Author: Carl Setzer

Though I love the Olympics, the institution faves a major problem. The massive costs of hosting a Games almost never balance out against benefits.

This article considers the financial impacts upon cities which host the Olympics.

A fitting postscript to my post yesterday.

After considering such details as infrastructure investment, marketing and meeting the expectations of the International Olympic Committee, most often the Games cost more than they earn. In some cases the loss is massive.

My first thought: the IOC must start considering the long-term impact. With that, they must seek to mitigate the effects of over-enthusiastic boosters. They struggle with a perception of boondoggle. Several cities’ citizens shut down bids for games.

I feel it important to note that LA actually pulled s profit from the games. Utilizing their existing infrastructure, the cost control worked nicely. The article actually notes several hosts who successfully navigated development and execution. Key considerations for anyone desiring to host a Games.

I see an Olympics as several months of headache with little upside. Most of the promised benefits never materialize. I’m not alone. Seattle’s few attempts to garner support to bid to host a Games failed miserably. And that’s happened elsewhere, too.

Anyone wanting a Games near me must account for this study before I give my support. And I love the Olympics.

Looking at these great young men and women I know going off to college, into the service, into the world I’m struck by their potential greatness. I see this in them all.

I don’t buy the trap, though, of the unit form of greatness is one of public accolade. Really, most of the great things in life are done quietly, un-lauded, just done. Society grinds to a halt without this work. With the quiet doers in our world, we freeze, with nothing valuable happening.

There are downsides to fame. I’ll leave the specifics for another day.

But greatness is immensely satisfying. Arrogant as it may sound, I’ve felt greatness roaring through. Often counterbalanced by moments where I feel minimal competence.

I wish for these dear ones to feel the greatness within. Knowing their value. Whether thousands come out to see you, it you only hear the positives from friends and family, I want them to have that sense deep within them. Knowing they’re valuable and unique. To feel the deepest of the loves. 

I’m part of a Facebook group titled Nerds. Been part of the group for years, along with about a hundred or so others. Most of these folks I hadn’t met in real life. Well, one if the families decided to host a BBQ tonight, bringing a ton of us out if the woodwork/internet. Sadly, even with lures, there weren’t any Pokemon. And this wasn’t some farm in the country. Thus, to no-one’s surprise, I’m sure, the PokeGods chose not to shine their blessings today.

 It was a delightful evening, meeting the humans behind the personas, profiles and posts. Deepening connections that were in place for years. There is something enriching about that face to face interaction that’s important. Even though many of these folks were connected with me on multiple channels, the in person interaction enriched I’m ways I couldn’t have guessed. These intersections really are important and I’ve come to value them. I’m really delighted to have had the chance. I’m richer for it.

Was just reading about a few really nice changes coming up with two key loan types: USDA and FHA.

The USDA has been directed to shift to a direct endorsement model. Right now, my understanding is that a representative from the USDA reviews every USDA loan. They take significantly longer than other loan types to close, which makes them less desirable than others. This change will speed up the process and make it more aligned with VA and FHA loans.

And the FHA is looking at their condo approval process. Right now only 10% of condos are approved for FHA loans. One thing they’re doing to tackle this is streamline the approval process. It’s pretty onerous for any condo that doesn’t have professional management. The other thing they’re exploring is the owner occupant threshold. Currently at 50%, they’re looking at dropping that to 35% of unit owners. This will also open up the number of units available to FHA financing.

So, TLDR: more loans will be available. This should help keep housing affordable for the more modest incomes. Like most of us.

To really understand the different loan types, talk to a lender. I’ve developed solid relationships with several and can put you in contact with an excellent one. Let me know!