Open Thread #89
I was out of town for most of the past week so I'm sorry about the lack of updates. Here's an open thread...have fun and be nice!
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NOTE: The views expressed in original posts on "Grand Forks Life" are merely the views and personal opinions of the owner of this blog. No guarantee is given for the accuracy of content. The views expressed in reader comments are the views of those readers. "GrandForksGuy" and "Grand Forks Life" do not endorse the views of readers.
133 comments:
Tonight's council meeting should be interesting. A bunch of people would like to know why the city is spending money fixing streets on the wet side of the dike when there are a lot of streets on the dry side that could use the work. It's not just the dog park thing, it's common sense.
Tonights council meeting: Dog park full speed ahead. No vote on go cart park ! Go figure. Dave Miller's plan shot down by Doctors in the area ! Too much noise, too much light, too much fun !!!!!!!!! greenglass4
In my day you built your own go cart and beat ass around the neighborhood.
What? No go kart? Boooooo!!!!!!!
damn.... what does this town want youth to do? get drunk or what? im 21 now and have been drinking since i was 14 here in GF and a go kart park would help so much plus prolly keep me out of the bars and not behind the wheel of a truck.
Can't blame the residents. I live in south EGF and on Friday summer nights all I hear is race cars. I can't imagine what the noise and dust would be like night after night. Build it, but keep it in a commercial zone.
I agree. Seems like Gateway Drive between 29 and Airport Rd would be ideal.
OMFG gas went down to 3.80 with cash!
You've been drinking since you were 14 cause your parents didn't care and maybe encouraged it -- not becasue there was nothing to do. That's the dumbest excuse in the world.
$3.80 - - - I filled for $3.67 the other day (with credit) in the cities.
Drinking... I didn't drink a drop of booze till I came to GF, so there goes your theory about bad parenting.
Oh and finally... F-You City Council!
Hey Joe, funny but watch your language or you will get deleted ! Big talk show news is Dr Lee gets license suspended. Altru and its doctors don't like competition ! Remember Aurora debate ! greenglass4
About Dr. Lee, the talk shows are inundated with calls in support of him and patients saying they like him, well duh, he gives out narcotics like they're tylenol or tums, of course people are going to like him and keep returning to him, it doesn't take long for word to get around as to which doctors have no problems handing out narcotics and pretty soon their waiting rooms are full of people with "chronic pain".
Hah... ya ND Born... that's the first thing I thought of when I read the article/saw the attached picture of the supporter. Is this person really in chronic pain?
nd born...You are so right. There are reputable pain specialists in GF and Fargo. If people are going to a drop in clinic (which is intended for problems like ear infections and sore throats) for monthly narcotic fills, there is something very wrong. A good MD or NP will not prescribe like that and may even requires a pain med contract. People who can't abide by those conditions found a way to get their medicines wuth Lee. And think about it...you and I are paying for all these clinic visits and drugs with higher insurance premiums or medicaid dollars. I'm glad he got busted. And greenglass-obviously someone at the state level or even in his office turned him in. It is not about competition. It is about medical ethics.
Well anon doctor ! Breaking news you are wrong. Another anon doctor called in to local radio station and stated it was "competition". Dr Lee himself stated he was a big fish in a big pool that other big fish didn't like ! By the way Dr Lee will be on KFGO with Big Ed Wed am 8:30 to 10:30. Pain management ! Chronic pain ! Dr Lee found a nice little niche to practice in, made him a millionaire in 5 years with 5 clinics ! He was/is sole physcian, with only physcian assistants and nurse practitioners. Has 600 patients with pain. They call him "the Candy Man" other doctors in GF and Fargo. Remember the televised city council meetings of our local doctors ? Aurora vs Altru ? Think about it ! They were worse than used cars dealers fighting. greenglass4
To change the topic slightly, what business or businesses do you think Grand Forks is in need of to solve some of the issues talked about in these Threads.
Way off topic here, but if anyone needs a good massage, I would recommend Quiet Waters in EGF (on Demers). Tried for the first time this week and was very pleased.
Does anyone know where I can buy some shuttlecocks for cheap in GF?
Home of Economy?
question, how is Lake Winnipeg for a weekend beach trip? Is the water frigid? Any little waves? Any good spot to go?
And to and another topic...
Does anyone have any information on the old Cinema International? Like seating capacity and screen size.
It was always my favorite theater in the GF/EGF area...
To change the topic slightly, what business or businesses do you think Grand Forks is in need of to solve some of the issues talked about in these Threads.
I don't think more businesses are the answer. I think as a culture we need to get off our butts and learn to have fun without whinging that someone needs to manufacture it for us.
"question, how is Lake Winnipeg for a weekend beach trip?"
Larimore recreational area has a beach and warmer waters... not really a weekend trip unless you camp there, however.
Grand Beach has a nice provencial park campground on the southeast shore of Lake Winnipeg. The beach there is great!
I used to work for Midco Theaters and I think it was 425 for seats and the screen was WAY HUGE.
Where in grand forks can i buy local art, as in made by local artists?
There are a number of art galleries downtown that have art by local artists. Your best bet to see all of them is to go to one of the Art & Wine Walks.
Might I recommend artist Adam Kemp. Great work, very physical style, large.
I used to work for Midco Theaters and I think it was 425 for seats and the screen was WAY HUGE.
LOL!!! Way Huge. I was hoping for something a little more specific than that. At the megaplex theaters down here in the Twin Cities, they're starting to have a few screens at those megaplexes be things like Monster Screen or Super Screen and I was sort of curious to see how they compared to the Cinema...
Well Altru doctors won, the first round! Dr Lee has closed his Walk in Clinic. It really must bug the doctors from Altru to look across the street and see the stream of patients going into Dr Lees Clinic !Sign says he will reopen July 24 ! Have a friend doctors are having big party at Altru to celebrate Dr Lee out of business, she sets up the parties at Altru !. greenglass4
greenglass/Gary...Lee has obviously been monitored by state agencies for some time now. The whole scam fell apart in Fargo and so his GF office went down too. Tell us who at Altru is celebrating, know it all. You are just another cheap tabloid. I think Gary Hangleben should be held accountable for his nonsense posts.
If you are talking about the "party" in the south parking lot of Altru's campus last night (Wed 7/23), it was a fundraising event for the Joel Lovelien scholarship fund at UND... the Altru employee who was murdered last year. It was not a party to celebrate a physician losing his license because of practice violations.
Regarding the "more businesses" comment, here you go, from the Herald, Space Aliens is looking:
http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=82577§ion=homepage
Also, the RapidCare did not close, I'm not sure where you heard that:
http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=82576§ion=News
So does anyone want to party tonight to celebrate the city finally 'fixing' the traffic lights on 32nd Ave?! According to Grand Forks city webpage, the timing adjustments are suppose to begin today. Let's hope it works!
greenglass4's buddy goes on a "2 week family vacation on the Big Island and Hawaii" and ends up arrested for domestic violence.
http://www.areavoices.com/NDfamilies/
and go down to the "Hawaii the man hating state" post.
It's never his fault.
Roland Riemers is wasting taxpayer money (AGAIN). So much for conservatism.
http://www.court.state.nd.us/court/opinions/20070317.htm
Reading Roland Riemers blog just made me sick to my stomach. In fact, every time I even hear his name my face scrunches up. Maybe I should sue him.
I love how he celebrates getting a reimbursement check (that he didn't earn) from the state of Hawaii.
RR = Welfare Queen
Dear Anon Doctor ! My friend works for Altru, she sets up/coordinates parties/celebrations for doctors on their Altru Campus. One was set up for this exact reason: Dr Lee forced out of Rapid Care Clinic. Will get memo from Altru and fax it to GF Herald. Sorry Doc but this is the truth at Altru. Another Dr Leigh is now at Clinic in EGF. greenglass4
Folks, where's a good place to get donuts here in Grand Forks?
I'm kinda new around these parts...
You have to drive to Fargo.
Where would you drive to get donuts in Fargo? I'd skip the donuts and go straight to the rolls, etc. at the Dakota Harvest Bakery downtown.
It was a weak joke. I've had about 1/2 of a donut in the last 20 years.
Dakota Harvest, no brainer for baked goods in GF.
How can you not love a state policy that pays you cash when you punch your wife?
Any grocery in town has great donuts and if you get there early enough you can get a special deal on a box of a dozen, dur! greenglass should get a time out now....no donuts for one year!
Go to the Beary Best Bakery on S Washington.
Beary Best on S Washington closed several years ago...it was re-made into Starbucks.
The best donuts in town are from M&H, they sell out quick though!
Does EGF have a blog? The school webpage STINKS...trying to find out what day school starts...anyone know?
I live in EGF....in Minnesota all schools start the first day after Labor Day...
I guess I shouldnt say all schools in Minnesota because I dont know that for a fact... but I did check the Crookston Public School web site and updated 08-09 school calendar and school starts there on Sep 2. I do know that in EGF it has always started the day after Labor Day as well.
Thanks Dan! ...do you know why there isn't there more information online about EGF?
You can’t find good donuts in GF. Dakota Harvest does have great baked goods. You can pick up a great sticky bun from them. The Bread Pan in Langdon had good donuts and the Bakery in McIntosh MN has good donuts.
If you like the cake doughnuts, Soholt bakery in Mayville is very good.
Ahem...M&H has THE BEST DONUTS IN TOWN!!! I'd go as far to say they make them fresh, but somebody would probably correct that assessment, maybe someone makes them fresh and delivers them every morning. And they sell out quickly (most mornings...I wouldn't go as far to say EVERY morning, but MOST mornings.)
My husband knows good donuts, M&H are the best...shop local.
And as far as Fargo goes, Sandy's Donuts in West Fargo...I worked the nightshift during the flood. Nearly killed me.
What/where is M&H?
North 5th St, across the street to the south of St Mikes church. GF ND
To anon poster at 947 am about EGF....dont know why EGF school site is not updated. It does seem behind the times. It is likely a volunteer position to update it but I dont know.
Like C.Y. said, M&H is a convenience store/gas station location just north of downtown by St. Mike's.
M&H donuts are most likely made by Hugos.
I'll be covering several topics in this one post:
NEW BUSINESS IDEAS:
I ran a typing and resume writing business from home for over ten years. With much reservation I closed, not because of lack of customers, but because my youngest child had entered school and it was time for me to move on to pursue my own career goals. I spent many years working part-time so that I could be as available to our children as possible.
Anyway, I had a lot of reservations about closing because there is no other place in town that offers resume writing services. I have always felt that it is something the employment agencies should offer FREE, but it seems that our local job service simply places people in front a computer with a computer program and says "here you go" without helping them through the process. Understanding the reasons why a person needs a resume, I kept my rates VERY low.
This is not a business that will support a family, however, it does bring in extra money for such things as vacation, Christmas, special occasions, savings, etc. and is a GREAT way to be of assistance to the community in a valuable area.
DRINKING
I'm in my mid 30's and have never had even a taste of alcohol. I just never had a desire to put something into my body that would impairs the mind.
Anyway, I've heard many a complaint from young people about being "bored" because of a lack of things for people their age to do in Grand Forks and quite a few turn to negative behavior such as vandalism, drinking, etc. because of it.
So, to Anonymous who responded at
11:07 AM, July 22, 2008 saying they don't buy it and making comments about another writer being parented poorly was uncalled for. That individual may very well have had very good parents.
Even the children of the best of parents can go in that direction.
***
DISCOUNTS ON GAS FOR PAYING CASH
I am a cash paying customer. I do not have credit cards. I am one of those customers who receives a discount on gas, not by choice, but because of the way that certain gas stations do things.
There has been some press recently about the ilegal practice of charging credit card customers more for gas. Not only is it ilegal, but it is also discriminatory. Many gas stations are getting away with this ilegal practice by simply giving discounts to cash customers. It is an indirect way of charging credit card customers more.
Even as a cash paying customer, I am about ready to boycott any gas station in town that gives discounts to cash paying customers. While the discounts may be nice for some, they're just not fair or right.
I (and most everyone I talk to) get way more discount with the credit card than I would for paying cash. My credit card pays a 5% discount on gas ... that equals around $0.20 off per gallon. Can't beat that!
I get the feeling that opening a new Subway in town is going to a vote of the people. If someone wants to open another subway, good for them. I am not fond of Subway, although I am fond of free enterprise. myob
I would like to know why EGF doesn't host more retail outlets? There would be a lot of business opportunity there I would think with Minnesota's no clothing tax being a huge draw to local customers as well as Canadian tourists. I know I will be doing my back to school shopping in Minnesota...not locally. Your loss Grand Forks...get with the program and stop blocking progress...growing EGF would only enhance Grand Forks I would think
GF Resident, I love how you mentioned that you were a professional resume writer for 10 years, yet you typed "ilegal" three times in one paragraph.
Anon at 9:30
Don't know where to start with your post, but it is kind of funny.
Do you think it is up to GF or EGF whether they charge sales tax on clothing or not? lol
An interesting read:
ain't been sober since maybe october [explicit]
Cheers!
5 AND B:
This is not a place where formal or professional writing is required. It's very refreshing to be able to write leisurely and yes, even be able to make mistakes, after so many years of writing very professional documents.
Besides the resume writing, I've also worked at a law office where very professional writing was required. I've spent a total of about 17 years watching how I write and editing my own work over and over again until it met the requirements of the document and needs of the person it was for. So, forgive me if I make mistakes in my writing. I'm not perfect in any way and neither is anything that I do.
You wrote "very professional" twice.
At least you can come here and type things that are "not so very professional."
EGF and all of MN does not have a tax on clothing...its a state wide "perk" for shoppers I think. I would much rather buy the same item for the same price and NOT pay tax on it. I pay enough tax elsewhere, its nice to get a little break. I'd love to see a mall built in EGF to compete with the one on 32nd which EGF residents have to travel all across town to get to...the campers fill the empty lot by the bridge nearly every weekend here. People come...what is there to offer besides a few restaurants, movie theater and Cabella's?
I do not understand why this is such an issue. The real question is "Why is EGF growing so slowly?"
why is egf growing so slowly? A mall to compete with the one in GF?
You had a mall in egf, nobody came.
Why would you want to come off of I-29 and drive through GF to get to egf to shop? Common sense.
Here's a new topic for discussion...what does everyone think of the local housing economy? Does it bother anyone else here that housing values are steadily decreasing?
5 and B, did you mean "illegal" or "ilegal"?
anon 11:55 I wasn't here when the original mall failed so I don't know why no one shopped there...I've only lived in EGF for one year but I am tired of having to drive all the way around since there is no darn bridge connecting the point to the commercial district...I've shopped at Cabella's for winter gear but not much of a hunter or fisherman so I would like to see more family businesses come to town...I'd LOVE to see a Kohl's, JcPenny, Target etc. We've utilized the restaurants and the movie theater quite a bit and would love to see more come in so we could avoid the long drive to 32d. I'm sure the locals would shop there as well as any tourists staying on the East side. Bring it to Hwy 2 (east)and they will come..or at least I would and being a shopaholic I tend to spend a lot of money frivously during winter especially when I can't get outside as much as I'd like....I'd spend more if it weren't going to fill the tank in order to get to the store
the point bridge is closer to the shopping area than any other bridge. You need to understand that we are one big community where some of us live a little farther away from the shopping than others.
No. They were too high to begin with, so maybe prices are lining up to where they really should be.
Prices are lining up to where they should be??? For those that bought a year ago this is not a good deal. Families forced into buying a home here when there was nothing available got the shaft. Sorry to sound so negative but the reality of the market is there are decent hard working families having to pay the consequences too, not just money seeking investors wanting to make a quick buck. Being in a home that you can't sell because you owe more than its worth is not always because you are "living outside of your means" Some people travel a lot in their careers or are forced to travel in their careers and with the market being the way it is the career potential is also effected. If you love it here and want to stay forever and always, that is great but for some this is just a place to live for a while and then move on. This place seems to not realize you need both for growth to occur.
"Forced into buying a home". Well there's the problem. Go after the person that "forced" you to buy that home. You obviously paid more than what it was worth, so what were ya thinking there? You don't bother to tell us how to solve this problem though.
Anon 6:17 It was mid winter when we arrived here, the housing at the time was scarce VERY expensive and rentals were dumps...and very expensive ones at that. We lived in a tiny apt for as long as we could but with a family of 5 that is difficult at best when the snow is up to the windows...the kids could not move without disturbing the other residents and couldn't go outside to play with the wind chill below zero...We weren't EXACTLY forced to buy a home but our choice at the time was to wait a YEAR for military housing to become available. WE thought that buying a home would be a more profitable move than losing our sanity...a year later we are not so sure this was a wise choice but we are stuck here until the market improves enough to sell for enough to get out and move on. Since the house we bought was the newer of the three we had to chose from we thought it was a better selection...turns out the original owner installed salvaged junk instead of new anything into their "brand new home" so we had to finish the home to make it liveable; new windows, a driveway...this house should have never been sold in the price range that it was...our realtor refused to put in our initial offer saying it was too low...I'm sorry but I have a few issues with the way this town does business. How do you solve the problem? Get a clue and let go of the good ole boy system that is wrecking all possibility of this city reaching its full potential.
"5 and B, did you mean "illegal" or "ilegal"?
I meant what I typed. Read 10:54 PM, July 26, 2008.
New subject : driver and garbage company in Fargo will be fined up to $500,000 for hitting the bridge ! He did not have a CDL or medical card ! Guy should have been home on the porch. Could have killed woman and 2 children that concrete hit. Any thoughts besides food ? greenglass4
Dear anon, do you mind me asking how much your home was? Just curious. We purchased an older home a few years back on what I would call the lower end of the market. I've always heard the rule of thumb is ~2 years for owning a home to be worthwhile. Of course we all know this number is highly variable... especially these days.
In regards to the housing...very interesting topic that I have been following especially the enormous rise and now fall of housing prices in California and other parts of the country. Be lucky you did not buy at the high end of prices in places like Stockton or Fresno or Riverside California back two years ago as now the market is off 30 to 50 percent. Ouch! But again no market can support a place where the median house costs 16 times the median wage.
Now locally...I moved to GF in a tight housing market in 1998 and paid 124,900. We sold in 2003 after values had been pretty flat for 129,900. Moved to EGF built a home and then from 2003 to 2006 new Crary homes that were 145,000 in 2003 suddenly were 175-180,000 in 2006 about a 30,000 increase in 3 years at least in our neighborhood that I noticed. So I think its time that housing comes back to earth a bit...If you bought in 05 or 06 you just bought at the high end of the market. Homes dont always go up in price...they can go down. There is no reason why a simple 1800 split in GF new should be 170,000 that is about 30 to 40,000 overpriced IMO. My prediction is that we will drop about 20,000 or so from our high...already seeing this a bit as I have seen homes first listed at 194,000 now at 179,000.
To anom at 1137 pm...When I bought my first home in another state back in the mid 90s...I was told that it takes about 7 years of ownership to be worthwhile.
5 and B,
I stand corrected. I see what you meant. I get it now.
greenglas4, I have a comment. He "could" have killed a woman and two kids. Well, "the dog could have caught the rabbit if he didn't stop to poop." The fact is, he didn't kill anyone. Let the courts deal with them.I think the fine is appropriate. Now, go get us a couple burgers and fries...please.
7 years? For someone that loves summer as much as the air she breathes that is like a death sentence...not liking that but I am normally a more positive person so once the shock wears off things will begin to look up I'm sure...by the way Dan I am your neighbor :) And yes, we know we paid too much for our house but what do we do now - spend our entire savings to sell it and move on? As much as we would like to move, depleting our finances to do so is not a very wise choice. This is quite a bitter pill to have to swallow...we came here a year ago because a very close family member had terminal cancer...he died two months after we arrived. We never intended to stay any longer than 2 years...
Hi! To be honest I dont have any good advice...the housing market and who buys homes and for how much is very very tricky. I have seen homes which I have thought as overpriced go quickly...and then homes that were not sit. You just never know...but one thing for sure there are many more homes on the market than 2 years ago so buyers can be choosy. We are in a good location, so that is a huge plus. I assumed you were talking about the bank appraisal came back in lower...not the county appraisal for property tax purposes. When we moved into our home in 2003...we paid Crary 224k and the bank appraisal came back with 214k so we had to come up with a quick 10k to close on the house...so we had to ask some relatives for help and deplete some other savings. This appraisal issue was due to no comparables in the EGF market. My small advice is if you can somehow get by with what the bank appraisal says...then try to sell it at that price. You may have to somehow eat or pay the loan you took out to do the improvements after your move....but that may be the only way out. I do think the housing market will not recover soon....I know nationally it wont for quite some time. Also who knows what interest rates will do?
I wish you luck....but if there is anyway to somehow go forward I would try to sell at the bank appraised price and see what can be done with extra expenses. By worry is if you wait the market will continue to go down a bit and that next summer will be worse. But I am no real estate expert at all. Maybe you can talk to one for advice?
I know for me...we spent about 20,000 for a new fence/deck/landscaping and finishing the garage in the past few years and in today's market there is no way I would expect to get it back.
I was the anon above at 11:37... thought I was signed in. Woops. While I'm not too sure how long we'll be here (at least a few more years... perhaps longer if we're *lucky*), there is definitely a need for housing on the low end of the spectrum. Given our house is a decent size less than $120k and is mechanically sound, I'm optimistic that we won't have issues selling it in the future. You never know though as Dan mentioned. I like to think the updating we've done (painting,decorating,etc.) to move the house out of the 70/80s should help ;). I couldn't believe how popular wallpaper was (still is?) when we were looking for homes.
So how about that homeowners bailout? Considering we bought at peak market yet were smart enough to go with a fixed rate loan AND within our budget somewhat peeves me. Where's my responsibility reward at? ;)
Ouwxguesser....
I am in the weather forecast field myself... but getting to the bailout that was signed...the talk about why should responsible people bailout those who were not is a hot topic. I dont even pretend to know all what was included in the bill...but a brief look at its description on the web shows it has some pretty tight restrictions, etc...so all in all wont help as many people as you may think. And I should point out our area certainly did not see all the crazy run up in prices and crazy lending like places in California and elsewhere did. My neighbors I was chatting with I would not put in the non-responsible part as well as they are good folks and did what they thought was the right decision. just bad timing.
Now...those people who make 30,000 a year buying a 700,000 house with no down payment...interest only the first two years with teaser rates, etc...then suprised when their mortgage zooms up afterwards...those I could count as irresponsible. Same as those who decide to walk.
From the sounds of your house...your price range is a good one and the lower end of the market should always be a bit better.
The distressed homeowner has 2 options...
#1, Hunker down and wait it out.
#2, Short-sale your property, try protect your credit and get the hell out of Grand Forks.
In other markets, #1 is a no-brainer. In GF, ND #2 is your only option.
Why? Your market will get worse before it gets better. Then, values will appreciate in GF at a VERY slow rate. In the meantime, the weak political leaders in the market will play you. How? Why? The entire city property values need to be reassessed because values have dropped. Well, one problem, less value, less property taxes. So, bite down, your property taxes are going up. AND, interest rates are going up. Meaning, prospective buyers for your home will soon not be able to qualify to buy your home.
Cut your losses NOW. Do your best to protect your credit and, for your family's sake, run for your life.
On another note, just wait until the tax abatements begin to expire on the Elite Brownstones, those properties market value will plummet.
Housing and financing decisions are easy. The country is plagued with citizens making horrible decisions. People, rise up. Make some hard decisions NOW, you'll be rewarded in the future.
""Now...those people who make 30,000 a year buying a 700,000 house with no down payment...interest only the first two years with teaser rates, etc...then suprised when their mortgage zooms up afterwards...those I could count as irresponsible. Same as those who decide to walk.""
Who the heck was the banker/lender that would approve such a loan? I know it was a rhetorical statement but we can't just blame the person getting the loan.
I don't understand why they are bailing anyone out when they should be forcing both sides to sit down and work out a realistic loan/payment plan. I guess that would be asking too much.
CY: There are certainly situations that make you wonder what crack the lenders were smoking (the greed pipe probably).
After reading a little into the legislation, it is good to see handouts won't be thrown out to every sole (must have equity loans paid off etc.).
What it really comes down to is the country finally paying for life on credit. Of course the government isn't setting a good example for its citizens either...
Here are some links about some of the outrageous loans that were approved by some very fraudlent loan officers. I have read many blogs on the housing crisis and what some loan officers did to make a buck was criminal. Now we are not talking about getting a mortgage at a local bank...and those who were fradulent were few and far between...but they were out there. One famous story was of a strawberry picker near Hollister California with a 14K income getting approved for a 720,000 house. 1 1/2 yr later he was foreclosed. They claim it was because the guy did not speak english and he did not understand what he was signing.
http://hollisterfreelance.com/news/contentview.asp?c=213141
http://www.city-data.com/forum/mortgages/250262-holy-schnikes-39-000-yr-700-a.html
Stories, schmories! There are crooks in every industry. Those borrowers are fools! I'm not sticking up for Mortgage Brokers.
The Government needs to get their hands off any legislation and let the market adjust.
""The Government needs to get their hands off any legislation and let the market adjust.""
That's probably the most intelligent sentence I've seen in quite some time!
I had heard the Government in some areas had encouraged (pushed) lenders to make loans as a form of affirmative action and now they are unhappy with the loans made. Naw, I think it was greed.
Post # 99
Post # 100
"Hands-off" regulation is what allowed all these subprime loans and subsequent financial products to be made. These charlatans didn't create real wealth, they just bundled, repackaged and resold bad debt, preying on the unsuspecting. If you really want to have an unregulated financial products , then we need to incorporate this into high school curriculum or sooner.
You say unsuspecting, I say dumb fuck.
Potato-potahto.
BTW, I bought in a so-called declining market that is on the news on a nightly basis for record foreclosures. I bought at the height of values in America.
My Mortgage Broker said "The average homeowner lives in their home for three years, I can put you in a 5 yr. ARM and save you 50 bucks a month". Me..."No thanks, I'll go 30 yr fixed".
Your "unsuspecting" would have gone with the ARM and now be renting with shattered credit.
BTW, I bought in the right neighborhood and my home has appreciated 100K in 3.5 years. The more the declining neighborhoods lose value, the more my home appreciates.
Your "unsuspecting" and you are idiots.
You probably do need Uncle Sam to help you put your right foot in front of your left foot when you walk.
Fool.
And what's your deregulated view of FDA oversight of food and imported toys and dog food.
Fresh salmonella on sale! Got any takers? I see one foolish enough to bite. Just look up.
Tough crowd here today ! Attention Dog Park People. City staff will start checking Dog license tonight and take photos of car license plates. They will match dog owners and law breakers. Stiff fines of $50. Dogs need shots, tags, in case of dog bites. Remember little girl in Devils Lake a few years ago that got bitten, had 200 stitches in her face and dog had rabies. greenglass4
I know I am, but what are you?
All this name-calling is making me sad...sniff.
Apples to oranges. Lead paints, trans fats, and bacteria infected products are invisible. In the case of bad loans, the "victim" sat there, read the documents, and signed away.
Amen to the comment apples and oranges. I thought the same thing right from the start, go after the people that forced them to buy that house...
Anyone see "White Trailer Park Trash" at Fire Hall Theatre ? WDAZ had a review on tonight at 10 O'clock news report. Some taken offense at sterotype of local mobile home residents. There will be pickets outside Fridays show. What is the opinion out there ? greenglass4
My opinion out here is it's time for your computer to crash.
@11:50
though I don't think I've posted in this thread yet, sorry, I'm using xandros.
my opinion is that I agree with the idea of your computer crashing. lol
Anybody that pickets probably saw themselves in the play. If it looks like a duck....
I would guess that this is a good opportunity for the s.w.a.t. team to be out in force. Use the rubber bullets and tasers on all of them, and have the firetrucks standing by also in case we need to use the waterhose on them because it could get nasty. I can't wait to see who the losers are that would actually picket...
wow, and here I was thinking that Grand Forks was such a friendly community to live in...
In the City Briefs this week...
WANTED: $10,000 INVESTMENT To recover $3 million. For details, 701-741-4471. Gary A. Hangsleben, GF.
To the posters above who don't understand the sub-prime meltdown, and want to point their fingers at individuals, or institutions who offered the loans to those borrowers, you need to understand the facts.
These we SUB-PRIME loans people. These were borrowers who already killed their credit by racking up their credit cards, trying to pay for 2 new car loans, etc. Then, they carried this recklessness over to mortgage financing. It's just simply a case of people lacking personal responsibility. In fact, look at ANY challenge facing America right now, you can trace the "problem" back to people who just lack simple personal responsibility. The sad fact is, these family's children are sucked down too.
Rise up Americans! Take responsibility for you actions! Hopefully, this time BEFORE the *&%# hits the fan!!!
what happened to talking about reality here in GF? I simply asked a question about the LOCAL market...didn't mean to start a rant about the improper use of credit across the nation...sorry to have asked a simple question.
Since I'll be around for a while it would be nice to see some positive developements come about...what is there for our children to do here in the winter? Besides sledding or hockey??? Is there a website to find out about community education?
I would recommend getting the kids into gymnastics if possible...we know several kids of various ages (from 3 to 10) who go to Red River gymnastics club (next to Centre Court Fitness) and they love it. Our son goes there in the fall and spring with others through daycare. And of course we will have him into skating lessons as well. I am sure there is basketball camps, etc for kids. Look at the YMCA or join there as they have swimming. Winter is great time of year (for me at least :)
Dan
"Attorneys Anonymous for those having difficulty with attorneys, judges and the legal system over divorce and legal custody of children, 2 p.m. Sundays. For location, call (701) 741-4471 or write to Box 14222, Grand Forks."
Hey, it's Gary again!
Can anyone recommend a really good local dentist for braces?
"Rise up Americans! Take responsibility for you actions! Hopefully, this time BEFORE the *&%# hits the fan!!!"
Spoken like a true mortgage writer!
Any time I've gone in I had to "apply" for a loan and if my credit was bad, the lending institute refused my loan. You make it sound like the lenders had no choice but to make the loan.
I agree that finances should be a required subject in middle and high school.
Wake up ! ! ! ! :-)
Can anyone recommend a really good local dentist for braces?
Not local. Go to Winnipeg or Park River, etc. Locally they treat you like you're lucky they have time to deal with you. I think some even have a cover charge to enter their offices. (tongue in cheek)
@ 12:13 - we do a bi-weekly jazz jam at the Urban Stampede. It's an all-ages thing and I'm sure even younger kids would get a kick out of it.
I disagree with the comment about no good dentists here. I have no trouble with mine, but if you're looking for braces then you want to see an orthodontist unless you plan on getting Invisalign. I currently go to Michel Nuveen and I have no problems with him. I know other people that go to him also.
For everyone that is at the picket tonight, meet after at The Diamond. Big bike rally in Sturgis this weekend and next 10 days, 500,000 bikes. Be there. greenglass4
Wait, you mean people were really picketing a community theater production? BWAHAHAHAHAHA!! It's like a Christopher Guest movie come to life! Bravo!
Invisalign may work for some, but I'd get a few opinions. It is costly and usually takes longer. Try John Nord, Orthdontist.
Anon at 1:16pm, August 1st:
You also forgot:
http://singledadnascar.blog.com/
aka Gary's blog.
Did we know about this before?
He proofreads his posts over there about as often as he does here.
has anybody called Gary yet to find out what it's all about? I have the $10K but not enough time to make the call
anybody tell me quick? my finger's on the button (transfer funds)
shoot, too late
I bet it's a cinch, too
Kudos to whoever put on the Grand Forks Pizza contest! Le Bistro got my vote.
I think it was Boston's. Well, I know at least that Boston's participated in it because I got a pizza there tonight and I asked one of the servers how things were going and he said something about a pizza contest. Good job!
I agree...innocent until proven guilty.
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