Wednesday, August 10, 2005

All Things Homestar Runner I have babbled somewhat incoherently and geekily on Wikis the last couple of weeks.  I realize that all 12 of my readers probably have little to no idea of what a Wiki is or how it is used.  Well, here's the chance to enjoy some Wiki goodness with something that is not so geeky.  Homestar Runner now has a Wiki!  If you are new to the phenomenon that is Homestar, The Cheat, Teen Girl Squad, and Strong Bad Emails, read the Wiki for some background.  Much like Wikipedia, it is user-contributed and maintained information.  If you fancy yourself an expert and are a member of the Homestarmy, then contribute to the Wiki.  "Do you has what it takes to join the Homestarmy? Will you bring a sack lunch and some orange slices for me and serve your country? Will you, stupid?!"  - Colonel Homestar Runner 8:55:35 AM    comment []  trackback []

Harbinger of the Bubble Losing Air? Yesterday, the Federal Reserve raised interest rates another quarter-point.  The federal funds rate--the interest rate banks charge one another--is now the highest it has been in four years.  The economist in me believes this is going to be a good thing.  The interest rate rise will portend a cooling down in the real estate market within the next six to nine months.  As the cost of borrowing becomes much higher, the desire of borrowers to borrow large amounts of credit becomes lessened.  Also, given the Fed plans to maintain their incremental approach to interest rate increases, I believe that some of the highly-leveraged home purchases of late--getting an interest-only mortgage with an adjustable rate--is going to lead to some foreclosures.  There will not be a wholesale collapse of the real estate market, however I do think that the scorching hot market of late will cool off.  Some areas will not see the rather large increases in real estate prices they have seen, but they will certainly not lose their value, either.  With the increase, though, homes should be on the market longer.  In the end, I think I will have to resuscitate my search for a home.  Once things are settled with the new job, I think it will be time to begin the search anew.  8:41:59 AM    comment []  trackback []