From Mother Jones:
Fallen Foreclosure King David J. Stern Disbarred
The long, legal saga of David J. Stern, the south Florida attorney who made a fortune off the wave of home foreclosures stemming from the housing crisis, has reached its end.
After years of court battles over the practices of Stern’s once-mighty, multimillion-dollar law firm, the Florida Supreme Court last week disbarred Stern. As the Palm Beach Post reports, a Palm Beach County judge who refereed Stern’s case and who recommended disbarment criticized the 53-year-old lawyer for failing to take responsibility or show “any remorse” for his firm’s actions. Mother Jones was one of the first news outlets to expose the shoddy and legally questionable work done by Stern’s army of lawyers and paralegals as it foreclosed on hundreds of thousands of Floridians, including backdating crucial documents used to foreclose on homeowners. Nancy Perez, the Palm Beach County judge, said the blame fell on Stern for that shoddy work. “The incidents were not isolated, but rather a representation of the culture of the firm, as to the low level of competence and ethics,” Perez wrote. “(Stern) is the lawyer. It was his firm. Mr. Stern is responsible.”
Stern’s firm, at its peak, was a juggernaut. In the mid and late 2000s, the government-owned enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as many of the nation’s largest banks, retained Stern’s firm to litigate an ever-growing pile of foreclosure cases in Florida, an epicenter of the housing meltdown. At one point, the Law Offices of David J. Stern handled as many as 100,000 foreclosure cases. Stern’s firm and others like it were dubbed “foreclosure mills,” employing hundreds and even thousands of lawyers and paralegals who pushed through foreclosure cases assembly-line-style.
…
The foreclosure mill model made Stern a very rich man. When I reported on him in August 2010, he lived in a $15 million, 16,000-square-foot mansion on the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway in Fort Lauderdale. Docked on his property was Misunderstood, his 130-foot, jet-propelled Mangusta yacht—a $20 million-plus replacement for his previous 108-foot Mangusta. He also owned four Ferraris, four Porsches, two Mercedes-Benzes, a Cadillac, and a Bugatti.
From the Washington Post:
Americans believe housing prices will rise, poll says. And they’re ready for it.
When the Federal Reserve began talking about scaling back its massive stimulus program this summer, the markets freaked out. But Americans? Not so much.
The Fed has been buying billions of dollars in long-term bonds each month to push down long-term interest rates and boost the housing market. The hint that the Fed might start winding down that program helped drive mortgage rates up an entire percentage point in 2013 – a spike that some worried could damage the sector.
But a new survey released Monday by the New York Fed shows that the volatility in the markets barely made a blip in consumers’ minds. The amount of uncertainty that households have over home prices remained flat through the second half of last year.
…
There was a slightly larger impact on Americans’ expectations for home prices. In June, they forecast prices would rise more than 4 percent. In December, that number was down to 3.9 percent. However, the range of predictions was wider at the end of the year than it was over the summer.
…
It goes to show that sometimes the emotions people have about the economy are just as important as what actually happens. This year, markets are hyperobsessed with how the Fed will end its stimulus program. We’ll be keeping an eye on this new survey to see if the debate even registers with the rest of America.
From the Street:
Underwater Homeowners Can See Sunlight in 2014
In the first 10 days of 2014, we’ve looked at the real estate market here and here. But let’s put the capper on the jug with one last piece of good news heading into the year.
The trend is this: More and more Americans are seeing the value of their homes rise, which further stabilizes the housing market and gives Americans more confidence in their personal financial situations.
The supporting data come from RealtyTrac. It reports that only 9.3 million U.S. homes were “deeply underwater” at the end of 2013, down from 10.7 million in September. In percentage terms, only 19% of all U.S. homes were underwater in December, compared with 23% last September. (RealtyTrac defines “deeply underwater” as properties with loan to value ratios of 125% or above, meaning the homeowner owed at least 25% more than the estimated market value of the property.)
Those numbers were also way down from the underwater peak of 12.8 million homes in May 2012. That suggests the housing market is on an upward swing heading into 2014, and significantly so.
“During the housing downturn we saw a downward spiral of falling home prices resulting in rising negative equity, which in turn put millions of homeowners at higher risk for foreclosure when they encountered a trigger event such as job loss,” says Daren Blomquist, vice president at RealtyTrac. “Now we are seeing the reverse trend: rising home prices resulting in falling negative equity, which in turn is giving millions of homeowners a lifeline to avoid foreclosure when they encounter a trigger event.”
That scenario should help the real estate sector gain more momentum this year, as RealtyTrac points out that fewer underwater mortgages translates into a “shot in the arm” for the housing market in 2014.
Still, with more than 9 million homeowners struggling with underwater properties, the housing sector isn’t out of the woods yet.
“There are still millions of homeowners who are in such a deep equity hole that it will take years for them to regain their equity,” Blomquist says. “The longer these homeowners remain in a negative equity position without relief in the form of a principal loan balance reduction, the more likely that foreclosure will become the path of least resistance for them.”
from Slate
”
Since 1968, at least 1.4 million Americans have been killed by guns—more than all the U.S.’s accumulated war dead in that same period. Any way you look at it, 2013 was another killer year for arms manufacturers and armed bullies.”
@NewsBreaker: Retired Tampa police officer charged w/fatally shooting a man during an argument over cellphone use at a theater http://t.co/Kgo0dNxL5Z @AP
“Curtis Reeves, 71, has been charged with second-degree murder and it’s not immediately clear whether he has retained an attorney.
Pasco County Sheriff’s officials said the shooting happened when Reeves asked 43-year-old Chad Oulson to stop texting at the theater in Wesley Chapel, a suburb about a half hour north of downtown Tampa.
Reeves and his wife were sitting behind Oulson and his wife. Oulson told Reeves that he was texting with his 3-year-old daughter, Cummings said.”
[4] anon,
Was wondering what took you so long. Tweeters not getting materiel out fast enough?
The irony is that retired cops are permitted to concealed carry in many states that otherwise bar it, including NJ I believe.
Plenty of anecdotal evidence that many cops are not better at hitting a target or controlling themselves in a situation than citizens. So why do they get a pass?
Another liberal foreigner who came here to make his fortune and who thinks that paying his fair share doesn’t apply to him . . .
http://www.insureon.com/blog/post/2013/06/03/jim-carrey-charged-with-violating-new-york-workers-comp-laws.aspx?utm_source=outbrain&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=jim-carrey-workers-compensation-violation&utm_campaign=ION+Marketing&esource=21596
Cops can’t shoot for shit, my wife is a better shot than the majority of NJ cops, and she’s just an amateur. How do I know? She was trained by ex-police firearms instructors who told her so outright. On any given day she’d out-shoot anyone else at the range. If we were alone in a dark alley, I wouldn’t be concerned if it was her, and not me, that had a gun. IMHO – if high quality marksmanship was a requirement for police officers, there would be many fewer police officers.
Arm the children. It’s the only way.
There were some NYPD studies that put the average PD hit rate at 9%. More than 10 steps away? The hit rate percentages drop precipitously.
But that guy? Bat shit crazy. No doubt they’ll find some sort of mental impairment.
what wouldn’t you do for pussy
@DailyMailCeleb: How Charlize Theron inspired Sean Penn to get rid of his 65 guns http://t.co/rZ8YEaURiv
grim,
was the word “puzzy” or “Sean penn” for the mod
gunmanship? and how about 80 yard dash, 1 mile times? swim a mile? rope climb? pull-ups? sure that the average cops, preppers, and gun-boys alike do badly on that…the min req for marines is three (3) pull ups…can any in this board do that?
Women tend to be better shots. Seriously.
grim says:
January 14, 2014 at 7:07 am
Cops can’t shoot for shit, my wife is a better shot than the majority of NJ cops, and she’s just an amateur. How do I know? She was trained by ex-police firearms instructors who told her so outright. On any given day she’d out-shoot anyone else at the range. If we were alone in a dark alley, I wouldn’t be concerned if it was her, and not me, that had a gun. IMHO – if high quality marksmanship was a requirement for police officers, there would be many fewer police officers.
You can thank the push for gun control and distrust in government for that.
anon (the good one) says:
January 14, 2014 at 6:49 am
from Slate
”
Since 1968, at least 1.4 million Americans have been killed by guns—more than all the U.S.’s accumulated war dead in that same period. Any way you look at it, 2013 was another killer year for arms manufacturers and armed bullies.”
[14] street
This is unfortunately all too true.
I know many people who would not own any guns were it not for the threat of gun control.
I know people who are considering gun purchases because of the threat of gun control.
I know of people who are buying more guns than they can use because of the threat of gun control.
I myself own more guns than I need, or even wanted, because of the threat of gun control.
Why do people hoard? Ask the ones looking for gas, water and food after Sandy.
re: Tech jobs from yesterday
FWIW, these are the hottest tech skills for 2014 according to Dice. Nothing particularly surprising on the list.
•Microsoft SharePoint
•Java
•PHP
•C#
•.NET
•SQL Server
•LAMP Stack
•Virtualization
•iOS
•Android
http://news.dice.com/2013/12/19/top-10-tech-skills-2014/
As a hipster would say it ironic that the only people who hoard gas, water and food are folks who will never use it.
I noticed near me folks gave up on stocking up on extra food, gas, water and generators come storm season.
99% of folks plan is to leave. Check into a nice hotel with a full back up system. Next storm I will be eating a big fat steak watching HBO while my kids swim in hotel pool and wife is getting spa treatment. Let the fools hunker down.
Programming jobs are all dead end. Bunch of Indians who barely speak English.
[10] anon,
I found it hilarious that Sean Penn, a notorious liberal, had that many guns. Hypocrisy, thy name is liberal.
As for giving them up for Charlize Theron, well, duh. It’s Charlize Theron. Besides, if they break up, he can always buy an armory or gun manufacturer.
[17] JJ
“As a hipster would say it ironic that the only people who hoard gas, water and food are folks who will never use it.”
Is it only hoarding if you don’t use it? I use what I stock up on. Buy on sale, have it on hand, replenish at the next sale. As for gas, it comes in mighty handy when the wife brings the car home on fumes.
Now for a little levity . . . Turns out Will Hunting really exists
http://www.viralnova.com/unsolvable-maze/
[7] grim,
As the son of a cop I can tell you that lousy shooting is by design. Unions will tell their officers to do only what is necessary to qualify.
For example, If you have to put 5 shots on target and you get 20 tries, the well-advised cop walks away after putting that 5th round through the k-ring. Even if it is only the 5th shot.
Bill Clinton reads this news and thinks WTF? Look at the tails this POS gets….
http://nypost.com/2014/01/14/frances-first-lady-fears-palace-boot-over-presidents-affair/
[13] street,
My wife is a better shot at skeet. But she also doesn’t have the fast twitch skills or processing speed to deal with a street situation. In that instance, I trust my own skills and aim more.
And on that cheery note, back to the salt mines.
The dinosaur speaketh.
JJ says:
January 14, 2014 at 8:32 am
Programming jobs are all dead end. Bunch of Indians who barely speak English.
Unless you are a cool looking hipster type working at an IPO company the folks who work in large banks, broker dealers, insurance companies, manufacturing, retail etc. Older type companies they get paid squat.
Mgt does not understand what they do.
I also find it amazing I can attend on or two status meetings on a two year IT project and then summarize it to C level type folks yet the folks who worked on project cant do it.
Example as an IT person how a car works and you will get an 8 hour discussion.
As me how car works, I will say turn key to start, shift into gear press gas to go forward brake to stop and turn wheel left or right to steer. Now whats for lunch
nwnj says:
January 14, 2014 at 8:46 am
The dinosaur speaketh.
JJ says:
January 14, 2014 at 8:32 am
Programming jobs are all dead end. Bunch of Indians who barely speak English.
26 – I know many incredible developers that were able to parlay their technical savvy into fantastic positions acting as exactly the kind of liason you’ve described. Especially those who can quickly look at functionality and understand the real world business implications and communicate that effectively.
Lots of these folks saw the writing on the wall and made the pivot necessary to capitalize on the trend.
Based on the visibility of the Target fiasco, I suspect that many of my IT Security colleagues will be able to do the same and quickly move up the ranks to leadership positions. The harder that Target falls (and initial estimates show that Target will take a substantial sales revenue hit because of it), the more valuable IT Security will be … I’ve run a number of PCI audits and remediation projects in my day… cough cough.
If the management where you work doesn’t understand tech, then clearly there are still a lot of obsolete people such as yourself to clear out of the way.
Tech is one of the few areas of the economy that’s producing growth and quality jobs. You’re definition of “make squat” is probably biased by the extortion inflated salaries being doled out on wall st, but for the rest of Americans, they’re sustainable well paying jobs.
And there are quite a few fortunes – large and small – being generated in the industry also.
I suspect there is also demand for project managers right now.
re 28
at one point the info sec dept reported to me for two years. if nothing happens no one cares, a big blowup you are fired. I was happy my two years nothing blew up.
30 – Sounds like the one IT managers who I nearly strangled, who tried to justify a complete lack of any and all documentation as an embodiment of the “security through obscurity” principal.
Look at the puppet master go to work on fixing his image. It’s no coincidence he tries to create a battle on an education issue as the tool to divert attention away from his scandals. Attacking education helped him get to power, mine as well be used as a tool to keep his power.
Where is the money going to come from to pay for the electricity, heating, and increase in teacher pay from their longer work day and work year? Guess it’s Christie’s way of giving the parents a tax break, by having kids in school longer as opposed to having to pay for day care/baby sitter.
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/01/gov_christie_to_seek_longer_school_days_and_school_years.html#incart_m-rpt-1
32 – Don’t understand, why would we pay teachers a higher salary if the school year is extended? Statement doesn’t make sense. I thought this was all about the children. Besides, with an annual salary that is in-line with the rest of the private sector, perhaps their work schedules should be as well?
Fcuktards like Hollande are living proof that the entirety of Urrp is a degenerate afterthought.
EU is toast. Nigel Farage actually should rant harder against the necrotic union.
Making NJ teachers work year-round would rid us of a lot of incompetent part-time RE agents.
Spare me the bullshit about early mornings and late evenings, you don’t think the private sector works 10 hour days and the weekends too?
Leading the nation in Pride and Greed. Way to go New Jersey
http://memolition.com/2013/12/12/maps-of-seven-deadly-sins-in-america/
Yes but the three hour hotels will lose business 3-6 pm on weekdays.
Spine Snapper says:
January 14, 2014 at 9:56 am
Making NJ teachers work year-round would rid us of a lot of incompetent part-time RE agents.
33- I would assume working longer hours and more days will equate to more pay. What does children have to do with this. So if baseball and football add games, players shouldn’t get paid more, it’s for the fans and kids? Just playing devil’s advocate.
#29,
You would think but I can tell you that is hardly the case. I work in change and have for 15 years. Worked both sides – technology and business, mostly for large banks. The money is not there right now. Basel 3 and Dodd Frank perhaps. I had my third contact for a NYC area job yesterday. Sr. PM and top rate was $750/day. Sorry this is hardly good pay for NYC plus complex, global projects. They will get their 10 hr professional day and more. Funny that it was with my old company who laid off entire group last year..
..and believe me, I know the game with consultants as well. They force 2 weeks off at end of year (no matter if you took time during year), blanket 10% rate cuts and force you to deal with Singapore and Pune at 11pm because most of IT work has been outsourced there. No thanks for 750.
Chris Chrisitie does not send his kids to public schools so take what he says with a grain of salt. He is just another fatso fork and knife eating italian
Christie and Dems more alike than they are different. Shoot them all.
New trend in affordable housing? Get a sweet deal in a primo location by passing yourself off as gay?
http://news.yahoo.com/affordable-housing-gay-seniors-opens-pa-064510346.html
Shades of Chuck, Larry, and the drag character Tom Hanks played a million years ago.
that’s a job security tactic. not an information security tactic.
31.grim says:
January 14, 2014 at 9:47 am
30 – Sounds like the one IT managers who I nearly strangled, who tried to justify a complete lack of any and all documentation as an embodiment of the “security through obscurity” principal.
[27] grim,
In a related vein, a close friend was just named GC of a midwestern trade clearing company that got hammered over AML violations. So not just IT people who can capitalize here.
The outgoing GC, himself an AML expert supposedly, decamped in Nov. for a partner spot at a top tier law firm. So he creates (rather allows) the mess to occur then jumps ship just in time to avoid the fan spatter. And where did he land? Why, New Jersey, of course.
This is my friend’s first GC stint. I suppose it helps that he is taking on a thankless task since any progress he makes is golden for him.
Interesting site for those who want to follow this topic. I like it because it seems to aggregate stories and sites, not because Martin Ford is so visionary.
http://econfuture.wordpress.com
Back to the salt mine, again.
AML/KYC/EDD/OFAC training is another one of my many skills. Anything that involves big words, a few good stories and a powerpoint with lotsa color I am all in.
Nutrition (JJ Edition):
Peggy Kotsopoulos, a nutritionist and the author of “Kitchen Cures,” says certain foods can help alleviate common health complaints.
In need of a l!bido boost? One surprising kitchen cure is garlic. “It dilutes your blood vessels, so blood can actually flow faster to your gen!tals,” she says.
Somebody take jj’s crayons away from him before he draws on the walls.
What’s the food that will make blood flow to anon’s brain?
chifi maybe explans why I nailed so many italian girls.
JJ, you’re boring today. same old..same old..
sorry i’m late for teh response but anon
http://www.buzzfeed.com/awesomer/20-things-that-kill-more-people-than-sharks-every
Ban Fat people!
49 – Do not understand, are you supposed to eat the garlic, or rub it on your schwantz? Suppose either way if the missus likes garlic aioli, you’re set.
I am having an off day. Whole bunch of planning meeting and stuff keep interupting my blogging
xolepa says:
January 14, 2014 at 12:36 pm
JJ, you’re boring today. same old..same old..
re: # 27 – Grim PCI audits? Most companies have twice the amount of auditors as they do engineers who can actually do the work needed to secure systems. A PCI audit reminds me of the relationship between the banks and the rating agencies, as in neither takes the loss and one pays the other one for reams and reams of documentation saying everything is wine and roses.
Nieman Marcus, Target, Walmart, and others were hacked with RAM scrapers that accessed the POS binaries on the Microsoft platform. How do a bunch of kids do this? Where there is a will there is a way especially in the back water of the old Iron curtain.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2014/01/13/credit-card-hacking-romania/4456491/
The politicians like Menendez and Schumer love getting their face-time in-front of the camera to place blame but fail to point out that majority of the blame belongs with the banks for not moving to two factor security two decades ago and Microsoft for their Swiss cheese OS. But then again they don’t bite the hands that feed them.
as in neither takes the loss and one pays the other one for reams and reams of documentation saying everything is wine and roses
amen
Juice,
Chris Rock..the money ain’t in the cure, it’s in the medicine.
Not a food, but #82 Pb would do the the trick.
#51 Spine Snapper says:
January 14, 2014 at 11:48 am
What’s the food that will make blood flow to anon’s brain?
Fun time!!!! Everybody mail your estimate tax pmt tonight!!!!!
Dont worry it is all going towards obama care!
We’ve located clot’s grandchild…..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUKMUZ4tlJg
A new term for use “VES”
Other important developments with government programs:
Pen!s pumps cost the U.S. government’s Medicare program $172 million between 2006 and 2011, about twice as much as the consumer would have paid at the retail level, according to a government watchdog’s report released on Monday.
The report by the inspector general for the Department of Health and Human Services said Medicare, the government health insurance system for seniors, paid nearly 474,000 claims for vacuum erect!on systems, or VES, totaling about $172.4 million from 2006 to 2011. Yearly claims for the devices nearly doubled from $20.6 million in 2006 to $38.6 million in 2011.
According to the Mayo Clinic, pen!s pumps are one of a few treatment options for erect!le dysfunction.
Government waste is a major issue in budget talks in the U.S. capital as lawmakers try to reach agreement on a $1 trillion spending bill.
“Medicare payment amounts for VES remain grossly excessive compared with the amounts that non-Medicare payers pay,” said the report, dated December 2013. “Medicare currently pays suppliers more than twice as much for VES as the Department of Veterans Affairs and consumers over the Internet pay for these types of devices.”
If Medicare had adjusted its payments to approximately the price non-Medicare payers pay, the U.S. government would have saved an average of about $14.4 million for each of the six years, the report said.
“Considering the strain retiring baby boomers will soon be placing on Medicare’s budget, shouldn’t we be focusing this entitlement program on real, life-saving treatment and equipment to serve the health needs of seniors – instead of subsidizing pen!s pump purchases?” Ben Domenici of the Heartland Institute think tank said in an email statement.
“And to those seniors who really do want one,” added Domenech, “just buy it yourself – you don’t need to send the bill to your fellow Americans.”
LA’s largest gang wins another one
http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-0114-kelly-thomas-verdict-20140114,0,6482344.story
“The courts recognize that on occasion, when officers are trying to do the right thing, there will be death,” said [Michael Rains, who represented Bay Area transit officer Johannes Mehserle in his homicide trial for shooting an unarmed man at an Oakland train station].
“I … hit him 20 times in the face with the Taser,” former Cpl. Jay Cicinelli can be heard telling other officers in the audio tape.
“[A]bout 15 minutes into the video, Ramos tells Thomas “Now you see my fists?… They’re getting ready to … you up.”
– LAT, December 03, 2013
Yeah, “trying to do the right thing”… and “no malice”
I bet the fat @ss pig from the article I just posted couldn’t do any of those physical tests. One of many I presume
sven says:
January 14, 2014 at 7:46 am
gunmanship? and how about 80 yard dash, 1 mile times? swim a mile? rope climb? pull-ups? sure that the average cops, preppers, and gun-boys alike do badly on that…the min req for marines is three (3) pull ups…can any in this board do that?
fat @ss pig murderer, excuse me
In 2012, Fullerton’s acting chief of police posthumously exonerated Thomas (the dead victim) of any wrongdoing in connection with the confrontation, saying he was cleared of any suspicion that he provoked the violent struggle that led to his death.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-rt-us-usa-beating-police-20140107,0,2556019.story?track=rss
So, the dead person didn’t do anything wrong. So the arrest was unlawful, and you’re allowed to resist and unlawful arrest. They kill you while affecting the unlawful arrest. ANNNNND they were just doing their jobs.
Only in our orwellian world
resist an* unlawful arrest.
Police are nothing more than an armed private militia charged with protection of only their political patrons and the ultra-rich.
Beating a homeless schizo to death is nothing more than a workout.
Welcome to Argentina.
68 – Officer on the left appears to have quite a bit of cro-magnon DNA.
32 – Don’t understand, why would we pay teachers a higher salary if the school year is extended? Statement doesn’t make sense. I thought this was all about the children. Besides, with an annual salary that is in-line with the rest of the private sector, perhaps their work schedules should be as well?
Grim seriously? Why does every anti teacher comment involve the “its all for the children” comment? I hear you people say it more than teachers. Your characterization of the work schedule of teacher is truly insulting and extremely ignorant of the truth.
I love the perception is that if you aren’t in the building that you aren’t working. The reality is, I’m there an hour early, leave 25 minutes late, and spend a good 2 to 3 hours grading and working on material each day. My schedule is already in line or beyond that of the private work force.
If the time I spend doing instruction is increased each day and for an additional amount of days, you best believe, I’m do some compensation. I love how because several teachers do it for the kids, that you some how feel its a justification to pay them a crap wage.
Spare me the bullshit about early mornings and late evenings, you don’t think the private sector works 10 hour days and the weekends too?
That’s the problem. You think teachers are sitting on their ass and you said their hours need to be in line. They already are.
http://www.latimes.com/videogallery/69846618/News/Full-un-edited-video-presented-in-Kelly-Thomas-murder-trial
Man, that video is disturbing, even though the most important parts take place largely off-camera and we can’t really see what’s going on.
On the one hand, dude must have been on something. And it didn’t seem that the police were going Rodney King on him or anything.
On the other hand, geez, how many fat keystone cops does it take to slap a pair of cuffs on the guy? Those idiots seemed to have no idea what to do other than pile on top of the guy and apparently suffocate him. What kind of Mickey Mouse police training is that?
[72] “Why does every anti teacher comment involve the “its all for the children” comment? I hear you people say it more than teachers.”
We say the tag-line “it’s for the children” in jest more often, but the argument (in various forms and with various different phrases) is use ad nauseam by the teachers unions and those who feed at the government trough.
“The reality is, I’m there an hour early, leave 25 minutes late, and spend a good 2 to 3 hours grading and working on material each day. My schedule is already in line or beyond that of the private work force.”
Yeah. Except for that little part where you don’t work the entire summer!
“If the time I spend doing instruction is increased each day and for an additional amount of days, you best believe, I’m do some compensation. I love how because several teachers do it for the kids, that you some how feel its a justification to pay them a crap wage.”
To answer this, one only needs to point to how difficult it is to get a teaching job at a public school in NJ (in all but the most dangerous of districts like Newark, Trenton, etc.). You’re not “due” anything — just like employment in the real world (a.k.a. the private sector) your boss can tell you that you need to work more without any more compensation, and if you don’t like it you can quit. We all know there are thousands of folks lined up who would love to have your job. That’s evidence enough that you’re not getting what you call “a crap wage.”
GM to pay first dividend in nearly six years BOOOYAAAA
Teachers do work long hours. There uptheskirt cameras and texting to hottie freshmen is very time consuming
Grim seriously? Why does every anti teacher comment involve the “its all for the children” comment? I hear you people say it more than teachers.
Because this is the justification for every increase in school spending used, even though it is rarely the case. It may not be said in those exact terms, but it becomes the standard rebuttal when pushed. Don’t dare question anything.
Your characterization of the work schedule of teacher is truly insulting and extremely ignorant of the truth.
As ignorant as the public sector’s view of the private sector. We’re all fat cats with golden parachutes. I know that I’m all roses and sunshine lately, but when was the last time you tried to work in the private sector? It’s a f*cking war, bodies littered everywhere. You think coming in an hour early and leaving 25 minutes late should be commended? There are 10 guys waiting to take your spot that would do double that time. Do you really think private sector work stops when the bell rings? Jesus, I bet most of the folks on this regularly run meetings all hours of the evening (as Pune will no longer work US hours) and take work home. Whoever said 10 hour professional day, was not kidding, that’s the norm. Lunch break? Are you f*cking kidding me?
And that’s just for the lucky folks that are FT with some benefits, imagine doing this as contract work – not having any idea if today is your last day. Benefits? Are you f*kcing kidding me?
If the time I spend doing instruction is increased each day and for an additional amount of days, you best believe, I’m do some compensation.
NJ public sector workers are more richly rewarded than their private sector counterparts. It used to be about doing public service, now the servants are kings. Sorry, but perhaps 50 years ago teachers and cops slaved for low wages, and needed to be compensated with pensions. Now, in addition to the outsized wages, the benefits package is wildly better than anything outside of Google or Facebook.
This morning, the first comments I read on NJ.com and the other sites when this was posted were things like “I hope you pay us more money” and “I thought we were broke, where are you going to get the money to pay us more.” Thought that fitting.
And why again do police officers get paid overtime? Wait, I don’t even know what that means, what the f*ck is overtime? You get paid even more money to do your job?
Can I get a show of hands here – private sector guys – when did you get your last raise?
If I say contractually guaranteed raise – how many of you just spit out your drink laughing?
I suppose what it boils down to is the fact that I can no longer afford you, and that’s a frustrating position.
78
Sales. I eat what I kill. Actually I eat a percentage of what I kill.
That being said, my wife is a teacher, is grading papers right now, while I eff off on line.
Happy,
Not picking a fight here…. First, blood tests showed no alcohol or narcotics in the victim’s system. Secondly, I agree it didn’t seem (at times) all that bad… but hitting someone in the face with a taser 20 times, among other things, was enough to kill him. And lastly, how does not 1 juror infer intent from someone who taunts the about to be victim with, “Now you see my fists?… They’re getting ready to F you up.” I used to think that when someone dies (outside of self-defense or natural causes), someone(s) is responsible. That’ why we have more criminal offenses outside of murder (murder of varying degrees, manslaughter, voluntary/involuntary… varies types of battery, etc). It’s such a joke that any accident that would put someone in jail is completely forgiven if they work for the govt.
One of many problems is the training and mentality ingrained into the cops today. Anything they say, they believe is a ‘lawful order’ and once they’re feelings are hurt and they decide it’s time to arrest, if you put up the slightest resistence (even passive resistence), that gives them the green light to do anything. In this case, it wasn’t even all that clear if the mentally ill man was breaking into cars or just loitering (and as I posted above, the police cleared his posthumously). Yet, nonetheless they felt the need to take EXTREME measures. No common sense required. Several officers couldn’t subdue him without pummeling him to death? Come on!
Like the kid who died via a taser cause he ran a stop sign on his bicycle.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/death-of-teen-on-bike-shows-risks-of-expanded-use-of-tasers/1112106
Yes, he didn’t stop. Yes, cyclists have to follow traffic rules as do drivers of cars. But does the level of magnitude of the offense rise to the level of the need for a car chase and taser with the potential for serious bodily harm or death? Evidently so if you know their’s no chance of getting in trouble for it after the fact.
How can anyone defend a system where the cops are allowed to act, react, etc however necessary to protect themselves from getting so much as a scratch… yet, others can’t do a thing, and are encouraged to submit even when the arrest is unlawful? If someone is pummeling you just so you will put your hands behind your back or whatever, instinct takes over to defend yourself or at least put your hands up to protect/block yourself.
Like the two brothers in Detroit who, accused of giving a dirty look, were approached by two cops inside a fast food joint. Cops are free to ask them questions; the brothers are free to ignore or not. Cops sticks his hand/finger in the face of one of them (cause apparently the kid was giving attitude), and the kid slaps his hand away. Melee ensues. Wouldn’t be surprised if more than a few disagree with me, but in my opinion that entire escalation was the fault of the blue costume wearing gang members.
http://www.myfoxdetroit.com/story/23365483/update-charges-dropped-against-brothers-in-video-of-questionable-excessive-police-force
Charges were dropped… though I doubt any reprecussions will be awaiting the cops. If you lay a finger on a cop, it’s aggravated assault. If they do the same to you (without cause), you better submit or feel their wrath.
To close if you really want to haunt your sleep this evening, watch the 37+ video of the PA State Police torturing Robert Leone.
https://www.google.com/search?q=worse+than+rodney+king&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-us:IE-SearchBox&ie=&oe=
Happy Renter says:
January 14, 2014 at 5:18 pm
On the one hand, dude must have been on something. And it didn’t seem that the police were going Rodney King on him or anything.
Suprised someone didn’t cap that Stern fellow. He is in Florida afterall.
Seems that you can illegally foreclose on thousands of people across the country and live, but try texting in a movie theater……
You should have wrote “professor” to sound like less of a pedophile.
JJ says:
January 14, 2014 at 5:25 pm
Teachers do work long hours. There uptheskirt cameras and texting to hottie freshmen is very time consuming
grim,
any chance you can unmod my novel of a comment?
“I suppose what it boils down to is the fact that I can no longer afford you, and that’s a frustrating position.”
What’s frustrating is that, normally, the employee’s compensation and benefits are ultimately a function of and subject to the financial well-being of the employer.
But it’s gotten to the point where the financial well-being of the employer (i.e. taxpayers) is now a function of and subject to the compensation and benefits of the bloated government workers and the never-ending increases in taxes.
The corruption between the government and public worker unions doesn’t help; nor does the fact that the crappy “DMV Lady” level of “service” we receive in return from most government “workers” is more the rule than the exception.
Think of the CHILDREN!
When I read Grim’s post I immediately saw it with a huge amount of sarcasm. After reading enough of his posts I have come to realize that he doesn’t use shallow, logic traps to support points that he feels are defensible. He was more likely pointing out irony in the logic that spending more treasure in sacrifice for the good of the children is not in and of itself a sound argument. Teachers often think with their hearts when it comes to the welfare of the children (my wife is a teacher) and so this argument resonates very strongly with them even if used to support a logical fallacy.
The wikipedia article on it has good examples of logical fallacies supported by “its for the children/think of the children”.
Putting stop lights near schools to protect children crossing the street.
Gays don’t procreate, they recruit, so keep them away from your children.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Think_of_the_children
Usage to circumvent logical debate
Claiming to do something for the benefit of children is not a fallacy of itself, but if used to avoid logical debate, it is a thought-terminating cliché. By the same token, accusing other parties of using “what about the children” as an illogical appeal to emotion is itself sometimes used to avoid logical debate.
While it is possible to claim that something is being done “for the children” as support in a logical argument, or as a counterargument, such use is only valid when it does not lead to a logical black-hole. For example, it is reasonable to suggest and legislate to “add traffic lights next to schools so that children are safer from cars.” This argument however neglects other factors that may be the cause, such as bad road design and/or construction.
Grim,
I received a raise last year of 3% but that followed a 0% raise the year before. Given the rate of inflation I would say that was a “push” and that my income neither went up or down.
Contractually agreed upon raises don’t exist in the private sector as far as I can tell.
Grim,
Jan 1, 2014 was my last raise. I’ve had base raises every year since 2002, when my office got blown up by terrorists and had to temporarily “consult” for my old boss for that year.
At a former job, I had to suffer through contractually required raises thanks to unionization. 2003-2006 I worked at a “financial publishing” firm as an equity analyst in a union. The writers guild had hard pricing limits based on seniority.
The best analysts left after a few years, where their skills could be better compensated and their skills continue to develop, while the overcompensated old timers stuck around forever doing the same thing over and over, collecting their guaranteed union contract seniority raises. I’m guessing the whole floor eventually gets shut down. The union helped create a terrible incentive structure, with a minimal correlation between pay and performance. The funniest thing was the NY writers guild published an in-house newsletter (mostly to promote themselves to their dues-payers), and it was absolutely terribly written and edited.
I dont mind cops getting over time. Its the pension after 20 years based on a final year stacked with overtime that really grates. http://www.njsp.org/recruit/salary.html
As ignorant as the public sector’s view of the private sector. We’re all fat cats with golden parachutes. I know that I’m all roses and sunshine lately, but when was the last time you tried to work in the private sector? It’s a f*cking war, bodies littered everywhere. You think coming in an hour early and leaving 25 minutes late should be commended? There are 10 guys waiting to take your spot that would do double that time. Do you really think private sector work stops when the bell rings? Jesus, I bet most of the folks on this regularly run meetings all hours of the evening (as Pune will no longer work US hours) and take work home. Whoever said 10 hour professional day, was not kidding, that’s the norm. Lunch break? Are you f*cking kidding me?
I came from the private sector, so don’t lecture me on it. I didn’t ask for commending, I just ask that you simply acknowledge it instead of claiming I don’t. Why do you insist on constantly bringing up what other people do outside of the public sector? It has nothing to do with whether or not teachers actually work hard. Bottom line, you work hard, and so do I. Yet you are the one spouting off that me and others in my profession don’t when I’ve literally sacrificed everything I have for this job.
Also, don’t complain about the stupid pension to me. I’m the one paying into it and I’m the one that is going to get jack shit out of it because its bankrupt. I’m forced to participate. Meanwhile, the state (you) contributes zero. That’s a complete wash.
As for raises, you also don’t know what you are talking about. In my first year of teaching, I got a $1500 pay cut and a step freeze thanks to the health care contribution. In my 2nd year of teaching, I got an increased pension contribution. In my 4th year of teaching, I now get an additional health care contribution of $3000. I have yet to receive a single increase in my paycheck from my very first and I’m in my 5th year. Oh yeah, and I got another step freeze. In fact its lower. My 3k in guaranteed wage increases over 5 years was offset but 5k in healthcare and pension costs.
We all know there are thousands of folks lined up who would love to have your job. That’s evidence enough that you’re not getting what you call “a crap wage.”
No there aren’t. In my district, we tried interviewing people for the same position as me. We got 3 applicants all year. There aren’t many people to fill my position. And this in a top school in the state. Maybe 800 people line up to be history teacher, but no one lines up to fill my boots. Sorry, in any other market, I’d be paid twice as much due to supply and demand.
I suppose what it boils down to is the fact that I can no longer afford you, and that’s a frustrating position.
Really? According to you, there are plenty that can and that’s why prices will stay high in all the towns you love so much.
This reason you read comments like that is because every teacher has been given wage cuts over the years in the form of increased contributions and step freezes and they’ve been told there is no money to give them a raise. No one with any dignity is going to accept less to work more, especially in a job that demands so much. You may not want to pay my salary, but don’t question the work I put in. It’s insulting.
Yeah. Except for that little part where you don’t work the entire summer!
Says you. I’ve got the paystubs to prove it.
Ragnar,
why don’t you post some stock tips like JJ’s and his toxic bonds? i bet you’re better than chifi
This reason you read comments like that is because every teacher has been given wage cuts over the years in the form of increased contributions and step freezes and they’ve been told there is no money to give them a raise. No one with any dignity is going to accept less to work more, especially in a job that demands so much. You may not want to pay my salary, but don’t question the work I put in. It’s insulting.
The end game on step freezes is that teacher who comes in at 25 and starts a family realizes that when they try to go back and look at child care costs it simply isn’t worth it from the cost benefit analysis. My families decision from strictly a financial perspective was really close, and ultimately wrong.
When my first was born my wife was a couple of years from significant raise when she hit her 13th year in the district, she would have have gotten a 25% raise over 18 months, to put her roughly in line with her peers in similar circumstances in our area. Comparatively they were underpaid for those thirteen years compared to other local districts. Three years ago district played tough, argued for two years and pushed through a contract that killed that “bubble” by dividing the old and new teachers vs the middle on the bubble. Classic job of moving the goal posts.
After three years with no increase, and increased mandated health care costs, my wife got a “raise”, and less take home cash. If we had known that then, she would have bailed when the first was born, let alone the next, with two in day care.
So we will end up with a stratified system. Old teachers who have been there forever, playing out the string, making the proverbial 100K, and newbies who know jack. Rinse and repeat and we will end up with nothing but newbies who know less than jack.
In JJ’s world, at least all the teachers will be young and hot, and the conferences much more entertaining. Parents who don’t want idiots will have to pick up the slack somewhere though.
It is all about the children. Ultimately it is all about your own children.
@MotherJones: Chris Christie Will Not Be the 45th President of the United States http://t.co/PQI3Qd32GT
Anon [97];
Your type should really do your mast(e)rbating in private.
Grim and Ben – Nothing like laughing your ass off at 36,000 ft in a G5 as the middle class both public and private tear each other throats out.
Re: 97 – all the fat man needs is one believeable sex scandal and he is a shoe in.
On teachers and cops, I add only this. Their level of literac is an abominati is an abomination. Even their level of knowledge of other cor Even their level of knowledge of other core subjects is ridiculously sketchy.
They rely on the State Police for coverage, & a reasonably well armed citizen re tends to keep crime down. My township has a small police force. They are trying to unionize, and are rather bitter about their current compensation. I have it on good authority that if they do vote to unionize, and the Union presses difficult demands, the town will shut down its police force.
(89)
Richard,
This is something I didn’t know… cops who have non-job related injuries are still eligible for disability. Wow.
Pension Benefits and Disability
If a trooper retires as a result of a non-job-related disability, he or she is eligible for a pension of no less than 40 percent of his or her final compensation.
Ok, my phone deleted an entire sentence . Just before posting and is punctuating on its own.
[81] Disturbing stuff. The Robert Leone case and the kid getting tased and then run over (obviously accidentally, but still) for running a stop sign on his bike are good examples of thuggish police behavior.
The other knuckleheads in the hot dog place, not so much; you don’t monkey dance with the police and put your hands up in their face like that.
All symptoms of a bloated government out of control.
And while it won’t save you from a beat down, and indeed, according to the videos Joyce posted it may even in some circumstances get you beaten down even worse, I will once again post the single best piece of advice that I ever learned about the law and the police. If you haven’t watched it, it’s worth 30 minutes of your time.
Don’t ever talk to the police.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6wXkI4t7nuc
[90] “In my district, we tried interviewing people for the same position as me. We got 3 applicants all year. There aren’t many people to fill my position. And this in a top school in the state. Maybe 800 people line up to be history teacher, but no one lines up to fill my boots. Sorry, in any other market, I’d be paid twice as much due to supply and demand.”
Math or science teacher? You can thank the teacher’s union for the salary rules that don’t let you capitalize on your in-demand skills, and allow the teacher down the hall with a PhD in basket-weaving to earn twice as much as you.
Happy,
I can think of a high enough % of how much I agree with you regarding the youtube video. I watched a number of years ago, and everything in it is correct. Whether you’ve done something or not, there is nothing you can gain from talking to the ‘authorities.’ All tv cop shows are b.s., however if I have to make reference to them… life is much more similar to Law & Order rather than CSI. Meaning, the police bully you into a confession (great if they caught the right guy, otherwise not so much) or they [over]charge you with countless crimes to scare you into a plea. CSI on the other hand… make me think of this movie scene (and I’m sure I’m tee-ing up a joke for some)
Officer Michaels: You know, this job though isn’t how shows like CSI make it out to be, when I first joined the force, I was under the impression that everything was covered in a fine layer of semen. And that the police had at their disposal a semen database with every bad guy’s semen on it. Not true!
Officer Slater: Yup
Officer Michaels: If only there was semen on everything, it would make our jobs easier…
Officer Slater: Hell, yeah!
Officer Michaels: I often go to sleep and dream of waking up in a world where everything is covered in semen. Like the crime scene today, if the man had ejaculated and then punched you in the face, we’d have a real good shot at catching him…
Sorry, I disagree with you there. I saw the cop stick his finger/hand in the face of the guy… that was how it started and escalated it, and there was no need for that at all.
Happy Renter says:
January 14, 2014 at 8:30 pm
The other knuckleheads in the hot dog place, not so much; you don’t monkey dance with the police and put your hands up in their face like that.
The three highest paid teachers in my district are all gym teachers.
Any questions?
Greg Schiano (also a sort of PE teacher), was the highest-paid state employee when he was at Rutgers. He is now out of an NFL job, and the POS Saddam palace the skool built him next to Rt 18 remains unsold and will probably never sell, as it’s unlikely that a member of the House of Saud will choose to live next to a highway in Pisc@taway.
http://www.weichert.com/48357819/
House or army barracks?
107
For what the state police training barracks and national guard post in sea girt has to be worth, just in terms of the land, I’d say 199k is a bargain.
Love being able to use the private beach though.
It’s for the kids……
“Mr. Masterson … was a hero …who stood there and allowed a gun to be pointed right at him. and to talk down that young boy to drop the gun so that there would be no more young kids hurt.”
The Berrendo staff directory on the school district’s website lists John Masterson as an eighth-grade social studies teacher.
It takes stones to walk in front of a loaded shotgun.
It’s not like the guy was wearing body armor and carrying an HK like the local popo.
When seconds count the police are just minutes away. I’m sure 100 police stormed the building, secured the rooms and made sure the little perpetrator (already unarmed) was taken away, but they were not the “hero’s” that day.
It’s not always “for the kids” but I hope when my kid goes to school she has a teacher like that one.
http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/14/justice/new-mexico-school-shooting/?hpt=hp_t2
Hughes,
Sea Girt?
The house I posted was in Keansburg. Honestly, I know nothing about the area (so maybe the two places you mentioned are nearby and not in Sea Girt?)… it’s probably low because I think Union Beach, Keansburg, and a lot of that coastal area got hit by Sandy.
#81 Joyce et al
For all that say cops can’t shoot.
http://tinyurl.com/lyjwcla
He’s a first responder…. the cops, not so much. They never are.
Phoenix says:
January 14, 2014 at 10:06 pm
“When seconds count the police are just minutes away.”
I’m sure 100 police stormed the building, secured the rooms and made sure the little perpetrator (already unarmed) was taken away
You got me. I am completely outmatched by your intellect. For atonement, I went and reread my posts and found nothing I said about cops’ marksmanship. Hmm, not sure how you missed that… but anyway, I agree cops are great at shooting.
“New York Police Commissioner Ray Kelly said all nine bystanders wounded in Friday’s Empire State Building shooting had been hit with police gunfire.”
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/25/empire-state-building-shooting-nypd-bullets-shot-all-nine_n_1830007.html
Shall we now engage in an internet search dual to see how many one-off stories we can find to support opposing arguments?
Fabius Maximus says:
January 14, 2014 at 10:11 pm
#81 Joyce et al
For all that say cops can’t shoot.
http://tinyurl.com/lyjwcla
#93 Hughesrep
Not wanting to really get into this. I had a friend in a similar boat. After kid 2 on the 12 year threshold had the choice to go back or have kid 3, lose tenure and the pension. She had the kids. Husband was a custodian in another district got sh1tcanned. Got another job in a different district. Is a firefighter so the new town loved him as he could respond locally. But overall they pray for snow every year so he can plow for 25 hours.
“So we will end up with a stratified system. Old teachers who have been there forever, playing out the string, making the proverbial 100K”
This was CCs biggest mistake. When he came into office he started playing hardball the net result was that he took 35K of those old timers out of a system where they were paying into the pension into retirement where they started consuming from the pension system.
Grim,
I received no raise in last three years at my last IB. My bonus was cut to nothing as well. Current IB? From various sources, employees have not seen raises in 4-5 years and no bonuses basically. Mandatory hours for finance – 8:30 (latest arrival) to 6:30. Lunch break? “Unwritten” rule that you eat at your desk. Building has a gym but you can’t go during business hours. CFO tried to strong arm (hah) gym manager into providing a list of employees breaking the rule. Willkommen vor die bank.
#113 Joyce
yes we can both cherry pick incidents.
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/nation/2009-12-10-nyc-times-square-shooting_N.htm
If you agree it’s stupid to trade incidents back ‘n’ forth, then why do you continue to do so…. oh, just answered my own question.
Anon,
All my investment effort goes to our clients. I don’t even do PA trades, generally. I did mention that I sold all my silver on the day that turned out to be the all time high. Now I’m all in mutual funds. Global, EM, intl small caps, frontier. Hire Chifi and he can suggest which ones to buy. I don’t give free advice, people never appreciate or follow free advice anyway.
Kids do more time when busted with weed.
Peterson detailed how Warner meticulously hid his income — more than $100 million at one point — by filing false tax returns for at least 11 years.
Just before Tuesday’s hearing adjourned, Kocoras said that as a formality, he needed to advise Warner that he had the right to appeal his sentence. The judge then laughed, adding, “if you think you can get a better deal in the court of appeals.”
The key word is “deal.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/beanie-babies-maker-avoids-prison-for-tax-evasion/2014/01/14/fe88de2e-7d7c-11e3-97d3-b9925ce2c57b_story.html
“I’m sure 100 police stormed the building, secured the rooms and made sure the little perpetrator (already unarmed) was taken away”
Sounds like what usually happens anytime some hapless first grader brings a Lego toy gun to school, or, god forbid, chews his pop-tart into the shape of a pistol.
“A chance to own real estate in one of the most best townships in Southern Monmouth county.”
http://www.weichert.com/48087218/
well said
At least in the private sector there’s time for blogging and working from your couch.
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