In three previous pieces, (click at bottom of this to access them) I discussed the distinct possibility of the housing market taking a deep plunge because of heavy layoffs and consequential inability to pay mortgages, as well as having been overbuilt, over-financed, and over-priced. It has begun in all locations, with some being more serious […]
We all know about the hundreds of billions (literally) in credit card debt. It is frightening, but true. Imagine a picture of those who have this debt. They must keep up the impression of wealth. They must have great cars, new clothes, a wonderful home, and eat at nice restaurants. What if they don’t make […]
Safety is important to all of us. I happen to live in a small town because I love the atmosphere, the weather, close proximity to America’s most rugged mountain range, and because it is a safe place to live. New York is famous for multitudinous locks on apartment doors. Traffic, pollution, crime, homeless vagabonds, graffiti, […]
Or it can be a pebble in a shoe. Ever go on a hike, and have a stone in your shoe? You have to stop and get it out, or you will end up with a very sore foot. Ever try to ride a horse with a burr under its saddle? He can’t be ridden […]
The most wonderful thing has happened! The recovery has arrived. The recession is over, and there are sunny skies ahead. Ask anyone on CNBC, if you don’t believe me. Ask Sir Greenspan, and he’ll tell you. Isn’t it great to know that the storm has passed, and the “all clear” has sounded? It gives one […]
Would you put Greasy Smeazy’s Motor Oil in your Mercedes, Ford, or even lawn mower? Of course not. “Greasy Smeazy” would be the hallmark of that motor oil. A hallmark is similar to a trade mark, brand name, or other identifying mark which guarantees the quality, quantity, or manufacturer of that product. You buy Duncan […]
What is a “buck?” The term’s origin may interest you. It seems that well over a hundred years ago, in Oklahoma, George Washington Miller, a budding entrepreneur, started what became America’s first theme park. Called the “101,” it featured bareback riders, Indian raids, roping, bronc riding, fake bank robberies, and a host of other amusements […]
We all have “assets” of various kinds and types. We have our looks, and this seems to be especially important to women, who go to great lengths and expense to maintain them. Us guys have looks, sort of anyway, which most do not go to any great length to maintain. But these assets we all […]
Is there any other kind? As an example, suppose you are Sam Waksal, a doctor, who thinks he has developed a cancer fighting drug that really works. Naturally, you must have government approval, and we all know how truthful and unbiased the government is, don’t we? Well, the government says, “no dice” to poor Sam, […]
I know this is unusual, but it has to be done, simply because of its wide implications, and the fact that it might be the hinge on which the American economy swings. More and more letters have come to me about these columns on housing. Letters from South Carolina, California, Maine, Maryland, Ohio, Las Vegas, […]