Congrats to Peloton for once again having the most annoying commercial on TV. The people that own Pelotons swear by them, but if I was in the market for an exercise bike I wouldn’t get it just in spite of their ads. Same goes for any commercial where there is a recurring (annoying) cast (Wendy’s, Progressive, Geico, Discover, Allstate, etc.) Barry, you sound like you’ve turned into the old ‘get off my lawn’ guy. Yeah, I know, I know. So many things bothering me these days that never used to before – maybe that comes with age, who knows. What I do know is that I won’t get suckered into buying any exercise bike with spring right around the corner, and with that said, let’s start the blog with some cycling quotes:
Cycling Quote of the Day: “One thing cycling has taught me is that if you can achieve something without a struggle it’s not going to be satisfying.” – Greg Lemond (*I can attest to this quote. A couple nights ago my son bet me I couldn’t throw my balled-up napkin from the kitchen into the bathroom garbage in five tries (only about a 10-foot throw but the angle is near impossible). I got it on the 67th try and let out a “YES!!!” so loud you’d think I won the lottery).
Possible Game Show Answer: Juicy Fruit, Cracker Jack, and the Ferris Wheel all made their debuts at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. (*Speaking of gum, let’s give a moment of silence to Fruit Stripe Gum which is being discontinued after 54 years. Yes, the flavor only lasted ten seconds but I got my very first tattoo at the age of six from the wrapper).
Wuss’up This Week: Today we’ve got nothing earth-shattering being released, but tomorrow a whole slew of reports that can sway interest rates in either direction starting with Durable Goods Orders, Jobless Claims, and New Home Sales. Then on Friday Personal Spending, Personal Income, Pending Home Sales, and four PCE (inflation) reports. If these reports come in good for the economy you’ll see rates tick up, and vice versa if the numbers disappoint.
Interest Rate Update: Today we find the conforming 30yr fixed (*for loans at $766k) in the high-5s/low-6s for loans at $250k or less, and in the mid-to-upper 6s from $251k-$766k. Jumbo (*over $766k) 30yr fixed is still… ugly. But don’t forget I’ve got some great ARMs in the low-6s that we can refinance to fixed rates when rates drop. As usual rates will vary based on type of home, equity in the home, your credit score, and if you want to know what the TSA will allow you to take on a plane
Don’t Forget to Remember: Any purchase or refinance loan that closes with me, I will waive $450 in lender fees! Grab yourself a cup of instant karma and pass my info along to any friends, family, coworkers, or people that like offbeat attractions that can use this gift.
Cycling Quote of the Day 2: “My husband says shaving his legs gives him an advantage when cycling, but I don’t get how the high heels and pantyhose help.” – @shariv67
Timeout for Trivia: Congrats to those who guessed Kid Rock last week!
Want to be entered into a drawing to win a Captain Caveman Mug? Simply email me the answer to this week’s Who Am I? question. Good luck:“It was on this date way back in 1986 when I won a Golden Globe – yahoo! Or some word like that? I am one of 18 entertainers to win the EGOT, which means I am well liked, right? Well… there are people that don’t like me for things I’ve said, i.e. defending Michael Vick (2007), defending Bill Cosby (2015), and saying Mel Gibson is not racist (2010) but hey – when you’re on a talk show you’re gonna say stuff that the mainstream media/people won’t always agree with. The author of this blog will agree that I made a beautiful movie back in ’90 about a guy that died before his time, and sadly that guy – who was People Magazine’sSexiest Man Alive – died before his time in 2009. Final hint: an anagram for my name is Bigger Hood Plow.”
Happy birthday shoutout to my favorite (and only) brother tomorrow! For your present I plan on paying you back the $14 in quarters I stole from your junk drawer in 1982.
