"The Virus that Engulfed Us All"

This is the title of a lecture by Kathleen C. Engel, JD, a "national authority on mortgage finance and regulation, subeprime and predatory lending, and hosueing discrimination," according to the American Institute for Econimic Research ("AIER").  Her entire presention to an AIER forum is available on video.   I read an adaptation of the presentation here, although you may need to be an AIER member to read it.  I recommend either viewing the video or reading the article and also recommend joining AIER.

Ms. Engel is the co-author of The Subprime Virus: Reckless Credit, Regualtory Failure and Next Steps (Oxford Univeristy Press 2011).

American Crocodiles in Miami-Dade

As to the problem, the government's response appears to be along the following lines, according to the Herald.

The recovery of crocs prompted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to remove their “endangered’’ status in 2007 but they remain a “threatened” and federally protected species that scientists say still needs to expand back into historic range to assure long-term survival. So unlike when an alligator invades suburbia, state trappers typically won’t move a crocodile until a third nuisance call.



“That’s not a hard-and-fast rule,’’ said [Lindsey] Hord[, a bilogist in charge of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's nuisance reptile program], "Realistically,  public safety is our absolute first priority but we have to recognize the need of the species.’’


While each case is different, he said, the message is to learn to safely live with them.

I'm so relieved.

The City of North Miami Beach Paid a Contractor $2.2 million and Got NADA!

"There were some breakdowns in the check and balances of this organization," Councilman John Julien said.

No kidding.