foobarnow

economic recant; fearing the Big D

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 16:44:50 GMT

In December 2007 I stated, "financial advice for you yungin's

Here's some advice for you twenty somethings as to where to sock your savings. And the answer is...

Stocks! Both global and domestic."

My bad.

I assumed that if the American economic engine would falter, the Chinese marvel would pick up the demand with their ever increasing middle class.

Wrong.

This went downhill fast. In Spring of '08 I moving 3/4 of my stocks to cash positions (not that it was much, but I was overexposed). In early fall I moved the remaining into cash.

Now, I fear the worst. There are no models for this current global economic condition. Throwing money at it will not work, and may make things worse if no one supports the US debt which is skyrocketing. The smartest economic minds do not know what to do to stop the downward spiral.

This meltdown could be worse than the Great Depression. The primary reason is that most American's are not familiar with poverty and want and are not prepared to weather it.

From optimist to pessimist....

Stay tuned.

witness to history

Fri, 16 Jan 2009 23:33:36 GMT

OMfG

Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:03:19 GMT

he did it.

election night festivities

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:21:35 GMT

Anyone in the DC metro area interested in hanging out at Capitol Hill watering holes on election night to bring in the new era, hit me up.

only 3 days left and no implosion?

Sat, 01 Nov 2008 14:39:39 GMT

I'm not stepping on sidewalk cracks being apprehensive that the Democratic nominee for president implodes as they have successfully done so in the past.

wtf?

Obama is running an EXTREMELY well organized and financed campaign putting the Republicans to shame.

AND HE"S AN UNABASHED LIBERAL!!!!! Even Clinton wouldn't admit it although he was/is, in his heart.

Of course, the collapsed economy, two wars, and an idiot for a president have virtually handed the election to him on a platter. He still could pull defeat from the jaws of victory as is the Democrats wont.

I'm not sure if our country run into the ground is worth getting a Democrat into office, But I'll take it.

this financial meltdown will give Obama the election...

Mon, 22 Sep 2008 23:36:59 GMT

If it hadn't come along, the Republicans were on track to outfoxing him with the electorate (lies and pettiness: lipstick on a pig?).

And McCain has no economic perspective (he has admitted to that in the past).

Of course, once elected, he'll have no money to spend on the programs he promised to deliver (i.e. universal health care).

But it would be awesome nevertheless.

stuning financials as we become like China (yes the wheels have come off)

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:40:45 GMT

Mark your calendar for the most tramatic shift in US government fiscal policy ever... including the Great Depression.

To witness the extent of government intervention means that economically at least, our unique brand of American capitalism drastically shifts more towards the centrally managed economy of China- centrally managed capitalism.

Blame it on greed, deregulation, or globalization, our unique American identity as capitalists will never be the same again.

obama-mania

Thu, 24 Jul 2008 12:18:37 GMT

This is f*cking awesome....

Finally we have a (presumptive) Democratic nominee who is setting the agenda and leaving the Repubs in the dust.

His international tour is a brilliant move designed to defuse the "he ain't ready to lead" initiative. There *are* risks and he could yet fall flat, but he has to to this in order to convince that he has the chops to lead. And honestly, count me as one of the doubters. I mean 3 years ago he was in the Illinois state Senate!!!

I tell you I see in his eyes a man of vision and destiny. He has a calling and he is following that voice.

Leadership none too late.

merely thankful...

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 16:30:10 GMT

for those who've paid *any* price for our country. Our identity as a country is difficult at times as we are a mix of various cultures and peoples. However, a unifying factor stands out and that is the respect and awe for those who serve in the military.

Far from perfect, but when called upon (right or wrong) to give of themselves, they do so.

For that, I am humbly grateful and in awe.

Gideon Bibles Gone?

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:52:53 GMT

Not that I read it on a regular basis, however. While in Florida for a week conference, I had a hankering for the Word and pulled open the night stand drawer in Miami, and lo... there was no Gideon's Bible!!!!

For those not familiar with this phenomenon, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gideons_International

After leaving the Hyatt, I was staying in a Hampton Inn in Orlando where I checked again, and... nope, no Gideon.

Perhaps it has been viewed by hotel owners that not having a Koran, Gita, or <insert sacred text here> alongside the Gideon Bible is not politically correct or may offend people.

None the less, count me as chagrined that the spiritual lifeline for many a traveler is no longer always there at the ready.

is another's love indeed capable...

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 16:46:49 GMT

of activating "being" within the beloved? If so, once active, how does the role of the lover evolve? No longer dependency but now...?

subprime: economic Darwinism at work

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 16:18:05 GMT

Cry me a river....

I'm tired of seeing sad stories of homeowners being foreclosed upon due to adjustable rate mortgages going through the roof. Certainly it's sad, especially for those who depend upon intelligent decisions by heads of households but come on....

Did they read the documents they signed? All of the terms are fully disclosed. I mean there are thousands of individuals going through this crash. Are these people replying to the Emails from Nigeria as well?

The worst case is that they move back to apartments from whence they came. That is not the end of the world.

As for the lenders. This is astounding. The premier names in the financial industry were taken in by these subprime products. Did anyone do research as to how these mortgages were granted (i.e. no financial background checks). These banks are going to be, and will be subject to lawsuits by shareholders. It is not an option for them to make sound financial decisions., it is their responsibility.

Greed on all fronts has created this nightmare.

The government should NOT bail out homeowvers or businesses involved in this debacle. To do so means that they will simply be taken in my the next scam offering overnight riches for no money down. Anyone, especially businesses, to assume that home values would continue to escalate forever needs to retake economics 101.

Continuing to prop up our economy artificially weakens it and prevents natural law from eliminating the weak/stupid/corrupt.

Bill, just go away... please

Sun, 27 Jan 2008 03:41:41 GMT

The recent Billary / Obama skirmishing helped me, at least, decide that I certainly didn't want to hear that shrill Clinton duo's voice emanating from the White House.

Enough already.

Obama for President

bin Laden is saying, "why didn't I think of that?"

Sat, 26 Jan 2008 16:17:22 GMT

The rogue French trader who cost France's Societe Generale bank more than $7 billion by making bad stock market bets performed perhaps the greatest individual global economic impact in history.

There is increasing evidence that his frantic selling efforts roiled the European markets and aggravated the global meltdown over the last week. It can also be argued that his actions triggered the Fed's 75 basis point rate cut which hadn't occured since the Great Depression.

Unbelievable.

How could this trader be performing these transactions unchecked in a system which is designed to be foolproof?  In addition, once discovered, the bank discovered other positions he has held which created additional selling pressure the following days. (http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/26/business/worldbusiness/26bank.html)

bin Laden must be soooo jealous. Talk about assymetric warfare. His actions arguably wiped away billions of dollars from the ledgers of no doubt hundreds of millions of stock holders and pensioners. O the power of automated markets globally linked.

This is a hella brave new world ladies and germs.

Talk about impact.

And he was considered "an unimpressive performer" by his reviewers.

sacre bleu!

Condi's Screwup, Musharraf's Cunning and Bhutto's Martyrdom

Sat, 29 Dec 2007 15:01:01 GMT

Amazing....

The lead story here is

Musharraf orchestrates Bhutto's assassination while blaming Al Qaeda.

Condi struggled and negotiated Bhuttos return. Musharraf didn't want that return in the least as they are sworn enemies. However, he couldn't refuse the American request (due to kickback, etc). Therefore, he allowed her return, even resigned as head of the Army and scheduled elections!!!!!

So he's looking like the benevelont dictator stepping down to allow the democratic process to occur.

However, Bhutto cannot be allowed to run as she would win.

A likely cultprit in waiting was Al Qaeda. Their hatred for Musharraf and the US was only exceeded by their disdain for Bhutto.

Following the assissination of Bhutto, supposed intercepted communications from Al Qaeda were revealed congratulating the "brave boys" on their success.

Bullshit

Where's the CIA/NSA's confirmation of these transmissions? Certainly our ears are tuned to those frequencies listening for Bin Laden's activities.

Answer? There is none because to introduce the fact that Musharraf was behind this would result in utter anarchy in the region.

A perfect crime for Musharraf's team.

While Condi's lack of forsight resulted in Bhutto's slaughter.

Again, confirmation that intelligence is not equivalent to wisdom.

Happy Winter Solstice!

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 16:27:44 GMT

For you of Druidic inclination....

Stonehenge, Winter solstice sunset

financial advice for you yungin's

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 17:08:33 GMT

Here's some advice for you twenty somethings as to where to sock your savings. And the answer is...

Stocks! Both global and domestic.

Yup, the stock market will continue to rise at or greater rates than in the past. There is talk of recession, falling dollars, and submprime meltdown. However, the equity markets are now global and as long as new markets are developing, stocks will continue to appreciate.

The future is global business. American businesses are leading the charge. China's marketplace will eventually eclipse ours as being the economic driver of global business. The signs are everywhere. The key to success in investing is to be ahead of the crowd. Here's your chance.

I predict that although a recession may actually hit the US, the markets will continue to advance. There will certainly be volatilty and corrections, however, for long term appreciation, stocks hold the key.

Take $1000, invest in a mutual fund or growth stock, and forget about it.

Standard caveats apply :]

What Do You Have To Say? - What Makes Me Brave

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 16:14:49 GMT

On this day in 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white man. What have you done that is brave?

View 74 Answers

I laughed in the face of a guy who was holding me up with a gun in an alley in San Fran. Of course, I had no money, hence my reaction.

What has changed in Iraq? Smell of success?

Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:02:57 GMT

An estimated 1,000 people a day are returning across Iraq's borders having previously moving abroad to escape the violence, Iraqi authorities say.

from the BBC today.

The number of suicide bombs and IEDs has dropped dramatically. What's going on? Did the surge work? Did Gen Petraeus' strategy work?

Whatever the reason, we should all (liberals and conservatives alike) be rejoicing.

However, my paranoia creeps in... is this the calm before the storm? The insurgents are not idiots, funding has not stopped, the war is far from over.

Let's hope for the best and expect the worst.

Happy T-day to all!

responding to Jeff's

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:18:38 GMT

admonishment to write more...

to wit

alone (naturally)

Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:08:52 GMT

I

feel

the rejection from you that I once displayed to others

experience

being utterly alone, but instead of seeking solace by getting high, I now (by virtue of new strength and wisdom) accept and experience it which then

lowers me

into another ring of personal hell complete with memories of pain and sorrow and lack of love where I

pull back

those energies and refuse to allow my personal energy to be tied up in those mental and emotional chains that bind my spirit like thousands of tiny strings that in themselves are nothing but taken together bind this giant and I

reclaim

this ring of existencel and wipe it clean to the point of nothingness which is ultimately what the (created) universe is really except for the

love

that we have for one another in various facets of existence and those of us not destined to satisfy the societal bell curved model must

realize

that self satisfaction is not going to complete our emptiness but we must find that gift that the shaman of all generations have had to discover or face the ultimate

anomie

of life which has driven so many of our brothers and sisters into the depths of

despair

to which, in those moments, I acknoledge that on the other side, we will reconnect with the source and in our baggage (memories) we will reveal those riches we had stored in heaven where moth and rust did not corrupt and share them with the Father as evidence that his Love did not spark into that void to be lost for an eternity in darkness and pain and sorrow until the

End

of time.

my take on Fosset's disappearance....

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:35:12 GMT

Millionaire adventurer Steve Fosset disappeared in his small airplane three weeks ago with no success in locating his aircraft in the rugged Nevada mountains.

For those unaware, Fosset was the ultimate adventurer breaking world flying records, scaling mountains, swimming the English channel and other strenuous and arduous physical challenges. However, he was in his 60's and, call me cynical, I believe he was reaching the limits of his physical abilities.

A man such as this cannot bear the thought of spending his latter years in a nursing home waiting for death to claim him.

I believe he orchestrated his own demise. This eliminates the tortuous slow decline in abilities but also lends the air of mystique to his adventurer legend.

Remember, this well known survivalist left in his plane without a GPS or homing device. This is not the behavior of someone seeking to be found in the event of mechanical failure or other misfortune.

Although not being discussed as an option, I'm certain that his close friends have come to the same conclusion.

the Gipper's take on W....

Tue, 18 Sep 2007 13:12:52 GMT

“A moment I've been dreading. George brought his ne're-do-well son around this morning and asked me to find the kid a job. Not the political one who lives in Florida. The one who hangs around here all the time looking shiftless. This so-called kid is already almost 40 and has never had a real job. Maybe I'll call Kinsley over at The New Republic and see if they'll hire him as a contributing editor or something. That looks like easy work.”

From the just published REAGAN DIARIES

entry dated May 17, 1986

screw Belichick

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 01:34:16 GMT

He ought to be castrated and tarred and feathered....

in the flash of a moment...

Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:17:02 GMT

while en route to purchase an ipod for my now separated spouse, a young woman from NY decided to cross two lanes of traffic in front of me riding my motorcycle.

when her eyes locked onto mine, instead of continuing across the intersection, she decided to stop whereupon i hit the brakes. now by this time, my rear wheel was locked and chattering indicating I was not going to slow down any faster. i didn't want to lock the front for fear of doing an endo.  instead, i responded with "o shit" as the bike slammed into her fender.  evidently, after that, i crashed into her windshield, summersaulted over the hood, and ended up on my feet. I say evidently as I do not nor cannot recall those moments in time.

after realizing i was still intact despite a bloodied hand, she inquired, "sir, are you alright?"  to which i responded, "how the f*k do you think i am as i just rolled over the hood of your car?" perhaps not the most erudite response, but heartfelt nonetheless.

then the fog of post accident awareness sits in.

a witness (who happens to work at the Holocaust Museum in DC stopped and indicated he witnessed the entire affair as he watched me flying through the air. within 5 minutes, EMT were on site followed by ambulance and fire truck. they were amazed at the limited injuries i had incurred. they typically carry motorcycle riders away from such scenes on back boards.  although not needed, i went to the emergency room where bandaids were applied to the wounded finger.

in hindsight, i realized that although i was under the speed limit, i was traveling too fast and was watching other vehicles not expecting the girl to shoot out from where she was.

i had also known i have been traveling too fast on the ducati as i had become more comfortable with it's performance and my abilities. mind you, i've been riding this second time for over 7 years and have finally begun to tap the handling abilities of the bike.

so now my bike awaits assessment at the dealership. i hope it's totalled. there's an incredible ducati 1098 http://www.ducati.com/en/bikes/my2007/ModelPage.jhtml?family=Superbike&model=SBK1098-07

on the floor for $15K. however, i wonder whether i'll be tempted to stretch the limits of the fastest production bike made. perhaps i should first get the $5m life insurance policy.

meanwhile, the finger is healing despite some nerve loss. hopefuly that will return... otherwise i may pursue damages. however, i sense a certain karmic retibution mitigated by my own personal or higher powers.

i certainly never practised somersaults over car hoods before.