GCA Forums News: National Headline News Overview for Monday, May 18, 2025

Trump Gives an Order for Prices of Medication to Be Slashed in the United States

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on May 12, 2025, which claimed to reduce drug prices by 60% with a new policy to slash pharmaceutical costs. This policy revives his first-term initiative that had stalled, directing the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reimburse Medicare for office-based drugs (OBD) using the average cost-based reimbursement system of the bus pricing system, which is determined by the lowest-priced reimbursement value. It is a “high-cost” drug reimbursement system intended to mitigate long-standing grievances over the affordable pricing of medications that American consumers are subjected to. As adversarial as it may sound, it attempts to solve some pain points. Undoing the years of underpriced tiered pricing would be beyond complicated. There is doubt that these goals can be accomplished without some legislative confrontation or clearing up the complicated supply chain skepticism. While the anticipated outcome is positive, the concern is that the pharmaceutical manufacturers will either lie dormant in some “innovation depression,” skimp on supplying products, or ration innovation and streamline production, rendering health care services impotent. On the contrary, this is perceived as an audacious effort, enabling fulfillment of campaign promises in Trump’s focus on lowering healthcare expenditure.

Although no progress has been made or outcomes reported concerning the executive order, the last update was on May 18. The order specifics are still being discussed on a national level.

Increasing Dow Jones Industrial Average Together with Other Stock Market Indices

Since 2025, the US stock markets have witnessed wild fluctuations and enormous volatility caused by President Trump’s trade policies. As of May 18, the markets were moving upwards due to easing trade tensions. The United States and China reached a 90-day tariff ceasefire agreement on May 12, 2025, dramatically reducing tariffs on trade between the nations. This also marked the beginning of the increase in tariffs globally. Consequently, the Dow Jones Industrial Index surged by 2.8%, equivalent to more than 1100 points. The rest of the S&P 500 Index gained 3.3%. At the same time, the Nasdaq Composite was the champion for the day, gaining 4.3%, signifying hope in the retail and tech industries. Earlier in the year, when Trump proposed colossal tariffs of 145% on Chinese imports, there was panic in the markets due to the fear of recession. A trade deal with the UK, dated May 8, along with the reduction in tariffs, has fueled recovery. By early May, the Dow registered the longest winning streak of 2025. Still, like cautionary tales from analysts such as Paul Tudor Jones, macroeconomic headwinds like ongoing inflation and the Fed’s stance on interest rates add a long-term headwind to stock prices even when lower tariff barriers exist. This week, the Hang Seng Index and most other global markets gained 3 %. This concurrent Bitcoin boom also triggered a surge in prices for the cryptocurrency, surpassing the $100,000 mark. Although investor confidence is rising and gold prices are falling, Goldman Sachs forecasts inflation of around 3% for the remaining tariffs. These include additional price increases on used vehicles, appliances, and pharmaceuticals.

Latest News on the Mortgage Rates and Housing Sector

As of May 18, 2025, reports on the housing market show that home prices continue to increase, although there are issues in home affordability. As noted in the report dated April 29, the S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller 20-city index reported an increase in home prices by 4.5% year on year for the period ending February 2025, down from 4.7% the previous month. Despite the decreasing demand from buyers compared to the previous years, the limited supply of homes is still propping up the prices. Mortgage rates remain high, with the average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at 6.81% as of the week before April 29, nearly the same as the previous week’s 6.83%. While no specific information was released regarding mortgage rates for May 18, the prevailing trend indicates that the rates are in the mid-6% region, which adds to the affordability problem. Volatility in the market, driven by tariff policies, brings some uncertainty. Some analysts argue that trade-driven inflation would push rates up even further. The absence of significant new housing policy announcements in the provided data suggests that the market is on pause—supply constraints combined with high rates continue to dominate the market.

ICE, Sanctuary Cities, and States

As of May 18, 2025, the available materials do not contain any specific headlines focusing on the activities of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about sanctuary cities and states. This topic is not covered in detail anywhere else. With that being said, context from Trump’s interview on April 22, 2025, with TIME reveals that his administration is fully harnessed on immigration enforcement, attempting to go after “career criminals” and dealing with high crime rates caused by the previous administration. The missing paragraph provides Trump’s statements from the interview, which, in combination, imply some form of aggressive deportation policy that would certainly affect sanctuary jurisdictions.” Posts on X and other reports on the internet do not provide any concrete updates about ICE operations or actions taken against sanctuary cities and states before or on May 18. It is reasonable to assume that, because of the administration’s stated policies, there is likely friction with these jurisdictions. The range of sanctuary policies differs, and some, if not many, are designed to prevent local law enforcement from honoring ICE detainers, which may set up legal or policy disputes. Given the lack of data, it is fair to assume that the enforcement efforts by ICE are following Trump’s stated goals that have been reported lately, even though no developments have been reported on that date.

Further Remarks

Progress on Trade Policies:

Unlike the usual focus on healthcare and other industries, Trump’s policies always make headlines. The US-UK trade agreement and the reduced tariffs with China have alleviated fears of a recession. As a result, JPMorgan Chase has adjusted the probability of a US recession, dropping it from 60% to less than 50% in early April. Still, the ongoing negotiations with Canada and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership show the weakening relations, as Trump’s tariffs and appetite for annexation have not helped.

Overall Economic Expectations:

These concerns have become persistent between the continued optimism around the markets, the inflationary pressure of tax add-on tariffs, and the economic slowdown. Goldman Sachs has made a stark prediction that the prices of consumer goods are highly likely to surge in December 2025, which would reduce any gains made in the market.

Critical Judgement: It is clear from the first two parameters that the market is recovering rapidly, and the price cut expected from pharmaceutical companies stems from the tough policies enacted by Trump. The long-term impacts of these policies, however, are debatable. The so-called tariff truce is volatile, as with the pharmaceutical order, with site-based implementation complexities. There is also bound to be an escalation in the challenges surrounding housing affordability, enforcement of immigration policies, and debates on what was happening on the May 18 windows, because all of this has very, very meager data-driven estimations.

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What does $500 a month (U.S. Dollar) get you in the Philippines? How much does a average middle class wage earner make in the Philippines? How much is the average college graduate make in the Philippines? How is living in the United States like compared to the Philippines? How do you buy a house in the Philippines? What is the average cost of a house and how much money do you need to buy and finance a home? How does the housing and mortgage industry in the Philippines work? How much does a car cost? How do you buy and finance a car in the Philippines?

The Village People perform at President Elect Donald Trump pre-Inauguration Celebration Party. At the conclusion of his Victory Rally in Washington, D.C., the Village People played President-elect Trump’s campaign anthem, “YMCA,” and Trump broke out his viral dance moves.

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California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Mismanagement has Santa Ana winds forcing wildfires to a new catastrophic level. January 8, 2025, marks one of the worst wildfire emergencies in Los Angeles’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The Palisades Fire was amongst its most destructive fires historically.

Fire Progression and Impact

Size and Containment:

• In no time, the Palisades Fire has expanded to consume over 15,832 acres without containment.

Destruction:

• This fire burned at least a thousand structures and broke the Sayre Fire (2008) and Bel Air Fire (1961) records.

Casualties:

• There have been five confirmed deaths as well as many casualties, such as a firefighter aged twenty-five years who suffered serious head injuries.

Evacuations:

• Around 70,000 residents have been required to leave their homes by law, and shelters are being used to house them.

Contributing Factors:

Weather Conditions:

• Strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts of more than 100 mph and very dry conditions, have spread the fire far more quickly and hampered efforts at containment.

Power Outages:

• Due to the fires, approximately 400,000 customers in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas have no electricity.

Community and Culture:

Historic Sites:

• This includes Will Rogers State Historic Park, which has lost its Stables and Will Roger’s house, and Topanga Ranch Motel in Topanga State Park.

Educational Institutions:

• Palisades Charter High School and Palisades Elementary School suffered severe damage, which disrupted education for many learners.

Entertainment Industry:

• The Critics’ Choice Awards and several movie premieres are some cultural events postponed or canceled due to this predicament.

Emergency Response:

Government Action:

• Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency and obtained federal support against these flames.

Firefighting Efforts:

• Over 1,400 firefighters are fighting the firestorm with help from other states’ resources.
• Harsh weather conditions led to an array of problems.

https://youtu.be/BeaHDHYJAqA?si=7frG0Hq1odigks7U

• This discussion was modified 1 year, 4 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

Mortgage Housing Real Estate and Consumer News for Monday January 13th 2025″

Comprehensive Overview of Mortgage, Housing, Real Estate, Interest Rates, Consumer, Business, Employment, Economic, Interest Rates, Bankruptcy, and Investment National Daily News for Monday, January 13th, 2025 Summary:

As of Monday, January 13, 2025, there is an in-depth analysis of the major sectors affecting the national economy:

Mortgage and Housing Market

Mortgage Rates:

• The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate remains elevated.
• Mortgage rates are expected to remain above 6 percent.
• This means that the projection for 2025 is hovering around 6.8 percent.

Housing Market Trends

Home Prices:

• Home values are estimated to grow around 3 percent in 2025, while the markets in the Northeast and Midwest regions, including Buffalo, NY, will spearhead the development.

Inventory Levels:

• Supply is constrained as inventory remains tight due to low mortgage rates.
• This is hindering homeowners’ urge to sell.

Interest Rates and Economic Indicators

Federal Reserve Policy:

• The Federal Reserve decided to cut rates.
• But long-term Treasury yields have risen.
• This indicates more market worries concerning inflation and overall economic and fiscal policy.
• The 10-year yield is at 4.8 percent.

Employment Data:

• With robust labor market indicators, strong job growth witnessed during December is good for the economy.
• It reduces the chance of the Federal Reserve making immediate rate cuts.

Consumer Spending:

• The luxury goods segment is experiencing a slowdown, with majors’ change in expense preference.”
• The forecast, however, suggests that the sector will reach stability by the end of 2025, along with the economic uncertainty.

Business Bankruptcies:

• In 2024, 694 corporate bankruptcy filings were made, one of the highest rates following the economic recession of 2009.
• Sectors such as healthcare, automobiles, casual chains, and retail have experienced challenges as a colossal interest rate, inflation, and consumer behavior have shifted.

Investment and Market Movements

Stock Market Performance:

• The US stock market has been turbulent.
• After the election, the S&P 500 lost all of its gains.
• This was due to fears over increased bond yields alongside possible inflationary policies with President Donald Trump.

Bond Market Dynamics

The bond market is starting to act differently as stock market volatility increases. The massive increase in the 10-year Treasury yield caused by the Federal Reserve cutting rates has only occurred twice in the last 40 years.

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This video clip is funny. Pranking a guy until he literally goes nuts.

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Please HOLD 📞 | Billy Rosewood IV | you_funny_fooker · Original audio

Please HOLD 📞. you_funny_fooker · Original audio

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Most Americans are aware that many people from different walks of life hate former President Donald Trump. I have never witnessed the hatred people can have against one person. I will try to keep the tone of this post as objective and neutral as possible and base the content on FACTS. I want to compare which candidate is the best leader as President to be the Commander in Chief of the United States. Suppose you can focus on facts and comment on which candidate will be the best President in the best interest of America and the people of the United States so we remain the leader of the free world 🌎. In that case, we can Unite our country and get back to being Americans with one goal in mind: What’s best for our livelihood, the livelihood of our children, the livelihood of our grandchildren, and the livelihood of our future generations? The way our country is divided and the hatred that exists is not healthy. It’s more of a crisis and equivalent of stage 4 cancer. More and more Americans are beginning to speak out and not remain silent. Nobody is above the law. Not Trump, Not Biden, Not Kamala Harris. We don’t have to like or love Trump. However, take a step back and compare Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. Who is the best man for the job? Who’s the man who can get us out of the rathole we are in? Who is the man who can get rid of the lying, corrupt, and politically infested system that is destroying America 🇺🇸? Let’s get a thread on your thoughts and opinions on making America a country that the entire World would envy. Let’s brainstorm and become a country of the people. A country of honesty, integrity, pride, honor, and the country helping and caring for people. Let’s decimate corruption, fraud, Treason, and criminals who commit crimes against humanity.

https://youtu.be/IxLRdE5kOkU?si=YIHoVsKn9IXECYaU

https://youtu.be/IxLRdE5kOkU?si=YIHoVsKn9IXECYaU

A wildfire recently broke out near me in Orange County, and I could see the giant smoke plume from my place in Irvine for several days. It reminded me just how real the threat of wildfires can be here in California. If you’re not from the area, you’ve probably at least seen all the news about wildfires across the state.

While wildfires are something to be mindful of, there are plenty of ways to lower the risks—especially for homes in fire hazard zones. If you’re looking to buy a home, it’s good to understand where these zones are and what steps you can take to keep your property safer. Not all homes are at the same level of risk, but knowing about these zones can help you make more informed decisions.

What Is a Wildfire Zone?

Certain areas in California are marked as “Fire Hazard Severity Zones.” This means the area has a higher chance of wildfires because of things like weather, dry vegetation, and terrain. You might expect these zones to be mostly in rural places, but even some urban neighborhoods are at risk. Knowing if a house is in one of these zones is key.

Important Things to Know as a Homebuyer:

1. Check the Fire Risk: Before you get too excited about a house, find out if it’s in a high-risk wildfire zone. You can check using CAL FIRE’s map or ask your realtor for more information. This will help you understand what extra steps, like special insurance, might be needed.
2. Get the Right Insurance: Not all homeowner’s insurance covers wildfire damage, especially in high-risk areas. You might need to add more coverage to fully protect your home. Also, homes in wildfire zones usually come with higher insurance premiums, so keep that in mind when budgeting.
3. Look for Fire-Resistant Features: Some homes are built using materials that can resist fire, like concrete or metal roofs. When viewing homes in wildfire zones, ask about the building materials and whether the owner has made any upgrades to improve fire safety.
4. Defensible Space Around the Home: One way to help keep a home safe from wildfires is to have “defensible space.” This means keeping the area around the house clear of things like dry brush, dead leaves, or other stuff that can easily catch fire. When you’re checking out homes, see if the current owner has kept up with this—and be ready to do the same if you move in.
5. Community Efforts Matter: Some neighborhoods have strong community efforts to reduce wildfire risks. They might have a fire-safe council, evacuation plans, or firebreaks in place. Living in a community that takes fire prevention seriously can make a big difference in reducing your overall risk.
6. Be Ready for Evacuations: If you buy a home in a wildfire zone, there may be times when you have to evacuate, especially during fire season. It’s a good idea to learn the local evacuation routes and be prepared in case you need to leave quickly. This is especially important if you have pets or kids.

The Bottom Line

Buying a home in a wildfire zone doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker—but you do need to make sure you’re fully informed. Things like having the right insurance, keeping defensible space, and being ready for emergencies can make a big difference in staying safe and protecting your home. Staying aware of the risks and taking precautions can help you feel confident in your home-buying decision.

Have more questions about buying in these areas? Feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to help guide you through the process!

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How long does Commercial Loan Officer training usually take?

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I think the new Corvette C8 are AMAZING and look better than the exotic cars. Plus the Corvette C8 are priced reasonably unlike Ferrari and Lamborghini exotic sports cars. Can anyone who know corvettes explain the various trim and brands of Corvettes? For example, what’s the difference between 1LT, 2LT, 3LT, ZR1, Z06, Z08, Calloway Corvettes, Hennessey Corvettes, and other options of Corvettes as well as the price difference. What’s the available factory upgrades available and prices. What is the MSRP for regular and convertible C8 Corvettes. How many C8 Corvettes are made or will be made. Are C8 Corvettes good investments or will it deprecate like other mass produced cars. I would like specific details about C8 CORVETTES because I am interested in buying one.

CAN SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME BE GROSSED UP? HOW MUCH CAN SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME BE GROSSED UP ON FHA LOANS? HOW MUCH CAN SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME BE GROSSED UP ON VA LOANS? HOW MUCH CAN SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME BE GROSSED UP ON USDA LOANS? HOW MUCH CAN SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME BE GROSSED UP ON CONVENTIONAL LOANS? HOW MUCH CAN SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME BE GROSSED UP ON JUMBO LOANS? HOW MUCH CAN SOCIAL SECURITY INCOME BE GROSSED UP ON NON-QM LOANS?

Can I Qualify For VA Loan With 589 Credit Score?

Can I Get A Clear To Close In 2 Weeks Or Less?

How Can I Get Rid of a 30 Day Late Payment

I’m trying to create a business name that reflects my dual role as a real estate agent and mortgage loan officer in California. Since I operate individually and not as part of a team or a broker, I want to make sure the name is compliant with state regulations. Can anyone offer guidance on the legal requirements for selecting a business name in California, especially for someone providing both real estate and mortgage services?

Hello hope you’re well, have question for you. My brother was divorced but the house is in his wife name and his and the payment and deed are in both. He has 3 children will his part go to his kids.

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Baltimore, Maryland Tiffany Henyard is allegedly the most Corrupt Mayor in America. We need to expose corruption and scammers in public office.

https://youtu.be/AQd7QbRuI4U?si=ueDP5HSJ9nGIFu4D

I posted on the forum some months ago, and on other social media, an article on Gustan Cho and Associates. How we met and the process of applying for a mortgage. I also explained how his team waded through misinformation on my wife’s and my credit rating. His diligent help secured us a mortgage on a new home in Ocala, Florida. Ocala is centrally located in the middle of the state, an hour and a half drive to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. We escaped the traffic and all the new arrivals in Tampa. This may be the last toe hole in Florida that is very nice and affordable. Gustan Cho was able to get us a very reasonable home mortgage and insurance, which we bundled and saved more money on.

The interesting thing about Gustan Cho and his team is that their values extended past the signing of our loan. He researched lower rates, and one week before closing, he had us reapply for the mortgage. A very scary situation with the closing the week later. He streamlined the loan, and we were giving a mortgage at a lower rate—1.75% lower—a huge savings each month. His business mantra, which I explained in my first article, held true even after closing.

His concern for people is something you will never find in a clause in a contract.

As of today, Gus is constantly looking for a lower rate. When the rate goes down and there is equity in the home, it might be time to refinance. If so, Gustan Cho is on it.

The entire moving process is extremely stressful, to say the least. Starting with the mortgage, then home owners insurance, not to mention the dozen or so phone calls for change of address and medical coverage. We moved 100 miles away from Tampa, and we are in a whole new PPO medical insurance district. All the prior information given has to be re-given. The insurance company must explain each and every plan; after two hours of nonsense, we had the same medical plan as before. I swear the phone calls, automatic messages, and the AI giving advice were the most stressful.

All the horror stories about moving are true, and for the most part, my wife and I were very fortunate. Starting with a wonderful real estate broker, who, as Gus, looked out for our best interests. I always wondered who a real estate broker works for. They need the house and the owner to sell the home, and then they also need the buyers.

The moving company was exceptional. We called four for quotes, and ironically, the one we chose was the least expensive. They arrived at 10 a.m., two trucks and seven guys. The packing of our items was handled with great care. The bubble wrap they used was close to two miles long! Nothing was damaged; they needed an additional truck at no charge; they kept to the quote on the contract; there was no small print to trip you up. When the ordeal was completed, moving everything in and arranging what and where we wanted items, it was 11 p.m. A hard day’s work. The work ethic with these guys was amazing!

Other nightmares you may have heard or experienced for yourself were about builders. We have friends who had a $400,000 home built. There were dozens of issues with plumping, electrical, etc.; calls were placed and never returned; they have been pursuing the builders for over a year. Our builder’s assistant has been over every day for the first week, fixing minor things that occur normally with a new home and keeping true to the home warranty. Each worker, and sometimes three workers at a time, showed up respectful of our home and continuously apologized for the inconvenience.

If you need a real estate broker in Florida, get in touch with new homes on a quarter acre for right now under $280,000! The same is true for an outstanding mortage guy. If your need is movers in Florida, let me know. I will be more than happy to pass on information that will make your Florida move actually pleasant.

What happened last week that mortgage rates are plummeting. The 30-Year Treasuries dropped to 3.8% which tanked mortgage rates on government loans from 7.0 to 6.0%. 30-year U.S Treasuries were as high as near 5.0% just a few weeks ago. Gold increased to over 2,500 per ounce which is a historic high. Silver did not follow gold prices because banks were short selling Silver like crazy because banks and the Globalists have a huge short position and are afraid of getting margin calls on their Silver short positions. What economic numbers came out that caused the financial markets upside down? Will mortgage rates continue to plummet? Will it be beneficial to refinance now? How about doing Streamline Refinance on FHA and VA Loans? If I do an FHA or VA Streamline Refinance loan, can I do another FHA Streamline or VA Streamline Refinance loan if mortgage rates drop again? What are rates on conventional loans?

My 12 year old lab is getting a younger brother, a Doberman puppy. I have always believed in having two dogs for company, they understand each other. My old guy Amici will teach the new puppy Bullet all the habits of each family member.

Hi! My name is Amici! I’m a dog. I’m a Labrador Retriever, although I detest retrieving. I was born in New Orleans, a tough town, and then shipped off to Florida. I’m really a black mutt with a curved funny tail; I was also the runt of the litter, and no one wanted me. I also have a fleshy tumor on my neck. There were many strikes against me. First, I’m black; the second, I’m the runt, I don’t lick or kiss, but I’m friendly like my name. My parents found and adopted me just before I got the needle. I was so scared I stayed in the back of my cage shivering, just waiting for love. My future parents didn’t notice me in the back of the cage, but Andy their son, found me just when all hope was lost! Andy loves all animals. Boy, am I lucky.

They brought me to their house to meet another dog, Budaj. He was a beautiful boy dog, just like me! He was white and a pedigree, and he loved me. He taught me quickly about mom, dad, and Andy. Budaj did not like men! Everyone was afraid of dad, so I learned from Budaj to dislike men. I was taught mom was the only one for us. Although I learned that dad and Andy were great guys, Budaj lived for mom. Dad has a big booming voice that shakes the house because he sings. Mom can curse like a drunken sailor during hockey games, and all is fine; dad just whispers, “drat or darn,” and me and Buds, we run in fear. I’m not sure why, dad has never yelled at me or hit me. He taught me “please,” “thank you,” excuse me,” and I responded. Budaj just doesn’t like him; he hates Andy even more. I don’t know why. Budaj says to never, ever go down the hall to Andy’s room; it’s evil. I’m beginning to believe Budes has issues.

Andy is soft-spoken and a lover of all animals. I’ve seen him capture water bugs and release them outside, and dad, well, you can only imagine what he does; it’s not pleasant.

I’m am very lucky to have a big yard with a pool. I never swim; I hate the water. That’s right, a lab won’t retrieve or swim, and I really hate car rides, all that wind blowing. I enjoy chasing squirrels around the yard. We have bunny rabbits, but dad says we don’t chase them, so I don’t. I’m a good boy. I have many pet names I’m called, and I always answer; you never know, there might be a meatball waiting for me. They call me Amici, Mici, Coco, Peco, Sweebums, Meatball; I actually have seasonal names, Pumpkin, etc.

I’m being raised as Italian, Polish, and Ukraine; boy, they can cook! Meatballs are my favorite. When dad begins to make meatballs, I can hear the wrapping coming off the meat, and I am there to help dad any way I can! Pierogis, Kielbasa, Stuffed Shells, Chicken, and Bacon are my favorites. I have so much love from my family, and the best part is that they are medically trained, not dad though; he just cooks. My Aunt Janelle is a veterinarian! Dr. Aunt Janelle says my tumor is no big deal. Love, food, and healthcare, what more could you want! I have three beds to sleep in, and I sleep in all of them, on the rugs and on the tiles when it’s hot outside.

I cried so much the night that Budaj died. He was so young and my best buddy. It took some time to get over him, I remember everything he taught me, but I love dad and Andy. Since Budaj passed, I have been barking. Budaj didn’t bark much; he woofed when Andy was near. We sold the big house with the big yard, and we are looking for a new home. I bark at everyone walking by in our present home, especially UPS; I hate those brown uniforms. My yard is small, but I go on many walks. I’m loved and well cared for. However, when dad corrects me, I feel sad, but no problem. If I don’t like what he said, I walk into another room and rest, there’s always a bed handy.

My day is full. I mostly sleep and pretend I’m guarding something. I watch western movies with dad. He exercises as he watches television, but I’m just waiting for my next meal. Wherever I’m resting, I keep a keen ear to the ground if someone steals the refrigerator or tries to sneak snacks.

My parents were told I was three months old when I was adopted. They lied so they did not have to give me a worm test. They named me Noel to pretend I was born during the Christmas season. Well, I had worms, and I was seven months old. Poor dad had to keep Budaj’s crap and mine separated for two months until I was better. Boy, if that’s not real love. I’ll be nine years old sometime in July; we aren’t sure because they lied at the kennel; no one wanted me. No one wanted a black runt of a dog with a crooked tail and worms. I give unconditional love; I’m a dog; we all do! My mom and dad, and Andy choose me unconditionally to love me. Now I know what love really is about. I hope all pets could be adopted like I was, unconditionally.

I celebrate my birthday July 4th, and boy, oh boy, so many people celebrate my birthday with firecrackers, which annoy me. It’s good to be an All-American Dog!

years old sometime in July; we aren’t sure because they lied at the kennel; no one wanted me. No one wanted a black runt of a dog with a crooked tail and worms. I give unconditional love; I’m a dog; we all do! My mom and dad, and Andy choose me unconditionally to love me. Now I know what love really is about. I hope all pets could be adopted like I was, unconditionally.

I celebrate my birthday July 4th, and boy, oh boy, so many people celebrate my birthday with firecrackers, which annoy me. It’s good to be an All-American Dog!

From what I understand, average home prices in Los Angeles and Orange County California is $1.5 million. If a recent college graduate from University of California Los Angeles with a $80,000 a year salaried professional job and his fiance who is a registered nurse making $70,000 a year got married, can they qualify and get pre-approved for a mortgage to purchase an average 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, one car garage house in either Los Angeles or Orange County, California? What will be a strategy for them to become first-time homebuyers. Are they priced out of the housing market? Do they need to rent? They each have a $800 per month car payment.

How does VA HOME LOANS work?

Want to tell our members about Derrick Grayson and the video message I saw. I could not believe my ears to hear Mr. Derrick Grayson about all the questionable lies and theories from EVIL and politicians. I will not say too much until you all see Derrick Grayson podcast. You will NOT be disappointed.

https://www.youtube.com/live/qFI4qaGSrMo?si=VwWeAomqrIxrhy1t

• This discussion was modified 1 year, 10 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

I am trying to get my head around and grasp this AI; it’s not working. While at my cardiologist recently, we had a discussion on AI. His son is a cellist and has played professionally for years.

He stated, “There are good things about AI.” He went on to say his son played cello two years ago in a recording studio in Kentucky. He played the first part of a symphony he wrote, had it recorded with AI, and AI finished the symphony. My doctor said it was musically perfect—no mistakes from any instrument. The only thing missing was passion; passion in music cannot be duplicated. The essence of music is to feel its energy radiate through your body. If it doesn’t, something is missing.

I’ve been experiencing a similar reaction to my short stories. My critics read the post, not the story, then break down each phrase and each word. Here is an example: my book. “If The Creek Don’t Rise There Will Be A Parade.” I know what the title means; AI doesn’t need to explain it to me. Pretty condescending. However no one reads the book. “Wow Wine Wednesdays,” a short post on a certain wine I like. AI explains “Wednesdays,” ‘the middle of the week break.’ No one mentioned the wine. This AI is erasing all the passion involved in writing. If AI critiqued “Old Man and the Sea,” it would say, “Old man, a male of old age,” and “seas,” a large body of water smaller than an ocean. Sure it makes me want to read the book.

AI, as far as I’m concerned, always misses the point. Although you can’t argue with the facts of AI, they will always be correct. My definition of AI. AI is a big windbag that states truths, never having an opinion on any discussion. It’s like that smart ass kid you grew up with who knew all the facts about baseball but couldn’t hit a ball or catch a ball. He may know the facts, but he will never know the feeling of running down a fly ball in the outfield on a warm summer afternoon while your teammates are cheering for you to catch the ball. AI has no feelings; it can’t register passion. In truth, you can’t explain something you never really experienced.

AI will never give me goose bumps, or that warm feeling when hearing the violin, how the strings be so soothing it will erase any depression. It will never give me the tingling sensation that’s engulfs my body when a soprano hits their high C in an aria.

Let’s break down Artifical Intelligence like AI would.

Artifical: an adjective which modifies a noun: made or produced by a human being rather than occurring naturally. In other words FAKE.

Intelligence: a noun the subject of the sentence: the ability to acquire knowledge and skill

To make logical chooses, to be able to solve problems, apply critical thinking and think in the abstract. In other words being able to THINK.

AI is really a phooey, its fake and it can’t think. Ergo an oxymoron.

Oxymoron: Greek, “Oxus” means sharp and “Moros means” foolish.