The Long Road Out

Like many families, we've applied for a refi on our New York City apartment.  The refi is for an amount equal to approximately 28% of the appraised value.  This seems like a pretty safe transaction since so many people we know have financed up to 100% of appraised value in the last six months.  Rates are low and it's a good time to move cash out of real estate in a bad market. Here's the latest message I received from the mortgage banker I've been working with for 50 days. (I submitted all or most of these documents six weeks ago, got a Commitment Letter, and then that letter was shockingly cancelled this week.  The Bank has now offered me an alternative solution with significant points, closing costs, a higher interest rate, and significantly worse terms.  I think the banking term for this behavior is "larceny." Plus, lots of fun photocopying so that I can pay extra points, interest, and principal compared to TD Bank's signed Commitment Letter they failed...

There’s a snow removal company in Truckee, California that has a monopoly. Elements it’s called. We’ve had 5+ feet of snow here in three days and it’s still snowing.    For two 26 hour periods in there, we've been snowed in--it's very comfortable in our house, and we have lots of food, and Netflix, and all the rest.  And, we're trying to quarantine in the belief that somehow we're helping hold back the worst of Coronavirus. Who needs self-regulation when you're actually help prisoner in your house (not entirely true--we've climbed out on snowshoes and cross country skis).  Having snow up to the top of your garage door actually has a calming effect--your choices are eliminated.  So, you get the picture: a service provider with terribly low standards of customer care, failing again during this current storm. Elements sent out a message yesterday that should be a reminder to all of us about how to care for your neighbors in times of anxiety, troubl...

I travel a lot.   I've never been dragged kicking and screaming off a plane by United, Delta, American,  Southwest, JetBlue or Alaska (our current big 6?).   Worse. Here are the real crimes committed by the MBA's (shame on you for taking these crappy jobs at corporate) who get hired by these stale transportation companies: Theft--no other industry takes money for services early, won't allow refunds or changes, and then has no obligation to provide the services you signed on for (ever been automatically rebooked for a connecting flight that leaves two days after the late incoming arrival?).   I'd rather be on YouTube crying, which is what the airlines do regularly to their customers. Violence--I fly business class.   I'm an athlete.   I'm 5' 11"  or relatively average height.  I can barely walk up the disembarkation ramp after any flight 2 hours or longer.   This is physical abuse, and while I don't even play a doctor on TV, I think lo...