Headline News | Emerald City Journal

Obama Refinance Plan FAILS

Published on September 29, 2012

With our historically low mortgage rates, President Obama is pushing the Republicans again about a piece of legislation he proposed back in February. The Obama Administration believes it would help many of the struggling homeowners and families trying to keep their homes, pay their debt, and prevent many foreclosures.

President Obama mentioned today on his weekly radio/Internet address that “Here we are – seven months later – still waiting on Congress to act”. It’s the typical response from Obama and same whether we are talking about jobs or mortgages.

Republicans won’t agree to the proposal because of its $5 to $10 billion cost. Like many things sitting in Congress from Obama they come at a high cost. Just like this proposed refinance offer or the many construction bills on the table to inflate the jobs numbers spending money on special road projects that are not “must” have work.

The idea of refinancing your home fails in many ways. Honestly, it was a failure before it even started. The biggest problem is that it’s governed by your bank. The bank evaluates if you even qualify for a refinance. You need a job and steady income proven with years of IRS documents. In short, you have a be a long term paying citizen to even quality. If you break even at the end of the year when it comes to taxes or owe anything you wouldn’t “qualify” for refinancing. On paper you wouldn’t be making any money to pay the bills. However, if you’re really good citizen and make 100K a year (paying 35% to taxes) and keeping the rest – you would qualify for home refinancing. If you get my point to be eligible by the bank you’re IRS documents must state you’re paying them and doing your civic duty. Breaking even or paying the IRS isn’t going to allow you to refinance your mortgage rate.

The other problem and I am sure President Obama knows this (many homeowners don’t) is that Washington state like many states is a non recourse state. If you ever just give up on your home and walk way in Washington State, the bank will foreclose on you (ruin your credit) and that will be it. There will be no legal repercussions. The bank won’t come after you for the remaining balance after auction should they lose money overall on your loan. In some states they can sue you for the rest of the loan. HOWEVER, take note that non-recourse doesn’t apply when you refinance. Non recourse also doesn’t apply to equity loans should you have one. So trying to do the right thing may in fact make your financial issue even worse and that is why I would never support this refinance plan by Obama. Many innocent people will get trapped into a bigger mess trying to do the “right thing” to make it work. If you refinance and walk away the bank can come after you later once they low-ball it at an auction to some investor.

I have said it before that homes are not investments they are liabilities. Buying something 4 times it’s worth will never work out. The numbers simply don’t work out anymore. Don’t get to attached and I’m a strong advocate of walking away if you must. Banks got their bailout and already been paid for your home so know when to cut your losses on your home if you must.

By passing this Obama refinance plan, it forces people to try to make it work and not walk away from a really bad idea (home). It puts you even more at the mercy of the bank and I assure you they don’t give a rats ass about you or your family.

Seattle Pothole Repair – The Solution

Published on September 26, 2012

Seattle potholes are all over. With the recent proposal from King County Executive Dow Constantine charging cities of 250,000 or more $20 per car each year, I figured I would present another solution. The reality is that this job isn’t to complicated and we are paying people $30 per hour running all over town repairing potholes. We need it out of the cities hands (labor wise). How much talent does it take to get a shovel and fill a pot hole? You shove the hot mess into the hole smooth it out and pat it down tight. It’s so simple a monkey could do it. We need to stop wasting the money and talent on pot hole repair.

Obviously from the budget review report by Dow Constantine stating we’re spending 73% of our budget on court cases and criminals we need to start putting them to work. We have an army of community service workers every day. They are out cleaning up the roads (garbage, tires, paper etc), cutting back bushes and sticker bushes, feeding the homeless, so lets give them a shovel and put them to work. Seriously. Add a crew, put one guy in charge like they do now and take road trips filling up all these pot holes. Most of their actual “work time” would be driving to different cities anyway so labor wise it wouldn’t be to difficult. I know I would rather be driving around town and filling holes then having to do real community service work like cleaning the east side of I5 all day long.

It’s a solution and one to consider. We would save so much money considering what we are paying people to do it now and the management involved.

Dow Constantine New $20 Car License Fee

Published on September 25, 2012

Here we go again. King County Executive Dow Constantine wants to implement a $20 car license fee to fix more roads. In the proposal he is urging the approval of the fee where 250,000 people live. Many excuses where give why this is needed I particularly like that one about declining property values. First there is no collation with property values and property taxes. It nearly never adjusts and only goes up with regards to property taxes. Don’t believe me compare your last couple years property taxes to this years. Your home value went down and your property tax probably went up or stayed the same. What a joke. Next excuse was the declining population in these areas. Well… if we have less population in these area that means we have less cars on the road causing damage. Also means we should have less expenses when it comes to staff. I assume staff is at a record high sitting around tables “just because”. Give me a break this is a business so adjustments in regards to staff working, revenue, and population all need to work together. Is this being done? I highly doubt it.

We also got to look at the county’s general fund. 73% of $680.6 million dollar budget goes to justice. That means all the money is being spent on the Sheriffs, jails, courts, prosecutors, and defenders. Obviously, this is the area that needs the most work so lets clean up the laws to quickly manage this better. Dismiss the cases that obviously are losers, legalize things that should be like pot, and stream line the processes better. Another 20% goes to the administration costs so that leaves like 10%. This is just pathetic.

Another area of concern is the gas tax and where is that going? Where are at an all time high right now and the city is making the most they have ever made. We sure can come up with 50 million for a new arena tomorrow but can’t fix the roads? Are you serious?

It seems the only solutions ever presented when financial times get rocky are tax increases. They never cut and always pass the buck.

Perhaps if someone could figure out the bus routes more people would use them. That is just one big cluster.

Seattle Waste Management Is Fined A Little

Published on September 25, 2012

Today Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn announced the fine for uncollected waste during the strike for Seattle Waste Management. For the 8 days of the strike, Seattle Waste Management is going to pay 1.24 million dollars in a settlement. I’m disappointed we didn’t really nail them hard on this one. We should of made a point and showed an example that if you’re going to play games they you’re going to pay the full amount. There shouldn’t have been a settlement for 1/3 of the amount for breaching the contract amount which is what this amount comes to. We shouldn’t of even sat down and talked about it. Just send the penalty per the contract and that is it. Seattle Waste Management got a slap on the wrist with this decision and more importantly we wasted an opportunity to make a point so this won’t happen again next year or the following years (and it will for sure).

So for the 8 days of the strike you can expect to get about $8 dollars back. Wow Big Deal!

Michelle Obama Will Be In Seattle Oct 2nd

Published on September 25, 2012

The First Lady, Michelle Obama, will be in Seattle on Oct 2nd 2012. Obviously an event to raise money and convience the public that hope and change is on the way anytime now. The event will take place at the Westin Hotel and prices to get inside range from $500 – $10,000. If you’d like a pretty photo with the First Lady, Michelle Obama, it’s going to set you back $5,000. This is a fundraising event to re-elect the the President and her husband Barak Obama. Just like the Democratic convention that was on TV you can expect her to say how great of a man he is and a loving husband. It’s the same song and dance and part of their re-election gameplan. This family man with the perfect family pulling the strings of the nation to re-elect him in November. It’s actually not a bad plan in my opinion. Americans love all this perfect husband and family talk. They just eat it up. Considering that all the real data that matters like the economy, jobs, education, taxes, obamacare, national debt, etc is in the worst shape of this nations history after 4 years – might as well play the family man card.

I’m looking forward to the debates coming up shortly. One thing about Obama is that he is a great speaker. The man can speak and convince a nation on any topic even if it’s doing horribly bad (like the economy). Mitt Romney doesn’t have that “family loving great husband” brand that Obama has going for him. Michelle Obama and Barak Obama really know how to leverage that. Thus, the reason they are split up and running around town saying great things about each other. Paul Ryan on the other hand is going to mop the floor with Biden. Paul Ryan is witty and fast to throw it back at you.

Seattle Metro Trip Planner – Confusion

Published on September 25, 2012

Metro Transit has a great slogan. “We’ll get you there”. What they don’t say is you can’t find out what bus to take and where. Let me start by giving you Bus riding 101. This is so simple and easy to understand.

#1. BE SURE YOU BUS IS LISTED ON THE SIGN.

#2. IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM CALL info listed on your bus schedule. Customer Service (206) 553-3000.

Now look at the two photos of the bus signs. These pictures were taken a block apart on the same day, so I had no idea which one was right.

I don’t mean this to sound like I think Metro has a vendetta against me, but I will write my experience and it has to be happening to hundreds and hundreds of people.

My story:

I had my green bus schedule in my hand, headed to East Marginal way to catch bus 131 to Burien for a doctors appointment. But my bus number was no longer listed on the sign. Look at the picture of the two bus signs. The bus numbers on the signs had been changed. The buses that I ride are 124, 131, 132. These get me to down town Seattle on 4th and to Burien. You will see that the on the sign these three numbers have been removed. No rider alert on the post, nothing explaining anything. Remember rule #1. If your bus is not listed, it wont be coming to that stop. I was bus less in Seattle all of a sudden. Missed my appointment, walked back home and called information. Nothing but a busy signal for over ten minutes. I had relatives and neighbors try to find out for me and no one could get anyone to answer the phone but a Grandson was told to leave his number and they would call him back. THEY NEVER DID. I emailed Metro and left a comment/complaint and it said they would try to answer me within two weeks. I finally wrote a snail letter to the Mayor. The secretary had no idea what to do with it, but bless her heart she sent out an email all over the place called, How can I help an 89 year old catch a bus? I am sure there was a lot of laughs about a little senile old lady but the flood gates opened. The Mayors Secretary or whoever answered me was Becky Stanley. Without her I don’t think I would have ever got an answer about the buses. She assured me it’s not Mayor Mcginn’s problem but she got Deidre Andrus attention at Metro and I got my answers. These girls/woman were courteous and helpful. The message was awful but the messengers were great.

The answer I got from metro was this. THEY ARE VERY SORRY I GOT CONFUSED. well duh. Here is why I was confused. I was supposed to just stand at the old bus stop and wait for my old bus, although it was not listed. They are changing 50 bus routes and had to change the bus signs early to have them in place by Sept 29th. How is anyone to know, without a notice on the bus sign post? Lets say I go stand and wait for a bus that is not listed on the sign, when I get to Burien Transit station how am I going to know what sign to stand under to get home?

This is not only unnecessary, but is actually cruel.

I have now heard the information that my bus 134, will not exist anymore. To get the 131 I would need to walk from Corson to past 4th and Michigan, and it would take me to town, NOT TO BURIEN like it always has. The 124 bus I can catch on Carlton and it will go down airport way to 2nd and Jackson.

To sum up what these changes did for me (and many many hundreds of riders) was to take away my independence completely. I have rode the buses 66 years from this same address. I could take a bus that would go by here to town and all the way to Federal Way. I could ride it to the Grey Hound bus station and see the Christmas lights along 4th and get to the Monorail. Its gone. The 131 took me to Burien and downtown. My doctor and hearing aide office is in Burien. They tell me I need to take the 124 either to South Park or Tukwila Link and catch a bus to Burien. Every time you change buses you can count on an extra half hour. I would be afraid to stand in South Park. So the new BIG change just ruined the bus service for Georgetown completely. We have no buses that we can take to Costco, Food bank of the businesses along 4th. Can’t get to Burien without a major mess. Think of the millions they spent to give us this NEW AND IMPROVED SERVICE. I asked the Mayor if he was able to get me a three wheeled bike but did not get a response. Before you ask, age does not qualify me to get a senior shuttle. I would need a doctors slip saying I have trouble walking. I can walk a couple blocks fine, can climb on to a bus fine, but first I need THE BUS.

Now look at the 2013-2014 Transportation Budget Highlights below. This is from the Mayor that didn’t have a clue about how I could get a bus. Look what they spend for studies and analysis and planning. They want funds to get a 4th street car to Paul Allen’s Vulcan spread. We can’t even get a bus in Georgetown.

My neighborhood has lots of woman and little kids, guys in wheel chairs and we just don’t count in the scheme of things. He talks in some of his other plans how he will have well lit places for people to wait for their buses. WE DON’T EVEN HAVE A BENCH, but heck we don’t have a bus either. Call the information number and let them know what you think, or better still go to the comment section of Metro Transit and tell them. While you are at it leave a comment on our Journal.

2013-2014 Transportation Budget Highlights

FAST AND RELIABLE TRANSIT
Nearly $6 million to connect our neighborhoods with high capacity transit

$2 million      for a corridor analysis of a high-capacity transit line from downtown to the University      District, via Eastlake. If approved by the council, this      work would begin next year.

$850,000      for a corridor analysis of a bus rapid transit line on Madison Street,      starting at Colman dock downtown.

$500,000      for a study of a pedestrian,      bike, and transit crossing of the ship canal. Identified      as a need in both the Bicycle and Transit Master Plans, a north/south      crossing of the ship canal between the Ballard and Fremont bridges would      allow transit to flow more freely past this obstacle without getting stuck      in traffic.

A $2.5      million Transit      Master Plan Reserve fund to help pay for the next phase of      design work on these corridors, starting in 2014

At Metro, we’re working hard to give you easy, convenient access to the places you want to go, while helping you save money, control stress and protect the environment. So when we say, “We’ll Get You There,” we mean it!

If you have questions or need help planning your trip, call Metro Customer Information at 206-553-3000 (TTY Relay: 711) or visit our Trip Planner.

– This really meaningless.

Seattle Seahawks Monday Night Football

Published on September 24, 2012

Tonight is the night and it’s going to be a big one. The Seattle Seahawks vs the Packers at Century Link Field (downtown Seattle). The Seahawks finally are back in the spotlight on prime time TV (kinda see below) Yes, its a home game and the city is sprawling with Packer fans. I was driving downtown Saturday and they were pouring in all dressed up in Packer gear. Tailgating parties started early this morning. The game starts at 5:30pm so if you get out of work at 5pm you may have some trouble getting home. Ticket prices at a minimum are $200 bucks and I would expect a full stadium of 70,000 screaming fans.

In the 43 years Monday night football has been running, the Seahawks have only been featured 25 times. There record for Monday night games is 17-8 which isn’t that bad in my opinion. Both teams have 1-1 records coming into tonight’s game. Packers are favored in Vegas by 3.5 points. However, the Hawks at home and the 12th man can change how a game is going.

You should know that you probably won’t be able to see the game at home though. Unless of course you pay the big bucks to upgrade your TV package (with ESPN). It’s a sleavy move by the people in charge to have you buy the tickets, go the bars and buy dinner or $8 drinks, or make you pay more for cable each month. With that attitude, it sure makes me want to support another stadium (not!). If you want to stay home, you’ll have to settle for the radio stations 710 AM and 97.3 FM.

My Prediction:

Sorry Seattle fans, I’m all about the numbers/odds so I’m taking the Packers on this one. However, being a Seattle resident I do hope the Hawks can pull it off.

Seattle Deal Of The Week!

Published on September 24, 2012

Everyone once in a while we have to break the rules so this week we’re listed two deals. The first deal is a one day only deal (Today!) and the other follow-ups on a previous article about Easy And Simply Ways To Save Money. In the article I spoke about shopping for a new insurance company if you’ve been with them for 2 or more years. The reality is that after you’re with an insurance company your rates rarely go down. In most cases they add on a few dollars per year. However, the open market changes. You car value decreases or your home values decrease for example – and your current insurance provider doesn’t take those into account. They already have you as a customer (probably on auto billing) so why would they bother. My point is to save a few dollars you should make a few calls and see what the options are. Won’t cost you anything and if the quotes are not better then you still have your current insurance company. It’s a Win/Win.

Today Only -Deal:

The Childrens Place – are offering 20% off and free shipping and handling. Everything ships free and there is no minimum purchase required. Some items are marked at $1.99!

Coupon: G9HEF67J92 if you need it at checkout, however, it looks like they are offering the deal on their homepage.

Seattle Deal Of Week:

I highly recommend you give Dan Marek a call at Danmarekinsurance.com per our save money on insurance discussion. Discuss your options with him and see if he can beat your current insurance rates. Dan Marek insurance is located in Western Washington so he is local guy who has been in the insurance industry for a long time.

——————————

**Do you want to be featured on the “Seattle Deal Of The Week”…. Then Contact Us. There is no cost to be featured. Each week we pick the best deal we feel benefits our readers the most and post it live. Please be descriptive with your offer when submitting it – thank you.

Seattle News Stations (Most Popular)

Published on September 20, 2012

Some of the most popular Seattle news stations include the Emerald City Journal (of course)!

Others include the Seattle Times, Tacoma News Tribune, Komo News, Kiro 7, and Q13 Fox News. Most Seattle news stations have both TV time and online websites with offer recent news stories to the public. The difference between these Seattle news stations and us is that we offer news that is opinionated. All opinions are independent so you may read one story liking a polical view and another story which doesn’t like the view for example. Either way, we share everyones opinon and let the public decide on their own how they feel about the specifics of the news story.

We have found most news stations across the nation just doesn’t tell you how it is. They are great at giving you the overview of a story but lack when it comes to the public opinion or what the negatives could be for a topic. We fill that niche and that is why we are on the top Seattle news stations.

Obama Cyber Warfare With Iran

Published on September 13, 2012

What do you do with a country you want to bomb but really can’t because of the the political ramifications? You call your Internet Army and start a cyber war. You then make it classified so the public doesn’t know what is happening and how much you’re spending. While I can’t blame it all on Obama (eventhough it was greatly increased under his management and still is today) the Bush Administration started it. The operations were code-named “Olympic Games”.

A portion of the cyber warfare activities was accidently released to the public via the Internet and a bunch of nerds figured it out. After studying this Internet worm, they figured out it was developed by the US and Isreal. CIA director, Leon Panetta, and Obama discussed shutting it down or continuing its progress, however, after reviewing how effective it has been causing havoc they decided to keep it going. They released a newer version and another after that on Iran. The cyber warefare with Iran continues today.

Due to this attack, Iran started their own cyber warfare unit and has been quoted as saying that the “Iranian military was prepared to fight our enemies” in “cyberspace and Internet warfare”. Very little evidence has been reported about Iran striking back though.

Independent Internet security professionals are looking into another cyber warfare worm/virus called “Flame”. It attacked the computers of Iranian Officials sweeping up information on them. US Officials say it wasn’t part of “Olympic Games” and have declined to say whether they were involved with it or not.

No wonder our foreign policy with Iran is no good and diplomacy isn’t working. From all this, it appears America threw the first punch with Iran.

Seattle Newspaper for the People by the People

Headline News - page 42

Obama Refinance Plan FAILS

Seattle Pothole Repair – The Solution

Dow Constantine New $20 Car License Fee

Seattle Waste Management Is Fined A Little

Michelle Obama Will Be In Seattle Oct 2nd

Seattle Metro Trip Planner – Confusion

Seattle Seahawks Monday Night Football

Seattle Deal Of The Week!

Seattle News Stations (Most Popular)

Obama Cyber Warfare With Iran

Headline News - page 42

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in

You might be interested in