As house prices and new construction fall, the homebuyer has not only more choices, but tougher economic decisions to make due to tighter credit. Lenders are narrowing their focus on high-worth clients. Middle class buyers face declining wages, workforce reductions and a pre-recession economy of $4.00/gallon gas and climbing food prices. If they’re vacating a long-term house or condo, they must both sell into a declining market filled with homes for sale and get financing from a skeptical loan officer at a troubled bank. However, on the positive side, this is an opportunity to look at domestic architecture and garden design and ask, “What do we do now?”

Suggestions abound, from winsome “saltboxes” and bungalows-so perfect for child rearing-to cape-cods for a more upscale traditional feel and rambling modern ranches for a more inside-outside flow. A family of four probably doesn’t need much more than 2,000 square feet. “Energy” should be tight, with its diffusion handled by no more than three vistas and four doors. Keeping the family together begins with physical proximity, what used to be called “the hearth”. Imagine a dinner table that is in proportion to a typical 5,000 square foot house; its size wouldn’t allow the family to see each other well, much less speak casually. The old saying, “A man’s house is his castle”, is being taken a bit too literally these days.

There is a remarkable story about a family that won HGTV’s “Dream House” Sweepstakes a few years ago. The parents became so uncomfortable in their new palatial 6,500 square foot home that they gathered their two young boys and the four of them made a camp on the mezzanine of the second floor landing, which was itself the size of a small house and had a view of the front door. They disliked the alienating effect of living in a conglomeration of five normal-sized houses, put it up for sale and moved back to their bungalow. However, they had difficulty selling the behemoth and continued to pay high maintenance fees and taxes-some dream house. Now HGTV’s website includes advice on how to cope with the responsibilities of winning this somewhat dubious grand prize. That’s show business.

On the other hand, for those who want their home to reflect how far they’ve come in their lives, the best I’ve seen lately were on the Street of Dreams in suburban Seattle in 2007. However, I saw them only on the web, since they were torched by environmental arsonists last March. Long years of hard work deserve a pay-off, and these were the homes contemporary dreams are made of. While there might be more cutting edge environmental houses in Europe, none had their scale. Of course, their size and location were criticized in the local press, which mostly ignored the ecoterrorist attack, committed probably by the same group that burned down the horticulture research buildings at the University of Washington a few years earlier. Environmental impact from toxic runoff into trout streams deserves torch-burning private homes? No kidding? When ecologists become flame-freaks, the fate of the environment darkens, indeed. Perhaps the press played down the investigation in order to deny the criminals publicity and protect the public from copycats. God bless the FBI.

For new homes a fraction of the size of those on the Street of Dreams, check this out. I’ve known Martha Stewart since 1991, and used some of her recipes and branded products. I find them interesting, but confess more a professional bias than true feeling. Therefore, I was surprised to find a Martha Stewart creation that genuinely appealed to me. Her houses are perfectly sized for a family of four or five, and extraordinarily well designed. The price is right too. The only downside may be their location. Most require long commutes. However, she and KB have dealt sanely with the current rage for excessive size. The charming homes are free of the massive great rooms that are ubiquitous in million dollar estates, yet are ample for entertaining and cozy without being saccharine. Some have incredible floor plans; she and KB nailed it.

In track housing-upscale or down-gardens are usually left to the homeowner to figure out, in most cases with the help or interference of a neighborhood association. This is unfortunate. Contract landscapers work within narrow specifications and don’t rock the boat. Most customers have little interest in the yard, much less the garden, and realtors panic outdoors. Let’s hope housing trends change toward smaller houses and larger yards, reflecting both rising fuel costs and the aging baby-boomer’s fascination with gardens. That’s the only silver lining I can see. History is on the side of architects and designers like Sara Susanka and Julie Moir Messervy. Martha Stewart should join with them to create a new approach to affordable urban housing.

Ford Focus gas mileage is, predictably, one of the primary factors examined by potential Ford buyers. The rising cost of fuel has made consumers even more conscious of the fuel efficiency of the cars they drive or the cars they plan to purchase. When it comes to gas mileage, does the Ford name have it? Read on.

Most consumers who have bought, rented or drive-tested the vehicle have agreed that Ford Focus gas mileage is one of the strongest points of the vehicle. The 2008 Focus clocks 24 city mpg and 35 highway mpg ratings. This rating is given to models offered in the United States. Reports on the European side, though, have boasted a higher gas mileage which allegedly reaches an estimated 38 city mpg and 58.8 mpg highway.

With the thumbs up received by the vehicle for fuel efficiency, it is not surprising that it has become one of the automobiles considered by buyers when they shortlist their potential buys. No doubt that the skyrocketing prices of fuel has been on the back of their mind when they make their short lists. At these times, gas mileage often comes above looks for people who plan to buy a car.

The gas mileage of the 2008 Ford Focus has been considered one of its positive features. What about the rest of the vehicle? The current model is equipped with a 2.0 liter, four-cylinder engine that produces 140 horsepower and 136 foot pounds of torque. It has been praised for providing a smooth ride and is often evaluated in comparison with the ZX4 model that came out in 2005 and was known for being a car that was fun to drive.

Aside from the fuel economy plus, drivers have praised the Focus’ roomy space and interior lighting. The audio system is another of the car’s features that has received high ratings from reviewers and test drivers. Also, it has been deemed stylish enough to convince younger people that it is a car that would make them look cool to own and drive.

All in all, this automobile has been highly recommended for its fuel efficiency, stylish look, cool sound system and smooth drive. For people looking for a solid automobile for a reasonable price, the Focus is one of the better choices that they will find in the market.

Because of high fuel prices, the Ford Focus gas mileage performance has received more attention than its other features. Its fuel efficiency has become the benchmark when buyers are making comparison and trying to decide what car to purchase. The rising prices of gas is not showing any sign of leveling any time soon , so purchasing a car with good gas mileage will be a very wise move indeed.

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H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco is to visit East Timor, Sarawak and Singapore from 17th to 23rd April. The visit will reinforce the Principality’s international action within the areas of cooperation, the protection of the environment and the promotion of sport.

Upon his arrival in Singapore on Thursday 17th April, the Sovereign Prince will be invited to dinner by H.E. Mr Sellapan Rama Nathan, President of the Republic of Singapore.

On Friday 18th April, the Sovereign Prince will leave for East Timor, where a reception in his honour will be given by H.E. Mr José Ramos Horta, President of the Republic of East Timor. The Prince will also attend a presentation of “Peace and Sport” at the University of Dili.

On Saturday 19th April, the Sovereign Prince will officially unveil the “Prince Rainier III” maternity unit in Same. He will then go to the Governor’s Palace to meet Mr Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, the Prime Minister. The Prince will then open a “Youth Centre” in the Bekora district.

H.S.H. Prince Albert II will be visiting the Sultanate of Sarawak where he will be a guest at a dinner hosted by the Prime Minister, Mr Yang Amat Berhormat Pehin Sri Haji Abdul Taib Mahmud. On Sunday 20th April and the morning of Monday 21st April, the Sovereign Prince will visit the Gunung Mulu National Park before leaving for Singapore.

On Tuesday 22nd April, H.S.H. Prince Albert II will attend the opening of the “Global Business Summit for the Environment” before visiting the “Climate Change” exhibition in the Singapore Science Center.

In the evening, H.S.H. Prince Albert II will attend the Gala Evening “Champion of the Earth” organised by UNEP. He is to be the prize winner for Europe.

On Wednesday 23rd April the Sovereign Prince will be meeting Mr S. Iswaran, Minister of State for commerce and industry. He will then visit the INSEAD university campus to talk with students.

The Sovereign Prince will conclude his trip by presiding over the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation’s fundraising evening.

Not one single housing market in the nation has shown signs of growth over the last 12 months. Expect the property tax man to tax notice soon. Our property taxes will be spiking next.

- Allison Goldsberry

A Boston Business Journal story recently ranked Century Bank, the largest family-controlled bank in New England, among the top charitable givers in the state based upon both company and employee contributions to charitable causes and organization.

The Boston Business Journal made the announcement today at its second annual Corporate Philanthropy Summit.

“After the second year of researching and fostering dialogue on corporate philanthropy, we continue to see major corporations partnering with leadership in our communities to solve social issues and improve the quality of life for many in the area,” said Boston Business Journal publisher Mike Olivieri.

“Our family and our bank share a tradition of philanthropic dedication and sound values… Century Bank is committed to improving our community and making a difference in the lives of future generations. We are extremely grateful to the many not-for-profit organizations and the many volunteers who have donated their time and given us the opportunity to partner with them in their important work,” said brothers Barry and Jonathan Sloane, co-presidents and co-CEO’s of Century Bank.

More Century Bank news…

Century Bank to Open Branch in Old Papa Gino’s

We know this video has been around for a while, but in light of soaring gas prices this summer it peaked our attention. It of course sounds too good to be true and some say it’s a gimmick while others say the guy who invented the thing has since been killed off by the oil companies. What do you think? Does anyone have any update on this story? We did track down the website for this inventor and found a real phone number and called them. We talked to a real person who insists it’s for real and that some kind of product will be forthcoming in 2009. She also insisted the inventor is not dead! What say you?

Bond yields rose Wednesday, sending Maryland mortgage rates slightly higher, ahead of an anticipated rate cut by the Federal Reserve, as investors worried that the government’s intervention may not be enough to stave off a recession.

Economists expect the Fed to cut its key funds rate by a half percentage point to 1% at the conclusion of its two-day meeting Wednesday afternoon. With the U.S. economy embroiled in a dire and expensive credit crisis, some even predict a cut to 0.75%, which would mark the lowest level for the fed funds rate in its 53-year history.

The Fed cuts rates to boost the economy. Bonds usually sell off when rate cuts are expected, as they tend to be inflationary. But with commodity prices plummeting and an economy that is in or entering a recession, inflation fears have subsided.

“No one can be sure how bonds are going to react to the Fed decision, but the markets have anticipated a recession,” said Andrew Brenner, senior vice president at MF Global.

Are you glad the Stories from Strapped series is finally coming to an end? In the last five weeks, we read some stories in the book Strapped: Why America’s 20- and 30-Somethings Can’t Get Ahead by Tamara Draut.

• Stories from Strapped: College Education
• Stories from Strapped: Paycheck
• Stories from Strapped: Debt
• Stories from Strapped: Housing
• Stories from Strapped: Child Care

Those real-life anecdotes are supposed to support the author’s case for why America’s 18-to-34 generation can’t get ahead. As you probably figured out by now, I’m not impressed by the stories. Example after example, I see big gaps between expectations and economic means. In addition to the stories, Ms. Draut also cited many statistics. You can read them on the book’s official Web site. When she cited Suze Orman as “one of America’s leading personal finance experts,” I laughed. Suze Orman is no personal finance expert. She’s a personal finance entertainer.

The basic premises of economics are scarcity and choice. Scarcity means you can’t have everything you want and therefore you have to make a choice. I also have a number of things I want, but it doesn’t mean that I will get them, because I have to weigh them against other priorities. The “rich” have always done better — they live in better houses; they drive better cars; their kids go to private schools and private colleges. I don’t have a problem with that. I make my own choices with what I have. I disagree with Ms. Draut when she says the 18-to-34 generation can’t get ahead. They can get ahead, if they make common sense decisions in education, career, and their daily living. Many of them did just that. The stories from readers serbeer, Ted, and finance girl are perfect examples.

Does it feel good when you can’t have everything you want? Of course not. Is it the government’s or the society’s fault you have to choose? Hardly. Maybe the Baby Boomer generation had an easier time, when United States didn’t have to compete with the developing countries as much as we do now. Time has changed. The globalization genie is out of the bottle and it’s not going back in. Instead of teaching our young adults how to succeed in the global competition, Ms. Draut reinforces the entitlement mentality. She said that “their biggest character flaw is that they expect too little from our society.” Oh great, let’s all sit back and wait for the government to provide for us from cradle to grave. She wrote about the government as if it were an abstract entity that produces these nice benefits out of thin air. The issues of college education, paycheck, debt, housing, and child care are legit. We can decide as a society what’s the best way to produce the services and how to pay for them. But we should make those choices clear. If the young adult generation as a whole were to receive free or subsidized college education, housing, and child care, that means another generation would have to pay for them. Should it be their parents the Baby Boomers, or their grandparents the retirees? Everybody expects more from the society, as long as they don’t have to pay for it. We know it can’t work that way.

Final verdict for the book: 1 star, harmful more than helpful. Getting hung up on entitlement and developing a victim mentality will not help our younger generation get ahead.

Okay, maybe the management at Blockbuster (BBI) knows something I don’t know but, I can’t understand why they would want to buy Circuit City. The article states that Blockbuster sees it as a strategic combination of retailers.

Circuit City has been struggling and Blockbuster is just now making headway on a turnaround. Call me crazy, but I don’t see this as a smart move.

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