I want to keep my HSA

I completely support President Obama's efforts to fix healthcare. We need to overhaul our system so people aren't left bankrupt or without coverage.

However, one thing that does disturb me about the plan being floated through congress is that it may lead to my HSA being discontinued, which is a nice cheap plan that let's me set aside money in an HSA (like a 401k for medical services). If I get hurt, I could be on the hook for up to $6,000 a year, but I only pay $10 a month for coverage for 2. My employer gives me $1,000 a year into my HSA, and I choose to put in another $2500 a year. I've had the plan for almost a year and am very pleased.

Cash for clunkers too successful

The cash for clunkers program is so successful that the government may have exhausted its money within hours. The program could be put on hold within days.

I have always thought this is a horrible program, since the emissions and costs from driving a "clunker" are probably less than what is required to produce a new, efficient vehicle (those Li-Ion batteries in the hybrids are not grown on trees).

India reaches out to Pakistan

Most American press focuses on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as one of the largest ongoing semi-conflicts. We tend to forget that there are somewhat active hostilities between two nuclear nations: India and Pakistan. Here is an interesting article on how Indian Prime Minister Singh is attempting to reach out to the Pakistani government.

We should all keep in mind that India is the world's largest democracy in a region that is endemic with totalitarian and/or military regimes. Peace on that subcontinent would be a good thing, and lead to increased world security.

Housing Search Redux

Several months ago, my wife and I decided to buy a house, thinking the market was just right. Between an $8k government subsidy, a large supply of houses, and very low interest rates, it was a fucking trifecta of reasons to own a house.

In the end, we are renting a bigger condo.

The reasons are many, but let this part of my tale give you an idea. The townhouse in Sully Station, VA that we put an offer on sold for over $400,000 in 2005. The person who owned it lost it in June 2008. Since then it was vacant, owned by IndyMac, who went bankrupt. The house was not even on the market until early this year, around March.

It was originally listed at $289,000 and appeared to be in great condition. We offered 280 and lost it. It came back on the market a week later, and dropped to 276. We again offered 280 and got it with 4% towards closing costs.

What followed was several months of working with our realtor, their realtor (Greendot, who I recommend avoiding any deal with), and their asset manager. To make a long story short, a water leak was discovered pre-inspection, and someone, and it is not clear who, fucked up so badly that the house became a haven for mold, mildew, and probably other pathogens.

We walked away, got our deposit back, and the house was dropped in list price to around $225k. So, much to my surprise today, the house closed for 282k, with NO SELLER SUBSIDY.

They say a sucker is born every minute. I think in the real estate industry, it happens more often than that.

Backing down

We're turning off our anti-Cuban propoganda. How long til the US made wall comes down and I can vacation in Havana?

Michael Vick Reinstated in NFL

Michael Vick is back in the NFL, two years after going to jail for running a dog fighting ring.

But he can't play in games until October.  Why?  If you are going to let a guy back after 2 years in jail, him losing $100M, why not just let him back in?  I really don't see the point of waiting longer.

He will be able to play in preseason games if anyone signs him.  Peter King thinks it will be the Pats.  I'm not so sure.