An article by David Borowitz in The Huffington Post refers to CIA reports that Bin Laden is being followed on Twitter. When is this villain ever going to get caught? Now if only Twitter could somehow track him down. You wouldn't think it would be that hard.
In what some are calling a breakthrough in the hunt for the world's most wanted man, the Central Intelligence Agency revealed today that it is following Osama bin Laden on Twitter....
"We thought we were detecting an increase in chatter from Osama bin Laden," CIA chief Leon Panetta told reporters today. "What it turned out to be was an increase in tweets."...
The spy chief said that Mr. bin Laden's Twitter usage seems to peak between the hours of 8 and 9 PM on Mondays.
Twitter creators should be proud of their newest creation. If it helps locate him, what a "killer app" that would be. If only Twitter could be combined with a GPS. There's money to be made catching him. This time it's the government that needs bailing out. Can you help?
BorowitzReport article
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
My Facebook Mistake
Perhaps it is just as well that Facebook is taking a look at its own website and rules. I usually am careful about where I email and what I do online, having used computers for a long time.
Yesterday afternoon, I was adding my blog names to my Facebook page and clicked a button by mistake that sent mail to everyone on my address list asking if they want to be my Facebook friend. That list looks like it has about 300 addresses on it as it hadn't been cleaned up in some time.
That list includes addresses having to do with building our new swimming pool, having our gasoline tank remediated, our new septic system installed and more than a few lawyers and teachers, sales and information specialists, all ages of friends. Everyone got my email!
All of this happened because of one click that I didn't even notice until I started getting suspicious emails and went back to the Facebook site to check.
Anyway, as soon as I noticed this I deleted half the addresses and sent an apology to the other half. Of course, I should have sent the apology to everyone before I deleted the addresses, thus compounding the misery for everyone. So, I guess I should apologize again for making a mistake on top of a mistake.
One good outcome is that now I'm hearing from people I haven't heard from for years. I can tell whether their emails are current and find out what's going on with them, and I am getting a flood of emails.
Many of the photos I am seeing on Facebook friend sites are very funny (like my electrician and his buddies - who knew?). But some names on my email list made me positively squirm and some are never going to be updated. I am just hoping no one says that they don't want to be a Facebook friend or any other kind of friend to me.
Definitely, I would advise you to be very careful what you do on Facebook. Those photos, the keys to press, and what you say are less controllable than most websites at this time. On Facebook, your past can come back quickly as a shock!
Yesterday afternoon, I was adding my blog names to my Facebook page and clicked a button by mistake that sent mail to everyone on my address list asking if they want to be my Facebook friend. That list looks like it has about 300 addresses on it as it hadn't been cleaned up in some time.
That list includes addresses having to do with building our new swimming pool, having our gasoline tank remediated, our new septic system installed and more than a few lawyers and teachers, sales and information specialists, all ages of friends. Everyone got my email!
All of this happened because of one click that I didn't even notice until I started getting suspicious emails and went back to the Facebook site to check.
Anyway, as soon as I noticed this I deleted half the addresses and sent an apology to the other half. Of course, I should have sent the apology to everyone before I deleted the addresses, thus compounding the misery for everyone. So, I guess I should apologize again for making a mistake on top of a mistake.
One good outcome is that now I'm hearing from people I haven't heard from for years. I can tell whether their emails are current and find out what's going on with them, and I am getting a flood of emails.
Many of the photos I am seeing on Facebook friend sites are very funny (like my electrician and his buddies - who knew?). But some names on my email list made me positively squirm and some are never going to be updated. I am just hoping no one says that they don't want to be a Facebook friend or any other kind of friend to me.
Definitely, I would advise you to be very careful what you do on Facebook. Those photos, the keys to press, and what you say are less controllable than most websites at this time. On Facebook, your past can come back quickly as a shock!
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Home Sweet Home
The World Economic Forum in October ranked Canada’s financial system the soundest in the world. I've already mentioned this in my entry here.
President Obama visited Canada recently in his first foreign visit, and extolled the virtues of the banking system. This article from Bloomberg News says,
Before President Obama made Ottawa his first visit to a foreign capital earlier this month, he couldn’t resist telling the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.: “In the midst of the enormous economic crisis, I think Canada has shown itself to be a pretty good manager of the financial system and the economy in ways that we haven’t always been.”
Canadian regulators resisted pushes from some bank executives to loosen lending restrictions when the economy was booming, says David Dodge, 65, who stepped down as Bank of Canada governor a year ago...“The banks at the top of the cycle thought we were being too tight-assed,” Dodge said in a telephone interview.
Canadians were able to have 40-year mortgages until last year when they started to gain popularity among homebuyers seeking to reduce their monthly mortgage payments.
Another restraining factor is that Canadians, unlike their U.S. neighbors, can’t take mortgage interest as a tax deduction, removing an “inherent bias” to take on too much debt, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in September.
In Canada, mortgage debt was not viewed "good debt" as the American media has led Americans to believe. For most Americans, the way to become rich and increase personal financial assets has been to take on more debt, especially if borrowed debt can be reinvested for higher returns. But many Americans are now losing their homes or in danger of it as they choke on debts, the high costs of healthcare and the high tax rate.
President Obama visited Canada recently in his first foreign visit, and extolled the virtues of the banking system. This article from Bloomberg News says,
Before President Obama made Ottawa his first visit to a foreign capital earlier this month, he couldn’t resist telling the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.: “In the midst of the enormous economic crisis, I think Canada has shown itself to be a pretty good manager of the financial system and the economy in ways that we haven’t always been.”
Canadian regulators resisted pushes from some bank executives to loosen lending restrictions when the economy was booming, says David Dodge, 65, who stepped down as Bank of Canada governor a year ago...“The banks at the top of the cycle thought we were being too tight-assed,” Dodge said in a telephone interview.
Canadians were able to have 40-year mortgages until last year when they started to gain popularity among homebuyers seeking to reduce their monthly mortgage payments.
Another restraining factor is that Canadians, unlike their U.S. neighbors, can’t take mortgage interest as a tax deduction, removing an “inherent bias” to take on too much debt, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said in September.
In Canada, mortgage debt was not viewed "good debt" as the American media has led Americans to believe. For most Americans, the way to become rich and increase personal financial assets has been to take on more debt, especially if borrowed debt can be reinvested for higher returns. But many Americans are now losing their homes or in danger of it as they choke on debts, the high costs of healthcare and the high tax rate.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
While I am not the most political person, I have been conscious of beef quality since living in England years ago when mad cow disease was a real concern. This article in today's New York Times mentions that Wagyu beef was eaten at the Governor's Dinner, a major formal event that was held at the same time as the Academy Awards, last Sunday evening. Isn't Wagyu beef the kind that Rachael Ray was given trouble about? Isn't it a Japanese beef? Why, oh why, when America is full of cows does it have to import beef from another country and pay top dollar for a meat that is coming out of my taxes. Think about it, here we have paid millions of dollars in federal tax dollars, and aren't citizens because I might not pass the test, and my tax dollars are feeding governors with foreign Japanese beef? The government calls excess "pork", but I am calling it " Wagyu beef".
Monday, February 23, 2009
2009 Academy Awards Slideshow
Here's a really hot slideshow of the 81st Academy Awards February 22, 2009. Enjoy! Don't they all look perfect?
Courtesy slideshare.net
Courtesy slideshare.net
Sunday, February 22, 2009
On The Academy Awards
The Academy Awards are over, and it was great, as usual. Some movies I liked during the year were totally ignored, and others I didn't have any desire to see won prizes. But the movie stars look so perfect and their clothes are so beautiful, and their speeches are so effusive. It's all a wonderful diversion.
Sean Penn
The prizes are probably more political than popular, if today's award for Best Actor is any indication. From what I can see, "Milk" broke even, if its costs were U.S.$20mil, and it made $28mil in the U.S. and $30mil. worldwide according to this data. While the camera focused on gay flick lead actor Sean Penn, the teenage heart-throb Robert Pattinson,
Robert Pattinson
known as Edward in "Twilight" was sitting behind him, with his usual smoldering good looks. Pattinson didn't win any prizes or get any recognition or attention. But that movie is a ginormous, runaway success boasting U.S.$187mil. in U.S. and Canadian sales and U.S.$356mil. worldwide box office totals. Can't wait for more, with others expected in the series.
The side shows today were entertaining, with host Hugh Jackman dancing with Beyonce and so on. My only problem with the Academy Awards is that so many deserving, financially successful and popular movies get so little attention. I think that spreading out the awards helps more individuals.
"Slumdog Millionaire" got a huge boost, with lots of the prizes for sound-mixing, original song, original score, film editing, cinematography, adapted screenplay, best director and best picture. An interesting triumph of the passionate visions of producer and director, perhaps it's got just enough English to count as mainstream.
Academy Awards are originally American prizes, and there are "foreign language movie" Academy prizes. One of my favorite movies "The Duchess" won for costume design, and perhaps it could have won for "most emotion-heavy" movie of the year, if that had been prized. The so-called chick-flick movies, like the teenage movies, don't get big prizes at the Academy.
Aren't most Americans looking at the awards feeling uninspired and a let-down of pride? Do you think the Academy Awards properly awards prizes for movies? Do you think criteria for winning should be clearly differentiated and stated?
Sean Penn
The prizes are probably more political than popular, if today's award for Best Actor is any indication. From what I can see, "Milk" broke even, if its costs were U.S.$20mil, and it made $28mil in the U.S. and $30mil. worldwide according to this data. While the camera focused on gay flick lead actor Sean Penn, the teenage heart-throb Robert Pattinson,
Robert Pattinson
known as Edward in "Twilight" was sitting behind him, with his usual smoldering good looks. Pattinson didn't win any prizes or get any recognition or attention. But that movie is a ginormous, runaway success boasting U.S.$187mil. in U.S. and Canadian sales and U.S.$356mil. worldwide box office totals. Can't wait for more, with others expected in the series.
The side shows today were entertaining, with host Hugh Jackman dancing with Beyonce and so on. My only problem with the Academy Awards is that so many deserving, financially successful and popular movies get so little attention. I think that spreading out the awards helps more individuals.
"Slumdog Millionaire" got a huge boost, with lots of the prizes for sound-mixing, original song, original score, film editing, cinematography, adapted screenplay, best director and best picture. An interesting triumph of the passionate visions of producer and director, perhaps it's got just enough English to count as mainstream.
Academy Awards are originally American prizes, and there are "foreign language movie" Academy prizes. One of my favorite movies "The Duchess" won for costume design, and perhaps it could have won for "most emotion-heavy" movie of the year, if that had been prized. The so-called chick-flick movies, like the teenage movies, don't get big prizes at the Academy.
Aren't most Americans looking at the awards feeling uninspired and a let-down of pride? Do you think the Academy Awards properly awards prizes for movies? Do you think criteria for winning should be clearly differentiated and stated?
We Are None of Us Able To Be What We Have It In Us To Be
Edward Upward
There is an interesting article in The Princeton Packet here about neuroscientist Sam Wang, associate professor of molecular biology and neuroscience at Princeton University, who gave a lecture with various fascinating insights about human relationships:
"Our brains have the job of helping us survive in the world and fight another day,” he said.
On a common brain myth:"Dale Carnegie, the self-improvement pioneer, [made the] assertion that we use only 10 percent of our brain, which he ascribed to Mr.[Henry] James. Mr. Wang said...The truth is “you need every bit of your brain,”... “If you have a stroke you will find out, sometimes the hard way, that you use every bit of your brain,” he said.
Many of the things adults do to keep their brains sharp, including Sudoku and crossword puzzles, help your brain get better at those specific tasks but don’t have much if any broader benefit, Mr. Wang said. Instead, “physical exercise is one of the best things you can do,” to benefit your brain, he said....”There is a rule of thumb that things that are good for your heart are good for your brain,” Mr. Wang said.
... Although men and women are equally good at reading their own moods — whether they are in a good or bad mood — “everybody is better at reading women’s moods,” based on whatever signals women send out, Mr. Wang said.
“Eight hours of study is more effective spread out over two or three sessions than over one session.” And a good night’s sleep before the exam does help you better process all that studied information, he said.
...weighing in on the “nature versus nurture” question. It has been demonstrated that increases in IQ across populations do occur at a more rapid clip than evolution would allow for, he said, so nurture is important."
More information about puzzles of everyday life is here on one of his websites.
Sudoku is still fun, in my view, if you play an easy enough game to finish, and the more that it's played, the easier it is.
There is an interesting article in The Princeton Packet here about neuroscientist Sam Wang, associate professor of molecular biology and neuroscience at Princeton University, who gave a lecture with various fascinating insights about human relationships:
"Our brains have the job of helping us survive in the world and fight another day,” he said.
On a common brain myth:"Dale Carnegie, the self-improvement pioneer, [made the] assertion that we use only 10 percent of our brain, which he ascribed to Mr.[Henry] James. Mr. Wang said...The truth is “you need every bit of your brain,”... “If you have a stroke you will find out, sometimes the hard way, that you use every bit of your brain,” he said.
Many of the things adults do to keep their brains sharp, including Sudoku and crossword puzzles, help your brain get better at those specific tasks but don’t have much if any broader benefit, Mr. Wang said. Instead, “physical exercise is one of the best things you can do,” to benefit your brain, he said....”There is a rule of thumb that things that are good for your heart are good for your brain,” Mr. Wang said.
... Although men and women are equally good at reading their own moods — whether they are in a good or bad mood — “everybody is better at reading women’s moods,” based on whatever signals women send out, Mr. Wang said.
“Eight hours of study is more effective spread out over two or three sessions than over one session.” And a good night’s sleep before the exam does help you better process all that studied information, he said.
...weighing in on the “nature versus nurture” question. It has been demonstrated that increases in IQ across populations do occur at a more rapid clip than evolution would allow for, he said, so nurture is important."
More information about puzzles of everyday life is here on one of his websites.
Sudoku is still fun, in my view, if you play an easy enough game to finish, and the more that it's played, the easier it is.
So Much Beauty, So Little Time
Buzzsugar
This is a cute Q&A from The New York Times here, and it reminds me of "He's Just Not That Into You" a movie I saw yesterday - a very entertaining movie with an all-star cast, by the way. It's definitely a movie worth seeing and this sort of sums it up:
The Busy Signal
Q:What’s the appropriate response to “You never call”?
A:"The last time I checked, telephones worked in both directions, just like guilt trips.
So take your mother or your friend or — scratch that, we all know it’s your mother, right? — gently by the hand and say: “I was just thinking the same thing about you.”
Then promise each other to be in closer touch...or make a date, right then and there."
Friday, February 20, 2009
Confirmed: Madoff Made Off With Billions
Bernard Madoff enters federal court Jan. 14 in New York City
Every one who made money from Madoff investments took it from a new investor. According to The New York Times, those who took out more than they put in “have to recognize that they got someone else’s money,” said David J. Sheehan, a lawyer working with the Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC).
Irving Picard, a trustee at the SIPC, is working hard to recover money for investors. He said today "the disgraced financier did not buy any securities for his clients in at least the last 13 years."
Irving Picard
“We have no evidence to indicate securities were purchased for customer accounts,” the trustee, Irving H. Picard, said at the first gathering of Mr. Madoff’s clients and other creditors at the federal bankruptcy courthouse in Lower Manhattan."
According to The Wall Street Journal, Mr. Picard "has said he will sue investors to retrieve profits they earned, particularly if they took their money out because they were suspicious".
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Guard Dogs in Demand
Flipping through the pages of the February, 2009 Robb Report I noticed an unusually large number of ads for guard dogs, mostly German Shepherds. Several of the dog ads were of dogs pictured with children, so cute. But also, a bit sinister, when you think about it. Why now? The American economic downturn is so severe that wealthy clients are likely to need guard dogs, maybe more guard dogs?
Today news came of another possible Ponzi scheme, from the Stanford Financial Group (no relation to the university) of approximately $U.S. 8 billion. The Wall Street Journal says "The SEC filed civil charges against R. Allen Stanford, alleging he orchestrated a scheme centering on an $8 billion CD program. Federal agents raided Stanford's headquarters" in Houston.
Now more than ever, I suppose those who have money want to keep it and keep themselves safe. Alas, it's likely too late for those who invested with Madoff and Stanford. If only those on guard at the SEC had protected investors from those crooks. At least the SEC acted on recent Stanford Financial complaints.
But where were those on guard at the SEC when collateralized debt obligations (CDOs) were created from a mix of subprime loans, corporate loans, and commercial and residential real estate? If CDOs hadn't been created, it is conjectured that the financial bubble that has burst and exploded so disastrously might not have happened. Many have now lost life savings, and may face unemployment and foreclosures...It's probably the worst, most serious financial disaster this country has ever seen.
We all could have used better protection and regulation.
Monday, February 16, 2009
"Dealer's Warranty"
Evil diabolical criminals aren't necessarily foreign. They can be homegrown, as the Oklahoma City bombing and other acts of violence prove.
Fortunately, my problem isn't that bad. When I extended a lease on my Mercedes to a fifth year because I was too busy to lease another one, I also wished to extend the warranty. It just happened that I got a postcard in the mail around that time a year-and-a-half ago, and assumed it was from the Mercedes dealer, because the card mentioned Mercedes.
Anyway, I called up "Dealer's Warranty" and had a short conversation and obtained a service warranty on my car. Or so I thought. The money certainly went out of my credit card each month.
But when I changed vehicles a year later, I was supposed to stop the service warranty. I forgot to do so for two months and noticed the payments were still coming out of the credit card bill. So I called up the credit card company and asked them to stop payment, but they said I would have to fill out paperwork (ugh!) and only then might they help me.
So I called all to various numbers at "Dealer's Warranty" and calls to them are supposedly recorded. But when I said that I might put this trouble in my blog, they said they wouldn't talk to me, until I relented.
Grudgingly, I did my part. I got details of the paperwork to fill out with four necessary nuggets of information, including notarized certificate of mileage when the car was returned to the dealer.
Since then, I have received various phone calls from "Dealer's Warranty" threatening to close the coverage, which is what I wanted. But the worst was today when the individual told me that my credit would be ruined if I didn't make another payment. He also said he would only talk to you-know-who, a female. He insisted that I had covered another make of vehicle than the one I have. Also, with raised voice, he insisted that the VIN number we sent on the certificate was incorrect (right!). That's what he said in a short phone call: "That's it, Lady, you're credit's ruined".
I hightailed it to the Mercedes dealer, who disavowed any connection with this warranty company. The dealership says they do not give out names, but the Department of Motor Vehicles does, to warranty dealers who want to advertise. They recommend hanging up on all future calls from "Dealer's Warranty" and others who claim to be subsidiaries. They said the warranty is likely useless, and I don't know as I didn't ever file a claim during that year the services on my vehicles were supposedly covered. They also suggested emailing the Better Business Bureau.
Future posts will say whether I have any more trouble from this company. Meanwhile, stay away from those bastards at "Dealer's Warranty". They are calling now with untraceable numbers and harassing me at all hours. They don't sound at all foreign or have foreign names, and they are calling me from lots of different states.
I want to leave sort of a trail, if not on paper, then online. This company shouldn't be allowed to get away with using threatening, aggressive language and intimidating business practices. Also, I don't want anyone else to get threats of ruined credit, either. If it's not an empty threat, here is my side of the story.
Fortunately, my problem isn't that bad. When I extended a lease on my Mercedes to a fifth year because I was too busy to lease another one, I also wished to extend the warranty. It just happened that I got a postcard in the mail around that time a year-and-a-half ago, and assumed it was from the Mercedes dealer, because the card mentioned Mercedes.
Anyway, I called up "Dealer's Warranty" and had a short conversation and obtained a service warranty on my car. Or so I thought. The money certainly went out of my credit card each month.
But when I changed vehicles a year later, I was supposed to stop the service warranty. I forgot to do so for two months and noticed the payments were still coming out of the credit card bill. So I called up the credit card company and asked them to stop payment, but they said I would have to fill out paperwork (ugh!) and only then might they help me.
So I called all to various numbers at "Dealer's Warranty" and calls to them are supposedly recorded. But when I said that I might put this trouble in my blog, they said they wouldn't talk to me, until I relented.
Grudgingly, I did my part. I got details of the paperwork to fill out with four necessary nuggets of information, including notarized certificate of mileage when the car was returned to the dealer.
Since then, I have received various phone calls from "Dealer's Warranty" threatening to close the coverage, which is what I wanted. But the worst was today when the individual told me that my credit would be ruined if I didn't make another payment. He also said he would only talk to you-know-who, a female. He insisted that I had covered another make of vehicle than the one I have. Also, with raised voice, he insisted that the VIN number we sent on the certificate was incorrect (right!). That's what he said in a short phone call: "That's it, Lady, you're credit's ruined".
I hightailed it to the Mercedes dealer, who disavowed any connection with this warranty company. The dealership says they do not give out names, but the Department of Motor Vehicles does, to warranty dealers who want to advertise. They recommend hanging up on all future calls from "Dealer's Warranty" and others who claim to be subsidiaries. They said the warranty is likely useless, and I don't know as I didn't ever file a claim during that year the services on my vehicles were supposedly covered. They also suggested emailing the Better Business Bureau.
Future posts will say whether I have any more trouble from this company. Meanwhile, stay away from those bastards at "Dealer's Warranty". They are calling now with untraceable numbers and harassing me at all hours. They don't sound at all foreign or have foreign names, and they are calling me from lots of different states.
I want to leave sort of a trail, if not on paper, then online. This company shouldn't be allowed to get away with using threatening, aggressive language and intimidating business practices. Also, I don't want anyone else to get threats of ruined credit, either. If it's not an empty threat, here is my side of the story.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
More on Alaska's Flawed Hunting Policy
The governor of Alaska doesn't get it when she says that 'anti-hunters' are bothering her as are the 'planned parenthood' group. Many people responded to a virus with thank you letters to Sarah Palin and donations to planned parenthood. She is on CNN here combining the two and calling my stance 'anti-hunting' (which it is not but rather against animal bounty-hunting). She calls it "political theater".
Ashley Judd
But Ashley Judd's stance, which I supported when I wrote in a previous entry here, opposes her. Biologists and wildlife experts are also against the governor's animal bounty-hunting policy, as this recent letter signed by 172 scientists proves.
The video comment by the governor is another example of her flawed thinking and rebuke of sound professional advice and education. Her zero-tolerance stance on planned parenthood sounds flawed as well. But a good outcome is that planned parenthood raised nearly one million dollars (U.S.) from the flap, and the governor got more free (negative) publicity.
Ashley Judd
But Ashley Judd's stance, which I supported when I wrote in a previous entry here, opposes her. Biologists and wildlife experts are also against the governor's animal bounty-hunting policy, as this recent letter signed by 172 scientists proves.
The video comment by the governor is another example of her flawed thinking and rebuke of sound professional advice and education. Her zero-tolerance stance on planned parenthood sounds flawed as well. But a good outcome is that planned parenthood raised nearly one million dollars (U.S.) from the flap, and the governor got more free (negative) publicity.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Is Tim Geithner Leading The Ailing Housing Sector?
HuffPost is saying that Timothy Geithner is concerned with pleasing bankers to an alarming extent.
But if it is true that renegotiations of housing interest rates are being considered, then the government will finally be appearing to do something. Most Americans want a strong leader in Treasury. They are worrying that Tim Geithner is not appearing strong enough. But of course, no one would be the perfect Treasury Secretary to everyone.
With The Wall Street Journal announcing foreclosure moratorium measures here, there would appear to be some leadership coming from the market, as I wrote on my other blog in more detail.
By the way, there are bloggers asking if patriotism is fine. Of course, I think it's fine. It's exclusionary protectionism that is counter-productive and harmful to trade.
Update 1: CNBC-TV at 1:45 p.m. EST reported that the President will make a big speech next Wednesday and also speak generally about the housing crisis early next week. They are also reporting that Goldman Sachs could free up capital which could boost the government policy decision and really help the markets. Daily Beast is reporting from Bloomberg that the stimulus (that is being signed at this moment), could help with funding in two waves: "First, "relief to cash-strapped consumers, businesses and states," followed by infrastructure spending designed to create jobs".
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Mrs. Bernie Madoff Did It By Herself? Oh Please...
Just in the unlikely event you hadn't heard, here's an interesting report from Reuters:
Ruth Madoff pulled $10 million on December 10, the day before her husband was arrested and charged with running a global investment fraud, and $5.5 million on November 25, according to Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin....The disclosure of her withdrawals came in reports produced by Cohmad Securities, a firm co-owned by Bernard Madoff that had funneled millions of dollars from its clients to Madoff.
Ruth Madoff and son Andy
The New York Times says "Cohmad Securities was founded in 1985 by Mr. Madoff and a close associate, Maurice J. Cohn."
Civil and criminal investigations are continuing. Here are my related earlier posts.
Ruth Madoff pulled $10 million on December 10, the day before her husband was arrested and charged with running a global investment fraud, and $5.5 million on November 25, according to Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin....The disclosure of her withdrawals came in reports produced by Cohmad Securities, a firm co-owned by Bernard Madoff that had funneled millions of dollars from its clients to Madoff.
Ruth Madoff and son Andy
The New York Times says "Cohmad Securities was founded in 1985 by Mr. Madoff and a close associate, Maurice J. Cohn."
Civil and criminal investigations are continuing. Here are my related earlier posts.
Monday, February 9, 2009
Abducted Canadian-U.N. Negotiator In Clutches Of Al-Qaeda
Robert Fowler
There is further news in The Globe and Mail on my earlier story here, about three kidnapped hostages: kidnapped senior Canadian diplomat Robert Fowler, diplomat Louis Guay deputy director of the Sudan task force in Ottawa and Niger-based driver Soumana Moukaila. They were abducted December 14, 2008 on a high-level, low-profile mission to north Africa...."Suspicion has fallen on a group called Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, a radical North African Islamic group that swore allegiance to Osama bin Laden in 2007."
The U.N. believes they might be alive because a video has appeared possibly taken just after the abduction. "After his [Fowler's] retirement, he was appointed last July as a special UN envoy to Niger to mediate between the government and armed rebel groups. But the UN kept the mission secret for six months - until he was kidnapped."
Why haven't the international press made a bigger deal of these abductions? I wish they would, because it will take a lot of work by many individuals to rescue them. The French- and English-Canadian press are trying to get the word out. It's taking a village of reporters to get this story heard, even as it is happening now. Details are unclear and the investigation is continuing.
Having recently seen the movie "Taken" my hope is that a hero like Liam Neeson (it probably will take many heroes) will save these official negotiators from dire straits.
It's Expensive Being Rich
$500K? They've Got to Be Kidding, Right?
There is an interesting and funny NY Times article here about today's costs of raising a family in Manhattan (which is where I shopped yesterday). Makes it sound like $5 million is a baseline figure for a salary and that this $500K limit just isn't going to happen.
In my view, as a mother, my common sense indicates that the article forgot to mention a few expenses and minimized others. University costs, summer camps and other expenses for multiple children barely got mentioned, and (country) club memberships at two residences didn't either, or unexpected country house maintenance and improvements, gift expenses and many different forms of transportation. What about setting some aside for the future?
What could Washington be thinking? Evidently it's cheaper to live in Georgetown than Manhattan.
Maureen Dowd, the Washington columnist, could have a field day with this one.
Robert Frank's new classic "Richistan" here at B-N details some of those expenses in greater depth. His current blog is here. Quite presciently he predicted in December '07, that in '08 the rich might come down to earth. And did they ever!
"...I expect prices in the art, wine, collectibles and high-end real-estate market to slow. I don’t expect a crash or a burst bubble, since there’s continued strong demand by the rich in China, Russia and the Middle East. But I don’t expect any $150 million paintings or $750,000 bottles of wine. And I think high-end real estate will plateau, if not decline.
In short: The rich will do better than the average consumer next year, since they are still getting the lion’s share of the economic gains. Yet their lives, and the prices they pay, may come back down to earth."
There is an interesting and funny NY Times article here about today's costs of raising a family in Manhattan (which is where I shopped yesterday). Makes it sound like $5 million is a baseline figure for a salary and that this $500K limit just isn't going to happen.
In my view, as a mother, my common sense indicates that the article forgot to mention a few expenses and minimized others. University costs, summer camps and other expenses for multiple children barely got mentioned, and (country) club memberships at two residences didn't either, or unexpected country house maintenance and improvements, gift expenses and many different forms of transportation. What about setting some aside for the future?
What could Washington be thinking? Evidently it's cheaper to live in Georgetown than Manhattan.
Maureen Dowd, the Washington columnist, could have a field day with this one.
Robert Frank's new classic "Richistan" here at B-N details some of those expenses in greater depth. His current blog is here. Quite presciently he predicted in December '07, that in '08 the rich might come down to earth. And did they ever!
"...I expect prices in the art, wine, collectibles and high-end real-estate market to slow. I don’t expect a crash or a burst bubble, since there’s continued strong demand by the rich in China, Russia and the Middle East. But I don’t expect any $150 million paintings or $750,000 bottles of wine. And I think high-end real estate will plateau, if not decline.
In short: The rich will do better than the average consumer next year, since they are still getting the lion’s share of the economic gains. Yet their lives, and the prices they pay, may come back down to earth."
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
American Science Deserves More Funding
The new administration is to be commended, so far, for not hiding behind the cover of 'religion' as an excuse for not funding scientific research. Whether the issues are the health-care of children, researching stem cells or funding contraception the idea that federal legislators can, in the name of 'religion' stop peer-reviewed scientific research is very disturbing to me.
Religious beliefs vary widely and should be separated from scientific progress, especially as far as legislation is concerned. Science works in spheres outside the purview of religion. Religion should be about love, relationships, the human spirit and our beliefs. Science need not be feared if it adds useful knowledge. It can definitely enhance our world view and religions in ways we cannot and have not been able to predict.
While I am religious in my own way, I don't like the idea that scientific progress can be stopped for 'religious reasons'. Now I know that some scientific, especially medical research can be inhuman, as happens in wartime, for example, and that would be wrong, I agree.
As an example, in this article in The New York Times, about a just-identified Nazi doctor who committed medical atrocities, whose identity and location has just been breaking news, it says that:
In an interview in the family’s villa in Baden-Baden, Mr. Heim, 53, admitted publicly for the first time that he was with his father in Egypt at the time of his death[in 1992].
It would appear his son hasn't been punished and should be, in my view, as he must have known his father was an internationally 'wanted' criminal. Perhaps with new technologies we have today, that doctor might have been located sooner. He and his son might have faced the consequences.
We really need new technologies of science and the sooner the better. Odd that with all the current bailout money being thrown at bankers and insurers, so little is given to scientists. They toil long hours for little pay or public recognition yet can have the most impact for improving our lives.
Indeed, where would we be without scientific innovations we take for granted now? Many of them had sources in research seed money from the federal government. As for private junkets to lavish 'recognition events' in tropical resorts, well, scientists usually find scientific achievement more satisfying and schedule travel visits to dorm rooms at universities for educational improvement and, yes, grudging respect from their peers.
Religious beliefs vary widely and should be separated from scientific progress, especially as far as legislation is concerned. Science works in spheres outside the purview of religion. Religion should be about love, relationships, the human spirit and our beliefs. Science need not be feared if it adds useful knowledge. It can definitely enhance our world view and religions in ways we cannot and have not been able to predict.
While I am religious in my own way, I don't like the idea that scientific progress can be stopped for 'religious reasons'. Now I know that some scientific, especially medical research can be inhuman, as happens in wartime, for example, and that would be wrong, I agree.
As an example, in this article in The New York Times, about a just-identified Nazi doctor who committed medical atrocities, whose identity and location has just been breaking news, it says that:
In an interview in the family’s villa in Baden-Baden, Mr. Heim, 53, admitted publicly for the first time that he was with his father in Egypt at the time of his death[in 1992].
It would appear his son hasn't been punished and should be, in my view, as he must have known his father was an internationally 'wanted' criminal. Perhaps with new technologies we have today, that doctor might have been located sooner. He and his son might have faced the consequences.
We really need new technologies of science and the sooner the better. Odd that with all the current bailout money being thrown at bankers and insurers, so little is given to scientists. They toil long hours for little pay or public recognition yet can have the most impact for improving our lives.
Indeed, where would we be without scientific innovations we take for granted now? Many of them had sources in research seed money from the federal government. As for private junkets to lavish 'recognition events' in tropical resorts, well, scientists usually find scientific achievement more satisfying and schedule travel visits to dorm rooms at universities for educational improvement and, yes, grudging respect from their peers.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
The Future Of Airline Screening
How many times have you attempted to take a flight only to be reminded that this is a post 9/11 world? Some, if not most of us can remember an earlier time with easier check-ins.
How many times have we families, especially mothers alone, been stopped at airports, especially with babies, and watched young men just whisked through, without having to undergo the same rigorous suitcase and full-body screening and occasional confiscations of potentially lethal beauty products?
The trouble with all the new screening is that it is impossible to quantify how many disasters they have averted with any degree of success. Impossible!
Remember just after 9/11 when the draconian new rules were put into place, and anthrax became another scary new menace? Everyone wanted the world the way it used to be. Nobody preferred to submit to these humiliating but necessary procedures. We all wished a better way could be found, besides going for private jets.
William H. Press
Now, as usual, it will be mathematicians, my heroes, who've put this vexing problem to the test. Finally, a mathematician who could be pressed, aptly named William H. Press, has stepped up to the challenge. There is an article in today's Science Times section of The New York Times that details the mathematics involved in screening at airports. His article appears here in the Proceeedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Alas, all that screening is here to stay with more on the way, if this article is any indication. We can only dream about what it used to be like, and congratulate ourselves on all the tragedies that have been averted as we patiently wait our turns through those long lines. Maybe security could hand out rewards to all of us for being so patient?
How many times have we families, especially mothers alone, been stopped at airports, especially with babies, and watched young men just whisked through, without having to undergo the same rigorous suitcase and full-body screening and occasional confiscations of potentially lethal beauty products?
The trouble with all the new screening is that it is impossible to quantify how many disasters they have averted with any degree of success. Impossible!
Remember just after 9/11 when the draconian new rules were put into place, and anthrax became another scary new menace? Everyone wanted the world the way it used to be. Nobody preferred to submit to these humiliating but necessary procedures. We all wished a better way could be found, besides going for private jets.
William H. Press
Now, as usual, it will be mathematicians, my heroes, who've put this vexing problem to the test. Finally, a mathematician who could be pressed, aptly named William H. Press, has stepped up to the challenge. There is an article in today's Science Times section of The New York Times that details the mathematics involved in screening at airports. His article appears here in the Proceeedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Alas, all that screening is here to stay with more on the way, if this article is any indication. We can only dream about what it used to be like, and congratulate ourselves on all the tragedies that have been averted as we patiently wait our turns through those long lines. Maybe security could hand out rewards to all of us for being so patient?
Monday, February 2, 2009
Dollars For Wildlife Is Flawed Policy
Ashley Judd
It really amazes me! The traditional press that I look to for most of my news misses some of the most important pieces at times. This one about Ashley Judd's effort to save wolves and bears in Alaska surfaced online at HuffPost.
To think that that the legislator involved is Governor of Alaska is something I don't like and don't understand. That legislator clearly doesn't have the intellectual and scientific support of millions of biologists and national wildlife experts who devote their lives to this study. Wildlife experts and biologists do not ever condone animal bounty hunting.
The history of hunting animals in America for money is that it doesn't work according to this article called "The Realities of Bounty Hunting". Wildlife experts say that:
1) "the difference with a bounty for wildlife is that money, not wildlife management and recreation, becomes the priority of those participating".
2) And usually, "biologists estimate a population reduction of half to two-thirds would be required to produce any noticeable long-term benefits"
3)"another factor against bounties is how much they actually increase the normal harvest".
Some species will over-reproduce in response to a shortage, and hunters might travel out-of-state (or -country, in Alaska's case) to get bounties, when money is a driving force. Methodology is flawed and uncoordinated in this case and failure is sure to result. Scrappy efforts based on flawed research haven't worked in the past. Hunters, even those who would ordinarily promote positive hunting, sometimes violate ethical laws in an effort to make money.
My own personal view is that hunting isn't a fashionable or desirable form of sport. Maybe movie stars can help change legislation to save the wildlife of the United States from bounty hunters by calling our attention to it.
Update 1, 2/07/2009: Glad the press is taking this ball and running with it.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Why Do Half Of Americans Want To Move?
The economy probably has not been in the desperate straits it now is in, but we have more resources to deal with it than in The Great Depression. There is the internet, which can provide hours of nearly free enjoyment, the television and radio weren't available then, either. The discount stores, the dollar stores and WalMart weren't popular with internationally shipped goods. There weren't the huge number of grocery stores that there are now. Life is better in so many ways now that there isn't much basis for comparison.
There are some things that clearly could be improved, such as train and overland transportation. But if easier transportation has you thinking that city-dwellers are happier then here is an article on liveable cities that says that
"Most people who live in cities said they'd rather live someplace else."
Wow! And I thought city-dwellers feel content and happy with their choice! Did you have a choice, if you live in a city?
The Pew Reseach Center conducted the survey and
"Researchers polled 2,260 adults during telephone interviews.
The study also found that Republicans would like to live in Phoenix and Democrats prefer San Francisco.
The survey also found that more men than women would like to live in Las Vegas. Men living in rural areas said they are much happier living there than women."
The list of most desirable cities includes #1 Denver, San Diego, Seattle, Orlando, San Francisco and Tampa and least desirable include #1 Cleveland, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh. Actually, I would have expected more southern cities and fewer northern cities on the desirable list. Denver is cold in the winter, Seattle is rainy, and there weren't any sunny southwest inland cities in the top six. And why doesn't New Jersey (my state by choice) make it onto the list? There are many, many affluent people in the northeast. Is it purely affluence or family relationships keeping them here?
So if half of Americans want to move, as this study suggests, perhaps the new administration should be looking at why so many aren't happy with where they are currently living. Is it a case of the grass looking greener, or would most generally want to try something different, including living somewhere else, and wouldn't ever be content? Please share what you think.
There are some things that clearly could be improved, such as train and overland transportation. But if easier transportation has you thinking that city-dwellers are happier then here is an article on liveable cities that says that
"Most people who live in cities said they'd rather live someplace else."
Wow! And I thought city-dwellers feel content and happy with their choice! Did you have a choice, if you live in a city?
The Pew Reseach Center conducted the survey and
"Researchers polled 2,260 adults during telephone interviews.
The study also found that Republicans would like to live in Phoenix and Democrats prefer San Francisco.
The survey also found that more men than women would like to live in Las Vegas. Men living in rural areas said they are much happier living there than women."
The list of most desirable cities includes #1 Denver, San Diego, Seattle, Orlando, San Francisco and Tampa and least desirable include #1 Cleveland, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Minneapolis and Pittsburgh. Actually, I would have expected more southern cities and fewer northern cities on the desirable list. Denver is cold in the winter, Seattle is rainy, and there weren't any sunny southwest inland cities in the top six. And why doesn't New Jersey (my state by choice) make it onto the list? There are many, many affluent people in the northeast. Is it purely affluence or family relationships keeping them here?
So if half of Americans want to move, as this study suggests, perhaps the new administration should be looking at why so many aren't happy with where they are currently living. Is it a case of the grass looking greener, or would most generally want to try something different, including living somewhere else, and wouldn't ever be content? Please share what you think.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Blogs: The Most Important New Medium
Blogs and interactivity in the form of games, shopping, email and more, on the internet are the most important new social media not only of the New Millenium, but since the advent of television.
And I have to say that The Huffington Post and The Daily Beast are getting ever more interesting and varied posts by the day, with more notable authors able to write their views and versions of the truth. Those big blogs are becoming very important and enjoyable, HuffPost for its breaking news and important bloggers and sheer variety of coverage and Daily Beast, also for its breaking news, thoughtful stories and Cheat Sheet. Readers are hearing opinions they know are original, not vetted or sometimes twisted by journalists. Posts have the excitement of television with more permanence and thought and usually time for cursory fact-checking. Blogs are getting more journalistic and newspapers are searching for ideas from blogs.
This is a great new medium and it's getting more polite all the time. Nobody knows where it's going, but then again, what's not to like now? Why not make use of it? It is a new dimension of life enrichment and a new, exciting alternative medium for social, political, educational expressions and information. And it's developing very rapidly.
"There aren't enough blogs in America", as I heard on NPR. Yes, it is fun, despite Sarah Palin's derision. Even one-person blogs such as this, where I care about having readers, can be a place to add to an international conversation and hopefully impart useful information.
If you have questions on how and why to start a blog, try checking these useful books to see if you have it all in you:
The Huffington Post Complete Guide to Blogging and ProBlogger.
And I have to say that The Huffington Post and The Daily Beast are getting ever more interesting and varied posts by the day, with more notable authors able to write their views and versions of the truth. Those big blogs are becoming very important and enjoyable, HuffPost for its breaking news and important bloggers and sheer variety of coverage and Daily Beast, also for its breaking news, thoughtful stories and Cheat Sheet. Readers are hearing opinions they know are original, not vetted or sometimes twisted by journalists. Posts have the excitement of television with more permanence and thought and usually time for cursory fact-checking. Blogs are getting more journalistic and newspapers are searching for ideas from blogs.
This is a great new medium and it's getting more polite all the time. Nobody knows where it's going, but then again, what's not to like now? Why not make use of it? It is a new dimension of life enrichment and a new, exciting alternative medium for social, political, educational expressions and information. And it's developing very rapidly.
"There aren't enough blogs in America", as I heard on NPR. Yes, it is fun, despite Sarah Palin's derision. Even one-person blogs such as this, where I care about having readers, can be a place to add to an international conversation and hopefully impart useful information.
If you have questions on how and why to start a blog, try checking these useful books to see if you have it all in you:
The Huffington Post Complete Guide to Blogging and ProBlogger.
Health Coverage For All Is My Dream For America
Every day of every year in America someone is sick and in need of affordable, if not free, health care. It has long been my dream that the need for health care should not hold someone back from a desired lifestyle or taking wanted employment. The strong should help the weak, and the old should help the young. We need to help our youngest and our oldest, and we all need to help each other because it is the right thing to do. Sometimes we are sick, and sometimes we are well, and we must help those unable to help themselves.
It was with great pleasure that I read this article today by Marian Wright Edelman and Richard Kirsch. Edelman is a friend of Hillary Clinton, and was involved in universal health coverage plans in the Clinton Administration. While it may not have fully succeeded, the initiative was quietly begun and has germinated as these italicized excerpts show.
"In the next week, we expect Congress to put legislation expanding the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) on President Obama's desk.
...CHIP was important legislation passed in 1997 that expanded health coverage to millions of children over the past 11 years. But now is the time to enact real health care reform that will provide coverage to every child in America.
...One thing we've learned over the years is that children must have comprehensive, guaranteed coverage that does not differ from state to state.
...We must now move forward with real health care reform for all children - and for everyone in America - in 2009. With his signature, President Obama will be taking a first step towards fulfilling his campaign promise of affordable, accessible health care for all in 2009."
See the article in HuffPost here
Very fortunate we are in our family that our university health plan is wide-ranging, allowing us to have catastrophic and disability health insurance.
Do you agree with universal health care? Would free or inexpensive coverage ever have helped you or your family financially? Do you really think that America is the only country performing and paying for health and drug research despite evidence to the contrary? Do you believe that medical research by American drug companies is paid for by expensive health care expenses borne by Americans sick enough to need it, and that foreigners owe all their drugs to America?
Jim Cramer said on his investment show 'Mad Money' the he pre-supposes that investors have "health and disability insurance" and "no credit card debt" and a "rainy day fund" in the bank before they invest in the stock market. In my view, these and "living in your means" and "being able to pay taxes" are some important imperatives for a healthy financial life. What are your views?
It was with great pleasure that I read this article today by Marian Wright Edelman and Richard Kirsch. Edelman is a friend of Hillary Clinton, and was involved in universal health coverage plans in the Clinton Administration. While it may not have fully succeeded, the initiative was quietly begun and has germinated as these italicized excerpts show.
"In the next week, we expect Congress to put legislation expanding the Child Health Insurance Program (CHIP) on President Obama's desk.
...CHIP was important legislation passed in 1997 that expanded health coverage to millions of children over the past 11 years. But now is the time to enact real health care reform that will provide coverage to every child in America.
...One thing we've learned over the years is that children must have comprehensive, guaranteed coverage that does not differ from state to state.
...We must now move forward with real health care reform for all children - and for everyone in America - in 2009. With his signature, President Obama will be taking a first step towards fulfilling his campaign promise of affordable, accessible health care for all in 2009."
See the article in HuffPost here
Very fortunate we are in our family that our university health plan is wide-ranging, allowing us to have catastrophic and disability health insurance.
Do you agree with universal health care? Would free or inexpensive coverage ever have helped you or your family financially? Do you really think that America is the only country performing and paying for health and drug research despite evidence to the contrary? Do you believe that medical research by American drug companies is paid for by expensive health care expenses borne by Americans sick enough to need it, and that foreigners owe all their drugs to America?
Jim Cramer said on his investment show 'Mad Money' the he pre-supposes that investors have "health and disability insurance" and "no credit card debt" and a "rainy day fund" in the bank before they invest in the stock market. In my view, these and "living in your means" and "being able to pay taxes" are some important imperatives for a healthy financial life. What are your views?
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
How guilty is the Madoff family?
Here is an article in The Daily Beast today saying that Mrs. Bernie Madoff must have been involved in the Ponzi scheme perpetrated by her husband.
This couple must have just kept the money they were entrusted by others to invest, while Mr. Madoff entered fallacious information into the electronic trading system he helped to create, the Nasdaq as former Chairman. As I said in my earlier blog entry here, the idea that she could not have had some idea is absolutely too much for me to believe. How stupid and duped could anyone in her position be? And what about the other members of the family? How much could they have known? Here are excerpts from a compelling piece of writing by Lucinda Franks.
Courtesy thedailybeast.com
It was Ruth Madoff who oversaw the books on all three of these accounts, and it was the comingling of money from them—contrary to regulations that require such accounts to be kept separate—that enabled the elaborate shell game. It also meant that some investors' money was not invested for their own benefit but went into Madoff's personal assets.
...Others involved in the case point to the fact that Mrs. Madoff has not hired her own lawyer as an indication that she knows more than she has previously revealed. A close business associate of Madoff’s shares that skepticism: “If she knew nothing, wouldn’t her husband, who was so protective of his family, insist she have a different lawyer?”
...In another key development, a person close to the case says Madoff has admitted to law-enforcement officials that the Ponzi scheme began more than 40 years ago—much earlier than previously believed.
...Another indication that bolsters federal investigators’ certainty that Mr. Madoff did not conduct this massive fraud alone is the recent discovery of as many as 20 million documents from the firm that are stored in a warehouse in Queens, many of which shed light on the scheme. No one could create that amount of paper without considerable help.
Great article. So Mrs. Madoff kept the books? Sheesh!!! Let's hope the investigation doesn't go on for decades, or slip away from news coverage as they would no doubt prefer. Please share your comments. Was Mrs. Madoff kept forcibly away from the details of her husband's business transactions for forty years? Was she part of an affluent segment of American women who accepted not knowing all about their husband's business? What do you prefer to think?
This couple must have just kept the money they were entrusted by others to invest, while Mr. Madoff entered fallacious information into the electronic trading system he helped to create, the Nasdaq as former Chairman. As I said in my earlier blog entry here, the idea that she could not have had some idea is absolutely too much for me to believe. How stupid and duped could anyone in her position be? And what about the other members of the family? How much could they have known? Here are excerpts from a compelling piece of writing by Lucinda Franks.
Courtesy thedailybeast.com
It was Ruth Madoff who oversaw the books on all three of these accounts, and it was the comingling of money from them—contrary to regulations that require such accounts to be kept separate—that enabled the elaborate shell game. It also meant that some investors' money was not invested for their own benefit but went into Madoff's personal assets.
...Others involved in the case point to the fact that Mrs. Madoff has not hired her own lawyer as an indication that she knows more than she has previously revealed. A close business associate of Madoff’s shares that skepticism: “If she knew nothing, wouldn’t her husband, who was so protective of his family, insist she have a different lawyer?”
...In another key development, a person close to the case says Madoff has admitted to law-enforcement officials that the Ponzi scheme began more than 40 years ago—much earlier than previously believed.
...Another indication that bolsters federal investigators’ certainty that Mr. Madoff did not conduct this massive fraud alone is the recent discovery of as many as 20 million documents from the firm that are stored in a warehouse in Queens, many of which shed light on the scheme. No one could create that amount of paper without considerable help.
Great article. So Mrs. Madoff kept the books? Sheesh!!! Let's hope the investigation doesn't go on for decades, or slip away from news coverage as they would no doubt prefer. Please share your comments. Was Mrs. Madoff kept forcibly away from the details of her husband's business transactions for forty years? Was she part of an affluent segment of American women who accepted not knowing all about their husband's business? What do you prefer to think?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Is "Matt Damon" our Future Politician?
Looks like I am not the only one talking about William Kristol, as this interview in The Huffington Post says here, about Matt Damon.
I have always admired Matt Damon's acting, in 'Good Will Hunting', 'The Good Shepherd' and other movies. He seems like a good guy, so handsome and is he ever good with words and turns of phrase! Maybe he could be a politician in the future. Please? Much, much rather have him than the likes of Sarah Palin. He makes much more sense, and I remember hearing him during the heated few weeks before Election Day.
I have always admired Matt Damon's acting, in 'Good Will Hunting', 'The Good Shepherd' and other movies. He seems like a good guy, so handsome and is he ever good with words and turns of phrase! Maybe he could be a politician in the future. Please? Much, much rather have him than the likes of Sarah Palin. He makes much more sense, and I remember hearing him during the heated few weeks before Election Day.
Home Expo is closing? Sad reminder of the times
Home Depot held a conference call televised on CNBC this morning, and announced that Home Expo stores and some Home Depot Stores will be closing. Yikes!
I don't really enjoy going to our local Home Depot (but I often do) and will drive an hour occasionally to the Home Expo in Bridgewater, New Jersey, to see the test kitchens and all that's new for the home, in kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, indoor designs and outdoor furniture. It is a pleasure. I like Home Expo. Now it is closing because in their words, it "never performed well financially". I have been waiting two weeks for a new Fisher & Paykel double drawer dishwasher from them, even though the warehouse for both Home Expo and Fisher & Paykel are only an hour away in the other direction. Hope it comes, as liquidations of Home Expos are supposed to start tomorrow. Sad, truly it is.
Update 1: One very helpful 'Paul' selling Appliances at the Bridgewater Home Expo says that the company should close the Home Depot stores that are not profitable and keep the ones open that are profitable, like his store. Can't argue with the common sense of that. It filled an admittedly high-end niche, but it's good and democratic for anyone to be able to see and occasionally buy the best. 'Paul' also thought Bob Nardelli took away too big a severance package when he left. He also says my dishwasher is coming this week.
Update 2: (Jan 28) The dishwasher came and it works great. My installer 'John' was competent and strong, but I made numerous calls, about eight, to get it done. Also I was told to wait two weeks after I paid for it. I hadn't bothered to inquire before paying for the dishwasher as everywhere else has immediate shipping these days, so that surprised and alarmed me. Has me thinking that Home Expo could please customers by differentiating between buyers who need immediate shipping and those who are shopping months ahead of delivery and installation.
Do you like Home Expo and have you had good service?
I don't really enjoy going to our local Home Depot (but I often do) and will drive an hour occasionally to the Home Expo in Bridgewater, New Jersey, to see the test kitchens and all that's new for the home, in kitchens, bathrooms, lighting, indoor designs and outdoor furniture. It is a pleasure. I like Home Expo. Now it is closing because in their words, it "never performed well financially". I have been waiting two weeks for a new Fisher & Paykel double drawer dishwasher from them, even though the warehouse for both Home Expo and Fisher & Paykel are only an hour away in the other direction. Hope it comes, as liquidations of Home Expos are supposed to start tomorrow. Sad, truly it is.
Update 1: One very helpful 'Paul' selling Appliances at the Bridgewater Home Expo says that the company should close the Home Depot stores that are not profitable and keep the ones open that are profitable, like his store. Can't argue with the common sense of that. It filled an admittedly high-end niche, but it's good and democratic for anyone to be able to see and occasionally buy the best. 'Paul' also thought Bob Nardelli took away too big a severance package when he left. He also says my dishwasher is coming this week.
Update 2: (Jan 28) The dishwasher came and it works great. My installer 'John' was competent and strong, but I made numerous calls, about eight, to get it done. Also I was told to wait two weeks after I paid for it. I hadn't bothered to inquire before paying for the dishwasher as everywhere else has immediate shipping these days, so that surprised and alarmed me. Has me thinking that Home Expo could please customers by differentiating between buyers who need immediate shipping and those who are shopping months ahead of delivery and installation.
Do you like Home Expo and have you had good service?
Kristol leaves The New York Times
The New York Times has announced here that William Kristol will not be a columnist anymore.
Yes, I remember before the election wondering why he was writing what he was writing. It made such little sense, in comparison to the insightful and accurate and correct comments of the other well-known and respected Journalists, that I found myself just clicking away or putting the paper down, but just not reading what he had to say. I am not surprised, sorry, Mr. Kristol.
Anyway, it makes me feel that I can read the NYTimes again without those weird opinions coming off left field. They may call him 'conservative', but I didn't like his views.
Yes, I remember before the election wondering why he was writing what he was writing. It made such little sense, in comparison to the insightful and accurate and correct comments of the other well-known and respected Journalists, that I found myself just clicking away or putting the paper down, but just not reading what he had to say. I am not surprised, sorry, Mr. Kristol.
Anyway, it makes me feel that I can read the NYTimes again without those weird opinions coming off left field. They may call him 'conservative', but I didn't like his views.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
High Canadian Diplomat's Abduction Being Ignored By The Press
This war crime should be getting more attention everywhere, from the United Nations, the new American Administration, radio, television and the internet. It is the story of the abduction six weeks ago of top Canadian peace negotiators in Africa, and they haven't been found.
"Mr. Fowler, 64, was one of Ottawa's most powerful bureaucrats before his retirement. He had served as an ambassador to the United Nations, a deputy minister of defence, a top adviser to a string of prime ministers and a veteran of war zones from Rwanda to Darfur." from The Globe and Mail.
Diplomat Robert Fowler, right, meets then-prime-minister Paul Martin in 2005. (Dave Chan/PMO)
A very high Canadian government official has been abducted and held for six weeks in war-torn Africa, conducting quiet negotiations to end strife, and today's story is the first time it has come to my attention, in the respected, trusted Canadian newspaper, The Globe and Mail.
Robert Fowler is a former U.N. Ambassador and his case has been dismissed or forgotten by CNN and other outlets. Just in case it's a case of 'the squeakiest wheel getting the grease', I must add this to the news stories out there because today is the first I heard about it, which I don't like and cannot understand. That is the value of this medium.
Robert Fowler
Hope CNN and the networks take notice. Please, networks and reporters, please make more of an issue of this, if there is any sense of fairness in reporting. It could have been an American of similar qualifications, such as Madeleine Albright. It's not like anyone is trying to cover it up, if it ever even has been reported, but it clearly hasn't been well-assigned. Today, CNN and other networks are fixated on the death of a bacteria-infected Brazilian model, sad as her case is. Does this just prove the press generally doesn't find this story "sexy" enough to cover? Huh? Excuse me, please, but this is important and worthy of official acknowledgement and coverage for anyone interested in lessening African strife and for these abducted peace-loving, senior Canadian officials.
With the bus strike in Ottawa, and the Canadian government just returning from a month-long hiatus, there is a lot of work to do and a lot to report on in Canada, besides shoveling the snow.
What do you think? Do you think there should be more in the international press about this abduction?
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Mr. Fowler, 64, was one of Ottawa's most powerful bureaucrats before his retirement. He had served as an ambassador to the United Nations, a deputy minister of defence, a top adviser to a string of prime ministers and a veteran of war zones from Rwanda to Darfur." from The Globe and Mail.
Diplomat Robert Fowler, right, meets then-prime-minister Paul Martin in 2005. (Dave Chan/PMO)
A very high Canadian government official has been abducted and held for six weeks in war-torn Africa, conducting quiet negotiations to end strife, and today's story is the first time it has come to my attention, in the respected, trusted Canadian newspaper, The Globe and Mail.
Robert Fowler is a former U.N. Ambassador and his case has been dismissed or forgotten by CNN and other outlets. Just in case it's a case of 'the squeakiest wheel getting the grease', I must add this to the news stories out there because today is the first I heard about it, which I don't like and cannot understand. That is the value of this medium.
Robert Fowler
Hope CNN and the networks take notice. Please, networks and reporters, please make more of an issue of this, if there is any sense of fairness in reporting. It could have been an American of similar qualifications, such as Madeleine Albright. It's not like anyone is trying to cover it up, if it ever even has been reported, but it clearly hasn't been well-assigned. Today, CNN and other networks are fixated on the death of a bacteria-infected Brazilian model, sad as her case is. Does this just prove the press generally doesn't find this story "sexy" enough to cover? Huh? Excuse me, please, but this is important and worthy of official acknowledgement and coverage for anyone interested in lessening African strife and for these abducted peace-loving, senior Canadian officials.
With the bus strike in Ottawa, and the Canadian government just returning from a month-long hiatus, there is a lot of work to do and a lot to report on in Canada, besides shoveling the snow.
What do you think? Do you think there should be more in the international press about this abduction?
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Thursday, January 22, 2009
Oh! For The Life Of The Corporate Executive
This one's been caught. HuffPost, Daily Beast and CNBC are all reporting the excesses, through veteran journalist Charlie Gasparino, of John Thain,
departing CEO of Merrill Lynch in The Daily Beast. Tut, tut, tut!!!
Below, The Daily Beast presents Thain’s top 16 outrages.
1) $2,700 for six wall sconces.
2) $5,000 for a mirror in his private dining room.
3) $11,000 for fabric for a "Roman Shade.”
4) $13,000 for a chandelier in the private dining room.
5) $15,000 for a sofa.
6) $16,000 for a "custom coffee table.”
7) $18,000 for a “George IV Desk.”
8) $25,000 for a "mahogany pedestal table.”
9) $28,000 for four pairs of curtains.
10) $35,000 for something called a "commode on legs.”
11) $37,000 for six chairs in his private dining room.
12) $68,000 for a "19th Century Credenza" in his office.
13) $87,000 for a pair of guest chairs.
14) $87,000 for an area rug in Thain's conference room and another area rug for $44,000.
15) $230,000 to his driver for one year’s work.
16) $800,000 to hire celebrity designer Michael Smith, who is currently redesigning the White House for the Obama family for just $100,000.
Do you think John Thain should have bought all this as troubles hit the company and they are firing employees? Or do you think all this is minor in comparison to the compensation, including airplanes, that other executives get?
How do other Merrill Lynch staffers feel? Would it be acceptable if he brings this furniture away with him, now that he has been forced out by Bank of America?
Bankers do live well these days. Do you think he should live closer to us here in Princeton, New Jersey, a major outpost of Merrill Lynch outside of Manhattan, rather than in Rye, New York, two hours by car away, where he evidently spends a great deal for house and garden maintenance?
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