Huff, Puff, & Blow the houses down

Well the numbers are in and the housing market has come to a steeper than expected decline. Is this a sign that prices will soon follow. With a warmer than normal January in most places, the real estate industry actually moved up construction start dates in anticipation new home buyers and speculators will continue to come out.
More on Housing

However, with a high number of unsold houses on the market and rising interest rates...will prices finally start coming down??? Its appears that this may be the case in a few months. Some economists are predicting pricing may begin to decline and guess what, that means that homebuilders are beginning to offer perks to entice home buyers. Ahh is this finally revenge for the rest of us that missed the big housing boom...not completely. Again another reason housing prices may be on the decline is interest rates. The rates are now nationally around 6.26 percent which is not bad but higher than what most of our friends have been getting locked in at over the past few years.

Just the other night I ran into a building company that was offering brand new 42 inch plasma TVs to entice me to buy into their new condo development. I am seriously on the prowl now that I firmly believe that most real estate investors are beginning to get to a point where it may make more sense for them to invest there money in other areas. I am personally not a huge fan of condos and townhomes because of the assessment fees but I am also priced out of the million dollar single family home here in the city.

Link to economic housing data: http://www.census.gov/newhomesales

Say it aint so. This is slightly old news but disappointing none the less. The trials and tribulations of the industry have taken a toll on the masses. It appears that the emcee known as Eminem, Slim Shady or if you prefer Marshall Mathers is looking to retire. I am confused by his on again off again relationship with his ex, now current wife again Kim. It proves that even superstars are not immune from the the tolls of having a family, being married, and being human. Also, two of my favorite emcees Jadakiss and Styles P, 2/3 of the group Lox have also announced their retirement due to creative differences with their labels. 50 cent disclosed that he will probably make two more albums and will retire as a lyricist follow in the footsteps of Eminem and probably be just a producer. This will be a tough time rough for the hiphop world as many complain that music is too commercial, but their will be evolution as their always is.

Here are some upcoming things to be on the lookout for in the hiphop world:
- Another one of my favorite artists: Nore has been signed to the Roc La Familia Label and will 2 albums; one reggaeton and one rap album.
- The Game has a new DVD dissin G-Unit and I believe a diss track; 50 responded with his diss track 'Not Rich, Still Trying' (this is a play on of 50's first album Get Rich or Die Trying) and folks he will be releasing yet another album in July '06
-Nas signs to Def Jam
- Rap is crossing over left and right...stay tuned for an in-depth analysis.

Superbowl & Commercials

Well the Superbowl this year probably got a "B" for performance this year. Seattle really had me thinking they were going to win it after the first half. But when you completely dominate a team and your down at half that doesn't say much huh. Congrats to the Pittsburgh Steelers for always finding a way to win.

And for the famous or infamous commercials during the timeouts they probably get a "B-" this year. Bud Light was definitely representing since they bought every single commercial spot but they failed to floor me like their current commericals they ran before the Superbowl. I have to give it to Ted Ferguson, the Budlight Daredevil. His stunts are hilarious and most guys can relate. If you haven't seen these stunts give them a look at: Ted Ferguson.

And of course for shock value again you have to give it up to GoDaddy.com and their busty women who wash windows and shirts pop off in every episode. As for Cadillac, I have always been a fan...and the new 2007 model looks good. Pepsi, they definitely tried a little too hard this time around with the Diddy commerical and the "Brown & Bubbly" song...but they do get some credit for the funny Jackie Chan 'stunt double' commercial. Diet Coke serves as the stunt double for Diet Pepsi and gets crushed to say the least.

Whats were your thoughts on the game or the commercials? I know I forgot a few of the commercials, were there any that you thought were great?