patrick.net

Jon,

This may seem a little provincial but Oregonians assume at the prices CA's are paying that ALL homes come standard with a "Hot Chicks Room"?

Jon,

Here's what is even worse. I've seen this on a number of occasions.

Older more established AE (account executive) with rather large book of clients (50-100 mil.) has been with the firm for years. Only does transactions when necessary (bonds mature/called etc.). Creates decent income for firm and self. So far so good.

Then Mr. New Guy arrives on the scene and decides that the ROA is way too light. Since his huge salary depends on bilking every possible dollar of gross out of a branch/region/firm he decides to "motivate" Mr. Established. Long story short, this valued and long term employee suddenly becomes a "problem". Paper work is lost in the shuffle and in no time at all he's no longer compliant. Then Mr. New Guy sets about lighting fires behind this guy's back in an effort to force him out (so he can get the commissions!)

I have NEVER seen this work and it usually costs the firm a TON of money to compensate the old rep. and frequently clients as well but the just won't give up on it! Now THAT'S sad.

Kudos Jon for not succumbing to the pressure.

I have a friend who bought a 1970's POS, replete with orange counter tops, olive green appliances, and shag carpeting, for 3/4 mil, on an I/O loan. He spends every weekend fixing it up, all in a desperate attempt to out do his ex-wife. He'll say he's trying to be a good parent by giving his part-time kids a 'nice' home to live in, but it really comes down to something much more selfish. How a pool or Pergo makes you a better parent is beyond me. Poor thing. He's going totally "Baldwin" and is losing his mind one Heloc at a time.

I don't dare tell him about ass pennies. He may start paying the alimony that way!

LSR,

Ewww! No explanation required.

However many economists prefer the less volatile “core” numbers because they believe that they more accurately reflect long term trends.

I believe the number 2.0% more accurately reflect long term trends of hedonized inflation target of 2.0%.

Social Security adjustments do include food and energy costs.

Super off topic, but if you love chocolate, you need to read this and may need to take actoin:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/26/AR2007042602824.html?hpid=topnews?hpid=topnews

Red Baron,

? I'm hoarding pesos as we speak!

Thanks, I stand corrected. The question still remains whether the SS adjustments reflect the true increase in cost of living …

I'll be a lot more interested in giving an accurately adjusted cost of living annuity to seniors about the time they are willing to give up Prop 13. Hell, I'll even entertain the idea if they're willing to just give up Prop 13 Legacy Transfers.

I'll bet I get no CA takers. As for Seniors in rural Ohio. Their adjustments are just fine.

I believe seniors should be responsible for hedging their own future living expenses. At least, they should hire competent managers to do so.

http://tinyurl.com/23elhj

One, unsurprisingly, is legendary value investor Jeremy Grantham -- the man Dick Cheney, plus a lot of other rich people, trusts with his money. Grantham, chairman of Boston firm Grantham Mayo Van Otterloo, has been a voice of caution for years. But he has upped his concerns in his latest letter to shareholders. Grantham says we are now seeing the first worldwide bubble in history covering all asset classes.

Interesting

I came into some cash recently.

Any good inflation beating investment ideas?

Not investment advice disclaimer understood.

Any good inflation beating investment ideas?

>>Answer is in the article quoted in the post immediately before yours. Quality stocks, bonds, and managed lumber.

Guy here in Baltimore raised my co-workers rent from $1800 to $2200 because "interest rates increased". The co-worker moved 1 block over to a better place. His old place has been vacant for 5 months now!

Note to moron investor: no one cares that your interest rate resets/ option arm is starting to amortize/ rent doesn't cover mortgage. Also, $1800 > $0.

Michael Anderson!

Long time, no see! How are you? Hope things are well in "Oregon's Carmel"! Managed lumber? You and I gotta talk. Do you still have my e-mail/number? What about these guys trading the fake lumber like Trex (TM) etc? Ben Jones (more expert than I) tracks the building materials pretty closely. Are you a "Random Lengths" subscriber?

We've been "up" 19 of the last 21 trading sessions (as I'm sure you're aware) and the money keeps coming in! Trust me, I'm open. :)

Have I ever been more open about *not* knowing what comes next?

SAM,

Oh that's TOO much! LOL!

Get that man a beer. :)

Salk,

You mean that "ownacondo.com" in Right Field (and at times over A.J's right shoulder) isn't working?

Anybody else gettin' the CHISOX on the west coast?

I tried WGN on Charter Cable and all they usually have is Da' Cubs. What's up?

No disrespect to Cubs fans.

DinOR,

Yeah, been busy. How the heck are you people? I do still have your number. My investments are still on track. I'm not set up as a pro, yet. Just my own money so far. :-)

I'm Subcranium over on the SDCIA board. I post there now and then.

I'll probably post here now and then, too. Mostly just lurk all over the place in various financial blogs.