Ace of Spades HQ

April 14, 2014

Terrific: Real Estate Bubble Begins Bursting in China
— Ace

For years, China was propping up what little was left of the global economy. They might not be able to perform that function anymore.

The real estate market in Hangzhou looks like it has just passed an inflection point. It is not so much that fundamentals have deterioratedÂ—they have been weak for some timeÂ—as that peopleÂ’s mentality has changed.
...
Now, the problem of no buyers is spreading across the country. Sara Hsu notes ChinaÂ’s residential markets are becoming inelastic. Â“Once consumers stop buying,Â” she writes, Â“deep discounts are ineffective in drawing them back.Â” People arenÂ’t buying because they believe prices will decline further.
...
China is at the point where problems are feeding on themselves. Pessimism about property, which accounts for about 15% of ChinaÂ’s gross domestic product, is beginning to affect the broader economy. Declining property values look scary, despite cheery statements from government officials who assure us the property bubble is Â“not bigÂ” or analysts who say that the problems are not Â“systemic.Â” But the Chinese donÂ’t look like they are buying either of those views. Â“If this continues, it will have immense impact on the whole Chinese economy,Â” says an unidentified Hangzhou real estate salesman on Economic 30 Minutes. Â“Without question, everyone thinks there is a bubble.Â”

...
There is little any leader can do. Collapses occur when people lose confidence. That is now happening in China.

(Game of Thrones thread below, for those who care.)

Posted by: Ace at 11:04 AM | Comments (263)
Post contains 256 words, total size 2 kb.

1 1th

Posted by: m at April 14, 2014 11:04 AM (2AqeI)

2 Well, at least no one saw this coming.

Posted by: blaster at April 14, 2014 11:04 AM (4+AaH)

3 I'm not really sure what's causing this sudden deflation in Chinese real estate prices but I strongly suspect it has something to do with love.

Posted by: El Gobernador Jeb Bush at April 14, 2014 11:06 AM (8ZskC)

4 Wait, property? Chinese get to own property? In a communist country? Run that by me again.

Posted by: navybrat at April 14, 2014 11:06 AM (JgC5a)

5 Maybe they could move more real estate if they sold it like a dinner. You know, one from column A and two from column B and you get free eggroll and fortune cookie.

Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 11:07 AM (XUKZU)

6 The problem with Chinese real estate is that half an hour after you've devoured Taiwan, you're already hungry again.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 14, 2014 11:07 AM (8ZskC)

7 Hence why I and others have been saying for a long time that China is a house of cards that's ready to fall over. There's nothing propping it up but lies and wishcasting, and a healthy dose of gubmint propaganda.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Bossy Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/i][/b] at April 14, 2014 11:07 AM (4df7R)

8 I blame Bush.

Posted by: The Mega Independent at April 14, 2014 11:08 AM (QCo5R)

9 Bet this is going to keep Obama's economic recovery from getting going. That and Republicans.

Posted by: blaster at April 14, 2014 11:08 AM (4+AaH)

10 "We should be more like China! They're AWESOME!!!!"

-Thomas Friedman, wearing an "I <3 China" t-shirt

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Bossy Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/i][/b] at April 14, 2014 11:09 AM (4df7R)

11 Hence why I and others have been saying for a long time that China is a house of cards that's ready to fall over. There's nothing propping it up but lies and wishcasting, and a healthy dose of gubmint propaganda. - Thank God that could never happen here.

Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 11:09 AM (XUKZU)

12 I'd like to buy my own forbidden city in China.

Posted by: Fritz at April 14, 2014 11:09 AM (UzPAd)

13 Send John Kerry over there quick - he, like his master, is a light bender.

Posted by: Chaos the Other Dark Meat at April 14, 2014 11:09 AM (oDCMR)

14 Gird thy loins.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 11:09 AM (7ObY1)

15 Remain Calm! All is Well!!!

Posted by: Chip Diller at April 14, 2014 11:09 AM (32Ze2)

16 China will handle this crisis with skill and aplomb because, you know, commie dictatorship.

Posted by: Tom Friedman at April 14, 2014 11:09 AM (8ZskC)

17 Bet this is going to keep Obama's economic recovery from getting going.

That and Republicans.
Posted by: blaster at April 14, 2014 03:08 PM (4+AaH)/i]

He's had to give up accusing the Japanese tsunami for hurting the already shitty economy, so this will give him another Asian malefactor on which to place the blame.

Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Bossy Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/i][/b] at April 14, 2014 11:10 AM (4df7R)

18 I'd like to buy my own forbidden city in China. You been in Forbidden City four ow!! You go now!!!

Posted by: The Forbidden City Buffet at April 14, 2014 11:10 AM (8ZskC)

19 Game of Thrones???? Game of Thrones????? BUT WHAT ABOUT POLITIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIAGHHHHHGGGGHGGGHHHHH

Posted by: The Mega Independent at April 14, 2014 11:10 AM (QCo5R)

20 Can I invest in China's ghost cities, just so I can get away from people?

Posted by: Stateless Infidel at April 14, 2014 11:11 AM (AC0lD)

21 You been in Forbidden City four ow!! You go now!!! You scaring my wife!

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 11:11 AM (7ObY1)

22 Hey, you know those paper things with pictures of dead Presidents on them that they give you in exchange for work? You know that stuff is really just paper, right? I would suggest you exchange that stuff for things that might be useful if everything grinds to a halt financially. You need to do it while there are still other suckers left who might give you something for them.

Posted by: D-Lamp at April 14, 2014 11:11 AM (bb5+k)

23 Did China let in that destroyer of jobs known as ATM?

Posted by: Chaos the Other Dark Meat at April 14, 2014 11:12 AM (oDCMR)

24 When we move in, the property values go down.

Posted by: Uighurs at April 14, 2014 11:12 AM (NH4K+)

25 - Thank God that could never happen here. Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 03:09 PM (XUKZU) I assume you left it to the wit of us readers to apply the sarc tags?

Posted by: D-Lamp at April 14, 2014 11:13 AM (bb5+k)

26 Who knew you couldn't count on 10% growth year after year without end. Prepare, winter is coming!

Posted by: Kreplach at April 14, 2014 11:13 AM (pYXiI)

27 Did China let in that destroyer of jobs known as ATM? Also, they traded in their spoons for shovels.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 14, 2014 11:13 AM (8ZskC)

28 Talking about real estate...

How do I know how much I can deduct in taxes from PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)? I closed on a home in September and made full two payments for the 2013 tax year, but on a 1098 form I got from the mortgage broker, they list a single PMI payment whereas on the 1098 from my the actual mortgage servicser they list no info about PMI.

I assume I get at least two of those PMI payments to take off, but am wondering if I might have paid a third installment at the time of closing.

Posted by: Serious Cat at April 14, 2014 11:13 AM (UypUQ)

29 Gold, guns, and seeds is the investment plan.

Posted by: blaster at April 14, 2014 11:13 AM (4+AaH)

30 Came up on previous thread, here's a good post on human genetic clustering http://dienekes.blogspot.com/2010/12/human-genetic-variation-first.html And here's a neighbor-joining tree of human genetic clusters http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Neighbor-joining_Tree-2.png That's from a 2002 paper by Japanese researcher Saitou Naruya, professor at the Japanese National Institute for Genetics. Graphs like that are from automated DNA analysis, though the labels he uses are not.

Posted by: Costanza Defense at April 14, 2014 11:14 AM (ZPrif)

31 12 I'd like to buy my own forbidden city in China.

Posted by: Fritz at April 14, 2014 03:09 PM (UzPAd)

You can't. It's forbidden.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 14, 2014 11:14 AM (DrWcr)

32 I wonder if its MSG Free too.... Damn Chinese land deals - you're hungry an hour later after the fall....

Posted by: Ibin Pharteen at April 14, 2014 11:14 AM (zL/eJ)

33 unexpectedly!

Posted by: redc1c4 at April 14, 2014 11:15 AM (q+fqH)

34 Wait, property? Chinese get to own property? In a communist country?

Run that by me again.

Posted by: navybrat

Deng Xiapeng began relaxing state control over property in the '80's. The 2000's saw a number of laws allowing private usage of property and profit thereof if not whole ownership independent of the state.

The state can, of course, take property rights away from anyone at anytime but things have changed since the 80's.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i][/b] at April 14, 2014 11:16 AM (8MBOc)

35 I Am The World.

Posted by: Prez'nit 404 at April 14, 2014 11:16 AM (Dwehj)

36
A short, victorious war will correct these problems.

Posted by: chinese military at April 14, 2014 11:16 AM (D+lxs)

37 I read basically this same article last year. And the year before. And the year before that. And, well pretty much every year since China's economic boom began.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 14, 2014 11:16 AM (0LHZx)

38 Has anyone mentioned yet that you'll be hungry an hour after >>> fill in the blank <<< ..... you know, as in reference to eating at the Chinese Buffet?

Posted by: Decidedly Indifferent at April 14, 2014 11:16 AM (32Ze2)

39 Moochelle was just there and now it goes to shit Coincidence?

Posted by: Navycopjoe at April 14, 2014 11:17 AM (NoHJ8)

40 Fundamental. Change.

Posted by: Prez'nit 404 at April 14, 2014 11:17 AM (Dwehj)

41 this problem was caused by Republican racism...

Posted by: redc1c4 at April 14, 2014 11:17 AM (q+fqH)

42 this problem was caused by Republican racism...

Word.

Posted by: Hammerin' Hank Aaron at April 14, 2014 11:18 AM (Dwehj)

DOOM!

Posted by: @JohnTant at April 14, 2014 11:18 AM (PFy0L)

44 this problem was caused by Republican racism... Posted by: redc1c4 at April 14, 2014 03:17 PM (q+fqH) _____________________ And because there is not Carbon Emission Tax....

Posted by: Thomas Friedman at April 14, 2014 11:18 AM (32Ze2)

45 Heeeeeey, what's the big deal?

We'll just print a whole shit-ton of money and we'll be fine....

That's how it works, right?

Posted by: China at April 14, 2014 11:19 AM (DOOp+)

46 War on Chinese Women?

Posted by: Chaos the Other Dark Meat at April 14, 2014 11:19 AM (oDCMR)

47 The state can, of course, take property rights away from anyone at anytime

Which I'm sure has no effect on sales. O_o

Posted by: HR at April 14, 2014 11:19 AM (ZKzrr)

48 And the PRC has many faux pretexts against neighboring countries to distract the 1.4 billion when they get really restless. Though the Beijing Politburo should remember the fate of the Argentine junta after their war of distraction with England failed.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:19 AM (LLb/F)

49 How many do you have to have in your party to get eggrolls during the bubble burst? And, you'd better not go light on the fried rice and General Tso's either, Mr. Moto.....

Posted by: Ibin Pharteen at April 14, 2014 11:20 AM (zL/eJ)

50 Binders full of Real Estate

Posted by: The Democrap Esablishment at April 14, 2014 11:20 AM (32Ze2)

51 I hear this chap BERNAAK can solve problems like this and I hear he is need of Employment. Do I get a commission for the headhunting? Hmm is this SHTF possibility why the wealthy Chinese are on the So Cal buying up property on cash basis and driving up prices 30% In the last 3 years. Are they afraid their currency is about to be less than healthy.

Posted by: Admiral_ritt at April 14, 2014 11:20 AM (vhRdv)

52 Yes, let's all join in a global economy, it'll prevent depressions.

Posted by: CanaDave at April 14, 2014 11:20 AM (kI5Xp)

53 The real estate market is more free market in China than here. No banks are forced to lend to "diverse" communities in China. Can you pay? Here's the money. You can't pay, fuck you, next in line.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 14, 2014 11:20 AM (0LHZx)

54 7 Hence why I and others have been saying for a long time that China is a house of cards that's ready to fall over. There's nothing propping it up but lies and wishcasting, and a healthy dose of gubmint propaganda. Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Bossy Assault Hobbit at April 14, 2014 03:07 PM (4df7R) We wouldn't know anything about that.

Posted by: Ben Burninate the Countryside Bernanke at April 14, 2014 11:20 AM (7aJyE)

55 They need more solar farms And high speed rail That'll do it

Posted by: Navycopjoe at April 14, 2014 11:20 AM (NoHJ8)

56 Damn it.... They Told me if I voted for Rombley that the world economy would crash, and darn it, they were right!

Posted by: Decidedly Indifferent at April 14, 2014 11:21 AM (32Ze2)

57 Funny what happens when a government can order the construction of entire cities that nobody needs and nobody can afford to live in....pop!

Posted by: Stu-22 at April 14, 2014 11:22 AM (KbrNh)

58 And high speed rail

That woke me up from my afternoon nap!

Posted by: Slow Uncle Joe Biden at April 14, 2014 11:22 AM (Dwehj)

59 28 Talking about real estate... How do I know how much I can deduct in taxes from PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance)? I closed on a home in September and made full two payments for the 2013 tax year, but on a 1098 form I got from the mortgage broker, they list a single PMI payment whereas on the 1098 from my the actual mortgage servicser they list no info about PMI. I assume I get at least two of those PMI payments to take off, but am wondering if I might have paid a third installment at the time of closing. Posted by: Serious Cat at April 14, 2014 03:13 PM (UypUQ) If you think the amount on your form 1098 is inaccurate, contact your lender and ask them to tell you how much PMI you paid in 2013 and send you a copy of that info for your records.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 14, 2014 11:22 AM (oMKp3)

60 I think President Obama should do something about this. Probably caused by Bush's policies finally catching up to another country. Bush lied to China and should face trial immediately before to many Chinese people are hurt.

Posted by: Dorcus Blimeline at April 14, 2014 11:22 AM (iB0Q2)

61 Hmm is this SHTF possibility why the wealthy Chinese are on the So Cal buying up property on cash basis and driving up prices 30% In the last 3 years. Are they afraid their currency is about to be less than healthy. Posted by: Admiral_ritt at April 14, 2014 03:20 PM (vhRdv) ___________ Vancouver, BC has had insane real estate prices since the 80s. That's because since the 80s, Chinese investors have been driving up the prices. And since the 80s, people have bee predicting that Chinese money can't possibly sustain these prices. And since the 80s they've been wrong and Vancouver is in the top 5 most expensive cities in N. America.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 14, 2014 11:22 AM (0LHZx)

Hmm is this SHTF possibility why the wealthy Chinese are on the So Cal buying up property on cash basis and driving up prices 30% In the last 3 years. Are they afraid their currency is about to be less than healthy.

Posted by: Admiral_ritt at April 14, 2014 03:20 PM (vhRdv)

The running dog hoarders will be given a fair trial by the People's Justice. Then they will be shot.

Posted by: Righteous Fist of Chinese People's Justice at April 14, 2014 11:23 AM (D+lxs)

63 Yes I will take the Moo Goo Szechuan Province. I get spring rolls also? Great.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:23 AM (LLb/F)

64 Even the big banks and hedge funds aren't buying Chinese land? Somebody's gotta go back and print me a shitload of dollars!

Posted by: Janet Yellen at April 14, 2014 11:24 AM (aTXUx)

65 We know it's bullshit, and Zero and the Chinless Wonder know it, too. They cry RACISM!!11! to appease their most solid base component, the blacks. And to keep them pissed off and in the camp, in hopes that in a mid-term year, they will turn out and vote once, twice, three times, however many times their no-ID poll tenders let them. War on Wimmenz is the same thing. So's the TheyHateTheGheys schtick. It's all they got.

Posted by: the littl shyning man at April 14, 2014 11:24 AM (tmFlQ)

66 That construction may be worthless, but you can't deny that they built it fast!

Posted by: Thomas Friedman at April 14, 2014 11:25 AM (4+AaH)

67 RE: Vancouver

I have noticed from watching "Live it or List it, too.." that Vancouver as crazy high home prices. Like $1m+ for an upper middle class home. But the quality architecture and gorgeous scenery makes it seem almost worth it.

Posted by: Serious Cat at April 14, 2014 11:25 AM (UypUQ)

68 Thank God that could never happen here. There was a song about that: http://youtu.be/0El3Dqk0wfU

Posted by: Blanco Basura at April 14, 2014 11:26 AM (0AKks)

69 "No banks are forced to lend to 'diverse' communities in China."

No, but Chinese banks are effectively forced to lend to certain borrowers.

Notably the "princelings" who are private sector business mavens, but who have parents who are ranking officials in the Communist Party.

Decline the loan application of a princeling and bad, bad things will happen to your bank, and/or to you personally.

Posted by: torquewrench at April 14, 2014 11:26 AM (noWW6)

70 After next fall's avian flu epidemic, the housing market won't seem like such a big deal.

Posted by: Roy at April 14, 2014 11:26 AM (VndSC)

71 You will know it is going to go really bad when all the Chinese Tourists and Visiting Businessmen with their families start overstaying their visas, or just disappear into the US, Canada, and Europe.

Posted by: rd at April 14, 2014 11:27 AM (D+lxs)

72 Global economy, the crash of 1929 had ripple effects that helped usher in the fall of the Weimar Republic. So now its just a bit faster when the global economy catches the Spanish Influenza or Economic Ebola.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:27 AM (LLb/F)

73
Remember waaay back when the Japanese economy was booming all set to over take the US?

Posted by: YIKES! at April 14, 2014 11:27 AM (mETGQ)

74 The thick irony is that the ChiComms' real estate market would've been further ahead if they'd stuck to totalitarian communist principles and just built everyone a govt home. Instead they went totalitarian capitalist and now are stuck with a housing bubble of mythic proportions --- getting slapped hard by the Invisible Hand of the market. When will govts ever learn that they're not smart enough to manipulate the personal economies of a billionish people.

Posted by: jd at April 14, 2014 11:27 AM (HuzS0)

The state can, of course, take property rights away from anyone at anytime

Nothing at all like America!

Posted by: Cliven Bundy at April 14, 2014 11:27 AM (DrWcr)

76 I don't get Game of Thrones. I mean, I use whatever toilet is most available.

Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 11:27 AM (XUKZU)

77 Really isn't this the story of Obama?

Posted by: tsrblke (tablet) at April 14, 2014 11:28 AM (a8eFL)

78 Look, I can understand being stingy with the eggrolls, but if I buy a townhouse big enough for three generations, I should at least get a free container of plum sauce of equal or lesser value.

Posted by: Fritz at April 14, 2014 11:28 AM (UzPAd)

79 And the world is flatÂ… much like Thomas Friedman's empty head. Schmuck.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:28 AM (CMkNk)

I sold all my properties in Seoul and Tokyo last year so I got out while the getting was good.

Suck on that, wingnuts.

Posted by: Joe Biden at April 14, 2014 11:28 AM (xvtYZ)

81 You can never run out of money for real estate. Gah, everyone knows you can just print more.

Posted by: Matt Yglesias at April 14, 2014 11:29 AM (ILBCY)

82 The end of communism was a huge windfall for Chinese managers of former state-owned enterprises. They were positioned to skim much of the wealth of those assets and bring it to the U.S. I know this because most of them moved into my neighborhood.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at April 14, 2014 11:29 AM (8ZskC)

83 Grengally Gren Loss!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:30 AM (CMkNk)

84 Never go bullish in a China shop.

Posted by: Seamus M. at April 14, 2014 11:30 AM (MKpBT)

85 Remember waaay back when the Japanese economy was booming all set to over take the US? Posted by: YIKES! at April 14, 2014 03:27 PM (mETGQ) ___________________ THE JAPS ARE BUYING NEW YORK!

Posted by: 1980's Guy, Learning Fortran at April 14, 2014 11:31 AM (32Ze2)

86 The Chinese Economy is fundamentally sound.

Posted by: Things no one should ever say at April 14, 2014 11:31 AM (D+lxs)

87 Suck on that, wingnuts.

Posted by: Joe Biden at April 14, 2014 03:28 PM (xvtYZ)

* shakes fist *

Posted by: Serious Cat at April 14, 2014 11:31 AM (UypUQ)

88 I am hoping and praying that somehow, some way, Harry Reid has sunk a lot of his personal stash into Chi-Com real estate!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:32 AM (CMkNk)

89 Spring rolls give me teh gas something fierce.

Posted by: Slow Uncle Joe Biden at April 14, 2014 11:32 AM (Dwehj)

90 I think I know the title of the history book one could write after the PRC bubble gos POP.

China starting land wars in Asia over ghost cities.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:32 AM (LLb/F)

91 Even now, the major foreign holder of American real estate is still Great Britain. Old money is still very old. And Engrish.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:33 AM (CMkNk)

92 Knowing Harry Reid, he probably has a sweetheart deal for solar farms in Atlantis. Or is that Joe Bidet?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:33 AM (LLb/F)

93 Shoot. Now I have a craving for crab rangoon.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 14, 2014 11:33 AM (oMKp3)

94 Grengally Gren Loss! - Egg rolls are for closers!

Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 11:33 AM (XUKZU)

95 91 I think I know the title of the history book one could write after the PRC bubble gos POP. China starting land wars in Asia over ghost cities. Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 03:32 PM (LLb/F) They could turn them all into the most amazing laser tag and paintball parks! Wow!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:34 AM (CMkNk)

96 Haven't we been reading about China's imminent economic demise for about 5-10 ten years now. Seems like they keep chugging along though.

Posted by: Soona at April 14, 2014 11:34 AM (k+3vt)

97 J.J. Sefton for gold bullion they will let you rent tanks with live ammo.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:34 AM (LLb/F)

98 Either my cat farted or I smell some amazing pastrami.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:35 AM (CMkNk)

99 Has anybody seen that damned chicken?

Posted by: General Tso at April 14, 2014 11:35 AM (Dwehj)

100 I don't know about the rest of your but, I'm going long on rotten fish head futures. Solid.

Posted by: Beyond Disgusted at April 14, 2014 11:35 AM (thLL8)

101 98 J.J. Sefton for gold bullion they will let you rent tanks with live ammo. Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 03:34 PM (LLb/F) No bullion, but how about chicken soup?

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:36 AM (CMkNk)

102 Nguc [spelling] I thought was a Vietnamese delicacy. Could smell Charlie from a mile away due to the sauce on that stuff.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:36 AM (LLb/F)

103 100 Has anybody seen that damned chicken? Posted by: General Tso at April 14, 2014 03:35 PM (Dwehj) Nope. ---Kung Pao

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:36 AM (CMkNk)

104 Well you got that cheap piece of shit toaster for dirt cheap! What are you, a bunch of fucking ingrates?

Posted by: Dack Thrombosis at April 14, 2014 11:37 AM (oFCZn)

105 Oh yay. It's snowing. I was afraid that Spring was going to come this year. Looks like we dodged that bullet.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 14, 2014 11:37 AM (oMKp3)

106 Grammie Winger, does your Chinese place deliver in snow?

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:37 AM (LLb/F)

107 Plum sauce gives me teh gas something fierce.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 11:37 AM (7ObY1)

108 "Kung! Pao! To the moon Alice!"

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:38 AM (LLb/F)

109 Is this where we come to talk about Buying Iraqi Dinars? I am going to get rich!

Posted by: Speaking of Bubbles at April 14, 2014 11:38 AM (32Ze2)

110 Frankly, I'd rather have the Chi-Coms in control of southern California than the MS-13 hordes and Henry Waxman.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:38 AM (CMkNk)

111 Grengally Gren Loss!

-
Egg rolls are for closers!

Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 03:33 PM (XUKZU)

First prize is an electric hybrid.

Second prize is a set of ginzu steak knives.

Third prize is you get sent to a prison camp.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 11:38 AM (GQ8sn)

112 and THIS is precisely why individuals cannot be trusted with ownership of their own stuff.

Posted by: Libtard Commie at April 14, 2014 11:38 AM (Fp7JI)

113 35 I Am The World. Posted by: Prez'nit 404 at April 14, 2014 03:16 PM (Dwehj) Well, you definitely are the children, that's for sure.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 11:38 AM (7ObY1)

114 ""We should be more like China! They're AWESOME!!!!" -Thomas Friedman, wearing an "I <3 China" t-shirt" =============== Oh, come on! You know perfectly well what I meant by that. I meant we should kill more babies and oppress more dissenters.

Posted by: Thomas Friedman at April 14, 2014 11:38 AM (/AHDz)

115 Better stop all those italics!

Posted by: Thomas Friedman at April 14, 2014 11:39 AM (/AHDz)

116 So J.J. Sefton you saying the PRC will export the Uighars to SoCal?

And no soup for you! Bouillon is not bullion...

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:39 AM (LLb/F)

117

Oh yay. It's snowing. I was afraid that Spring was going to come this year. Looks like we dodged that bullet.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 14, 2014 03:37 PM (oMKp3)

It is too cold to snow here.

Posted by: rd at April 14, 2014 11:39 AM (D+lxs)

118 Real estate bubble? Huh. After years of increasing property taxes because of the inflated value of my home, I've now been dealing with increasing tax rate increases to make up the difference in the decline of value (still understated by city govt) for years. we have to pay for that 7miles of light rail to nowhere, the convention center, the studies to attract a money losing pro sports team... And I just read (here, I think?) That the feds have releases a study saying my area is a fond only to New Orleans in the threat to be swallowed by the Atlantic ocean because of global warming. Thanks for helping out my re-sale value, Chicago Jesus! By my math, I have four more mtg payments & this box is paid off. I bet by then, taxes &insurance payments will equal what I'm paying now

Posted by: shredded chi at April 14, 2014 11:39 AM (8Samq)

119 112 First prize is an electric hybrid. Second prize is a set of ginzu steak knives. Third prize is you get sent to a prison camp. Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 03:38 PM (GQ8sn) Fourth prize is overseeing the manufacture of the first and second prizes in the camp.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:40 AM (CMkNk)

120 107 Grammie Winger, does your Chinese place deliver in snow? Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 03:37 PM (LLb/F) It does, but it's like half a mile across the highway from me. I'd be embarrassed to have them deliver when I'm in walking distance.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 14, 2014 11:40 AM (oMKp3)

121 When the Chinese real estate bubble bursts it's going to smell like a night of century eggs pickled in stale beer and refried beans.

Posted by: Fritz at April 14, 2014 11:40 AM (UzPAd)

122 117 So J.J. Sefton you saying the PRC will export the Uighars to SoCal? And no soup for you! Bouillon is not bullion... Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 03:39 PM (LLb/F) Taliban porno mag: "Uigher Beavers" Spilt nice and wideÂ… ew!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:40 AM (CMkNk)

123 120 112 First prize is an electric hybrid.
Second prize is a set of ginzu steak knives.
Third prize is you get sent to a prison camp.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 03:38 PM (GQ8sn)

Fourth prize is overseeing the manufacture of the first and second prizes in the camp.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 03:40 PM (CMkNk)

Fifth prize is ending up in the Bodies exhibit.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 11:41 AM (GQ8sn)

124 *is second only to New Orleans Damn autocorrect!

Posted by: shredded chi at April 14, 2014 11:41 AM (8Samq)

125 Fortunately the bursting of the China bubble occured now, when the weather as scapegoat was becoming less viable.

Posted by: Vashta Nerada at April 14, 2014 11:41 AM (sBUAE)

126 "Gold, guns, and seeds is the investment plan."

We Democrats already have demonstrated our response to the first part.

Posted by: Executive Order 6102 at April 14, 2014 11:41 AM (noWW6)

127 121 107 Grammie Winger, does your Chinese place deliver in snow? They deliver in snow? Around here they just use those cheap cardboard container thingies. (rimshot)

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 11:41 AM (7ObY1)

128 Hmmmmm - a Commie Tong fighting it out with MS-13 and La Raza.... That's good popcorn theatre, there folks!!! Win-Win!!!!

Posted by: Ibin Pharteen at April 14, 2014 11:41 AM (zL/eJ)

129 Nguc [spelling] I thought was a Vietnamese delicacy. Could smell Charlie from a mile away due to the sauce on that stuff.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 03:36 PM (LLb/F)

----------------------------------------------

It didn't differentiate anybody. All the Vietnamese ate that shit. Not just the VC.

Posted by: Soona at April 14, 2014 11:42 AM (k+3vt)

130

First prize is an electric hybrid.
Second prize is a set of ginzu steak knives.
Third prize is ~~you get sent to a prison camp.~~ your family is billed for the bullet.

FIFY

Posted by: Revolutionary Justice at April 14, 2014 11:42 AM (D+lxs)

131 114 35 I Am The World. Posted by: Prez'nit 404 at April 14, 2014 03:16 PM (Dwehj) Well, you definitely are the children, that's for sure. Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 03:38 PM (7ObY1) IIRC, one of the last things National Lampoon did was a very good spoof of "We Are the World" as "We Own the World" (we kill the children!). Worth searching for.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:42 AM (CMkNk)

132 OT, but US Airways tweeted something NSFW: http://tinyurl.com/nvbohhy

Link goes to Deadspin, and is very NSFW.

There, I mentioned NSFW twice. Ok, three times.

Posted by: Country Singer at April 14, 2014 11:42 AM (L8r/r)

133 I'd be embarrassed to have them deliver when I'm in walking distance.

Oh, go ahead and give them a call. That's a job that Americans refuse to do.

Posted by: Prez'nit 404 at April 14, 2014 11:42 AM (Dwehj)

134 Going to snow here in WNY tomorrow. From 77 degrees this morning down to 41 degrees overnight. 36 degree drop in less than 24 hours.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 11:43 AM (7ObY1)

135 Mel Watt could help with that real estate problem. It's simple, just have the government back non-qualifying loans. Heck, it worked for Franklin Raines, why shouldn't it work again? http://tinyurl.com/p6f6rkp

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 11:43 AM (aDwsi)

136 There, I mentioned NSFW twice. Ok, three times.

Posted by: Country Singer at April 14, 2014 03:42 PM (L8r/r)

For those of us still trapped at work, what is it?

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 11:43 AM (GQ8sn)

137 Why can't we ship all our homeless, indigent and undocumented workers to all those Chi-Com cities? Winning!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:44 AM (CMkNk)

138 A pic of a model 777 being flown where the sun don't shine.

Posted by: navybrat at April 14, 2014 11:44 AM (JgC5a)

139 Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 03:43 PM (GQ8sn)

Well, if the woman in the pic is Sandy Fluke, the mystery of MH370 is solved.

Posted by: Country Singer at April 14, 2014 11:45 AM (L8r/r)

140 IIRC, one of the last things National Lampoon did was a very good spoof of "We Are the World" as "We Own the World" (we kill the children!). Worth searching for. I'd love a good compilation of the best of NatLamp, especially the period from about 1978-82 when I was hooked. There's a big coffee-table NL collection out there, but I bought it and it sucks bags of dicks. We need a GOOD collection.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 11:45 AM (7ObY1)

141 There is little any leader can do. My specialty...

Posted by: Barack Hussein Obama at April 14, 2014 11:45 AM (FcR7P)

142 Oh that is nice of Turbo Tax/Intuit, once you finish filing your taxes they ask if you want to find money. So enter data and voila, they can generate links for things like Medicare and SafeLink.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:45 AM (LLb/F)

143 Look things are way out of wack. The EU has a shitty work ethic, socialism and all, and they are not consuming or producing like a rip roaring capitalistic society should. Our economy is turning in that direction also, thanks to things like obamacare. Who are the chicoms suppose to be selling their cheap shit to? Throw in crap like global warming and I don't see a good outcome anytime soon?

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 14, 2014 11:45 AM (t3UFN)

144 I have two more stashed where that one went.

Posted by: Sandra Flook at April 14, 2014 11:45 AM (Dwehj)

145 Well, if the woman in the pic is Sandy Fluke, the mystery of MH370 is solved.

Posted by: Country Singer at April 14, 2014 03:45 PM (L8r/r)

So you're saying Black Hole Theory?

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 11:45 AM (GQ8sn)

146 So you're saying Black Hole Theory?

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 03:45 PM (GQ8sn)

Pretty much.

Posted by: Country Singer at April 14, 2014 11:46 AM (L8r/r)

147 133 OT, but US Airways tweeted something NSFW: http://tinyurl.com/nvbohhy

Link goes to Deadspin, and is very NSFW.

There, I mentioned NSFW twice. Ok, three times.

Posted by: Country Singer at April 14, 2014 03:42 PM (L8r/r)

Fly the friendly thighs!

Posted by: joncelli at April 14, 2014 11:46 AM (RD7QR)

148 #133 - I'd be rather raunchy juxtipose between Twitter and Tw_tter, but I gots class.... But, that's uncalled for - to ruin a perfectly good model airplane like that....

Posted by: Ibin Pharteen at April 14, 2014 11:47 AM (zL/eJ)

149 @53, I don't think China is really known for its diversity, so that's probably not an issue.

Posted by: sunny-dee at April 14, 2014 11:47 AM (bxdmt)

150 134 I'd be embarrassed to have them deliver when I'm in walking distance.

And when they deliver, just walk around with a noticeable limp.

Posted by: Stateless Infidel at April 14, 2014 11:47 AM (AC0lD)

151 The Guggenheim China Real Estate etf is up 11% in the last month and is up again today. But we shouldn't let that get in the way of a "collapse is now happening!!!11!" story in Forbes.

Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at April 14, 2014 11:48 AM (+lsX1)

152 For those of us still trapped at work, what is it? Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 03:43 PM (GQ8sn) ------ Believe me, you don't want to know. Even when you get home, don't look at that link.

Posted by: shredded chi at April 14, 2014 11:48 AM (8Samq)

153 Does anyone remember the Japanese real estate implosion?

Posted by: Chaos the Other Dark Meat at April 14, 2014 11:48 AM (oDCMR)

154 Well the PRC has diversity from all the people they have conquered but they pretend all these others are really Han Chinese. When Beijing had the Olympics they paraded all these kids dressed in native attire of the various people, all the kids were Han though.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:48 AM (LLb/F)

155 "Gold, guns, and seeds is the investment plan."

Something I have to keep pointing out to people who figure that they will ride out a collapse scenario by getting out and away from the cities, and farming their own food:

#1, what is left of the government will not be happy with you doing this, and

#2, what is left of the government will make it very hard to get certain things that are a staple of modern country life, specifically _fuel_ for vehicles and machines.

It's amazing how many people figure they're still going to be scatting around on ATVs, tractors and pickup trucks in a collapse scenario. Nope. In a bad SHTF, t's going to be back to animal muscle power for doing a lot of things now done by machinery.

And even among many continuously resident, old-time rural families, the know-how required for total reliance on Plan B (where "B" is Old Bossy) is now scant. Mechanization makes farm and ranch life much less difficult, and reliance upon it is hard to break.

Posted by: torquewrench at April 14, 2014 11:48 AM (noWW6)

156 OT

Today is Abigail Breslin's bday. She is 18.

She's the little girl from "Little Miss Sunshine" who enters the beauty contest and performs the routine her dirty old grandfather taught her, gleaned from the best dive strip clubs across the nation.

I don't recognize her anymore.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 11:49 AM (GQ8sn)

157 Obviously a result of their insistence on purchasing only castrated slaves in the early North African markets.

Posted by: Rev. Al at April 14, 2014 11:49 AM (wAQA5)

158 And when they deliver, just walk around with a noticeable limp. Oh my gosh that's brilliant !!! ...... scurries off to find phone number ......

Posted by: grammie winger at April 14, 2014 11:49 AM (oMKp3)

159 *pulls off shelf*

Ah memories. The Coming War With Japan by George Friedman and Meredith LeBard. St. Martin's Press, New York. 1992

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:51 AM (LLb/F)

160 Israeli man killed, two wounded in Palestinian shooting near Hebron Palestinian terrorists open fire on Israeli cars en route to Passover meal; IDF troops launch massive manhunt in area; Hamas, Jihad praise attack. Yoav Zitun, Noam 'Dabul' Dvir Published: 04.14.14, 18:36 / Israel News An Israeli man was killed and a woman and child were wounded Monday evening, when Palestinian gunmen opened fire on Israeli cars near the West Bank city of Hebron. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said the people were members of the same family, travelling to a Passover Seder. kerry to blame Israelis

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 14, 2014 11:51 AM (t3UFN)

161 146. So you're saying Black Hole Theory? RACIST!!!!!

Posted by: Navycopjoe at April 14, 2014 11:51 AM (sCbam)

162 I don't recognize her anymore.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 03:49 PM (GQ8sn)

Me either...too old

Posted by: Your ol' friend Roman P Lanski at April 14, 2014 11:51 AM (M+evy)

163 Oh that is nice of Turbo Tax/Intuit, once you finish filing your taxes they ask if you want to find money. So enter data and voila, they can generate links for things like Medicare and SafeLink.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 03:45 PM (LLb/F)

-------------------------------------------

I never click on those links. Ya never know where they'll take you. In this age of Ocare, I try my best to not click on anything that will take me to a government site. I'm usually just happy to get my taxes done and sent, so I log off.

Posted by: Soona at April 14, 2014 11:51 AM (k+3vt)

164 157 I don't recognize her anymore. Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 03:49 PM (GQ8sn) Essentially, she's Lena Dunham but with talent, and appeal.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:52 AM (CMkNk)

165 Old news really. This started some time ago. Rich Chinese were buying up multi-million dollar properties in Hong Kong. They are now going at fire sale prices.

Posted by: Marcus T at April 14, 2014 11:52 AM (GGCsk)

166 Gotta run, see y'all on the ONT maybe.

Posted by: Country Singer at April 14, 2014 11:52 AM (L8r/r)

167 Well you got that cheap piece of shit toaster for dirt cheap! ------------------ Funny you should mention that. A year or so ago we were looking to buy a new toaster. I shopped..., and shopped. Every single one was made in China. Found a killer early 70's Sunbeam on Ebay for less (including shipping) than the Chinese stuff. It's been working great. Looks like : http://tinyurl.com/nwv6gjt Pretty unique

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 11:52 AM (aDwsi)

168 Can't they just lie about it like Obama?

Posted by: People Corporation at April 14, 2014 11:52 AM (pf+hU)

169 Essentially, she's Lena Dunham but with talent, and appeal.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 03:52 PM (CMkNk)

And prettier, and a better rack.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 14, 2014 11:52 AM (DrWcr)

170 It's amazing how many people figure they're still going to be scatting around on ATVs, tractors and pickup trucks in a collapse scenario.

Shoo-doo-shoo-bee-ooo-bee-ba-ba-ba.

Posted by: HR at April 14, 2014 11:53 AM (ZKzrr)

171

Because no one's done it yet:

Tis the season to be jorry

Fa ra ra ra ra ra ra ra ra.

Posted by: Washington Nearsider, who does NOT speak for the Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General at April 14, 2014 11:53 AM (fwARV)

172 I'm pretty sure with King Putt in power for 3 more years- I'm going to have plenty of ghost money to buy real estate in Chinese ghost cities.

Posted by: naturalfake at April 14, 2014 11:53 AM (0cMkb)

173 US President Barack Obama and his secretary of state, John Kerry, both sent Passover greetings to the Jewish people on Monday, ahead of the start of the eight-day festival. In his remarks, the president mentioned the shooting by a white supremacist at two Jewish centers in Kansas on Sunday, which left three people dead. Kerry, who will be attending a seocnd night Seder at the home of Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer on Tuesday, drew a parallel between the Jewish exodus from Egypt and the current peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. (Yitzhak Benhorin) ???? kerry must be the dumbest person on earth. What possible parallel is there to the "peace" talks and the exodus from Egypt? Does he want the Joooos to get out of Israel? What a dumb fuck

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 14, 2014 11:53 AM (t3UFN)

174 Essentially, she's Lena Dunham but with talent, and appeal.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 03:52 PM (CMkNk)

Lena has nothing on Abigail.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 11:54 AM (GQ8sn)

175

Essentially, she's Lena Dunham but with talent, and appeal.

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 03:52 PM (CMkNk)

So... not Lena Dunham at all...

Posted by: Washington Nearsider, who does NOT speak for the Department of Commerce, Office of Inspector General at April 14, 2014 11:55 AM (fwARV)

176 Kerry, who will be attending a seocnd night Seder at the home of Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer on Tuesday, drew a parallel between the Jewish exodus from Egypt and the current peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians. (Yitzhak Benhorin)

???? kerry must be the dumbest person on earth. What possible parallel is there to the "peace" talks and the exodus from Egypt? Does he want the Joooos to get out of Israel? What a dumb fuck

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 14, 2014 03:53 PM (t3UFN)

Teh JoooosÂ™ = Egypt

Teh Paleswinians = the Hebrews

Kerry = Moses

Posted by: Insomniac at April 14, 2014 11:55 AM (DrWcr)

177 Nevergiveup. Jon Cary has been ... how shall we say this... inhaling the fumes being emitted from Teraysa...

Or the botox has finally congealed his brain.

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:55 AM (LLb/F)

178 Oh that is nice of Turbo Tax/Intuit, once you finish filing your taxes they ask if you want to find money. So enter data and voila, they can generate links for things like Medicare and SafeLink. Posted by: Anna Puma ------------ I have a long story about Intuit and Turbo Tax..., that reaches all of the way to Intuit's President's office. Long story short. I dropped them. I've been using H&R Block since 2007. No problems.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 11:55 AM (aDwsi)

179 ???? kerry must be the dumbest person on earth. What possible parallel is there to the "peace" talks and the exodus from Egypt? Does he want the Joooos to get out of Israel? What a dumb fuck I'm sorry but that is just making me laugh out loud. Uff da.

Posted by: grammie winger at April 14, 2014 11:56 AM (oMKp3)

180 I'm going to grow up to be Alan Arkin from "Little Miss Sunshine".

A dirty old man.

"Chicken again?!?! Enough with the fucking chicken!!!"

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 11:56 AM (GQ8sn)

181 135 Going to snow here in WNY tomorrow. From 77 degrees this morning down to 41 degrees overnight. 36 degree drop in less than 24 hours. Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 03:43 PM (7ObY1) __________ Meh. In my neck of the woods we have 40 degree swings practically every day in spring summer...today's high is 65, low tonight 31. Summer you'll have days in the 90s with nights in the 40s

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 14, 2014 11:56 AM (0LHZx)

182 Let my Palis go!

Posted by: Jon Carry what served in Vietnam at April 14, 2014 11:56 AM (Dwehj)

183 In his remarks, the president mentioned the shooting by a white supremacist at two Jewish centers in Kansas on Sunday, which left three people dead. ------------------- None of whom were Jewish? Is that correct?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 11:57 AM (aDwsi)

184 Papa ooh Mao MaoÂ…

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:57 AM (CMkNk)

185 There is a 2016 dream team.

Clinton/Kerry 2016

*thud*

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 11:57 AM (LLb/F)

186 "Funny you should mention that. A year or so ago we were looking to buy a new toaster. I shopped..., and shopped. Every single one was made in China. Found a killer early 70's Sunbeam on Ebay for less (including shipping) than the Chinese stuff."

The modern Crock Pots are junk. Threw away two or three of them.

Opened up one of the dead ones that reeked of ozone and smoke after quitting. Had to cut my way in. Not made to ever be opened for service. Horrifyingly cheap-ass, "decontented" Chinese manufacturing and workmanship inside. Electrical fire waiting to happen. And who switches off their Crock Pot when they leave the house? Defeats a lot of the point of that style of cooking.

Found one of the classic USA made ones on Craigslist for five bucks. Seventies avocado green, baby! No modern nonsense with soft-touch controls or high-tech displays, just a simple electromechanical dial control that is most unlikely ever to break.

Posted by: torquewrench at April 14, 2014 11:57 AM (noWW6)

187 HALP US JON KARY!

Posted by: The Palestinites at April 14, 2014 11:57 AM (32Ze2)

188 Posted by: shredded chi at April 14, 2014 03:39 PM (8Samq) I feel your pain. Our house just got reassessed at a significant increase in value. I complained to the assessor and they claimed well the rate is going to go down. I said the DOT has indicated that they are studying this area as a potential highway project using a half-mile wide brush on the map to indicate where the highway might be and no one in their right mind would buy this property for the next decade or until an alternate highway has actually been built. The assessor said, well that is just a study and doesn't mean the road will ever be built, even though it shows up on the DOT projected highways list. I said how do I protest this assessment and they said bring in a list of comparables and demonstrate that we have seriously overvalued your property. I said no one is able to sell any property in or near the proposed highway zone because of the DOT "study" so there are no current meaningful comparables. The assessor said well there have been sales in your zip code that are for far more than your assessed value. I said that's because the highway project doesn't cover the entire zip code you kcufing idiot. The assessor said well, somebody has got to pick up the slack for all the illegals and it might as well be you. I may have enhanced that last statement. Bottom line, I am screwed by my local government as well by my state and federal governments. But that's life in Amerikkka these days.

Posted by: Hrothgar at April 14, 2014 11:58 AM (o3MSL)

189 Awaiting some sing-song and childish verbal spewings from Steven Colbert before I know what to think about this...

Posted by: Krebs v Carnot: Epic Battle of the Cycling Stars™ [/i] [/s] [/u] at April 14, 2014 11:58 AM (HsTG8)

190 186 There is a 2016 dream team.

Clinton/Kerry 2016

*thud*

Posted by: Anna Puma (+SmuD) at April 14, 2014 03:57 PM (LLb/F)

That belonged on the two-sentence horror story thread.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 14, 2014 11:58 AM (DrWcr)

191 None of whom were Jewish?
Is that correct?

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 03:57 PM (aDwsi)

The first two were a teen and his grandfather, who may have been Jewish. The third vic was a woman at the next door retirement center.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 11:58 AM (GQ8sn)

192 I've heard rumblings that Bernie Sanders may run as an independent in 2016. Yes!

Posted by: J.J. Sefton at April 14, 2014 11:58 AM (CMkNk)

193 Capitalism necessarily, ALWAYS, goes in cycles. Never once has there been an uninterrupted upward growth spurt lasting for decades and decades. There are booms, and then there are busts. Like it or not, this is the essence of capitalism. But, as every long-term investment expert will tell you, over the long run, under capitalism things trend up. Now, a lot of people don't like this boom-and-bust aspect of capitalism, and so they try to suppress the peaks and valleys by increasing "control" over the economy. With a centrally controlled economy, you can prevent crashes and spikes. Another name for a centrally controlled economy is socialism. But the problem with this plan is that, as every )sane_ economist will tell you, under socialism the economy doesn't grow, but stays flat. because the "spikes" have ben suppressed, there is essentially no chance for individuals to get rich or even become successful, so there is no motivation to excel or innovate, so the economy stagnates. When the population increases, and the total national wealth remains the same, there is then a downward trend in wealth-per-person under a centrally controlled economy. The opposite of capitalism. (Note: in lucky circumstances, such as with Norway and Venezuela, a nation can coast for decades on a bonanza of newly discovered natural resources [oil, in these cases], masking the long-term corrosion of socialism.) Anyway, back to the point: Between 1949 and 1997, China experienced what life is life with a socialist economy: Hellish. Oppressive. Hopeless. So, while keeping the totalitarianism of a communism political system, they dumped a socialist economy and decided to go back to capitalism. As expected, it worked: The economy suddenly took off. But --duh! -- when you re-embrace capitalism, you are also re-embracing the boom-and-bust cycle. Did they forget that? You gotta roll with the punched if you want the benefits of capitalism. So, yes, Chinas is have a property value collapse. That comes with the territory of the benefits of being capitalist. Suck it up, and soldier on. And maybe, just maybe, you'll realize that unelected bureaucrats just may not be able to solve the problems of capitalism as would elected politicians with new ideas. And when you realize that, China, the Revolution of 1949 will have been completely reversed, and you will finally be free.

Posted by: zombie at April 14, 2014 11:58 AM (mizYg)

194 Because no one's done it yet:

Posted by: Washington Nearsider

Yes, for a reason.

Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i][/b] at April 14, 2014 11:59 AM (8MBOc)

195 Wow. Are "Ida Know" and "Not Me" from "Family Circus" going to now be able to move into the Chinese "ghost cities"? They sure as hell have been living rent free in the White House since 1/20/09 along with the now gone Auntie Zetunia.

Posted by: Ashley Judd's' Puffy Scamper, former MrCaniac Family Circus Fan at April 14, 2014 11:59 AM (HxSXm)

196 No modern nonsense with soft-touch controls or high-tech displays, just a simple electromechanical dial control that is most unlikely ever to break. Posted by: torque ------------------------ That's the spirit. Oddly, my vintage toaster draws comments of envy from visitors.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 11:59 AM (aDwsi)

197 Cap and Trade, bitches, Cap and Trade......

Posted by: Teh Krug at April 14, 2014 11:59 AM (DErq5)

198 152 The Guggenheim China Real Estate etf is up 11% in the last month and is up again today. But we shouldn't let that get in the way of a "collapse is now happening!!!11!" story in Forbes. Posted by: Gristle Encased Head at April 14, 2014 03:48 PM (+lsX1) ________ Pick any country and/or industry and there will be 100 articles online - from respected publications - telling you that the country/industry is about to collapse.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 14, 2014 12:00 PM (0LHZx)

199 Chinese-made toasters are no good. They make the slots too small for our Big American Penises.

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 12:00 PM (7ObY1)

200 You been erect now four owah. Why you take viagra?

Posted by: Sphynx at April 14, 2014 12:00 PM (OZmbA)

201 She's the little girl from "Little Miss Sunshine" who enters the beauty contest and performs the routine her dirty old grandfather taught her, gleaned from the best dive strip clubs across the nation. I don't recognize her anymore. Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 03:49 PM (GQ8sn) Yeah. ButÂ….but you'd still hit it, right?

Posted by: Sean Bannion [/i][/b][/s][/u] at April 14, 2014 12:00 PM (yz6yg)

202 The Grandfather / Grandson victims were not Jewish. The retirement home victim was Jewish.

Posted by: Decidedly Indifferent at April 14, 2014 12:00 PM (32Ze2)

203 The first two were a teen and his grandfather, who may have been Jewish No- they were Methodist.

Posted by: Nevergiveup at April 14, 2014 12:01 PM (t3UFN)

204 170 >> And prettier, and a better rack.

Ahhh, the thread has devolved to boobehs, as all threads here eventually do.

Hopefully the above is referencing some Chinese hooters at least, to be somewhat on topic.

Posted by: GnuBreed at April 14, 2014 12:01 PM (wNF3N)

205 Posted by: torquewrench at April 14, 2014 03:48 PM (noWW6) Those darn Amish, ahead of the curve again!

Posted by: Hrothgar at April 14, 2014 12:01 PM (o3MSL)

206 Hroth: I believe I am at risk for the upper end of said road, if it is what I think it is.

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at April 14, 2014 12:01 PM (NH4K+)

207 I have a long story about Intuit and Turbo Tax..., that reaches all of the way to Intuit's President's office. Long story short. I dropped them. I've been using H&R Block since 2007. No problems.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 03:55 PM (aDwsi)

---------------------------------------

When my taxes are simple, I can't beat Turbo-Tax. If I've sold stocks during the year or want to declare deductions, I go with HR Block.

Posted by: Soona at April 14, 2014 12:01 PM (k+3vt)

208 Bottom line, I am screwed by my local government as well by my state and federal governments. But that's life in Amerikkka these days. Posted by: Hrothgar at April 14, 2014 03:58 PM (o3MSL) Fairfax?

Posted by: Sean Bannion [/i][/b][/s][/u] at April 14, 2014 12:02 PM (yz6yg)

209 I've heard rumblings that Bernie Sanders may run as an independent in 2016. - For those of you who think Obama isn't crazy enough.

Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 12:02 PM (XUKZU)

210 Do people like Friedman not realize that building ghost cities isn't the sign of a healthy economy?

Posted by: ejo at April 14, 2014 12:03 PM (GXvSO)

211 "Kerry, who will be attending a seocnd night Seder at the home of Israeli Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer on Tuesday, drew a parallel between the Jewish exodus from Egypt and the current peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians."

Oh, _that_ metaphor will go over just marvelously, you can be sure.

::: facepalm :::

Isn't it great to have the adults in charge? Reassuring Israelis concerned about their surrounding enemies' threat to "push them into the sea" with mentions of an incident where JUST THAT HAPPENED.

Posted by: torquewrench at April 14, 2014 12:03 PM (noWW6)

212 JinxÂ….you coming to NoVAMoMee this year?

Posted by: Sean Bannion [/i][/b][/s][/u] at April 14, 2014 12:03 PM (yz6yg)

213 Why does my tea taste so funny? Did I use the wrong vending machine? It did seem pretty pricey. Hey, who wants to listen to some Floyd and pig out on Flamin' Hot Cheetos? I suddenly have this urge...

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 12:03 PM (7ObY1)

214 I have a long TurboTax story, as well.

Posted by: Timbo Geithner at April 14, 2014 12:03 PM (Dwehj)

215 Fairfax? Posted by: Sean Bannion at April 14, 2014 04:02 PM (yz6yg) PWC.

Posted by: Hrothgar at April 14, 2014 12:03 PM (o3MSL)

216 Hopefully the above is referencing some Chinese hooters at least, to be somewhat on topic.

Posted by: GnuBreed at April 14, 2014 04:01 PM (wNF3N)

Two words: Yaya Han.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 14, 2014 12:04 PM (DrWcr)

217 Bottom line, I am screwed by my local government as well by my state and federal governments. But that's life in Amerikkka these days. Posted by: Hrothgar ---------------- Comrade: You apparently suffer from the mal-formed, bourgeoisie perception that you 'own' your property. You do not. You merely rent it from The State. We decide what rent you will pay. Yrs Trly The Tax Commissar

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 12:04 PM (aDwsi)

218 Haven't we been reading about China's imminent economic demise for about 5-10 ten years now. Seems like they keep chugging along though. Posted by: Soona -------- This really might be different. Some China companies have defaulted on bond payments and wealthy connected Chinese moguls are selling HK real estate to cover margins. The Party has always forced the banks to extend credit when a major company started having problems in the past however, China's head financial spokesperson said about three months ago that there was a huge bubble that needed to be deflated over the next two years. Looks like some businesses are going to have to go legit. BTW read an interesting story on how China businesses import gold and hold it offshore as a commodity like scrap steel and pay virtually no financial tax: Manufacturing imports can be held in warehouses that are legally considered offshore if they are simply on the docks. Then the import company sells a share in the (lower) value of manufacturing inventory to a third party to cover costs, claims the gold is a manufacturing import to avoid high tax, polishes or repackages and sells it at financial prices, shifts to a manufacturing third party taking a 'tax loss' or moves it to another warehouse and repeats the cycle. The same gold can be sold 10 times by percentage. Shell game using gold as a pea.

Posted by: Daybrother at April 14, 2014 12:04 PM (jmAYk)

219 That's the spirit. Oddly, my vintage toaster draws comments of envy from visitors.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 03:59 PM (aDwsi)

----------------------------------------------

Well, I don't need a toaster. I eat my bread RAW.

Posted by: Soona at April 14, 2014 12:04 PM (k+3vt)

220 I've heard rumblings that Bernie Sanders may run as an independent in 2016. ------------- Great, let him suck out some of Cankle's votes.

Posted by: ManWithNoParty at April 14, 2014 12:04 PM (ojnk6)

221 Posted by: torquewrench at April 14, 2014 04:03 PM (noWW6) Hillary couldn't have done it better!

Posted by: Hrothgar at April 14, 2014 12:05 PM (o3MSL)

222 Yeah. ButÂ….but you'd still hit it, right?

Posted by: Sean Bannion at April 14, 2014 04:00 PM (yz6yg)

*confused*

I just can't picture her as anything but that adorable little girl.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 12:05 PM (GQ8sn)

223 Posted by: Hrothgar at April 14, 2014 03:58 PM (o3MSL) __________ Sounds like a fucked up situation. What I would suggest is hiring a lawyer. The county assessor might just throw you a couple of bucks to not have to deal with lawyers. FWIW, I had my tax bill lowered by 10% after I bought my house. I looked around and noticed by tax $ per sq ft was really out of wack with my neighbors. So I challenged the assessment and it worked. Turned out the county erroneously had an extra bedroom and an extra bathroom listed. Take those away and voila, my tax bill goes down $500.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 14, 2014 12:05 PM (0LHZx)

224 Great, let him suck out some of Cankle's votes.

Posted by: ManWithNoParty at April 14, 2014 04:04 PM (ojnk6)

Dude, never use "suck" and "Cankles" in the same sentence again. Ever.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 14, 2014 12:05 PM (DrWcr)

225 This has been coming on for the better part of a decade. The "ghost cities" were an example of something horribly wrong going on in China notwithstanding what the NYT Twit of the Year Tom Friedman was writing.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Days of Rage Sale at the Outrage Outlet! at April 14, 2014 12:05 PM (hLRSq)

226 Well, I don't need a toaster. I eat my bread RAW. Posted by: Soona ----------------- Barbarian.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 12:06 PM (aDwsi)

227 Did China let in that destroyer of jobs known as ATM? Posted by: Chaos the Other Dark Meat at April 14, 2014 03:12 PM (oDCMR) The last time we discussed ATM, the ONT was almost strangled in it's crib.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at April 14, 2014 12:06 PM (TIIx5)

228 Comrade:

You apparently suffer from the mal-formed, bourgeoisie perception that you 'own' your property. You do not. You merely rent it from The State. We decide what rent you will pay.

Yrs Trly
The Tax Commissar

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 04:04 PM (aDwsi)

------------------------------------------

This is true. Property taxes are more of an incursion on the Constitution than the IRS has been.

Posted by: Soona at April 14, 2014 12:06 PM (k+3vt)

229 211 Do people like Friedman not realize that building ghost cities isn't the sign of a healthy economy? Posted by: ejo at April 14, 2014 04:03 PM (GXvSO) Not Me!!!

Posted by: Not Me at April 14, 2014 12:07 PM (HxSXm)

230 211 Do people like Friedman not realize that building ghost cities isn't the sign of a healthy economy? Posted by: ejo at April 14, 2014 04:03 PM (GXvSO) I dunno.

Posted by: Ida Know at April 14, 2014 12:07 PM (HxSXm)

231 ATM ??

Posted by: Sphynx at April 14, 2014 12:07 PM (OZmbA)

232 kinda intense -- Takeover Of A Local Government Building In Kramatorsk, In The Donetsk Oblast of Ukraine, April 12, 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivO9nSRrfuY&feature=youtu.be

Posted by: Costanza Defense at April 14, 2014 12:07 PM (ZPrif)

233 This is true. Property taxes are more of an incursion on the Constitution than the IRS has been. Posted by: Soona --------------- A classic case of the 'slow boil'. Begins innocuously, then creeps.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 12:08 PM (aDwsi)

234 The last time we discussed ATM, the ONT was almost strangled in it's crib.

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at April 14, 2014 04:06 PM (TIIx5)

What's the big deal about a machine that dispenses cash? I mean, it's not like...oh. OH.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 14, 2014 12:08 PM (DrWcr)

235 What China needs to save its ass is a good old fashioned alien invasion.

Teh Krugatron said so.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 12:08 PM (GQ8sn)

236 Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 04:04 PM (aDwsi) I still like the anecdotal claim that the "real" in real estate is derived from the Spanish "real" meaning royal as in belonging to the crown!

Posted by: Hrothgar at April 14, 2014 12:08 PM (o3MSL)

237 236 What China needs to save its ass is a good old fashioned alien invasion.

Teh Krugatron said so.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 04:08 PM (GQ8sn)

If they broke all the windows in the ghost cities, that would be an economic boom for sure!

Posted by: Bruce Lee's Fist at April 14, 2014 12:09 PM (M+evy)

238 Alien invasion just might work.

Posted by: Ozymandias at April 14, 2014 12:10 PM (ZPrif)

239 This has been coming on for the better part of a decade. The "ghost cities" were an example of something horribly wrong going on in China notwithstanding what the NYT Twit of the Year Tom Friedman was writing.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Days of Rage Sale at the Outrage Outlet! at April 14, 2014 04:05 PM (hLRSq)

--------------------------------------

Even though we may not hear of it, but the Chinese are probably printing money faster than we are. None of this will end well.

Posted by: Soona at April 14, 2014 12:10 PM (k+3vt)

240 211 Do people like Friedman not realize that building ghost cities isn't the sign of a healthy economy? Posted by: ejo at April 14, 2014 04:03 PM (GXvSO) Who'd a thunk it

Posted by: Whoda Thunket™ [/i] [/s] [/u] at April 14, 2014 12:10 PM (HsTG8)

241 234 This is true. Property taxes are more of an incursion on the Constitution than the IRS has been. Posted by: Soona ____________ Property taxes were around before the constitution.

Posted by: Mr. Moo Moo at April 14, 2014 12:10 PM (0LHZx)

242 Does this mean that the 99.5% of all things in Wal-Mart, which are made in China, will decrease in price?

Posted by: Sphynx at April 14, 2014 12:11 PM (OZmbA)

243 Adam Baldwin (Alec's non-retarded brother who played Animal Mother in Full Metal Jacket) has a good idea: Tomorrow is "Tax Day". Today should be Election Day. Let us make it so...

Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 12:11 PM (XUKZU)

244

"...There is little any leader can do. Collapses occur when people lose confidence. That is now happening in China..."

Nope.

Bubbles occur when central bankers print money. Bubbles burst when people lose confidence that there will be a greater fool along any minute.

But there is a great deal a real American leader could do. He could appoint an American central banker who would renounce inflationary, interventionist central banking and go back to a commodity based currency.

(And yes, money-printing by the U.S. Federal Reserve is what drove the Chinese real estate bubble.)

Posted by: Steve in Greensboro at April 14, 2014 12:11 PM (bbivj)

245 NOod.

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 12:11 PM (GQ8sn)

246 Posted by: Soona at April 14, 2014 04:10 PM (k+3vt) I know, let's use the renminbi as the world reserve currency!

Posted by: Hrothgar at April 14, 2014 12:11 PM (o3MSL)

247

Adam Baldwin (Alec's non-retarded brother who played Animal Mother in Full Metal Jacket) has a good idea:

Correction - they are not related.

Posted by: Insomniac at April 14, 2014 12:12 PM (DrWcr)

248 211 Do people like Friedman not realize that building ghost cities isn't the sign of a healthy economy? Posted by: ejo at April 14, 2014 04:03 PM (GXvSO) I'm afraid not...

Posted by: Ima Frayed Knot™ [/i] [/s] [/u] at April 14, 2014 12:13 PM (HsTG8)

249 Well, I don't need a toaster. I eat my bread RAW. Is that called Crumbilingis?

Posted by: Citizen X at April 14, 2014 12:14 PM (7ObY1)

250 Tomorrow is "Tax Day".

Today should be Election Day.

Let us make it so...

Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 04:11 PM (XUKZU)

and get rid of the automatic withholding so people pay their 'fair share' near election day.

Posted by: Bruce Lee's Fist at April 14, 2014 12:15 PM (M+evy)

251 I just can't picture her as anything but that adorable little girl. Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 04:05 PM (GQ8sn) http://tinyurl.com/navhe5o

Posted by: Sean Bannion [/i][/b][/s][/u] at April 14, 2014 12:15 PM (yz6yg)

252 Even though we may not hear of it, but the Chinese are probably printing money faster than we are. None of this will end well. Posted by: Soona ---------------- Curiously, the value of gold has dropped over the last year. Of course, however limited the supply of gold is, it's value only lies in commercial usage/demand.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 12:15 PM (aDwsi)

253 and get rid of the automatic withholding so people pay their 'fair share' near election day. Posted by: Bruce ------------------ In cash..., at the Post Office.

Posted by: Mike Hammer at April 14, 2014 12:17 PM (aDwsi)

254 JinxÂ….you coming to NoVAMoMee this year? Posted by: Sean Bannion Yes, it is my intention. I filled out some rsvp thing a while back. The new place will have a place to store my walker, won't it? /

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at April 14, 2014 12:22 PM (NH4K+)

255 Yes, it is my intention. I filled out some rsvp thing a while back. The new place will have a place to store my walker, won't it? / Posted by: Jinx the Cat at April 14, 2014 04:22 PM (NH4K+) Not sure I have you registered. Can you send me your email? (My email is at the link in sig)

Posted by: Sean Bannion [/i][/b][/s][/u] at April 14, 2014 12:22 PM (yz6yg)

256 I just can't picture her as anything but that adorable little girl.
Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 04:05 PM (GQ8sn)

http://tinyurl.com/navhe5o

Posted by: Sean Bannion at April 14, 2014 04:15 PM (yz6yg)

Not helping!

Posted by: EC at April 14, 2014 12:23 PM (GQ8sn)

257 It's almost like human nature is destroying itself and leading the rest of the world into what could eventually be a worldwide conflict. If only this had happened, say, a couple of times in the past century, then we might have learned from our mistakes.

Posted by: History at April 14, 2014 12:23 PM (Bz7ga)

258 Adam Baldwin (Alec's non-retarded brother who played Animal Mother in Full Metal Jacket) has a good idea: Correction - they are not related. - I happy to be wrong in this case.

Posted by: WalrusRex at April 14, 2014 12:24 PM (XUKZU)

259 Not sure I have you registered. Can you send me your email? (My email is at the link in sig) Posted by: Sean Bannion Done. thanks

Posted by: Jinx the Cat at April 14, 2014 12:33 PM (NH4K+)

260 Property taxes are more of an incursion on the Constitution than the IRS has been.

Posted by: Soona at April 14, 2014 04:06 PM (k+3vt)

Property taxes are a state constitutional matter, not a federal constitutional matter.

Posted by: Mikey NTH - Days of Rage Sale at the Outrage Outlet! at April 14, 2014 12:46 PM (hLRSq)

261 The sequence of collapse: first Japan, then China, ned the EU, and the biggest bang of all, the USA. Water, beans, bullets, and silver are the investments of the future.

Posted by: Angel with a sword at April 14, 2014 12:57 PM (hpgw1)

262 Bottom line, I am screwed by my local government as well by my state and federal governments. But that's life in Amerikkka these days.

Posted by: Hrothgar at April 14, 2014 03:58 PM (o3MSL)

*****************************

Hrothgar, you have to take it to trial. A jury will be sympathetic.

Posted by: Caesar North of the Rubicon at April 14, 2014 01:29 PM (HubSo)

263 Chinese real estate you say? I just happen to have some in Nevada - GUARANTEED to increase in value

Posted by: Harry Reid at April 14, 2014 02:37 PM (V0j3u)

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