patrick.net

Eburbed,
Some folks think CIDs (common interest developments) are actually a model for a totalitarian state. No separation of powers as the board is judge, jury and executioner.
http://www.ahrc.com/new/index.php/src/news/sub/article/action/ShowMedia/id/1703
The Wikipedia also has some good commentary and critiques of CIDs.

Goober,
As always, you come up with some gems. I have to admit the most radical "book" I have read recently is the "Humanure Handbook". Modern sewers are an amazing invention; take perfectly good &^%@! and mix it with heavy metals and other toxins. Look, a nice field, lets spray it with some toxic sludge. Hmmm.... somehow I think Peter P will not include a sawdust or composting toilet in his dream bathroom (maybe an incinerating one, though?)

You could tell the grout between the tiles hadn’t fully hardened yet too!

Ok, I give up. I looked and couldn't tell. What's the sign?

Some folks think CIDs (common interest developments) are actually a model for a totalitarian state. No separation of powers as the board is judge, jury and executioner.

Haven't you heard? Freedom is slavery and vice versa. :)

Seems your friend could use a “3rd leg” to his stool? Wage inflation (alone?) may not be the ticket if the home itself has flat lined or depreciated.

Well he did put down 20%... so I think he's ok.

@eburbed,

Newly laid tile will still have a "glazed" appearance. No matter how hard you try to sponge it off there's a chalky coat that takes time to wear off. If you look carefully there's light coming in through the windows but no reflection on the tile floor.

bill gross at pimco has written a great piece about the subprime mortgage housing market and it's possible repurcussions
http://tinyurl.com/2zfsv6

Why do you even live in California eburbed? You really seem to think that it is a terrible place, why do you stay?

skibum, thanks for the NYT article. That is the kind of hard data I was looking for.

Ms Lisa,

Thanks for the insider's story. Very interesting, and it's too bad honest appraisers are getting the shaft as a result of the dishonest ones.

Recently, I’ve been wondering just how far into the economy this bubble burst is going to reach. ..in real, everyday Joe terms. And this group of bloggers seem just the right people to ask.

One good thing I've noticed, the waiting time at Black Angus seems to be getting better on the weekends.

Malcolm,

What about Outback Steakhouse. I don't like the concept or the food, but everytime I go there with my boyfriend, it's filled up the gills.