Tuesday, June 14, 2005
Looks like inflation fears are starting to drop
This is good news at least as far as Merrill Lynch analysts are concerned. We have inflation fears dropping and GDP growth staying steady. The economy may be on fairly decent footing here.
Market up slightly
Lehman's Quarter looks good
Unlike Morgan, it looks like Lehman is doing pretty good. It got a nice bump from overseas operations and it was able to control its compensation costs. There may be problems depending on how hedge funds play out though:
Lehman and other banks have seen the percentage of their business lending too, trading for and trading with hedge funds swell in recent years. That's led some industry analysts to fret that any problems with hedge funds would also damage Wall Street's top firms.
Lehman and other banks have seen the percentage of their business lending too, trading for and trading with hedge funds swell in recent years. That's led some industry analysts to fret that any problems with hedge funds would also damage Wall Street's top firms.
Well at least some good came out of the Trial
Looks like Michael the Molester (err acquitted molester) isn't going to let pre-teen boys sleep in his room in the future. I guess sleepover time is over for him. He can pack up the Jesus juice and the the Barely Legals and shuffle off to the great dustbin of history.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Gosling is Pro-Darfur
Finally, a celeb is giving the stuff going down in Darfur some press. Now we need some other star to wear a "Free Iran" T-shirt and we will have some liberals taken seriously for once. I remember when the "progressives" wanted to Free Tibet, South Africa, etc. It seems they don't want anyone freed anymore?
Iranian Women Protesting
This is certainly good news .
Hundreds of women staged an unauthorized demonstration in Tehran today, protesting sex discrimination under Iran’s Islamic leadership just days before the June 17 presidential elections.
You tell it to them Iranian women! It may a great time to put your protest shoes if you are currently living in Iran. The government probably won't crack down and massacre them while the world has their eyes on their election. Let's see some solidarity with pro-women marches by the National Organization of Women or something.
Some of these Persian women are hot! I guess that's why Muslim men are so up in arms about them walking around uncovered in public. If they come to the US they can go ahead and dump that head scarf (or just wear it as a fashion statement) and have their pick of men. We will even let you drive and own your own car!
Hundreds of women staged an unauthorized demonstration in Tehran today, protesting sex discrimination under Iran’s Islamic leadership just days before the June 17 presidential elections.
You tell it to them Iranian women! It may a great time to put your protest shoes if you are currently living in Iran. The government probably won't crack down and massacre them while the world has their eyes on their election. Let's see some solidarity with pro-women marches by the National Organization of Women or something.
Some of these Persian women are hot! I guess that's why Muslim men are so up in arms about them walking around uncovered in public. If they come to the US they can go ahead and dump that head scarf (or just wear it as a fashion statement) and have their pick of men. We will even let you drive and own your own car!
Very Interesting Article about Investing Errors
This is a very intersting post on Fund Universe about 5 Investing Errors people are getting into today. It is a very intersting article and is food for thought if you fall into any of the catagories that they mention.
I think the Victrola Coffee shop is smart
They should have pulled the plug on this much sooner then they did. I hate people like this:
Worse, many of them were tapping on their machines for six to eight hours, without buying anything, and became defensive when asked by a worker if they wanted a beverage.
These are selfish folk sponging off of the paying customers and just hanging out and blocking space. So they ruined it for everyone else. Way to go freeloaders.
Worse, many of them were tapping on their machines for six to eight hours, without buying anything, and became defensive when asked by a worker if they wanted a beverage.
These are selfish folk sponging off of the paying customers and just hanging out and blocking space. So they ruined it for everyone else. Way to go freeloaders.
Interesting Thoughts on ATI Technologies
This is a very interesting article on ATYT and how their stock may be oversold right now. There are some points I agree with like why the stock is down.
ATI forecast that its third-quarter earnings for the three months ending in May, would come in at $530 million--5% lower than its previous outlook. The company also lowered its forecast for the fourth quarter saying that revenue would come in around $600 million, down from an expected $659.8 million.
This is due to the console switchover. I am still thinking that the Xbox360 to be a huge seller this holiday season so they should get things sorted out by 1st Quarter of 2006. Their growth going forward though from putting high def video chips in cell phones for cameras is spot on. That will be a growth driver I should think. I don't agree with this possible assesment just from my experience as a gamer:
But while camera phones are a big opportunity for ATI, putting video graphics chips into cell phones, thus turning the cell phone into a platform that can handle, in a superior fashion, applications such as 3-D mobile gaming.
I really don't think that 3-D mobile gaming on a cell phone is going to take off. The screen is almost always fairly small and the controls will be hard to use on a small item like a cell phone. Strategy and puzzle games work on a cell phone and seemd to be selling fairly decently.
An actual twitch shoot-em-up like Halo 2 or Half-Life: Source will be very hard to control and would be even harder to see the people you are trying to shoot at. Maybe Japanese and Korean gamers are different and can handle playing Halo 2 on a tiny 3" screen but I think most first person shooter gamers need a big display and confortable controls in order to get some decent frags.
I think this is the same thing as watching TV on an Ipod. A great idea in theory but not so great idea in practice.
ATI forecast that its third-quarter earnings for the three months ending in May, would come in at $530 million--5% lower than its previous outlook. The company also lowered its forecast for the fourth quarter saying that revenue would come in around $600 million, down from an expected $659.8 million.
This is due to the console switchover. I am still thinking that the Xbox360 to be a huge seller this holiday season so they should get things sorted out by 1st Quarter of 2006. Their growth going forward though from putting high def video chips in cell phones for cameras is spot on. That will be a growth driver I should think. I don't agree with this possible assesment just from my experience as a gamer:
But while camera phones are a big opportunity for ATI, putting video graphics chips into cell phones, thus turning the cell phone into a platform that can handle, in a superior fashion, applications such as 3-D mobile gaming.
I really don't think that 3-D mobile gaming on a cell phone is going to take off. The screen is almost always fairly small and the controls will be hard to use on a small item like a cell phone. Strategy and puzzle games work on a cell phone and seemd to be selling fairly decently.
An actual twitch shoot-em-up like Halo 2 or Half-Life: Source will be very hard to control and would be even harder to see the people you are trying to shoot at. Maybe Japanese and Korean gamers are different and can handle playing Halo 2 on a tiny 3" screen but I think most first person shooter gamers need a big display and confortable controls in order to get some decent frags.
I think this is the same thing as watching TV on an Ipod. A great idea in theory but not so great idea in practice.
DC Comics titles shipping the Week of June 15th
Looks like a quiet week this week:
Birds of Prey #83
Day of Vengeance #3 (of 6)
Hawkman #41
Manhunter #11
Prelude to Infinite Crisis
Seven Soldiers: Klarion the Witch Boy #2 (of 4)
I will probably be picking up Birds of Prey #83 and Prelude to Infinite Crisis. If you want to gather some backstory for this October's big kick off then this is the place to go.
Birds of Prey #83
Day of Vengeance #3 (of 6)
Hawkman #41
Manhunter #11
Prelude to Infinite Crisis
Seven Soldiers: Klarion the Witch Boy #2 (of 4)
I will probably be picking up Birds of Prey #83 and Prelude to Infinite Crisis. If you want to gather some backstory for this October's big kick off then this is the place to go.
Morgan looking Bad, CEO retires
Wow I didn't know there was so much trouble at Morgan Stanley. Bad trading results, loss of market share, and inflating salaries to keep talent around. That is not a good news going forward. At least Purcell left willingly and didn't harm the company if they had to be forced out. I guess he cares more about his company then Eisner did for Disney.
Market up Slightly Today
Bah Jackson Innocent on All charges
Yup, if you have the cash you can get away with anything. I just hope that people don't send children his way anymore though.
Getting fired for stupid stuff.
Your off work behavior should not even come into play unless it is affecting your on work behavior. If you are getting drunk and then bringing the hangover to work then that should be grounds to get fired. If you get fired because you gained weight, supported John Kerry, or drank a Coors then that is really idiotic I think.
Carl Edward Wins It!
Wow he wins again this time at Pocono. And he says the NASCAR video game taught him how to race that track. He didn't even see the track in his life until Friday. He also started 29th but was still able to pull out the win.
I only got to see the last 27 laps or so but Edwards car was insane during that part of the race. They had a caution near the end and his car just started pulling away almost immediately. Too bad the race ended under caution but that's how it goes.
Also Brian Vickers (the 2nd place guy) is a name you don't hear too much who raced pretty well and led part of the race. He drove great but his car was just not in the same league as Carl's car. Finally, whoever put those rumble strips down that popped so many guys tires should get fired. Lots of guys got their days ruined or dropped in the point standing because they ran over those strips. I'm sure the Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart fans out there are hopping mad now.
I only got to see the last 27 laps or so but Edwards car was insane during that part of the race. They had a caution near the end and his car just started pulling away almost immediately. Too bad the race ended under caution but that's how it goes.
Also Brian Vickers (the 2nd place guy) is a name you don't hear too much who raced pretty well and led part of the race. He drove great but his car was just not in the same league as Carl's car. Finally, whoever put those rumble strips down that popped so many guys tires should get fired. Lots of guys got their days ruined or dropped in the point standing because they ran over those strips. I'm sure the Dale Jr. and Tony Stewart fans out there are hopping mad now.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Harold Ford Jr. of Tenn against Dean
Judging from what Rep. Ford said I think he may be a decent sort of Democrat that cleaves more to how actual Americans think. He seems to be a God-fearing, level headed, sort of man who could lead the Democrats back to the middle.
If there are more people like Rep. Ford out there the Dems may have a chance of winning in the future. They need to push these guys past the loud-mouthed Deans, and the idiotic Rangels that are getting so much airtime. Hell, I would have voted for a guy like Leiberman if he ran against Bush. I would even vote for Rep. Ford too if he ran.
If there are more people like Rep. Ford out there the Dems may have a chance of winning in the future. They need to push these guys past the loud-mouthed Deans, and the idiotic Rangels that are getting so much airtime. Hell, I would have voted for a guy like Leiberman if he ran against Bush. I would even vote for Rep. Ford too if he ran.
The New Man?
Now this is an interesting thing for the Europeans to be doing. This guys says:
"The masculine ideal is being completely modified. All the traditional male values of authority, infallibility, virility and strength are being completely overturned," said Pierre Francois Le Louet, the agency's managing director.
Hmm, so the Europeans are trying to make themselves more wimpy? I guess this is to expand the fashion and makeup industries to include men. More of the metrosexualization of society.
I really don't like this trend at all. It is making the ideal man into a weak, simpering, person that would rather hang out at a spa then at a sporting event. This flies in the face of evolution and history.
I guess this does make certain new revenue streams open to companies that didn't have them before. I mean the makeup and spa industry takes in multi-billion dollars a year and it only serves half of the population. Let the Europeans wear cake-makeup. Maybe if it takes off big time Revlon stock will start to look good.
"The masculine ideal is being completely modified. All the traditional male values of authority, infallibility, virility and strength are being completely overturned," said Pierre Francois Le Louet, the agency's managing director.
Hmm, so the Europeans are trying to make themselves more wimpy? I guess this is to expand the fashion and makeup industries to include men. More of the metrosexualization of society.
I really don't like this trend at all. It is making the ideal man into a weak, simpering, person that would rather hang out at a spa then at a sporting event. This flies in the face of evolution and history.
I guess this does make certain new revenue streams open to companies that didn't have them before. I mean the makeup and spa industry takes in multi-billion dollars a year and it only serves half of the population. Let the Europeans wear cake-makeup. Maybe if it takes off big time Revlon stock will start to look good.
Looks like LA police cracking down on Paparazzi
This seems to be about damn time. I mean taking pictures is one thing but running a celeb off of the road is another thing entirely. They aren't even sorry about it:
"It was an accident. If somebody is responsible for the whole thing, it's most likely Lindsay, who has nearly one a month, an accident,"
This is from the owner of Fame Pictures named Boris Nizon, a Paparazzi outfit. Hey it was Lohans fault because she isn't a good driver? I guess his tune would change if Lohan flew threw the window splitting her skull open. Come to think of it those would be some expensive photos.
I can see the cover of Us Weekly now with the title "Lindsey, Fully Totalled!" with a picture of Lohan covered in blood.
"It was an accident. If somebody is responsible for the whole thing, it's most likely Lindsay, who has nearly one a month, an accident,"
This is from the owner of Fame Pictures named Boris Nizon, a Paparazzi outfit. Hey it was Lohans fault because she isn't a good driver? I guess his tune would change if Lohan flew threw the window splitting her skull open. Come to think of it those would be some expensive photos.
I can see the cover of Us Weekly now with the title "Lindsey, Fully Totalled!" with a picture of Lohan covered in blood.
Madonna to create Kabbalah Hotel?
Yup she spent $2.9 million on some mansion in England. I wonder if they are going to storm this place Branch Davidian style in the next few years?
Big Throwdown over Patiot Act
Now this is some stupid stuff from Captiol Hill. We have guys shouting, people leaving and taking the gavel. It's a big joke. At least there wasn't a fist fight or something. That would have made some news. I agree with this to a point:
James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, speaking immediately after Sensenbrenner left, voiced dismay over the proceedings. "I'm troubled about what kind of lesson this gives" to the rest of the world, he told the Democrats remaining in the room.
Can't these idiots stay civil when it comes to this kind of thing. It shows the rest of the world that we would rather argue and stomp off with our ball then get things done. Everyone should be ashamed of themselves over this.
James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, speaking immediately after Sensenbrenner left, voiced dismay over the proceedings. "I'm troubled about what kind of lesson this gives" to the rest of the world, he told the Democrats remaining in the room.
Can't these idiots stay civil when it comes to this kind of thing. It shows the rest of the world that we would rather argue and stomp off with our ball then get things done. Everyone should be ashamed of themselves over this.
Stocks Finish Mixed
Wonder how Glazer is going to run the Red Devils?
Hmm looks like he is buying out the Manchester United execs now. He pretty much has control of the company and is going to take it private. I wonder if he is going to bring some of that US football mentality to British football. I mean luxury boxes, seat licenses, endless marketing, and exclusive TV deals? They may be serving sushi at Old Trafford by next season.
Citigroup cuts its Losses and pays up
This is one of the reasons why I own this stock. I am kind of like Prince Alwaleed bin Talal the so called Warren Buffett of Saudi Arabia who said he will never sell C no matter what occurs. I on the other hand may sell it but the chances are really, really low.
Citi knows when to just pay the money for something like the Enron screw-up instead of fighting it like Morgan Stanley is. Now the Citi CEO, Prince just has to work on not getting into these stupid scandals in the first place.
Citi knows when to just pay the money for something like the Enron screw-up instead of fighting it like Morgan Stanley is. Now the Citi CEO, Prince just has to work on not getting into these stupid scandals in the first place.
Looks like the budget deficit is coming down
Looks like the government isn't ponying up for excess $100K toilet seats now. Maybe the Repubs are finally exercising some of that fiscal discipline that I heard so much about.
Holloway did have sex in Car
Yup looks like she did hook up with the Dutch guy. I guess even honor students get it on when exotic Europeans are lurking around the casino of the hotel they are staying at. In fact they were both honor students.
Also, this seems like quite a senior trip. A casino in the hotel and bars you can go to where you can get stumbling-out-of-the-car drunk. You even get to hook up with Europeans in their car. It seems that the Senior Outing Committee of Mountain Brook High picked Aruba because "dude you can get like drunk at 17 and they don't even check IDs."
One of the things that is messed about this though is why Holloway couldn't have sex with this dude in her room. I bet the chaperones would have smacked her around if she snuck him into her room and got caught.
It looks like Natalie may be the victim of US style morality. If the chaperones were more loose with the rules on sex then she could have done the nasty with this guy, had a shower, and then went to sleep. She would have got onto the plane the next day, with a fun adventure under her belt. Instead it may be the security guards that did her in:
After Holloway and the three men went to the beach, they drove her back to her hotel, where she stumbled and was approached by a man wearing a security guard uniform, another defense attorney, David Kock, told the AP.
They may have thought to have a little fun with her and maybe she accidently died of alcohol poisoning, or gave her some drugs that she couldn't handle, or she hit her head or something. Then the guards hid her body. Whatever the case though if she went Dutch in her room instead of in the car she may be alive today.
Also, this seems like quite a senior trip. A casino in the hotel and bars you can go to where you can get stumbling-out-of-the-car drunk. You even get to hook up with Europeans in their car. It seems that the Senior Outing Committee of Mountain Brook High picked Aruba because "dude you can get like drunk at 17 and they don't even check IDs."
One of the things that is messed about this though is why Holloway couldn't have sex with this dude in her room. I bet the chaperones would have smacked her around if she snuck him into her room and got caught.
It looks like Natalie may be the victim of US style morality. If the chaperones were more loose with the rules on sex then she could have done the nasty with this guy, had a shower, and then went to sleep. She would have got onto the plane the next day, with a fun adventure under her belt. Instead it may be the security guards that did her in:
After Holloway and the three men went to the beach, they drove her back to her hotel, where she stumbled and was approached by a man wearing a security guard uniform, another defense attorney, David Kock, told the AP.
They may have thought to have a little fun with her and maybe she accidently died of alcohol poisoning, or gave her some drugs that she couldn't handle, or she hit her head or something. Then the guards hid her body. Whatever the case though if she went Dutch in her room instead of in the car she may be alive today.
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Yup Date a Nerd. You can't go wrong.
I have always agreed that this is a good idea. Geeky guys are always more devoted to women then some good-looking player. They will treat the girl well because they will be damn happy to get her in the first place.
The player will as likely to ditch a girl for a her best friend or sister then be serious in the relationship. Plus the player will probably not pay as much attention to a girl as a geek. To a player there is always someone better looking then you. A good-looking player knows he can get any girl he wants so why stop with you?
The geek will always put you first or just slightly behind his Hero Clicks, Comic Collection, Magic cards, etc. At least a girl dating a geek will have to simply rise above Batman and not that hot waitress that is taking your dinner order.
Finally, many geeks bring the one two punch of intelligence and wittyness to the relationship. He knows alot about stuff and can probably speak eloquently on almost any topic. It is just the girls job to make him presentable and teach him social graces if he is deficient. Remember the geek will always go the extra mile for a decent girl. He is willing to change.
The player will as likely to ditch a girl for a her best friend or sister then be serious in the relationship. Plus the player will probably not pay as much attention to a girl as a geek. To a player there is always someone better looking then you. A good-looking player knows he can get any girl he wants so why stop with you?
The geek will always put you first or just slightly behind his Hero Clicks, Comic Collection, Magic cards, etc. At least a girl dating a geek will have to simply rise above Batman and not that hot waitress that is taking your dinner order.
Finally, many geeks bring the one two punch of intelligence and wittyness to the relationship. He knows alot about stuff and can probably speak eloquently on almost any topic. It is just the girls job to make him presentable and teach him social graces if he is deficient. Remember the geek will always go the extra mile for a decent girl. He is willing to change.
Free Katie! Free Katie!
This is a funny development in the Holmes/Cruise hook up. "Free Katie" indeed. Here is a link to the site
I think she may be suffereing from Stockholm syndrome already:
"I feel like he's made my life. He's amazing. He's kind, he's generous, he's smart, he's Tom Cruise," Holmes gushed to the Boston Herald. "He's the most artistic man I've ever met, he's a joy, he makes me laugh like I've never laughed. He's the most wonderful being.''
Notice how she left out the word "human" in front of being. Tom Cruise is her Rasputin I tells ya! Free Katie! Free Katie!
I think she may be suffereing from Stockholm syndrome already:
"I feel like he's made my life. He's amazing. He's kind, he's generous, he's smart, he's Tom Cruise," Holmes gushed to the Boston Herald. "He's the most artistic man I've ever met, he's a joy, he makes me laugh like I've never laughed. He's the most wonderful being.''
Notice how she left out the word "human" in front of being. Tom Cruise is her Rasputin I tells ya! Free Katie! Free Katie!
Intel Guides Upward
Looks like demand for semis are higher. They said:
In a scheduled update, Intel targeted sales of $9.1 billion to $9.3 billion. In April, the company forecast sales of $8.6 billion to $9.2 billion.
Intel also forecast quarterly gross margins of about 57 percent, plus or minus a point, ahead of its previous forecast of 56 percent, plus or minus a couple of points. Gross margin is the percentage of sales left over after accounting for production costs.
Both revenue and margins are up which is always a good thing in these markets. As long as capital spending on tech is still there this stock looks pretty decent going forward. Too bad it has had a 25% run up here recently.
In a scheduled update, Intel targeted sales of $9.1 billion to $9.3 billion. In April, the company forecast sales of $8.6 billion to $9.2 billion.
Intel also forecast quarterly gross margins of about 57 percent, plus or minus a point, ahead of its previous forecast of 56 percent, plus or minus a couple of points. Gross margin is the percentage of sales left over after accounting for production costs.
Both revenue and margins are up which is always a good thing in these markets. As long as capital spending on tech is still there this stock looks pretty decent going forward. Too bad it has had a 25% run up here recently.
I think they need some Scotch tape.
Torn Bibles at the Saudi International Airport. No wait! Those are Qurans!!!
Koran abuse from Israel! Oh my God!
How dare those heartless Zionists tear some pages in a book! Wait just a minute:
The charges against Israeli soldiers originally surfaced on Tuesday, when prisoners charged that soldiers tore three Qurans and stepped on them. In a later version, they said soldiers ripped pages out of one Quran.
Hmm, perhaps the prisoners tore the pages and blamed the guards? No, that would be a totally laughable claim. But they would do it if they were effected by insidious Zionist mind rays! They are being controlled I tells ya! The UN must ban insidious Zionist mind rays at once! Who knows what idiotic Jihaddi is going to rip their own Koran under their influence.
The charges against Israeli soldiers originally surfaced on Tuesday, when prisoners charged that soldiers tore three Qurans and stepped on them. In a later version, they said soldiers ripped pages out of one Quran.
Hmm, perhaps the prisoners tore the pages and blamed the guards? No, that would be a totally laughable claim. But they would do it if they were effected by insidious Zionist mind rays! They are being controlled I tells ya! The UN must ban insidious Zionist mind rays at once! Who knows what idiotic Jihaddi is going to rip their own Koran under their influence.
Late move pushes the market up
Journal says Tysabri needs more study
Looks like the New England Journal of Medicine is weighing the risks and rewards for Tysabri. I say if the people helped are willing to take the risk they should go for it. They should just monitor the person really closely and if they are getting the brain disease then they should stop the treatments immediately. It is a good thing though the Biogen and Elan are making damn sure everything is okay before going ahead.
Natalee Holloway story is getting Stranger and Stranger
Looks like they nabbed 3 more guys that may be connected to her disappearance. The were all students two guys from Surinam and a Dutch guy. Their story about dropping her off at the hotel in the early morning sounds kind of fishy though.
Maybe they dropped her off and the security guards nabbed her afterward but that doesn't seem right. They would have had to grab her right in front of the hotel. She would have probably put up a struggle and alerted people though.
Here is what may have happened. The students met her and partied with her at Carlos' n Charlie's bar and restaurant and took her somewhere else to maybe hook up with her. Maybe to the beach or something like that.
She had her bags packed already so this would have been one last fling before she went back to her honors courses and such in Alabama. A last chance to hook up with some exotic guys before returning to her regular, structured life in Mountain Brook.
The students may have given her some Extasy or just lots of liquor and she couldn't take it and died. They probably didn't even force her but said something like "just try it it will be fun." The students then freaked out and hid the body instead of alerting autorities. I have a feeling if it happened in the Netherlands or Surinam they would have called the cops, but not here in some strange country. I think this may be the case of a party gone wrong. It went from a tale she would tell her girlfriends back in Alabama to tragedy.
Maybe they dropped her off and the security guards nabbed her afterward but that doesn't seem right. They would have had to grab her right in front of the hotel. She would have probably put up a struggle and alerted people though.
Here is what may have happened. The students met her and partied with her at Carlos' n Charlie's bar and restaurant and took her somewhere else to maybe hook up with her. Maybe to the beach or something like that.
She had her bags packed already so this would have been one last fling before she went back to her honors courses and such in Alabama. A last chance to hook up with some exotic guys before returning to her regular, structured life in Mountain Brook.
The students may have given her some Extasy or just lots of liquor and she couldn't take it and died. They probably didn't even force her but said something like "just try it it will be fun." The students then freaked out and hid the body instead of alerting autorities. I have a feeling if it happened in the Netherlands or Surinam they would have called the cops, but not here in some strange country. I think this may be the case of a party gone wrong. It went from a tale she would tell her girlfriends back in Alabama to tragedy.
Starbucks expanding in China
Looks like Starbucks is going hog wild expanding in China. This statement seems interesting:
Starbucks already operates about 300 stores in China and Jim Donald, president of the company, said recently that there plenty of room for growth.
"China will be our largest market outside of the U.S.," he said in an interview last month. "Clearly there can be lots more than (the 300 stores), but we haven't really put a number to them yet because we don't know what the upside is."
More then Europe? I figured Europeans are the original coffee house people and they should be the 2nd biggest market. I guess there isn't much more expansion there.
I was thinking that the Chinese really don't drink much coffee but I guess Starbucks begs to differ. Maybe Starbucks will be serving more kinds of teas in those Chinese coffee houses or something. In any case you can kind of see the end of their growth plans here. After they expand to capacity in China then where else can they go?
Starbucks already operates about 300 stores in China and Jim Donald, president of the company, said recently that there plenty of room for growth.
"China will be our largest market outside of the U.S.," he said in an interview last month. "Clearly there can be lots more than (the 300 stores), but we haven't really put a number to them yet because we don't know what the upside is."
More then Europe? I figured Europeans are the original coffee house people and they should be the 2nd biggest market. I guess there isn't much more expansion there.
I was thinking that the Chinese really don't drink much coffee but I guess Starbucks begs to differ. Maybe Starbucks will be serving more kinds of teas in those Chinese coffee houses or something. In any case you can kind of see the end of their growth plans here. After they expand to capacity in China then where else can they go?
30 Year Mortgages are dirt cheap
Wow, now these are some good rates on mortgages and they just keep dropping. I guess this is part of reason why there is a housing bubble. Lots of cheap money out there to buy multiple homes or get home equity loans. When that bubble bursts though you better have a large cash position or you will be hurting.
Wednesday, June 08, 2005
Glenn Reynolds Tech Central Station column
This is a very interesting article that Glenn wrote. I think customization is really going to be important as we go deeper into this century. We are already customizing our music (making smash ups, mix tapes etc.) in our Ipods and CDs. We are also customizing our ringtones, faceplate, etc. on our cell phones. Some PC games are modded so much that the mod is better then the game itself.
There are some problems with this customization paradigm though. I agree that some people will really enjoy having a one-of-a-kind item that they designed themselves. The problem is not all people are creative. Some people may just want a toaster that works. They won't have the time or skill to sit down and design an item that will do and look exactly how they want it to.
Also depending on the sheer number of options and tweaks that they have available people are going to be become overloaded and just go with the default. I think they call this option paralysis. I guess these are just a behaviors that the personal manufacturing machine company is going to have to overcome.
There are some problems with this customization paradigm though. I agree that some people will really enjoy having a one-of-a-kind item that they designed themselves. The problem is not all people are creative. Some people may just want a toaster that works. They won't have the time or skill to sit down and design an item that will do and look exactly how they want it to.
Also depending on the sheer number of options and tweaks that they have available people are going to be become overloaded and just go with the default. I think they call this option paralysis. I guess these are just a behaviors that the personal manufacturing machine company is going to have to overcome.
Wow, is Howard Dean is working for Rove?
I think he is a secret Rove plant to make the Democrats look like fools. Dean says:
Republicans are "a pretty monolithic party. They all behave the same. They all look the same. It's pretty much a white Christian party."
Yup, they are just a bunch of white Christians who act exactly the same. Sounds like something a bigot would say about blacks, gays, Jews, or some minority. If he replaced Republican with any of those minority groups he would have been run out of national life on a rail.
I am starting to think that he is a plant by Rove to discredit the Democrats. Noone could call this much attention to himself when he was simply trying to drum up money for the party.
This is the final whopper that convinced me:
"We have to be rough on the Republicans. Republicans don't represent ordinary Americans and they don't have any understanding of what it is to go out and try and make ends meet."
All this from a millionaire doctor who went to Yale and whos father, grandfather and great grandfathers were all investment bankers. I have a feeling that he doesn't shop at Sam's Club to fill the larders of his Park Avenue apartment. Rove must be pulling his strings!
Republicans are "a pretty monolithic party. They all behave the same. They all look the same. It's pretty much a white Christian party."
Yup, they are just a bunch of white Christians who act exactly the same. Sounds like something a bigot would say about blacks, gays, Jews, or some minority. If he replaced Republican with any of those minority groups he would have been run out of national life on a rail.
I am starting to think that he is a plant by Rove to discredit the Democrats. Noone could call this much attention to himself when he was simply trying to drum up money for the party.
This is the final whopper that convinced me:
"We have to be rough on the Republicans. Republicans don't represent ordinary Americans and they don't have any understanding of what it is to go out and try and make ends meet."
All this from a millionaire doctor who went to Yale and whos father, grandfather and great grandfathers were all investment bankers. I have a feeling that he doesn't shop at Sam's Club to fill the larders of his Park Avenue apartment. Rove must be pulling his strings!
Rangel says Iraqi Liberation is like the Holocost.
Looks like Rep. Charles Rangel(D) is comparing the Iraqi Liberation to the Holocost. This is the same Bush=Hitler stuff that crops up all the time. When are they going to understand that regular people don't agree with these kinds of statements.
This kind of rhetoric only plays to the people in their own echo chamber and noone else. Anyone with any kind of sense of decency can't compare the systematic slaughter of 6 million people to the freeing of 26 million other people. This is case in point why they lost the White House and will continue to keep on losing down the line.
This kind of rhetoric only plays to the people in their own echo chamber and noone else. Anyone with any kind of sense of decency can't compare the systematic slaughter of 6 million people to the freeing of 26 million other people. This is case in point why they lost the White House and will continue to keep on losing down the line.
Tyson to Gut Man like Fish!
Uh oh, Mike Tyson is looking to gut McBride like a fish on 6/11. That may not be an idle threat seeing that Tyson bit a man's ear and tried to break a guys arm in the ring. Too bad, Tyson could have been the greatest boxer who ever lived now he is a big joke.
Retailers too Hot to handle for Value Investors
Looks like the value guys are starting to get out of Abercrombie (ANF) and American Eagle (AEOS). They have had a spectacular run up based on pretty solid same store sales increases in the past year. I agree with this comment:
John Buckingham, editor of the top-ranked Prudent Speculator newsletter. "From month to month and quarter to quarter, the 'in' styles can change rapidly, so you've got to stick to a discipline and take some money off the table after a huge gain."
It seems that these two teen age retailers are keeping in front of the trend as best they can. The thing I see though is, ANF especially, is pricing themselves out of the market. Some of their shirts and long pants now cost $70+. Their prices are easily starting to get to the point where a teen needs more then a part time job to afford their clothes. This would be a big problem if teens started to go all out buying a cheaper alternative when they can't afford the real thing.
John Buckingham, editor of the top-ranked Prudent Speculator newsletter. "From month to month and quarter to quarter, the 'in' styles can change rapidly, so you've got to stick to a discipline and take some money off the table after a huge gain."
It seems that these two teen age retailers are keeping in front of the trend as best they can. The thing I see though is, ANF especially, is pricing themselves out of the market. Some of their shirts and long pants now cost $70+. Their prices are easily starting to get to the point where a teen needs more then a part time job to afford their clothes. This would be a big problem if teens started to go all out buying a cheaper alternative when they can't afford the real thing.
United dropping baggage system
At least United is getting out from under this big mess. They are still going to pay the price though:
United will still have to pay $60 million a year under its lease contract for the automated system with the city, United spokesman Jeff Green said. The contract will last for approximately 25 years.
They better renegotiate this thing as soon as possible because they are paying $60 million for nothing at all. The City of Denver is down a bunch on this deal as well:
The $250 million automated system was intended to be a cutting-edge model but turned into a major problem for DIA, one of United's hubs. The city, which owns the airport, spent an additional $100 million for construction and $341 million in interest to try to get it to work.
I guess screw-ups like this is why United is in Chapter 11 right now. United and Denver also looks to have been fleeced by BEA Systems who charged a bunch to install the thing and then even more to get the thing to work right. I guess this is more tech bubble hubris coming home to roost.
United will still have to pay $60 million a year under its lease contract for the automated system with the city, United spokesman Jeff Green said. The contract will last for approximately 25 years.
They better renegotiate this thing as soon as possible because they are paying $60 million for nothing at all. The City of Denver is down a bunch on this deal as well:
The $250 million automated system was intended to be a cutting-edge model but turned into a major problem for DIA, one of United's hubs. The city, which owns the airport, spent an additional $100 million for construction and $341 million in interest to try to get it to work.
I guess screw-ups like this is why United is in Chapter 11 right now. United and Denver also looks to have been fleeced by BEA Systems who charged a bunch to install the thing and then even more to get the thing to work right. I guess this is more tech bubble hubris coming home to roost.
Scientists Misbehavin?
Looks like a suvey is shedding some light on some scientists that cook the results every now and then. This is a statment that struck me:
Nearly 13 percent of those who responded said they'd overlooked "others' use of flawed data or questionable interpretation of data," and nearly 16 percent said they had changed the design, methods or results of a study "in response to pressure from a funding source."
That means a third of the scientists surveyed either cover the asses of their colleagues even if they are wrong or they mess with the results when the money men put the squeeze on them. That is kind of a sobering statistic.
Nearly 13 percent of those who responded said they'd overlooked "others' use of flawed data or questionable interpretation of data," and nearly 16 percent said they had changed the design, methods or results of a study "in response to pressure from a funding source."
That means a third of the scientists surveyed either cover the asses of their colleagues even if they are wrong or they mess with the results when the money men put the squeeze on them. That is kind of a sobering statistic.
Interesting Controversy on Blogumentary
Wow, this is an interesting account of what went on between two men making two different Blog documentaries. Lots of firefights back and forth between the two parties. Near the end of the post there is an opinion given by Kit Jarrell of euphoricreality.net
I didn't know there were documentaries about blogs in the first place let alone two different ones dueling back and forth. I knew some bloggers go on Right-wing talk radio but I didn't know there were movies about this stuff. Oh well whatever the case, it would make an interesting Law and Order episode. Make it a fued between the two bloggers result in a murder that the Law and Order team needs to investigate.
I didn't know there were documentaries about blogs in the first place let alone two different ones dueling back and forth. I knew some bloggers go on Right-wing talk radio but I didn't know there were movies about this stuff. Oh well whatever the case, it would make an interesting Law and Order episode. Make it a fued between the two bloggers result in a murder that the Law and Order team needs to investigate.
Market down slightly waiting on the FED
Amylin setting up for a Short Squeeze?
It could very well be possible. With 17% short interest and with approval of Byetta and Symlin they are going to be generating revenue fairly soon. This is an interesting wrinkle from the article also:
One side effect of Byetta--in addition to nausea--is weight loss, which Kliff views as a positive for diabetics. Patients taking Lantus, says Kliff, tend to gain weight. Early clinical data for another Amylin candidate, Pramlintide, also shows potential for use as a weight-loss agent.
There have been insane problems with weight-loss drugs in the past. (ie Fen Phen) But if Pramlintide does allow people to lose wieght with minor side effects it will be a massive blockbuster. The promise of weight loss with no exercise and no change in eating habits would be like finding the Holy Grail in the rapidly fattening US.
One side effect of Byetta--in addition to nausea--is weight loss, which Kliff views as a positive for diabetics. Patients taking Lantus, says Kliff, tend to gain weight. Early clinical data for another Amylin candidate, Pramlintide, also shows potential for use as a weight-loss agent.
There have been insane problems with weight-loss drugs in the past. (ie Fen Phen) But if Pramlintide does allow people to lose wieght with minor side effects it will be a massive blockbuster. The promise of weight loss with no exercise and no change in eating habits would be like finding the Holy Grail in the rapidly fattening US.
Imclone a good buy?
An interesting story on how Erbitux could be used to help people with head and neck cancer. It seems Carl Ichan likes what he is seeing and has bought 18% of the company. This is the interesting part of the article:
"This could be a large opportunity for ImClone, but it's not a totally underserved (market)," Charles Duncan, an analyst with JMP Securities, said.
"People have thrown out all kinds of numbers...from $500 million to $1 billion," he said.
Whatever the opportunity, it is not fully reflected in today's stock price, he said, adding that the head and neck indication for the drug should put the stock around $42 within the next six months.
The Merrill Lynch guy doesn't think the drug will do that kind of business and has kept his "sell" rating on it. It may be an interesting stock to look into because it is at a 2 year low and there is lots of short interest in it. Many of them may have gotten shaken out today though because IMCL went bonkers today. Up 17% the last time I checked. There still may be upside if this Erbitux thing goes through decently.
"This could be a large opportunity for ImClone, but it's not a totally underserved (market)," Charles Duncan, an analyst with JMP Securities, said.
"People have thrown out all kinds of numbers...from $500 million to $1 billion," he said.
Whatever the opportunity, it is not fully reflected in today's stock price, he said, adding that the head and neck indication for the drug should put the stock around $42 within the next six months.
The Merrill Lynch guy doesn't think the drug will do that kind of business and has kept his "sell" rating on it. It may be an interesting stock to look into because it is at a 2 year low and there is lots of short interest in it. Many of them may have gotten shaken out today though because IMCL went bonkers today. Up 17% the last time I checked. There still may be upside if this Erbitux thing goes through decently.
White House Projects 3.4% annual growth
They are pretty upbeat. They are saying inflation will rise slightly I guess due to high oil prices trickling into the market. And the unemployment rate will drop slightly. I would be pretty happy with 3.4% GDP growth going forward myself.
TiVoToGo, kind of a waste
I think this service by TiVo won't help them much at all. You still have the problem of those portable devices rearing their tiny 3" heads again. I really don't think people are going to risk eye-strain to watch a recorded TV program on the bus.
They may plug the devices into a bigger TV but why can't they just hook up a TiVo machine or a computer to that same TV? Also, I just don't see a bunch of people watching TV at Starbucks or something on little itty-bitty monitors with earphones in their ears.
Listening to music as you walk somewhere or do something else is one thing. TV watching on the other takes a block of time in which you must be stopped and staring. This is the same reason why I don't think TV on the cell phone is going to take off.
Finally, if some people are so busy that they can't even watch a time-shifted TV show then they probably don't watch much TV at all. They won't have a block of time to sit down and stare at a tiny screen to watch American Idol or something. I don't know, maybe I'm missing something with these portable media players.
They may plug the devices into a bigger TV but why can't they just hook up a TiVo machine or a computer to that same TV? Also, I just don't see a bunch of people watching TV at Starbucks or something on little itty-bitty monitors with earphones in their ears.
Listening to music as you walk somewhere or do something else is one thing. TV watching on the other takes a block of time in which you must be stopped and staring. This is the same reason why I don't think TV on the cell phone is going to take off.
Finally, if some people are so busy that they can't even watch a time-shifted TV show then they probably don't watch much TV at all. They won't have a block of time to sit down and stare at a tiny screen to watch American Idol or something. I don't know, maybe I'm missing something with these portable media players.
Hedge Funds buying dollars
Well, this is an interesting story.
"There's no real news prompting this," Dolan said. "It's just a market dynamic. The euro tested the $1.2340 to $1.2350 level, and then triggered some stop losses."
This caused a .06% bump on the dollar and a .04% drop on the Euro. It seems that the hedge funds may be dumping their Euros because of the instability caused by the nixing of the European Constitution. Too bad there is no ETF that is a basket of dollars similar to GLD.
"There's no real news prompting this," Dolan said. "It's just a market dynamic. The euro tested the $1.2340 to $1.2350 level, and then triggered some stop losses."
This caused a .06% bump on the dollar and a .04% drop on the Euro. It seems that the hedge funds may be dumping their Euros because of the instability caused by the nixing of the European Constitution. Too bad there is no ETF that is a basket of dollars similar to GLD.
Tuesday, June 07, 2005
I'm agreeing with Bad Pitt, scary!
I'm agreeing with statement by Brad Pitt about the focus of the media's attention on him.
"It's a strange focus, isn't it? That my relationships or relationship mishaps take precedent over something like that," Pitt said. "I understand it's about entertainment, but man, it's misguided a bit, isn't it?"
The "that" he is referring to is the various charities he is stumping for. Well, Brad of course that is what America is always going to focus on. Celebs stumping for charities are just the background noise of Hollywood. And people like Sean Penn pushing their pet causes down your throat and eating dinner with murderous dictators doesn't help things.
A rich, handsome celeb *must* give back or they will be branded selfish, egotistical, morons. (Well they are still branded that but at least some animals, AIDS patients, downtrodden people sometimes get some money, help, or at least get to hang around with Angelina Jolie.)
He is right that some focus should be on the various credible NGOs out that are out there helping folks. It shouldn't be on his life and who is is currently dating. It is sometimes hard when the entertainment press (and in this case even the star) doesn't seem to care about those organizations at all.
The article says he is against poverty and AIDS in Africa. Well who isn't? Brad himself doesn't even bring up the name of the organization that he is fronting. (He may have in the Sawyer interview, but not here.) How are we supposed to take the focus off of you when you are talking about fruit juice, and 500K pictures, and your no-look policy with the tabloids?
He is blocking the light getting to the poverty-stricken African AIDS victims with his popping around Angelina's bed while his wife is out of town. Then he wonders why people are focusing on that stuff? Uh, Brad maybe you should think about that organization first and your carnal needs second.
"It's a strange focus, isn't it? That my relationships or relationship mishaps take precedent over something like that," Pitt said. "I understand it's about entertainment, but man, it's misguided a bit, isn't it?"
The "that" he is referring to is the various charities he is stumping for. Well, Brad of course that is what America is always going to focus on. Celebs stumping for charities are just the background noise of Hollywood. And people like Sean Penn pushing their pet causes down your throat and eating dinner with murderous dictators doesn't help things.
A rich, handsome celeb *must* give back or they will be branded selfish, egotistical, morons. (Well they are still branded that but at least some animals, AIDS patients, downtrodden people sometimes get some money, help, or at least get to hang around with Angelina Jolie.)
He is right that some focus should be on the various credible NGOs out that are out there helping folks. It shouldn't be on his life and who is is currently dating. It is sometimes hard when the entertainment press (and in this case even the star) doesn't seem to care about those organizations at all.
The article says he is against poverty and AIDS in Africa. Well who isn't? Brad himself doesn't even bring up the name of the organization that he is fronting. (He may have in the Sawyer interview, but not here.) How are we supposed to take the focus off of you when you are talking about fruit juice, and 500K pictures, and your no-look policy with the tabloids?
He is blocking the light getting to the poverty-stricken African AIDS victims with his popping around Angelina's bed while his wife is out of town. Then he wonders why people are focusing on that stuff? Uh, Brad maybe you should think about that organization first and your carnal needs second.
Mrs. Robinson passes away
Looks like Anne Bancroft passed away today. I didn't know she was married to Mel Brooks though.
Apple Folks Like the Intel Deal
Seems they are liking the deal for the most part. It actually gives them the ability to compete with the big computer companies. One thing that the Mac's will really be able to go after is the PC gamer community. Now for the majority of PC games you do not need a special Mac version as far as I can tell.
I am told that the Mac has superior display technology as well. That means the Mac can finally compete toe to toe with other computer makers in this field. That's a nice market segment that they really didn't have before.
This was my main gripe against Macs in the past because I couldn't play the latest and greatest games when they first come out. This changes the equation quite nicely for me. It seems that Jobs is really thinking ahead here.
I am told that the Mac has superior display technology as well. That means the Mac can finally compete toe to toe with other computer makers in this field. That's a nice market segment that they really didn't have before.
This was my main gripe against Macs in the past because I couldn't play the latest and greatest games when they first come out. This changes the equation quite nicely for me. It seems that Jobs is really thinking ahead here.
Why people don't like Portable Media Players
I think their screens are just too small to enjoy any kind of movie. I know I don't want to spend a half hour let alone 2 1/2 hours staring into a 3.5" screen. An Ipod on the other hand simply needs earphones to enjoy all of the music on it. I'm pretty sure it isn't the format because there are quite a few DVD rippers out there. I agree that these features are neat though:
The device has a 3.6-inch LCD panel, FM radio, MP3 audio player, MPEG4 video player, and USB 2.0 interface with On The Go support. There's space for a 1.8-inch hard drive of either 20GB or 30GB capacity depending on customer specification, says Tom Kang, managing director at the Taipei company.
I just wouldn't use the thing to watch many MPEG4 videos though. So one of the main selling points is worthless to me. The rest of those things are interesting but they can be had on an Ipod though. So there is no product differentiation here.
The device has a 3.6-inch LCD panel, FM radio, MP3 audio player, MPEG4 video player, and USB 2.0 interface with On The Go support. There's space for a 1.8-inch hard drive of either 20GB or 30GB capacity depending on customer specification, says Tom Kang, managing director at the Taipei company.
I just wouldn't use the thing to watch many MPEG4 videos though. So one of the main selling points is worthless to me. The rest of those things are interesting but they can be had on an Ipod though. So there is no product differentiation here.
What Greenspan said
Hmm, very interesting stuff about the flattening the yield curve. It is good to know that they are on the case to figure out why it is happening. It is pretty strange and I hope it isn't the calm before the next recession. This is a real eye opener though:
"After its recent very rapid advance, the hedge fund industry could temporarily shrink, and many wealthy fund managers and investors could become less wealthy," Greenspan said.
"Significant numbers of trading strategies are already destined to prove disappointing."
He said, however, that the financial system should escape widespread damage from hedge fund woes as long as banks lending to them managed risks effectively.
If the bigger hedge funds start to freak out I think this would torpedo the markets. Some funds have to unravel large and complicated positions so there will be tons of market volitility. We have seen how oil markets traded erratically because of possible hedge fund activity. This would be even worse depending on which funds "prove disappointing."
"After its recent very rapid advance, the hedge fund industry could temporarily shrink, and many wealthy fund managers and investors could become less wealthy," Greenspan said.
"Significant numbers of trading strategies are already destined to prove disappointing."
He said, however, that the financial system should escape widespread damage from hedge fund woes as long as banks lending to them managed risks effectively.
If the bigger hedge funds start to freak out I think this would torpedo the markets. Some funds have to unravel large and complicated positions so there will be tons of market volitility. We have seen how oil markets traded erratically because of possible hedge fund activity. This would be even worse depending on which funds "prove disappointing."
Market Rally Peters out at the end
GM to cut 25000 jobs
Wow that is quite a reduction of its workforce. I guess that is one way to reduce health care expenses. Get rid of them before they get sick. What GM really needs to do is reduce its reliance on SUVs and large trucks when oil prices are high. Most likely oil prices are going to stay high for the time being. Maybe GM should invest heavily in the hybrid market and become the leader there.
Alabama Teen, Natalee Holloway
Poor girl, went to Aruba for a class outing and disappeared. I have a feeling she was killed and then dumped in the ocean somewhere. No ransom means she probably wasn't kidnapped. Let's hope the two people they caught have some knowledge of the crime. I don't think they do though.
Monday, June 06, 2005
Today is D-Day.
Today is the day that changed the entire nature of WW2 and saved the world from Nazi Tyranny. On this day some of the true heroes of the 20th century showed what they could do.
Many of them didn't believe they were heroes but just men doing their jobs. If they were ordered to take those guns overlooking Omaha beach then that's what they had to do. Even if they had to climb a sheer cliff under punishing fire to do it.
Some men had to run 5 football fields under mortar, machine gun, sniper, and heavy artillery fire just to do their jobs. Others had to parachute in the dead of night into flooded fields with enemies totally surrounding them. Some of them had no equipment and others with no weapons at all.
Some made it. 4900 didn't. Many are still there in Normandy. They will never be married, have kids, read comics, or invest in and finally enjoy their retirement. They will forever be 18 trying to get out of that landing craft and down that beach, or up that cliff, or get to that rally point to do their jobs.
Their job was to secure the freedom that we all share today. It is the freedom for the French to bad-mouth their sacrifice and deface their crosses, the freedom for Americans to hate America and pay good money to destroy it, and the freedom to call our President a monkey-looking, idiot, Facist, murderer to his face. Their sacrifice allows people to vent their spleens even if they are full of crap.
Their job was to free all of Europe from the yoke of tyranny that sent 6 million hapless people to their deaths because they were the wrong religion. They prevented the extermination of the whole of both the European and Middle Eastern Jewry. They prevented the 100 year Reich from creating a 100 years of darkness and death.
Their job was to literally save the world.
I often wonder if my generation could do these great deeds that these men did. Before 9/11 I could not say yes. My generation was called the ultimate slackers. They were vain, materialistic, filled with ennui, and confounded by the future.
Now they are fighting and dying for another nation far away from their homes and their loved ones. They are giving their lives so that another nation can enjoy the same freedoms that even the French hold dear today. They are doing their jobs.
Many of them didn't believe they were heroes but just men doing their jobs. If they were ordered to take those guns overlooking Omaha beach then that's what they had to do. Even if they had to climb a sheer cliff under punishing fire to do it.
Some men had to run 5 football fields under mortar, machine gun, sniper, and heavy artillery fire just to do their jobs. Others had to parachute in the dead of night into flooded fields with enemies totally surrounding them. Some of them had no equipment and others with no weapons at all.
Some made it. 4900 didn't. Many are still there in Normandy. They will never be married, have kids, read comics, or invest in and finally enjoy their retirement. They will forever be 18 trying to get out of that landing craft and down that beach, or up that cliff, or get to that rally point to do their jobs.
Their job was to secure the freedom that we all share today. It is the freedom for the French to bad-mouth their sacrifice and deface their crosses, the freedom for Americans to hate America and pay good money to destroy it, and the freedom to call our President a monkey-looking, idiot, Facist, murderer to his face. Their sacrifice allows people to vent their spleens even if they are full of crap.
Their job was to free all of Europe from the yoke of tyranny that sent 6 million hapless people to their deaths because they were the wrong religion. They prevented the extermination of the whole of both the European and Middle Eastern Jewry. They prevented the 100 year Reich from creating a 100 years of darkness and death.
Their job was to literally save the world.
I often wonder if my generation could do these great deeds that these men did. Before 9/11 I could not say yes. My generation was called the ultimate slackers. They were vain, materialistic, filled with ennui, and confounded by the future.
Now they are fighting and dying for another nation far away from their homes and their loved ones. They are giving their lives so that another nation can enjoy the same freedoms that even the French hold dear today. They are doing their jobs.
Watergate is Old News
I agree with Jane Galt in this article where she writes that Watergate and Vietnam don't seem to be news anymore. I think alot of this Mark Felt=Deep Throat stuff is just Baby Boomers having their last hurrah.
One last dance before Watergate and the Teapot Dome Scandal will hold the same place in our minds. It will be something taught in class about long-dead guys doing some stuff that was bad but doesn't effect us today. One day Watergate will simply be a test question on the great High School History Quiz in the Sky and will no longer be the defining event of the 20th century or whatever people are calling it now.
One last dance before Watergate and the Teapot Dome Scandal will hold the same place in our minds. It will be something taught in class about long-dead guys doing some stuff that was bad but doesn't effect us today. One day Watergate will simply be a test question on the great High School History Quiz in the Sky and will no longer be the defining event of the 20th century or whatever people are calling it now.
Modest gain on the markets
Pope slams gay marriage
Looks like the Pope agrees with W when it comes to gay unions. I really like this statement that the Pope gave and I agree with him 100%:
"Today, a particularly insidious obstacle to (moral) education is the overwhelming presence in our society and culture of a type of relativism that recognizes nothing as definitive...,"
Yup, that relativism is what causes all the Bush=Hitler and Gitmo=Gulag nonsense going on. It cheapens to real bad stuff by putting the not as bad stuff in the same catagory.
"Today, a particularly insidious obstacle to (moral) education is the overwhelming presence in our society and culture of a type of relativism that recognizes nothing as definitive...,"
Yup, that relativism is what causes all the Bush=Hitler and Gitmo=Gulag nonsense going on. It cheapens to real bad stuff by putting the not as bad stuff in the same catagory.
DC Comics Shipping this Week.
» ACTION COMICS #828
» THE BATMAN STRIKES! #10
» BATMAN: DARK DETECTIVE #3 (OF 6)
» BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #192
» BREACH #6
» GOTHAM CENTRAL #32
» GREEN ARROW #51
» JLA #115
» JUSTICE LEAGUE: ELITE #12 (OF 12)
» LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL #4 (OF 5)
» NIGHTWING #109
» OUTSIDERS #25
» THE RANN/THANAGAR WAR #2 (OF 6)
» SUPERMAN: GODFALL
I am going to be getting JLA #115 and Rann/Thanagar War #2. That JLA issue should be pretty good because it is going to show the aftermath of Batman's mindwipe and how the various JLA members feel about doing it.
» THE BATMAN STRIKES! #10
» BATMAN: DARK DETECTIVE #3 (OF 6)
» BATMAN: LEGENDS OF THE DARK KNIGHT #192
» BREACH #6
» GOTHAM CENTRAL #32
» GREEN ARROW #51
» JLA #115
» JUSTICE LEAGUE: ELITE #12 (OF 12)
» LEX LUTHOR: MAN OF STEEL #4 (OF 5)
» NIGHTWING #109
» OUTSIDERS #25
» THE RANN/THANAGAR WAR #2 (OF 6)
» SUPERMAN: GODFALL
I am going to be getting JLA #115 and Rann/Thanagar War #2. That JLA issue should be pretty good because it is going to show the aftermath of Batman's mindwipe and how the various JLA members feel about doing it.
Russell Crowe throws Phone
Russell Crowe doing the Perp Walk. Looks like his temper has gotten the better of him. I would have thrown the phone in the room instead of bringing it downstairs and throwing it.
Interesting Info about Stem Cell companies
This is a great article to tell one stem cell company from another. It looks like Geron may be best of class.
Apple going to use Intel Chips
Hmm this seems like an interesting idea. Nathan Brookwood doesn't think so:
"I have a lot of trouble understanding why they would do it," Brookwood said of the transition to Intel processors. "Unless there's something magical, I would have to believe it's not a good move. My concern is that every time Apple makes an architecture shift, many of its customers and development partners say enough is enough."
I have a feeling that they are doing it because Motorola and IBM both couldn't come up with enough chips to actually get machines on the market. It is tough to grow market share when you don't have enough machines to do it.
Also some of the market share woes that Mac faced came from the vast adoption of low cost Wintel machines by companies like Dell, E-machines, etc. Who would pay for a $3K Mac when they can have a Dell for $800 that does pretty much the same thing. Part of the reason why the Mac was so expensive is because of that low speed, hard to get, Motorola chip.
I think this move is a good one because they can use top of the line chips and compete on a design and function basis in which they seem to be a clear favorite. A Mac looks better and does cooler things then the Dell will ever do. Now the processor speed will no longer be something that is holding Apple back when it is directly compared to a Dell.
"I have a lot of trouble understanding why they would do it," Brookwood said of the transition to Intel processors. "Unless there's something magical, I would have to believe it's not a good move. My concern is that every time Apple makes an architecture shift, many of its customers and development partners say enough is enough."
I have a feeling that they are doing it because Motorola and IBM both couldn't come up with enough chips to actually get machines on the market. It is tough to grow market share when you don't have enough machines to do it.
Also some of the market share woes that Mac faced came from the vast adoption of low cost Wintel machines by companies like Dell, E-machines, etc. Who would pay for a $3K Mac when they can have a Dell for $800 that does pretty much the same thing. Part of the reason why the Mac was so expensive is because of that low speed, hard to get, Motorola chip.
I think this move is a good one because they can use top of the line chips and compete on a design and function basis in which they seem to be a clear favorite. A Mac looks better and does cooler things then the Dell will ever do. Now the processor speed will no longer be something that is holding Apple back when it is directly compared to a Dell.
Friday, June 03, 2005
The FEC is going to Regulate Blogs?
I didn't know this crap was even going down:
The proposed rule regulates what you can say on personal web pages and blogs, what advertisements you can carry (whether or not you control the ads), what sites you can link to, and many other common activities.
This is absolute bullshit and I have signed these two petitions already:
http://fec.cdt.org/signup.php and http://www.onlinecoalition.com/
The Federal Election Commission should have nothing to do with my free speech. Don't they have any better things to do with their time then to go after blogs?
The proposed rule regulates what you can say on personal web pages and blogs, what advertisements you can carry (whether or not you control the ads), what sites you can link to, and many other common activities.
This is absolute bullshit and I have signed these two petitions already:
http://fec.cdt.org/signup.php and http://www.onlinecoalition.com/
The Federal Election Commission should have nothing to do with my free speech. Don't they have any better things to do with their time then to go after blogs?
The New European Status Quo?
I was thinking about this and came to one possible outcome if the EU does dissolve. I think that it may fracture into two parts, an Old Europe and a New Europe. Ol' Rummy is starting to look like savant here.
Old Europe will probably keep the Euro and form some kind of loose confederation of the nanny states. They will probably greatly restrict visas to anyone from Eastern Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East. They will continue to have crushing taxes and idle folk that sit around and mooch off of the government. Of course they will be virulently anti-American and oppose us at every step. Unfortunately, they will age, and a demographic crisis will hit them square in the face. At which time their nations will probably go bankrupt and turn into another 3rd world.
At first, New Europe will probably have a tough time going it on their own. In time though, their vibrant, growing, and young societies, tempered by the tragedy of Soviet times, (and bolstered by go-go capitalism) will become the new China or India. Their wealth will start to pile up as more and more money is invested in them rather than the increasingly shaky Old Europe. They will then push ahead with that capital, help struggling states like Turkey, and become the "New Lions of Europe."
They could then take both a renewed and rebuilt Iraq and Afganistan, a democratic Russia, a reformed Syria, a mullahless Iran, and maybe even a peaceful Palestine and Israel into its sphere of influence. They may even ditch the European distinction and call themselves the Eastern Alliance or maybe the Eastern Coalition or something. This group will probably be pro-American but oppose us at certain turns depending on how the Muslim bloc votes on things.
This new Eastern Alliance would be a serious challenge to the US in economic wealth and output. Their populations are young, they are very well educated, they control oil wealth, and other natural resources. America on the other hand is staring down the barrel of its own demographic crisis. We will turn increasingly into a nanny state supporting our aging baby-boomers. At the same time there will be less and less productive members of our workforce. Eventually, we will have to encourage immigration from Mexico just to keep our workforce productive. Whatever the case, we will end up passing the torch to the very same nations we helped save from dictatorship and usher into democracy just a few decades before. I guess that would make a fitting epitaph to the so-called American Empire.
Old Europe will probably keep the Euro and form some kind of loose confederation of the nanny states. They will probably greatly restrict visas to anyone from Eastern Europe, Turkey, and the Middle East. They will continue to have crushing taxes and idle folk that sit around and mooch off of the government. Of course they will be virulently anti-American and oppose us at every step. Unfortunately, they will age, and a demographic crisis will hit them square in the face. At which time their nations will probably go bankrupt and turn into another 3rd world.
At first, New Europe will probably have a tough time going it on their own. In time though, their vibrant, growing, and young societies, tempered by the tragedy of Soviet times, (and bolstered by go-go capitalism) will become the new China or India. Their wealth will start to pile up as more and more money is invested in them rather than the increasingly shaky Old Europe. They will then push ahead with that capital, help struggling states like Turkey, and become the "New Lions of Europe."
They could then take both a renewed and rebuilt Iraq and Afganistan, a democratic Russia, a reformed Syria, a mullahless Iran, and maybe even a peaceful Palestine and Israel into its sphere of influence. They may even ditch the European distinction and call themselves the Eastern Alliance or maybe the Eastern Coalition or something. This group will probably be pro-American but oppose us at certain turns depending on how the Muslim bloc votes on things.
This new Eastern Alliance would be a serious challenge to the US in economic wealth and output. Their populations are young, they are very well educated, they control oil wealth, and other natural resources. America on the other hand is staring down the barrel of its own demographic crisis. We will turn increasingly into a nanny state supporting our aging baby-boomers. At the same time there will be less and less productive members of our workforce. Eventually, we will have to encourage immigration from Mexico just to keep our workforce productive. Whatever the case, we will end up passing the torch to the very same nations we helped save from dictatorship and usher into democracy just a few decades before. I guess that would make a fitting epitaph to the so-called American Empire.
Great Article on the possible fall of the EU
This is a great article on Glennreynolds.com about how the EU is falling apart. He is hopeful though that Europe can pull out of the mess citing Britain as an example. I'm hopeful too because the Euro has been piling up in central banks that were tired of the Dollar's weakness.
A run on the Euro is going to make the dollar soar and hit multi-nationals right in the chops.
A run on the Euro is going to make the dollar soar and hit multi-nationals right in the chops.
Now this is a Case Mod!
Wow this guy has a PC that runs inside of an aquarium filled with oil. Too bad most of the stuff is in german though.
Target shooting for low double digit growth
Hmm I think it may be sustainable if oil prices go down a bit. They were able to do 11.5% growth last year with high oil prices so their formula seems to be working. Wal-mart may come on strong though because they seemed pretty pumped at their confab in Bentonville.
Jackson's Weirdo Army!
Holy crap! These people are in Michael Jacksons corner? I think that woman with the homemade doll chases children through a dark amusement park. I guess the "Peace is an Option" and "Bush Lies" signswavers showed up at the wrong place.
Market Down Again Today
That low employment report couldn't outrun the Fed stopping the rate rises.
Dow10,460.97-92.52(-0.88%)
Nasdaq2,071.43-26.37(-1.26%)
S&P 5001,196.02-8.27(-0.69%)
Dow10,460.97-92.52(-0.88%)
Nasdaq2,071.43-26.37(-1.26%)
S&P 5001,196.02-8.27(-0.69%)
Italian Labor Minister wants the Lira back
If this can actually get on the ballot I have a feeling it will win despite what EU politicians are saying. High prices seem to be hitting Italians in the pocketbook and they will vote for lower prices in a minute. Maybe their government should look into why the various merchants rose their prices and smack them down accordingly.
Apple getting smacked around
The stock is off about 5%. I don't think it is a short candidate but I also have doubts about Ipod growth going forward. I mean how big does the hard drive have to be before people are happy with the amount of music that they can fit into one they already own.
Also watching movies on the thing (which is rumored to be in the new one) sounds like a bad idea because you can't get a decent sized screen on it. I guess you could plug it into a TV or monitor and watch it that way. But you can already do that with a computer that can store many times more movies then even the biggest, most expensive Ipod. It would be cool if you could somehow fit a DVD into the thing but that would make it too big to fit in someones pocket.
Maybe they can hook up with Sony to allow the Ipod the ability to play those PSP disks.
Whatever the case though I think Apple needs to look for another growth driver here. If they can't come up with one then it will be a good short candidate before too long. Jobs is a smart guy though so he will probably come up with something.
Also watching movies on the thing (which is rumored to be in the new one) sounds like a bad idea because you can't get a decent sized screen on it. I guess you could plug it into a TV or monitor and watch it that way. But you can already do that with a computer that can store many times more movies then even the biggest, most expensive Ipod. It would be cool if you could somehow fit a DVD into the thing but that would make it too big to fit in someones pocket.
Maybe they can hook up with Sony to allow the Ipod the ability to play those PSP disks.
Whatever the case though I think Apple needs to look for another growth driver here. If they can't come up with one then it will be a good short candidate before too long. Jobs is a smart guy though so he will probably come up with something.
Monthly Traffic up for Airlines
Traffic is up but stock prices are down. I think some of these stocks are great buys now that they are being held down by high oil prices again. Oil shouldn't stay high forever and people need to fly no matter what.
Employment Report Wimpy
Well looks like less jobs were created in may then in April. That month had 274,000 which was pretty high while May had only 78,000 jobs created. If you add those together though you have pretty good job growth over the two months. Now next months jobs report is going to be a big time catalyst for the markets.
Tom Cruise is out of his mind
Now he is after Brooke Shields of all people for taking medication for her depression. I thought they may have worked together but that isn't true. I guess he just picked her out of the blue or something. They also canceled his press junket which is pretty strange. I guess they don't want him freaking out again like he did on Oprah. I wonder what is up with him?
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Hmm, Gulaggate?
Say that word out loud it's fun. First Rathergate, then Shiavogate, then Koranflushinggate (or Newsweekgate,) and now Gulaggate.
I guess there would have to be some sort of coverup first before it "Goes-Gate." If you wanted to though, you could make up a conspiracy theory that Amnesty is a front for a Soviet-era spin group looking to polish up their "gulag experiment." Da! Beating and loud musik and 20 million dead is now same, komrade!"
Hey, if the loony left can think "Rove is behind it!" then the conspiracy minded folks on the right gets to put shady commies behind every lefty NGO.
I guess there would have to be some sort of coverup first before it "Goes-Gate." If you wanted to though, you could make up a conspiracy theory that Amnesty is a front for a Soviet-era spin group looking to polish up their "gulag experiment." Da! Beating and loud musik and 20 million dead is now same, komrade!"
Hey, if the loony left can think "Rove is behind it!" then the conspiracy minded folks on the right gets to put shady commies behind every lefty NGO.
Great NRO take on the Amnesty Gulaggate
This is a great rundown on the comments that Amnesty made. It also lets them know how they need to change to address the new groups coming onto the stage. They are stuck in a nation vs. nation mentality and need to take these pan-national rights violators into account.
Terrorism is still viewed by them as some sort of crime, similar to murder, that a criminal court can rule on. They don't view terrorism as 21st century warfare. The time of the Axis Powers vs. the Allied Powers or the Soviet Bloc Nations vs. NATO are dead and buried.
They still think that the American Empire is holding these people without trial like they committed manslaughter or something. These are enemy combatants that were picked up in a war zone. Some would like nothing better then to pick up a bomb belt and go blow up some "evil" Zionist/American Imperialists/Buddists/Hindus/non-Jihaddi Muslim.
About the only thing we could do that would satisfy these people is to turn them over to the UN for some kind of trial. The UN would just circulate them back into the system and they will be firing an AK-47 at a US troop before the end of the year.
Terrorism is still viewed by them as some sort of crime, similar to murder, that a criminal court can rule on. They don't view terrorism as 21st century warfare. The time of the Axis Powers vs. the Allied Powers or the Soviet Bloc Nations vs. NATO are dead and buried.
They still think that the American Empire is holding these people without trial like they committed manslaughter or something. These are enemy combatants that were picked up in a war zone. Some would like nothing better then to pick up a bomb belt and go blow up some "evil" Zionist/American Imperialists/Buddists/Hindus/non-Jihaddi Muslim.
About the only thing we could do that would satisfy these people is to turn them over to the UN for some kind of trial. The UN would just circulate them back into the system and they will be firing an AK-47 at a US troop before the end of the year.
Ah, follow Amnesty's money trail
This post by Roger L. Simon lets us know that AI seems to be pandering to their far left donors. These are people that hate America so much that they would readily agree that America and Soviet Russia (and Nazi Germany for that matter) are exactly the same.
So AI needs to ignore history, decency, and common sense so that the money keeps flowing in. They have to devalue the sacrifice of up to 20 million victims of the Soviet system for their filthy lucre.
I guess someone has met the buy out price for Amnesty International. It's too bad because their mission seemed to have been a good one.
So AI needs to ignore history, decency, and common sense so that the money keeps flowing in. They have to devalue the sacrifice of up to 20 million victims of the Soviet system for their filthy lucre.
I guess someone has met the buy out price for Amnesty International. It's too bad because their mission seemed to have been a good one.
A Great Post comparing the Soviet and American Gulag systems
This is a great post on the Jawa Report. It gives some background about true Gulags and what Amnesty International is calling a Gulag. This is just like the Bush is Hitler stuff.
The LLL doesn't know their history so they just grasp at an evil dictator that comes to mind and say the current guy is just as bad. I have a feeling that they only know that Hitler was bad and Bush is bad so they are the same. So that some detainees tell them that Gitmo is bad and the Soviet gulags were bad and thus Gitmo is as bad as a Soviet Gulag.
The LLL doesn't know their history so they just grasp at an evil dictator that comes to mind and say the current guy is just as bad. I have a feeling that they only know that Hitler was bad and Bush is bad so they are the same. So that some detainees tell them that Gitmo is bad and the Soviet gulags were bad and thus Gitmo is as bad as a Soviet Gulag.
Gitmo the Gulag of Our time?
Only an American Gulag would have ample reading material, organized games, culturally sensitive food, arrows painted on the floor facing toward Mecca, and calls to prayer piped over the loudspeakers. I wonder if the hostages taken by Al-Quida get to perform the mass and read the Bible in their spare time?
A Way for Stars to Make Some extra cash
Looks like Cameron Diaz is fighting mad about her hugging Trippin' producer Shane Nickerson. She is suing National Enquirer for $30 million. I think she may have a case here too. Looks like NE took some harmless looking photos and went hog wild.
I think stars could use this fact to make a few extra bucks. Stage a scene were they are making out with some person other then the one they are dating/married to. Have the scene shot by the hyperactive stalkerazzi. And then sue the photog and the scandal rag that buys the pictures. It would be like making a movie with the National Enquirer bankrolling it.
I have a feeling that the stalkerazzi would back off a bit if stars kept pulling this stunt.
I think stars could use this fact to make a few extra bucks. Stage a scene were they are making out with some person other then the one they are dating/married to. Have the scene shot by the hyperactive stalkerazzi. And then sue the photog and the scandal rag that buys the pictures. It would be like making a movie with the National Enquirer bankrolling it.
I have a feeling that the stalkerazzi would back off a bit if stars kept pulling this stunt.
Cox to head SEC
Looks like Bush picked the new head of the SEC. Looks like this guy is going to be softer on corporations then the last guy. He is also against shareholder lawsuits. Looks like they may be taking a step back from the good corporate governance thing that has been going on for the last few years. I wonder if this guy is going butt heads with Spitzer?
Questioning the Sun StorageTek merger
Looks like people are scratching their heads about the merger. I agree with McNealy though. Customers do want to buy their entire setup from one or two big guys and not have to support a ton of different products. It is much easier that way no matter how you slice it. I guess people can't get over the fact that StorageTek had quarterly sales that were 3% lower.
Wet Seal Strong May Sales
Some info on Wet Seal's massive same store sales increase. Up 57% for the month of May and rising for 5 strait weeks. Sounds like WTSLA is something to do some research on.
Market mostly flat today
Dow 10553.49+3.62(+0.03%)
Nasdaq 2097.80+9.94(+0.48%)
S&P 500 1204.29+2.07(+0.17%)
At least it was up a bit at the very end of trading. I think the market is on hold until the unemployment report comes out tomorrow. I have a feeling it will be fairly strong and we'll have another nice up week.
Nasdaq 2097.80+9.94(+0.48%)
S&P 500 1204.29+2.07(+0.17%)
At least it was up a bit at the very end of trading. I think the market is on hold until the unemployment report comes out tomorrow. I have a feeling it will be fairly strong and we'll have another nice up week.
Retail Sales Up
Looks like high gas prices aren't affecting the kids buying stuff at Wet Seal (a crazy 57% same store sales growth) and Abercombie (29% same store sales) and the rich folks at Neiman Marcus (11% same store) and Nordstrom (7.9% same store.) Looks like there is more money to be made in retail. Consumer confidence is up and people are still willing to keep that money flowing out of their wallets.
Interesting Story about EBAY and Shopping.com Merger
Hmm this is a very thoughtful story about the merger. It talks about how Ebay will be able to ramp up its monthly traffic by linking to Shopping.com instead of the more expensive Google.
She also suggests EBAY should buy Overstock.com and add it to a conglomerate of companies under the EBAY name. I think this is a pretty good idea but some EBAY sellers may not like the fit because they would be directly competing with the company that they are listing stuff on.
Some of the Overstock.com prices are super low and small sellers will not be able to compete with them. It would only affect certain sellers though so it probably won't be a very big deal.
The idea of an Ebay conglomerate is a very good one though. They can run several brands under the Ebay name that all run together and give traffic to one another. This would be very much like IAC does with its various brands. As long as all the companies work well together and funnel traffic back and forth Ebay will make some good money.
She also suggests EBAY should buy Overstock.com and add it to a conglomerate of companies under the EBAY name. I think this is a pretty good idea but some EBAY sellers may not like the fit because they would be directly competing with the company that they are listing stuff on.
Some of the Overstock.com prices are super low and small sellers will not be able to compete with them. It would only affect certain sellers though so it probably won't be a very big deal.
The idea of an Ebay conglomerate is a very good one though. They can run several brands under the Ebay name that all run together and give traffic to one another. This would be very much like IAC does with its various brands. As long as all the companies work well together and funnel traffic back and forth Ebay will make some good money.
Sun Micro to by StorageTek
I guess Sun wants to be able to sell a server, the media storage device, and the media itself to back the thing up. I think this a very good selling point for Sun because running backups for a server is a fact of life. They can now firmly integrate the storage solution with the server so backups are easier to schedule and run and you can restore things faster. Now you don't have to go to a third party solution to take care of an essential task.
Also making tape media is something that won't grow very much but is a reliable income stream. Most companies go through tons on tapes depending on their retention policies. Selling the media and the tape machine is like selling the razor blades and the razor.
Also making tape media is something that won't grow very much but is a reliable income stream. Most companies go through tons on tapes depending on their retention policies. Selling the media and the tape machine is like selling the razor blades and the razor.
Saudi Women Drivers
The Saudi's are now up in arms about a study to see the feasability of allowing women to drive.
Where are the US women's groups? Should'nt they be up in arms about this stuff, calling for solidarity with their oppressed sisters?
What is idiodic though is how the same Islamic laws that prevents women from driving themselves (because it leads to possible sinning) allows live-in drivers to be alone with women.
Hey that guy is a strange man too but not as evil as a "policeman" or a "mechanic" who may look at her eyes! I bet you any amount of money that some of these live-in drivers will get it on with certain Saudi women. I mean if women are so wild that they are going to bang any policeman that drives down the road, they are going to be all over these live-in drivers.
I think Saudi clerics need to start preaching more about self-control so that a man can see a womans ankle in Saudi Arabia and not want to immediately bang her. I guess they are just too busy wanting to destroy Israel and creating the next wave of homicide bombers.
Where are the US women's groups? Should'nt they be up in arms about this stuff, calling for solidarity with their oppressed sisters?
What is idiodic though is how the same Islamic laws that prevents women from driving themselves (because it leads to possible sinning) allows live-in drivers to be alone with women.
Hey that guy is a strange man too but not as evil as a "policeman" or a "mechanic" who may look at her eyes! I bet you any amount of money that some of these live-in drivers will get it on with certain Saudi women. I mean if women are so wild that they are going to bang any policeman that drives down the road, they are going to be all over these live-in drivers.
I think Saudi clerics need to start preaching more about self-control so that a man can see a womans ankle in Saudi Arabia and not want to immediately bang her. I guess they are just too busy wanting to destroy Israel and creating the next wave of homicide bombers.
Wednesday, June 01, 2005
EBAY buys Shopping.com
Hmm this seems like an interesting add-on to EBAY. I agree with Shopping.com's CEO in wondering how the two companies would fit together. I guess Shopping.com will be used as a way for small retailers on Ebay to buy search results for a cheaper price then what Google or Yahoo charges. It is also an interesting way for EBAY to get into the paid listing market on the cheap. There is lots of money to be made in that paid listing market from both advertisers and sellers alike. I think it would be a good enough reason to put EBAY back on my watch list.
Interesting Thoughts by Jeremy Siegel
Very interesting stuff about the Baby Boomers retiring and selling their stock holdings. Let's hope the developing countries actually step up and buy the equity that the boomers will be selling. If they don't then there really will be a market crash coming up in the next decade or so.
Also, I like his idea of buying the high dividend paying stocks in an S&P10 sort of thing. But for the time being I would stick with DVY for that dividend paying goodness. He is also weighting 40% in non-US stocks. That's quite a bit but it may be worth it in the long run.
Also, I like his idea of buying the high dividend paying stocks in an S&P10 sort of thing. But for the time being I would stick with DVY for that dividend paying goodness. He is also weighting 40% in non-US stocks. That's quite a bit but it may be worth it in the long run.
Dutch Reject the EU constitution
Hmm, looks like the Dutch defeated the crap out of the measure. With a 62% turn out and a 62 to 39 for the "no"vote. Add this to the French defeating it by 55% and the EU looks like it may be in trouble. I like how McClellan dodged the whole issue. It *is* a European matter and the US has nothing to do with it at all.
Whatever the case the EU seems to be splitting at the seams. I read in Business Week that even the Euro isn't fulfilling peoples expectations. I have a feeling that some member states like the Netherlands may bow out of the EU rather then succumb to economic reforms and cultural assimilation. Would France and Germany be far behind? Whatever the case, it may be time to go short the Euro.
Whatever the case the EU seems to be splitting at the seams. I read in Business Week that even the Euro isn't fulfilling peoples expectations. I have a feeling that some member states like the Netherlands may bow out of the EU rather then succumb to economic reforms and cultural assimilation. Would France and Germany be far behind? Whatever the case, it may be time to go short the Euro.
Market up on Fed Speculation
Well the market is up today with speculation that the Fed is going to stop the hikes. That is great news for the financials. But I have a feeling that a few weak manufacturing reports will not make the Fed stay its hand.
Dow 10549.87+82.39(+0.79%)
Nasdaq 2087.86+19.64(+0.95%)
S&P 500 1202.22+10.72(+0.90%)
Dow 10549.87+82.39(+0.79%)
Nasdaq 2087.86+19.64(+0.95%)
S&P 500 1202.22+10.72(+0.90%)
Kerkorian won't go over $31 for GM
Hmm I guess $31 a share for GM is fair value in Kerkorian's book. Hmm, it may be a good time to go short GM again because the price probably won't go too much higher then $31.
More Trouble with Lohan
Wow, now the paparazzi are ramming her car. I wonder if it advance publicity for Herbie Fully Loaded?
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