Friday, December 19, 2008

Thoughts Before the Holidays

Before I start, I just want to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, and Happy New Year. It has been an interesting 2008 and here's to 2009 being a happy and healthy one.

On a news-related front, Blago made a public appearance today and gave one of the most incredulous, cocky speeches I've ever seen. Please watch it here...it's short and amusing. He is "not guilty" he will "fight and fight" until his "last breath". He said NOTHING of substance. He reiterated that he will not quit his position. He should at least step aside and let the investigation proceed. I'm sure he can't be an effective governor with the media circus around him. I still don't know who more of a loser...him or Madoff.

Take a look at this chart on returns from the Madoff fund. It's a straight line for the past 20 years! Contrast that with the chart of the S&P....note the fluctuations. How did this not trigger any alerts? Unbelievable. Remember, if it's too good to be true, it can't be true. That performance is too linear! Second, why he is not in jail??? And, third, where is the $50 billion dollars? He could not have spent it all. He must have it hidden in some off-shore account. I hope for the sake of the investors and charities that they will be able to recoup some of that money.






Also, why did Obama pick Pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation at his his inauguration? I know they are friends, but he is overtly anti-homosexual (in fact, he won't even allow homosexuals into his parish), and has many other views that are not in line with most Democrats/liberals. I do applaud Obama for not appeasing only one political view with his choices for his cabinet, but this move is certain to ruffle many feathers on the left because of Warren's hard-right social stances.

Newsweek published an interview with a Somali pirate on the processes involved in hijacking ships. OK, Newsweek, how about not publishing advice on how to be a crook. Bottom line, this pirates need to be taken out and not have their ransoms paid or else it will lead to more hijackings!!

Bush announced the auto-bailout details this morning. It's a $17 billion life-line, but I doubt these companies can get their act together that quickly. I don't know what to think about these bailouts anymore. It's probably like trying to plug a leaking dam with some putty, but at the same time, a FLOOD of new unemployed Americans won't be a welcomed either.

OK, that's enough for now. Again, best holiday wishes to one and all!!

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

my holiday best wishes are extended to my friends on both sides of the aisle.

Will said...

Steve -- Merry Christmas! and Happy Blog-i-versary. I looked back and this was your very first comment (I think).

"I like so my your web.
You are a very clever and educated person.
If you would like to contact me, please do so at xyz@hotmail.com

Best regards,
Borat"

Unknown said...

Hey Steve,
Hope you had a great time in Spain and a wonderful Christmas.
Thouht you might enjoy a little youtube video of my nephew getting his favorite christmas gift. And yes, there is a bit of Auntie pride here but this kid has talent, for sure. Hard to believe he is only two years old. AND, there was no direct to consumer advertising associated with this purchase. Just a kid who loves to drum.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kNnBNP4zho

Unknown said...

why do I have so much trouble with links?
http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=4kNnBNP4zho