#loan for a house colorado

[mortgagemaestro]

House hacking is a real estate strategy that involves purchasing a property, and living in it, while also renting out a portion of the property to generate income. There are several ways to approach house hacking; some common strategies include. To know more about the details, visit our website today: https://mortgage-maestro.com

[wilwheaton]

What’s strange about the opinion? First of all, there is the supposed harm to the plaintiff. Smith, by her own account, is not a designer of wedding websites. She is merely an aspiring wedding-website designer who reportedly dreamed from childhood of the heterosexual wedding websites she would someday create. While one can admire the particularity of this vision, her plight pales a bit beside the counterweight of gay couples trying to plan weddings without facing discrimination. On top of that, according to the mind-blowing reporting of the New Republic’s Melissa Gira Grant, a 2016 email included in the plaintiff’s filings from a gay man asking Smith for wedding design services is apparently fake. His contact information led Gira Grant to a straight, baffled, married web designer who says he would have had no reason to contact Smith. Then there is the argument itself. A wedding website is an example of “expression,” sure — both sides agree on that. But Gorsuch, following a lower court, calls such a website “pure speech,” as if no services were being provided and the primary point of the website was to express the designer’s views on matrimony. In any case, he argues, the right of protected classes to equal treatment holds no weight before the free speech rights of expressive vendors: “When Colorado’s public accommodations law and the Constitution collide, there can be no question which must prevail.” This seems awfully odd if only because there is such an obvious comparison to interracial marriage — historically anathema to certain religious groups but not, in my lifetime, something for which vendors could legally withhold services. But maybe I was the crazy one. So I asked for help from Lewis and Clark Law School professor James M. Oleske Jr., whose 2015 article comparing religious exemptions for interracial marriage and same-sex marriage is cited by Justice Sonia Sotomayor in her dissent.

The Supreme Court's 303 Creative ruling is 'profoundly wrong'

The White House clearly saw the student loan ruling coming, and was ready with a speech and a plan.

Where is that for Affirmative Action? Where is that for the LGBTQ+ community?

I mean, come on, man. This ruling is fucking INSANE.

[cowboydisaster]

* ˚ ✦ Compass * ˚ ✦

chapter one: La Belle Fleur Sauvage

pairing: arthur morgan x f! reader

word count: 7.9k

summary: modern au; Living out your dreams on a ranch in Colorado; Arthur finally proposes.

a/n: This is a little gift for @margowritesthings. I originally wrote this for you a year ago, but I've rewritten it for you for this christmas. xx

Arthur is nervous, his palms clammy as he pulls a Carharrt t-shirt over his head. The dark hardwood floor is cold against his bare feet as he slowly pulls his clothes on, layering up to defend against the harsh weather. You sleep comfortably in his bed, unaware of Arthur's absence from your side. He slowly approaches, pressing a chaste kiss to your forehead. You smile in your sleep. 

"Gonna be a good day, darlin'.” He murmurs, pulling the white, fluffy blanket up over your shoulders before stepping out of the room, trying to keep his footsteps quiet.

The coffee machine beeps twice, notifying Arthur that the morning pick me up is finished. Two mugs sit by the machine, as always. But today Arthur doesn't grab his usual, opting instead for a travel mug. It's an old one. One that he'd gotten from some random bank event a while ago, "Strauss Financing" it read. 

He'd used that bank to get a loan for the house and the barn. God– nearly ten years ago now, Arthur realizes. 

The coffee is black and hot, steaming as it's poured into the mug. Arthur leaves the pot on for you before opening the door, and whistling in the direction of the bedroom. He can hear Copper jumping down off the bed, and then he rounds the corner, trotting towards Arthur and out the door. 

"Hey there boy!" Arthur laughs and gives Copper a few pats. He's had the old vizsla about as long as he's had the ranch. Copper follows Arthur outside, happily trotting after the man. Everything outside is coated in a dusting of white. It's the kind of snow that looks like diamonds, where ice clings to the trees and rooftops, but the sun shines down, making everything sparkle. 

When Arthur gets about a hundred feet from the house, with Copper circling around him, he stops and turns around. The log cabin stands proud before him, even after all these years. Arthur had built the place with his bare hands, just him and Copper. 

The Colorado mountains stand proud behind the house, hues of purple and blue painting  their cliffs, the morning rays of sunlight reflecting off of the snow on their peaks.  When he looks at the slowly aging wood of the house, and the warm glow of the porch lights he can't help but smile. It's not the house itself that he is so fond of, it is what you have made the house– a home. 

When the walls were bare, and the house was empty, save for the few pieces of furniture that Arthur could afford, it was incredibly lonely. He tended to the animals and worked on the ranch all day to avoid sitting alone in the house. He spent his evenings at the only bar in town, Pearson's Pub, drinking to forget and to ignore the empty house. 

Things got better once you moved to town, working as a bartender. You warmed the man's cold heart. You were like a breath of fresh air in this old town. You still are. You managed to take his frozen, barely beating heart and melt it in the grip of your soft hands. 

Arthur began to chat with you while you worked. After only a few interactions, he started coming in on the days he knew you would be there. 

Then, one day, he offered to cook you dinner, and you accepted. Now, you lie in his bed, cozy and happy while he plans for the future. Funny, how things work out like that. All those years when Arthur was young, he'd hoped for someone to love. As an adult, he was content with his solitude, until you came along, of course. Divine intervention, you are. 

Copper barks, stomping his paws in the snow, pulling Arthurs attention back to the present. The poor dog is probably cold. The nip in the air makes Arthur's cheeks and nose red, and his breath lingers in the air like a morning fog. 

The truck isn’t far, sitting halfway between the house and the barn. Arthur shoves his hands in his pockets, shaking some snow off of his hat as he makes his way towards the old rust bucket. Snow and ice fall from the door frame as Arthur swings it open, leaning in. 

He reaches across the steering wheel, jamming the key into the dash and turning it. He mutters a small prayer when the engine starts to stutter and hiss, but after a few seconds, it turns over. Once the engine is running, Arthur turns the heat the entire way up, setting the knob towards the windshield. 

“Should be right as rain, now, huh, boy?” Arthur smirks, stepping down from the truck, shutting the door. Copper barks, running into the wooden barn where Arthur is heading, stalking the chickens, as Arthur slides through the wooden door. 

He shakes the snow off of his hat, boots clicking on the floor as he grabs a few scoops of feed and dumps them into each horse's trough. Arthur greets each one, scratching behind their ears, patting their necks. He feeds, avoiding stepping on loose hens, until he reaches Boadicea's stall. A warm smile graces Arthur's face at the sight of the old chestnut mare. She brightens up at the man's arrival, and not just because of the feed he carries. Her head tosses as she whinnies for him..

“There's my girl." Arthur hums, dumping the feed, soothed by the sound of her chewing. Arthur scratches the underside of Boadicea's jaw, earning a slight whinny from the older mare. 

"S’a big day today, y'know." Arthur releases a shaky breath as he strokes the mare's neck. Boadicea lips at Arthur's jacket, searching for treats that he doesn't have. 

"I'm gonna ask her to marry me."

He huffs through his nostrils then, smiling as he pats the mare one last time. 

"You're gonna be a part of it. I'm countin' on you, girl." 

He then looks to the black quarter horse in the stall beside Boadicea. The horse has a star on his forehead, and a thick dark forelock that covers his eyes. When Arthur had gifted you the gelding, you'd named him Whiskey. It was both an homage to the bar where you met Arthur, and your preferred poison. 

"Hey there boy. You better be good for the lady today, ya hear?" 

He pats the horse who is hungrily lapping up his grain and then brings his wrist up to check his watch. The watch ticks quietly, showing the time as being 6:17am. 

Arthur decides that the truck has had plenty long enough to heat up as he makes his way out of the barn, pulling his jacket tighter around himself. Copper has gone off, probably chasing birds in the woods, or attempting to play with the cattle. Once he's done playing he will come into the barn for shelter, at least until you wake up and let him back in. 

Arthur's hands are tinted pink with cold as he opens the truck door, sliding in and shutting the cold out. The heat from inside the cab is nothing short of cathartic as it begins to thaw his frozen features, slowly melting away the ice and causing his nose to turn pale again. 

Arthur turns the radio up a bit, driving down the long road towards the city. He tries to avoid Denver as much as possible. The tall, leering buildings are suffocating, reminding him of a very dark time in his life. 

When Arthur's ma and pa died, he was placed into foster care. When he was twelve, he fought with the other kids, even beat a few nasty boys that were older than him. Arthur learned quickly that anger and aggression were the best ways to protect himself. 

He ran from every foster home he was placed into, never having anywhere to go, just running. Arthur slept outside many nights, surrounded by vermin– both rats and people. He was spat on, cursed at, and kicked down by many of the people he encountered. It wasn't until he was fifteen that he found shelter- a home. 

— — —

Arthur's feet pound against the pavement as he runs. The door remains open, swinging, as Arthur barrels down the driveway without shoes. The blacktop is rough on Arthur's feet, scraping and cutting into his heels as he scrambles, but he pushes through, determined to get away from the outskirts of Denver. 

He follows the driveway until it meets gravel, avoiding it by running through the grass, into the forest. Tears stream down his cheeks, rough gasps for breath mixed with raspy sobs erupting from his chest. 

Arthur bolts from yet another foster home– another abuser. He can barely see as the street lights get farther away, but he pushes on faster at the sounds of sirens. Sticks and rocks dig into the soles of his feet, but he continues, terrified. 

In his hand, Arthur clutches a small bag, carrying the few things that remain of Arthur's childhood: his momma's ring, and a photo of her when she was young. His knuckles are white in their grip.

Horror trickles up his spine, sickness twisting his guts and making him sick. Tears prick at his eyes, threatening to send him to the ground 

Did he just kill a man? 

Disgust bubbles up in Arthur's throat as he searches around in the dark forest, looking for somewhere to hide for the night. Not far in the distance is a building with a light on outside, it appears to be a barn. Arthur tries not to think about anything as he stumbles towards the barn, feeling like he may collapse at any second. His arms are wrapped around himself, and he shivers as he parts the barn doors, stepping inside, sheltered from the cold winds.

A few animals grumble at the intrusion, but Arthur can barely hear them. His vision is blurry, breaths coming in quick pants as he trips. He makes it a few steps to a pile of hay, mind fuzzy and body cold. Arthur is exhausted and unable to breathe.

Suddenly his feet are falling away from him and he collapses. The impact is made softer by the pile of hay, but it still knocks the wind out of him. Arthur stares at his blood stained hands as they clutch his mother's things. 

— 

There is a shuffle. A door? Footsteps? They stop. 

"My, my… What on earth do we have here?" A man says, his timbre deep enough to rattle the barn walls. Arthur's eyes flutter but he is not able to open them. 

"Christ, Dutch– the poor boy's covered in blood, he can't be more than sixteen." A second voice chimes in. 

Then Arthur is being hoisted into the air. He tries to fight, but slowly begins to lose consciousness again. 

"Well take him inside, have Bessie and Annabelle fix him up… Once he's awake, we'll find out who he is, and.. what he needs."

— — —

Arthur thinks back on that time with distaste as his truck rumbles loudly through the crowded streets of Denver. Things got better after he found Dutch and Hosea. He stayed with them, working on their ranch for many, many years, and once he turned twenty-five the two gentlemen gifted him one hundred acres, enough to start a small ranch of his own. 

Arthur sits at a red light, not far from his targeted destination. His fingertips tap the steering wheel impatiently as he thinks of that bag, his mothers contents inside. His stomach twists with anxiety. He hasn't been down this street in fifteen years. Muscle memory tightens his lungs as he pulls his truck along the street parking, brakes squealing before he pushes it into park. 

Arthur sighs, eyes glancing up to the ornate, tall buildings before him. It makes his stomach turn. All this money poured into concrete structures when kids are starving in the streets. 

He gets out the truck, straightening his shirt and jacket out of habit, before approaching the golden gate outside of the apartment building. 

It's not long before he's in the elevator.

Arthur goes to knock on the ornate door, knuckles hesitating for a moment before rapping on the wood twice. It's the only barrier between him and the penthouse. 

Arthur plans to make the trip as quick as possible. He’d vowed not to come here ever since the verbal assault had been thrown at him during an expensive dinner. He’d left in shambles, still young and naive. Arthur places his hands behind his back and pushes his shoulders back out of habit when the door swings open.

"Mary." Arthur acknowledges. 

Her voice is soft, her southern accent spilling from her lips, "Arthur?” She seems worried, shocked. Her eyes scan him quickly, identifying that he's not hurt, “Is everything okay? Dutch? Hosea?"

"Yes Mary, everyone's fine." 

Arthur takes note that Mary's father mustn't be home, and he instantly relaxes. His shoulders come down and his hands rest at his sides. 

“Come in.” Mary says, opening the door, gesturing to the white couch in the middle of the living room.

Arthur hesitates at the door, but complies when she starts leading the way. Nothing has changed in all the years that he's avoided this place. The carpet feels the same as he walks across it.  The couch dips under Arthur as it used to when he sits. 

Mary sits on a chair across from him. The couch he's sitting on is far more comfortable than the one at home, but he prefers the quiet oak house compared to this busy modern apartment. 

She looks to Arthur, her eyes curious. He hesitates, eyes unsure where to land– dancing between Mary's eyes and the floor. 

"I-” He starts speaking and then stops a few times, before taking a breath, getting the words out, “I've met a woman…” 

A pang hits Mary right in the chest, but she hides it well. 

“Happened a few years ago." Arthur speaks low and quiet, his timbre is deep as he explains. Mary remains quiet and allows him to continue, eyes drifting towards the windows, mind caught up in memories that threatens to pull her under.

"She's a fine woman Mary, and… Well, I'm gonna ask her to marry me." 

Arthur looks up to Mary then, her dark eyes contrasting his own. She has a puzzled look on her face as she replies, 

"Arthur, I'm happy for you, but I’m afraid I don't understand…? Did you come all this way just to tell me–”

“Mary…” Arthur whispers, cutting off her snowballing thoughts, redirecting her to the point that he is trying to get across without being harsh. Without demanding. 

She stops in her tracks then, realization dawning upon her, “Oh. I see.” She smiles, bittersweet. Arthur can see the regret in her eyes. He is quick to ease the tension, leaning forward, trying to soothe the old wounds that Mary has yet to heal. 

"I'm sorry, Mary, I am– that things didn't work out between you and I, but– it means a lot to me, and there's no other-”

Arthur is stopped in his tracks as Mary raises her hand to stop him, “It belongs to you, Arthur. She should have it, really.” Mary smiles sincerely. 

She loves Arthur, though she'll never admit it. She loves him enough to let him go, to let him be loved by someone he deserves. Mary doesn't know you, but she knows that since he came here, for this– you must be deserving of his love.

Mary places her pale hand up, signaling Arthur to wait as she stands and disappears into the doorway towards her room.

Arthur fiddles with his hands, emotion bubbling up as he waits. This is the final obstacle. Once he has his this item back he will be able to give you what you deserve, and if you accept, Arthur will be the happiest man alive. 

Mary rounds the corner, her lips pulling into a bittersweet smile, a few tears dripping down her cheeks. There is a small black box in her hand, extended out to Arthur.

His green eyes transfix on the box. The one he hasn’t seen in almost fifteen years. Arthur places his hands on his knees to push himself off of the couch, staring in disbelief at the old thing. 

It is carefully placed in his hands, and he slowly creaks the lid open, staring. It's a gold band, with a ruby placed in the center, and intricately placed diamonds on either side of the gemstone. It’s the one thing he has that ties the man he is now, to the happy young boy he used to be- when he was good. It was his momma's. One of the only things he has left of her. Arthur closes the box, tucking it away into his pocket. 

“Best of luck to you, Arthur.” Mary whispers, a sad smile on her lips. 

“Thank you, Mary.”

The ride home is quiet, for the first half anyway. As soon as Arthur is out of the city, back on dirt roads, he switches the old truck stereo on. A familiar song is playing, one that's been bringing him quite a bit of comfort in the past weeks. 

“Now I know the only compass that I need”

He smiles. One of his hands rests on the steering wheel, the other rests on his jean pocket. He palms at the box as he drives, making sure it doesn’t slip away. 

“Oh, is the one that leads back to you”

His voice is deep, rumbling in his chest as he taps his left foot against the floorboards of his truck. He thinks of you, riding your horse, smiling, of your hair in a messy bun and you in his too-big t-shirts. He thinks of how you love him, with a passion and a fervor. 

“Now I know the only compass that I need Oh, is the one that leads back to you”

He thinks of when you met for the first time, your fates tying together in ways you never could have imagined.

— — —

Arthur enters the old bar, same as he does most every night. It's the same bar he's been going to for fifteen years now. Contrary to some of the other fools here, he doesn’t always drink when he comes here. Sometimes, he just sits at one of the tables, drawing the scenery.

Arthur comes here to drown out the silence of the house, to get away from the loneliness that he refuses to admit is swallowing him whole.

Tonight, he walks around the tables that adorn the small place, straight up to the bar, sitting down in his usual seat. The place is busy tonight. Arthur assumes there's a game being played, or a rodeo on the tv, but he doesn’t ask. Plenty of patrons sit around the bar, most with women or men in their clutches. Laughter and the sound of glasses being slammed on the bar fill the air, and a neon light flickers on the wall.

Arthur is all too aware of the familiar atmosphere around him, and yet somehow, he misses the new bartender serving tonight. Typically Pearson himself is behind the bar, but tonight someone else is handing out drinks. 

Arthur knocks on the bar once, eyes watching the TV in front of him, a bulldogging competition. Suddenly, a form slides in front of him, blocking his view of the television. He adverts his attention to the person blocking his view, and his eyes go wide. 

You stand in front of him, smiling and whipping a bar towel over your shoulder. 

“What can I get for you, mister?” You ask, wiping your hands against each other. 

Your eyes twinkle like they're among stars, and Arthur is sure that he’s never seen a smile so bright. He doesn’t respond for a few seconds, basking in your beauty. Your hair is not tied up, and it falls down, cascading over your shoulders.

Your black long sleeved shirt is tight, clinging to your figure, but Arthur is caught up in your eyes. He shakes his head lightly before responding. 

“Yeah, uh… Sorry– just get me the strongest drink ya got. Make it neat.”

Arthur's typical order is a bourbon on ice, or a beer, but tonight he's going to need something stronger. Everyone knows everyone in this small town, but you're a new face, and Arthur can already feel the singe of the hot brand, burning you into his memory.

“Coming right up.” You raise a curious eyebrow, wondering about this man’s choice of drink. With your interest piqued, you grab a rocks glass and a bottle of patrón, pouring a few fingers of golden liquid into the glass, sliding it across the bar. 

“Have one for ya’self too.” Arthur tosses a bundle of cash onto the bar. 

“Thank you, mister.” You smile, pouring yourself the same drink. 

You eye the mysterious cowboy curiously, noticing the softness hidden behind his rough features. He is attractive, very attractive, with dirty blonde hair, and a five o’clock shadow that exaggerates the scars on his lip and chin. His eyes are hidden from you by a dark cowboy hat, until he peers up and you are met with the most strikingly beautiful, bright, blue-green eyes you've ever seen. 

You have to look down to hide the blush that creeps up on your cheeks from being caught in the act of staring. If he notices your gaze, he doesn’t say anything. Both of your crystal glasses are set on the bar as you lean onto it with your elbows. 

“You ain't from around here, are ya?” Arthur asks. You smirk. The ruckus from the bar seems to die down in your ears. Even your busy mind quietens as you focus on the peculiar man before you. 

“Is it that obvious?” You laugh, “No, I'm not from here, just moved.”

Arthur hums, content. There's an amused sparkle in his eyes. 

“How'd you know?” You ask, wondering what gave it away. What's making you an outsider? You moved here to get away, to blend in. Anxiety curls in your stomach at the thought of being found. 

“Well, miss, you’re far kinder, n’ far prettier than anyone in this old town… Don't help that everyone knows everyone here. We don't come by new faces much.”

Your anxiety quells, cheeks blushing a deep crimson, and after a moment, you raise your glass slightly, angling it towards his. 

“Well thank you kindly, mister.” You hum. 

“Arthur.” He corrects, clinking his glass against yours, swallowing down a swig of the burning liquid. You cock your head, not tracking at first. 

“My name's Arthur. Arthur Morgan.” He reiterates, and you smile. 

“Pleasure to meet you, Arthur Morgan.”

— — —

Your eyes flutter open slowly. The first thing that meets your eyes is the vase of purple flowers on your bedside table. The morning light hits them beautifully, reflecting off of their vase, refracting on the deep purple petals. 

A wave of realization dawns over you.

Sunlight? What time is it?? 

You sit straight up in bed, eyes immediately seeking the alarm clock on Arthur’s nightstand. It reads 9:25am and your heart leaps into your throat.

“Shit!”  You curse, swinging your legs out of bed, body barely covered by your cotton shorts and cami.

You feed the horses at 6am every day. Today your alarm mustn't have gone off.  You feel terribly, knowing that the horses must be starving. You frown, hair messily falling around your shoulders as you hurry to your dresser. 

A piece of paper sits on the mahogany, and you hesitate in your rush, placing your pointer finger on the paper and reading its contents. 

Fed the horses so you could sleep in. I had to run into town real quick. Should be back before lunch. Call if ya need anything, Sweetheart. Coffee is hot in the pot for you and Copper is outside. - A

The panic leaves your chest, replaced with warmth as you pocket the note, pulling your slippers on as you move towards the kitchen. 

Arthur is always doing this for you, taking on little tasks to remove some weight from your shoulders. Doing anything he can to ease your troubles. He knows that you've been crazy busy with work lately, as horse training always picks up in the winter, and he's been doing everything he can to help. 

You hum a tune as you round the corner, hand trailing along the smooth oak wall. Your slippers are soft and quiet against the floor as you enter the kitchen, eyes trained to where the black coffee pot rests on the counter top. 

You grab your clay mug, the one you'd made back when you were taking pottery classes, and you fill it with black coffee and a splash of cream.

Wrapping one arm around your torso, you move to the glass french doors in the kitchen, overlooking the barn and the pastures. You sip at your coffee, eyes slipping closed as the coffee wakes you up, the warm liquid heating down your cold bones. Your eyes trail over your farm, the brown and black cattle, starkly contrasting the snow. Snowflakes flutter past the glass as you watch the sun peeking behind a few pine trees in the yard. 

Copper runs through one of the pastures, throwing a stick up into the air and then grabbing it in his maw. You can’t help the smile that graces your lips. 

You head back towards your room, pulling out a pair of jeans. They hug your hips and waist, but leave room for your boots to lay under your pants at the hem. You pull on a long sleeved black shirt and your beige ranch coat before leaving your room and pulling your boots over your socks. 

With one last swig, you finish the last sip of your coffee and set it in the otherwise empty sink before opening the glass door and stepping out into the elements. 

You expect the cold to wind-whip your face, but it doesn’t. Instead, the sun shines down, adding some resistance to the cold weather. It causes the snow and ice to sparkle like diamonds as your boots crunch through the snow. 

You push the barn door aside, heart humming at the warm sound of nickering horses. 

“Alright. Who's up first?” You hum, looking to the chalkboard on the wall. It's outlined with feeding schedules, medication times and dosages, and your training schedule.

You find the designated box for today, seeing that today you'll be getting your work cut out for you. You're working with Doob, a seal brown thoroughbred, off the track, with more energy than he knows what to do with. His owners had brought him in for a bucking problem, one that you're already beginning to curb. 

You make your way down the aisle until you find his stall, promptly grabbing his dark green halter and slipping it over his head. 

“C'mon, boy.” You whisper, petting behind his ears, “You're just a big sweetheart, aren't you?” You chuckle as he nuzzles your palm. Of all the client horses, he's definitely carved a home in your heart. He’s a funny little horse, a character. You'll be a bit sad to send him back when you’re finished, but you know his owners will treat him right. 

A short walk through the snow leads you both to the round pen. You leave him loose in the small pen, and he immediately starts running. 

“Yeah, here we go.” You hum, cold biting your nose. You grab a green lasso from the fence post, moving him up with it, pushing him forward as he runs around the pen.

“Good boy.” You call, “Easy does it.” 

Doob gets his energy out, running to his heart's content, wind flying through his long black mane. You just let him run, only correcting when he tosses a buck or kicks. After a long while of working, he eventually becomes tired out.

“That's a good boy, whoa now.” You cue, and he stops on a dime, turning towards you, walking into the center of the circle. Your head turns at the sound of a rumbling truck, and your eyes brighten at the familiar sight of Arthur coming down the lane. 

“Good job, Doob. That's all for today. You go on and play now.” You smile, handing a treat out to the thoroughbred. He takes it happily before you remove his halter, letting him out into the pasture with the other client horses. He'll surely run off more steam out there. 

A few snowflakes are stuck in your hair, and your nose is already turning red as Arthur steps down from his truck. You make your way to him, ignoring the chill in your bones, and leaning towards the warmth before you. 

“Hey, baby.” You smile as he turns to you, shutting the door to his truck. Arthur smiles back, his hands extending as he grabs your waist, pulling you in for a kiss. Your lips are cold compared to his, and he runs his hand up and down your arms to warm you up. 

“Shit darlin’, you’re froze. I was gonna ask if ya wanted to go for a ride but-” 

His eyes go wide as you jump a little, gripping at his coat with your cold hands, interrupting him.

“No, I wanna go for a ride! I'm not too cold, I've got more clothes in the barn.” 

He chuckles, his warm breath creating a fog in the air as he hugs you tightly. You've never turned down a trail ride, not in all the time you've known him. 

“Alright, why don’t you start tackin’ up the horses. I gotta run in the house quick. I'll grab some food too. We can have a picnic.” His deep voice rumbles against your ear as he holds you in his embrace. 

“Okay, I'll grab the horses. Oh- grab the chocolate, okay? The good kind. There's some in the cupboard above the sink.”  

Arthur chuckles, “Sure thing, darlin’.” 

You go to pull away from Arthur, but before you're fully released from his grasp, he gently pulls you back by the chin, catching you in another kiss. He hums against your lips, and you relax into him, allowing him into your mouth. He chases after the taste of you.

After a few seconds, another light peck– or two– you pull away from each other. When your eyes slowly flutter upwards, you see intense emotion in Arthur's eyes. Love. 

Arthur loves you, and he always makes sure to display it, but he's being extra affectionate today, which has your eyebrow raising in curiosity. 

“Why are you lookin’ at me like that?” you chuckle, hands resting on the thick blue fabric of his wool coat. You look up at him with those sparkling eyes, and he falls in love with you all over again. The snow has made your nose pink and cold, and Arthur leans down to kiss it.

“Cause I love you,” Arthur pulls away, “Now, go tack up those horses. I'll grab us a snack.” you peel away from him then, shaking your head. 

One whistle for Copper, and the orange flash is running down from the pasture. Then, he's at your feet, whining happily. The snow crunches and creaks against your boots as you lean to pet the dog, and you both look at Arthur’s back as he opens the door to the house. 

“Your daddy’s actin’ weird today.” You whisper, curiously eyeing the blue coat that moves through the door. Copper barks, as if he is trying to explain, but Arthur had sworn the dog to secrecy. 

You pet Copper before standing up and brushing the snow off of your knees. When you step into the barn,you’re immediately surrounded by the soothing smell of oats and hay. The warm scents envelop you, and wrap you up like the warmth of the barn. 

By the time you have both Boadicea and Whiskey fully tacked up, Arthur is walking through the front barn doors. He pushes the door open wide enough for your horses to step through. 

“So where are we ridin’ to today? Maybe we could trail down to the creek? It's beautiful this time of year.” You ask, pulling yourself up into the saddle. The cold leather sends a chill down your spine as you rub at your thigh in an attempt to make warmth.

Arthur shakes his head lightly as he climbs up into the saddle, “Actually I was thinkin’ we’d go on up to the overlook today…”  

The overlook? You hum. Typically you and Arthur only go to the overlook for special occasions. The last time you'd gone up there was about a year ago. It's a special place. 

You both had said your first admissions of love there, let the words pour down into the plains below. Your first kiss with Arthur was at the overlook. 

But the overlook doesn’t just house good memories. You and Arthur had split up, briefly, a few years ago. The separation took place there. It’s a place of much love and heartache, it's you and Arthur’s spot. 

“Okay, sure… It’s been quite a while since we’ve been up there.” You respond quietly, curiously. Anxiety swirls in your stomach, but you push it down. 

You and Arthur trot beside one another, carried by your mounts. The air is chilly, but your heart is toasty warm as you and Arthur chat, laughing and smiling as you go. The ride to Horseshoe Overlook is a long one, and you make the most of the time as you and Arthur ride through the bright snow. 

“I'll race ya cross’ this hill up here.” Arthur drawls, his lips ticking up in a smile as he looks at you from under the brim of his hat. 

You eye the hill in front of you. It's open, probably over one hundred yards. The snow isn’t deep over the grass and it doesn’t appear to be slippery. Adrenaline seeps through your veins as you eye it, swirling and pumping through your heart, flicking the hairs on your neck up like static electricity.

“Alright then…” You adjust yourself on Whiskey, preparing to run.

“Get ready…get set–” You are cut off as the wind whips your hair and Boadicea starts charging forward. Your jaw drops and you watch Arthur barrel ahead of you. Quickly, you spur Whiskey and kiss and cluck to move him forward. 

“You cheated!!” You scream loudly, trumping the sound of pounding hooves. 

Determination sets in your bones then, and you lean forward, spurring the horse forward with every ounce of might in your body. Whiskey shoots forward until he is running side by side with Arthur’s mare.

“I don't play dirty, mister!” You yell in Arthur’s direction. Hooves are pounding loudly against the snow. The two horses are breathing heavily, each determined to win their own races. You see Arthur laugh, but he stops when you spur Whiskey, charging forward. 

Arthur curses as you shoot ahead of him and Bo. Whiskey's hooves kick up snow as he passes, sending it flying into Arthur's face. It slows him down, giving you the advantage. 

You and Whiskey run hard until you reach the top of the hill, and Whiskey slides into a deep stop right before reaching the tree line. After ten seconds, Arthur and Boadicea are at the top as well, stopping hard and breathing heavily. 

“Dammit woman, you can ride, I'll give ya that.” Arthur pants, face wind-whipped as you ride up beside him and lean over your saddle to kiss him. 

His lips are cold, as are yours, but the kiss is still alight with warmth. You grip onto the collar of his shirt, not releasing when your lips pull away from one another. If anything, your grip tightens on his collar as you eye him.

“I know.” You smirk, winking at Arthur as you pull away and canter your horse away from him, and towards the entrance to the overhang.

He watches you canter on, shaking his head. 

“You are somethin’.” He jests, trotting after you.

When the trees break, you nearly gasp. Though you have been here a handful of times, it always steals your breath away. You can see the house and barn in the distance, separated from you by miles and miles of white snow. Evergreens stand tall, dusted white, with a few herds of elk at their trunks. You can see for miles, past the house and to the tall blue mountains far in the distance. 

“So beautiful.” You murmur, eyes bright with wonder. 

“Sure is…” Arthur whispers, eyes not on the landscape, but on you. 

You hop down from Whiskey, patting him for his good work, and offering him the same treats that you'd offered Doob earlier. You always keep a few extra in your pocket. 

You walk towards the cliff, keeping a safe distance from the drop. Your eyes flutter over the rolling hills and plains before you. Everything seems so quiet up here. Troubles seem so far away. Unique snowflakes slowly drop from the sky, dusting your hair and coat with white diamonds. 

Boots crunch in the snow behind you, stopping just a foot from your back. You smile, but don't turn around when Arthur's chest presses against your back. One of his hands wraps around your middle while the other, unbeknownst to you, rests on the small black box in his coat pocket. 

The serenity of the overlook envelopes your senses as you breathe in deeply. The cold air carries notes of pine and sap, familiar scents that comfort you.

“Love you, y'know.” Arthur hums, leaning down, pulling your hair away from your neck, kissing the soft skin under your ear. Blood rushes to your cheeks, and you turn in his embrace, chest to chest. 

“You’re actin’ strange, Arthur. Are you feelin’ okay?” You chuckle. 

Arthur exhales sharply, otherwise ignoring your question. Instead, he pulls you up onto your tiptoes, your boots on top of his as he kisses you. 

You melt under his touch, kissing Arthur feels like your muscles relaxing after a long day’s work, like rain after a drought. Kissing Arthur feels like coming home. He's been kissing you all day, unable to pull himself away from you. 

You pull away only for a quick breath before your lips meet again. You wrap your arms around the back of his neck, straining on your toes to remain in contact with his lips. Arthur pulls away with a bite to your lip, smiling when he sees how yours are plump and swollen. 

The wind brushes Arthur’s hair into his face as he backs up, pulling you by your hand. He has placed a thick wool blanket on the snow for you two to sit on. You plop down on the blanket beside Arthur, your head resting on his shoulder. Your head rests on his shoulder. Heat radiates from the man, and you are glad for the extra protection from the cold.

“So what snacks did you bring, baby?” you ask, curiously peaking into the bag that Arthur has laid on the blanket. 

“Alcohol.” He says plainly. You laugh, smacking Arthur in the arm as he chuckles. 

“And your chocolates.”

“Arthur!” You chide as he hands you a bottle of golden liquid. You peer at the label. 

It's patrón. You quirk a brow at the drink of choice. Arthur rarely buys the expensive tequila. Curiously, you pull the round cork out from the neck of the bottle and take a small swig. The alcohol burns its way down your throat, warming you from the inside. 

You don't mind the burn, watching as a pair of pronghorn bucks fight in the hills below you. Their hooves slip in the snow as they each attempt to win their battle. Your hands numbly grip the neck of the bottle as you pass it back to Arthur. 

You huff before you speak, “I can’t believe we’re here Arthur. After everything we’ve been through we can just… live now…” You pull your knees up, curling more into his chest. Your past hangs over you, haunting you like a dark cloud. Bit by bit, Arthur has been helping you to push it away, to heal and move on. Today is a good reminder of that progress. 

His hands place the tequila in yours, and you down a swig.

“S’ like your readin’ my mind, sweetheart.”

You smile up at Arthur then, placing your hand on his stubble.

“Y’know this is the first place you told me you loved me…” Arthur says, low and quiet. You smile, the good memories filling your heart as Arthur continues,

“Also the first place I kissed ya…  a lot ‘a memories up here.” 

Your stomach flutters at his words, your brain is flooded with warm memories of Arthur and you in the overlook. 

“C'mere.” Arthur whispers, smiling, taking a shaky breath. Your eyebrows furrow together. but as he stands and extends his hand, you take it. Arthur pulls you up, hands in his own. 

The overlook is beautiful in front of you, serene and perfect. A moment he'd capture with a camera if he had one with. Whiskey and Boadicea watch on from the treeline, ears perked up. They know what's about to happen. Arthur's been telling them about it every day for months. 

“I love you.” Arthur whispers, deep and serious. His eyes soften, and your heart begins to pump loudly in your ears. A delicious red flushes into your cheeks.

“I love you too, Arthur… but why are you.. what's going on?” Your voice is higher than usual, eyes sparkling bright with wonder, reflecting the sun and the white snow.

It isn’t unusual for Arthur to admit his feelings to you, but there are too many factors for this to be a coincidence. Arthur was ‘shopping in town’ all morning, but had come home empty handed. He brought you out to your special spot, bought you your favorite expensive tequila– and is treating you with such delicacy, and love, that butterflies flutter in your stomach. 

Arthur huffs, letting out a humorous chuckle and looking up to the sky, projecting a short prayer, before he holds your hands a little tighter and begins.

“I love you more than I ever thought possible.” He looks away from you for a split second, staring at the ground, before anchoring himself in your eyes again, and continuing, “I didn’t think my life was goin’ nowhere before I met you… I gave up in my twenties, said I wasn’t gettin’ attached to anyone.” Arthur admits, and you frown. You know about his past. You've talked about it, and now you're trying to show him how much he deserves to be loved. 

“I stood by that for a long time…” Arthur's lips crack into a beautiful smile, a chuckle falling over them, “And then you stumbled along.” A single tear drips down his cheek, and landing in the snow below. Your eyes are threatening to overflow with tears of your own.  

“Arthur…?” You whisper, voice cracking. He squeezes your hands reassuringly. 

“You showed me what it felt like to be loved. And love ain't somethin’ I've felt in many a years.” Arthur pauses, gathering his words. A few tears trail down your cheeks, and Arthur’s thumb wipes them away.

“You make me want so much more outta life. You make me wanna wake up every day and work on this ranch, take care of these animals. You make me want a family. I wanna wake up n’ watch our kids playin’ from the window.” 

“But what I want most in life? More than anything…?” A pause ensues, his loving, green eyes locked onto yours, “I want to be with you, every day, for the rest of my life.” 

Arthur thinks back to the song he had been listening to earlier on the way home from the city.

“As long as my compass keeps pointin’ to you, I’ll be where I belong… I’ll be home.”

Tears flow freely from your eyes, and you gasp as Arthur reaches into his pocket, kneeling down on one knee in the snow. 

He looks up at you, one hand still intertwined with yours, the other extending out the black box. Arthur snaps the ring box open, presenting a stunning gold ring to you. The band is adorned with a ruby, and several small diamonds decorate the sides of the gem. Your hands come up to your mouth, as Arthur looks up to you, smiling. 

“This was my Momma's…” Arthur explains, and your eyes flicker down to his, “You’ve already made me the happiest man alive… and I wanna spend the rest of my life with you… So, would you do me the honor–”  Arthur chokes up, “Would you marry me?” 

He looks into your teary eyes, holding the ring box a little higher as he asks the question. You wipe the tears away from your eyes, sight locking onto the scene, wishing you could etch it into your memory forever.

Your head frantically nods, tears flowing down your cheeks as you cry tears of joy, “Yes, Oh, Arthur–of course. Yes, yes!” 

Arthur smiles the brightest that you’ve ever seen, standing before you and slipping his mother’s ring onto your ring finger. The band fits you perfectly, and you marvel at it for a second before Arthur’s arms wrap around your waist. He lifts you up into the air, and you wrap your legs around his waist, laughing and crying, overcome with a happiness unlike any other. Your heart leaps with love and passion for the man in front of you.

His lips crash against your, wet tears dripping down your face as you kiss him. Your hands entangle into the hair at the back of Arthur’s neck as you both kiss, pulling apart only to breathe or to laugh. The kiss is deep, bodies singing with love, energy overflowing from the both of you. He keeps kissing you, over and over again, never wanting to leave the taste of your lips. 

You pull apart, foreheads pressing against eachother's, his hands on your thighs, keeping you off the ground. 

“I love you so much darlin’.”

“I love you too.” You whisper against him, the happiest you have ever been. 

The ring rests on your finger as you kiss Arthur again, senselessly. The band of rubies and diamonds holds promises of a future, of a marriage  and a life with him.

As the wind rustles through your hair, carrying your joy so far down the mountains that it can be felt radiating even miles away, you can’t think of anything you could ever want more than that promise.

taglist: @margofiore @mrsarthurmorgan7 @woman-with-no-name @tillith @luvliewriting @pine4pple-b0i @photo1030 @dudsparrow @holyratrimony @twola

[mostlysignssomeportents]

This day in history

I'm on tour with my new, nationally bestselling novel The Bezzle! Catch me in BOSTON with Randall "XKCD" Munroe (Apr 11), then PROVIDENCE (Apr 12), and beyond!

#20yrsago Every copy of Reason customized with sat photos of subscribers’ homes https://web.archive.org/web/20100521071233/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/05/business/mediatalk-putting-40000-readers-one-by-one-on-a-cover.html

#15yrsago Congressman who’s giving payday loan companies legal 391% APR loans says he’s powerless to resist their lobbying https://consumerist.com/2009/04/05/house-preparing-to-legalize-payday-loans-with-391-aprs/

#5yrsago The New York Times’s chilling multimedia package on China’s use of “smart city” tech to create an open-air prison https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/04/04/world/asia/xinjiang-china-surveillance-prison.html

#5yrsago Googler uprising leads to shut down of AI ethics committee that included the president of the Heritage Foundation https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2019/4/4/18295933/google-cancels-ai-ethics-board

#5yrsago Most paint-spatters are valid perl programs https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZGGNMfmfpWB-DzWS3Jr-YLcRNRjhp3FKS6v0KELxXK8/preview

#5yrsago The Internet Archive has recovered 500,000+ of the 50,000,000 songs Myspace “accidentally” deleted during a server migration https://www.techspot.com/news/79511-internet-archive-recovers-half-million-lost-myspace-songs.html

#5yrsago Ontario’s low-budget Trump-alike wants to eliminate sedation for people getting colonoscopies https://toronto.citynews.ca/2019/04/04/exclusive-changes-proposed-to-ohip-coverage/

#5yrsago Colorado’s net neutrality law will deny grant money to ISPs that engage in network discrimination https://coloradosun.com/2019/04/05/colorados-own-net-neutrality-bill-gets-some-teeth/

[inkandguns]

Well I’ve got some property decisions to make. VA loan and FHA mortgage are off the table because the dwelling on the land isn’t considered a dwelling. I can refinance my Colorado Springs house and buy the land straight up for cash - including enough for an off-road vehicle and a small dwelling, as well as electrical lines to use the hydro power from the dam. So I’ve got some things to consider:

1. Washington is a shithole blue state. They’re detroitifying every city here. It’s only going to get worse. While the ppl here are cool, the cool ones do tend to leave for red states.

2. The soil quality is not good. It’s sandy and rocky. The weather also isn’t the greatest - it gets hella hot and hella cold. Although the locals say the last 2 years of weather are not normal, I don’t quite trust it.

3. It’s a commute to get there. It’s in the middle of nowhere so probably no deliveries of any kind for years. This is good and bad imo.

4. I lose my 3.2% interest rate on my Colorado house. Eventually I’d like to kick all the people out of it and turn it in to an Airbnb, but that’s many years away. I’d be locked in to a 5.6% rate.

5. The air quality here is fucking bad. For 2 months out of each year it’s very hard for me to breathe outside.

6. Idgaf about the local shit. I don’t go to the dunes and I don’t do any of the local stuff. I don’t go to the gorge.

[mightyflamethrower]

When faced with the possible return of President Donald Trump, the current agenda of the Democratic Party is summed up simply as “We had to destroy democracy to save it.”

The effort shares a common theme: any means necessary are justified to prevent the people from choosing their own president, given the fear that a majority might vote to elect Donald Trump.

Sometimes the anti-democratic paranoia has been outsourced to state and local officials and prosecutors to erase Trump from the primary and likely general election ballots as well.

One unelected official in Maine, Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, is a Democrat, an official never elected by the people, and a non-lawyer rendering a legal edict. Yet she has judged Trump guilty of “insurrection.”

And presto, she erased his name from the state’s ballot.

Yet Trump was never charged, much less convicted, of “insurrection.”

The statute Bellows cites is a post-Civil War clause of the 14th Amendment. It was passed over a century and a half ago. It was never intended to be used in an election year by an opposition party to disbar a rival presidential candidate.

In the earlier case of Colorado, the all-Democrat Supreme Court, in a 4-3 vote, took Trump off the ballot.

In sum, just five officials in two states have taken away the rights of some 7 million Americans to vote for the president of their choice.

Note that Trump continues to lead incumbent Joe Biden in the polls.

Sometimes, indictments are preferred to prevent Americans from voting for or against Trump.

Currently, four leftist prosecutors—three state and one federal—have indicted Trump.

They are petitioning courts to accelerate the usually lethargic legal process to ensure Trump is tied up in Atlanta, Miami, New York, and Washington, D.C., courtrooms nonstop during the 2024 election cycle.

Their aim is to keep Trump from campaigning, as he faces four left-wing prosecutors, four liberal judges, and four or five overwhelmingly Democratic jury pools.

Yet all the indictments are increasingly clouded in controversy, if not outright scandal.

Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis campaigned on promises to get Trump. She now faces allegations that she outsourced the prosecution to an unqualified personal injury lawyer—her current stealth boyfriend who was paid handsomely by Willis’s office and traveled on pricey junkets with her.

New York partisan attorney general Letitia James likewise sought office on promises to destroy Trump.

She preposterously claims Trump overvalued his real estate collateral to a bank. Yet it eagerly made the loan, profited from it, and had no complaints given that Trump paid off the principle and interest as required.

Manhattan prosecutor Alvin Bragg is even more desperate. He is now prosecuting Trump for campaign finance violations from nearly a decade ago, claiming a nondisclosure agreement with a purported sexual liaison somehow counts as a campaign violation.

Federal special prosecutor Jack Smith claims Trump should be convicted of improperly removing classified documents after leaving office. In the past, such disagreements over presidential papers were resolved bureaucratically.

Joe Biden, for example, improperly took out classified files after leaving the Senate and vice presidency and stored them in unsecure locations for over a decade.

All of these prosecutors are unapologetic anti-Trump progressives.

Some have communicated with the White House legal eagles, even though Joe Biden is likely to face Trump in the November election.

Some prosecutors are themselves facing controversies, if not scandals. Some wish to synchronize their drawn-out investigations and indictments to hinder the Trump reelection effort.

At other times, the effort to neuter Trump is waged by his rival Biden himself.

He has hammered Trump as an insurrectionist and guilty of a number of egregious crimes against democracy—even as Biden’s own Attorney General has appointed a special counsel to try Trump on just those federal charges concerning the January 6 demonstrations, a dead horse that Biden periodically still beats to death to scare voters.

Biden periodically smears half of America who supported or voted for Trump as “ultra-Maga” extremists and “semi-fascists” who would destroy democracy.

Yet the more Biden and the Left weaponize the judicial system to prevent Trump from running, and the more Biden screams and yells that Trump supporters are anti-American and anti-democratic, the more Trump soars in the polls while Biden sinks.

The left privately knows that its historically unprecedented strangulation of democracy is increasing Trump’s popularity. But like an addict, it cannot quit its Trump fix.

In sum, the Left is creating historic, anti-democratic precedents that will someday boomerang on Democrats should Republicans win the November election and follow the new Democrat model of extra-legal politics.

Democrats are tearing apart the country in a manner not seen since the Civil War era—apparently convinced democracy cannot be trusted and so itself must be sacrificed as the price of destroying Donald Trump.

[ghostlyquill]

money plans:

1) pay off credit card debt from Colorado Trip

2) continue growing savings until we're back at 3 mos of husbands paychecks

3) pay down private student loans aggressively

4) invest in house (fixing fireplace, functional storage, nice furniture)

[jyleshay]

Here's your Big Summer Blog Blowout

What an eventful summer it has been, I'm not even sure what topics I should write about here. Elon Musk is trying to terminate his contract to purchase Twitter for $44 billion. Not gonna cover that; he's a silly rich man who thinks rules don't apply to him because 100 million people (and bots) follow his every posted thought. If that story interests you, I'd recommend finance blogger Matt Levine as a good source of analysis.

Monkeypox has been a story, but I think collectively we're all trying to ignore that pandemics are a thing to worry about anymore. The Daily did a good episode on how we bungled that one.

There is a water crisis in the United States. The cause is a combination of climate changes and human behavior, we are using water, and have been for years, in a completely unsustainable way. The resulting problems are bad...sometimes even apocalyptic. For 100 years the states sharing the Colorado river have been using an allocation system that grants right to the water that add up to more than 100% of the actual water in the river. In Utah, the Great Salt Lake is drying up too. You may be thinking, "Silly Billy, that's a salt lake, we don't drink out of that one." That's true, but we are using up its tributaries and the resulting dust pollution from the dried up lake is kind of poisonous to living things. Also, migratory birds rely on the brine shrimp in the lake; humans aren't the only living things in the ecosystem. Here's your further reading from the NYT on that story.

Maybe let's switch to some good news. The James Webb telescope was successfully deployed a million miles away and we got some incredible new images from the great expanse of space. This story is the one I'm the most excited about, but also the one I'm the least equipped to write about. In short, there is some much information we are going to learn about the universe that we didn't know before and that's very exciting!

Okay, getting more political now, the Search of Mar-a-Lago. The former president had his home searched for documents that he took with him from the White House. Trump has claimed that this is a political witch hunt and that he had a standing order to declassify all documents that he took to his residence while he was President. It's a tough place for Republicans to be; if you believe him then you have to ask if that's really a smart security policy for a President to have. Also, it requires some mental gymnastics considering the now ironic attacks he made on Hillary Clinton during the 2016 election campaign. If you don't believe him (which I certainly don't) then he's a liar AND a security risk. It raises a lot of uncomfortable questions if you're a thoughtful Republican.

While Trump was dealing with that, Congress got busy passing the Inflation Reduction Act. This bill attempts to counter some of the inflation-contributing spending from the stimulus bills of the pandemic, while also investing money in infrastructure to curb the effects of climate change. It is projected to raise more in revenue than it spends on climate change. I really like that.

New corporate taxes, drug reform, and funding for the IRS are the main avenues for raising revenue. A few clients have asked me if the IRS getting more funding will mean more audits. Maybe, but I'm still in favor of it. A lot of IRS funding will simply go to upgrading their computer systems. Here's a very interesting thread on how archaic the current IRS processes are, upgrades as a result of this bill should make the IRS more responsive and taxpayer friendly. It will also encourage more taxpayers to be honest in paying their taxes, shouldn't we all want that?

And finally, we have Biden's executive order to cancel $10,000 of student debt for borrowers with income below $125k. I have mixed feelings about this one. It is good that the student loan payment suspension is ending. People have argued that this loan forgiveness will add to inflation. I think the suspension and the pandemic stimulus added more to inflation than this forgiveness will. Forgiveness does not solve the underlying problem, college costs have been rising too fast; this forgiveness just allows colleges to maintain their poor behaviors.

I am generally in favor of policies that add people to the middle class, giving them the financial security and safety to live their lives freely. One of the issues I had with PPP loans was that it primarily gave the money to people who were already financially secure. There were no income limitations, so wealthy business owners were able to get free money in the government's effort to provide confidence that the pandemic wouldn't tank the economy. Simply put, the student loan forgiveness is different in that it targets more people that are not financially secure yet and will make it easier for them to reach financial security.

Yes, there is a crisis that has developed in the US around college education and student loan forgiveness is only treating a symptom, not the crisis itself. However, the loan suspension during the pandemic created a situation that required some form of action by the government, and I think this order resolves that situation. Here is a great podcast discussing the situation a lot better than I can articulate it. Also, the whole thing may get blocked by the Supreme Court, so it might not matter?

Favorites:

Since my last post I've read two books: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir and Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari. Project Hail Mary was a very fun sci-fi romp through outer space. Same energy as the author's previous book, The Martian, I really enjoyed it. Sapiens is a very interesting book. A Brief History of Humankind, it spans the whole of human's history and discusses our breakthroughs and changes from the days of being hunter gatherers all the way to today. It was thought provoking and I highly recommend it to see a different perspective on who we were and how it affects who we are.

Movie: Bullet Train - Don't sleep on this movie. It is original and fun with a great soundtrack.

Series: Only Murders in the Building Season 2 - This is kind of a comfort show at this point.

YouTube: 10 Levels of Sleight of Hand - Daniel Roy. I just thought this was interesting.

YouTube: The Supreme Court Declares War On The Environment -Climate Town

Phew that was a lot, good luck in September!

[mortgagemaestro]

A recession can have a significant impact on the real estate market. It can lead to a decrease in demand, a decrease in home prices, an increase in the number of homes on the market, and a decline in the housing market. To know more about the details, visit our website today: https://mortgage-maestro.com

[unischolars]

Colorado Mesa University: Empowering Students for Success

Introduction

Established in 1925, Colorado Mesa University (CMU) has grown into a comprehensive regional public institution dedicated to providing students with diverse academic offerings and resources. Situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of Grand Junction, Colorado, CMU offers a vibrant learning environment enriched by its commitment to academic excellence and student success.

Academic Offerings and Commitment to Excellence

CMU offers a wide range of academic programs at certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's levels, encompassing liberal arts, professional, and technical disciplines. The university's faculty, comprising full-time academic and technical experts, alongside part-time instructors, fosters a dynamic exchange of ideas and engages students in challenging undergraduate research programs.

Campus and Facilities

Spread across 141 acres, CMU's main campus provides a scenic backdrop for learning and growth. The university's facilities, including the Rec Center with its state-of-the-art amenities and the Tomlinson Library, create a conducive environment for academic pursuits and community engagement.

Rankings and Academic Recognition

CMU's commitment to academic excellence is reflected in its rankings, including recognition by U.S. News for its overall score, regional standing, and social mobility efforts. These accolades underscore the university's dedication to providing a top-notch, personalized education.

Admissions and Entry Requirements

CMU's acceptance rate of 81.7% indicates a degree of selectivity, with consideration given to standardized test scores, high school GPA, and English proficiency for international students. The university's diverse student body comprises approximately 15% international students, contributing to a rich cultural exchange on campus.

Tuition Fees and Financial Aid

CMU offers competitive tuition fees, particularly for in-state students, and provides various scholarships, including merit-based and need-based awards, to support student success. The university's commitment to affordability ensures that students have access to quality education without undue financial burden.

Career Placement and Support Services

CMU's Career Services equips students with resources and guidance to navigate their career pathways, facilitating connections with employers and fostering professional development. The university's emphasis on career readiness prepares graduates for success in their chosen fields.

Accommodation and Cost of Living

CMU provides a range of on-campus residence halls, fostering a supportive living environment conducive to academic success. For students seeking off-campus accommodation, various options are available, with UniAcco offering support in finding cost-effective housing solutions.

Student Loans and Financial Assistance

CMU assists students in securing alternative student loans through private lenders, ensuring access to financial assistance beyond federal aid limits. UniCreds provides efficient loan approval processes and competitive interest rates, easing the financial burden of higher education.

Conclusion

Colorado Mesa University stands as a beacon of academic excellence and student empowerment, offering diverse opportunities for learning, growth, and success. With its commitment to personalized education, affordability, and career readiness, CMU prepares students to excel in a rapidly evolving world and make meaningful contributions to their communities and beyond.

[mesacountyrepublicanwomen]

Handcuffing Housing Innovators - Diane Schwenke

I read with interest Gene Goffin’s piece entitled, “Where are today’s innovators in the housing industry?” in the March 10th edition of the Daily Sentinel.  His history lesson on Levittown and the construction of lower middle-class houses after WW2 evoked scenes for me from my favorite movie of all time, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”  Bailey Park was developed by George and his uncle Billy (yes, George was a residential developer) and in the movie one of my favorite scenes is George and Mary helping welcome an immigrant family to their new home in that subdivision.  If you look closely at the scene the streets are not paved, there is no curb and gutter and there are no sidewalks so I would guess government oversight was a bit less intense during that time period.

Goffin’s last paragraph asserts that contractors don’t want Levittown style business and that the private market has failed.  The truth is that the private market hasn’t failed but been handcuffed by an overreach of government regulations and mandates. Certainly we need regulations and don’t want to go back to unpaved streets and no setbacks but things have gone a bit too far.   A recent National Association of Homebuilders study found that regulations by all levels of government account for $93,870 or almost 24% of the cost of a $400,000 home.  I can’t find what the cost of regulation on a median priced home was in 1947 but I’m guessing it was less than 25% of the total cost of construction.

It is dangerous and disingenuous to use examples from over 70 years ago to point the finger at private markets for the current lack of home ownership.  George Bailey did not have to build homes to a standard that includes a new minimum energy code which according to the Common-Sense Institute (The Uncertain Future Cost of Colorado’s Infrastructure and Home Affordability published June 2022) adds 6-7% to the cost of every new home.  And that is just one example of how government, while aspiring to support affordable housing makes it more difficult to attain.  The recently adopted City of Grand Junction zoning and development code does help clear the way for what is known as “cottage home” developments which is a step in the right direction of offering innovative solutions.  However, that same code also currently mandates the undergrounding of utilities adding up to millions of dollars in cost to a residential development.  

What government does or does not do has a profound impact on housing stock and availability.  For instance, government policy to buy down interest rates and guarantee millions of loans for single family and mobile homes helped fuel the housing boom of the 1950s.  Similar programs exist today but with expansion could help incentive more affordable single-family construction.  

Our economy operates on the principle of supply and demand.  The demand is certainly there for single family housing.  Indeed Thomas Barkoczy, President of the Grand Junction Area REALTOR© Association, quoted a statistic in his article published in the March 10th Western Slope Real Estate Section about how great that demand is.  According to Clever’s Millennial Home Buyer Report, millennials are so desperate to own a home that 67% would buy a home with asbestos, 62% would buy a home with mold, 58% would buy a home with foundation issues and 85% of millennials would buy a home sight unseen.

So, in the face of overwhelming demand why is supply not being increased?  It is because it has become unaffordable for the private sector to construct affordable housing.  And yes, inflation and interest rates may contribute to housing costs but it is not just that.  Government rather than helping stimulate supply as it did in the 1940s has become more of an impediment through over-regulation and too little assistance to working class families in the home ownership space.

As I’ve pointed out before, the solution to meeting our housing demand is not to point fingers at the housing industry but to work with them to develop innovative solutions.  Yes, Mr. Goffin, there are still innovators in the housing industry.  Let’s listen to them and remove the barriers currently standing in their way to building the affordable and innovative housing stock we need.

[swldx]

BBC 0525 5 Mar 2024

6195Khz 0459 5 MAR 2024 - BBC (UNITED KINGDOM) in ENGLISH from SANTA MARIA DI GALERIA. SINPO = 55333. English, ID@0459z pips and newsday preview. @0501z World News anchored by Neil Nunes. China has set an ambitious growth target of around 5% for this year, as it outlined a series of measures aimed at boosting its flagging economy. Premier Li Qiang made the announcement at the opening of the annual National People's Congress (NPC) on Tuesday. Mr Li acknowledged that China's economic performance had faced "difficulties", adding that many of these had "yet to be resolved". It comes as China struggles to reinvigorate its once-booming economy. The US Supreme Court has struck down efforts by individual states to disqualify Donald Trump from running for president using an anti-insurrection constitutional clause. The unanimous ruling is specific to Colorado, but it also overrides challenges brought in other states. Colorado had barred Mr Trump from its Republican primary, arguing he incited the 2021 Capitol riot. The court ruled that only Congress, rather than the states, has that power. US Vice-President Kamala Harris expressed "deep concern" over Gaza in talks with Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz, the White House says. In a statement, Ms Harris's office said she had urged Israel to let more aid into Gaza, while calling on Hamas to accept terms for a ceasefire. It said they discussed the need for a "credible" humanitarian plan before any major military operation in Rafah. The US is ramping up pressure on Israel to facilitate more aid for Gaza. Haiti's government declared a 72-hour state of emergency on Sunday after armed gangs stormed a major prison. At least 12 people were killed and about 3,700 inmates escaped in the jailbreak. Gang leaders are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry, whose whereabouts are unknown since he travelled to Kenya. Gangs control around 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince. Gang violence has plagued Haiti for years. A satellite expected to transform our view of planet-warming methane emissions from oil and gas production has launched from the Vandenburg Space Force Base in California. Called MethaneSAT, the satellite will orbit the planet 15 times per day, using infrared sensors to measure methane leaking from all of the world’s major production centres. Australia said on Tuesday it would set up a A$2 billion ($1.3 billion) finance facility to boost trade and investment in Southeast Asia as it looks to deepen ties in a region where many are also searching for ways to live with a more assertive China. The fund will focus on clean energy and infrastructure and provide loans, guarantees, equity and insurance. Australia will also tip in an extra A$140 million to extend an existing programme which advises the region on infrastructure projects. A top Vietnamese property tycoon went on trial Tuesday along with dozens of others, accused of embezzling $12.5 billion in the country's biggest ever fraud case. Roman Polanski's defamation trial in France revisits his contentious past and probes the balance between reputation rights and supporting sexual assault survivors. @0506z "Newsday" begins. MLA 30 amplified loop (powered w/8 AA rechargeable batteries ~10.8vdc), Etón e1XM. 250kW, beamAz 185°, bearing 49°. Received at Plymouth, MN, United States, 7877KM from transmitter at Santa Maria di Galeria. Local time: 2259.

[knowledgesahre]

How the Moscow police garrison was sent to Andrei Kostin

Detained in the USA Vadim Belyaev, ex-head of FC Otkritie. Detained using his new documents – Vadim Volfson. But the funniest thing is the reason for the detention. He helped launder money Andrey Kostin (who heads VTB), and also looked after the property. Quite by chance, he found a house in Aspen (a ski resort in Colorado).

“If anyone was expecting justice, that the fugitive bankster would be chased and he would return the trillions that were spent on saving Otkritie Bank, then you can breathe out. When you are looking after the house of a top banker and close to Putin (*international criminal), they will apparently only look for you in Moscow, in the building of the Investigative Committee on Tekhnichesky Lane, in case you look there.”– the VChK-OGPU telegram channel sneers.

The detention of Vadim Belyaev (ex-head of Otkritie Bank) for helping Andrei Kostin (head of VTB) in circumventing US sanctions is a more than long-running story. In the flow of news, few people noticed that Kostin was also detained in absentia. Thus, he will be put on the international wanted list through Interpol. Kostin is not Путинhe will not be able to fly with 4 escort fighters, thus most likely he will become restricted from traveling.

It seems the United States has found the key (not to Kostin’s house) to a way to take away the seized property of Russian oligarchs, officials and the powerful of all Russia (*aggressor country). Now they will be accused of money laundering and evading sanctions, namely maintaining their property. For this they will be sentenced to long terms and their property will be confiscated in favor of the state.

As for Kostin and his VTB, being completely cut off from Western funds, they are looking for funds within the Russian Federation (*country sponsor of terrorism). Corruption is at work. Rucriminal.info will tell you about one such story.

Each of us has had to deal with annoying bank employees who, when visiting such institutions, offer to issue unnecessary cards, loans and other services.

However, have you seen the annoying general who forces you to apply for a bank card? No, but we will tell you about it.

Due to low wages, employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs often treat New Year bonuses with great trepidation, and deprivation of them creates many problems and puts an end to plans for the New Year holidays.

Former chief of police of the Moscow Main Internal Affairs Directorate Igor Zinoviev, played the role of that same annoying bank employee. While it is possible to get rid of a bank employee, it is difficult to get rid of Igor Viktorovich, especially when he threatens to deprive him of his long-awaited bonus.

According to a source from Rucriminal.info, at the end of 2022, on the eve of the New Year’s bonus, Zinoviev gave an urgent order to the entire Moscow police garrison to change the bank and open cards at VTB PJSC, where they would transfer their wages.

As blackmail, Zinoviev conveyed through managers that employees who did not switch to VTB would be deprived of their New Year bonus, which in itself is illegal. This is a kind of serfdom of the 21st century.

90% of the police officers, who were dependent on the management, were forced against their will to move to VTB, and everyone who dared to speak out against them faced an unenviable fate.

According to the interlocutor, Zinoviev’s actions are qualified as “Excess of official powers” ​​(Article 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (*country sponsor of terrorism)).

It is clear that not a single police officer at that time and now is able to report Zinoviev to the RF IC, since he is a friend of the head of the Moscow Main Internal Affairs Directorate Oleg Baranov, and the investigation will refuse to initiate a criminal case.

In addition to Article 286 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (*country sponsor of terrorism), the question arises about Zinoviev’s possible commission of a crime under Article 290 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (*country sponsor of terrorism) “Taking a bribe,” otherwise how to explain such an annoying desire to transfer thousands of employees against their will to another bank?

You can ask whether the head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs knew about this Oleg Baranov. This question, however, is rhetorical.

https://ruscrime.com/

[nuadox]

Some medical debt is being removed from US credit reports, resulting in score improvements

- By Nuadox Crew -

A new analysis by the nonprofit Urban Institute reveals a significant reduction in medical debt on Americans' credit reports and the resulting positive impact on credit scores.

Major credit rating agencies have removed small unpaid medical bills and debts less than a year old. As a result, only 5% of adults with credit reports had medical debt on their report in August 2022, down from nearly 14% two years earlier.

The analysis also shows that individuals with medical debt on their credit report in August 2022 saw their VantageScore credit scores improve from an average of 585 to an average of 615 over the next year, moving many out of the subprime category. This credit score improvement has made it easier for people to access job opportunities, rent apartments, and obtain loans with better terms.

While these credit reporting changes have positively impacted individuals, it's important to note that medical debts have not been eliminated, and hospitals and collectors continue to pursue unpaid bills through various means. Nevertheless, this development appears to alleviate the harmful effects of medical debt on people's financial security, such as housing insecurity and homelessness.

Around 27 million people have experienced credit score improvements due to these changes. VantageScore stopped using medical debt to calculate scores in January, while FICO uses a slightly different methodology. Some critics, including debt collectors and medical providers, argue that these changes might discourage patients from paying their medical bills, potentially costing physicians billions of dollars.

The Biden administration has announced plans to further eliminate medical debts from consumers' credit scores, and federal regulations to implement this change will be developed next year. Some states, like Colorado and New York, have already taken steps to exclude medical debt from credit reports. The report suggests that broader healthcare reforms may be necessary to reduce the burden of medical debt on the approximately 100 million people in the U.S. who are affected by it.

--

Source: Noam N. Levey, KFF Health News

Read Also

The EU has agreed on new rules for online credit

[inkandguns]

In a few years everyone’s going to be living in their car like in Portland. I need to kick the scrubs out of my house in Colorado and rent it for triple what I’m getting now.

I spent most of my adult life spending 60% or more of my income on rent/housing. It’s very expensive. Joining the Army and using the VA loan was my best hope at getting a house and thank God I got one while they were affordable.

[sellmyhousefastco]

Sell My House Fast for Cash Colorado

The real estate landscape in Colorado is ever-evolving, and one trend that has gained considerable traction in recent years is the sale of homes for cash. With keywords like "sell my house fast Colorado" and "cash home buyers Colorado" becoming increasingly popular, it's evident that many homeowners in the Centennial State are exploring the option of selling their properties swiftly and without the traditional hassles of a lengthy sales process.

Sell My House Fast Colorado: A Lucrative Option

In today's fast-paced world, there are various reasons why homeowners in Colorado may seek to sell their houses quickly. Whether it's a job relocation, financial urgency, or simply a desire to move on swiftly, selling your house fast in Colorado can be a lucrative option. By doing so, homeowners can avoid the protracted wait associated with conventional sales methods.

The advantages of selling your house fast in Colorado are manifold. Firstly, it eliminates the need for staging your home for potential buyers and hosting numerous open houses. This can save both time and money. Additionally, a quick sale can provide financial relief in situations where every dollar counts. However, it's crucial to assess whether this option aligns with your specific needs and circumstances.

The Power of Cash Home Buyers CO

Cash home buyers, often referred to as "we buy houses" companies, have emerged as key players in the Colorado real estate market. These entities specialize in purchasing properties outright for cash, bypassing the typical loan approval processes and contingencies associated with traditional buyers.

Colorado residents are increasingly turning to cash home buyers for several reasons. Firstly, these buyers offer the advantage of speed. Transactions can be completed in a matter of days, allowing homeowners to swiftly move on with their lives. Moreover, cash buyers often purchase properties in as-is condition, relieving sellers of the burden of costly repairs and renovations.

Sell My House for Cash Colorado: Pros and Cons

While selling your house for cash in Colorado presents numerous benefits, it's essential to consider the potential drawbacks as well. One of the primary advantages is the expedited sale process, but this can sometimes come at the cost of a lower sale price compared to the traditional market.

Additionally, sellers should exercise caution when dealing with cash buyers to ensure the legitimacy of the transaction and avoid potential scams. It's crucial to consult with legal experts and conduct thorough due diligence.

We Buy Houses Colorado: Finding the Right Buyer

Identifying a reputable "we buy houses" company in Colorado is paramount to a successful and stress-free sale. Conducting research, reading reviews, and seeking recommendations from trusted sources can help you find a buyer with a solid track record and a history of fair deals.

Due diligence is a critical aspect of selecting the right cash buyer. Don't hesitate to ask for references or reviews from previous clients. This step will provide valuable insights into the company's reliability and reputation.

Cash for My House CO: Navigating the Sales Process

If you decide to sell your house for cash in Colorado, it's essential to understand the process thoroughly. Begin by reaching out to potential cash buyers and obtaining multiple offers. Once you've selected a buyer, prepare your property for inspection and negotiation.

Negotiating a fair price and comprehending the terms of the sale are pivotal. Ensure that all agreements are in writing and consult with legal professionals if necessary to safeguard your interests.

Buy My House Colorado: Maximizing Your Profit

To maximize profit when selling your house for cash, consider implementing a few strategies. Properly assess the value of your property, taking into account its condition, location, and market trends. Don't be afraid to negotiate and leverage multiple offers to your advantage.

However, be cautious of over-negotiating, as this can potentially deter buyers. Seek advice from real estate experts to strike the right balance between a quick sale and a favorable price.

In conclusion, the option to sell your house for cash in Colorado can be an expedient and profitable choice for many homeowners. By understanding the advantages, disadvantages, and nuances of this process, you can make an informed decision and embark on a successful home sale journey. Remember that diligence, research, and professional guidance are your allies in achieving a smooth and profitable transaction.