Headline: "Not much impact from repeat buyer credit"

Saw this article on my startpage today; my response is a big DUH. The points made in this story are correct (that the 'carrot' may not be big enough, and you can't buy a home without a job). However, the main point is the one that was not stated: this tax credit was worthless from day one. Read the actual law--I'm in the middle of working on taxes right now (don't get me started, but all I can say is PASS the FAIR TAX!) so I will simply refer you to this prior post to explain the tax credit. In essence I believe that you had to be in the same house over 5 years (i.e. it had to be your principal residence for 5 of the last 8 years) to be eligible for that tax credit. Stop right there... How long have you lived in your current home? I have NEVER lived in one house for 5 consecutive years. SO I couldn't even get this tax credit if I wanted it! So we have a highly transient populace and the 'move up' market is definitely transient. Is this $6500 credit going anywhere? Not as it was written friends.... Our 'friends' in Congress didn't help us at all with that one.

Abercrombie & Fitch

It's funny--today I had on an 'old school' striped tie that I bought years ago at Abercrombie & Fitch in St. Louis. I was on a trip with my parents and it turns out that location was a 'clearance center' of sorts and I bought 2 ties for about $5 including this one! Fast forward about a decade and A&F is definitely not the store it used to be! I remember visiting Atlanta when A&F took up 2 floors at Phipps Plaza. The first floor was mainly clothes, but the 2nd floor has a lot of cool 'stuff' like hunting and fishing gear, old books, and even random collectibles (I even remember seeing antique rifles if I remember correctly!). "Preppy" was still in and classically tailored (and styled) clothing was how their brand was positioned in the marketplace (along with the image of the 'gentleman traveller'). My how times have changed! Yes, I'm acting all of my 44 years of age today, but I do miss the classic chinos, books and 'toys' that you could find there. Now? You can still find chinos, but you'll find them worn by a topless model (yes, maybe even a topless female model, with 'parts' covered of course). It's also quite loud in there too and I doubt you'd know much of the music ; ) I can't fault their marketing prowess (and the clothes still seem to be well made) but it's clear that this old fart is no longer their target market! Oh well, I can still wear their ties... Happy Friday!

Do you disagree?

My first answer, YES. I disagree with this man's actions. Joe Stack crashed his plane into an office building and killed himself as well as innocent person. So do I agree with his actions? NO.

HOWEVER.... have you read his rant? Not all of it makes sense to me. Not all of it applies to me. However, he hits some solid, well-reasoned arguments. Again, I DO NOT CONDONE his actions. I must admit that I agree with many of his comments... Be honest: Read his rant. What do YOU think?

The end of "Left Lane Bandits"?

I like the fact that the Georgia Legislature is considering a fine on left-lane bandits. No, that's not what the legislators called it, it's my term (actually, a term stolen from Car & Driver). If you are driving under the speed limit in the left lane (a/k/a passing lane) you will be fined $75. I love it! As we all know, Atlantans are apt to speed; there are those who like to park in the left lane because it's their right, dammit, to impede traffic (usually in the name of 'safety'). Their logic is flawed, however, as people will STILL speed past and since the LLB is blocking the correct passing lane, the speeder will have to illegally pass on the right (and as they are already speeding, they may make this move dangerously). So spare me your righteous bleating that the speeder is breaking the law; the LLB is the one who is MORE dangerous! If you want to drive slowly, go for it--there are lanes on the right for your meandering pleasure. As for me, I like the European model where the left lane is empty unless/until you pass. You get in, you get out. That's my 2 cents anyway... Happy Thursday :)

Rotary and Shelterbox to the rescue in Haiti

People in Haiti are homeless and have nothing; no place to go, nowhere to live. That's where Shelterbox and Rotary International comes to the table to help! I am a 14 year member of Rotary International and I am proud that my club (The Rotary Club of North Fulton) was able to contribute 3 Shelterboxes (that's $3,000) to the cause. Watch this video from CNN to learn more about this worthy cause. There are many charities that are helping out in Haiti, with one of the main preferences (in my opinion) being the American Red Cross. You should also consider Shelterbox as it is likewise a worthy charity and in this disaster it is probably the most useful thing that can be done for the people of Haiti besides medical supplies or food/water.

By the way, Wayne Robinson is also a North Fulton businessman--if you need office furniture, check out Roswell Furniture Outlet on Alpharetta Highway in Roswell. Good products, fair prices and we know that the owner truly gives back to the community and world! Thanks for what you do, Wayne!