Showing posts with label granite. Show all posts
Showing posts with label granite. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Grocer Prevent Counter Tops|Quartz Counter Tops Usually are Manufactured Towards Home|Concrete Counter Tops for Special Property Finish

Should you be the enthusiast regarding diy indicates then you probably understand the most recognized matter with every person's kitchen's checklist is actually corian counters. Why's which? That material just isn't low-cost as well as there are lots of various other supplies in existence in which look stunning nevertheless usually are cheaper. Your ongoing issue is why would you like to expend all of that income simply to have some thing quite.




To begin with granitic counter tops can be extremely sturdy. Various other stuff cannot consider the neglect that this substance could. One of many great things about this material will be the warmth that it will take. It is possible to arranged a very hot pot straight down along with it but not worry about the top receiving ruined. surface encounters chuck russo Other material just simply can't take that kind of heat. You have to make sure you use a pot holder or towel with it or you could risk leaving a scorch mark on it. Not only can it take the heat, it is also stain resistant when properly sealed. No more worries about what you spill while you're making dinner.

Given it is usually warmth immune along with stain resistant, it is easy to handle. You won't need to have a very unique better to ensure that it can be cleaned upwards. A few uncomplicated kitchen's better or perhaps comfortable soapy drinking water and you can actually clear the particular counters upward without troubles exactly what therefore actually. Use a delicate material while wiping the idea along however, you won't desire to unintentionally the start from the sealant. Papers bath towels in addition work nicely when you find yourself doing your everyday cleanup schedule





Corian work tops are made from healthy stuff. No manufactured ingredients below and also because doing so is natural and organic you don't need to concern yourself with getting precisely what all others features. As you move the colors may very well be related you'll find that no 2 slabs are generally similar. You will see minor items of personality that will make it actually your own. Knowing that if you are conducting a design and style within this materials make certain ones samples usually are from your real piece your builder will probably be utilizing. Along with its personality the deep colors in addition to features help it become a genuine matter regarding attractiveness





Sturdy, uncomplicated to deal with, and also absolutely person are fantastic reasons for picking out granitic counter surfaces. 1 previous good explanation to decide on this stuff when redoing your own cooking area, it's a feature. If you happen to wish to advertise the house, you'll find that this may basically boost the value of your dwelling. Most people need a house having this sort of exterior in their cooking area plus it is going a considerable ways in order to helping you offer the house





It your current kitchen's format a shut off? Can it be avoiding a person coming from cooking? Possibly there is always any mess by using your kitchen? Do you get placing your order foodstuff coming from external notwithstanding which has a home available? For anyone who is imagining indeed to one of the concerns preceding subsequently it is time for it to consider a butchers prohibit countertop installation on your cooking area.




Should you be asking yourself what these countertops usually are and then let me tell you about these people. Since the label indicates they're countertops put together from sweets maple timber. They're termed as a result simply because this was your lumber employed in butchers stores previously. Right now the actual timber is used with regard to counters because of the superior complete along with the total impact of it. Nevertheless, there are each rewards together with cons to help utilizing most of these counter surfaces. This post will probably inform you of both so that you can determine on your own


For starters, the benefits: � This is a environmentally aware decision because the wooden useful for the counter tops is all gotten back. What this means is you might be conserving trees and shrubs and it also talks amounts concerning a person as a particular person. In addition, wooden is usually rendered with anti-bacterial qualities which makes it on the list of most secure alternatives. � Timber gives the cooking area the hot, traditional and also appealing overall look. Other materials just like jewel and stainless create your kitchen look cool clean. � You will not need a slicing mother board! You may use almost any floor regarding chopping because these kinds of counters tend to be meant to be slice in. This particular a much larger place to work with. � In terms of countertops proceed, butcher shop obstructs are the least expensive kinds all around. These people price tag 1 / 2 what stone countertop would certainly cost you. � Patient is actually no problem in relation to this sort of table. A simple sanding will probably do away with stains in addition to burn off grades


Your disadvantages: � Butchers hindrances tend to be perfect as slicing surfaces they are given to dings in addition to chafes. � Though clean-up one of these brilliant can be no issue you'll want to attention even though cleaning this type of surface. In addition, they must end up being cleansed frequently as well as this means that they require much more repair as compared with granitic as well as aluminum. � Merely particular forms of butchers hindrances usually are inexpensive
. For example, surface encounters chuck russo the maple lumber people are low-cost even though the wood kinds just like teak cost a lot. � Cosmetic aspect besides or even looked after appropriately this countertops commence showing indicators associated with utilization similar to lacerations, reduces as well as dings. � This option is only enviroment positive in case reclaimed timber is needed. In the event that unique woodlands utilized then this surroundings undergoes




Prior to deciding to put money into butchers block counters consider arguments by the two features of the coin. In case you stick to walnut next you'll not merely get yourself a good shopping kitchen's yet it will also have done the element for your atmosphere





While wanting regarding counter-top stools often known as kitchen barstools, you want to evaluate your counter so you pick the proper measurement. You won't wish to sit back up furthermore higher and have ones hips around this table or sit down consequently lessened you can't possibly delight in ones meal around the table





For those who really are a tall male or female chances are you'll tend to order stools which will match up your family needs. You might wish to choose a business/company that'll you considering the measuring when you require it. Guarantee this company offers excellent back-up and support with circumstance you have got concerns following the kitchen counter peak stools get there for ones property.



Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Home Counter tops: Installation and also Repair of a Corian Counter top.


Countertops With a Story by greenbuiltblog


The entire appear of the home as well as restroom may come for a refreshing modify along with visual appeal using cooking area counter tops. Right this moment building is now because straightforward as only watching your alternative obtain condition directly into see your face. You are able to choose from numerous interesting along with strong counter tops which may work for you. There are various kitchen counters comparable to corian surface encounters along with pebble. Granite is known to be really beneficial because it doesn't have a tendency to blemish quickly. Granite staying very much more challenging compared to some other gemstones it is famous for their sturdiness. Wherever firmness is concerned granite is actually perhaps harder compared to a chef's knife. Granite is the most suitable with regard to kitchen consumption because it is produced by way of a very good quantity of force and warmth; although marble is the best option for bathroom arranged united parcel service. Marble can also be quarried through the earth and will end up being used successfully as being a countertop pertaining to lavatories, fireplaces and floorings.




The situation arises whenever one has no concept by what types of supplies and merchandise for the home. For many who are certainly not good at interior design, a great way to acquire some ideas to create is actually serving more than magazines and guides that feature recommended items through professional creative designers. Diy resources are located all over the net as well as in numerous life-style publications supporting consumers create their desire homes very easily. All you need to carry out is actually invest some time along with your personal computer and also a stack associated with periodicals and also textbooks so you can find the right parts to put in in your house. surface encounters Next, you will need to select how the kitchen countertop is going to be installed. Should you need, you can look for the help of a professional kitchen upgrading skilled or possibly a standard contractor; nonetheless, you might accomplish your own personal countertop installing. Which has a set of directions, you will find that it is comparable all to easy to put in your personal kitchen countertop, even if you do not have any do it yourself experience. Many kitchen countertop supplies have recommendations, but if certainly not, you might easily obtain a how-to e-book for a reasonably affordable price tag.




I don't know about you but I have an exquisite pair of siberian cats, but I had terrible hassle keeping them off the kitchen counter. Talking to a number of my cat-loving friends, we all agreed that it was a common drawback and was proving tough to remedy. We all agreed it had been necessary that the cats ought to be banned from the kitchen counter for a number of reasons, you see not only for hygiene functions, however additionally as a means to set boundaries for your cat too. I have done a little research and found some sound solutions. So if you are facing this common drawback here are seven very helpful ways to keep your cat off the kitchen counter.

Squirt Bottle..This is quite effective and works for me, but you have got to be present when your cat is walking on the kitchen top..squirt your cat with a squirt bottle. Cats extremely hate getting wet, and they will usually back down with just the threat of getting wet.

Raise Your Voice..Raising your voice when you see them on the kitchen counter is quite effective too. It ought to scare them down. They must know this is often an area they're not allowed.

Lock 'Em Out...Of the Kitchen! If all else fails and you are pulling your hair out, it would possibly be best simply to lock them out of the kitchen if you cannot be around to observe them.

So I hope you find the following pointers to keep your cat off your kitchen countertop useful, it actually has worked for me.

Many homeowners who want to renovate their kitchen or upgrade the room choose the relatively easy method of adding new paint or wallpaper, along with an attractive trim of some kind. But this simple task is not always enough for some. A few people decide that a new kitchen counter arrangement is called for, with new counter tops that will add beauty and efficiency to the working room.




Homeowners are often amazed at how much the kitchen can change with the addition of new counter tops, even if the cabinets and wall colors remain the same. The addition of new tops, in a rich hardwood, a man-made finish or even some sort of stone-like finish, can turn a standard kitchen into a bright and welcoming area in which to prepare and serve meals. Most designers and contractors highly recommend paying particular attention to the kitchen because it is, after all, the room that gets the most use. The kitchen, traditionally, also is the room that sets a certain atmosphere for the home, showing visitors what kind of folks live in the home.




You are in need of different sorts of furniture at your house for various purposes. One or two of which may be used every day while others are used occasionally. Kitchen bar stools are an element of the furnishings that's used on a every day basis. In various cases they became a mainstay of the home.




One aspect of the comfort of the counter stool is where the foot rail is located. On most of their particular needs it is about halfway from the ground to the seat. When the person falls within the average range of heights and the kitchen counter is at a height of about forty inches to forty four inches, the halfway rail is pretty comfortable. It avoids the person from needing to have a shot to succeed in the floor with their feet, or from being cramped attempting to keep their ft on a too-high foot rail.




One factor you want to give some thought to is the fabric used to help make kitchen counter stools. You could select a wooden stool. Its materials will match that of your cabinet's. Also, there is a lot of shiny metallic in kitchens. So stools with chrome plating and a impartial colored seat like black or tan are outstanding.




There are many different types of kitchen counter-tops and choosing your next look can be fun. While you do, of course want to be practical, you will find many different choices awaiting you which makes for endless options where your home is concerned.

Let's face it, your kitchen counters get used a lot. That is why it is important to choose a material that is both practical and easy to maintain. You want to make sure it is durable and looks great since it's one of the first things people will see upon entering your kitchen. Your countertop should match and enhance the style of your room.




Now a whole host of other materials are available that range from granite, quartz, concrete and stainless steel. Each have their own distinctive look and place in the kitchen. For example, stainless steel counter-tops are often installed next to cook-tops so as to minimize the damage done to the counter-top when hot plates or pots accompanied by potholders are set on top of them. You can, however, have a granite countertop installed on your kitchen island. Different materials can be used in different parts of the kitchen, especially when your room is big enough to accommodate them.

One thing is for sure and that is that the kitchen counter tops account for a huge part of a kitchens overall look. Kitchen counter top installation can be easy or difficult depending on what materials are being used and how intricate the job actually is. The truth of the matter is that kitchen counter top instalation is something that can be done by a home owner if the job is relatively simple and they have a few tools.




The thing to remember if you are considering doing your own kitchen counter top installation is to keep it simple. If there are no corners involved then you are in luck because turning corners with counter tops generally means splicing and that has to be done perfectly. There is now a wider variety of materials that are available then there ever has been before for kitchen counter tops. So don't feel that you have to run right out and pay for polished marble or granite to have the best looking kitchen counter tops possible.

This is because there are now synthetic or man made products on the market the look just like polished granite and marble and scratches can be easily polished out of them. Also, these cultured marble products splice together seamlessly at the corners unlike real polished marble. Also, tile work on kitchen counter tops is coming back in style and if you are thinking of going the polished marble route then you might be surprised to see what you can get in great looking tile work in the same price range.

In the end with regards to kitchen counter top installation it is to learn your materials and get a ball park understanding on the prices before you make your final selection. One good place to get a good look at all the latest styles in kitchen counter tops is in the home decorating magazines that are available at your local book store.




It's a place to put your red hot pots and pans. It's where gallons of messy foods and discoloring liquids are spilled each year, where the sink overflows and where you cut the vegetables when you can't find a cutting board. The kitchen counter is where cans land when they fall out of the cupboard. It's where you stand to get things off the high shelf. It has to be tough.




The counter is the main surface in the most visited room in the home. It's where the guests always end up. It's a place to put your drink during the kitchen party. It's where the food gets laid out for the buffet. It's where your new friend stirs sugar into their coffee. It has to look good. The kitchen counter is also the place where you sweat the most. It's where you're dealing with hunger, surface encounters chuck russo dishes along with household goods just about all at the same time. Food's being released along with food's heading out while the garbage heaps upward. You're home coming from perform to nourish your family and hoping you'll be able to spend an afternoon jointly before you decide to most fall off to be able to snooze. It has to be simple. Luckily there are numerous involving kitchen countertops which can be hard, good-looking and effortless. None of them are usually excellent but some may go well with a person superior to other people, consequently before you accept one thing that catches the vision, look around a little. The kitchen counter-top may be the hardest work surface in the house also it should get regard.

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Kinds of Granitic Counter tops With regard to Modular Kitchen areas.


cabinets by christmasnotebook


Pure natural stone countertops are constructed of several types of pure rocks Including marble, marbled, limestone, onyx, and travertine. Especially marble kitchen countertops are generally suspected being the essential and most requisite kitchen countertops simply by folks. Most of the folks advocate granitic countertop as well as pebble countertop for his or her household, constructing and monument. Granite counter tops can be a resilient material and they are resistant to be able to damage as well as discolor. Granite counter tops enjoy a crucial Portion inside the two Interior and also exterior Decoration of Homes, buildings and ancient monuments. Almost all the House owners and building contractors utilize granitic kitchen countertops because of their homes and also constructing is actually which, it is extremely durable and also resistant for you to Very hot stuff, scratch, stain and also spills.




Organic rocks Are usually availableavailable different hues, styles and designs to influence the actual Enjoy and also Collection of the customer. Exclusively marble counters Display the actual pure beauty and appearance with the organic gemstones throughout varied colors and models. Granite kitchen countertops are the Superb material Liked all of the house owners and contractors. While granite is really a resilient substance, Many of the entrepreneurs along with building contractors like better to deploy granitic counters for their complexes. Marble counters are remarkably a new opposition product for you to heat, dampness, the begining, discolor and also spills. Actually just about any stains or perhaps splatters Occur it could be successfully Managed using top quality washing real estate agents. Marble counters put Longer lasting elegance for your homes with straightforward elimination regarding chafes.




Installing of corian countertops have to be produced correctly along with completely. Installing could be the crucial issue being deemed with the household proprietor or builder. Today, styles happen to be transformed as well as a lot of the folks need to set up granitic counters along with pebble countertops for their properties along with complexes. Surface encounters chuck russo granite countertops can be used as either countertops or tiles or slabs. Granite countertops are Made for sinks, kitchen and bathtubs. Granite Countertops varies From color, design and Spec. Granite is one of the natural stones which Has Numerous differences with other natural stones. All natural stone countertops are Different and they Vary in their durability and resistance Capability.




Granite counter tops tend to be effortless to get rid of and also set up. Making use of granitic counter tops regarding kitchen along with bath rooms offers A lot of Advantages similar to Longer lasting attractiveness, durability, as well as level of resistance and so forth. Granitic counter tops should be mounted Through Knowledgeable pro, expert or even tech. Thus, there are tons associated with advantages for Selecting granite counters regarding kitchen as well as bathing rooms by homeowners as well as contractors. Granite countertops Offer a powerful as well as exceptional support on the homeowners along with constructors. Consequently, granite counter tops is thought being the best counters with regard to kitchen and also bathrooms Starting in specialists as well as specialists understanding.




You might have bought a property as well as created a new one particular, therefore it is a time and energy to spruce up the inside view in your home by simply numerous gemstones or counter tops. Marbled counters give you a wonderful seem to your dwelling and also increase the worth than it. This is the very first time for it to find the granitic or pebble countertops. If you have witnessed that lots of everyone is employing marble counters then again in addition there is a wish to learn concerning them in greater detail.




In case you are really curious to know the history of marble along with granite countertops after that you will need to pay a visit to a lot of websites. Most of the websites provide entire information about the particular granite or perhaps marbled countertops. Additionally they offer you different photos in addition to video tutorials for your greater being familiar with together with in which websites in addition presents the utilization regarding marble countertops during older time period.




Right after under-going websites to can have a clear idea about granites or perhaps marbled counter tops. Nevertheless should you have a lot of question in your mind after that question your friends as well as family to get greater suggestions simply because they might have utilize counters which enable it to share their experience together with you. Moreover you'll be able to make clear all your uncertainty from the supplier of countertops. According to your choice you may use lots of alternative regarding granitic counter tops and also you are able to pick pebble countertop. If you would like offer a shiny seem along with trying to find a great finish along with adornment after that it's better to pick marbled counters.




The good news is that will pricing regarding stone countertops possess decreased for their reputation. Now you can purchase these types of kitchen countertops for the identical value because Corian or perhaps reliable surface kitchen countertops. Higher end customized counter tops are generally getting into industry permitting the values to obtain even better regarding natural stone or built counter tops. The harder tailored countertop would be bare cement or even stainless.




You’ll want to do a number of looking around 1st to get precisely what works ideal for you personally as well as your family’s wants. For example, a pebble countertop wouldn't work well in many bathing rooms or kitchen areas along with lots of visitors because of this receiving damaged along with stained easily. However it would work well on an region with no very much usage.




Nevertheless you will find there's various countertops accessible that would appear beautiful, are durable along with simultaneously, might raise the value or even re-sell in your home. Surface Encounters Chuck Russo you most likely will recover up to 74% of the cost of the countertops after the sale of your home. It would be better if the return was higher on the cost of the stone countertops, but on the other hand, it might make for a quicker sale. Another good reason would be that the buyer doesn’t have to spend money on updating the countertops and they may fall in love with the look of them.




When somebody believes regarding supplying the house an exceptional seem as well as feel, the very first thing occurs may be the countertop. Despite the fact that you'll find varieties of counters for sale in the particular markets, however most people choose granite countertops due to different reasons. There are many elements which can be must be regarded whilst producing final decision on which kind of countertop to purchase pertaining to. These types of factors contain feel, supplies used, hues, and also border remedies.



Thursday, September 15, 2011

foreclosure listings


INVEST 2010 - Panel Presentation by Commerce Resources Corp. by Commerce Resources Corp. (TSXv: CCE)


You've no doubt seen them or study them. Glossy ads or four-color propagates in publications and newspapers promising to show you every one of the juicy information about successful property investing. And all you have to do to learn all these real est investing surface encounters chuck russo secrets is to pay a rather high sum for a one-or two-day seminar.




Often these types of slick real estate investing classes claim you could make intelligent, profitable real estate investments with absolutely no money down (except, of program, the large fee you buy the workshop). Now, how appealing is in which? Make a make money from real estate investments you created using no cash. Possible? Not likely.




Successful investment requires cashflow. That's the character of any kind of business or even investment, especially real-estate investing. You put your hard earned money into something which you desire and plan is likely to make you additional money.




Unfortunately too few newbies towards the world of real-estate investing believe that it's the magical kind of business in which standard company rules don't apply. Simply put, if you would like to stay in property investing for greater than, say, a evening or 2, then you are going to have to create money to use and make investments.




While it might be true in which buying property with no money down is simple, anyone that is even made a basic owning a home (like buying their particular home) understands there's much more involved in property investing that can cost you money. For instance, what concerning any essential repairs?




So, the number 1 rule people new to real est investing ought to remember is to have obtainable cash stores. Before you decide to actually perform any real-estate investing, save some money. Having slightly money in the bank when you begin real property investing surface encounters chuck russo can help you make more profitable real estate investments in rental properties, for example.




When real estate investing within rental attributes, you'll want every single child select simply qualified tenants. If you might have no income when property investing in rental attributes, you could be pressured experience a a smaller amount qualified tenant because you need somebody to pay you money to enable you to take treatment of maintenance or attorney at law fees.




For almost any real est investing, meaning rental properties or perhaps properties you buy to re-sell, having money reserved can permit you to ask for any higher cost. You can request a higher price from your real estate investment because an individual surface encounters chuck russo won't feel financially strapped as you wait for an offer. You won't be backed into a corner and forced to accept just any offer because you desperately need the money.




Another downfall of many new to real-estate investing is, well, greed. Make any profit, yes, but don't become so greedy which you ask for ridiculous local rental or second-hand rates on any of your real property investments.




Those a new comer to real est investing have to see property investing being a business, NOT a hobby. Don't believe real est investing will make you abundant overnight. What business does?




It takes about half a year to determine if real estate investing set for you. If you have decided that, hey I enjoy this, then provide yourself many years to really start earning profits. It often takes at the very least five years to get truly successful in real-estate investing.




Persistence may be the key in order to success in real-estate investing. If you might have decided that real-estate investing is made for you, surface encounters chuck russo keep plugging away at it and the rewards will be greater than you imagined.












D I V O R C E the Fed.


Now. Uncontested. Just cut the ties that bind us to the slavery.


 



but then the idiots in congress, and the "Current Resident" on 1600 Penn Ave, would have full control, in which case, the skids would be greased even more. Well, that might not be entirely true, since most of those bastards are nothing but mere marionettes, with their strings being yanked at every move, by the likes of soros et al, you know the ones ...."new world order" lovers who are aiding in the dismantling of the once Great US, and serving it piece by piece to china, however, the same zealous ideologues and true enemies of the US, fail to notice that that marvel called EU is crapping out, approaching the full blow-out point, at which time most of their 'contents' gleefully ingested as ingredients of the delicious EU, will be excreted, and when the end result will hit the proverbial fan .... duck and cover.


Unfortunately, what Gross has become is a splendid specimen of the 'grownup hippies' who in the 60's and 70s were raising hell, in the name of a better America, while now, a decent number of them, to varying degrees, having become 'fat cats', forgot how they were able to amass their fortunes, and instead of uniting and contributing however possible to returning the country on the path to prosperity, are now, continuing to chase an easy buck, by financing our adversaries, and most likely our enemies, based on their propaganda they already consider us their enemy - all to the detriment of the quality of life during the 'golden years' for some of us, as well as the quality of life (or lack thereof) for our children and future generations.


Once Heli-Ben got rates to 4% yet the economy continued its tanking trajectory, the politicians should have pulled their heads out of their asses, and begin serious work on policy intervention aimed entirely at rebuilding the domestic manufacturing base, which is all but gone, as well as ensuring that any fed provided liquidity remains 100% - or close to it - in the US.


Given the facts revealed by the Bloomberg recently released Fed back-door loans, makes me wonder if Uncle Ben himself is not among the facilitators of the "new world order"?!


So me thinks anyway.


Duck 'n cover everyone.





The manic depressive market wildly swings up and down on each new news story: The Fed is meeting at Jackson Hole on August 27 possibly to discuss QE3 (or not), and that news may pump up the stock market. But China's banks seem to be using Enron's accounting manual, Europe's banks need liquidity and are loaded with bad debt, and U.S. banks only temporarily TARPed over trouble. Gaddafi's regime in Libya appears over, but Libya's oil output may not fully recover for years. Venezuela wants banks to open their vaults and send back its gold, but Wells Fargo says gold is a bubble. Pundits say gold is a barbarous relic, but exchanges and banks are now using gold as money. The U.S. is headed for hyperinflation with skyrocketing stock prices, but on the other hand, we seem to be deflating like Japan and doomed to a deflating stock market for another decade. Whom do you trust and what should you do?



No one knows where the stock market or U.S. Treasury bonds are headed tomorrow, but in my opinion, here are some fundamentals to consider.



The Bad News Isn't Going Away



Until we have real global financial reform and restrain the banks, we won't have sustained growth. The stock market hasn't hit bottom. There's a crisis of confidence in banks and all currencies. We haven't taken effective steps to tackle the U.S. deficit through productivity. We haven't examined spending to eliminate fraud and waste, and we haven't addressed our need for more tax revenues by eliminating the Bush tax cuts (for starters).



Savers are punished by "stranguflation:" negative real returns on "safe" assets, declining housing prices, and rising costs of food, energy and health care. The Fed touts the falling cost of I-Pads, but how often do you buy one of those, and how often do you eat?



Good News (for Now)



The USD is still the world's reserve currency. Even though we devalued the USD, there has been a global flight to U.S. Treasuries pushing down our borrowing costs (yields). No one in the global financial community feels the U.S. has done its best to correct our problems, but severe problems in Europe, China's inflation, and Middle East unrest has money running to the U.S. Since we've devalued the dollar, we appear to be a bargain for foreign investors, even though they are terrified by our money printing presses and the potential for inflating commodity prices in the long run.



How did I play this? My own portfolio is currently more than 20% gold with some silver, and I bought out-of-the-money call options on the VIX when it was in the teens with maturities of 4-6 months. This is "short" stock market strategy, one could have also done well buying puts on the S&P a few months ago. In the first big stock market downdraft in August, I sold the options when the VIX hit the high 30's, and I'll buy more options again if the VIX falls again. Many investors are not comfortable with options, and this strategy isn't appropriate for everyone. The rest of my portfolio is chiefly in cash or deep value opportunities.



What Happens Next?



No one knows for sure, and anyone who tells you he or she does is selling snake oil. The situation is fluid. We tried to reflate our deflating economy. Our massive dollar devaluation may encourage investment, because it's protectionist. It reduces our cost of labor, among a few other "benefits." The problem is that the Fed has printed money, and we haven't done anything to position the U.S. for greater productivity. We're trying to inflate our way out of a problem without investing in productivity. This is a very dangerous way of attacking this problem. Even more "stimulus" would just be an attempt to inflate our way out of our long-standing deep recession. That's the foolish and unsuccessful strategy we've adopted so far. That could lead to runaway budget deficits (our deficit already looks intractable) and bring us to double-digit inflation. Even the European flight to US Treasuries may not save us from a deeper recession in that scenario.



If we don't overreact -- and we may have already overreacted -- our dollar devaluation results in our foreign trade situation first getting worse (as it has now) before it gets better. Now is the time (actually, we should have started years ago) to spend capital to increase U.S. productivity. The dollar's plunge relative to other currencies will eventually make us more competitive. This will be good for blue chip companies, in particular those that own real assets and manufacture items. The Fed and Washington may do anything, however, so one must watch the news.



What does this mean for the U.S. stock market? In my opinion, it is currently not good value and feels like the 1970s when we experienced a recession followed by inflation. One should consider staying mostly in cash and expect stocks become cheaper. One might miss an interim rally, especially if the Fed announces QE3 (more "stimulus" and money printing) or more bank bailouts, but that is like using Kleenex laced with sneezing powder. We will see stock prices even lower than they are today. The old paradigm dictated that stocks were a buy when P/E ratios were 13 or less (and many are well above that), dividends at 4%, and book values at 1.3 or less. (This excludes oil companies, which tend to trade at lower P/E ratios in general.) I believe we'll see much better deals in coming months. In 1978/79 P/E ratios sank below 7 for blue chip companies.



Should one buy U.S. Treasuries with long maturities? The long end of the bond market doesn't reward investors due to the potential of rising interest rates. If interest rates spike to double digits, then one can reassess the situation.



Long term investors should consider buying commodities or companies that own physical commodities. We're running out of key commodities especially related to agriculture and fertilizer. Washington's brand of the latter isn't the type we need.