The Creel Deal

Just 5 days, that's what I have to find a home. I don't need a home for myself, but my best friend my cat "Buddy".

Having traveled through Iraq for the last 14 months I've used pet-sitters to come to our home and check on his needs, and I don't think it's been good for him.

I'm crazy about my Buddy, I adopted him from the pound when he was just 4 months old. He was a gift for my wife, but he seemed to gravitate towards me (hence the name Buddy).

I leave for Afghanistan on July 5th and I may be gone anywhere from five to twelve months this time; my wife will be living in China while I'm gone.

I'm desperately trying to find Buddy a Foster home for the time I'm gone, and I would certainly cover his expenses and pay $100 a month for his food (not that he could ever eat that much).

He's a very gentle cat, and enjoys being around people. Most cats are loners, but Buddy's a people person. Please email me or call if your even remotely interested. My home is in Bellevue's Somerset neighborhood.

Call 425 301 9143

Seems each day I read the paper or watch the news more and more people are losing jobs, and businesses closing. I decided I really wanted to see the cold hard numbers for myself, and get a clear picture of just what's gone on in the U.S. over the last year. 

I spent some time on the Department of Labors website pouring through the Bureau of Labor Statistics massive data base. Here is what I've learned, and it's not pretty. Keep in mind as you look at these numbers, a "mass layoff action" means at least 50 people were laid off.

January 2008: employers took 1,438 mass layoff actions; number of workers involved totaled 144,111. The number of initial claims due to mass layoffs increased for five consecutive months; 427 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, resulting in 55,488 initial claims.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in January (38,715), reflecting layoffs in administrative and support services. Other states with large numbers of mass layoff-related claims were New York (18,636), Alabama (10,160), Pennsylvania (9,644), Ohio (9,352), and Illinois (9,106). 

February 2008: employers took 1,672 mass layoff actions; the number of workers involved totaled 177,374.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in February (32,747), followed by Pennsylvania (8,204), Florida (6,572), Illinois (6,344), and New York (5,912).  These five states accounted for 56 percent of all mass layoff events and 50 percent of all initial claims for unemployment insurance in February.

March 2008: employers took 1,571 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 157,156. The manufacturing sector accounted for 31 percent of all mass layoff events and 38 percent of all related initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in March (21,812), followed by Pennsylvania (12,745), Wisconsin (7,067), Illinois (6,694), and Ohio (6,236).  These five states accounted for 51 percent of all mass layoff events and 42 percent of all initial claims for unemployment insurance in March.

April 2008: employers took 1,308 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 133,914. The manufacturing sector accounted for 31 percent of all mass layoff events and 37 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in April with 28,172, followed by Michigan (11,156), New York (7,539), and Pennsylvania (7,506). 

May 2008, employers took 1,626 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 171,387. The manufacturing sector accounted for 25 percent of all mass layoff events and 32 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in May with 34,085, largely due to layoffs in motion picture and sound recording industries and in administrative and support services.  The next highest states reporting mass layoff initial claims were New York (9,613), Pennsylvania (8,975), Florida (8,841), and Kentucky (8,666).

June 2008: employers took 1,643 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 165,697. The manufacturing sector accounted for 40 percent of all mass layoff events and 54 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in June with 44,754, largely due to layoffs in educational services and in administrative and support services.  The states reporting the next highest number of mass layoff initial claims were Pennsylvania (14,835), Florida (10,751), and New Jersey (9,512).

July 2008: employers took 1,512 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 151,171. The manufacturing sector accounted for 40 percent of all mass layoff events and 54 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in July with 33,250, largely due to layoffs in administrative and support services and in educational services. The next highest numbers of mass layoff initial claims were in Michigan (27,672), Ohio (19,402), and Kentucky (11,907).

August 2008: employers took 1,772 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 173,955. The manufacturing sector accounted for 29 percent of all mass layoff events and 37 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in August with 36,120, largely due to layoffs in administrative and support services and in motion picture and sound recording industries.  The states with the next highest numbers of mass layoff initial claims were New York (10,760), Florida (9,849), and Ohio (7,994).

September 2008: employers took 2,269 mass layoff actions, number of workers involved totaled 235,681. The manufacturing sector accounted for 28 percent of all mass layoff events and 36 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in September with 34,584.  The next highest states reporting mass layoff initial claims were Louisiana (14,929) and Texas (10,616). Six states reached program highs in 2008 for the month of September; Indiana, Ohio, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. 

Thirty-five states registered over-the-year increases in initial claims associated with mass layoffs, led by Louisiana (+14,366), California (+13,440), and Texas (+8,010).  The effects of Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana and of Hurricane Ike in Texas contributed to the higher September 2008 layoff activity in those two states.

October 2008: employers took 2,140 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 232,468. The manufacturing sector accounted for 32 percent of all mass layoff events and 45 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in October with 51,286.  The next highest states reporting mass layoff initial claims were Ohio (17,764) and Michigan (16,851). 

Twelve states reached program highs in average weekly initial claims in 2008 for the month of October; Alabama, Alaska, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio, Utah, and Wyoming. 

November 2008: employers took 2,328 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 224,079. The manufacturing sector accounted for 39 percent of all mass layoff events and 45 percent of initial claims filed.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in November with 47,690.  The states with the next highest number of mass layoff initial claims were Michigan (14,657), Wisconsin (13,966), and Indiana (13,420).

In 2008, 15 states reached program highs in average weekly initial claims for the month of November; Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, and Tennessee. 

December 2008: employers took 2,275 mass layoff actions, the number of workers involved totaled 226,117.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in December with 43,265.  The states with the next highest number of mass layoff initial claims were Ohio (27,836), Illinois (25,885), and Michigan (24,508). 

In January 2009 employers took 2,227 mass layoff actions that resulted in the separation of 237,902 workers. In January, 738 mass layoff events were reported in the manufacturing sector, resulting in 102,577 initial claims.

During the 14 months from December 2007 through January 2009, the total number of mass layoff events was 25,712, and the number of initial claims was 2,632,336.

(December 2007 was the start of a recession as designated by the National Bureau of Economic Research.)

In February 2009, employers took 2,769 mass layoff actions involving 295,477 workers. Mass layoff events increased by 542 from January, and initial claims increased by 57,575. Layoff events for all industries and for the manufacturing sector rose to their highest levels on record. Thirty states reached program highs in average weekly initial claims.

California recorded the highest number of initial claims filed due to mass layoff events in January with 54,153.  The states with the next highest number of mass layoff initial claims were New York (31,893), Pennsylvania (29,656), and Ohio (27,971).

In 2009, 18 states reached program highs in average weekly initial claims for the month of January; Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia.

Employers took 2,769 mass layoff actions in February that resulted in the separation of 295,477.

So as anyone can see by looking through these numbers, we're far from being out of the recession. Please keep in mind; these are only the "mass layoff" stats, which don't include terminations of fewer than 50 people BYone employer.

Each month, states report on employers which have at least 50 initial claims filed against them during a consecutive 5-week period.  These employers then are contacted by the state agency to determine whether these separations lasted 31 days or longer, and, if so, other information concerning the layoff is collected. States report on layoffs lasting more than 1 month on a quarterly basis.

Six months ago as the collapse of the economy appeared inevitable I decided to not just think out of the box, but to step out of it; I decided to work in Iraq. Having previously ventured to countries such as China and Italy, I had always entertained the idea of working overseas.

Unfortunately as Americans, we're really not given the skills as children to make this an easy task. Most of us just can't grasp the metric system, or speak any language other than English. While other countries, perhaps out of necessity, raise their kids with the aspiration of traveling abroad to work, we do not.

Instead what we seem to do is encourage the belief that money will come to you if you just work hard, and sometimes thats not the truth. Many work hard all their life, and have little to show for it.

Having become involved in this Expatriate lifestyle, I've seen and met many Americans who for the first time have ventured abroad. Many had never previously been out of the town or city they were born in, and I'm not just talking about young people.

Sometimes, from hardship and disaster something good is born. As bad as war is, and as bad as our financial crises is, they have motivated thousands of Americans to venture out into a world they had never considered before; a world only seen to them on television, and at the movies. The people now working in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, Kuwait, Dubai, and even Africa, are all making very good money, and sending it home to the U.S.

Many don't have advanced degrees, or any degree at all for that matter. Some are young, and had few opportunities in America to earn a good living.

They've come here to earn $88,000 to $120,000 per year, and they pay a fortune into the Social Security System, which desperately needs the infusion (currently there are an estimated 5 million Americans living abroad; many are retired).  

When their vacation time comes they visit countries like Germany, Italy, Thailand, and China. They are seeing the world, and building a solid future for themselves. These Americans come in every age group, and profession. They are Foremen, Plumbers, Electricians, IT, Medics, Fireman, Truck Drivers, and yes, even a Realtor or two. Many stay for years, and some for only days.

So for those of you that aren't making ends meet right now, or are just tired of looking at the same four walls and driving down the same congested freeway each day, give some thought to stepping out of the box for a year or so. You won't melt, and you may even learn the metric system.

 

 

Over the last year or so we have all seen the news flashes of real estate scams being exposed and people going to jail. Often I seek out such stories to share with others, so these lessons can be learned from.

Today I ran across a truly bizzarre fraud case while looking through online court records. One thing that really stood out to me was the dates of the crimes; obviously mortgage fraud has been an issue for quite some time.

I do not know any of the people mentioned in the article, and these are public records available to anyone; this is not from a news report, but from actual court records.

A jury convicted Doyle Spruill and David Saks on one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, 18 U.S.C. § 371, and        five counts of bank fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 1344.

Spruill and Saks were business partners in Omni Interests, Inc., a commercial real estate development company, based in San Antonio. Omni specialized in the development of office buildings, shopping centers, and apartment projects in different locations throughout Texas. In 1983, Spruill and Saks formed a limited partnership, Omni/Corpus Christi Limited, to acquire and develop a large tract of land in Corpus Christi.

They purchased the property for $3 million in 1984 as a location for a large shopping center. They had the property rezoned and began negotiations with major mall developers. By year end, however, Omni had financial problems. Spruill and Saks needing cash for the company's short term financial obligations, decided to borrow, with the Corpus Christi property as collateral.

They approached Peoples Savings & Loan Association, where officials informed them that they would need about $14 million to pay existing debt on the property and keep their company afloat. Peoples could not handle a loan of that size, and referred them to Security Savings Association.

That was a fateful day. In December of 1984, Spruill and Saks met with Cliff Brannon and Don Jones, co-chairmen of the board of Security and owners of a controlling interest in it. They asked Brannon and Jones for a loan of $14 million. They had obtained an appraisal valuing the property at $24 million, based on its potential as a site for a regional shopping mall. Brannon and Jones listened and promised to let them know soon. The prospective lender, it seems, saw in this prospective loan a solution to its own unrelated but serious problem.

The year before, Security had loaned Ray Stockman about $20 million to develop Chaucer Village, a condominium project in Dallas. When Saks and Spruill walked in, Chaucer Village had failed. Officials of the Federal Home Loan Bank Board had determined that the Chaucer Village loan had been "overfunded" by about $5 million. The Board had directed Brannon and Jones either to write down the loan, that is, to establish a loss reserve against the overfunded amount, or cover it with new capital. Without an infusion of funds from some outside source, Brannon and Jones would effectively be out of business or under supervisory control, since Security's net worth would fall below the minimum regulatory requirements. They did not have the money.

Brannon and Jones explained to Stockman that Spruill and Saks had requested a $14 million loan, but that by lending $19 million, with Stockman as a business partner, Saks and Spruill could pay Stockman $5 million of the loan proceeds. Stockman would then pass the $5 million to Security for the troubled Chaucer Village loan.

Stockman's name would not appear on any loan documents, hiding from federal regulators the tied transactions. In short, the proposal was a shuffle of the $5 million debt from Stockman and the Chaucer Village project, in which the regulators were keenly interested, to Spruill and Saks and the Corpus Christi project, where there was no apparent impropriety. There would be no real infusion of capital, since the source of the funds to cover the Chaucer Village loan would originate with Security itself. The transaction would create the appearance of such an infusion, however, so as to placate the FHLBB.

Brannon and Jones persuaded Stockman with the suggestion that he would receive no further funding absent his help. The two bankers then told Spruill and Saks that the loan came with Stockman as a partner and the $5 million added would never leave the bank but would flow through Stockman to Security. They explained the Chaucer Village loan and why Stockman could not appear on any of the paper work. Spruill and Saks objected at first, but succumbed. Spruill later said that he felt that their backs were against the wall and they would lose everything they had if they did not agree to the deal.

So then, on January 14th of 1985, Omni/Corpus Christi borrowed $19 million from Security and two closely affiliated banks, Meridian Savings Association and Peoples Savings and Loan Association. The Corpus Christi property was pledged as collateral. Spruill and Saks signed a loan agreement reciting that the loan was for the sole benefit of the lender and borrower and was not for the benefit of any third party. Stockman's name was not on any of the closing documents. Robert Brown, Meridian's attorney and the preparer of the closing documents, later said that he was completely unaware of Stockman's role. The same day, Spruill, Saks, and Stockman formed Crosstown Joint Venture to develop the Corpus Christi property. At the insistence of Spruill and Saks, Stockman also signed a separate guaranty of the $19 million that Omni/Corpus Christi had borrowed.

A few days later, Spruill took $5 million of the loan proceeds and made out a cashier's check to Stockman for this amount, ostensibly for his services as an "advisor" in Crosstown Joint Venture. Stockman rendered no such services. Spruill gave the check to Jones, who met with Stockman, gave him the check, and had him purchase a certificate of deposit in the name of his company, Condo Homes Corporation.

Condo Homes then wired the money to Security to pay down the Chaucer Village loan. Security informed federal regulators that a purchaser had been found to take over Chaucer Village and pay off the loan, but did not disclose the true source of the funds. With the shuffle complete, Omni was left to carry a $19 million debt, over 25% of which it had never received.

In 1986, Meridian sued for foreclosure on the Corpus Christi property. Spruill and Saks counterclaimed against Meridian, Security, and Peoples, asserting that the loan was usurious. They argued that part of the loan transaction was a sham, since $5 million was not in fact loaned to Omni/Corpus Christi but was diverted to Security for Stockman's debt. Crosstown Joint Venture was merely an artifice conceived by Security to hide the true nature of the relationship between Spruill, Saks, and Omni/Corpus Christi on the one hand, and Stockman on the other.

Spruill and Saks signed pleadings detailing the fraudulent nature of the loan arrangement, and Spruill testified at length about the transaction in depositions.² Spruill and Saks ultimately won a settlement in this lawsuit dissolving the Omni note and requiring the banks to pay them approximately $2 million.

In 1990, the government indicted Saks and Spruill on charges of conspiracy to defraud the United States and aiding and abetting bank fraud. There were two theories: first, that they defrauded federal regulators by concealing Stockman's involvement in the loan transaction, and second, that they defrauded the banks of their money. Saks testified in his defense at trial. Spruill did not but the court admitted Spruill's deposition testimony from the civil suit into evidence.

The jury found both defendants guilty on five counts of bank fraud, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2, 1344, and one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, 18 U.S.C. § 371.

 Read Entire Case Here

 

It never ceases to amaze me when disaster is imminent, and warnings to evacuate are given, some just sit there. Many say the same brave words "If the Lord wants to take you, he will". Yet it seems when the Lord comes knocking on the door, they call 911.

That's what irks me the most when these disasters strike and tens of thousands of homeowners loose everything they've worked for. At a time when resources are already stretched thin, they have to be stretched further to accommodate those hardheaded holdouts that have such bravado in the beginning, and none in the end.

I can't help but ask myself these questions:

• How many people should risk their lives to go rescue these former brave souls?
• How many millions should be spent?
• Should these people face criminal charges for ignoring a mandatory evacuation order?
• Should they bear civil penalties for the expenses incurred rescuing them?
• Should they face criminal prosecution for the death of anyone that's attempting to rescue them?

Although I've been fortunate enough to never face an evacuaiton warning, I have lived in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida; and believe me, you only need to tell me once its evacuation time. By current estimates, in Texas alone 140,000 people ignored the warnings and stayed; now they all need to be rescued.

Before the choppers carry them to saftey, perhaps they should leave a note for the Lord and let him know they've changed their mind.

 

We've all heard of Liars Loans, the infamous loan given to borrowers based on nothing more than the lie's they put on their application. Lately the term has taken on a new meaning for me; now liars are sending me loan applications!

In May I began receiving offers for low interest loans for just about anything I want to use them for. They seem to come daily now. I know people in the business wouldn't bite into this little scam, but I have no doubt someone in dire need of cash might.

Because so many of my previous post have resulted in "thank you" emails from people that searched Google and discovered my warnings after receiving such offers, I felt I should post this one as well.

All of these "lenders" will asked for upfront fee's to be paid, and of course, no loan will ever come of it.

-----------------------------------------

From: WILLIAMS LOAN INVESTMENT info@mrdmantelloanfirm007.com
Subject: URGENT LOAN OFFER (APPLY NOW)
Date: Monday, May 12, 2008, 11:37 PM

Hello

I am osmald williams a private Loan lender and a cooperate financial for real estate and any kinds of business financing.

I also offer Loans to individuals, Firms and cooperate bodies at 3% interest rate per annum and 0.5% interest rate monthly base, loan terms determinant, Loan amount between the sum of $5,000.00 to $50,000,000.00 US Dollars.Loan for developing businesses a competitive edge/ business expansion. 

We offer the following kinds of loans:

* Personal Loans (Secure and Unsecured)

* Business Loans (Secure and Unsecured)

* Consolidation Loan

* Combination Loan

-Low Down or Zero Money Financing Program Available

-Great Refinance Programs with competitive rates, Fixed, Arms, Interest Only.

-Quick Cash Loans: Home Equity Lines of Credit and 2nd loan-Self-Employed,

Stated, No Income/No Asset.

FIRST INFORMATIONS NEEDED ARE:

Full Name:...............................

Country:...................... ...........

Marital status:..............................

Contact Phone numbers:.........................

Amount Needed :.........................

Loan Duration........................

Contact E-mail:mrdmantelloanfirm007@gmail.com

THERE IS NOTHING TO LOSE BUT YOUR DEBT AND FINANCIAL PROBLEMS !!!

Here to show you a better way to financial freedom !!!

Thanks

Warm regards

Osmald Williams

 ------------------------------------------

From: Ky Mortensen KMortensen@vetmed.lsu.edu
Date: Friday, August 8, 2008, 12:11 PM

Goodday,

Are you a business man or woman ? Are you in any financial mess or do you need funds to start up your own business? Do you need loan to settle your debt or pay off your bills or start a nice business?

Do you have a low credit score and you are finding it hard to obtain capital loan from local banks/other financial institutes? Do you need a loan or funding for any reason such as:

a) Personal Loan,Business Expansion,

b) Business Start-up ,Education,

c) Debt Consolidation ,

d) Hard Money Loans

We offer loan at low interest rate of 5% and with no credit check ,we offer Personal loans, debt 

consolidation loans, venture capital,business loans, education loans, home loans or 

"loans for any reason!".

However, Our method, offers you the chance to state the amount of loan needed and also the duration 

you can afford, This gives you a real chance to get the funds you need! 

Any interested Applicants should get back to me on my email at mrdavidwall@live.com

Thanks.

 -----------------------------------------------

From: David Williams lsokolov@ugr.es
Date: Saturday, August 9, 2008, 12:16 AM

Good day

I am a financier I am willing to lend out loans with the interest rate of 4% and with in the amount of $10,000 to $5,000,000 as the offer, I offer loan to all categories of people, firms, companies, all kinds of business organizations, private individuals and real estate investors, I give out loans at very cheap and moderate rates.

I am a certified, registered and legit lender. You can contact me today if you are interested in getting this loan, contact me for more information about the loan process, process like the loan terms and conditions and how the loan will be transferred to you. I need your urgent response if you are interested. You are to contact me with this

Email:david.williamsloans@hotmail.com  

I hope to hear from you.

Best Regards

Mr David Williams

--------------------------------------------------

From: David Wall <mrdavidwall@live.com>
Subject: LOAN APPLICATION FORM
Date: Sunday, August 10, 2008, 1:44 PM

Hello,

Below this mail is the loan application form. Please fill out the application and return it to me. I have also included my contact information below. I look forward to assisting you with your loan needs at 5%. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

I WANT YOU TO FILL THE LOAN FORM, USING THE CORRECT DETAILS, I WILL BE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR RESPONSE
                                                                      
                                                                             LOAN APPLICATION FORM

Name (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Dr., etc.): 
First name: 
Middle name: 
Last name: 
Date of birth (yyyy-mm-dd): 
Gender:
Marital status: 
Total Amount Needed:
Time Duration 
Address:
City: 
State/province: 
Zip/postal code: 
Country: 
Phone: 
Fax: 
Mobile/cellular: 
Monthly Income                                        
Occupation: 
E-mail: 

Sincerely,

Hilton Financial Services, U.K.
6 Old Bond Road
Wood green, London, U.K. N22 6DS.
+44-704-571-6068
+44-704-572-2115 Offices

 ----------------------------------------------------------

From: DAVID WILLIAMS david_williamsloans@hotmail.com
Subject: Re:Loan
Date: Monday, August 11, 2008, 12:01 AM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DAVID WILLIAMS LOAN FIRM.
CALLE MOSTOLES 15/B 28925, ALCONCON
MADRID SPAIN.
TEL: 0034-615-178-680       
FAX: 0034-911-013-765

Attn:

The content of your mail was noted.

We are large scale investment located here in spain, approved by the spanish government, we offer loans to private companies and individuals.

Kindly indicate how much you need as a loan to enable us proceed with this loan transaction, with maximum or $10,000,000.00 with 3% interest rate.

I await your swift response.

You can reach me via               0034-615-178-680      

DAVID WILLIAMS

(loan agent)

 --------------------------------------------

As you can see by reading my previous blog, the name David Williams is becoming common in scams (or versions there of). http://activerain.com/blogsview/632880/Scamming-in-the-Rain

In the beginning, God created Heaven and the Earth.

However, before he even began, God was faced with a citation from the regulatory board.

God was granted a temporary permit for the project, but quickly received a cease-and-desist order for the oceans he planned to build; he had failed to submit an environmental impact statement.

Then God said, "Let there be light!" Immediately, the regulatory board demanded to know how the light would be made, would there be strip mining? What about thermal pollution? Was the light harmful?

God explained that the light would come from a large ball of fire. God was granted provisional permission to make light, assuming that a burn permit would be obtained, that there would be conservation of energy via green construction methods, and that the light would be out half the time.

God said, "Let the earth put forth vegetation, with plants yielding seed and fruit trees bearing fruit." The advisory board agreed to approve this, as long as only native seed was used and a licensed arborist was hired to select the location for each tree.

It seemed all was fine until God said the project would be completed in seven days. The officials said it would take at least 200 days to review the applications and environmental impact statement; after that would be the public hearing, and then it would be 10-12 months before ...

At this point, God moved on to create Hell

More Jokes                       

Seems poor California just can't ever get a break! Earthquakes, fires, heat waves, and foreclosures, all located on some of the most beautiful real estate in the U.S. It Just doesn't seems fair.

When I was 21 I moved to Pismo Beach California and had the best time of my life. I grew up in a small town in Texas, and it's about as opposite of the Cali beach town you can find. Every day I was amazed at the beautiful weather and scenery, and, well,..the girls weren't bad either.

Even then there were fires every summer, an occasional earthquake, and of course fluctuations in the economy. I just don't recall seeing so much disaster hitting there all at the same time.

The magnitude 5.4 earthquake that hit metropolitan Los Angeles today caused no serious damage or injuries, but experts say it's a reminder that the "Big One" could happen at any time. California's history of quakes incredible to say the least.

On February 9, 1971, California experienced one of its most devastating earthquakes. Just before sunrise, the highly-populated San Fernando region was shaken by a 6.6 Richter magnitude quake that destroyed homes and businesses, badly damaged three hospitals, collapsed highways and water reservoirs, and resulted in the deaths of 65 people.

A list of the biggest quakes in recent California history, measured by magnitude:

1. 7.3, Landers, Calif., June 28, 1992, three deaths

2. 7.2, Cape Mendocino, Calif., April 25, 1992

3. 7.2, Off coast of Northern California, June 14, 2005

4. 7.1, Hector Mine, Calif., Oct. 16, 1999

5. 7.0, Honeydew, Calif., Aug. 17, 1991

6. 7.0, Cape Mendocino, Calif., Sept. 1, 1994

7. 6.9, Loma Prieta, Calif., Oct. 18, 1989, 63 deaths

8. 6.7, Northridge, Calif., Jan. 17, 1994, 60 deaths

9. 6.6, San Simeon, Calif., Dec. 22, 2003, 2 deaths

10. 6.6, Off coast of Northern California, June 16, 2005

11. 6.2, Joshua Tree, Calif., April 23, 1992

12. 6.0, Central California, Sept. 28, 2004

13. 5.6, Sierra Madre, Calif., June 28, 1991, two deaths

14. 5.6, San Francisco Bay Area, Calif., Oct. 30, 2007

15. 5.4, Chino Hills, Calif., July 29, 2008

Source: U.S. Geological Survey

Above is a  map of southern California, with epicenters of historic earthquakes (as far back as 1812)

How do homeowners protect their most valuable asset?

Less than 12 percent of California homeowners have earthquake insurance, according to the Insurance Information Network of California. A deductible cost chosen by the homeowner can reach up to 25 percent of the house value to be paid in the event of any earthquake damage. The higher the deductible, the lower the cost of the earthquake insurance.

Unfortunately, even if you have insurance, in order for it to pay-off the house needs to be rendered unoccupiable by a quake. That probability is low for most homes and the value of most stuff that would be destroyed would probably be less than the deductible you pay.

So it seems Californians are simply at the mercy of the Gods of natural disaster, and right now, the Gods appear to be very, very, angry!

We speak only of real estate and mortgage in our little corner of the universe, but the ugly truth is, we're merely the epicenter of a national crises. The mortgage debacle, coupled with absurdly high gas prices, has created a financial black hole that's sucking in all money matter around it.

Did you know that U.S. business bankruptcies saw their sharpest quarterly rise in two years, jumping 17 percent in the second quarter of 2008?

Did you know that Commercial filings for the first half of 2008 are up 45 percent from last year; or that from April through June, 15,471 U.S. businesses shuttered their doors?

It was the 10th straight quarter that business bankruptcy filings have increased. Nearly 29,000 companies filed in the first half of 2008. More than 20 percent of the newly shuttered businesses were in California, which logged 3,141 bankruptcies in the second quarter.

Texas fielded the next highest number of bankruptcies with 1,168, followed by Michigan with 702 and Florida with 635. New York was next, with 618 petitions, and Colorado had 547.

Food costs went up 1.5 percent (the biggest increase since January) and even pet food jumped by 6 percent, the largest monthly increase on record, and wholesale energy prices shot up 6 percent. The price of unleaded regular gas surged 9 percent in June on top of a comparable increase in May. Home heating oil, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas also took big jumps.

If you glance back at history you'll see that an average of more than 500,000 businesses failed in the United States during each of the 10 recessions that have occurred since the end of World War II, and there's little doubt at this point that we face a full blown recession.

SMALL CHANGE'S CAN KEEP US OUT OF THE HOLE 

Be Aware of how much money you spend

Many shopaholics live in denial about how much they spend. If you realize how much you spend on various items, this may help reduce your spending. With disposable income slipping, spending frugally is important. Discount stores such as Marshalls and other surplus outlets and have seen increased business as people look for bargains.

Don't spend money to kill time

Don't spend every lunch break wandering around your favorite shops, go to a park or place where there is little temptation to pull that wallet out. If you do go shopping have a clear objective of what you need to buy. This means that you will buy things because you need them, rather than want them.

Avoid Spending by Habit

Quite often a lot of our spending is a daily habit. For example, if you hit Starbucks everyday, why not invest in a coffee machine? Just because you spend $10 a day on lunch doesn't mean this habit has to continue forever. Try taking your own lunch.

Give Items Objective ratings

Guy's, do you really need another $100 silk tie, or that new boat? Ladies, Is that $2,000 Louis Vuitton purse really necessary (you're just as beautiful without it)? I know that Burberry coat is lovely, but your paying a bundle for that snappy plaid collar and cuffs.  

Instead of trading that luxury ride in, why not pay it off and live car payment free for a couple of years? We all tend to have a desire to live a bit larger than we can afford, its human nature, but now is not the time.

Even if you seem to be rolling in cash today, you don't know what tomorrow will bring. Even Starbucks is closing stores down for the first time.

Remember money isn't everything

Don't feel that financial well being is the only thing that matters. Even in difficult times, don't lose perspective and allow yourself to be depressed. With the right attitude a frugal lifestyle can have its own pleasures. I'll bet there's a park you drive by all the time and have never been to, or a hiking trail you pretend not to see. 

Take the time, save the money, and avoid the hole.

It seems at times that no matter how much society does to help those in need, there will always be the few that don't possess the solid decision making capabilities to survive.

Sounds harsh, but after learning of the "Extreme Makeover" home that has had all of the "gifted" equity sucked out of it and allowed to fall into foreclosure, it is the only conclusion I can reach.

In January 2005 Atlanta-based Beazer Homes USA and ABC's "Extreme Makeover" demolished the Harper family home and its faulty septic system. Six days later, crews and volunteers, totaling over 1800 people, completed work on the largest home that the television program had ever built.

Replacing their old dilapidated home is a four-bedroom house with rock walls and a three-car garage that towers over homes in their neighborhood. The front door opens into a lobby that features four fireplaces, a solarium, a music room and a plush office. A total of $450,000 in materials and labor were donated for the home.

Beazer Homes' employees and company partners raised an additional $250,000 in contributions for the family, along with scholarships for the couple's three children and a home maintenance fund.

After the show, the Harper family used the two-story home as collateral for a $450,000 "construction business-loan", which they have since defaulted on and the majestic home is now set to hit the auction block on the steps of the Clayton County Courthouse Aug. 5.

Perhaps yet another kind soul will buy it and hand it to them for free, yet again.