« The 100 Best Things in Park Slope Inside the Brooklyn House of Detention »
December 17, 2008
Open Thread Wednesday
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://www.brownstoner.com/mte/mt-tb.cgi/7674
Comments
"First word in this morning. Sad."
- Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 8:34 AM (Open Thread: 12.016.08)
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 10:29 AM
> SnarkSlope to compose new musical.
The infinitely wise Montrose Morris is correct. I present to you, ladies, gentleman, posters of all ages, a rough draft of:
"Brownstonerian Rhapsody"
Are these the End Times?
Is this just real estate?
Caught in a collapse
No escape from the big deflate
Open your eyes,
Look up to the comps and see
I'm just a poor boy, I got no equity,
I got a liar loan, sub-prime loan,
Risk rate high, FICO low,
Any way the price goes doesn't really matter to me, to me
Muffet, just bought a place,
Put an offer in today,
Pulled the trigger, so they say,
Muffet, the fall has just begun,
But now you’ve gone and thrown your cash away
Muffet, oooh-oooh-oooh,
Didn’t think you’d ever buy
If I’m not back again to blog tomorrow
Comment on, comment on, as if pricing doesn’t matter
Too late, the end has come,
Foreclosures on my block, prices dropping like a rock
Goodbye, everybody, I've got to go,
Gonna mail the bank the keys and walk away
Muffet oooh-oooh-oooh, I don't want to cry,
But I sometimes wish I'd never done bought at all
[guitar solo]
I smell a little whiff of doom down on Wall Street,
Banker douche, banker douche, will you do the perp walk now?
Fannie Mae and Freddy, swirling down an eddy, whee!
Housing bubble! Housing bubble!
Housing bubble! Housing bubble!
Housing bubble trouble-o-o-o-o
I’m just a renter and nobody loves me
He’s just a hipster from a rich family-
Spare him his life from responsibility
Easy come easy go, will you let me go
Bernanke!
No, we will not let you go
(let him go)
Bernanke!
We will not let you go
(let him go)
Bernanke!
We will not let you go
(let me go)
Will not let you go
(let me go)
Will not let you go
(let me go)
No, no, no, no, no, no, no
Obama mia, ‘Bama mia, ‘Bama mia save us all
Beelzebush has a pardon put aside for me, for me, for me
So you think you can rob me and bail out the bank
So you think you can sell me the Kool-aid you drank
Oh Henry, can’t do this to me, Henry
Just gotta bail out, just gotta bail right outta here
Everything’s in tatters,
Anyone can see,
Everything’s in tatters, everything’s in tatters, you see
(Who knows where the TARP goes?)
Posted by: SnarkSlope at December 17, 2008 10:33 AM
Watch out BRG. I was up pretty early in the morning and I'll be gunnin' for ya today.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 10:33 AM
we are having a pizza party today at work. woo woo!
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 17, 2008 10:33 AM
Well done snark.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 10:37 AM
Brilliant, Snark!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 10:42 AM
All hail Snark!
[I bow in your general direction :) ]
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 10:43 AM
Beyond good Snark. Although I think "Brownstonian Rhapsody" is catchier.
Posted by: wasder at December 17, 2008 10:44 AM
And the Tony goes to........Snark Slope.
Brilliant!
Posted by: Montrose Morris at December 17, 2008 10:45 AM
"Watch out BRG. I was up pretty early in the morning and I'll be gunnin' for ya today."
Watch out DIBS, I've slept 9 hours in the past 2 days looks like I'll be gunnin' for me today, also. :)
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 10:46 AM
Oh my God Snark. That was fabulous. I was actually singing along in my head, and the "Obama mia" frenetic no, no, no, parts were positively hilarious!
Posted by: Nokilissa at December 17, 2008 10:47 AM
Thanks Ben Bernanke for turning the US Dollar into "Clown Bucks". I rather go to Chuckie Cheese and use their bucks!
Dollar Falls Most Against Euro Since 1999 Debut After Fed Cut
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a.se8gJrUrd8&refer=home
Dec. 17 (Bloomberg) -- The dollar declined the most against the euro since the 15-nation currency’s 1999 debut and sank to a 13-year low versus the yen after the Federal Reserve cut its target lending rate to as low as zero.
There is no good news on this action!
And...
SEC chairman says agency failed to probe Madoff
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a stunning rebuke, the Securities and Exchange Commission chairman blames his career regulators for a decade-long failure to investigate Wall Street money manager Bernard L. Madoff, now accused of running one of the largest Ponzi schemes ever.
On Tuesday night, SEC Chairman Christopher Cox ordered an internal investigation of what went wrong and offered a scathing critique of the conduct of his staff attorneys. He said they never bothered to seek a formal commission-approved investigation that would have forced Madoff to surrender vital information under subpoena. Instead, the staff relied on information voluntarily produced by Madoff and his firm.
Credible and specific allegations regarding Madoff's financial wrongdoing going back to at least 1999 were repeatedly brought to the attention of SEC staff, said Cox.
You gotta love this crap! Remember I wrote yesterday that this part of the Click Clak Crew that Hijacked America! There are people coming out the woodworks now saying that Madoff did them with no grease...
2009 is going to a disaster..
The What
Someday this war is gonna end..
Posted by: Return of The What at December 17, 2008 10:52 AM
"Banker douche, banker douche, will you do the perp walk now?"
Snark, unbelievable! We need a Song of the Day competition. Actually, there'll be no competition since you'll win it every time. Thank you; that was amazing.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 10:59 AM
What, I saw on cnbc that Christopher Cox was a contestant on the game show Password Plus, where he won more than $5,000 over multiple appearances.
Meanwhile, it seems like the SEC was busy over the last decade playing "The Price is Right"!
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 11:02 AM
Good mornig What, Did you see the NYT article with this nugget:
One of the commission’s investigative teams that had examined the Madoff firm was headed by a lawyer named Eric Swanson, who served for 10 years as a lawyer at the commission and left in 2006 while he was an assistant director of the office of compliance inspections and examinations in Washington.
In 2007, Mr. Swanson married Shana Madoff, a niece of Bernard L. Madoff and daughter of his brother, Peter Madoff, the firm’s chief compliance officer. Ms. Madoff is the firm’s compliance attorney.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/17/business/17madoff.html?ref=business
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 11:04 AM
I suggest we come up with a script, snark writes the music and we hold a performance of the Brownstonean Theatrical Guild in the masonic Hall and put on a show. we can raise funds for any worthy cause. (I do costumes- used to for years.) Should we have a final Hair scene?
Curtain Up- stage completely black- then cast members (starkly lit, follow spots on all) come slowly on stage singing snarkslope's song. As more come on stage, tempo picks up until frenetic Obama, then slows down again. At the end all collapse on stage, dropping their tin cups and pencils to the ground.
we could call it Brownstoliver by Snarks Dickens
Posted by: bxgrl at December 17, 2008 11:05 AM
Today on Brownstoner (Proof it's all coming true):
Snarkslope unveils his award winning new musical "Brownstonerian Rhapsody"
BRG submits her Character Synopis for the new Dramady 'Slopey Sex in the City'
Benson posts his family tree linking Mr. B and Lisa.
Bxgrl and Polemecist head out to visit their mother for the holiday.
Dave posts the deeds to all his business ventures.
Montrose requests a world wide design competition for the Pizza Hut in Crown Heights.
Biff doesn't post.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 11:07 AM
Thanks guys, and thanks to Wasder for the tweak to the title.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at December 17, 2008 11:09 AM
rob's looking for a Santa costume in the Forum. I'm skeptical abut his motives :)
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 11:12 AM
great great work snarkscope. should be published to wider audience as year-ender tribute. meanwhile i'll post it (with credit) on my facebook page!
Posted by: herenow at December 17, 2008 11:14 AM
"Meanwhile, it seems like the SEC was busy over the last decade playing "The Price is Right"!"
Yep Biff America has been Hijacked.
"In 2007, Mr. Swanson married Shana Madoff, a niece of Bernard L. Madoff and daughter of his brother, Peter Madoff, the firm’s chief compliance officer. Ms. Madoff is the firm’s compliance attorney."
Cobblehiller if people beLIEve that the old man was the only one in on this scam then, he should get away with it. Matter of fact I want to form a "Free Madoff" movement. He was feeding the Greedy and Delusional side of the masses. He gave them everything the wanted and I find no fault with that (No sarcasm).
The list of Asshats is very large and some big people got their asses handed to them!
List of victims in alleged US Ponzi scheme include world's big banks, the rich and the famous
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/081215/wall_street_arrest.html
Damage continued to ripple from the massive fraud allegedly engineered by storied Wall Street money manager Bernard Madoff on Monday, even as investigators worked to unravel the scheme's working and its reach.
Well.. I think the "reach" was deep, right around the throat area..
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at December 17, 2008 11:18 AM
"Should we have a final Hair scene?"
Me thinks you go too far!
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 11:19 AM
What would be even more unbelievable is that he didn't hide a bunch of this money in Switzerland and that he hasn't secured a second passport. I would be very surprised if he's still here after he gets out on bail. I see the judge also asked for his wife's passport as well. bail was only $10 MM but he had to have 4 guarantors sign as well. Even a couple billion squirrelled away would make flight a "no brainer."
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 11:25 AM
"rob's looking for a Santa costume in the Forum. I'm skeptical abut his motives :)"
In the Forum
"December 17, 2008
does anyone have a santa costume i can borrow?
i know this is really short notice, but i would need to borrow it by friday. i guess this is a long shot.
*rob*
- Posted by PitbullNYC at 10:57 AM
DIBS, leave him alone, you don't like Santa Claus? Maybe he wants to deliver presents....huh. Maybe he wants to slide down your chimeny and put a present under your tree.
Give the kid a break, he's getting into the spirit of things!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 11:29 AM
Sure, and he could pay his pals back for the bail, too when they come visit at his chalet...
I think what What says makes some sense - it seems like the guy could/likely had help. Or at least the temporary blindness of delusion and greed.
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 11:32 AM
Let's ask him why he wants the costume:
Hey Rob! Why do you want the Santa costume? What are you going to use it for?
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 11:33 AM
"What would be even more unbelievable is that he didn't hide a bunch of this money in Switzerland and that he hasn't secured a second passport. I would be very surprised if he's still here after he gets out on bail. I see the judge also asked for his wife's passport as well. bail was only $10 MM but he had to have 4 guarantors sign as well. Even a couple billion squirrelled away would make flight a "no brainer."
Yeah Dave but, the people he fleeced have a large reach! If Madoff tried to flee, they would send some bad dudes to look for him. He's not going anywhere and I'm willing to bet he gets off...
The What
Someday this war is gonna end..
Posted by: Return of The What at December 17, 2008 11:36 AM
"What would be even more unbelievable is that he didn't hide a bunch of this money in Switzerland and that he hasn't secured a second passport."
DIBS, I'm sure you're right (i.e., that he has taken care of all this). Anyone doing even a "minor" swindle involving a few mill would have had the wherewithal to do this. It will be interesting to see how much money they actually find. If he hid it well; they'll uncover very little.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 11:37 AM
"Yeah Dave but, the people he fleeced have a large reach! If Madoff tried to flee, they would send some bad dudes to look for him. He's not going anywhere and I'm willing to bet he gets off..."
What, if people will send bad dudes to get him in Switzerland (or Cayman Islands, or wherever), don't you think they'll be even more likely to do it if he walks and remains in the U.S.? That's why a part of me wants to see him walk free...so he can deal with the bad dudes face to face!
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 11:41 AM
Wow, that's an interesting thought...Madoff might be safer in jail! At least very few people in there will have had investments with him!
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 11:46 AM
Re: the Santa outfit. I just asked Rob if he would settle for a Hanukkah Harry costume. I'm thinking some generous Member of the Tribe might have one.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 11:46 AM
Some good news for a change...
"Time magazine names Obama 2008 "Person of the Year""
Sarah Palin was a runner-up...(I'm not kidding)
"It said US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson was first runner-up followed by French President Nicolas Sarkozy, Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and China's Zhang Yimou, who directed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing."
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 11:48 AM
Yeah Biff but this thing is bigger that old man Madoff. It's the collection of mindset that forms the Mutant Asset Bubble. Without this psychology the Greed and Delusion could not take place and things would be normal for Working Class Asses. Madoff is just one small clog in the machine but that clog has fallen out and the machine is falling apart..
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at December 17, 2008 11:49 AM
The opening and closing ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing was awesome!!
The What
Someday this war is gonna end..
Posted by: Return of The What at December 17, 2008 11:51 AM
Mortgage rates are under 5% for non jumbos. Mid 5's for jumbos.
I couldn't help myself. Going to be a good Christmas.
Oh, i forgot... coupons, poop, nimbys, atlantic yards, park slope, clinton hill, the g trian, hipsters, yuppies, ikea, stroller nazis, and a partridge in a pear tree.
adahill@approvedfunding.com
Posted by: Adam Dahill at December 17, 2008 11:59 AM
Adam, what are you trying to incite some crazy trifecta riot?
You said: Poop and strollers in the Park Slope thread!!
Bold, very bold!
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 12:04 PM
"Time magazine names Obama 2008 "Person of the Year"
That's no surprise.
Hubby will be buying the issue and saving it along with every other magazine and newspaper that had anything noteworthy.
Between his collection of Obama material, along with his stamp collection, in 300 years, I'll inherit a fortune!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 12:11 PM
i wanted to dress as santa for my office's secret santa gift exchange on friday. nothing perverse hahaha or nothing noble like giving kids toys or anything like that.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 17, 2008 12:18 PM
Mention should be made here of the fledgling attempts to start a petition or some sort of grassroots effort to look into saving or landmarking the Wiloughby Avenue Convent in the eponymous thread. Go see.
Also, does anyone know how much to pay a babysitter for New Year's eve? We've haven't gone out since having children (I know, so lame) and have no idea what to expect or what to pay. Help?
Posted by: Nokilissa at December 17, 2008 12:22 PM
Question for Rob: Aka PitbullNYC
We've been looking at adopting a dog form the pound lately. (I volunteer there on w/e's) and no suprise Pit bulls dominate those available. Having walked hundreds of these it's fairly clear that with the correct ownership they can become well adjusted pets. I know you've posted here before on the subject but was hoping you could elaborate.
Did you have issues with apartment destruction ? Did it take a long time to train to a reasonable level ?
Is it something you'd recommend given your experience ?
Are you ever comfortable walking without a muzzle ?
Thanks
Stu
Posted by: 10thStreetReno at December 17, 2008 12:24 PM
It was an accident. I'm going to be in the slope later today and I hope the stroller mafia doesn't come looking for me.
What else did I miss? Novo Park Slope? breast feeding in Two Boots?
Posted by: Adam Dahill at December 17, 2008 12:32 PM
hey 10th and reno,
duke doesnt need a muzzle and i didnt have any problems with him destroying the apartment. he did however, for a while, not even sure why, like to rip the straps off all my backpacks and bags. it was annoying, but i think he was just wanted attention. he eventually stopped that. but someone told me he probably smelled food in my bags and id always have snacks in my bags so that is probably why..
he didnt come from an abusive or neglected home, it was a friend of a friend's dad who got him when his wife died or something like that.. but he was old and couldnt take care of him.
unfortunately yeah pitbulls do dominate the pounds, it's sad. i love love love my dog, but i dont know if i had to do it over again if i would take in another pitbull.. not because he does anything bad, he's loyal and gets along with other dogs and people (he does like the bark at certain people for some reason), but the reactions sometimes gets annoying, like oooOOOoo a pitbull.. do you think youre tough or something!?!? it's like no, that was just the dog that came into my life, i didnt choose his breed.
what animal shelter do you volunteer with? do you guys need any extra helping hands? im always up for stuff like that. i havent done any kind of volunteer work in a long time and it might actually be a good thing for me to do some.
*rob*
Posted by: PitbullNYC at December 17, 2008 12:35 PM
Anything about Bed Stuy Adam.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 12:35 PM
I wonder if Doctor Scholl's is also a clog in the machine?
Posted by: wasder at December 17, 2008 12:40 PM
cobblehiller- in hair shirts (to show atonement for the crash!) Ah HA! your mind is in the gutter- tsk tsk girl! :-)
I read somewhere that Madoff's sons helped turn him in? wouldn't want to spend the holidays with that family.
----------------------
Stu- I know very little about pit bulls except for the one my neighbor adopted from an animal rescuer and who I babysit on occasion. This is not a watchdog- if you walked into her house he would give you the stereo and TV to be friends. He is loveable and smart. She got him when he was about 9 months old but the only damage was to several pairs of shoes. They are great dogs but you probably should hire a professional trainer to help you. My friend did - (she also has cats and she does remain very watchful).
She dressed the dog up as Little Red Riding Hood at halloween- if that didn't make him attack, nothing will.
Posted by: bxgrl at December 17, 2008 12:40 PM
Update on Madoff....he's under house arrest, 7 PM currfew and electronic monitoring. His wife has agrred to give up the Palm Beach and Hamptons homes if he flees. That would leave her in the poor position of only owning the UES townhouse.
Her best strategy financially might be to file for divorce before all the charges are brought and settle it immediately. He might be able to collude with her.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 12:44 PM
Past noon and the Open Thread isn't even in triple digit posts yet? Did anyone see the Obama sneakers just posted in the Forum? I wonder if anyone's making Palin hunting shirts.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 12:49 PM
biff- this is for you:
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/17/toilet-seat-trauma/?hp :-)
Posted by: bxgrl at December 17, 2008 12:52 PM
"Update on Madoff....he's under house arrest, 7 PM currfew and electronic monitoring."
In that push upper East Side Townhouse. Boy you gotta love America...
Have Dave how much exposure your Hedge Fund had to Madoff???
The What
Someday this war is gonna end..
Posted by: Return of The What at December 17, 2008 12:53 PM
bxgrl...are you one of those women who does not look to see if the seat is down before she sits???
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 12:55 PM
No exposure to Madoff here and none of our clients do either. We live yet one more day here.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 12:56 PM
DIBS- of course not.(Having learned the hard way)
Posted by: bxgrl at December 17, 2008 1:00 PM
Rob,
thanks for the feedback. I hear you on the whole pit bull thing. I know pound dogs nearly always have their issues but it's just something I've been looking at for a while. Appreciate the feedback.
I help out at the New york animal and control center. It's on Linden Blvd, right at the end of the 3 line. East New York so not the best spot but giving the dogs a half hour walk when they normally only get 15 mins every 24 hours is rewarding, pit bull or otherwise. Given the budget cuts they are always looking for volunteers. Check out the website for details. http://www.nycacc.org
There's also BARC in Williamsburg. That's very close to Mclaren Park so a bit more enjoyable as far as walking.
Thanks
Stu
Posted by: 10thStreetReno at December 17, 2008 1:00 PM
"No exposure to Madoff here and none of our clients do either. We live yet one more day here"
Whoa Dave, that sounds bearish coming from you! Is the Starship MAB is in a collision course with a asteroid or you ran out of Lithium Crystals for the Reality Distortion Field?
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at December 17, 2008 1:11 PM
I actually fell in the other day myself...fortunately, I had just cleaned the bathroom a few hours earlier...it was Juanita's day off [Benson and I share a Domestic Management Consultant].
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 1:11 PM
were you bobbing for Christmas cookies cobble???
cobble & benson...I think I know Juanita's brother!!!
No What, we are fine. That was just a bit of sarcasm.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 1:14 PM
"biff- this is for you:
http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/17/toilet-seat-trauma/?hp :-)"
um, bxgrl, dare I ask why that was for me?
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 1:15 PM
Oh, never mind, I think it was a reference to increasing the posts here.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 1:16 PM
No Dave, Fortunately, I keep the cookies in plastic containers in a different room from the toilet! Shocking but true!
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 1:18 PM
The sun is burning, I am yearning
For the waterflow (waterflow)
Next to my skin I, like to begin a
Waterflow (waterflow)
Letting off steam I float in a dream,
I can't let go (can't let go)
Follow my wishes, follow the fishes
Down below (down below)
I go swimming
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 1:20 PM
Oh biff, that was just toto much!
Posted by: bxgrl at December 17, 2008 1:24 PM
biff- I thought if anyone could take that and ...er...run with it, you could.
Posted by: bxgrl at December 17, 2008 1:25 PM
BRG...just checked that email. Tonight.
Sent you my regular email addy too.
Can't wait for Horror House Friday.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 1:26 PM
Oh I forgot.
Hi, my name is blah blah blah from Ohio. I just moved to NYC and I want to be an artist/actor/model/fashion designer. I've been looking on craiglist and I've been seeing some real good rents in an area called Bed Stuy. How is the area? Is it safe for a young single white female? Are their any cool bars in the neighborhood? How long does it take to get to Williamsburg? I hear that it is an up and coming neighborhood.
signed midwestern transplant
Posted by: Adam Dahill at December 17, 2008 1:27 PM
Adam, are you dipping into the Christmas brandy already?
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 1:32 PM
He's trying to rile things up here cobble. He's giddy from writing mortgages hand over fist this morning and yesterday.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 1:35 PM
Right, 5% and 5.25% - hou could I forget? Yawn...At least someone is busy!
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 1:38 PM
4.75% with one point for a two family. Has that one come down anymore since Monday, Adam?
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 1:41 PM
All,
What's the difference between "investing" and "gambling"?
***Bid half off peak comps***
Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at December 17, 2008 1:44 PM
Snark -- Amazing, a tour de force.
Adam -- you forgot to mention summer covers, the Slope/South Slope boundary, crime in PLG, noise outside Union Hall, celebrity mansion hunting/selling, AY, Scarano, and contextual infill development in Greenwood Heights (aka the dire need to tear down all those tiny shacks). You could also try posting a free ad in the forum pages.
Posted by: slopefarm at December 17, 2008 1:46 PM
Oh this should be good! Go on BHO...
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 1:47 PM
No, it's for you to answer, cobblehiller. I really want to read how people distinguish between the two.
***Bid half off peak comps***
Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at December 17, 2008 1:59 PM
Ironic....I just spent the last hour discussing toilets. Well really in wall carrier systems.
I can use a cookie, cobble!
Okay, DIBS, I'll hit you later tonight, really late actually.
Two holiday parties tonight.
"What's the difference between "investing" and "gambling"?"
I'm going to say there is no difference.
Both with no knowledge of what you're doing, you can lose a fortune.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 1:59 PM
Even lower today Dave, but they just raised rates a tad due to volume. Everyone has been laying off support staff for the past year and now their is too much volume. All the banks repriced for the worse just to slow down the volume. It's crazy I know. The trend is heading lower so don't worry you will see even better shortly.
Brandy, not just yet. My mother is getting a degree today, she went back to college a couple years back and she graduates today from Sarah Lawrence. I'm just very happy for her. She is first generation US and was told that women didn't go to college back then. I'm glad that she did it. Sorry, too personal.
Whole Foods in Park Slope???, homeless people stoop pooping in Boreum Hill, Suspect fires in Greenpoint, Bernie Madoff, Hassids VS. bike lanes, FEDDERS, End of the world party, OBAMA!!!!, Asshats, recessed lighting, exposed brick, mexican injections...
Anything else? Starting to sound like a brownstoner version of "we didn't start the fire."
Posted by: Adam Dahill at December 17, 2008 2:02 PM
OK, so tell us Hal Off.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 2:02 PM
Gambling and investing are pretty much synonymous I would say. of course there are much reckless and less reckless versions of each but really it comes down to the same thing, and that is betting on the rise or fall of somethings relative value.
Posted by: wasder at December 17, 2008 2:03 PM
meant to say more reckless not much reckless of course.
Posted by: wasder at December 17, 2008 2:04 PM
I'm going to say that chance and information can inform both BHO.
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 2:07 PM
"My mother is getting a degree today, she went back to college a couple years back and she graduates today from Sarah Lawrence."
That's so AWESOME, Adam! I'm really happy for her, too! Hope you have a nice graduation dinner together!
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 2:08 PM
Kudos to your mother Adam. My aunt went to college but my mother didn't.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 2:10 PM
“Good fortune is what happens when opportunity meets with planning.”
"Success occurs when opportunity meets preparation"
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 2:18 PM
Did you get those from fortune cookies during lunch, BRG?
Each one works well with the obligatory "in bed" added to the end!!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 2:21 PM
"OK, so tell us Hal Off."
See me @ 1:59, madoffinbedstuy.
***Bid half off peak comps***
Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at December 17, 2008 2:24 PM
"I'm going to say that chance and information can inform both BHO."
So no difference, cobblehiller?
***Bid half off peak comps***
Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at December 17, 2008 2:25 PM
Thanks for the kind words Cobblehiller and DIBS. I'm very proud of her. It's takes a lot to go back to school late in life. She's thinking about grad school now. It would be the biggest kick in the ass to my father if she ends up making more money then him.
well, I'm out of here for the day.
Anyone see Bernie Madoff leaving the courthouse today?
Posted by: Adam Dahill at December 17, 2008 2:25 PM
I guess business is so good for mortgage brokers these days that they can leave at 2:25!!! :)
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 2:27 PM
Sounds like (from a limited sample) that nobody thinks there is much difference between investing and gambling BHO. What is your point?
Posted by: wasder at December 17, 2008 2:29 PM
Adam, sorry, I didn't read your post (psst, I tend to skip over long posts).
But, you should be very proud of your mother, indeed. Give her a big hug and a kiss and tell her how proud you are....flowers are a nice gesture, also.
Tell her to make her dreams a reality!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 2:30 PM
For one thing, gambling usually is an act that the payoff, or lack thereoff, is known within a very short time, usually hours, minutes or days. Investing, by definition and as opposed to speculating, is something done for the very long term. Buying a stock in the market and thinking its going up in a short period of time is not investing.
Now you enlighten us with your acumen, BHO.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 2:35 PM
So no difference, cobblehiller?
Well, a card shark counting cards can do well at Black jack, and the avg. schmuck - me, can really fail miserably. And a person that does the right investigating and studies can do well in the market.
Not much difference, really. Investing is like some kind of a global collusion bet. You say this is worth x but really investing is less real that say playing cards. 4 Jacks beats 4 9's.
They're both bets. They can both be dangerous.
(Did anyone watch that new show Leverage last night?)
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 2:39 PM
Generally speaking that is a good distinction DIBS. There are some long term gambling propositions I am sure, such as wagering on whether or not someone will win an election in a few years time or which team will win next year's superbowl. But I agree that is a good general distinction between gambling and investing. The kinds of information one uses in both is similar though.
Posted by: wasder at December 17, 2008 2:39 PM
BHO: I guess it depends on the risk you are taking in the end. How much can you afford to lose?
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 2:45 PM
wasder & cobble...i assumed he wasn't going to respond; at least not intelligently. Maybe he's gone to Atlantic City
Madoffinbedstuy
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 2:49 PM
Madoffinbedstuy, he has gone to his investment mecca, the Trump Taj Mahal.
Underwasder (as he named me earlier)
Posted by: wasder at December 17, 2008 2:53 PM
Was he the one who gave you that name? I thought it was the What.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 2:54 PM
Nope, in his earlier phase as Dow8000 (the DOWhat days) he named me that. Not bad really, and quite possibly true before too long, though I think I can deal with that theoretical loss.
Posted by: wasder at December 17, 2008 2:57 PM
Forgive my totally layman's approach to this, and for taking the query seriously, but it seems to me that investing involves taking on an ownership of something, whether it is shares of stock, shares of a mutual fund (a corporation), a CD, a bank account, a home, etc. These things all have their attendant risks (the bank may default, the company may go bankrupt, the portfolio manager may be an idiot, the market may go down, etc), but, absent fraud, there is something lying underneath. When you gamble, the thing you bet on -- a lottery ticket, the dice, the marble, or the horse -- you own nothing of value unless you win. If you lose, there is no market for your lottery ticket. Real investing, as opposed to speculation, only starts to look synonymous with gambling in volatile times like the present, when banks etc. actually fail. My home value may go down (although not yet, based on a very recent appraisal), but we are a long way away from it reaching zero. Not so with a bet on a horse that comes in fifth.
I am sure you will all shoot me down for my naivete, but there it is.
P.S. I hope snark or someone is working up a good 12 Days of Brownstoner Christmas that tracks the original. Seems ripe for the picking. Maybe we can get rob to sing it in his Santa suit from Jersey City. Ho Ho Ho(boken).
Posted by: slopefarm at December 17, 2008 3:05 PM
wasder...i just did the math and added up all the money I put into my brownstone from the point I bought it in early 2007. I started renting the first floor in 2008 so i have to get all the numbers for my taxes. I'm sure that i would be underwasder if I had to sell it but I don't, so I'm not. And that is the correct way of thinking about it. Now if I had zero equity I'd be more worried!!!
3:07...the casino we call the market closes in 53 minutes
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 3:07 PM
Yeah Dave, that is where my head is at right now too. With my rental income I have seriously reduced my monthly nut regardless of the nominal value of the house so I am fine with that. And I have no info that I am close to being underwasder, just that I can see it as a possibility if things are as grim as forecast next few years.
slopefarm--that is also an excellent distinction the ownership factor. Wish our inquisitor would go ahead and reveal his grand pronouncement.
Also, don't discount Ho-ho-kus, NJ as a place Rob's x-mas performance.
Posted by: wasder at December 17, 2008 3:13 PM
100. Ok, we've done it again...
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 3:16 PM
"I hope snark or someone is working up a good 12 Days of Brownstoner Christmas that tracks the original."
The thought has crossed my mind, but the muse has yet to strike. She tends to sneak up behind me and slap me upside the head.
In the first asset bubble
My broker bought for me
A tulip bulb of great rarity...
Hmmmm, no, that's not it.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at December 17, 2008 3:17 PM
It'll be a sad day when the Open Thread does not exceed 100, Biff.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 3:17 PM
"It'll be a sad day when the Open Thread does not exceed 100, Biff."
I'll be away for two weeks, so y'all will have to step it up to compensate for my contribution here. Yes, BRG, before you say it, I'm referring to my 30 corny, unfunny, drivel-filled posts...
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 3:20 PM
How about:
On my first day in Bay Ridge
BRG gave to me
A good time in the back of her caddy...
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 3:23 PM
In the first asset bubble
My broker bought for me
A tulip bulb of great rarity...
No bad, keep at it! I have great faith in you Snark!
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 3:23 PM
"Yes, BRG, before you say it, I'm referring to my 30 corny, unfunny, drivel-filled posts..."
Admitting it is the first step toward finding a solution.
I'll be away last week of Dec....so DIBS, you'll be on your own....make us proud.
I might also be away for 3 weeks in January...not sure yet.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 3:25 PM
Where you off to Biff?? Staying with the parents to save money??
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 3:26 PM
I just posted this in another thread. I'm still getting over it. I swear I'm not making this up...
The other day a colleague of mine in the next office was on a conference call and suddenly screamed, "CAN SOMEBODY TRANSLATE THIS FUCKING DOCUMENT? I DON'T SPEAK MEXICAN!"
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 3:27 PM
"How about:
On my first day in Bay Ridge
BRG gave to me
A good time in the back of her caddy..."
Biff...this is the OPEN THREAD and anything goes...but not for you to call me a F*CKING SLUT!!!!!
BTW - you need to do a re-write, cause it wouldn't be 'gave to you'
ASS!!!!!!!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 3:30 PM
I'll be away most of the time between Christmas and Jan 5. Mr. B might just as well shut this site down. There certainly will be a decided lack of intelligent postings and conversation.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 3:31 PM
If you're not going to "give it " away BRG then you're not a slut. You're a whore.
:)
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 3:33 PM
"Where you off to Biff?? Staying with the parents to save money??"
No, I'm going to visit The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance to spend two weeks in a vow of silence. That'll rest me up for the subsequent 50 weeks of brilliant, insightful Brownstoner posting.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 3:35 PM
On my first day in Bed Stuy
The neighbors gave to me
A "Who the f^*k he be?"
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 3:35 PM
"If you're not going to "give it " away BRG then you're not a slut. You're a whore."
Somebody is about to get a glass pump thrown at his head.
BRG, why do you assume?? A "good time" can mean anything from having a picnic to listening to music to playing cards. There's enough room in a Caddy's back seat to accomodate a large number of activities.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 3:37 PM
I'd like to spend a week or two in a temple in Bangkok for some reflection.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 3:38 PM
On my first day in Brooklyn Heights
The neighbors said to me...
Oh, shoot. Wait. Neighbors in Brooklyn Heights don't speak to each other...
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 3:38 PM
"That'll rest me up for the subsequent 50 weeks of brilliant, insightful Brownstoner posting."
More like derogatory, spiteful brownstoner postings.
Oh, Why am I bothering?!?!?!
DIBS, I know you're trying to make me feel better, thanks.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 3:38 PM
I was trying to make you feel better.
I'm sure as hell glad that men can't be referred to as sluts, BRG.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 3:41 PM
"What is your point?"
investing = gambling
***Bid half off peak comps***
Posted by: Brownstones Half Off at December 17, 2008 4:01 PM
Oh my stars. I am so late to the party here, but this:
"Banker douche, banker douche, will you do the perp walk now?"
Made seltzer come out of my nose. Fantabulous. I salute you Snark!
Posted by: I_haz_TWO_toilets at December 17, 2008 4:02 PM
Wow such foul language..
You need to be more civil like me.
Jack Daniel's and Oxycontin work wonders..
The What
Someday this war is gonna end..
Posted by: Return of The What at December 17, 2008 4:04 PM
simpleminded, BHO, very simpleminded.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 4:06 PM
Hey Brownstones Half Off I'm glad to see you! Brownstoner gave us our own "Rubber Room"! I hope you like it and no screaming, you will wake up the other patients.
The What
Someday this war is gonna end...
Posted by: Return of The What at December 17, 2008 4:08 PM
"Jack Daniel's and Oxycontin work wonders.."
Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go I wanna be sedated
Nothin' to do and no where to go-o-oh I wanna be sedated
Just get me to the airport put me on a plane
Hurry hurry hurry before I go insane
I can't control my fingers I can't control my brain
Oh no no no no no
Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go....
Just put me in a wheelchair, get me on a plane
Hurry hurry hurry before I go insane
I can't control my fingers I can't control my brain
Oh no no no no no
Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go I wanna be sedated
Nothin' to do and no where to go-o-o I wanna be sedated
Just put me in a wheelchair get me to the show
Hurry hurry hurry before I go loco
I can't control my fingers I can't control my toes
Oh no no no no no
Twenty-twenty-twenty four hours to go...
Just put me in a wheelchair...
Ba-ba-bamp-ba ba-ba-ba-bamp-ba I wanna be sedated
Ba-ba-bamp-ba ba-ba-ba-bamp-ba I wanna be sedated
Ba-ba-bamp-ba ba-ba-ba-bamp-ba I wanna be sedated
Ba-ba-bamp-ba ba-ba-ba-bamp-ba I wanna be sedated
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 4:14 PM
Why are "BRG" and "slut" being used in the same sentence?
KNOCK IT OFF! Have some decency, please.
Posted by: cobblehiller at December 17, 2008 4:29 PM
She used it first in her own post, referring to herself!!!!
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 17, 2008 4:31 PM
Calling her a slut is completely inappropriate. Especially since she's a married woman.
She's an (attention) whore.
BIG difference.
Posted by: TownhouseLady at December 17, 2008 4:40 PM
"She used it first in her own post, referring to herself!!!!"
Thanks, DIBS!!
It was insinuated by someone else!!!!
"On my first day in Bay Ridge
BRG gave to me
A good time in the back of her caddy..."
Cause when someone reads that, the first thing they think is playing cards, listening to music or having a picnic in a Caddy.
"KNOCK IT OFF!"
Only a head writer of 'Slopey Sex in the City' can write a line like this :)
"She's an (attention) whore."
I prefer to be: a (concentrated) whore!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 4:56 PM
"Jack Daniel's and Oxycontin work wonders.."
What, you like JD too? Just another thing you and I have in common...
Cobblehiller, I remember buying the Ramones records back in the day when they came out (unlike the preppy poseurs who never really liked them but buy the shirts for their toddlers - stay calm Noki, I don't mean to bash babies here...it's a knock on the parents). Rocket to Russia, Road to Ruin, I loved it all! That and London Calling were what I was listening to.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 4:58 PM
Thanks, I Haz 2T. "Banker douche, banker douche, will you do the perp walk now?" was one of my favorite lines, if I do say so myself. And I do say so.
Posted by: SnarkSlope at December 17, 2008 5:02 PM
BRG,
I heard through they grapevine that you were really welcoming and showed him the best Bay Ridge has to offer. you're so hospitable.
...concentrated- good one!
Posted by: TownhouseLady at December 17, 2008 5:02 PM
"Cause when someone reads that, the first thing they think is playing cards, listening to music or having a picnic in a Caddy."
Yes, that's what us decent, respectable and corny posters think.
Now THL calling you a whore is uncalled for.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 5:03 PM
"I heard through they grapevine that you were really welcoming and showed him the best Bay Ridge has to offer. you're so hospitable."
THL, I hope you're referring to BRG's Hubby. BRG and I have a reputation here to protect!
By the way, I posted the lyrics to Mercy Mercy Me today and you just said You Heard It Through The Grapevine. Looks like today is an all-Gaye day.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 5:06 PM
" heard through they grapevine that you were really welcoming and showed him the best Bay Ridge has to offer. you're so hospitable."
How many grapeleaves does the grapevine yeild?
According to Biff, good times were had!!
"Now THL calling you a whore is uncalled for."
You calling THL 'uncalled' for is uncalled for.
Biff, btw, I hope you realize, I'm not upset.
I did find your jingle very amusing, but come on, I can't admit that!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 5:08 PM
No worries, it's all in good fun.
Hey, that stuff white people like sight is right. I did have glass of Shiraz last night while listening to old jazz and I also had roasted hummus on my sandwich today instead of mayo.
I had no idea us honkies were so predictable!
Posted by: TownhouseLady at December 17, 2008 5:12 PM
"BRG and I have a reputation here to protect!"
My reputation is that of a glass pump wearing, attentively concentrated Bay Ridge slutty whore.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 5:13 PM
Check out this site.
www.blackpeopleloveus.com
I think it's hysterical!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 5:16 PM
"Biff, btw, I hope you realize, I'm not upset." Actually, I was beginning to wonder. Glad to hear you're not...I was worried I might have to face your wrath very soon.
"I had no idea us honkies were so predictable!"
THL, that's funny. Every time I hear the word "honkies" I'm reminded of The Jeffersons.
"My reputation is that of a glass pump wearing, attentively concentrated Bay Ridge slutty whore."
Hey, a reputation is a reputation. I didn't say we had clean ones to protect.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 5:18 PM
"I was worried I might have to face your wrath very soon."
You'll only face my wrath in the back of the Caddy! :)
Were you sweating?
Biff, really nothing offends me. And you can always ask.
I also like the word 'cracker'...and use that quite often. I won't say what other words I've used, for fear I get called a racist.
"I didn't say we had clean ones to protect."
Watch your wording please. You're incriminating us!
And let's face it you and I are only playing cards.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 5:28 PM
strip poker?
Posted by: TownhouseLady at December 17, 2008 5:32 PM
"And let's face it you and I are only playing cards."
And I wish I knew exactly what you're holding.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 5:33 PM
"strip poker?"
Poker? I don't even know her!
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 5:34 PM
"And I wish I knew exactly what you're holding."
Oooooh, I could right an entire dialogue for 'slopey Sex in the City' with this one.
Sample (a little randy...reader beware):
If we played poker, it'll be by the 'house' rules. The 'ante' will be set very low, or we can play with 'no-limits'. You should be careful not to bet 'all-in' or have a 'fast play'. 'Protect' your 'chips' at all times. Don't feel like you're 'Under the Gun' to place your 'bet'. Make sure you don't 'limp' out early. I might want you to 'hit me'....and I hope at the end, one of us hits the 'jackpot'
I love Poker terms...so many more good ones.
http://www.conjelco.com/pokglossary.html
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 5:59 PM
I think we've become an Exposed Pair!
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 6:05 PM
Was my 5:59 post uncalled for...I can ask for it to be retraced...Seriously.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 6:18 PM
Spelling error...'retraced'
I can ask for it to be retracted
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 6:21 PM
Retraced? You're going to ask Mr.B to find out where it came from?
Please...if we had all of our uncalled for posts retracted, we would be left with nothing (which would likely make lots of posters very happy).
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 17, 2008 6:21 PM
I'd be left with one, my 'Quote of the Day'
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 17, 2008 6:39 PM
"I'd be left with one, my 'Quote of the Day'"
With no posts below it as they were all offensive comments from me, you and DIBS.
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 18, 2008 8:16 AM
True...no posts below it.
Only MY 'quote of the day' would survive.
Did I mention...MY 'QUOTE OF THE DAY'
Today, Please do try to post something meaningful, even if it's just a couple of lines. Since you'll be gone for 2 weeks, give us something to reflect on.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 18, 2008 8:56 AM
You try that strategy as well BRG.
QOTD is an overrated thread. First, its a rehash of something we've already read. Secondly, I think it has been cheapened by one person's constant reference to something we've all long ago forgotten.
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 18, 2008 9:05 AM
"I think it has been cheapened by one person's constant reference to something we've all long ago forgotten."
So it's been implied already in this thread that BRG is a slut and a whore. Now you're also calling her "cheap", DIBS?
Posted by: Biff Champion at December 18, 2008 9:26 AM
"If the clear heel pump fits..."
Posted by: daveinbedstuy at December 18, 2008 9:29 AM
"So it's been implied already in this thread that BRG is a slut and a whore. Now you're also calling her "cheap", DIBS?"
Re-write for Biff:
So I'VE implied already in this thread that BRG is a slut and a whore. Now you're also calling her "cheap", DIBS?
She IS CHEAP and worth it!!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 18, 2008 10:44 AM
Biff, 'your' re-write at 10:444am is uncalled for!!
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 18, 2008 10:46 AM
"You try that strategy as well BRG."
DIBS, if you haven't noticed, Biff and I have been dealt a hand by THL.
We're engaging in a private game of poker. I'm losing, Biff IS very cunning. I have practicaly lost all my threads except for some lace.
DIBS, Stop reading my cards, you'll never understand my hand.
Now, Biff...are you going to up the ante or fold? Do post some words.
Posted by: bayridgegirl at December 18, 2008 10:56 AM
Latest Restaurant Additions
-
Le Barricou
added November 20, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Der Schwarze Kölner
added November 19, 2009 12:00 PM in Fort Greene -
Oak Wine Bar & Café
added November 18, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Mr. Wonton
added November 17, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope -
Casa Rosa
added November 16, 2009 12:00 PM in Carroll Gardens -
Cousin John's Café & Bakery
added November 13, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope -
Elote
added November 12, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Miracle Grill
added November 11, 2009 12:00 PM in Park Slope -
Phoebe's Cafe
added November 10, 2009 12:00 PM in Williamsburg -
Ruthie's
added November 9, 2009 12:00 PM in Clinton Hill, Downtown Brooklyn
Post a comment
Please be patient while your comment is published. It may take a moment.