Money Matters

And cheese?

I kind of had the feeling that the world's problems could be traced back to that crappy crystal we've been using.

Sworstaki or something like that.

I guess if we're spending over a billion to build a new embassy in London, them 5 1/2 million for stemware isn't that bad.

Here is a perty plate

http://www.americanheritage1.com/white_24.jpg

Sorry, Swarovski crystal is Austrian and probably the best recognized in the world. But that is not an excuse. What is wrong with America Crystal Works in NH.? Heck they may even still be American owned.

I don't play with the market, Our investments are handled through our credit union. We have a diverse portfolio of mutual, and our fees are more than reasonable. We've been with them so long my account number is only 5 digits! Even with the plastic banking of today our credit union tries to maintain a rapport. Our local manager actually knows peoples names.LOL Ric

Or Steuben Glass.

Waterford, Baccarrat, Val St Lambert, Tiffin a couple of big names. Hawkes you look at the piece and cant see the trademark name unless you tip it just right at an angle. Then the bird will jump out at ya

Italians.

What's wrong with good ole Corelle or Anchor Hocking?
http://www.stargazette.com/article/20100304/NEWS01/3040367/Senators-Steuben-Glass-not-considered-for-State-Department-stemware-contract

Better idea - use what we have and save 5 1/2 million!

Its not the high end or medium end. Its everyday use. In other words not good enough.

Are they spending 5 1/2 million on dishes? Good grief.

Just the stemware!!!

What - glasses, goblets etc............ They should jump off a bridge or get on their brooms.

Millions out of work and we waste money like this. It's outrageous.

It was 30 days I filled out the app at Lowes on the 10th. I have heard nothing. A friend went down to unemployment filled out the app 2 weeks ago and got an interview last Friday ! W>>>>>>>>

Bet this happened a lot.



Ex-Bank President Arrested for Allegedly Lying to Get TARP Money

The former president of a small community bank was arrested on charges that he lied to the federal government to get a piece of the bailout program, authorities said Monday.

NEW YORK -- The former president of a small community bank was arrested on charges that he lied to the federal government to get a piece of the bailout program, authorities said Monday.

Charles Antonucci Sr. was charged in a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan with self-dealing, bank bribery, embezzlement and fraud.

Authorities said the rip-off targeted the New York State Banking Department, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. and the Troubled Asset Relief Program.

Antonucci resigned last year as president of The Park Avenue Bank, which is headquartered in Manhattan with four retail branches in Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Among other allegations, Antonucci was accused of using false information to request $11 million from the federal government's TARP bank bailout program.

The complaint accused him of lying to banking authorities in late 2008 and early 2009 to make them believe he had invested $6.5 million of his own money in the bank when the money actually belonged to the bank.

After the application for TARP money was rejected, Antonucci did a media interview in which he said the bank withdrew its application because of "issues" with the TARP program and a desire to avoid "market perception" that bad banks take TARP money, the complaint said.

Federal authorities say Antonucci actually wanted to obtain millions of dollars for his own use, in part so he could obtain a controlling interest in the bank.

They said he also permitted a former administrative assistant to obtain $400,000 of loans the assistant was not qualified for. The complaint said the former assistant is now cooperating.

The complaint alleged that Antonucci later used the former bank employee's private plane on 10 or more occasions, including trips to Phoenix to attend the Super Bowl, to Augusta, Ga., to watch the Master's golf tournament, a flight to Florida to visit a relative and a flight to Panama.

Antonucci's lawyer, Charles Stillman, said he had just gotten a copy of the charges. He declined immediate comment.

relative?

Well, we may be broke but at least we still have good taste in dinnerware.

I heard about that banker, the app was rejected, I wonder what he was planning...

Hee hee - yeah, Uncle Charlie.

North Korea executed its former finance minister after a currency adjustment failed to help the economy. If he were in this country, he would have gotten a bonus, raise, reappointment/re-election, etc.

Tell me about it!

Girl in my church is going to college to get her teaching degree, she was saying how proud she was that she payed off all her bills, bought herself a new camera(cash) and is going to an all inclusive resort in Mexico(paid in full) for 7 days. We were like how the heck did you do that??? She had received a grant(for something I don't what) and didn't spend it all, had $6800.00 left. They didn't want the $ back and just wrote it off for living expenses...HELLO? she lives with her mom
Must be nice.

Such a lucky girl! It pays to go to school!

Not that I'm one of them but....

3rd Most Millionaires: New Jersey

There are nearly 200,000 millionaire households in this state, or 6.22% of the population, earning it a spot in the top three on our list. In 2007, New Jersey actually had the top spot with $228,442 millionaire households, but apparently some have left for other shores. Part of the problem may be New Jersey's higher tax rate. Like Connecticut, New Jersey increased the taxes for anyone earning $500,000 or more to 8.97% (it was originally 6.37%).

However, New Jersey millionaires do have at least one thing to be thankful for (besides being rich, that is). Their state also has one of the lowest divorce rates in the country, as we recently reported.

Total number of millionaire households: 197,694
Percent of population that are millionaires: 6.22%
Median household income: $70,347

CT is #4
Total number of millionaire households: 82,837
Percent of population that are millionaires: 6.15%
Median household income: $68,294


MA #6
Total number of millionaire households: 137,792
Percent of population that are millionaires: 5.5%
Median household income: $65,304


NH is #8
Total number of millionaire households: 27,562
Percentage of population that are millionaires: 5.34%
Median household income: $63,235

A million isin't what it used to be, you need at least 3 million now. (inflation)

I feel so bad for my children. I sometimes envy my dad for when he was born. He saw America reach its potential. I'm afraid I am seeing the fall.

I think the internet has a lot to do with the earth and time speeding up and shutting things down. ex: A book of 10 stamps now will last me 3 months if not longer.

Remember I said to watch Greece carefully and look for the debt problem to spread? Now it's Portugal. It won't stop there. Similar problem here with all the state budget deficits.

There is a global recession. Why Greece - what makes them special.

This problem is way above and beyond the recession. We have recessions every 7-10 years like clockwork. But we don't have countries (developed) bordering on default and bankruptcy. Years of living beyond means is catching up. Civil service workers in Greece get paid for 14 months per year.

This is what happens when you waste money trying to help irresponsible people who never should have gotten a mortgage to begin with. Good money after bad.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aVYxPZ56vjys

More great news.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/25/business/economy/25social.html?hp=&pagewanted=print

If you post that, you really need to posr this one too, I think.

http://roomfordebate.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/24/simple-steps-to-fix-social-security/

Personally, I prefer sticking to facts. Everyone seems to have a million ideas to fix everything. 'Gather three people, get five opinions.'

I have an opinion about your opinion.

Only one?

I have two. That makes 3 we need 2 more.

How's this for 'nice work if you can get it'? 2000 House of Rep staffers make over $100K. Hundreds make near the limit of $172K. That does not reflect the benefits and other goodies. Recession, what recession? But they are 'dedicated public servants.'