OK some background:
I was getting a lot of great information about Countrywide Financial from this website www.excwinsider.com. Supposedly it was started by a former employee over a year(?) ago and since then ex and current employees of Countrywide have used it as a discussion forum. Well, just tried to look for it tonite (Oct 28) and the site doesn't exist??!! I just went to that site on Oct 26. WTF?
So I check out the internet and Yahoo message boards on CFC. Believe me, from my own first-hand source and experience, the posters actually have inside info before the employees get it, I saw posts about layoff conference calls before they occurred. There are a couple people also asking about excwinsider since Oct 27 and theorizing that Countrywide may have started some legal action against the site. If this is the case, then it completely blows my mind. First, did Countrywide really feel that this little no-frills website was a threat to them? Are they THAT insecure right now, due to all that is and will be happening to them? Is this the work of their newly hired PR agency? Hmmmm......
Second, does Countrywide really think that taking down one website will prevent any news/info from leaking out about their slimy inner workings? C'mon people!! Uh, this IS the Information Age and there are and will be dozens if not hundreds of other sites out there that will take its place. You're only one big corporation. There are many, many of us. Go ahead and try to shut them all down. I dare ya.
And to Mr./Mrs. ExCwInsider, kudos to you for all the work and dedication you put into your site. I hope we will see you again soon.
Current and former Countrywide employees welcome to comment here anytime. :)
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
CNN proves my point on Countrywide
Just saw this posted this morning, right after I posted my Countrywide article last night...
http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/12/real_estate/loan_workouts_cw/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote
"Countrywide's 'workouts' fall short, critics say
Consumer advocates say efforts by the nation's largest mortgage company to help homeowners avoid foreclosure are insufficient."
http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/12/real_estate/loan_workouts_cw/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote
"Countrywide's 'workouts' fall short, critics say
Consumer advocates say efforts by the nation's largest mortgage company to help homeowners avoid foreclosure are insufficient."
Countrywide's Part in the Financial Mess
The American Revolution ver 2.0: Financial Uprising
Sorry for the long break, trying to get a handle on this crazy US economy right now....
And they pay people big bucks to tell us this??!! http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aoGelstXuRcw&refer=home
Those of us in the trenches everyday can break that bit of news.
If you aren't already aware, the US is in the midst of the biggest mortgage crisis of the last two decades. People can't get loans, people can't sell houses, house prices keep falling, homes left in foreclosure and various stages of decay, and mortgage companies shutting down. The list just keeps getting longer everyday. Although everyone from the consumer to the RE agent to the broker played a role in this mess, it looks as if Countrywide Financial is facing an onslaught of consumer hatred judging by this piece from the NY Times http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/business/12mortgage.html?ex=1349841600&en=f660eb648f2269fe&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
And this one was hilarious: http://wcvarones.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-post.html
Kudos to the person/persons who were able to pull that off. Wouldn't it be great to organize that on a national level one night.....
I think this is the third protest of a Countrywide office that I've seen on the net this week. Let me know if there have been more, but I can see more of these protests being organized in the near future. Like I said before, everyone shares the blame in the housing disaster but it's just sooo good to see people united and speaking out against a big corporation. Especially one that is now refusing to assist consumers who were lured by their promise of homeownership. Might I also mention that like hundreds of other corporations, have outsourced plenty of jobs to India, further leading to a dismal job market for the US. You know, they're really burning down their own house (no pun intended).
Financial companies have always had a reputation for ripping off consumers (via fine print, fees, promos, outright lies) and I'm glad to see that these protestors have put their privacy and financial details out for public scrutiny in order to bring attention to a company that refuses to help their clients. Maybe we can turn the tides on these corporations that have been skinning us alive since the beginning of time. It would also take a lot more people willing to eat their pride and going head on against them......
Obviously, our elected (incompetent) leaders will not be taking part in any of this, seeing as how helpful they've been during these difficult times.
Countrywide, being the largest originator, servicer, and REO holder of mortgages, definitely needs to step up their efforts in either reworking or modifying loans. In their various PR offensives, they've claimed to have reworked about 35,000-40,000 loans. But COME ON, that's out of how many thousands (millions?) of Countrywide homeowners facing forclosure?! More foreclosures does not benefit anyone. In fact, deserted houses are now bringing property values down across the nation. So even if you bought during the Depression, your equity is sinking as fast as those houses are being emptied out. Another great benefit, do you want your new neighbor to be a squattor?
So instead of finger-pointing and passing the blame, I say we choose (and we always have a choice) not to do business with a company that is not only failing themselves financially
(http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/11/news/newsmakers/bc.apfn.countrywide.ahead.ap/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote CEO faces probe by SEC and fundings down 44% in Sept)
but leaving their customers out in the cold. It looks to me like they want to take everyone down with them. But we shouldn't go down without a good fight..... and maybe some kicking and scratching.
Let's make it a great ride! :P
Sorry for the long break, trying to get a handle on this crazy US economy right now....
And they pay people big bucks to tell us this??!! http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aoGelstXuRcw&refer=home
Those of us in the trenches everyday can break that bit of news.
If you aren't already aware, the US is in the midst of the biggest mortgage crisis of the last two decades. People can't get loans, people can't sell houses, house prices keep falling, homes left in foreclosure and various stages of decay, and mortgage companies shutting down. The list just keeps getting longer everyday. Although everyone from the consumer to the RE agent to the broker played a role in this mess, it looks as if Countrywide Financial is facing an onslaught of consumer hatred judging by this piece from the NY Times http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/business/12mortgage.html?ex=1349841600&en=f660eb648f2269fe&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
And this one was hilarious: http://wcvarones.blogspot.com/2007/10/blog-post.html
Kudos to the person/persons who were able to pull that off. Wouldn't it be great to organize that on a national level one night.....
I think this is the third protest of a Countrywide office that I've seen on the net this week. Let me know if there have been more, but I can see more of these protests being organized in the near future. Like I said before, everyone shares the blame in the housing disaster but it's just sooo good to see people united and speaking out against a big corporation. Especially one that is now refusing to assist consumers who were lured by their promise of homeownership. Might I also mention that like hundreds of other corporations, have outsourced plenty of jobs to India, further leading to a dismal job market for the US. You know, they're really burning down their own house (no pun intended).
Financial companies have always had a reputation for ripping off consumers (via fine print, fees, promos, outright lies) and I'm glad to see that these protestors have put their privacy and financial details out for public scrutiny in order to bring attention to a company that refuses to help their clients. Maybe we can turn the tides on these corporations that have been skinning us alive since the beginning of time. It would also take a lot more people willing to eat their pride and going head on against them......
Obviously, our elected (incompetent) leaders will not be taking part in any of this, seeing as how helpful they've been during these difficult times.
Countrywide, being the largest originator, servicer, and REO holder of mortgages, definitely needs to step up their efforts in either reworking or modifying loans. In their various PR offensives, they've claimed to have reworked about 35,000-40,000 loans. But COME ON, that's out of how many thousands (millions?) of Countrywide homeowners facing forclosure?! More foreclosures does not benefit anyone. In fact, deserted houses are now bringing property values down across the nation. So even if you bought during the Depression, your equity is sinking as fast as those houses are being emptied out. Another great benefit, do you want your new neighbor to be a squattor?
So instead of finger-pointing and passing the blame, I say we choose (and we always have a choice) not to do business with a company that is not only failing themselves financially
(http://money.cnn.com/2007/10/11/news/newsmakers/bc.apfn.countrywide.ahead.ap/index.htm?source=yahoo_quote CEO faces probe by SEC and fundings down 44% in Sept)
but leaving their customers out in the cold. It looks to me like they want to take everyone down with them. But we shouldn't go down without a good fight..... and maybe some kicking and scratching.
Let's make it a great ride! :P
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
MTV's Newport Beach - Soooo out of touch w/ reality
So I just saw MTV's replacement for Laguna Beach this season: Newport Beach, The Real Orange County. And I'm sorry to say that nothing has been able to outshine the first season of LB with drama queens Lauren Conrad, Kristin Cavalleri, and their equally unarticulate cohorts.
First off, Newport is not the real Orange County. Not even close. C'mon, the untouchable citizens of Newport don't even want to be associated with Orange County in any way. They've basically closed off their private little community to any outsiders who even dare to come strolling down PCH. And why is this you ask? Because the majority of cities and denizens of the OC don't even come close to touching the lifestyle of Newport. The REAL Orange County is Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Westminster, Stanton, and the city of Orange just to name a few. But if you look at these places, they are filled with citizens of diverse cultures and socioeconomic status. Median income for Orange County ( let's leave Newport out of the equation as I'm sure they would want) is about $50,000 if that. Real OC teens don't hang out on private yachts and take dates to upscale unpronouncable french restaurants. Most families here are struggling every day to make their mortgage payments and keep food on the table. Due to the high cost of living, more and more people are forfeiting vacations and hobbies just to keep their jobs. Believe me, if you aren't here already and planning to get out, don't move here!
The economy is slowing down drastically and the number of unemployed just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Don't listen to the economists who go on reports and statistical readings. Talk to the average Joe and Jane. The real people in the trenches. Everyone can feel it. More houses going up for sale and fewer people eating out and shopping. More luxury cars sitting on the lots.
Certainly, being associated with the Newport lifestyle has done remarkable things for Orange County. We've been able to jack up home prices by claiming our proximity to all things Newport (beach, bars, beautiful people, restaurants, Fashion Island). But commuting through various OC cities on terribly congested freeways will show you the Real Orange County and it's citizens fighting daily for their chance at a decent life.
Don't even get me started on that other show, Real Housewives of OC, cuz those ladies are living in a whole other universe..... :-P
First off, Newport is not the real Orange County. Not even close. C'mon, the untouchable citizens of Newport don't even want to be associated with Orange County in any way. They've basically closed off their private little community to any outsiders who even dare to come strolling down PCH. And why is this you ask? Because the majority of cities and denizens of the OC don't even come close to touching the lifestyle of Newport. The REAL Orange County is Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, Westminster, Stanton, and the city of Orange just to name a few. But if you look at these places, they are filled with citizens of diverse cultures and socioeconomic status. Median income for Orange County ( let's leave Newport out of the equation as I'm sure they would want) is about $50,000 if that. Real OC teens don't hang out on private yachts and take dates to upscale unpronouncable french restaurants. Most families here are struggling every day to make their mortgage payments and keep food on the table. Due to the high cost of living, more and more people are forfeiting vacations and hobbies just to keep their jobs. Believe me, if you aren't here already and planning to get out, don't move here!
The economy is slowing down drastically and the number of unemployed just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Don't listen to the economists who go on reports and statistical readings. Talk to the average Joe and Jane. The real people in the trenches. Everyone can feel it. More houses going up for sale and fewer people eating out and shopping. More luxury cars sitting on the lots.
Certainly, being associated with the Newport lifestyle has done remarkable things for Orange County. We've been able to jack up home prices by claiming our proximity to all things Newport (beach, bars, beautiful people, restaurants, Fashion Island). But commuting through various OC cities on terribly congested freeways will show you the Real Orange County and it's citizens fighting daily for their chance at a decent life.
Don't even get me started on that other show, Real Housewives of OC, cuz those ladies are living in a whole other universe..... :-P
Monday, September 10, 2007
Britney Spears' 2007 VMA Comeback?!?! (Sorry can't help myself)
I'm sorry but after reading all of the horrid and profanity laced reviews of Britney Spears' supposed "comeback" performance on the 2007 VMAs, I had to offer the normal folks out there an unbiased and fair perspective on the tragedy that occurred this night of September 9, 2007.
First off, I have to say that after scouring the other sites and blogs (most filled with four-letter words and atrocious spelling), even I can see that the die-hard Britney fans are a tad disappointed in their (former?) Queen of Pop. And for everyone who thought she was hopeless, well, you can all agree that this was the nail in the coffin on her career. Those of you who missed the painful-to-watch routine, you can now catch it on YouTube. But it's funny how MTV has not replayed portions of her act during the after-party as they did for Timabaland and Kanye West. Did she have certain clauses put in place with MTV?? But I think they did us a public service....
The opening close-up of the back of her mismatched weave (?) both scared and intrigued me. Two thoughts: this is gonna be a trainwreck (I can't watch!) and this is gonna be a trainwreck (I have to watch!!). And man was it HORRIBLE. The bikini outfit seemingly accentuated her worst features: bloated stomach, untoned rear ( trying to be nice here people), and other body parts that she should/could have paid a trainer to help her tighten up before a performance of this scale. Very blue contact lenses and fake orange tan to top it all off. Now the 4-in high heeled stripper boots looked great but I'm not sure if they played a role in her not dancing at all during the song. Seriously, why was she just (barely) walking back and forth onstage?! I mean we have seen her dance in various wild costumes. Where was the Britney who amazed us with her energetic pop & lock dance moves a few VMAs ago? She looked so lost and scared as if it were her first time on a stage. After that show, I'm just as confused as Britney looked! Was it is a success?? Who knows.
This performance was just extremely painful to watch on so many levels. MTV showed shots of the audience reactions and they were just bewildered and flabbergasted. They included Diddy, Chris Brown, and Rihanna among others who looked as if they couldn't wait for it to be over. But, Britney also had the same look on her face. We all know that she'd usually lip-synch due to her complex dance acts but here, she wasn't dancing, singing, or even acting like she wanted to be there. She acted: nervous, scared, bored, listless, tired. I really hope that what some of the other bloggers are saying isn't true. That Brit was drunk or high or worn out from partying every night before the VMAs. I mean, COME ON, this was soo hyped to be her night and she didn't PREPARE?? But there are stories floating around as to why she looked as if she wanted to run offstage:
-She was supposed to collaborate with Criss Angel for her act but MTV pulled the plug on it at the last minute so she was unprepared? And what was that whole thing with Angel all about? I'm sorry to say but I really think that he did use her....
-She heard Sarah Silverman, the comedienne host, practicing the monologue in which she bashes Britney and her kids and she threatened to walk off the show? But went on anyways?
Or plain and simple, she just wasn't ready (physically, emotionally, musically, physically) at this time for a comeback. I think she wanted to give her fans something great but was in way over her head on this. I mean I know she wanted to do this before she got old (she is 25 already) but maybe a little more time and removing herself from the public eye could do wonders. C'mon look at Demi Moore. She disappeared to some small town in the middle of nowhere and came roaring back with a smoking hot body and boyfriend. :)
Of course I want everyone to be able to comment and debate on this very importane issue, and I know we can all do that without the curse words and attacking each other personally.
First off, I have to say that after scouring the other sites and blogs (most filled with four-letter words and atrocious spelling), even I can see that the die-hard Britney fans are a tad disappointed in their (former?) Queen of Pop. And for everyone who thought she was hopeless, well, you can all agree that this was the nail in the coffin on her career. Those of you who missed the painful-to-watch routine, you can now catch it on YouTube. But it's funny how MTV has not replayed portions of her act during the after-party as they did for Timabaland and Kanye West. Did she have certain clauses put in place with MTV?? But I think they did us a public service....
The opening close-up of the back of her mismatched weave (?) both scared and intrigued me. Two thoughts: this is gonna be a trainwreck (I can't watch!) and this is gonna be a trainwreck (I have to watch!!). And man was it HORRIBLE. The bikini outfit seemingly accentuated her worst features: bloated stomach, untoned rear ( trying to be nice here people), and other body parts that she should/could have paid a trainer to help her tighten up before a performance of this scale. Very blue contact lenses and fake orange tan to top it all off. Now the 4-in high heeled stripper boots looked great but I'm not sure if they played a role in her not dancing at all during the song. Seriously, why was she just (barely) walking back and forth onstage?! I mean we have seen her dance in various wild costumes. Where was the Britney who amazed us with her energetic pop & lock dance moves a few VMAs ago? She looked so lost and scared as if it were her first time on a stage. After that show, I'm just as confused as Britney looked! Was it is a success?? Who knows.
This performance was just extremely painful to watch on so many levels. MTV showed shots of the audience reactions and they were just bewildered and flabbergasted. They included Diddy, Chris Brown, and Rihanna among others who looked as if they couldn't wait for it to be over. But, Britney also had the same look on her face. We all know that she'd usually lip-synch due to her complex dance acts but here, she wasn't dancing, singing, or even acting like she wanted to be there. She acted: nervous, scared, bored, listless, tired. I really hope that what some of the other bloggers are saying isn't true. That Brit was drunk or high or worn out from partying every night before the VMAs. I mean, COME ON, this was soo hyped to be her night and she didn't PREPARE?? But there are stories floating around as to why she looked as if she wanted to run offstage:
-She was supposed to collaborate with Criss Angel for her act but MTV pulled the plug on it at the last minute so she was unprepared? And what was that whole thing with Angel all about? I'm sorry to say but I really think that he did use her....
-She heard Sarah Silverman, the comedienne host, practicing the monologue in which she bashes Britney and her kids and she threatened to walk off the show? But went on anyways?
Or plain and simple, she just wasn't ready (physically, emotionally, musically, physically) at this time for a comeback. I think she wanted to give her fans something great but was in way over her head on this. I mean I know she wanted to do this before she got old (she is 25 already) but maybe a little more time and removing herself from the public eye could do wonders. C'mon look at Demi Moore. She disappeared to some small town in the middle of nowhere and came roaring back with a smoking hot body and boyfriend. :)
Of course I want everyone to be able to comment and debate on this very importane issue, and I know we can all do that without the curse words and attacking each other personally.
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