There’s a video series about several pet monkeys. Little pet monkeys are extremely intelligent and cute. They are no different than having a little kid that normally behaves. Each pet monkey has its personality. Anyone raise a pet monkey? Watch this short video. The owner of Lilly lives in Vietnam. This video will make your day. 😍

https://youtu.be/HhVmi-if1yU?si=RY380dlthSfvqHsY

Value of Silver will outpace Value of Gold as precious metals skyrocket. Silver trade in a thin market. Plus Silver has investment Value as well as practical industrial Value. In 2011 Value of Silver doubled to $45 per ounce. Trading of Silver opened higher today. Start stacking Silver today.

https://youtu.be/jYV3vi-ysPk?si=oC1zFZqFGjY8B6AU

Summary of National Headline News Updated of January 3rd, January 4th, January 5th, and January 6th 2025, including Weekend News Update of January 4th and 5th 2025:

January 3, 2025

On January 3, the 119th U.S. Congress sat in session for the first time. Vice President Kamala Harris swore in the senators, and Mike Johnson was re-elected as Speaker of the House.

Janet Yellen To Be Nominated as U.S. Treasury Secretary:

• Joe Biden’s administration is set to nominate Janet Yellen as Treasury Secretary.
• Joe Biden blocks Nippon Steel’s $7 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel over national security concerns.
• According to Fox News on Saturday, a newly released report shows that the president has ordered the government to buy less from China and other foreign sources over concerns about supply chain vulnerability.

Surgeon General Calls For Cancer Warnings On Alcohol Bottles:

• Surgeon General Vivek Murthy suggests that alcohol bottles be marked with cancer warnings.
• This is because there is a clear link between alcohol consumption and cancer risk.

SpaceX launches United Arab Emirates Communication Satellite Thuraya 4-NGS:

According to ABC News, SpaceX launched its communications satellite Thuraya 4-NGS for the United Arab Emirates on Friday via a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.

January 4, 2025

Terrorism in New Orleans? So far, fourteen people have died after a terrorist attack took place on New Year’s Day. Homemade bombs filled with special explosives were used by the attacker, indicating the involvement of high-level terrorist training and possible connections with international terrorist organizations.

Winter Storm Blair Disrupts Central U.S.: According to NBC News, Winter Storm Blair caused major disruption across central the USA last Tuesday, resulting in four deaths.

Kansas City, Missouri, and Louisville, Kentucky, were particularly affected by heavy snowfall, with the latter receiving its heaviest snowfall in a quarter of a century. For instance, around 1,900 flights were canceled, and more than 254,000 utility customers lost power.

January 5th, 2025

Congestion Pricing New York City:

New York City was the first city in the United States to introduce congestion pricing for vehicles below 60th Street into Lower Manhattan and Midtown. This initiative aims to reduce traffic jams and generate revenue for public transportation improvements.

U.S. Provides Arms to Israel: The U.S. State Department informed Congress about an intended $8 billion weapons deal with Israel that includes air-to-air missiles, Hellfire missiles, artillery shells, and other ammunition, thereby enhancing their strategic alliance between the two nations.

January 6th, 2025

Election Results Certified By Congress: On January 6, amidst heightened security measures and a January 6 m, Congress met to confirm Donald Trump’s presidential victory earlier this year. Vice President Kamala Harris presided over the session, announcing election results formally without any altercation like last year’s event on January 6.

Shore Drilling:

In one of his final acts as President, Joe Biden banned new oil and natural gas drilling across most of America’s coastline to accomplish environmental objectives and mitigate climate change effects.

These events underscored important political shifts alongside environmental conservation and safety challenges experienced within the U.S. during the first week of January 2025.

What are differences between the Belgium Malanois compared to the German Shepherd? They look similar. Most people cannot tell the difference. Why are these two dogs 🐕 look similar but have totally two different names. How are their temperament? Which breed is better? Which breed is smarter?Which breed costs more?

https://youtu.be/sCxRdklRpeU?si=LtzVHY5KNL8HxmdS

Here is an informative YouTube video on how to train your German Shepherd puppy in one week

https://youtu.be/ygn8B2FLcdM?si=7YDmQrQorog5LDJs

The yield on a two-year Treasury bond is typically calculated as the yield to maturity (YTM), which represents the total return an investor can expect to receive if the bond is held until it matures. The formula for calculating the yield to maturity on a bond involves several components, and it is a complex equation. Here’s a simplified explanation:

YTM = \left( \frac{{\text{Face Value}}}{{\text{Current Price}}} \right)^{\frac{1}}{{\text{Time to Maturity}}} – 1

Where:

Face Value

Face Value is the nominal value of the bond.

Current Price

• Current Price is the current market price of the bond.
• Time to Maturity is the remaining time until the bond matures.

This formula assumes that all interest payments are reinvested at the same rate as the bond’s current yield to maturity. Keep in mind that bond prices can fluctuate in the secondary market based on various factors such as changes in interest rates, economic conditions, and investor sentiment.

It’s important to note that the yield on a bond is inversely related to its price. As bond prices rise, yields fall, and vice versa. Bond yields are often expressed as an annual percentage. The yield on a Treasury bond is considered a benchmark for interest rates and is closely watched by investors and policymakers.

For more precise calculations, including adjustments for coupon payments and compounding, financial calculators or specialized financial software are commonly used. Additionally, financial institutions and websites often provide up-to-date yield information for various Treasury securities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBnxyt5lmRo

• This discussion was modified 10 months, 3 weeks ago by  Ann.
• This discussion was modified 1 week, 3 days ago by  Sapna Sharma.

Comprehensive Daily Headline News for Tuesday, January 7th, 2025, which includes the economy, inflation, unemployment, bankruptcy, foreclosure, politics, stocks and bonds, corruption, and factors affecting Americans.

The United States is experiencing significant developments across various sectors as of January 7, 2025.

Economy and Inflation

Economic Growth:

• Projections are that the US economy will grow by about 2.2%- 2.5% in 2025 due to full employment and price stability.

Inflation:

• Personal consumption expenditures (PCE) rose by 6.4% in 2023, with Florida leading at a growth rate of up to 8.1% and Iowa at a low pace of only 4.7%.

Bureau of Economic Analysis

Unemployment and Job Market:

Job Openings:

• In November 2024, there were 8.1 million job openings, up from the forecasted 7.7 million.

Services Sector:

• The ISM’s non-manufacturing index for December rose higher than predicted, indicating strong service sector activity.

Stock Market and Bonds

Treasury Yields:

• With strong economic data, US Treasury yields have hit an eight-month high, with the government bond yield on a ten-year note reaching around 4.7%.

Stock Market:

• Positive economic data pushed the S&P 500 and NASDAQ downwards on concerns that the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies could be affected.

Politics

Presidential Election:

• On January 6, 2025, Congress confirmed Donald Trump’s re-election as President during the recent presidential contest held in 2019, marking his return to the White House.

Debt Ceiling Concerns:

• According to Fitch Ratings, the debate on the US debt ceiling is not likely to be resolved promptly, even though Republicans control the government due to fights over spending within the party.

Corruption and Legal Matters

Trump’s Legal Challenges:

• Jack Smith, a special counsel, reports on his criminal cases against Donald Trump to Merrick Garland, an attorney general.
• Trump’s legal team wants this report kept confidential and has called it an “unlawful political stunt.”

Factors Affecting Americans

Climate Risk Considerations:

• Home buyers increasingly turn to climate risk assessments in evaluating properties, such as platforms like Zillow, that offer climate risk scores indicating potential damage from flooding, fires, and winds for the next 30 years.

In conclusion, the US negotiates a tricky terrain with strong economic indicators, political turnovers, and emerging issues in climatic risks of fiscal policies.

Google introduced new tools for website owners, including owners of social media sites and discussion forums, who want to make a higher presence of their content in Google’s search results. The algorithm changes includes Google’s prioritizing of user-generated web content over SEO-optimized junk, which has increasingly become a problem on today’s modern web. In May, Google first rolled out a new “Perspectives” search filter that would highlight posts from discussion boards like Reddit, Q&A sites like Quora and social media platforms in its search results. The feature, which first arrived on mobile, was launched to desktop users earlier this month along with other search changes.

The company also said its ranking algorithm was being updated to push more of these firsthand perspectives higher in search results so they’re easier to find.

With the new tools, Google is giving websites hosting first-person perspectives the ability to signal to the search engine how their data is structured so their content will be featured both accurately and “as complete as possible” in Google’s Search Results, the company explains.

For example, with the new ProfilePage markup, any site where creators post content will be able to showcase their creators’ profiles directly in Google Search results, including information like their name, handle, profile photo, follower count or the popularity of their content. Both Google’s Perspectives feature and its Discussions and Forums feature can make use of this type of markup.

developers.google.com

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Where are Mortgage Interest Rates at now and where are Mortgage Interest Rates headed?

I had credit scores of 480 on 1/07. I have paid all my collections and have not missed any payments or house payment since 1/07. My score is now 580 and 633. What else can i do, like removing lates for my credit history?

My credit score is high at 705, but my DTI ratio is rather high at 57% how can I get myself a low interest home loan for a first time homebuyer? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

That’s it, I’m looking to refinance. Initially quoted me a 30-year fixed at 6.5% in March, but when the underwriters got through with me it was a 30-year interest-only with 8.25%. Not happy! Nevertheless, my lender – LendingTree.com- grants returning customers a refinance at NO costs.
The general situation is here. Any advice appreciated.
I owe CC debt approx $60K (AVG. APR 6.5%)
I have Interest only Home loan (8.25% $366K, 100% financing)
I earn 7K/month
Net Current monthly liabilities $6,200 (cc payments, mortgage, insurance, etc)
I have cash of $20K
Credit score 680

What to do with the cash? Am I to pay off some of my CC debt to boost my credit score or make a down payment to get a better mortgage? How about buying points, and which way is the lending market looking to go within the next 6 months?

Is Kamala Harris the best candidate The Democrats have to face former President Donald Trump for 2024 Presidential Election? Are the Democrats that desperate of having a semi-descent candidate for President? Do Democrats think the American people are that stupid? Do Democrats need to name Kamala Harris, the person who slept her way up the political latter? Kamala Harris slept with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown to kick off her political career. Kamala Harris is not too smart. Many people cannot believe how she even became a lawyer let alone District Attorney of San Francisco, Attorney General of California, United States Senator, and Vice President of the United States. Now she is running for President? OMG. What has Kamala Harris ever achieved in her political career. Watch this video clip about Kamala Harris.

https://www.youtube.com/live/RcsRfo16ZC8?si=gFA0rsAlw8iu0KLU

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

Here’s a few pics and videos of Chase.

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1128964241712575?mibextid=9drbnH

facebook.com

Gustan Cho on Reels | Glen Campbell · Rhinestone Cowboy (Extended Version)

Glen Campbell · Rhinestone Cowboy (Extended Version)

Why do dogs bury their bones, food or other items?

Whatever the Biden Administration and the mainstream media network is telling you how great Bidenomics is and how great the economy is, that’s a lie. Home Depot is facing a decline in revenues year over year. McDonald’s is struggling. The construction industry is struggling. Home prices are plummeting. Inflation is not at 3%. It’s more like 100%. Stay tuned.

https://youtu.be/4HuHFP6wsl8?si=GVuF2TgICwLsXFV5

Gustan Cho Associates has a national reputation for being able to do mortgage loans other lenders cannot do. What makes Gustan Cho Associates different than the competition? Over 80% of the borrowers of Gustan Cho Associates are folks who could not qualify at other mortgage companies. How can I find out more about Gustan Cho Associates and get introduced to a mortgage loan officer. Gustan Cho Associates is a one-stop lending shop. They are experts in business funding, commercial loans, and traditional and alternative residential mortgage loans.

How do beginners start gardening? Food prices are skyrocketing due to inflation and everything at the grocery store is four to five times the price it was about a year ago. Inflation is not 3%. Politicians are big liars and cannot be trusted. How easy or hard is it to start a garden in your back yard? I live in a single family house with a very small back yard in the city. I do not have a large yard so my space is limited. What should I put on my vegetable garden if I am a beginner? Can you please explain the step by step process on how to start a vegetable garden bed from scratch?

How does FHA STREAMLINE REFINANCE LOANS WORK?

70% of Americans feel Joe Biden is mentally incompetent to run for reelection. This SUBFORUM is created so members can show Joe Biden caught on tape being senile and mentally incompetent.

https://youtube.com/shorts/uC272rKMvIA?si=z6wml_JssBFzJn9X

How does VA STREAMLINE REFINANCE LOANS WORK

What is the difference between a rate and term refinance, and an FHA and VA Streamline Refinance?

Nelson Thompson is the President of Mortgage Sensei and the CEO of Lending Network Inc. Both positions place him at the helm of influential financial organizations within the mortgage and lending industry. Here’s a bit more about each of these roles and the respective organizations:

Mortgage Sensei: Nelson Thompson

• Role: President
• Focus: Mortgage Sensei is likely to provide mortgage solutions, consulting, and educational resources for consumers and industry professionals.
• Services: The organization may offer various services, including mortgage brokerage, loan origination, and mortgage education.

Lending Network Inc.

• Role: CEO
• Focus: Lending Network Inc. operates as a comprehensive lending service provider. It may offer various loan products, including residential mortgages, commercial loans, and other financing solutions.
• Services: The company likely provides financial products and services aimed at helping individuals and businesses secure the funding they need. This can include everything from personal loans to large-scale commercial financing.

Contributions and Impact

• Leadership: As a leader in these organizations, Nelson Thompson plays a key role in strategic decision-making, business development, and overseeing daily operations.
• Industry Influence: His positions suggest a significant influence in shaping the direction of mortgage lending practices and policies within the industry.

Contact and Further Information

• For more detailed information about Nelson Thompson’s work and the services offered by Mortgage Sensei and Lending Network Inc., it would be beneficial to visit their respective websites or professional profiles on business networking sites like LinkedIn.

Unfortunately, detailed information about Nelson Thompson’s work and the services provided by Mortgage Sensei and Lending Network Inc. may not be readily available in the public domain. If you require more precise details or wish to contact these organizations directly, consider reaching out through their official websites or professional contact channels.

Visit us at Lending Network, Inc. @MortgageSensei

https://lendingnetwork.org/

What are FHA Jumbo Loans?

What are the guidelines and requirements on flip-and-flip loans at Lending Network? How much down payment is required? What are the requirements to qualify for fix-and-flip loans? Can you explain the steps of fix-and-flip loans? Does the borrower need to have experience in doing fix-and flips? What types of properties are eligible for fix-and-flip loans?

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.

The truth is that all of these loans still have the overlays of each lender, and it’s what the lender requires that matters. These SBA, HUD, USDA, and conventional loans are referrals; you only need to know some things. There are so many variations, exceptions, and special underwriting. Most nonrecourse loans still require personal guarantees; it is just that if the loan defaults, they will not come after your personal property unless there is fraud. Those carve-outs usually pertain to fraud. Fannie Mae often approves loans easier than Freddie Mac senior housing, student housing, affordable housing tax credit LIHTC usually has the highest LTVs. Often a non-profit will get 5% to 10% higher LTV. I will partner with these potential borrowers using my non-profit and HUD sponsorship status, taking 25% to 50% of the project.

Small balance loans from $1MM to $7 mm have an 80% LTV for apartments

• This discussion was modified 1 year, 5 months ago by  Gustan Cho.

Heard there are beautiful places in Alabama.  Just spoke with Ronda Butts and she was telling me about Birmingham Alabama.  You get a lot of house for the money. Ronda just wrote a detailed article about high end homes in Alabama

Buying a house is a significant financial decision, and it’s essential to carefully consider it. Here are some tips for buying a house in Iowa:

1. Determine your budget: Start by assessing your financial situation to determine how much you can afford to spend on a house. Consider factors like your income, savings for a down payment, and other expenses associated with homeownership.

2. Get pre-approved for a mortgage: Before you start house hunting, get pre-approved from a reputable lender. This will give you a clear idea of your budget and make you a more attractive buyer to sellers.

3. Research Iowa’s real estate market: Familiarize yourself with the real estate market in the area you are interested in. Look into recent property sales, market trends, and the overall economic conditions affecting the housing market in Iowa.

4. Choose the right location: Iowa has a diverse range of cities and towns, each with its own unique characteristics. Consider factors like proximity to work, schools, amenities, and the overall neighborhood vibe when choosing the location for your new home.

5. Work with a local real estate agent: Engaging a knowledgeable local real estate agent can be immensely helpful in finding the right property. They can provide insight into the local market, negotiate on your behalf, and guide you through home-buying.

6. Attend open houses and inspections: Once you’ve identified potential properties, attend open houses to get a feel for the homes and their neighborhoods. Schedule professional home inspections to ensure the property is in good condition and free from major issues.

7. Review the purchase agreement carefully: When you find a house you want to buy, review the purchase agreement carefully with your real estate agent or a lawyer to understand the terms and conditions of the sale.

8. Consider plans: Consider your long-term plans and how the property fits into them. Will the house accommodate potential lifestyle changes like a growing family or retirement?

9. Understand additional costs: In addition to the purchase price, factor in other costs like property taxes, homeowners’ insurance, closing costs, and potential maintenance and repair expenses.

10. Negotiate wisely: Be prepared to negotiate with the seller, especially after the home inspection. Skilled negotiation can help you secure a better deal or address any necessary repairs.

11. Conduct a title search: Before closing on the property, conduct a title search to ensure no outstanding liens or ownership disputes could affect your ownership rights.

12. Close the deal: Once all contingencies are met, and the necessary paperwork is completed, you can close on the house. This involves signing the final paperwork, paying the closing costs, and transferring ownership.

Remember, buying a house is a process that requires careful planning and research. Take your time, ask questions, and seek professional advice when needed to make informed decisions. Good luck with your house hunting in Iowa!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2En-IZ1xLNk