At the Auction
So I went to my first auction today and in order to enter, I have to show a cashier's check for a HEFTY amount as a down pmt should I get the winning bid. Of course, I had no plans to bid at this point, just merely to observe for the next time.
Anyway, as I was sitting on the 6th row and about 5 min into the auction when things were going crazy and loud, I had an itch on my head. I told myself, move very very very slowly so they don't take my scratch as a bid. Then the more I thought about it, the more itchy I became afterward. Needless to say, I have never moved so slow in my entire life before, esp when it comes to scratching:o)
Mortgage Bailout Plan
Well, I thought I left socialism when I came back from China. However, the latest mortgage bailout plan seems to be a part of what socialist countries do, big brother intervening in the free market.
On the one hand, no one wants to see houses being foreclosed but on the other investors who put money and risk on these mortgages deserve what they were promised. The mortgage/note is a contract between parties w/ terms attached and both parties willingly agreed to the terms. Now, when it's time to collect, one party cries foul even though there was none and the govt steps in and said you're not allow to collect. I can understand if this action came from a diff political party but not from this admin.
Top 6 of China
Shanghai Financial District, 08 Beijing Olympic Stadium, Guillin.
Ok, ok, thanks to Gino's & KingDavid's reminders, I am back. China was awesome as I went to 4 cities. Beijing (Great Wall, Forbidden City), Xian (TeraCotta soldiers), Guilin, and Shanghai. I liked Beijing & Shanghai the most, both are very modern with high skyscrapers and about 17 million population each. Beijing, of course, has a lot more history. So here are the top six of my China trip:
6. The control reckless chaotic driving. Frightening @ 1st but used to it afterward.
5. Amazed at the history of all the cities (one, Xian, dating back 6k yrs)
4. Very inexpensive (lunch for $2 & fancy dinner for $12)
3. Bargaining w/ the vendors, I'm super cheap so I drive a hard bargain:o)
2. Seeing a restaurant sign stating they serve dog meat!
1. Riding the MagLev in Shanghai, the fastest bullet train that tops 270mph!
