Every age has its pop phenoms. Who can forget Tiny Tim singing "Tiptoe Through the Tulips" in his first guest appearance on the "Laugh-In" television show in the late 1960s. He accompanied his high-pitched shrill voice with equally irritating ukulele strumming that first gained him attention on the streets around Harvard University's campus in Cambridge, Mass. His physical appearance, with long, curly red hair, a big hook nose and bulging eyes, was as strange as his music for that generation.
Still Tiny Tim was able to parley his street performing into a brief career as a novelty act that brought chuckles to the TV audiences of stars like Johnny Caron, Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason and others, as well as propelling him into a couple of movie roles and a stint as a Vegas night club performer. Entertaining people was less complicated in the 1960s and 70s than it is today. Good or bad, entertainers got on stage and did their thing in black and white or in living color. There was less hype, little techno-glitz and no ear-piercing electronics.
But the curiosities grab our attention in similar fashion today and the media is quick to sell them to us as being unique. Hence, the advent of Lady Gaga. A bizarre bundle of shapely high-strung glitter without the gold. Similar to Tiny Tim, there is very little of substance behind the Gaga performance artist and,if the lyrics of her tunes are understood, she is far from a lady.
Those limitations have not kept Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta (the real name of this New York-born and trained musician)from turning a less-than-spectacular start in rock music into the latest pop style and sound super-nova in outlandish costumes and makeup. Dubbed electronic dance music, the cacophony of her performances apparently appeal to a tone-deaf generation brought up by punk and glam rockers. She understandably packs them in and is expected to do so next at the UCF Arena of the University of Central Florida in Orlando on January 3, 2010. What is less fathomable is the broad media attention that won this "lady" an audience with the real Queen of England and placed her on the front page of the Sunday Styles section of the New York Times on December 27, 2009.
Admittedly, 2009 was a slow year for enduring trend-setting statements in style, as the paper points out, but it calls Lady Gaga more than an ordinary pop star or fashion muse. She is the whole package, according to the Times, which sums up that "the voice without the package would equal a novelty act in a Singapore hotel lounge." That's pretty much the way Tiny Tim ended up. Meanwhile, Lady Gaga is laughing at us, laughing at her, all the way to the bank.
And, That's That...
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Give 'em Hell, Obama!
As the U.S. economy starts to feel the blood flowing through its toes again, President Obama recently met with bankers to urge them to do more to stimulate greater circulation , but it's still not clear that they will administer the necessary transfusions of credit for a full recovery.
He reminded a dozen top bank CEOs at the White House that they received extraordinary assistance from American taxpayers to rebuild their industry -- and now that they're back on their feet, we expect an extraordinary commitment from them to help rebuild our economy.
"I made very clear that I have no intention of letting their lobbyists thwart reforms necessary to protect the American people. If they wish to fight common-sense consumer protections, that's a fight I'm more than willing to have," the President told them.
While most of the heavy hitters from the financial community were there to got the message it remains to be seen how they translate that into positive action. Among the most notable, Lloyd Blankfein, Chairman and CEO, of Goldman Sachs could not attend "due to inclement weather," the White House reported.
Mr. Blankfein and his firm, which is one of the biggest global investment banks, are the subject of an intriguing article in the January issue of Vanity Fair magazine. "Our return of the government's investment does not, in any way, end our obligations to the public interest," Blankfein reportedly wrote upon repaying the $10 billion that Goldman got in TARP funds. But, the article points out, "there are few concrete signs that Goldman is acting in accordance with that patriotic letter."
Instead, Goldman and other big players "are seeking exemptions to some proposed new (regulatory) requirements," according to the piece, that would shine a big spotlight on derivatives trading, which was a primary cause of the financial crisis. Obviously, Mr. Obama is going to have to get tougher.
And, That's That...
He reminded a dozen top bank CEOs at the White House that they received extraordinary assistance from American taxpayers to rebuild their industry -- and now that they're back on their feet, we expect an extraordinary commitment from them to help rebuild our economy.
"I made very clear that I have no intention of letting their lobbyists thwart reforms necessary to protect the American people. If they wish to fight common-sense consumer protections, that's a fight I'm more than willing to have," the President told them.
While most of the heavy hitters from the financial community were there to got the message it remains to be seen how they translate that into positive action. Among the most notable, Lloyd Blankfein, Chairman and CEO, of Goldman Sachs could not attend "due to inclement weather," the White House reported.
Mr. Blankfein and his firm, which is one of the biggest global investment banks, are the subject of an intriguing article in the January issue of Vanity Fair magazine. "Our return of the government's investment does not, in any way, end our obligations to the public interest," Blankfein reportedly wrote upon repaying the $10 billion that Goldman got in TARP funds. But, the article points out, "there are few concrete signs that Goldman is acting in accordance with that patriotic letter."
Instead, Goldman and other big players "are seeking exemptions to some proposed new (regulatory) requirements," according to the piece, that would shine a big spotlight on derivatives trading, which was a primary cause of the financial crisis. Obviously, Mr. Obama is going to have to get tougher.
And, That's That...
Friday, December 11, 2009
2010: 'Big Wait' for Better Times
Just days before the end of what Time Magazine calls "The Decade From Hell," and it's time to look ahead... no looking back. We all know where we've been and it isn't pretty on any score. Terrorism, the economy; natural disasters, the economy; street crime, the economy, wars; the economy...the economy...the economy.
No one issue has torn the fabric of our families, our communities, our nation and the world apart more than the economic meltdown of the past several years. The ability to weave those tattered fibers into a whole cloth of renewed prosperity is the most pressing concern for all of us as we look forward.
So what does 2010 and the ensuing years of the next decade hold in store for us? 2010 can probably be categorized as "The Big Wait." We'll all be waiting to see if the agenda set in motion by President Obama begins to turn things around in a meaningful way for the average person. Wall Street has recovered and the big banks, for the most part, have paid back their TARP bailout money with the huge profits they are already earning. Good for them. Even retail spending was on the mend in November and consumer confidence showed an up tick, the New York Times tells us today. Hopefully, that spending is not all on credit cards, which can make matters worse for everyone but the banks.
It remains to be seen how the bankers respond to the opportunity taxpayers have given them to now become a significant part of the solution for economic growth. A large increase in smart lending for business development would be an indication that they understand the error of their previous ways. But, hey, no recriminations.
The big unknown for the immediate future is what will happen on Main Street, where the current recession has been felt the deepest by real people. "A recession is when your neighbor loses his job, but a depression is when you lose your job." That's how my father explained the difference to me long ago and he knew whereof he spoke. He dug up tree stumps for the WPA so that my mother could feed me Gerber's baby food in 1938.
So for one out of ten Americans we have been in a depression and it won't end until unemployment in the nation is at least cut in half. That will not happen quickly, according to the experts, who have told us that job creation is the last vestige of economic recovery. So there's no predicting how long the "Big Wait" will last. Meantime, white wine and bicycles will be in vogue in 2010, says an outlook by the Economist, among other prognostications made by the international economic magazine. Let's toast the coming of 2010 with positive anticipation.
And, That's That...
No one issue has torn the fabric of our families, our communities, our nation and the world apart more than the economic meltdown of the past several years. The ability to weave those tattered fibers into a whole cloth of renewed prosperity is the most pressing concern for all of us as we look forward.
So what does 2010 and the ensuing years of the next decade hold in store for us? 2010 can probably be categorized as "The Big Wait." We'll all be waiting to see if the agenda set in motion by President Obama begins to turn things around in a meaningful way for the average person. Wall Street has recovered and the big banks, for the most part, have paid back their TARP bailout money with the huge profits they are already earning. Good for them. Even retail spending was on the mend in November and consumer confidence showed an up tick, the New York Times tells us today. Hopefully, that spending is not all on credit cards, which can make matters worse for everyone but the banks.
It remains to be seen how the bankers respond to the opportunity taxpayers have given them to now become a significant part of the solution for economic growth. A large increase in smart lending for business development would be an indication that they understand the error of their previous ways. But, hey, no recriminations.
The big unknown for the immediate future is what will happen on Main Street, where the current recession has been felt the deepest by real people. "A recession is when your neighbor loses his job, but a depression is when you lose your job." That's how my father explained the difference to me long ago and he knew whereof he spoke. He dug up tree stumps for the WPA so that my mother could feed me Gerber's baby food in 1938.
So for one out of ten Americans we have been in a depression and it won't end until unemployment in the nation is at least cut in half. That will not happen quickly, according to the experts, who have told us that job creation is the last vestige of economic recovery. So there's no predicting how long the "Big Wait" will last. Meantime, white wine and bicycles will be in vogue in 2010, says an outlook by the Economist, among other prognostications made by the international economic magazine. Let's toast the coming of 2010 with positive anticipation.
And, That's That...
Monday, December 7, 2009
Feed the 'Tiger' of Wisdom
Ever since our ancestors first started chasing rocks around a field of play, we have demanded too much from the character of our athletes. Talented though they may be at their respective games and as valuable as that is to mass marketers, anyone who makes a living playing with a ball into adulthood probably suffers from arrested social development. We, therefore, should not be surprised when some of the best of them misstep off the playing field, especially when we heap so much praise and "dinero" on them. Sports figures and other entertainers (that's what they are, really) are not the only notable transgressors of late. You need two hands to count the number of politicians that have been caught with their pants down recently. It seems money and power make some people think that they can get away with almost anything. Who can forget Bernie Madoff?
That's our mistake as a society. We place too much value on competitive games, like politics and sports, and the people who play them. Not enough on character-building endeavors in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. That's just not sexy enough.
The next frontpage of the New York Post should picture a math teacher from Queens with two starlets on his arms as they hit the night clubs. Maybe that will excite more kids about learning from real role models, who can provide the tools for a productive and realistic life. Then, maybe it will matter less about how many scores are on Tiger's golf card.
And, That's That...
That's our mistake as a society. We place too much value on competitive games, like politics and sports, and the people who play them. Not enough on character-building endeavors in the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. That's just not sexy enough.
The next frontpage of the New York Post should picture a math teacher from Queens with two starlets on his arms as they hit the night clubs. Maybe that will excite more kids about learning from real role models, who can provide the tools for a productive and realistic life. Then, maybe it will matter less about how many scores are on Tiger's golf card.
And, That's That...
Health Care Reform on the Backs of the Elderly?
There's something about the air in Washington, D.C. that apparently addles the brain of lawmakers. Witness the debate in the U.S. Senate on proposed cuts to home health care services for the elderly in order to pay part of the bill for expanding health care coverage to 30 million additional Americans.
Under the proposal, according to the New York Times on Saturday (December 6, 2009), home care would absorb a disproportionate share of the cuts.It currently accounts for 3.7 percent of the Medicare budget, but would absorb 10.2 percent of the savings squeezed from Medicare by the House bill and 9.4 percent of savings in the Senate bill, says the Congressional Budget Office. Over the next 10 years, that translates into a $55 billion cut if the House version prevails or $43 billion if the Senate has its way. Any way you slice it, that's a substantial reduction to a service that you'd think would be untouchable, because it keeps the elderly out of hospitals and nursing homes, which are more costly to the Medicare system in the long run given the rapidly aging population.
Perhaps U.S. lawmakers should check out a new report on health care strategies for an aging society that was prepared by the Economist Intelligence Unit (www.GetinsideHealth.com) before slashing coverage for the elderly. The international news magazine was commissioned by the Phillips Lifeline medical alert service to explore future directions for health care systems.
"People tend to put older people in a ghetto and talk about them as an added burden for everyone else. We have to 'mainstream' aging, and not keep it a segregated issue," says Susan Eng, vice president, advocacy for CARP, the largest advocacy association for older Canadians, in an advitorial for the study. That seems like sound advice for lawmakers who are coming up for re-election next year.
And, That's That...
Under the proposal, according to the New York Times on Saturday (December 6, 2009), home care would absorb a disproportionate share of the cuts.It currently accounts for 3.7 percent of the Medicare budget, but would absorb 10.2 percent of the savings squeezed from Medicare by the House bill and 9.4 percent of savings in the Senate bill, says the Congressional Budget Office. Over the next 10 years, that translates into a $55 billion cut if the House version prevails or $43 billion if the Senate has its way. Any way you slice it, that's a substantial reduction to a service that you'd think would be untouchable, because it keeps the elderly out of hospitals and nursing homes, which are more costly to the Medicare system in the long run given the rapidly aging population.
Perhaps U.S. lawmakers should check out a new report on health care strategies for an aging society that was prepared by the Economist Intelligence Unit (www.GetinsideHealth.com) before slashing coverage for the elderly. The international news magazine was commissioned by the Phillips Lifeline medical alert service to explore future directions for health care systems.
"People tend to put older people in a ghetto and talk about them as an added burden for everyone else. We have to 'mainstream' aging, and not keep it a segregated issue," says Susan Eng, vice president, advocacy for CARP, the largest advocacy association for older Canadians, in an advitorial for the study. That seems like sound advice for lawmakers who are coming up for re-election next year.
And, That's That...
Friday, November 27, 2009
Welcome to an Older, More Mature Florida
Numbers crunchers in Florida are finally realizing that the sunshine state is not immune to the aging trend sweeping the rest of the world.
Marketers had better catch on as well if they want to capture the billions of dollars in purchasing power that will increasingly be controlled by older Floridians.
The state estimates that seniors will account for 60 percent of population growth over the next two decades. By 2030, they say, one in four state residents will be 65 or older; or 26 percent, compared with 17 percent today, according to the Bureau for Business and Economic Research at the University of Florida.
While some predict the aging of the state will strain government resources and cause worker shortages, smarter heads see an opportunity to tap the knowledge and experience of the boomer generation at a fraction of its prime time cost.
It is estimated that over the next 15 years, 80 percent of the native-born workforce growth in North America – and even more so in much of Western Europe – will come from those over fifty, according to a book entitled, “Workforce Crisis,” written by Ken Dychtwald and published by the Harvard Business School Press.
Dychtwald, who is a specialist in tracing the impact of an aging population on society, wrote the book along with Tamara J. Erickson and Robert Morison, who are management advisors, to give organizations a heads-up on how to handle what they see as the coming shortage of skills and talent that is being brought on by the aging of the workforce in the industrialized world.
The authors point out that “while marketers are starting to target an older population, managers are still encouraging mature employees to retire early.” Big mistake, they say, because the workforce will show a marked decline moving out to the year 2020, when growth will be an “anemic 0.3 percent.”
They place emphasis on how to retain and nurture mature workers because that’s were the lion’s share of experience resides, which can stem the on-coming brain drain. “Demographic and economic projections suggest that the shortage of workers will start soon and grow significantly…” they observe.
“A complex set of variables shapes the nature, timing and extent of these deficits,” the book goes on. “Economic conditions and the rate of job creation govern the demand for workers.” On that score, mature workers should be much in demand in the state of Florida well into the future.
Hopefully, that won't by that.
Marketers had better catch on as well if they want to capture the billions of dollars in purchasing power that will increasingly be controlled by older Floridians.
The state estimates that seniors will account for 60 percent of population growth over the next two decades. By 2030, they say, one in four state residents will be 65 or older; or 26 percent, compared with 17 percent today, according to the Bureau for Business and Economic Research at the University of Florida.
While some predict the aging of the state will strain government resources and cause worker shortages, smarter heads see an opportunity to tap the knowledge and experience of the boomer generation at a fraction of its prime time cost.
It is estimated that over the next 15 years, 80 percent of the native-born workforce growth in North America – and even more so in much of Western Europe – will come from those over fifty, according to a book entitled, “Workforce Crisis,” written by Ken Dychtwald and published by the Harvard Business School Press.
Dychtwald, who is a specialist in tracing the impact of an aging population on society, wrote the book along with Tamara J. Erickson and Robert Morison, who are management advisors, to give organizations a heads-up on how to handle what they see as the coming shortage of skills and talent that is being brought on by the aging of the workforce in the industrialized world.
The authors point out that “while marketers are starting to target an older population, managers are still encouraging mature employees to retire early.” Big mistake, they say, because the workforce will show a marked decline moving out to the year 2020, when growth will be an “anemic 0.3 percent.”
They place emphasis on how to retain and nurture mature workers because that’s were the lion’s share of experience resides, which can stem the on-coming brain drain. “Demographic and economic projections suggest that the shortage of workers will start soon and grow significantly…” they observe.
“A complex set of variables shapes the nature, timing and extent of these deficits,” the book goes on. “Economic conditions and the rate of job creation govern the demand for workers.” On that score, mature workers should be much in demand in the state of Florida well into the future.
Hopefully, that won't by that.
Monday, November 16, 2009
A Slice of Puerto Rico in Orlando
As the celebration of national Hispanic Heritage month came to a close, we were reminded that the festivities surrounding “Navidades,” Christmas in the Spanish-speaking world, are not far off. At “Guavate” it’s “Navidades” all year-round. “Guavate” is the only authentic Puerto Rican restaurant to be found in the Orlando metropolitan area.
Walk into “Guavate” and you could be in the heart of Santurce, the commercial and residential center of metropolitan San Juan, or any corner of the island, where good Puerto Rican food is served. The senses are immediately engulfed with the sights, sounds and aromas of a real Puerto Rican culinary experience.
“Guavate” is on Alafaya Trail, in what is one of the growing upscale Puerto Rican enclaves in Orlando, far removed from the mountain barrio that bears the same name in Cayey, Puerto Rico, where “lechoneras” (pig roasters) line either side of route 184, cooking the ultimate in Puerto Rican cuisine, “lechon asado,” savory suckling pig roasted on a spit over an open fire pit.
During the holiday season in Puerto Rico, any time before and through Christmas and even after January 6th, Three Kings Day, a drive up the winding mountain roads to eat “lechon asado” in the cool, crisp country air is a tradition.
Billed as a Puerto Rican eatery and bistro, the Orlando restaurant is as unpretentious and welcoming, as its namesake community on the island with a dozen or so tables and booths and a few curbside tables with umbrellas to accommodate the overflow crowd of patrons that come from near and far to enjoy the finger-licking food and relaxed atmosphere.
The vaulting walls are covered with art depicting typical Puerto Rican countryside, alive with the vibrant red-flowering “flamboyan” trees. A birthday celebration is recognized by servers taking up the conga, bongo drums and maracas in a spirited rendition of the traditional birthday song, “felice, felice en su dia.” It is suggested that you call in advance ( 407.281.4700) to book a table, but don’t be surprised if you still have a bit of a wait, because people like to linger over their “café con leche” after a completely satisfying meal at very reasonable prices.
The menu is pure Puerto Rican. If you don’t like garlic, stay home. Otherwise, you’re in for a treat with a wide array of chicken, pork, beef and seafood dishes to choose from. There’s an outstanding selection of “Asopaos,” heavy rice soups laced with chicken, shrimp, lobster or seafood; stuffed “mofongo” and rice combinations. “Mofongo” is mashed plantain (the green banana used as a vegetable) with garlic and bits of bacon fried in olive oil. The “mofongo de yucca,” another root vegetable, is superb.
Best of all a dinner for two, starting with a plate of typical appetizers and a couple of beers cost us $48.00, including the tip. “Guavate” is located at 422 S. Alafaya Trail, one block north of Curry Ford Rd. It serves lunch and dinner and fills takeout group orders, offering “Pasteles Navidenos” all year-round at $25.00 a dozen and $15.00 for a half dozen. The “pastel” is the traditional plantain “wrap” filled with herbs and root vegetables that is the centerpiece of a Puerto Rican Christmas dinner, served with roast pork and “arroz con gandules,” rice and beans. The traditional Christmas dinner can be had at “Guavate” every day for $9.50.
The crowning touch, of course, is dessert, which features an assortment of “flans,” custards; “Pastelillo de Guayaba,” a guava turnover; “Tembleque,” a coconut custard; “Tres Leches,” a cake made from three milks; and, finally, “Dulce de Papaya con queso blanco,” pieces of candied papaya served with goat cheese.
The sweetness of the desserts can be perfectly off-set with a strong Puerto Rican coffee, served black or with milk, that is guaranteed to wake you up for the drive home. If you are not aware of the divine properties of Puerto Rican coffee, you should know that it has been served at the Vatican for years and was reportedly the favorite beverage of several Popes. No wonder that the patrons at “Guavate” religiously linger over the brew after a thoroughly delightful dining experience.
Walk into “Guavate” and you could be in the heart of Santurce, the commercial and residential center of metropolitan San Juan, or any corner of the island, where good Puerto Rican food is served. The senses are immediately engulfed with the sights, sounds and aromas of a real Puerto Rican culinary experience.
“Guavate” is on Alafaya Trail, in what is one of the growing upscale Puerto Rican enclaves in Orlando, far removed from the mountain barrio that bears the same name in Cayey, Puerto Rico, where “lechoneras” (pig roasters) line either side of route 184, cooking the ultimate in Puerto Rican cuisine, “lechon asado,” savory suckling pig roasted on a spit over an open fire pit.
During the holiday season in Puerto Rico, any time before and through Christmas and even after January 6th, Three Kings Day, a drive up the winding mountain roads to eat “lechon asado” in the cool, crisp country air is a tradition.
Billed as a Puerto Rican eatery and bistro, the Orlando restaurant is as unpretentious and welcoming, as its namesake community on the island with a dozen or so tables and booths and a few curbside tables with umbrellas to accommodate the overflow crowd of patrons that come from near and far to enjoy the finger-licking food and relaxed atmosphere.
The vaulting walls are covered with art depicting typical Puerto Rican countryside, alive with the vibrant red-flowering “flamboyan” trees. A birthday celebration is recognized by servers taking up the conga, bongo drums and maracas in a spirited rendition of the traditional birthday song, “felice, felice en su dia.” It is suggested that you call in advance ( 407.281.4700) to book a table, but don’t be surprised if you still have a bit of a wait, because people like to linger over their “café con leche” after a completely satisfying meal at very reasonable prices.
The menu is pure Puerto Rican. If you don’t like garlic, stay home. Otherwise, you’re in for a treat with a wide array of chicken, pork, beef and seafood dishes to choose from. There’s an outstanding selection of “Asopaos,” heavy rice soups laced with chicken, shrimp, lobster or seafood; stuffed “mofongo” and rice combinations. “Mofongo” is mashed plantain (the green banana used as a vegetable) with garlic and bits of bacon fried in olive oil. The “mofongo de yucca,” another root vegetable, is superb.
Best of all a dinner for two, starting with a plate of typical appetizers and a couple of beers cost us $48.00, including the tip. “Guavate” is located at 422 S. Alafaya Trail, one block north of Curry Ford Rd. It serves lunch and dinner and fills takeout group orders, offering “Pasteles Navidenos” all year-round at $25.00 a dozen and $15.00 for a half dozen. The “pastel” is the traditional plantain “wrap” filled with herbs and root vegetables that is the centerpiece of a Puerto Rican Christmas dinner, served with roast pork and “arroz con gandules,” rice and beans. The traditional Christmas dinner can be had at “Guavate” every day for $9.50.
The crowning touch, of course, is dessert, which features an assortment of “flans,” custards; “Pastelillo de Guayaba,” a guava turnover; “Tembleque,” a coconut custard; “Tres Leches,” a cake made from three milks; and, finally, “Dulce de Papaya con queso blanco,” pieces of candied papaya served with goat cheese.
The sweetness of the desserts can be perfectly off-set with a strong Puerto Rican coffee, served black or with milk, that is guaranteed to wake you up for the drive home. If you are not aware of the divine properties of Puerto Rican coffee, you should know that it has been served at the Vatican for years and was reportedly the favorite beverage of several Popes. No wonder that the patrons at “Guavate” religiously linger over the brew after a thoroughly delightful dining experience.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Surviving Prostate Cancer
"Nobody dies from prostate cancer any more."
That’s how my urologist in Puerto Rico delivered the news that my PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test had gone up significantly in less than a year. That matter-of-fact attitude about the possibility that there might be a cancer growing within my body, told me that I should look for another doctor. Subsequently, found an outstanding specialist in Orlando, Florida, who treated me successfully, but more on him later.
The first urologist had seen it all before, but this was potentially my cancer, in my body and I expected, no demanded, a little more compassion than that glib statement provided, even if it was intended to put my mind at ease.
Besides, it turns out that the statement was just not true. About 192,280 new cases of prostate cancer will have been diagnosed in the United States in 2009, according to the American Cancer Society, and, they estimate that 27,360 of those men will die.
That's no small number, but earlier detection and improved treatment have significantly reduced the number of deaths. The experts measure survivability in five-year increments and the Cancer Society puts the current rate at nearly 100 percent for that period of time.
Still, I am somewhat apprehensive as I approach my third annual examination.The third year is the halfway point in my first five-year survival cycle. Last year, my urologist assured me that my prostate was like that of a new born baby and that I would likely die of other causes. That was then and we'll soon see if the outlook continues to be so favorable.
We'll keep you posted and we'd like to hear your experiences, fears and concerns about prostate cancer for a book project that's in the works.
And, that's that... for now.
That’s how my urologist in Puerto Rico delivered the news that my PSA (prostate specific antigen) blood test had gone up significantly in less than a year. That matter-of-fact attitude about the possibility that there might be a cancer growing within my body, told me that I should look for another doctor. Subsequently, found an outstanding specialist in Orlando, Florida, who treated me successfully, but more on him later.
The first urologist had seen it all before, but this was potentially my cancer, in my body and I expected, no demanded, a little more compassion than that glib statement provided, even if it was intended to put my mind at ease.
Besides, it turns out that the statement was just not true. About 192,280 new cases of prostate cancer will have been diagnosed in the United States in 2009, according to the American Cancer Society, and, they estimate that 27,360 of those men will die.
That's no small number, but earlier detection and improved treatment have significantly reduced the number of deaths. The experts measure survivability in five-year increments and the Cancer Society puts the current rate at nearly 100 percent for that period of time.
Still, I am somewhat apprehensive as I approach my third annual examination.The third year is the halfway point in my first five-year survival cycle. Last year, my urologist assured me that my prostate was like that of a new born baby and that I would likely die of other causes. That was then and we'll soon see if the outlook continues to be so favorable.
We'll keep you posted and we'd like to hear your experiences, fears and concerns about prostate cancer for a book project that's in the works.
And, that's that... for now.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Mortgage Modification: Too Little, Too Late
Even as the U.S. Treasury was patting itself on the back for stimulating 500,000 trial mortgage modifications for financially-troubled homeowners, one of its top officials was telling Congress that "more than six million Americans are at risk of foreclosure in the next three years."
Keeping those troubled people out of foreclosure is the objective of the Obama Administration, which ear-marked $75 billion of financial-rescue funds in March 2009 to pay incentives to mortgage servicers who agree to modifications.
The Feds, as well as individual mortgage holders seeking solutions, have not been pleased with the progress of the initiative until now.
The 47 national loan servicers that have signed on for the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) that was launched in February 2009 appear to be dragging their feet in its implementation. Treasury reports that 21 of the servicers had modified less than 5 percent of eligible troubled loans on a trial basis and several had not modified any as of October 2009.
Furthermore, the operative word here is "trial," meaning nobody is sure that the modifications will provide a permanent solution. Trial modifications do not become permanent until the borrower is able to meet three reduced monthly mortgage payments in a row. There is concern that unemployment, which is still on the rise in many places,will push people back into trouble on their mortgages. The indication is that one in three borrowers whose monthly payments were reduced by 20 percent or more had fallen behind again, according to federal findings.
The servicers also are overwhelmed by the volume of applications for modification, leading to all sorts of delays and problems, including what many borrowers consider unjust denial of their petitions for mortgage relief.
Treasury has initiated a monthly report card that "shames and names" mortgage servicing institutions to get them to be more efficient and act more quickly in granting mortgage modifications.
Of Course, that doesn't help the American homeowners who have the sheriff knocking on their door.
And, that's that.
Keeping those troubled people out of foreclosure is the objective of the Obama Administration, which ear-marked $75 billion of financial-rescue funds in March 2009 to pay incentives to mortgage servicers who agree to modifications.
The Feds, as well as individual mortgage holders seeking solutions, have not been pleased with the progress of the initiative until now.
The 47 national loan servicers that have signed on for the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) that was launched in February 2009 appear to be dragging their feet in its implementation. Treasury reports that 21 of the servicers had modified less than 5 percent of eligible troubled loans on a trial basis and several had not modified any as of October 2009.
Furthermore, the operative word here is "trial," meaning nobody is sure that the modifications will provide a permanent solution. Trial modifications do not become permanent until the borrower is able to meet three reduced monthly mortgage payments in a row. There is concern that unemployment, which is still on the rise in many places,will push people back into trouble on their mortgages. The indication is that one in three borrowers whose monthly payments were reduced by 20 percent or more had fallen behind again, according to federal findings.
The servicers also are overwhelmed by the volume of applications for modification, leading to all sorts of delays and problems, including what many borrowers consider unjust denial of their petitions for mortgage relief.
Treasury has initiated a monthly report card that "shames and names" mortgage servicing institutions to get them to be more efficient and act more quickly in granting mortgage modifications.
Of Course, that doesn't help the American homeowners who have the sheriff knocking on their door.
And, that's that.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Reverse Mortgage is Best Kept Secret of Relief for Aging Homeowners
While homeowners in financial difficulty are beating themselves over the head to modify their existing mortgages to get relief, many maturing folks, age 62 and older, are not being told about the reverse mortgage alternative.
The reverse mortgage, or Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) as it is known officially by its designation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is the best kept secret of the big bank mortgage bailout fiasco.
The best mortgage modification can offer is lowering the interest rate, extending the term of the loan and/or delaying repayment of a portion of the mortgage principal until the end of the loan term. Furthermore, currently these remedies are only offered on a trail basis. If the homeowner falls behind in mortgage payments again under the modification all bets are off.
A better idea for aging homeowners, it seems to me, is the reverse mortgage, but the major banks for some reason are not promoting that alternative, perhaps because it’s only available to a limited segment of the market. Even without major advertising exposure, seniors are learning about this financial lifeline. More than 112,000 loans were taken in 2008 and reverse mortgage sales are on pace to set a record this year, according to HUD data.
Here’s how they work:
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which insures the reverse mortgage, establishes a formula to determine the allowable loan amount based on the age of the borrowers, the current interest rate and the appraised value of the home.
The borrower and spouse must be 62 years old or older to qualify. The older the borrower, the lower the interest rate, because the risk to FHA is reduced. Why?
Because, except for origination fees and loan insurance payments, which are substantial and paid up front, the reverse mortgage does not get paid off until the last surviving mortgage holder dies.
Meantime, if the borrower has considerable equity in the home, the value being much higher than the outstanding existing mortgage, a reverse mortgage can generate a payout for the reverse mortgage holder as well, besides satisfying any outstanding debt on the property and eliminating monthly mortgage payments for the life of the loan. Moreover, the credit standing of the borrower does not matter and the home cannot be foreclosed on so long as the borrower is current on payment of property taxes, homeowner’s insurance and homeowner’s maintenance dues.
Want to know more about reverse mortgages? AARP.org offers an online reverse mortgage calculator to get started by plugging in your age and estimated value of your home to come up with a ball park figure of how much you can expect to get out of a reverse mortgage. ReverseMortgageGuides.org provides chapter and verse on every aspect of the reverse mortgage. And, finally, HUD requires every prospective reverse mortgage taker to go through an hour-long financial guidance session with an accredited counselor before a reverse mortgage is entered into. As with any major financial decision, it’s wise to get as much information as possible before making a commitment.
No question, the reverse mortgage is not for everyone, but it certainly beats the mortgage modification alternatives that the major banks are now offering.
That's That...
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Lighten the load...
As one gets older, the baggage of life should get lighter. Unfortunately, the current economic load has rounded the shoulders of many seniors, along with their younger brothers and sisters.
How many people approaching retirement have seen their savings and investments go up in smoke? How many of those who actually retired before the "Great Recession," now face the prospect of having to compete for jobs that have dried up and blown away in the dust-covered workforce of America?
What are their options? How do they cope?
The "Light Years Chronicle" is a blog dedicated to people of any age, but especially the gray-haired souls that have earned the right to catch a break; people who deserve to lighten their load to enjoy their remaining years on God's good earth.
If you have any ideas in that regard or want to tell us your experiences in trying to "lighten the load" we'd be pleased to share them.
How many people approaching retirement have seen their savings and investments go up in smoke? How many of those who actually retired before the "Great Recession," now face the prospect of having to compete for jobs that have dried up and blown away in the dust-covered workforce of America?
What are their options? How do they cope?
The "Light Years Chronicle" is a blog dedicated to people of any age, but especially the gray-haired souls that have earned the right to catch a break; people who deserve to lighten their load to enjoy their remaining years on God's good earth.
If you have any ideas in that regard or want to tell us your experiences in trying to "lighten the load" we'd be pleased to share them.
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