Butcher Prevent Counter Tops|Quartz Counter Tops Tend to be Manufactured On the Kitchen area|Concrete Counter Tops for Unique Home Finish

Should you be the supporter involving do it yourself exhibits then you definately possibly learn the main issue upon everybody's kitchen's record will be marble counter surfaces. The reason why that? This specific material isn't affordable in addition to there are many other components in existence which seem stunning but are usually less pricey. The particular lurking dilemma is why would you like to spend all of that money to include one thing quite.




To begin with marble work tops are incredibly durable. Different product are unable to get the neglect that this product can easily. On the list of great things about this sort of stuff could be the heat of which it will take. You can actually fixed the very hot cooking pot straight down over that and never worry about the very best obtaining destroyed. chuck russo surface encounters 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.

Because it is high temperature resilient and blemish repellent, it is possible to manage. You won't need to possess a special cleaner in order that it truly is cleansed upward. Many basic cooking area clean or even hot soapy normal water and also you are able to clear the actual surfaces upward without issues precisely what consequently actually. Use a delicate textile any time wiping the item along however, you do not desire to by mistake scuff off of the sealant. Cardstock shower towels furthermore work effectively when you are doing all of your daily cleaning schedule





Granitic countertops tend to be crafted from natural materials. Simply no man-made materials right here and also given it will be natural you don't need to bother about having precisely what everybody else provides. While hues could be identical currency trading zero a pair of slabs are usually similar. You will see little bits of style that will allow it to become absolutely your own house. Knowing that if you are performing a design in this particular product be sure the biological samples tend to be from your actual slab that a specialist will be using. As well as the style this deeply colors in addition to decor help it become a real thing connected with elegance





Durable, quick to take care of, in addition to entirely person are all excellent causes of picking out granitic work tops. A single very last wonderful reason to decide on that material as soon as redoing your kitchen area, it is a selling point. Should you ever need to advertise your house, you'll find that this will truly raise the value of your property. Many people wish a family house with this kind of floor within their kitchen area also it should go a long way to be able to assisting you market your property





The idea your kitchen layout any turn off? Would it be preventing people coming from cooking? Will there be often the clutter by using your kitchen? Complete you wind up buying meals through external notwithstanding using a kitchen area to use? In case you are considering of course to the inquiries over after that it is time and energy to think about a butchers stop counter-top installing on your kitchen.




If you are asking yourself precisely what these kinds of countertops are usually next without a doubt with regards to them. For the reason that name indicates there're counters set up coming from sweets maple wood. There're referred to as as such because i thought this was the actual wooden found in butcher stores in the past. At this point the actual wood is employed regarding countertops due to exceptional end along with the overall consequence of it. Nonetheless, you'll find the two advantages along with cons in order to applying these kind of counter surfaces. This short article may quickly go over both equally so as to decide for yourself


For starters, the huge benefits: � It is a great ecologically informed conclusion since the lumber used for the actual counter surfaces is actually just about all reclaimed. This implies you're saving trees and shrubs plus it talks volumes regarding you being a man or woman. Additionally, lumber is gifted along with anti-bacterial qualities and also this makes it among the safest options. � Wood provides the cooking area a comfortable, old-fashioned as well as welcoming look. Some other resources just like stone and also metal help make your kitchen appear cool sterile. � You'll not desire a reducing board! You should use any floor intended for cutting seeing that these types of counter tops are used to end up being lower with. Thus giving you a much bigger area to use. � So far as countertops go, butcher shop obstructs are classified as the cheapest people all around. They price tag half that of a corian countertop would cost. � Looking after will be no problem on the subject of this kitchen counter. A fast sanding will do away with spots along with burn scars


The actual cons: � Butchers prevents are generally excellent since reducing surfaces they are given to dings and scores. � Although cleansing one of these simple can be no problem you should treatment though cleaning this type of surface. In addition, they should become cleaned on a regular basis and also because of this they might require much more preservation as compared to granitic or maybe steel. � Only selected varieties of grocer prevents are usually low-cost
. For example, chuck russo surface encounters the actual walnut timber versions are generally cheap even though the wood floor people similar to teak cost a lot. � Cosmetic factor to one side if not cared for correctly the actual counters start showing indications of utilization similar to lacerations, reduces in addition to nicks. � This option should be only green good when reclaimed wooden is used. In the event that incredible woods are widely-used then a atmosphere undergoes




Prior to deciding to spend money on butchers obstruct counter surfaces contemplate reasons by both factors with the gold coin. Should you stick to walnut next you won't need to simply get yourself a good seeking home but it will likewise have done it's aspect for your natural environment





When hoping intended for countertop bar stools called kitchen area barstools, you would like to evaluate the counter so that you will find the proper measurement. That you do not would like to take a moment way up additionally greater and still have the joints around the counter or remain therefore decreased you simply can't actually get pleasure from the food for the counter





For many who really are a higher person it's possible you'll tend to purchase bar stools that will complement the needs you have. You could want to choose a business/company that'll you with all the current testing when you want it. Make certain the corporation has remarkable back-up and support inside situation you have concerns as soon as the table optimum barstools turn up to your residence.

Kitchen area Counters: Set up and Repair of a Corian Countertops.

The total appear of the kitchen area and also bathing room may come for a refreshing adjust along with physical appearance using cooking area countertops. At this time developing has become because simple while just seeing your own choice get shape straight into that person. You are able to pick from many appealing as well as strong kitchen countertops that could meet your requirements. There are many kitchen kitchen countertops just like 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 and household goods almost all as well. Food's arriving as well as food's heading out while the waste heaps upwards. You're residence via work to give food to the family as well as expecting you'll be able to spend time jointly when you just about all disappear to be able to sleep. That has to be effortless. Thankfully there are numerous associated with counters that are challenging, good-looking along with easy. None of them are generally excellent however, many may suit an individual superior to other folks, consequently prior to deciding to accept first thing that will draws the vision, research prices just a little. Your own home kitchen counter is the most challenging working surface inside your home also it justifies admiration.

Utilizes Associated with Granitic Tiles And also Counters Around the House.

Pure natural stone counters are constructed with quite a few sorts of organic gemstones For example granitic, marbled, limestone, onyx, and also travertine. Especially granitic counters are assumed being the essential and many requisite counters through people. The majority of the folks endorse corian countertop along with marble countertop for his or her family members, creating along with monument. Marble countertops really are a long lasting product and so are proof to scratch as well as stain. Granitic countertops enjoy an important Element within the two Inside along with outer Decor regarding Properties, structures and also ancient monuments. Virtually all the Homeowners along with builders utilize corian countertops for homes as well as making can be which, it is extremely tough and also proof in order to Very hot products, damage, blemish and leaks.




Natural stones Are usually availableavailable assorted shades, styles and designs for you to persuade your Relish along with Choice of you. Specifically corian counter tops Demonstrate your natural splendor along with creativity of the organic stones in varied colors and models. Granitic counter tops are the Superb materials Appreciated the many house owners along with building contractors. Since corian is often a long lasting materials, Many of the homeowners as well as contractors just like preferable to install marble counter tops for his or her structures. Granitic counter tops tend to be highly a resistance material to be able to heat, humidity, damage, stain as well as spills. Also any kind of staining or even spills Occur it could be quite easily Dealt with using quality washing providers. Corian countertops add Long-lasting elegance to your houses together with easy removing of scuff marks.




Installing of granitic countertops must be built precisely and also flawlessly. Set up may be the important concern being regarded as by the loved ones proprietor or even builder. Nowadays, trends are actually modified and also lots of the people wish to deploy corian countertops and marbled counters for residences and also buildings. 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 countertops are usually trouble-free to take out along with install. Implementing granite kitchen countertops for kitchen along with bathing rooms has A lot of Benefits similar to Long lasting splendor, longevity, as well as level of resistance and the like. Marble counters shall be mounted Simply by Knowledgeable expert, specialist or even installer. Therefore, there are plenty of advantages of Choosing granite counters for kitchen and bath rooms by simply homeowners and also building contractors. Granite counters Provide a simple yet effective and outstanding service on the proprietors as well as constructors. Thus, corian countertops will be presumed to become the best counter tops regarding kitchen and also bath rooms Starting on experts or perhaps specialists know-how.




You might have purchased your house or built a new one, for this reason it's actually a time for it to enhance the inside see of your property by simply numerous rocks or perhaps counters. Marble kitchen countertops give a great look to your house along with improve the really worth from it. This is the initial time for it to come across the corian or pebble counters. However, you have seen that lots of everyone is making use of granite kitchen countertops however furthermore you've got a need to know more concerning these people in detail.




If you're really fascinated to know a brief history associated with pebble as well as marble countertops next you need to go to plenty of web sites. A lot of the sites provide complete specifics of your granite or even marbled kitchen countertops. Additionally they offer several pictures as well as movies for your far better knowing along with in which internet sites furthermore presents the employment of granite countertops all through bygon period of time.




After experiencing websites to can have a clear notion regarding granites as well as pebble countertops. Still for those who have plenty of problem at heart and then request your mates and also family members to have better suggestions since they might have use kitchen countertops and will share their encounter together with you. Furthermore you'll be able to explain your entire uncertainty in the service provider of counter tops. Based on the choice you may use a great deal of variance regarding granitic kitchen countertops and even you can pick pebble countertop. If you need to give you a glistening look and also seeking a great finish along with design and then it's preferable to pick marbled kitchen countertops.




The good thing is that rates of gemstone kitchen countertops get decreased because of the recognition. Anyone can purchase these types of counters for the exact same price tag since Corian or even solid floor kitchen countertops. High end customized counter tops are generally getting into industry enabling the values to obtain even better pertaining to rock or even designed countertops. The greater tailored countertop will be bare cement as well as stainless.




You’ll want to do some doing your research initial to discover exactly what works finest for you personally as well as your family’s requires. By way of example, the pebble countertop would not are very effective in many bathrooms as well as kitchens using plenty of site visitors as a result of the idea getting nicked and also tarnished easily. Nevertheless it works perfectly to have an location without having a lot usage.




But there is a variety of kitchen countertops obtainable that will seem gorgeous, tend to be long lasting and also simultaneously, might raise the benefit or even resell of your house. 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 perceives of giving their residence a fantastic search as well as effect, first thing occurs may be the countertop. Though you will find models of counters accessible in the particular marketplaces, yet most of the people like granitic counter tops as a result of different reasons. You'll find so many aspects that are must be deemed whilst making final decision where type of countertop to purchase pertaining to. These kinds of elements contain structure, materials employed, colours, along with advantage treatment options.

foreclosure homes

You've undoubtedly seen these or read them. Glossy adverts or four-color spreads in publications and papers promising to instruct you all of the juicy details about successful property investing. And all you should do to learn every one of these real property investing surface encounters chuck russo secrets is to pay a rather high sum for a one-or two-day seminar.




Often these kinds of slick real-estate investing workshops claim that you can make wise, profitable real-estate investments with simply no money down (other than, of course, the hefty fee you pay for the class). Now, how interesting is which? Make a profit from real estate investments you made with no funds. Possible? Not likely.




Successful real estate investment requires income. That's the character of any kind of business or perhaps investment, especially real-estate investing. You put your money into a thing that you wish and plan can make you more money.




Unfortunately too few newbies towards the world of real-estate investing think that it's the magical type of business where standard enterprise rules will not apply. Simply put, if you want to stay in real-estate investing for greater than, say, a evening or 2, then you will have to come up with money to use and invest.




While it might be true in which buying property with no money down is straightforward, anyone who is even made a basic owning a home (such as buying their very own home) understands there's a lot more involved in real estate investing that can cost you money. For illustration, what about any necessary repairs?




So, the primary rule people a new comer to real estate investing must remember is always to have available cash reserves. Before you decide to actually do any real-estate investing, save some money. Having just a little 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 property investing inside rental properties, you'll want every single child select simply qualified tenants. If you might have no cash flow when real-estate investing in rental qualities, you may be pressured experience a a smaller amount qualified tenant since you need somebody to cover you money to be able to take treatment of fixes or lawyer fees.




For any type of real property investing, meaning rental properties or perhaps properties you get to sell, having money reserved can enable you to ask for a higher price. You can ask for a increased price from the 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 several new to real-estate investing is, well, greed. Make any profit, yes, but don't become thus greedy that you simply ask regarding ridiculous local rental or second-hand rates on all of your real est investments.




Those a new comer to real est investing have to see property investing being a business, NOT a spare time activity. Don't think that real estate investing will make you wealthy overnight. What business does?




It will take about six months to figure out if real estate investing in for you. If you have decided which, hey I really like this, then provide yourself a few years to truly start earning money. It typically takes at least five years being truly productive in property investing.




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












(h/t Heather at VideoCafe)

It is a truism rarely acknowledged in this country: the single most important infrastructure investment we can make for the future is in education. I'm not talking about retrofitting the buildings or constructing more classrooms. No, we provide for the future by educating our young people, preparing them to become productive members of society. Study after study shows that the higher one's education level is, the higher the median income and the less likely one is to suffer unemployment.

But we're not doing that. No, in these austerity times, politicians clamor to cut services and jobs. Teachers are demonized. Vouchers are touted as the answer, when it's simply a way to privatize profits away from public schools. Hell, some GOP would be happy if we eliminate the Department of Education altogether.

A rare and welcome progressive appearance on the Sunday shows, Rep. Maxine Waters bemoans the disconnect between what politicians say we need to focus on and what they're really doing about it:

To tell you the truth, the plight of education in this country is shameful. Just a few days ago I learned that more cities, more states are reducing the number of education days down to four instead of five. And I could not help but stop and think, "Is this America? Is this the country that said and continues to say that education is a top priority?" Why are we not investing more in education? Why do we have dropouts? Why do we have educational systems that are failing? Why is it that we have a situation where many of our young people will not be able to compete in this high technological society because they're not properly educated? And so, no, we do pay lip service to education. We don't really invest in it, and that's got to change. But let me just say this, Americans want to work. This joblessness is not only hitting the middle class, but it is hitting all classes. It is absolutely unconscionable what is happening in the minority communities. When we look at this no jobs haven't been created in August and we find in the African-American community it has increased from 16 percent, 15.9, 16 percent, up now 16.7 percent, and now we're going to talk about cutting government by $1.5 trillion, this new 12 committee membership that we have after the raising the debt ceiling debate? And that means that we're going to lose more jobs, that means more people are going to be unemployed. The African-American rate will probably go up to about 20 percent. I don't know how our country can sustain that kind of...

Of course, David Gregory interrupts her at this point, because Lord know, the plight of the African American community doesn't concern him. But then again, he has the gall to say that we only play lip service to the importance of education. You know, the same guy who only pays lip service to journalism and who spent the better part of the last two years telling his viewers that Americans cared about the deficit when poll after poll proved him a lying hack with a corporate agenda.

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.