What do the ratings mean?
A. The exclusive Trailer Life Directory Triple Ratings system evaluates a park based on three main criteria; Completeness of the Facilities, Cleanliness and Physical Characteristics of Restrooms and Showers, and Visual Appeal and Environmental Quality. All three ratings are on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best. Less than 1 percent of parks or campgrounds receive a rating of 10. Our readers tell us that cleanliness ranks high in importance to them. Therefore, when a park receives full points in the cleanliness of restroom sinks, toilets, showers, walls, floors and mirrors, a star will appear next to their restroom rating. For more information about the ratings click here.
The original impression was that a AAA rating for the top rated tranche of a CDO meant the same as the AAA rating the agencies give the top U.S. or corporate bonds. However, that assumption has been called into question by the performance of CDOs and by statements from the rating agencies. In some cases, CDO tranches issued with AAA ratings when sold were downgraded to “junk” status within only a few months. Congress, the SEC and some state attorneys general are investigating the rating agencies and underwriters of CDOs, and this may be an area that undergoes major changes and additional regulation in 2009.
