looking for manufacturers and distributors, but then near the end he displays some patent numbers he owns. Now this is what confused me, as I always thought patents where reserved for brand-spanking-new ideas, not just new uses for existing materials? But it seems I'm very wrong.
So I looked over Yvon's patents to see if he has invented anything new within the machine (you can check one of the patent numbers here to see if I missed something - oh yeah Google is into EVERYTHING) and the answer seems to be - no. He has not invented a new component, but by arranging them in the way he has he's been granted the patent.
I then looked at the official guidelines for patents in my country and they state the invention must be new and not an adaptation or combination of existing products. So in my mind a patent shouldn't be granted, he hasn't invented tracks or electrical generators. Patents are to be reserved for new ideas to help foster innovation, not stifle creativity with existing products (you may have a different view point, if so tell me in the comments).
But here is where the waters get a bit muddy. We are no longer isolated countries, instead we are international trading partners - but each country still set it's own rules. So while one country may be very strict when handing out legal protection of something, another may not. This leads to people seeking out countries where they can easily obtain patents that will then be honoured internationally.
A similar situation arouse around the "Keep calm and carry on" trademark. If you are unaware of the story the phrase "Keep calm and carry on" is from a British government propaganda poster which was designed in 1939, the message translated from propaganda is "Shut your mouth and carry on working". But this government produced design (which really exists in the public domain) was re-discovered by the owner of a book store in 2001 who started to get the design noticed. Fast-forward to 2011, where a greedy little man (not the book store owner who found it) got his grubby little hands on the slogan by registering it in the EU, having been quite rightly refused such a ludicrous claim in the UK. He now has sole rights over this slogan that he did not design or even be first to discover.
While patents and trademarks are different, I hope you understand the example I was trying to make. This is why governments should be very careful when handing out legal protection, as it can be easily abused by unscrupulous people to screw the rest of us.
However I see his invention as being useful and wish him good luck with it, I now know a little more about patents as a result.
Let me know what you think in the comments.


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The Coursettes
It all started with a course. A burlesque course at Dansarna.se. Now we are a dance show group doing New Burlesque, and what we do is combining elements of show dance and performance art to create classy and fun dance performances.
The word burlesque derives from the Italian burla, meaning a joke, ridicule or mockery, and in its theatrical sense, burlesque overlaps caricature and parody with extravaganza, and it was very popular from the 1860s-1940s in cabarets and clubs in England and USA. New Burlesque is a renaissance of the classic burlesque, reviving the spectacle, costumes and glamour of old times, and it is all about feeling sensual and comfortable in your own skin.
We do a wide variety of dance performances, each one of them designed to each individual event. Book us for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays or choose us to perform at your Christmas or Easter lunch, at your Midsummer or Halloween party. We will make sure you will have an unforgettable experience.
Contact The Coursettes at email@example.com


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About me
I'm type1 and have been since I was 7, now 48. I'm retired due to health. Diabetis has cause me to have 2 heart attack and I now have 3 stents. My last heart attack and stent was March 4th of this year. I have to be honest, I do sometimes find it hard to keep going on. can't do half of what i use to. I know, blow up the party balloons and get the hats out, another pity me story..lol.I'm married for my 2nd time will be 12 yrs this month. I have one child of my own she is 30 and a teacher. She is diabetis free but my 9 year old grandaughter is type1. 2 grandkids, one of each. 3 step-sons, 2 are in the Army, one in Iraq right now. Son-in-law is in army also. The oldest step-son is a PRISON GUARD.I own 9 dogs, recently put down 2 pit bulls of mine because they attacked me and killed my weiner dog. Now, i just have to pray i don't get an infection in the wounds. I don't want or care to hear the pit bull bad dog stories, think i know that now. Like i said..I was an animal abuse officer. I love nature and just watching all it involves. I'm a short, fluffy country gal..lol.
18 replies
Glad to see you here. You have put up one hellva fight to just be here. Yeah, I know it sucks when you can't do half of what you used to do. But you can still do the other half and that's better then nothing at all. You are still here to help teach others how to live when life throws you a curve ball or two. So let's keep swinging away at those balls and knock them out of the park.
well i think your doing great i find i cant do what i use to either i am 64 jus dignosed in jan. but a lot of my famil had it as well on nice at 3 her kidneys faild and was on dialis every other day was going to get a kidney the went to operate and she had a bleeding ulcer she realy needed that kidney she died a week later at the age of 32 and left behind a sweet little boy he is has geowen up now . dont give up i know it is hard. it must have been hard putting those dogs to sleep take care
Wolfie, with that determination and smile, you will SURVIVE, no matter what! And it is possible to learn to take care of yourself as well as being the caregiver of
everyONE else!! I finally got it, took lots of time and soul searching as to why I drove myself so hard to care for others, But the others also need to learn the art of caring for themselves, we don't do others any favors if we cart them all around on our own aching backs——other folks need to learn how to care for themselves and others too, as you and I simply can NOT do it all—-"Been there and tried to Do That!!" After much soul searching I became aware of WHY I pushed myself beyond NORMAL limits—and It DID NOT prove ONE THING and was I pissed!!! Cchheeezzzzz—-you mean my health is hanging by a thread and no one cares??!! Boy, that was a rude awakening!! So, now I take time to rest, help others when I am able, and let the rest of the world help handle this load too—it is only fair that others grow up too! Best Wishes!! PR
Wow! I am sorry to hear about your troubles, but I have to commend you. I am not so sure I could do half as well if it were me. I won't pretend to know how you feel, as I am type 2, and only a few years into it. I know how hard it is for me, so I can only imagine how hard things must get for you. I will keep you in my prayers. Nine dogs? That is awesome. I have two myself, would have many more if my husband would agree to it. Our second one is a rescue dog, she was abused. She is part pit bull, so I will keep your story fresh in my mind. So far, she is doing well, no agressive behaviours. Hang in there!
Just be VERY careful w/the bully baby. Mine were sweet too until that day. Please don't leave children alone with them, if you could see my face,arms and back you'd know why. Anyhow, enough of that except..thank you for buying a shelter dog or rescue.
Hello, my name is Pat. I too have had challenging situations but I am so bull headed (or STRONG—-hah) that I keep puttering along, but I am 77 yrs and just had to really start watching my BS about 3 years ago, so that part hasn't been too bad for me.
But I had emotional issues out the gazooooo—-which by venting on this site, and taking in so much wise,funny, and sincere knowledge, I am coming UP and OUT and my BS are now within limits for 2 weeks!! YEAH!! They were so stubborn for those 2 something—years that I didn't think that I had the strength or mind power to keep trucking, but I like to think that I can do what others do, so hang in there, you ,short, fluffy country gal, as I am one too!! Hugs, Pat roth
Sounds to me like you could be a role model for a 9 year old granddaughter?? *smile* I would TRY to think of others around you also, why they love and care for you!! You are a good person, and obviously are meant to stick around from all that you have had to deal with and you are still here!! I am glad to meet btw, sorry I am Sheila. It sounds like the family is/has turned out to be pretty decent, that's great!! You should be proud about that too! I am impressed!! I know my daughter plans college, my son..argh yeah right…they are still teens but argh..lol I don't have custody of any of my kids, I have failed at many of things in my life, even suicide for goodness, but have to still stick around for my finance and kids at least. Took me a while to wake up though, trials I tell ya. But maybe therapy is a option? Someone to talk to? Just a thought. I can not imagine from your angle per say, a different one though…wish you well, ever wanna chat just msg me…good luck! Hugs! Sheila
Thanks for your reply. That's the problem, i spend so much time looking after others I put me on the back burner, but i'm beginning to get better at taking care of me. funny you say a therapist…I've been bipolar since age 11. I see a councelor and a shrink…lol. I wish you the best too and glad you are still with us.
I am 46 years old I have had type 2
had it for 3 plus years and I take care of it but steel I can not do what I did ten years ago I think this may be more just getting older the anything els.
3 years ago I had to go thrue 5 opration
I may know how you feal,I dont like it
I WILL FIGHT TO MY LAST BRETH TO HAVE FUN life is to short to let it get you down So much to live for I wish you the best be brave and have fun
you can vent here any time
Love and frendship H
Well you see, the real me is…I don't know how to give up. The more thats thrown my way, the more i fight. Glad you are doing well!
You need to start a happiness journal where you put down 2 - 3 good things that happen to you each day. Over time as you look back you will find many reasons to be happy and more accepting of what God has given you to deal with. Good luck dealing with your situation.
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Andrei Tarkovsky,Sergei M.Eisenstein,Dziga Vertov,Alexander,Grigori Chukhrai,Mikhail Kalatozov, Yuli Raizman,Ivan Pyryev, Mikhail Romm....
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Vera Stroyeva - Boris Godunov (1954)
quote from Amazon user: A complement I say, as this not being complete (well, I'd better say severely truncated) it cannot be your sole Boris in a collection; necessary I add, because it preserved a sizable portion of the title part, as portrayed by one of its foremost exponents ever, the great russian bass Alexander Pirogov. This incompleteness is only implied but not clearly stated in the disc's box, which should advise would-be purchasers. So what you get is some kind of "extended highlights" of this, arguably the greatest of russian operas and certainly the most popular. It is a film by Vera Stroieva, made in 1954 as part of a project dear to soviet authorities of putting into film both the lives of Russia's greatest artists and adaptations of their works, to "educate the masses" and of course not being entirely without some ideological hints (or rather more than mere hints). Stroieva made effective use of exterior shots, as well as mixes of "theatrical stage" sequences with other ones filmed inside the Kremlin, which gave the film an intriguing aura and allowed us to look at Boris Godunov from an unusual perspective; the soundtrack was dubbed and lip sinchronised of course, but remarkably well, with results far better than those in contemporary efforts by RAI to film standard italian operas. From the film perspective, it followed the traditions of soviet film making, with stunning images, stark closeups and vast shots of hundreds of extras in the opera scenes involving the people; the soudtrack had to be made on purpose for the project, as the myriad cuts in the score ruled out cutting and splicing existing recordings.Stroieva also made a startling use of the Kromy revolt scene: she cut it rather abruptly at the point when the jesuits from the Pretender's army enter and swiftly switched to the Kremlin quarters where the Duma has met, to proceed with Boris's entrace and death scene; after Boris's death she goes back to Kromy but not in a straight "continuation" of what she had left but to a panorama of violence and destruction by war. Then, after the speech by the Pretender the retinue proceeds its victorious march towards Moscow to the rather perplexed and disillusioned expressions of the onlookers faces, the Simpleton utters his final comments that were Mussorgski's original ending for the opera (and Stroieva's film). The film as a whole certainly makes for stirring viewing and has been very well preserved and restored, with colours that have not faded nor acquired that curious tint so typical of decades-old pictures; VAI's dvd adaptation is very good.
No subs
Posted by anybody at 9:37 AM
Labels: 1951-1960, USSR, Vera Stroyeva


text: As the artist for more than a dozen Major League Baseball All-Star Games, Charles Fazzino has created an extensive collection of 3D, hand-painted, pop art batters helmets. Each helmet is an original work and collectors can have Fazzino customize these hand-painted pop art helmets to include references to their favorite players, seasons, and memories. All MLB teams are available and each helmet comes complete with a beautiful display case.


text: Ryan Robinette Main Stage Performance By Melissa Rogers June 25, 2016 5:30 PM Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Country singer-songwriter Ryan Robinette put on an amazing performance at the main stage at the Boise Music Festival! He performed his hit songs 'Let Me Start' and 'For Awhile' and the crowd went wild! Check out the photos of his performance below! Image of Filed Under: Boise Music Festival | Boise Music Festival Performance | newsletter | ryan robinette Category: 2016 lineup | 2016 Photos | Articles | artists | Boise Music Festival Share on Facebook Share on Twitter More Send to a friend! Print this page Pin it! Reddit This! Share on Tumblr!


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My wife served Mrs Ash today who told her that Bob Ash passed away about ten days ago.
Bob worked for Illotts for may years in the upstairs hardware department and then set up Hertford Pet Supplies in Fore Street. I knew he had been ill and the arrival of Pets 4 U had not helped the business. He seemed to have regained some good health recently and was a happier man for being retired. I will miss him. One of those people who I often dropped in for a chat with and left after about an hour with the world a better place; but not a lot we could do about Hertford.
Bob Ash
News and views on shopping in the county town.
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The Windows Azure Platform (Part 1, Episode 4 - Hands-on Windows Azure Webinar)
In this episode, we look at the full Windows Azure Platform and get a high level understanding of each of the existing components and some of the new ones coming.
In this 3-part webinar series, we'll explore how to build solutions for the Cloud. You'll see how developing and deploying applications to Windows Azure is fast and easy, leveraging the skills you already have (.NET, Java, PHP, or Ruby) and the tools you already know (Visual Studio, Eclipse, etc.) – all in the comfort of your own chair, at the office, or at home.
The webinar will focus on .NET and Visual Studio 2010, but the concepts are the same regardless of the language and tools.
We'll go through an overview of Windows Azure, making sure that you learn everything you need to know to get up and running with Windows Azure. We'll cover the Windows Azure platform itself, the Windows Azure SDK tools, and
the Windows Azure Tools for Visual Studio 2010. We'll then apply the concepts as we migrate a traditional on-premise ASP.NET MVC application to Windows and SQL Azure
For more information, check out Hands-on Windows Azure Webinar on the Canadian Solution Developers' Blog.
Share your comments and feedback on our Ignite Your Coding LinkedIn discussion. I will be monitoring the discussion and will be happy to hear from you.
Download this episode
- Mid Quality WMV
- High Quality WMV (17.5 MB)
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New Collab ♰Cool for the Summer♰ Chichi Designz & Gothic Inspirations
NEW COLLAB with my girl Cindy with ChiChi Designz and
myself Jessica with Gothic Inspirations ♥
With a massive 160+ Elements, 9+ Word Arts and approximately 24 Papers combined! This is a huge MUST HAVE Tagger Size Collaboration to get your creativity going!
What happens with friendships unite when we are both tipsy on life?
SELFIES...laughter and a crap load of our own imaginations to come up with this fabulous collaboration for you to play with every possible creation!
Enjoy our new COOL FOR THE SUMMER COLLAB:
Pick up the Collab HERE or HERE
Collabs and the Individual Kits are available at both of our stores!
Pick up and Purchase Jessica's awesome part of the Collab: HERE
Gothic Inspirations Store
Preview Gothic Inspirations
Cool Of The Summer PTU Kit:
Pick up and Purchase Cindy's awesome part of the Collab: HERE
Chichi Designz Store
Preview Chi Chi Designz
Cool For The Summer PTU Kit:
Don't forget to visit our blogs!
Visit ChiChi Designz Blog: HERE
Wait their is more, would you like a little Tagger QP to play with
your summer memories or projects? Check this out.
Cool Of The Summer Tagger Size Quick Page: HERE.
Or by clicking the tab below...
Example with Cindy and Jessica :)


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April 2015 – Barcelona, Spain
Photo taken by Vasiliki Papacharalambous
Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain's Catalonia region, is defined by quirky art and architecture, imaginative food and vibrant street life.
The city is also home to the famous 5 km shopping line. The shopping line stretches from the top of the Ramblas, through Plaça de Catalunya along Passeig de Gràcia and up Avenue Diagonal. The photo was taken outside one of most beautiful examples of early Catalan Gothic architecture, Santa Maria Del Mar, which is usually filled with street musicians, fortune tellers and painters.
Barcelona is a destination I always wanted to go and definitely didn't let me down.


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December 12, 2010
Electric Cars run on Coal
Much of the electricity we use today is still made from coal, coal is dirtier than gasoline,
gasoline is Hydrogen and carbon, and so is coal but coal is more carbon and less hydrogen.
I wonder how well the heater works in a Electric car and how long the battery will last when it is 20 to 40 below zero out side.
I believe you would go 10 to 20 miles before another 8 hours of charging if you keep your Electric Car in a Heated Garage
The Ideal Car for Montana Climate would be just like the Trains of today
with no battery to charge the Electric Trains of today produce the electricity with the Diesel Engines by turning generators that only make the Electricity for the Electric Motors moving the Train as the Diesel Engine does not help move the Train like the Hybrid Cars of today that require a very large very heavy very expense battery as the Electric Trains are many more times efficient than Hybrid Cars while the trains do not rely on a battery for heating as the Diesel Engine provides an endless supply of Heat while eliminating a very heavy space taking $3,000 to $4,000 dollar battery and you will not have to keep your car in a Heated Garage that would cost more to heat than the money you spent to put gas in the old car
and if this Technology was used on the Cars of today you could travel 3 to 4 times further on a gallon of gas with an endless supply of heat only needing rest stops along the way
while the amount of energy needed to produce a new car, before you drive it, is about the same amount of energy needed to drive your old car for about three to five years, so if you are paranoid about providing more CO2 for plants and trees to breathe into the air making this planet greener, while you just put three plus years worth of CO2 in the air just diving your new Electric car off the lot that you can recharge in 10 to 20 miles for 8 hours in the winter with electricity made from coal as you spend $400.00 in CO2 producing energy a month to keep it Heated in its cozy warm garage
I very much, want to be off the grid, we could eliminate the grid, for less cost of building new power plants and a new grid, by making your own power for our Homes and Electric Cars, and we would no longer be vulnerable to grid failure, for any reason.
For what two wars have cost us, we would all ready be energy independent,
and no dead solders.
Today commerce regulates the government, the government regulating We The People.
Instead of,
We The People regulating the Government, the Government regulating commerce.
Today we have Entity's controlling Humanity, instead of Humanity controlling Entity's.


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If You Sleep Naked Tonight, Here's The Surprising Effect It'll Have On Your Body
According to a recent study, less than 10% of Americans sleep naked. This is so, probably because people don't know the benefits and the...Read more »
Mix Turmeric, Ginger And Coconut Milk And Drink It One Hour Before Bed! The Results In The Morning… Amazing
Heavy meals and poor digestion are the main reasons for an upset stomach. Moreover, this can lead to acid reflux, insomnia and heartburn. This...Read more »
Mix Bananas, Honey and Water: Cough and Bronchitis Will Disappear
Having a persistent cough is usually a sign that you have bronchitis. Bronchitis appears when there is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of...Read more »
How to Detox Smokers Lungs
What you probably know by now is that smoking is detrimental to your health. So, no matter if you are a passionate smoker or...Read more »
The 3 Juice Colon Cleanse: How Apple, Ginger and Lemon Can Flush Pounds of Toxins From Your Body
The colon, as the largest intestine in our body, has an important function. The colon eliminates waste, such as water, salt, and other nutrients...Read more »


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From one of my favourite cities to another, my husband, daughter and I flew from Paris to Barcelona. I was so glad to be able to show my daughter two of the places in the world I loved the most.
We stayed I a fabulously comfortable modern apartment in the theatre district where we could see Montjuic from the balcony. The little alleyways were just as authentic as I remembered them and Guadi was just as prevalent.
Pulau Guell was spotted everyday on our way to the famous La Rambla- where we saw Casa Balto and La Pedra. La Segrada Familia was still under construction of course, but an impressive sight as ever.
We saw the fountains of Plaza de Catalunya and the new fashion label Desingual that was making a colourful appearance. Daytime tapas was taken inside Mercat de la Boqueria where we took in the tasty looking displays of vegetables, cold cuts and chocolate.
My friend Ernest invited me over to his place for dinner to meet his wife and new baby daughter and to catch up with Jordi, Leigh and Lidia. It was 9pm- early for Barcelona, but late for my daughter who had already been asleep for 3 hours by then and had to stay behind with my husband. It was great to see them all.
The next day we took the bus to one of my favourite places in the city- Parc Guell. The colourful gatehouses were still there and the view from the balcony was better than I recalled. It was such a buzz to sit on a beautiful mosaiced seat with my family and walk up the dragon sculpture steps.
Back down the hill, we had dinner in a local Tapas restaurant where the lovely waitress wanted to take our daughter home.
On Ernest's recommendation, we headed for Barcenoleta the following day. I had been to Port Vell and the beach before, but had not heard of the quaint village last time I was here.
The open town square was a hub of family activity along with the huge modern market. We had a leisurely lunch of cocktails and paella at a restaurant on the beach. It was a delicious and fitting end to our enjoyable and relaxing Barcelona sojourn.
Related posts: Europe, 2003, Spain 1997, Part 1: Barcelona, People vs Place


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I DO NOT agree with all ideas expressed by Charley Reese, but his column on appreciation for the police is one of the finest that I have read. I find it difficult to understand how any person without a police background can understand the feelings of an officer the way Reese expressed them. There has to be more than just a case of a friend telling him things.
I was a law enforcement officer for 32 years, 25 of them in an industrial city of more than 200,000 people. I also was a chief in a city of 12,000, a probation counselor and a circuit court bailiff after I had put in my 25 years in the city.


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{mosimage}Given the policy reforms undertaken by the government in 2016, we are hopeful that the upcoming budget will provide much needed stimulus to the real estate sector. We expect the budget to give thrust on investment in infrastructure, relax income tax slabs, provide clarity on GST, increase House Rent Allowance (HRA) deduction and announce measures that will uplift the real estate industry.
Clarity on taxes
We hope to get clarity on the final rate of GST that will be applied to the real estate sector. A 12% slab is preferred by the sector as it will reduce the cost of apartments and increase affordability for end users. Developers too stand to gain as this would positively impact sales in the market. A higher rate of 18% is expected to increase the cost of homes, especially in under construction projects, unless there is clarity provided on the composition scheme (abetment of cost of land), VAT charges if they have been paid by developers for under construction properties).
Corporate taxes which are 55% including DDT are among the highest in the world which is impeding investments into large scale manufacturing in India. It is more profitable today to trade in shares than to invest in creating a business. Entrepreneurs are presently being penalized while trading is encouraged.
The presence of multiple taxes have also acted a stumbling block due to which there has been no REIT listing. The government must look in to it as REIT's can certainly provide the much needed boost to the sector.
Single window clearance
A major impediment to real estate development in India remains the approval process. While the government has done a lot to ease the functioning of the real estate sector and protect the consumers, it must get the statutory authorities responsible for clearing the projects within the purview of law. Administrative reforms should be made to facilitate quicker approval process which will help developers complete and handover projects on time. This will infuse confidence in home buyers and make it attractive to global institutional investors as well thereby providing a huge opportunity for the sector to grow and mature keeping customers as priority.
Higher tax-saving on housing loans
We hope the government raises HRA deduction and provides tax incentives for first time home buyers. The current limit of Rs. 2 lakh is insignificant, given the rates prevailing in metro cities. Similarly, tax concessions on house insurance premiums can be introduced to encourage end users to insure their homes.
Granting 'industry status' to the real estate sector
Getting industry status has also been a long pending demand of the real estate sector. This would pave way for cheaper financial options for real estate developers. In its absence, developers are forced to borrow at high interest rates and comply with a stringent evaluation process. Currently most industry rules are applicable to the sector, but denial of industry status for funding will only worsen the slowdown in demand because of erosion of capital.
Thrust on investment in infrastructure
The government must allocate an amount exclusively for developing infrastructure and improving connectivity in the peripheral areas of cities, especially the metros. We expect this year's budget to focus upon improving infrastructure in the country in order to bring smaller regions into the limelight. This in return will allow the conversion of rural to urban regions, thereby promoting smaller cities to gain real estate momentum and increase job opportunities.
(The writer is Chairman & Managing Director, House of Hiranandani)


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Big Chip Awards 2014 Titles
- Role: Script Writer, Animator, Sound Designer and Editor
- Client: Big Chip
- Production Company: The Neighbourhood
We were asked to produce a short title sequence for the Big Chip awards, which we had also been nominated for. We ended up creating a theme for the whole awards which ended up being carried through to the print assets too. It went right down to the wire as we only had 10 days including the weekend to finish it but it was great fun to do. I feel I really helped mould this piece as I worked on the script right through to the production, edit and the soundtrack which I cut myself. We used this as the perfect opportunity for exposure and to show what we can do with a short period of time when given the chance.