Frontier Airlines. You're ALMOST There.

I had a recent opportunity to not only fly on Frontier Airlines for the very first time (including the precedent airlines, Midwest and Republic), but to sample their nonstop route between Seattle, WA and Cleveland, OH.  The creation of nonstop routes used to be a "meh" moment, since every airline was traveling nonstop between popular destinations.  But as larger airlines merged and bought each other out and/or filed bankruptcy, we see less and less nonstop flights.  I want to share the experience, as well as tell you a bit about Frontier Airlines from an infrequent flyer's perspective.

Dear Mr. President: You're Wrong About #Ebola

Has anyone noticed how oddly similar the Ebola strain looks to Michaelangelo's "Creation of Adam"?  Coincidence? I think not.

Anyway, that's not the point of this post, Mr. Obama.  The point of the post is to call you out on a few things where you have publicly criticized "hysteria and fear".  This is because you totally missed the boat on why people are afraid.  They have legitimate concerns that haven't been addressed by the government that is elected to look out for them.  Here's what you missed.

Like A Boss: How To Debate Effectively

A lot of people don't truly understand what debating means.  Some think it means arguing.  It doesn't.  Though you do present "arguments" in a debate, it doesn't mean you're "arguing".  Let's explore that.

Buying That First Home Round Two - Part 4

So now you have a sense of things.  The next thing to know seems obvious, but many people make a critical mistake when going hunting for a home:

Get Your Funding In Order.

Buying That First Home Round Two - Part 3

Now, let's talk about a somewhat controversial topic: short sales, and the #1 thing to know about them:

Banks Don't Really Like Short Sales.

Buying That First Home Round Two - Part 2

Hopefully you read the first article.  If not, you should.  There's a lot of good information there:

Do Your Own Research BEFORE Contacting a REALTOR

Assuming you've gotten this far, it's important you understand what you're up against in terms of what's out there.  Depending on your buying power, you may find lots of inventory or very little.  It really does depend on the metro, and in this current economy, a lot of homes are being taken by Chinese investors who are dropping 100% cash to buy the homes as an investment (and in some cases, to hide their income in another country).  What's left over is going to fit into a number of categories, and you should understand the differences.

Buying That First Home Round Two - Part 1

Many may recall years ago (around 2008) I attempted to purchase a home in Oceanside, CA.  That home was a quant device that seemed as though it just was mistreated by the previous owners.  I didn't understand the process, and I trusted way too much.  I learned a lot of lessons about what not to do and swore never to make those same mistakes the next time I was "ready".

Since coming to Washington State I've realized that, though I'm working harder than I ever have before, the opportunity and net cost of living are dramatically different.  This year, as a New Years Resolution, I resolved to do two things: (A) graduate college and (B) buy a home.  Both are in progress (I told you about Western Governors University), but let me talk about (B), and let's see if I can help you.

Gay Rights <> Civil (Race) Rights

I make the assumption that you're up on the recent news about Mark Zmuda, right?  No?  Let me enlighten you.  Then I'll explain why Seattle and certain news outlets are responsible for the very negative image that Western Washington has compared to the rest of the nation.

What is the "Parable Test"?

Previously, I mentioned something I refer to as a "Parable Test".  I'm now going to define this test and how it applies to everyday life.

In a simple definition, the measurement of the Parable Test is that something must meet at least one of four criteria (though ideally it would meet all of them): Quantifiable, Justifiable, Verifiable, Testable.  But what's that exactly mean?

Analyzing the Pacquiao/Marquez Feud

The boxing universe (if there is such a thing) waxes emotional about certain feuds.  Ward/Gatti, Ali/Frazier, Ali/Liston, Tyson/Holyfield, Leonard/Duran, and a whole host of others across various weight classes.  Many years from now, they will be hotly debating one of the most controversial feuds in history: Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez - two certified Hall of Famers.  But if you look past the fights themselves and analyze the fighters behind the fights, you'll start to see some obvious signs about why they seemed so matched...and you can easily predict how each would perform against certain other notable fighters.  First, let's look at the fights.