Fresno, CA is a city of approximately half a million population. It is located smack dab in the middle of the state.
The Running Horse golf course and residential project is in southwest Fresno and is in bankruptcy court. It is a development of approximately 420 acres designed to have up to 780 upscale homes, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course and the likelihood of a PGA Tour event. PGA Tour spokesman Bob Combs said Fresno "remains a market of very significant interest to us over the longer term."
It sits as a gold mine and an owner with financial problems.
Enter Donald Trump, the publicity-seeking developer whose wealth is estimated at $2.9 billion by Forbes. He landed at the Fresno Air Terminal in his private jet, was met by his entourage, and went out and kicked the dirt around at Running Horse. Shortly thereafter, the Donald announced he wanted to buy the project for ten million dollars and turn it into a world class community capable of hosting a PGA Tour event in 2008 and beyond. His timeline if he's to do the deal is that construction must begin in 30 to 45 days.
The sad news is that the total debt on Running Horse could be 65 million or more, with approximately 300 creditors and of course the Donald wants the property delivered free and clear of all liens. There are investors and lot buyers who have millions of dollars tied up in the project and could lose most or all of their money. The Donald had other requirements as a condition of sale, too. He said the City would have to spring for the twenty five million it would cost for road improvements around the project. He also wants the tax base to be held for ten to fifteen years.
For purposes of this article, the word "steal" is defined as, "To get for oneself slyly or by skill and daring." The Donald did offer ten million which he upped to twenty five million the next day. He clearly wants Running Horse, he loves golf, has involvement in six other courses but nothing would please him more than to be the owner of a course where he could put on a PGA golf tournament.
City officials trekked to the site to meet the Donald; among them was Fresno Mayor, Alan Autry. You may remember him as Bubba from the old sitcom, "In the Heat of the Night." He and the others would clearly like to see a man of the Donald's deep pockets affect a run-down neighborhood's financial and social fabric. It is an area that hasn't had much in decades. Further, the trench where the sunken fairways are to go are raising public health issues.
The current owner told creditors he might jump-start the project himself, but doesn't have a firm commitment on a fifteen million dollar loan he would require to do so. His hope was to resume work, and repay creditors as lots are sold.
Is Donald Trump the savior or the vulture sweeping in to devour the bones of those caught up in the throes of investments and dreams gone bad?
The Donald has said, "I don't make deals for the money, I've got enough, much more than I'll ever need. I do it to do it." Of course, the Trump name will enhance the value of this property and everything around it. With the hundreds of millions of dollars he stands to make here--maybe a more decent offer would be appropriate.
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Comments: 81
What he's doing is standard practice in real estate. Find a distressed property with a nearly bankrupt owner and low ball.
What sort of financial shape is Fresno in? It would seem that the area is primarily agricultural, which usually means big agribusiness paying as little tax as it can, and lots of low-wage workers; is this the case? What are the odds Present Owner could actually get his act together before Trump's deadline?
One would think that Mayor Bubba would, after rubbing elbows with Carroll O'Connor for years, not be starstruck, but I guess everybody wants to rub elbows with the Donald. Do the good folk of Fresno like the idea of being a wholly-owned subsidiary of Trump (because he probably won't stop with just the golf course and the housing development)? Maybe he'll get adopted into the Yokuts and start a casino.
We down here in the L.A. area don't hear much about what goes on up there, and when we do, it's almost always only about water issues. Thanks for the news!
Pete, it just all happened on Tuesday so we're just in the digesting phase of it, too.
You're right.. this is the San Joaquin valley and big agribusiness.
Mayor Bubba :) is supporting Trump's position for now, but it will be interesting to see what twists and turns may lie ahead. I'll keep you informed. Jeez! Just when we get our water issues under control ! *#@
Lisa, let's try. "You're fired!"
I live very close to Muirfield, home of the Memorial Golf Tournament. It brings a ton of tourist dollars to town. Home owners along the golf course rent out their houses as 'party houses' to businesses during the tournament, and can make several times their monthly mortgage in a week's time. Local shops and restaurants love the business. Throughout the year, people come from all over, just to play the course. Lots of big money deals are made on the links and in the clubhouse. Deals that bring other business to the area, and create more jobs.
Yes, I feel bad for the owners and investors, but there's nothing wrong with capitalism. Trump doesn't have the best track record for maintaining businesses, but he does make things happen. I hate tax set asides as well, but look at the long term before deciding if it's a net win or lose proposition.
"Take it or Leave it"
Dave, that's what they say. "He who has, gets."
Susan, your folks would really have empathy for this situation.
Pat, The PGA officials are consistent in expressing their desire for Running Horse to be on the PGA circuit.
Today, another developer with deep pockets expressed interest in the development. Several well-heeled developers have made inquiries after learning of the Donald's interest in the propery and say they are interested and may outbid him !!!!!
Upon hearing this, the Donald sprung into action and said all the right things! The right things are, of course, the revitalization of southwest Fresno which is where the Running Horse development sits. The Donald wants to develop an area the size of a fair-size town there and completely transform that historic, even if run-down, side of the city. He also wants to take a mile around the whole area and develop that. as well. That would increase the land in the sale from 420 acres to 5,600 acres -- nearly nine square miles.
These words from the Donald are music to the ears of Fresnans who have watched that area go downhill for ten years, with no funding to do anything about it. Billionaire Trump possesses the financial resources for this.
It's the Donald's 25 million dollar offer for "everything" that sours the day. For... in the same breath, he says the City must agree to do all the road work in and around the development which carries a price tag of 25 million. A wash, right? No. Because the 65 million in liens must be wiped clean before title transfer to the Donald, leaving all the investors, lot buyers and construction lien holders out in the cold.
Remember, also, this development includes 780 upscale homesites.
"Caveat emptor" type attitude's ring out from some circles; those who haven't lost anything.
Others praise the Donald as the Knight on the White Horse who rode in and saved the city. Actually, it is difficult to assess the far reaching monetary value this could provide the area for years to come.
We're only four days into this, and at this point... it could go any direction. Stay tuned as we experience, "The Art of the Deal."
Will the project benefit the community at large with Trump involved?
It sounds like a crappy offer, but if this could be really good for Fresno, maybe it isn't so bad? But I do have to say his quick timeline makes me very suspicious.
Exactly right, Richard.
"Yes", Terry, to all three. AND, they are looking at another offer, plus the current owner is still trying to get a 15 milliond dollar so he can finish the project out.
Marti,
the Donald has said that was his top offer. The appealing thing about his offer is all the development he has announced he has planned for the area.
The PGA announced today they have cancelled Fresno for 2008, but they are very interested in keeping this location on their circuit.
"Fresnans"? Really? Not "Fresnoix", "Fresnoids", "Fresnese", or "Fresniks", but "Fresnans"? How did this happen?
I don't know. I was at the bar.
Barbara:
I was born and raised in Fresno and I obviously know the area very well. I am trying to picture the area where Trump is wanting to do this. I am surprised about that many developments in SW Fresno but I am not out that way very often, mainly North Fresno. The major building seemed to be headed out toward Friant.
What, if I you would be kind enough to say(may not mean anything to most of Gather) are the cross streets or the area name? I know Fresno is developing quickly. Everytime I go there, it's something new. I was there in the summer . . . ooops it is summer, was there not long ago and got lost going to my brother's house because of new developments.
You probably won't like want I am going to say, but (hesitantly) here it goes:
Trump will -- no doubt -- increase the value of real estate out there and SW Fresno needs that. All too often developers have focussed in North Fresno and it's about time SOMEBODY begin to focus serious attention elsewhere. The Trump name will certainly do that -- a huge shot in the arm. Imagine what he can do for SW Fresno.
"Running Horse" is located at 1045 W. Kearney Blvd. At the corner of Kearney and Marks. Presently there are two holes finished there...AND ... the bankruptcy process goes on. Just today, the judge of the bankruptcy court gave the current owner two weeks to get his stuff straightened out. Trump has backed out of negotiations with that seller but has said he will buy it out of bankruptcy court. He definitely has an interest ... it is a site with great potential. The two other serious buyers have also backed out.
We are confident Trump will end up with it, and I think that most of us want to see that. The only stickler in the whole thing is the millions of dollars that will be lost by the initial investors, some lost life savings, and are well known in Fresno. We also know those things happen, and as regretful as it is, life goes on.
I totally agree with you on what Trump can do...not only for that area which had become run down, and saw gang activity, but for all of Fresno. The golf course, as well as the whole complex he is planning there will be something fabulous. Not only the jobs it will provide, but for the people it will bring to the PGA tours, and a rejuvenation of that SW area.
We have watched all these actions with wide-eyed amazement and will be very happy to see the negotitations come to a favorable conclusion for all concerned, and the project get underway. I think it is a "Win-Win" for everyone.
Yes, That isn't the best of areas. Wow. A very, very long time ago they did have some decent home out that way. My uncle lived out there. But now. . .
I saw Trump at Moscone Center in San Francisco in March 2006 speaking at a real estate convention, and I actually liked the guy. He was quite different from the TV personality -- very real. I think he has learned a lot from his past mistakes and wants to pass that along.
It could be that he wants to, and will make this a win-win situation. I can only hope for the residents of SW Fresno that would be true. I hold the city dear to my heart. My mom worked very hard for the residents there, so I would like to think things will always go well for them.
Thanks, Barbara!
It does sound like things are a bit more hopeful--if I read your last comment correctly. Keep us posted!
Bonnie
Thanks for your thoughtful posts and interest.
Nalita, I want to see your face when you come back and see the area after it is built out.
Bonnie, yes! the situation is hopeful. No new developments as yet, it is still in the bankruptcy court as we speak, but please do keep checking back, I will post updates of the ongoing drama.
Any jobs created for locals are manual, unskilled, low-paid labor. Maybe customer service reps, if we're lucky. It makes me mad, because the politicians tout their wonderful work in bringing all this business and prosperity to our State. In reality, they get us a huge drain on our infrastructure and no tax revenue. And some people will believe they did us a favor. It's sad.
I hope the developer is able to get his credit and slowly build the project. I can't help but see Donald Trump as the greater of two evils.
Dancing with my Dream (Vote Round Two)"
Not exactly a glowing recommendation for future development, is it?
In swoops Trump, and does what he does. He loves the chase, so he does these deals for the thrill.
(An aside - would that I had that kind of time and money....sigh.......)
Anyway, he may or may not be the savior of Fresno, but it can't hurt to have his image attached to the development. Might be a good shot in the arm for Fresno. The trade-off (low-balling) might just be worth it in the long run. Only the mayor and other city officials can know for sure, though.
Isabel and Dena: Did you read The Donald's book, "The Art of the Deal?" Echoes what you said.
C.A.: Yes, we are aware of the impact of the Trump name. That is the positive.
Thanks for all your thoughtful comments.
FLASH!
Today, the owner of Running Horse appeared in Bankruptcy court again and got another week. He said he has a buyer. (Not Trump)
Response from Donald Trump: "I will be there at the closing to buy Running Horse.
Keep us updated on that Bankruptcy extension, Barbara.
Starr: No, no one in Fresno is better off, and that is the harsh reality of it all.
I'll keep you posted.
* Nothing from the buyer which the current owner of Running Horse said he had.*
Fresno Mayor Alan (Bubba) Autry announced yesterday that city officials are working on a plan to acquire all 420 acres of Running Horse, then sell it to Donald Trump.
Trump has endeared himself to many concerned with the project by saying he will use the same contractors who filed 15 million in mechanics liens, and others, to complete the project, and will work with local contractors. The removal of the liens would definitely speed up the process. Trump is recognized as having the financial strength to carry a time-consuming project like this to its end.
As an aside, and on the political front ... Trump announced he will be endorsing one, or two candidates for Fresno Mayor when Autry is termed out next year.
Autry added time is critical, the city's involvement would speed the process and possibly lead to a PGA Tour golf tournament in Fresno in 2009. The PGA has indicated very clearly that Fresno is the last major market they want to work with for their tours.
Autry fears lawsuits and liens of the others methods of sale would delay or kill the project, and only the city can save the PGA tour by assembling the 38 lots. A major lender, LaJolla Loans is set to foreclose on 33 of the 38 lots, the remaining are privately owned and would have to be assembled by the city, in order to sell it as one parcel. He feels the city, as a government agency has more tools to accomplish such a deal, including the possible use of eminent domain and other legal remedies.
The city council appears poised to go along; however, some are suggesting that the project be placed on the market after the city acquires it and not just offer it to Trump. An entity known as Twin Fresno LLC has expressed interest but the City Administrator announced they want too many concessions from the city.
AND...the beat goes on.
Starr, you are right ! The Trump name is a big draw, for sure.
Jackie, ***(sigh)
My 1996 Chevrolet Truck, with a bad transmission, is my Trump Lear Jet and my 1989 doublewide mobile home is my Trump Castle. When I look at my wedding ring-I know I am loved and when I look on my wrist to see what time it is-I know that a child somewhere is hungry. Therefore I have found my purpose in life. I guess Donald Trump never found his purpose.
Surrounded by a small army of advisers and sitting at a table covered in a plastic tartan tablecloth, the billionaire launched an extraordinary attack on Mike, describing his home as "disgusting", "a disgrace" and "in total disrepair", and adding: "Take a look and see how badly maintained that piece of property is… There are rusty tractors, rusty oil cans.
"I actually asked him: 'Are you doing this on purpose to try and make me look bad, so I have to pay some more money?'"
Does he perhaps have a point?
Mike is furious and insists the tractors are used to drag his fishing nets and their frames in from the sea, while the oil cans are homemade braziers for burning rubbish.
"Of course I was offended. I wasn't against the golf course from the start.
"I was helping him out, repairing their roads and things and then they just went mental becauseI wouldn't sell."
"They said they would make my life a misery and suddenly it's all got a bit personal. I don't say personal things about him...though there's a lot I could say."
Such as?
"Well . . . his hair looks like a dead squirrel, for starters."
Molly is equally upset at Trump's slurs: "It was a shock to hear him being so rude.
"Fancy saying the place was disgusting — it's a farm, silly."
But aren't they ever so slightly nervous, facing down The Donald, a man who makes even Alan Sugar look like a pussycat?
"Nah. He's just another man, isn't he?' says Mike. 'Just a richer one."
Deb, bad hair day, every day. :)
Deb, Trump's hair looks like a dead squirrel ! LOLOL
This summer my son got married in Visalia, so most out-of-state wedding guest flew in and out of Fresno. I was riding in the back of a Jeep Cherokee when we went to the airport (tinted windows; no one could see I didn't have a seat belt). That is the limit of my experience in Fresno.
I do, however, have some long-term observations about Donald Trump. When he says he does something not because he needs the money but just to do it, he's truly being disingenious (did I spell that correctly?). My understanding is that he inherited his money. This is also a man who made certain that his mistress (later his wife and then ex-wife Marla) showed up at the same resort where he took his family for a vacation. And, amazingly, the media showed up to cover it.
So, in my view, here is a person who is never satisfied with the attention he receives; addicted to getting his own way and thrilled to dominate other people--stranger or closest loved one--to come out on top. If I were Autry, I'd have to ask myself why I'd prefer doing business with a man like that to having the developer/development go bankrupt. Is having the PGA that big a deal? The end of Autry's term and the possibility of a golf tournament in a couple years seems to me to have created an artificial sense of time value to this. Honestly, in California and in a vibrant community like Fresno, how long will it take before that ship finds a way to right itself? I have one other question: Concerning Trump's TV show (whose failure he blamed on others), why would seemingly intelligent, ordinary people want to work for that guy?
Ah, obviously a great, stimulating article!
Laz, great insight into all the tricky balances at play here. As for your question "Why would seemingly intelligent, ordinary people want to work for that guy?" I'm at a loss for any semblance of an answer. Maybe someone else can come along and tell us !
On October 26, 2007, the crucial trustee sale was postphoned again !
REASON: The wildfires in San Diego forced the evacuation of the offices of La Jolla Loans. They are the lender who is foreclosing on $13.6 millions worth of loans on the property. It is likely they will get 33 of the 38 total parcels back at the trustee sale, whenever they are able to get back on the court agenda.
The city plans to buy the parcels and sell them to Trump. Trump then plans to finish Running Horse as a semipublic golf course and housing development. Current plans allow for the course to be ready for a PGA tour event in 2008.
AND ... the beat goes on.
It isn't just Running Horse, though. Although my sister (who is a financial expert), posed the rhetorical question, "Just how did Donald Trump know about Running Horse in the first place?"
I know about the pro golf championship game, and like that, but the picture gets bigger, much bigger.
I may not be pronouncing the name correctly, but Beezer? They are in MUCHO BIGGO trouble. Yes, I see it, for I have toured some of their developments and they are mini ghost towns to be sure. Barbara, they are tricking the community. I thought people lived in those homes. Lights are on, but there is no one in.
One good example is the Kennedy Estates. Now they are advertising them for starting at $169k. Hmmmm. But when my niece was considering buying, and toured them they were starting at $300k. She did not buy, was relocated to another part of California, and thank God she did not buy; what a bad investment that would have been, huh? But, now, what has happened to cause the price to drop more than $100k on BRAND NEW HOMES, mmmm?
This is all a setup to fool the investors, the smaller ones. Big investors like Donald Trump know the deal -- they are not fooled in the least. In fact, they tried to warn us last year; truth be told, those who listened were blessed and those who did not listen "got it".
The situation is grave, and my sister believes it shall get worse. I am no expert, but in the simplified way she explains it, I agree; it shall get much worse.
Please do not blame Trump though. He really did try to warn the average Joe. He was also was honest in saying what the "average Joe" did not do he would jump on. He was rather angry with "W" though (and saying that he was "rather angry" is an understatement.)
I hope the negotiations the City is currently involved in work out for the best. This is just a microcosm of the entire Country though -- a buyer's market where the rich shall have a feast, a field day while the middle American shall get poorer and poorer.
How very sad.
From Easton to past Nees, from Madera to past Clovis, I know this area. Barbara, this is very, very disturbing. What I am referring to is the real estate market. It is affecting EVERYTHING -- just EVERYTHING.
I keep hearing the question about Trump and Running Horse. I know that real estate is his business. I know that he is good at it; I know that he said he would jump on good deals. But I just have a nagging feeling; it is not for myself, but for this country, and the "calm before the storm."
You have seen much more of this than I have. Have you taken a good look at some of the new construction there? Are people really moving into those new homes? I do not believe that people are able to afford them anymore.
Thank you Barbara
Sorry to be so long in getting here...I haven't been "Gathering" much lately. Too much going on in my life right now with family, job, volunteer work, etc. etc. etc. Hopefully, after the first of the year it will calm down a bit.
I wasn't aware of "The lights are on, but nobody's home" thing, but nothing surprises me about what people will do when the chips are down.
As you discovered, Fresno is in hard times trying to sell the new subdivisions. I think every Builder in the state came here during the Real Estate boom and built a subdivision. Now, prices have been reduced dramatically because of supply and demand. To make matters worse, there are more than 500 homes in Fresno in foreclosure. The Real Estate picture is grim right now and likely to get worse before it gets better.
But...the saga at Running Horse continues. The Mayor had talked of eminent domain to take the properties at Running Horse from the owners who were holding out...in order to sell to Trump. Public reaction to that from the public and the City Council was less than favorable, so the Mayor backed down. However, there is one land owner who has a piece of property that is key to Trump building out Running Horse. He wants six million for a piece of property that would appraise at something under a million. So this is a case of a land owner bumping up the price because the buyer is Trump. The City (Mayor) was going to try to do all the assimilating so Trump could step in and run with it, but when the eminent domain idea failed, so did the assimilating idea. Now the Mayor has announced that the City is out of it...completely ... and Trump will have to deal with all the land owners who are holding out...directly. Trump refuses to do that, so has stepped out of the deal completely. The City announced they believe they have another interested buyer. So, that's where we are on Running Horse, as of today. However, that picture changes almost daily. **Stay tuned.**
The Wathen Bros. are still here, still building. They have partnered with Castanos in their building endeavors ...and like the others....are just trying to weather the storm...as is the case in most of the country right now. You're right, Nalita, it is sad when we get to this place...the unclothed Emperor ... and all. LOL.
You have a pretty good feel for the political climate here and how it affects not only the Real Estate market, but the economy, in general.
We had a big Ethanol plant going up here...now...it is in trouble, too. The price of corn, per bushel, almost doubled. It's shares on the market dropped from $18.00 to $4.00. Oh, woe is us!
What's that old saying about, "What goes up must come down?" And, so it is. Now, we have to ride it out till it levels out.
Thanks for the interest, Nalita, wish I'd known you were in Fresno, would have taken you to lunch. :)
Barbara
Went to school with the Wathens, and I imagine Mark Wathen has taken over the business from the older ones. He seemed much more business-minded than his cousin, but people change.
Thank you for keeping us updated. Whatever your holiday plans -- or not -- may they be pleasant and peaceful. Thank you, too for the lunch offer. Doesn't Fresno have a multitude of restaurants?!!!!!!!
An old boss of mine commented about that when he was re-located from San Francisco to Fresno, that it was THE place for restaurants and shopping malls. Hmmm. I never had considered it before.
You brought me a chuckle on this rainy, dreary day !!! AND...you are right on...again. In Fresno, there is a restaurant, a shopping mall, a book store and a Starbucks in most every block. It is rumored that few in Fresno cook ~~ we have to jog the economy and support all these restaurants. It is predicted that ~ soon ~ each person in Fresno will own their own Starbucks. PLUS, every builder from far and wide has a subdivision of new homes he is trying to sell. Now, some are offering swimming pools and nearly every type of upgrade you can think of ~ if you will buy one of their homes. Heard of one that would put a new car in the garage! **gasp**
**I'm trying to be good~~failing at that**
But, the dastardly brilliant schemes that surface in a bad economy are nothing short of genius.
On Running Horse: We wait with baited breath for the Donald's next move - either in again or out - and any move from the secret buyer the City has.
Have a Merry and a Happy !!!
Yes, I am seeing the results of "progress" and I just do not like it, I'm afraid.
Oh, by the way, beautiful -- absolutely BEAUTIFUL Christmas display for the children in Clovis. We took them there last night and they loved it!
I did not grow up in the City of Fresno, but the unincorporated (County) area, aka the country, although technically and for lack of any other post office, it was Fresno. I remember when people were able to ride their horses without disturbance, and there were no tract homes, no "civilization" at all, just miles and miles of orchards, vineyards and farmlarm (produce) and/or ranches for the various livestock.
Things have changed so.
I tried to get "away" the other day, away from "progress", and so I drove for miles and miles -- I could find no refuge, no quiet place away from people as I once could; for me this is sad. Why are all of the farmers selling out?
What a dumb question, huh? The answer is obvious: $$$$$$
Plus, as more development springs up they want to move farther away from it, and frankly, I do not blame them.
Well, at least we call still get a clear night of beautiful stars. Oh brother!
One thing that has not changed (haha!) is that people love their Christmas displays. P.G.&E. must hate this time of year! Even my family gets into it with their displays -- lighted moving deer, reindeer, sheep (everything except cows), Santa with his sleigh on the roof all lit up -- Sheeesh!
CONSERVE ENERGY, PEOPLE!
Then the twist is that everyone talks about conserving energy by having their fireplaces lit (ha ha ha ha). I am really snickering; how dumb is that? I just look at them and shake my head. They cut down their trees to make firewood to conserve energy, BUY a flocked Christmas tree, light up their property to such an extreme that it makes Vegas look like it is in the dark, and then talk about conserving energy by lighting the fireplace. Ha ha ha ha!
I know you are into real estate, so maybe I should not poke fun; I apologize.
We can only pray about this economy, though
Pray, pray, and then prrrray some more. It is disturbing.
Thank you, Barbara!
I almost forgot -- it got down below freezing last night, so maybe that means the rain is gone for awhile, I hope!
First ~~~ WOW! ~~~ Your new icon is striking!!! You're looking more like Oprah every day. Love those colors. Beautiful, just beautiful.
Next ~~~ again, sorry for being so long in getting back here but seems the holidays were just eating me alive. Have needed about five more hours in each day for some time. I'm glad the holidays are past, and some normalcy can return. **Slapping self on head**.
Does that mean I'm a scrooge, or just getting old? (Don't answer that.)
Nalita, You have a good insight into this whole thing and you are "dead-on" in your assessment of the situation. NOt only with the Donald, and Running Horse, but the Fresno economy, in general. Like the rest of the country, it is just simply grim. They say we're not in a recession, but it sure feels like one.
On Running Horse. There are no new developments to report at this time. Since the last report here, absolutely nothing has happened. The Donald has totally absented himself from the project, from Fresno, from the mayor, and from the City Council. He got a little miffed, I am guessing, because those entities stepped out of doing the assimilating of the lots for him, and refused to use the power of eminent domain. If the Donald has made any further moves, it has not been made public. I'm also guessing they want that one owner - who is asking five million more for his land there than it is worth- to stew in his own juices for awhile, and recognize the absurdity of his asking price.
No other buyers who were supposedly "out there," have surfaced either, so once again, we are back to point zero on the site. The whole bargaining landscape has changed, so we wait...again...in wide-eyed amazement for what might be on the horizon at Running Horse in 2008.
Stay tuned.
Happy New Year !
Thanks for your comment on the ferret mishap. And no, I didn't make it up. Unfortunately. The problem with my life is that the stuff people find funny is all true and I wish it wasn't (at the time) But it does make for some vivid life experiences, usually in retrospect. At the time they are happening, I'm usually shredding my nerves right and left. Well. they are shredding anyway, not sure how much I'm going along with it.
All these vivid life experiences have brought you to the person you are today...charming and funny. Keep telling things on yourself!! We love 'em.
Usually, it'll be something like: . How to build your own bird house in Ten Easy Steps (step one, get some wood....etc) Or maybe about where to get the best pizza in town. I have to blow off steam sometimes and I do it by simply telling about the rest of my life. I have fun and it appears readers do, too, hopefully. Win/win. Except for the events behind the memoirs (i'm not even bothering to call them stories anymore, why deny any of it?)
It has been suggested that I trade the gun for a baseball bat .. to extend the suffering period ...like IT does to us.
He then dutifully (translation: he wife told him to) went to read a book to his child and the kid said,"Why did you bring that book that I did not want to be read to out of up FOR? " Count the prepositions at the end of that sentence. White got a kick out of it. I do, too. Every time I look at that sentence, five prepositions leap out, all at the far end of that sentence. :)
I just got back on Gather. Even now, had to get here through IE. Guess they're working on probs and hoping to get them resolved.
Mis-use of prepositions means never having to say you're sorry. I appreciate your "stylistic" style. It seems more and more writers are breaking from some of the old writing traditions with vernaculars, slang, dialect, etc...
I just read the following sentence in a published article...
"Where'd you get that hat at?"
On that sweet note, I'm going to echo a comment I made on another article which goes: A woman's place is in the mall, so I'm heading that direction.
TRUMP SHOULD OFFER AT LEAST 50 MILION...!
I'll get back to writing articles in a short time. Right now, I'm doing editing and re-writing some chapters of my book. Also, up to my chinny chin chin in articles for the Creative Writing class. PLUS...commenting on your articles, and playing identify the celebrity with Marco. :) :) Don't give up on me.
Trump has said he is out now ... for good ... finished, because the city wouldn't assimilate the lots and use the power of eminent domain.
Yes, you're right, that would have been a good offer.
How did you manage to stay current on it from there?
Unfortunately, the Scottish Parliament sensed that a trough could become available in which they could insert their snouts... and so the argument is ongoing.
Interestingly, one man, whose property is slap bang in the middle of the area owned by Trump, has refused to sell it, under any circumstances.
We'll just have to wait and see how this pans out.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/article2961400.ece
Sadly that concept is one of the past, but I would like to think that is what will happen here. I'm guessing it will be interesting.
The similarities of these two projects that the Donald is trying for is ironic. This man never ceases to amaze us with his business prowess. But, look where it has gotten him.
Glad to see you pop up here and comment. I disabled my Pings too but you should check out the comments on that article. Um....it isn't just the Pings that are an issue. Honest.