Message Forum

Welcome to the Richardson High School Message Forum.

The Message Forum is an ongoing dialogue among classmates. The goal is to encourage friendly interaction, including interaction among classmates who really didn't know each other. Experience on the site has revealed that certain topics tend to cause friction and hard feelings, especially politics and religion. 

Although politics and religion are not completely off-limits, classmates are asked to be positive in their posts and not to be too repetitive or allow a dialog to degenerate into an argument. 

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03/27/24 12:37 PM #29946    

Jim Bedwell

David C, Lady Lanajuju & Bob D,

Thanks for your posts, as always. It's nice to observe reason SOMEWHERE in our country today.

Marty,

I wish you would post more. I LOVED your last one - HILARIOUS! Your sense of humor is similar to mine, I think.

All,

I had James Dullard, oops I meant Dillard (right) for chemistry (at least he had a GREAT first name). Wish I had had Olson from the info obtained here. And then we come to Ken Taylor. Talk about a total jerk & misfit. I've never heard anything positive about him. SO GLAD I didn't get him for chemistry. Finally, the Dillard circus, similar to the D.C. Swamp Circus in preventable TOTAL CHAOS, was SO MUCH FUN!!!! YEE HAW!!!

And here is my highly desired and long-awaited top 10 WORST Presidents of all time:

Biden

Obama

Buchanan

Carter

Wilson

Lyndon Johnson

FDR

Nixon

Andrew Johnson

Hoover

HEY, 2 of the last 3 are Repubicans!!! You'll NEVER see that kind of objectivity anywhere on the left today. So how's that for RAGGING (which I will continue to do on Presidents)???


03/27/24 01:15 PM #29947    

 

Lowell Tuttle

In case you are interested, this is how a surety bond, like in the Carroll/Trump case works(ed)

This is from the Insurance Journal.

Chubb CEO Evan Greenberg, recognizing the criticism swirling around his company’s involvement in recently providing Donald Trump with a $91.6 million appeal bond, penned a letter to explain.

“When Chubb issues an appeal bond, it isn’t making judgements about the claims, even when the claims involve reprehensible conduct,” Greenberg said in the letter to brokers, clients, and investors.

“I realize how polarizing and emotional this case and the defendant are and how easy it would be for Chubb to just say no,” Greenberg added. “However, we support the rule of law and our role in it. We considered this the right thing to do and we frankly left our personal feelings aside.”


greenberg-evan
Evan G. Greenberg

The surety bond contract was issued by Chubb’s Federal Insurance Co. and signed by Trump early last week. It allows the former president to appeal the $83.3 million verdict against him in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case. In January, a federal jury in Manhattan awarded the sum of a $65 million punitive award and $18.3 million in compensatory damages to Carroll after the trial.

Federal will pay if Trump loses the appeal or fails to pay. Greenberg said Carroll—as the plaintiff typically does—approved the terms of the bond before the court accepted it, and she now gets the “peace of mind that payment is certain if the judgement is upheld.”

The bond, Greenberg added, “serves the important purpose of facilitating the legal process, providing the certainty that court and plaintiffs require after an adverse trial court decision.”

Providing a bond “has nothing to do with the underlying merits or with favoring any of the parties in the case,” Greenberg said. “As a surety, we don’t take sides, it would be wrong for us to do so, and we are in no way supporting the defendant.”

Greenberg said the bond is fully collateralized—corroborating comments from Nick Newton, senior vice president at Assured Partners and immediate past president of the National Association of Surety Bond Producers, in an earlier report. Newton added that premium is typically 1-2%.

The chief executive said that if the bond is called, “Chubb takes the collateral, which is intended to make us whole.”

“We hardly support or subsidize defendants or take ‘one for the team,'” he said, addressing criticism that in some way the bond was a favor for Greenberg getting appointed by Trump in 2018 to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiations. Greenberg continued to hold the position until about a year ago. After rioters stormed the Capitol in January 2020, Greenberg said citizens had “a responsibility to speak out against and condemn in the strongest terms the violence and display of demagoguery we witnessed.”

JD Weisbrot, president and chief underwriting officer at JW Surety Bonds, told Insurance Journal that Trump, other than providing 100% collateral in liquid assets, may have provided a letter of credit from an approved bank.

“The insurance company would not be willing to take a $90 million risk simply because he is an ex-president,” Weisbrot said. “They most likely received 100% collateral in the form of cash or an irrevocable letter of credit.”

Trump may have also had to provide personal guarantees to Chubb’s Federal Insurance.

“If an individual person and not a corporation has been sued and lost an appeal, they would need to post collateral, and they would need to provide personal indemnification holding the surety company who issued the bond harmless from all losses and expenses whatsoever,” Weisbrot said. “We can presume that Donald Trump also needed to provide a similar personal guarantee as well as the collateral to secure this bond security.”


03/27/24 01:22 PM #29948    

 

Lowell Tuttle

So, basically, if the appeal decides Trump still owes, Trump pays the 86,000,000 and, he will have paid a 1-2% premium for the bond, or between 860,000 and 1,720,000.   The rate is based upon how much and how easy to collect his $$ would be if he fails to pay.

If Trump loses the appeal AND fails to pay, Chubb has to pay and then they subrogate against Trump, aquiring the collateral pledged by Trump to get the bond.

If Trump wins, he only pays what was negotiated, but still loses the bond premium....Thus, Chubb wins.

I am not familiar with Ms. Carroll, but many times these judgements are negotiated down, however, I would assume that decision rests with the party's involved...and if no final settlement is reached, the court would finalize the amount...or adjust it...


03/27/24 01:24 PM #29949    

 

Lowell Tuttle

The Houston Chronicle editorial page suggested the community service required of Ken Paxton be to work in a polling place in Gillespie County...

I heartily support that idea.


03/27/24 01:37 PM #29950    

 

Lowell Tuttle

Back on the surety bond issue.

It is my understanding that Surety bonding insurance companies don't underwrite bonds over 100 million.   

Surety bonding companies cede their premiums to the parent company and pay claims (they shouldn't have any) using said parent companies cash.

Investors of those companies are you guys with your banks, 401k's, mutual funds, money market funds, and the like.   CPA's and auditors make those bonding/insurance companies do what their agreements with their investors say they should.   Hence, the rule of no over 100 million dollar bonds.

I suppose there are different kinds of "bonding" companies for things like Oil wells, foreign country investment zones, and the like protecting investors in those kind of projects...and hence a higher dollar limit allowance there.  (Performance bonds?)

Trump (and other similar) case is a US civil court rendering place.

So, that 175 million or 460 million issue would appear to be needing cash.


03/27/24 01:37 PM #29951    

 

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

David,

I agree with your assessment of the southern border issue.  It is disgustingly sad that our president is allowing our border to be wide open to people who bring poverty and terrible criminals mixed in with the hoards.  Venezuela is loving the opportunity to dump their pick-pocketing criminals, thieves, murderers and rapists on us.  Biden is just listening to his Progessive leftists, mostly Bernie Sanders dullards.  Power is Biden's aim, the US citizens be damned!  What an a**hole and turncoat American, although calling him an American is a forced, distasteful effort.  Not to mention that he, with his son and 'partner-in-theft of poor people abroad,' is just as distasteful and idiotic.  The man causes me to become nauseous, anytime I see him bumble his words and squint before a microphone.

I fully support Israel's right to fight for their survival against the extremely hateful Arabs/Palestinians, who continually battle the highly successful people, the Israelis.

I ask again, "What did the Palestinian and Hamas fighters think would happen, when they attacked so viciously, the Israelis, on October 7th?  They KNEW they would be attacked just as viciously by the Israelis, did they not?  So, why do they whine that they are being slaughtered when they are the ones who began the slaughtering?  In war, innocent people die.  It is a fact of war, and is a hideous outcome.  History repeats.

As for Ukraine, I support Ukraine with weapons, but no money for them to be used for paying civil service  workers in Kiev.  But with Ukraine's continuing plan, I think they need to try to find a settlement plan to be negotiated with Putin, since there seems to be no end to this battling, unfortunately.  Crimea was frittered away by Obama's lack of will to help Ukraine earlier, and I don't see Putin allowing it to go back to Ukraine.  Obama's mistake/disinterest caused Ukraine to lose Crimea, a terrible situation indeed.  Obama was too worried about having to return his Nobel Peace Prize, that he had been awarded even before he did anything concerning peace.  

 


03/27/24 01:52 PM #29952    

 

Lowell Tuttle

So, easy to use the term, "close the border."

What does that mean.   800 billion in trade?   People who live in Laredo, but work in Nuevo Laredo?   Families who have US born kids AND Laredo born kids and live on two side?   Body shops who take in cars here and fix them in Guadalajara?  Farmers who need US sold fertilizer to farm their crops of strawberries on the Mexican side? 

May as well close the Chinese border too...

The border means people crossing, students, nurses, police, insurance adjusters, cashiers...on their daily jaunts from home to work.  

It means trucks going back and forth.

I am guessing you mean no amnesty, no immigration at any border, no coming and going without a passport.

Sending the rest back to whichever port they came from, by car, bus, train, plane, walking, or van...

It is or would be quite an undertaking.

Pass the GOP house backed immigration bill...adjust it to fit it's shortcomings...just pass it...


03/27/24 02:22 PM #29953    

Jan Alexander

Jim, you owe $2.50 to the forum party favor coffer.

 

 


03/27/24 03:24 PM #29954    

 

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Lowell,

When I say close the border, I mean to not admit any person who does not have a passport, just as we know happens when a US person goes to Mexico.  As a US citizen, I had to show my passport when I visited Guadalahara, years ago.  If I traveled in Europe, I assume I would have to show my passport when traveling from country to country, whenever I might come to a border of a different country.

I think that is the way it works in Europe, although I have never been able to go there.  When I traveled in Southeast Asia years ago as a student, I had to have my passport with me at all times.  I assume nothing has changed.

The people walking into our country with no questions asked, are breaking our laws.  You know that!

They should have to show ID of some sort, and the fact that they are claiming, "Asylum," is nonsense.  They just say that because they have been coached to say that.  Ninety-eight percent of these people do not qualify as asylum-possible people.  They are faking it!  And the Democrat Party is allowing that crime to happen against the rest of the American citizens!  The Democrats should be ashamed of themselves, but they have no shame!  There are a few Democrats who are not quite so mean-spirited, but not many.


03/27/24 04:38 PM #29955    

Jan Alexander

OK , I was never , ever, ever , never  going to post again on here but  laughwink

Lance !  Just ran into these.... a few minutes ago ! OMG!


03/27/24 04:59 PM #29956    

 

Sandra Spieker (Ringo)

Lowell,

Your border observations are spot on.  Well said. 

Had a hellva day.  We lost our beloved dog today.  She was 9 and half years old.  Old for a German Shepherd.  She was acting strangely, not eating, did not want to go for a walk.  She was very weak.  Trip to the vet resulted in a ruptured spleen due to a cancer.  We decided to put her down.  She was the most intelligent animal we have ever had.  Best guard dog ever.  Sweet, mild tempered, very obedient.  She could smile, had a way of curling her lip that was adorable.  She listened to you and knew so many commands, especially heeling without a leash.  Amazing animal.

I am lost right now.  Grieving horribly.  She was fine this morning at 9 am.  The she lost energy, could hardly walk etc.   I am glad she didn't suffer long.  Our sweet Ellie is gone, but will never be forgotten.

 


03/27/24 05:07 PM #29957    

Jan Alexander

Sandra, I am so sorry ! I am sending you a huge hug .

03/27/24 05:15 PM #29958    

 

Lawrence (Lance) Cantor

So sorry Sandra you lost Ellie as part of your family today... I hope you can find some relaxation time during a long walk in this beautiful afternoon to process you're grief...thanks for sharing with us.

03/27/24 05:31 PM #29959    

 

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Sandra,

I'm so sorry you lost your sweet companion.  Our pets truly are family, and we love them dearly.  Having to euthanize them is so painful, I know.


03/27/24 06:07 PM #29960    

Jan Alexander

Lance,  I wait with bated breath for the reunion.  Can't wait to catch the moments frozen in time.. and to see Sue. 

P.S. Will bring camera... to catch the wildlife.  wink


03/27/24 08:03 PM #29961    

 

Lowell Tuttle

Janalu.   Just as an aside.   There is no passport travel requirement within the EU.   That is what a big part of Brexit was.   A lot of people live in the UK but worked in Europe, and visa versa.   Now, their inter country travel does require a passport.  

But, Spain to Italy.  France to Germany.  Switzerland to Holland.  etc...no passport.  

Edit.   I think you need a passport, but not to cross EU borders, if you are an EU resident/citizen.

Actually, I was thinking more about Euro's themselves needing passports.   They travel from Euro country to country, like we do from state to state.

 


03/27/24 09:33 PM #29962    

 

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Thanks for the info, Lowell.  I sure hope to go there soon, unless the terrorists become a bigger problem.

Have you been there?

I enjoyed hearing about the Cordells adventures in Italy and other countries.  Italy sounds wonderful and SO interestng!  I hope to see France too......


03/28/24 08:15 AM #29963    

 

Wayne Gary

Janalu,

A passport is required to enter Europe.  Once you are in an EU country you do not need to show a passport when you go from one country to another.

In 2022 I had to show my passport when I landed in Rome then when I borded the cruise ship.  We went to a number of countries without showing a passport.  We then had to show our passport when we went thru US Customs in Toronto airport.


03/28/24 10:19 AM #29964    

 

Janalu Jeanes (Parchman)

Thanks, Wayne!

What would I do without you guys?

How was your cruise?  What were your favorite countries?


03/28/24 10:43 AM #29965    

Melinda Wallis (Campbell)

Sandra, my heart goes out to you.  I love my dogs too and they are also beautifully trained and

such a big part of my life. I feel your loss.  I am so sorry what you are going through.  Melinda Campbell


03/28/24 01:05 PM #29966    

Jim Bedwell

Jan,

Being a self-described social cripple, I don't know what you're talking about when you say:

"Jim, you owe $2.50 to the forum party favor coffer."

I doubt I'll be at the reunion. Last one I attended was August, 1979. I've had the readymade excuse of "too far away" every reunion since then.


03/28/24 01:29 PM #29967    

Jan Alexander

Jimbo,  I was "trying " to be funny when I said you owe $2.50 to the party favor coffer.   You "ragged" on 10 presidents ; 25 cents a pop toward the coffer.   I had mentioned we should have to kick in 25 cents , if we ragged on a president from now on.  Since we all have "ragged" on one president or other .  

That is all... smiley

Side note : Ironically, I am cooking a butterball turkey breast today... as I flashed on those wild turkeys from yesterday.  .frown


03/28/24 03:09 PM #29968    

Jim Bedwell

Jan,

Thanks for the quick reply. I will be delinquent on that, especially since I was a partial delinquent as an adolescent and young adult (tradition is important to me).


03/28/24 03:13 PM #29969    

Jim Bedwell

Here's a weird one. Liz Cheney apparently said we can survive Biden, but not Trump. WOW, who woulda thought that a Republican (tho a RINO at best) would be the MOST severe case of TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome). Such are the topsy-turvy (end) times we are currently involved in and being subjected to.


03/28/24 03:18 PM #29970    

Jim Bedwell

Glad to hear Dak is not being extended for the Cowboys. This needs to be his last (9th) failed year for us. I bet McCarthy is gone next year too. I just heard somebody predict that they won't win over 10 games this year, and I concur with that. Even if we get some good players to replace the ones that have left for other teams, we still have a mediocre head coach and awful general manager.


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