18
Dec
08

Chrysler Closing Plants For A Month

Chrysler will close down 30 plants starting Friday citing falling sales and blaming on everything and everyone except themselves . Chrysler says dealers are unable to close sales for buyers due to a lack of financing, and estimate that 20 to 25 percent of their volume has been lost due to the credit situation.

How about Chrysler makes inferior products at inflated prices. No worries though, the government will fine a way to save them . I mean we even have precedent with Chrysler, remember they have seen this movie before. In my opinion I think it would be nothing more than a band aid to give them a nickel . Let them fail. I’m on the verge of financial ruin, no one is helping me out!

05
Dec
08

O.J. Simpson Sentencing , At Least Nine years

Judge Jackie Glass quickly rattled off the O.J. Simpson Sentencing, soon after Simpson made a rambling, five-minute plea for leniency, choking back tears as he told her: “I didn’t want to steal anything from anyone. … I’m sorry, sorry.”

Apparently that was not enough to sway Judge Glass form handing down a sentence that will require at least nine years behind bard for the Hall Of Famer. O.J. Simpson is 61 and 9 years in jail is not going to to easy at his age.

Interestingly Judge Glass referred several times to his prior troubles and made it a point to say this sentence was not retribution for that alleged crime. You remember right? Why did she feel inclined to say that?

Funny how things work out, and it speaks volumes to the intelligence level of the former football star.  I dont know if the O.J. Simpson Sentencing has anything to do with his prior trial , but I am sure an appeal is forthcoming. How do you beat a murder charge and get sent to the pokey for robbery 13 years later.

28
Nov
08

Black Friday Shoppers Follow the Governement, Spend, Spend

Black Friday shoppers did what they always do and gave retailers a burst of cash despite the worst economic conditions in recent memory. That just about sums of the mentality of Americans does it not? Unemployment is at record highs and still they are speeding money. Most are spending money they don’t have and why not, the government is doing the same thing. President Elect Obama’s fresh ideas and progressive thinking thus far looks like the same old plan in a different package. Bailouts and stimulus plan are in the works. Any deficit the government is in will have to wait until irresponsible big business is saved. I’m sure there is some logical explanation why it cannot be done, but I say let them fail and worry about picking up the pieces later. How many of you are about to fail economically? I bet no one is looking to prop you up with support.

17
Nov
08

Mark Cuban Facing Insider Trading Charges

Mega millionaire or is it billionaire Mark Cuban has been charged with insider trading. Anyone who is surprised raise your hand. Apparently is has to do with selling some 600,000 shares of internet search engine Mamma.com. So the question is why now? Surely this is not the first deal Mark Cuban has done that could be questioned. In fact the Securities and Exchange Commission could file these charges daily if ti so desired. “Insider trading cases are a high priority for the commission,” said Linda Chatman Thomsen, director of the SEC’s Division of Enforcement. “This case demonstrates yet again that the commission will aggressively pursue illegal insider trading whenever it occurs. Whatever !

One would have to wonder if it has anything to do with Major League Baseball trying to exclude Mark Cuban and his bid to buy the Chicago Cubs, not that they needed a reason. Maybe that is just me , but the timing is certainly spot on.

13
Nov
08

Contrarian Investing, Lets Rethink This

Contrarian investing has long been a successful trading strategy for many investors. A contrarian is one who attempts to profit by investing in a manner that differs from the conventional wisdom. However in the present market conditions it will take every contrarian bone in your body to invest. Defining this market environment as a correction is an understatement of epic proportions. So what is an investor to do?

Lest assume you still have money to invest. There are some people out there in that position I am one. So I read the financial pages and see where Wal-Mart Stores Inc. trimmed expectations for full-year earnings. And Intel Corp. late Wednesday cut more than $1 billion from its sales forecast, providing more evidence that few industries are safe from a clampdown on spending by businesses as well as consumers. Excuse me?

Even the stalwarts are feeling the pinch of this market resetting. Everyday earnings reports come out and I cannot remember seeing any positive news in some time. If I am a contrarian investor I buy now, or at least buy soon, in hope that it will turn around, right?

Not so fast. Any turn around is going to have to be accompanied by a sliver of hope or positive news. So I look for some. Electing a new president isn’t going to help. The market suffered through two terrible days of decline, after the election. So much for the Obama factor. Retailers are preparing for their money season, the Christmas holidays season. Expect them to report sales are down sometime during the day after Thanksgiving. People just are not in position to spend money.

So where is the good news, or hope? I frankly do not see any for the foreseeable future.
Where is my money? Most of mine is tucked away in a money market account. The remainder is invested in immediate annuities.

At this point the market new lows are followed by even lower lows, and seems intent on going lower. It is going to be a whole lot worse before it gets better. Spoken by a contrarian investor who is need of some counseling, me. Maybe a little paper trading stocks is in order

13
Nov
08

Crocs Turning Out To Be A Croc , Stock Tumbles

In an amazing fall from grace former stock market darling CROX reported today a steep quarterly loss sending shares down 37%. Since hitting a lifetime high of $75.21 in October of last year, Crocs shares have shed more than 97 percent of their value, closing at $1.90 Wednesday on Nasdaq.

How do you go from a 2 billion dollar company to worth around 500 million in just a few years? Thinks about it, when was the last time you saw someone wearing crocs that was over 10 years old.

This wont be the last story you will read about the pending failure of a major corporation. The worst is yet to come. Our economy as well as the worlds economy is correcting and the fallout will be ugly.

Now I was thinking how would you like to be invested in Crocs right about now. That has to be a little uncomfortable.

24
Oct
08

Roger Goodell Tired Of Pacman Talk

Adam “Pacamn” Jones has issues and I think we all agree on that , right? He is dealing with thing most us will never comprehend. NFL commissioner deals with issues everyday most of us will never be able to understand. However his recent chat with reporters , Goodell demonstrated a bit of impatience and a tone in which I personally take offense. Goodell said , “If he can deal with whatever issues he may have, handle his responsibilities, make good decisions, then he may have an opportunity to play again in the league,” Goodell said.

“I’m frankly tired of talking about it right now.”

That statement right there is not taken out of context. It is complete and speaks volumes in my opinion on who Roger Goodell is as a person.

Roger Goodell was chosen to be the NFL commissioner and he accepted the responsibilities that go with the position to lead one of the most successful sports organizations in the world.

Mr. Goodell it is your job to talk about Adam Jones. Herein lies a problem that individual players and the Players Union have claimed for years. Players are not people, they are commodities , pieces of meat to quote Browns tight end Kellen Winslow.

Perhaps Goodell should hire a spokesperson to take care of the “trivial” matters , like speaking about the players and league he represents

21
Oct
08

Here’s Why All Inclusive Vacations Are a Better Idea

An all inclusive vacation can be the best package for you and your family; it is also a big saver! Choosing an all inclusive vacations is the way to go when you are planning of a worry free vacation because they are very convenient and economical.
What is included?
-airfare
-complete meals
-hotels and its amenities
-travel accommodations
Initially, these inclusive vacations would appear expensive, but when you take a closer look at the break down of expenses, you will discover that it is really cheaper. You just can’t pass up an offer like this. And besides, all inclusive vacations don’t require you to pay in advance and you don’t have to worry about any hidden or extra charges because there isn’t any. So, this type of vacation package is really recommended if you want to have a relaxing or quality time with your family or friends.
The all inclusive vacation has a pull with people in any levels or age, because vacation packages are also full of activities that will interest everyone. These packages know how to take care of all your needs and preferences for your enjoyment and total relaxation experience.
There are various kinds of an all inclusive vacation packages that you can choose from: there’s the family package, single or package for couples. Be assured that with any package that you will avail, amenities are all great though prices for each package may differ. Just choose any one that will fit your budget and you’re in for a nice treat.

18
Oct
08

The Cost Of Bankruptcy

Personal bankruptcy is swamping bankruptcy courts all over this country. Bankruptcy filing are up dramatically in Florida, but Florida is not any different than any other state. The economy is in just as bad condition. So why are we here? Why are we in this position as a country and individuals? Mostly because we live beyond out means. That is the bottom line. We cant or wont wait to buy something that we have to have and the creditors are all too willing to loan the money. Sometimes there are circumstances beyond or control, that is understandable, but often that is not the case. Bankruptcy laws have been tightened, but personal bankruptcy is still a very viable option for most. So how much does bankruptcy cost? It is surprisingly cheap. Here are a few tips that may help. Keep in mind there are other option when saddled in debt.

For so many people drowning in debts, bankruptcy is a welcomed option. This happens because they may not really know the consequences of filing it in court. In Florida, bankruptcy costs tend to be really costly once you weigh things out in perspective. But it is the same kind of additional financial whip in any other state in America.

It is not much of the additional monetary expenses but more of the whiplashes in one’s reputation and credibility. Yes, you can file a Chapter 7 or 13 as an alternative route when you’ve gone off-track with all creditors.

Bankruptcy could get you out of your debt only if the courts approve of your petition. There are revisions in the law that now limit the number of people or businesses that can file any of these bankruptcy chapters in the Federal Bankruptcy Law.

Filing bankruptcy entails payment of a minimal percentage or totally nothing of the loans owed. The lenders, of course will contest this so it could get a little messy in the process.

If you are successful in your bankruptcy claim, you now have to face the consequences of not being able to get any decent credit anymore. You can get an occasional loan but the interest would be insanely high. This will also be in your credit record for ten long years so that can really affect your credibility. In addition, you might be confiscated of some of your valuable properties except your house and car.

There are debts that are not included in the non-payment aspect like back taxes, child support, alimony, and student loans. When considering this option in Florida, bankruptcy costs could be a burden but the brighter side is that collectors won’t bug you again.

The cost of bankruptcy has more significant consequences than personal reputation. Creditors get hurt as well. Business owners are left in a lurch. One personal bankruptcy can affect many people, but it is the route our society has chosen to “fix” things , even if the individual is irresponsible. The cost of bankruptcy in Florida and any where else is significant

16
Jul
08

Peter Gammons We Will Just Have to Disagree

Peter Gammons has already forgotten more baseball than I will ever know. Well maybe. Josh Hamilton knows more about drug addiction that I will ever know , but believe me I know plenty and have first hand experience with that issue with family members. Gammons said it would be easy to do the Nancy Reagan thing “making a choice” and say the Josh Hamilton made a choice. Peter Gammons went on to say Josh Hamilton beat has demons. He has not.

There are three things all addicts do and these are etched in stone. Addicts lie, cheat and steal. JHamilton has chosen not to do these things . Josh Hamilton is an amazing story and I truly admire him for making a chocie , which is ultimately what all drug addicts must do . Josh Hamilton has not beat his demons. He has held them at bay. For that he deserves out admiration, but the truth is and Hamilton would tell youhimself , he fightsit everyday and everyday he must make a choice. So far , so good. Hamilton has found strength in God , his wife and playing the game he was born to play, but the demons are still there and they always will be. Peter Gammons is missing that point.