Friday, February 29, 2008
Sheep in Wolf's clothing
So the US Dollar is taking a POUNDING lately, and the pundits are saying this is not good. I say "Au Contraire, my friend". Let's think about it: our Dollar is worth much less than the Euro, which means that more of them will be coming over here instead of us going over there. Hmm, if they come over here, they're going to spend money at our restaurants, shops, upscale retail outlets and the like. Isn't this what we want all along -- more shoppers net net? If your market has dried up, if your cheese has moved, what do you do? You go to where the market is. You change your tactics to increase your market share. Or, in this case, in addition to all of the above, you welcome the new shoppers that are coming to YOU. Sure, it's not a proud moment to admit that your national currency (the national currency of the world's strongest power, by the way) is worth less than the upstart Euro, but hey, if the "tactic" keeps you afloat and helps you pay your bills, what's your beef? The economy will slowly come back, thanks not just because of Fed intervention via economic stimulus, but also because of natural market events, such as the new underground cash flow created by the Euros coming to America and spending here (did I just say "such as"? That Miss South Carolina is rubbing off on me...yikes!). Already we are hearing of Euros buying up discounted real estate in Florida. Yes! That's what we need! They'll invigorate the real estate market and who knows? Maybe that will trickle down to help the rest of the r/e market. So what if they buy low and hold until the market returns and they sell high -- they'll take their profit and do what? Buy more! Now, political pundits will say that this may result in a growth pattern that the new administration will take full credit for, but the saavy ones will know the truth that it wouldn't matter what administration is in office, the market moves independently regardless. I'm not pushing aside Fed interaction completely, but as a long-time watcher and investor of the markets, I for one realize the logic of the markets as being an animal unto themselves, and no one can predict or control speculation (and Calvin Coolidge had it right: The business of America is business). So, bring me your Euros, your Drachmas, your Yen -- let's welcome your business with open arms, cuz we'll take the cash infusion!
Monday, February 11, 2008
Roger Reject
Clemens is sticking to his steroid-enhanced (allegedly) guns, but we all know McNamee is not as big a threat as Petitte's testimony -- if Andy gives him up, it's all over for the Rocket. And now we get word that Rocket's wife was shot up, too? Hey, you know what they say: The family that juices together, stays together. I'm sure Rocket will not take this well, and we may see an outpouring of rage -- no, wait, nevermind...And does this make Jose Canseco legit after all?
Toute Le Monde, 2/11/08
1. Hillary making a major staff change: Pundits reading the tea leaves are painting this as a bad sign for the Clinton campaign. The O is coming on strong, and his message is becoming infectuous. I think they should join forces and run together on one ticket, but I don't see how one of them will step aside and take the Veep position. As a long-time registered 'publican (yet no stranger to independent and non-partisan voting), even I can see that if Clinton is the nominee, the Dems will lose because the 'publican war machine is salivating and ready to pounce; the opposite is true if The O runs against The Old Man.
2. The Huckster is still hanging on: Can't figure out why Huckabee wants to stay in the race, but I admire his tenacity. And I'm always on the side of Question Authority, yet he's got to be very careful not to step on graves while marching through the cemetery. The Mitt has done the honorable thing and has fallen on his sword -- plus I'm sure his FP has been yelling at him to stop the madness or the Mitt Family will be eating StarKist instead of sushimi for generations to come, and we can't have that. I'd like to see Mitt take the Veep spot with The Old Man, it makes sense from a Wall Street position (even though it's not fiscally responsible to blow millions on a losing campaign). Just what is the Huckster hanging on for?
3. Bill Maher: bitch bitch bitch! But where's the solution? Bill, your constant condescending comments of the President is getting old and disrespectful, but I still support your show because you are the only one that's willing to put both sides on the air to have a somewhat intelligent discussion. Your audience, however, needs a lobotomy, and it makes your show more circus and less likely to be taken seriously, which is a shame. Your anti-Bush guests bring nothing to the table except weak complaints and no solutions, and whenever your conservative guests produce great talking points, you can't come back with anything except nervous jokes or weak counters. Gee, I wonder why you don't put on Joe Scarborough or Dennis Miller on your show anymore? Cuz you can't hang with them, that's why!
4. Bob Knight, man or myth? I'm glad he walked away. Why force someone to do something they don't want to do? Who wants that around their program? But please, Coach Knight, please don't come back unless it's to Indiana. You both deserve each other. Meanwhile, I think your son is set up for failure and won't last long, but hey, at least his resume will include a head coaching position (which TT owed you for your help in putting them back on the map).
5. Grammys: oh, Kanye, you got bitch-slapped, and by Vince Gill of all people? Even Usher was smaking on you! Why? Because your bitching is stupid and narcissistic -- who in music hasn't suffered to get their music on air? That's part of being an artist -- or are you only in it for the money? You need to decide what's more important to you -- your talent or your materialism. What did your mother die for? Meanwhile...how 'bout Le Winehouse! She looked incredibly lucid and sober, and I was glad to see it. She's different and compelling, and there's nothing wrong with that. Question is, will this make her party like it's 1999, or will this snap her out of it? Hate to say it, but I'm not taking her out of the Death Pool Top Five List just yet...and what about the show in general? I thought it sucked out loud. MTV, again you have been given a huge gift -- you can make your show harder, faster, stronger, better, but as usual, you won't -- you'll do something you think is cutting edge but will miss by a mile. Is there no one out there that can produce a music awards show that's fun and entertaining to watch, with appropriate music guests playing relevant (read: not last year's) songs?
6. Microsquash rejected by Yahoo: Hmm, I wonder if Google had anything to do with this? Let's see a hostle takeover!
2. The Huckster is still hanging on: Can't figure out why Huckabee wants to stay in the race, but I admire his tenacity. And I'm always on the side of Question Authority, yet he's got to be very careful not to step on graves while marching through the cemetery. The Mitt has done the honorable thing and has fallen on his sword -- plus I'm sure his FP has been yelling at him to stop the madness or the Mitt Family will be eating StarKist instead of sushimi for generations to come, and we can't have that. I'd like to see Mitt take the Veep spot with The Old Man, it makes sense from a Wall Street position (even though it's not fiscally responsible to blow millions on a losing campaign). Just what is the Huckster hanging on for?
3. Bill Maher: bitch bitch bitch! But where's the solution? Bill, your constant condescending comments of the President is getting old and disrespectful, but I still support your show because you are the only one that's willing to put both sides on the air to have a somewhat intelligent discussion. Your audience, however, needs a lobotomy, and it makes your show more circus and less likely to be taken seriously, which is a shame. Your anti-Bush guests bring nothing to the table except weak complaints and no solutions, and whenever your conservative guests produce great talking points, you can't come back with anything except nervous jokes or weak counters. Gee, I wonder why you don't put on Joe Scarborough or Dennis Miller on your show anymore? Cuz you can't hang with them, that's why!
4. Bob Knight, man or myth? I'm glad he walked away. Why force someone to do something they don't want to do? Who wants that around their program? But please, Coach Knight, please don't come back unless it's to Indiana. You both deserve each other. Meanwhile, I think your son is set up for failure and won't last long, but hey, at least his resume will include a head coaching position (which TT owed you for your help in putting them back on the map).
5. Grammys: oh, Kanye, you got bitch-slapped, and by Vince Gill of all people? Even Usher was smaking on you! Why? Because your bitching is stupid and narcissistic -- who in music hasn't suffered to get their music on air? That's part of being an artist -- or are you only in it for the money? You need to decide what's more important to you -- your talent or your materialism. What did your mother die for? Meanwhile...how 'bout Le Winehouse! She looked incredibly lucid and sober, and I was glad to see it. She's different and compelling, and there's nothing wrong with that. Question is, will this make her party like it's 1999, or will this snap her out of it? Hate to say it, but I'm not taking her out of the Death Pool Top Five List just yet...and what about the show in general? I thought it sucked out loud. MTV, again you have been given a huge gift -- you can make your show harder, faster, stronger, better, but as usual, you won't -- you'll do something you think is cutting edge but will miss by a mile. Is there no one out there that can produce a music awards show that's fun and entertaining to watch, with appropriate music guests playing relevant (read: not last year's) songs?
6. Microsquash rejected by Yahoo: Hmm, I wonder if Google had anything to do with this? Let's see a hostle takeover!
Sunday, February 03, 2008
UPset Special
Wait a minute, I had it right -- I did say that the winning team would win by 3, thanks to a last-minute TD drive....oh, yeah, I picked the wrong teams to win/lose. But hey, I was closest, does that count? I don't remember the commercials (except for the Victoria's Secret spot at the end of the game -- hubba hubba!)....
Congrats, Giants. Is it baseball season yet?
Congrats, Giants. Is it baseball season yet?
Out of the Blog Closet, Part Deux
1) Don't hold back. If you think you have something to contribute, whether it's long-winded (like most of my stuff) or short and sweet, then let it rip.
2) Try not to think this is beneath you or that you can't measure up. I've hobnobbed at several black-tie events, and I've had to rely on public transportation to take me to and from work. I've easily mingled with some bright and successful people, and I've broke bread with some simple down-home folk. I can say with certainty that everyone, no matter what background or education, can contribute something of value to this world.
3) Use a nickname if you want. That goes for Doc, Dog, Dagwood, HairGoddess, and anyone else.
4) Try not to have a thin skin. Constructive criticism can be a good thing (except for me, I'm still working on it).
5) Since I just KNOW you are curious -- the name of the blog comes from a procedure used by a former bank employer of mine, and I always swore I'd use it as the name for my rock band, but since that didn't happen (yet), it goes here.
2) Try not to think this is beneath you or that you can't measure up. I've hobnobbed at several black-tie events, and I've had to rely on public transportation to take me to and from work. I've easily mingled with some bright and successful people, and I've broke bread with some simple down-home folk. I can say with certainty that everyone, no matter what background or education, can contribute something of value to this world.
3) Use a nickname if you want. That goes for Doc, Dog, Dagwood, HairGoddess, and anyone else.
4) Try not to have a thin skin. Constructive criticism can be a good thing (except for me, I'm still working on it).
5) Since I just KNOW you are curious -- the name of the blog comes from a procedure used by a former bank employer of mine, and I always swore I'd use it as the name for my rock band, but since that didn't happen (yet), it goes here.
stupor bowl predictions -- who ya got?
The Gang (you know who you are) and I recently shared emails about our predictions for the Big Game (with all due respect to the Goodell Syndicate). I took a leap by supporting my favorite AFC team with a swami-like call of a 20-17 New England victory, thanks to a last-minute incredible TD drive by Gisele's boyfriend (lucky guy!). Plus, I want to see history being made. Giants came a long way, but the jury's still out on whether Eli has finally risen to his pre-pro career expectations, or is he just Kerry Collins incarnate.
I've been invited to a SB party at a buddy's house down the street, but it's also a workday and schoolday tomorrow, bright and early, so I don't see myself staying too long. Where will you be for the game, and Who ya got?
And be prepared to be asked about your reactions to the commercials (and what you did at halftime).
I've been invited to a SB party at a buddy's house down the street, but it's also a workday and schoolday tomorrow, bright and early, so I don't see myself staying too long. Where will you be for the game, and Who ya got?
And be prepared to be asked about your reactions to the commercials (and what you did at halftime).
Out of the Blog Closet
'The time has come,' the Walrus said, 'To talk of many things...'
For a few years now, I have sporadically (at best) worked on a personal blog, mostly for selfish reasons -- I fancied myself as having a hidden writer just dying to get out, and this may be the best conduit to help me achieve that objective. After all, it's no secret to my former professors (by their grading and comments at the time) or those close to me that I have a "gift" for writing, especially when pressed for time. Only problem is that I find "the spirit has to move me", as they say in the vast cultural wasteland of (insert your favorite cultural wasteland here), or else the hidden writer stays beneath the surface for another week, or month, or months.
I still want to write, but I also have recently come to the conclusion that I know many people, all or most being your average person-next-door, who have the ability to contribute unique and equally interesting ideas that I feel not only need to be heard (or in this case, read), but can create a honest rebuttal for others, concluding (I hope) in food for thought. These people I know are a small group, but they vary in age, experience, culture, political partisianship, and gender, and I find them refreshing and capable of providing a counterpoint when the need arises. With that in mind, I have decided to open the floodgates, if you will, by exposing this blog to them, and hopefully they will respond in kind with their opinions, and their friends' opinions, and any others who wish to join the party. I only ask that we keep this somewhat above-board -- have some respect for your fellow contributors. I'm not a prude per se, and I love a funny joke (adult or otherwise) just as much as the next person, and there may be times that a funny joke or cartoon or caption is used to amplify a point, but let's not go overboard if we can help it. Personally, if my blog is fortunate enough to receive contributions from who I think will write in, then I believe we'll have nothing to worry about.
And so it begins...
(special thanks to Lewis Carroll)
For a few years now, I have sporadically (at best) worked on a personal blog, mostly for selfish reasons -- I fancied myself as having a hidden writer just dying to get out, and this may be the best conduit to help me achieve that objective. After all, it's no secret to my former professors (by their grading and comments at the time) or those close to me that I have a "gift" for writing, especially when pressed for time. Only problem is that I find "the spirit has to move me", as they say in the vast cultural wasteland of (insert your favorite cultural wasteland here), or else the hidden writer stays beneath the surface for another week, or month, or months.
I still want to write, but I also have recently come to the conclusion that I know many people, all or most being your average person-next-door, who have the ability to contribute unique and equally interesting ideas that I feel not only need to be heard (or in this case, read), but can create a honest rebuttal for others, concluding (I hope) in food for thought. These people I know are a small group, but they vary in age, experience, culture, political partisianship, and gender, and I find them refreshing and capable of providing a counterpoint when the need arises. With that in mind, I have decided to open the floodgates, if you will, by exposing this blog to them, and hopefully they will respond in kind with their opinions, and their friends' opinions, and any others who wish to join the party. I only ask that we keep this somewhat above-board -- have some respect for your fellow contributors. I'm not a prude per se, and I love a funny joke (adult or otherwise) just as much as the next person, and there may be times that a funny joke or cartoon or caption is used to amplify a point, but let's not go overboard if we can help it. Personally, if my blog is fortunate enough to receive contributions from who I think will write in, then I believe we'll have nothing to worry about.
And so it begins...
(special thanks to Lewis Carroll)
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