Looks like we could do something about the people who try to get our money through fraud over the Internet. Over the pass few days since the passage of the stimulus/bail out bill in Washington I have received these official looking messages that want to tell me what I should do to get my share. Maybe they just want my bank account number so they can be sure to put it there when the feds open the valve. Or maybe they just want to give me advice but for a small fee. And on and on the possibilities go.
I sent the first few to phishing@irs.gov and then I stopped. If they can do anything at all, they can do it with my first few sends. No doubt there are millions of fed up citizens like me who send to the feds too about the phishing emails.
This is an annoyance to me! I want to know why they think I am so stupid. (Not talking about the IRS but the phishers.) They think I am dumb enough to respond with what they want. Well, I bet some people do. That is why they do it. If no one responded they would not do it, would they?
Well, while I said it was not the IRS I am not so sure it is not related. Here is my logic: Back in the days when the viruses started coming out to attack computers and there was also a buildup of anti virus program companies, it occurred to me that the viruses might be coming from the companies formed to kill them. That is a possibility. Likewise, who would be better able to use format and words to pull us into a scam with regard to bail out money than someone at the IRS. (Not being accusatory here. Just talking of possibilities.)
Anyway, those who send think some dumb somebody is going to bite. Well, not me, not this time, not ever. And, I hope you don't either.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 26, 2009
A story of a dollar bill
Ever wonder about the trips of a dollar? This, though simplistic, is a bit of reflection of that trip. I think of it because of the hard times the dollar has fallen.
Someone gives you a dollar. You go buy something that you need from a store with it. The store has lots of people who also bring a dollar and buy stuff. With the dollars the store gets from selling things, it pays rent, utilities, resupply costs, and for employees, with some left over for the store owner buys something that he needs at other stores. This illustrates the multiplication effect of the dollar, and on it goes.
Someone gives you a dollar. You go buy something that you need from a store with it. The store has lots of people who also bring a dollar and buy stuff. With the dollars the store gets from selling things, it pays rent, utilities, resupply costs, and for employees, with some left over for the store owner buys something that he needs at other stores. This illustrates the multiplication effect of the dollar, and on it goes.
The landlord takes the rent money and buys things, and builds a new rent property to rent to more stores, who will buy and sell more goods, and employ more people, and buy what they need. The builder of the rent property does the same. They all spend their money on needs. The utility company and the suppliers who furnish the store owner his needs do the same. The utility company pays the people who produce energy and for the transmission of it. The people who produce energy and transmit it plough back their dollars into another cycle, much the same as it was with the original dollar. Employees all take their salaries and go back to the stores to buy things. Most of the people, the workers, the landlords, and all, also bank their money and put some of it in savings. The bank uses the money deposited by lots of people to invest and make more money so it can pay all its overhead and a give some to stockholders and also loan money to people for a fee to go do what they don’t have the immediate money to do. All of it works fine for everybody as long as there is enough coming in to cover expenses obligated.
Sometimes, someone comes up against hard times. When that happens the people who make dollars also give some of it the help those in need, but for this to work, the needy have to be a small segment of the whole. Everybody can’t be on the take else no one will be making dollars.
Oh, where does the dollar come from? The government makes it, but in doing so it guarantees that it will always be worth a dollar, but that, in part, is based on the citizens sending in tax money to the government, which we did not mention. In addition to making the dollar bill, the government also sometimes helps people who cannot help themselves. But it has more responsibility than helping the needy. Those tax dollars also provide for infrastructure and other needs, including security for the people who earn dollars and pay taxes. It is also used to pay the people who determine what the dollar will do.
Amazing what a dollar bill can do provided it is properly budgeted.
Sometimes, someone comes up against hard times. When that happens the people who make dollars also give some of it the help those in need, but for this to work, the needy have to be a small segment of the whole. Everybody can’t be on the take else no one will be making dollars.
Oh, where does the dollar come from? The government makes it, but in doing so it guarantees that it will always be worth a dollar, but that, in part, is based on the citizens sending in tax money to the government, which we did not mention. In addition to making the dollar bill, the government also sometimes helps people who cannot help themselves. But it has more responsibility than helping the needy. Those tax dollars also provide for infrastructure and other needs, including security for the people who earn dollars and pay taxes. It is also used to pay the people who determine what the dollar will do.
Amazing what a dollar bill can do provided it is properly budgeted.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
"We will rebuild."
President Obama brought his plan for a recovery to the Joint Session of the Congress tonight. The big message, and believable to me at the moment, was "We will rebuild."
I think he meant it. I think the way he said it gave a lot of people, including me, hope that all is not lost, that we will recover from this downward spiral we have seen over the last few months.
Course, the work begins on a lot of it. But what he said sets the stage, a stage that we needed set. It was a broad sweep for sure. We will see if actions follow words. There was enough detail to make the points viable. His message went to every person, with as much force as I have seen lately.
One thing I do hope is that Obama has the necessary staff on board to honcho what he has set out. There is no way that one man, the president, can do all that in the proper way. We are going to have to start hearing the good, the application of success, from the cabinet heads.
Based on the last few days I was some worried that there would not be enough detail, that the president might appear inadequate to the task before him. I was pleasantly surprised. I expect to see a better tomorrow. That is what I wanted to hear tonight. While I tend to be a Republican, I still liked what I saw.
Naysayers are OK, sometimes, but I have never liked giving the opposing party the chance to follow up with its opposition to the speech of the President on a major outing such as this was. I turned off the Louisiana governor last night for that reason. There will be time proper to debate the issues.
One last point: Republicans must be careful that they fight the right battles on this enormous plan. Everything Democrat/Obama is not the right battle, I am convinced. 'These are the times that try men's souls.'
I think he meant it. I think the way he said it gave a lot of people, including me, hope that all is not lost, that we will recover from this downward spiral we have seen over the last few months.
Course, the work begins on a lot of it. But what he said sets the stage, a stage that we needed set. It was a broad sweep for sure. We will see if actions follow words. There was enough detail to make the points viable. His message went to every person, with as much force as I have seen lately.
One thing I do hope is that Obama has the necessary staff on board to honcho what he has set out. There is no way that one man, the president, can do all that in the proper way. We are going to have to start hearing the good, the application of success, from the cabinet heads.
Based on the last few days I was some worried that there would not be enough detail, that the president might appear inadequate to the task before him. I was pleasantly surprised. I expect to see a better tomorrow. That is what I wanted to hear tonight. While I tend to be a Republican, I still liked what I saw.
Naysayers are OK, sometimes, but I have never liked giving the opposing party the chance to follow up with its opposition to the speech of the President on a major outing such as this was. I turned off the Louisiana governor last night for that reason. There will be time proper to debate the issues.
One last point: Republicans must be careful that they fight the right battles on this enormous plan. Everything Democrat/Obama is not the right battle, I am convinced. 'These are the times that try men's souls.'
Monday, February 23, 2009
Is anything happening!!!!!!!!!!!!
I hate to keep writing about this. But, I got to. This is the only reward, perhaps; to see my thoughts on paper, for whatever that is worth!
The Congress passed and the President signed a stimulus package worth nearly $800 billion, but nothing seems to be happening - except talk. Everyday, there is word on what it will do, but nothing has happened yet.
That I know, the way this affects me, that nothing is happening, is that my stock is getting littler and littler every day. I keep thinking, well, the money has at least been made available, and that ought to mean something to Wall Street. Everyday, I check the market and it goes down, down, down, as if absolutely nothing is happening and what is planned is not good news. My stock, which was not worth a lot in the beginning - certainly not like a lot of people's, but it is now at least less by two-thirds what it was last summer. Is there any end??????
My confidence in the system being able to solve the mess is evaporating. If we don't have a system that can fix things, what is there left? Not much.
I really think somebody needs to do something. At least talk in some positive terms. (But don't lie to me.)
While I feel pretty confident in having a fixed income, most of that comes from the government, and that makes me know that someday it may be that the government that pays it will send me an IOU. Wouldn't that be a kick in the head! It could happen.
So, let us get the money out there and see what it will do. That seems our only option. If there are other options, somebody speak up and let's try that.
Oh, saw my mayor at breakfast this morning. In our conversation, I could not tell if he really thought good was going to come from any of it, but he is a good Democrat, and he tried to talk a good talk. He stopped short a bit when I reminded him that I saw in the paper this morning our (his and mine) bridge revenue was down. He thinks all that money coming down will help. Hope we don't have to "call him out" on that.
OK. I said it. Now for tomorrow, Mr. President! Mr. Mayor!
The Congress passed and the President signed a stimulus package worth nearly $800 billion, but nothing seems to be happening - except talk. Everyday, there is word on what it will do, but nothing has happened yet.
That I know, the way this affects me, that nothing is happening, is that my stock is getting littler and littler every day. I keep thinking, well, the money has at least been made available, and that ought to mean something to Wall Street. Everyday, I check the market and it goes down, down, down, as if absolutely nothing is happening and what is planned is not good news. My stock, which was not worth a lot in the beginning - certainly not like a lot of people's, but it is now at least less by two-thirds what it was last summer. Is there any end??????
My confidence in the system being able to solve the mess is evaporating. If we don't have a system that can fix things, what is there left? Not much.
I really think somebody needs to do something. At least talk in some positive terms. (But don't lie to me.)
While I feel pretty confident in having a fixed income, most of that comes from the government, and that makes me know that someday it may be that the government that pays it will send me an IOU. Wouldn't that be a kick in the head! It could happen.
So, let us get the money out there and see what it will do. That seems our only option. If there are other options, somebody speak up and let's try that.
Oh, saw my mayor at breakfast this morning. In our conversation, I could not tell if he really thought good was going to come from any of it, but he is a good Democrat, and he tried to talk a good talk. He stopped short a bit when I reminded him that I saw in the paper this morning our (his and mine) bridge revenue was down. He thinks all that money coming down will help. Hope we don't have to "call him out" on that.
OK. I said it. Now for tomorrow, Mr. President! Mr. Mayor!
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Covers and such
A cover is just that. It covers something. In my view, a cover covers up what ought to be.
Just got in a little discussion with the wife on book covers. You see, my habit is, when I buy a new book, I trash the cover. Today I got a new book, "A Short History of the United States," by Robert V. Remini, and the first thing I did was take the cover off. I tore off the bio for Remini and placed it inside the book.
The wife comes in. I tell her how good the book seems. She says, "Where is the cover?" I say, "It is in the trash."
This is not a new thing for me. It is not a new argument. I tell here, "It is my book." She like things to look appealing. She pulled the cover from the trash and stashed it so she can put it back on my book when it goes to the book shelve. Maybe by that time it will not matter to me.
My idea is that a cover is a sales tool. It is also, I guess, a book binding protector. But once I have the book, and I know what is inside, I don't need the cover anymore to tell me anything. If I want to know, I go to the book. And, once it gets in the bookcase, there is not a lot of wear the book binding is going to get. I guess I just like a book in its manufactured state.
This reminds me of my granddaddy. I called him Pa. He had a thing against white-walled tires on automobiles. In his time, and in my early years, somebody, probably tire manufacturers, manufactured a white wall that could be added to the black walled (standard of the day) tire. It was like a little disk that one could mount on the tire rim. It would then make the tire a white walled tire.
Pa did not like white walled tires. He said they reminded him of a dirty white shirt, because, in those days, anyway, most people lived out in the country and drove on un-paved graveled dirt roads. White did not stay white very long. So he was not for that. He had rather have a dirty black walled tire than a dirty white walled tire. The former did not show dirt so much.
Later, when the manufactures started making white walled tires, Pa would have them mounted so the white was on the inside. I guess I am a little like my pa.
I was the same way in the days when seat covers were sold to protect the manufactured seats. I never could figure out why anybody would cover up somethings that was designed to look good and match the style of the car. I expect Pa was the same way.
Book covers are OK for displaying and for shipping. Once the book is in my hand, off comes the cover, and we go for what was intended in the first place. Guess I got that from my pa.
Just got in a little discussion with the wife on book covers. You see, my habit is, when I buy a new book, I trash the cover. Today I got a new book, "A Short History of the United States," by Robert V. Remini, and the first thing I did was take the cover off. I tore off the bio for Remini and placed it inside the book.
The wife comes in. I tell her how good the book seems. She says, "Where is the cover?" I say, "It is in the trash."
This is not a new thing for me. It is not a new argument. I tell here, "It is my book." She like things to look appealing. She pulled the cover from the trash and stashed it so she can put it back on my book when it goes to the book shelve. Maybe by that time it will not matter to me.
My idea is that a cover is a sales tool. It is also, I guess, a book binding protector. But once I have the book, and I know what is inside, I don't need the cover anymore to tell me anything. If I want to know, I go to the book. And, once it gets in the bookcase, there is not a lot of wear the book binding is going to get. I guess I just like a book in its manufactured state.
This reminds me of my granddaddy. I called him Pa. He had a thing against white-walled tires on automobiles. In his time, and in my early years, somebody, probably tire manufacturers, manufactured a white wall that could be added to the black walled (standard of the day) tire. It was like a little disk that one could mount on the tire rim. It would then make the tire a white walled tire.
Pa did not like white walled tires. He said they reminded him of a dirty white shirt, because, in those days, anyway, most people lived out in the country and drove on un-paved graveled dirt roads. White did not stay white very long. So he was not for that. He had rather have a dirty black walled tire than a dirty white walled tire. The former did not show dirt so much.
Later, when the manufactures started making white walled tires, Pa would have them mounted so the white was on the inside. I guess I am a little like my pa.
I was the same way in the days when seat covers were sold to protect the manufactured seats. I never could figure out why anybody would cover up somethings that was designed to look good and match the style of the car. I expect Pa was the same way.
Book covers are OK for displaying and for shipping. Once the book is in my hand, off comes the cover, and we go for what was intended in the first place. Guess I got that from my pa.
Monday, February 16, 2009
On plane crashes and pilot error
Last week, we had a crash that killed over 50 people up in Northeast. Authorities are still trying to piece together why that happened. As of this date, they have not established blame. They are reporting bits and pieces as they find them. The problem with that is that the media and the public take off with those bits and pieces and attempt to find the cause ahead of the authorities so designated to do so.
One item that has come out and is catching headlines in the media is AUTO-PILOT WAS ENGAGED. Another is that the aircraft was heading in the wrong direction. From that, the commentarians have made up all kinds of stories.
One story on the auto pilot is that company policy dictated that auto pilot would not be used in icing conditions. Thus, the immediate conclusion is that the pilot was at fault because he was on auto pilot, and he should not have been. Hummm. Another is that the aircraft was heading in an opposite direction from the runway heading. Hummm, again. I have some views on the hype of that.
Rules are rules, of course. But rules do not fit every situation. I look at them more as guidance, and not hard and fast. In general, the commentaries and public comment don't touch how I see that.
Who is to say that the pilot did not elect to try to stabilize the plane by using auto pilot? Maybe for some reason he could not dis-engage? Who knows? Until the investigators come up with more proof on that subject, the commentators should keep their mouths shut. The same with the direction of travel of the aircraft, which could have been controlled or not controlled.
This reminds me of English lit classes. We would be studying some piece, perhaps a poem, and the prof would say, "What do you think the author meant by that?" or sometimes, "Why did he use those words?" This always brought on frustration for me, because there was no way I could get into the mind of the author and figure out his intent of the passage. I could only do that with other evidence - perhaps a preceding or succeeding part of the piece. The same can be said about the pilot of this doomed aircraft.
The answer to all this should be left to those who are qualified to make the conclusions. That is their job. It does no good for us to draw conclusions based on incomplete information and from that build an enticing story for people to consume. To do so, we cause a lot of feelings, sometimes bad, to a lot of people who have lost most in this event. While I am sure a lot of people have a stake in knowing all that can be known, no one needs their feelings influenced by incomplete, and sometimes inappropriate, information and conclusions.
In our society we are too quick to lay blame.
One item that has come out and is catching headlines in the media is AUTO-PILOT WAS ENGAGED. Another is that the aircraft was heading in the wrong direction. From that, the commentarians have made up all kinds of stories.
One story on the auto pilot is that company policy dictated that auto pilot would not be used in icing conditions. Thus, the immediate conclusion is that the pilot was at fault because he was on auto pilot, and he should not have been. Hummm. Another is that the aircraft was heading in an opposite direction from the runway heading. Hummm, again. I have some views on the hype of that.
Rules are rules, of course. But rules do not fit every situation. I look at them more as guidance, and not hard and fast. In general, the commentaries and public comment don't touch how I see that.
Who is to say that the pilot did not elect to try to stabilize the plane by using auto pilot? Maybe for some reason he could not dis-engage? Who knows? Until the investigators come up with more proof on that subject, the commentators should keep their mouths shut. The same with the direction of travel of the aircraft, which could have been controlled or not controlled.
This reminds me of English lit classes. We would be studying some piece, perhaps a poem, and the prof would say, "What do you think the author meant by that?" or sometimes, "Why did he use those words?" This always brought on frustration for me, because there was no way I could get into the mind of the author and figure out his intent of the passage. I could only do that with other evidence - perhaps a preceding or succeeding part of the piece. The same can be said about the pilot of this doomed aircraft.
The answer to all this should be left to those who are qualified to make the conclusions. That is their job. It does no good for us to draw conclusions based on incomplete information and from that build an enticing story for people to consume. To do so, we cause a lot of feelings, sometimes bad, to a lot of people who have lost most in this event. While I am sure a lot of people have a stake in knowing all that can be known, no one needs their feelings influenced by incomplete, and sometimes inappropriate, information and conclusions.
In our society we are too quick to lay blame.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Stimulus passage on the way - one sided
Today, the House of Representatives passed the conference committee version of the stimulus bill roughly along party lines. No Republicans supported it and several Democrats opposed it. Then, it went to the Senate for a vote.
At this writing (7:30 p.m.), the 60 votes required for passage have not been registered; after about four hours it stands at 59 for. Word is a Democrat is on the way back from a wake for his mother to vote "yea," which should happen at around 10:30 p.m. So, by counts showing and forecast, the stimulus bill will pass the Senate, with very little Republican support, probably only the three who agreed to it the first time around.
So, that is the summary of what is happening now. It will pass. The President will sign it.
What has happened is the Republicans have maintained a split from the Democrats even in a situation that was guaranteed to pass both houses. I am a bit uncomfortable with their doing that. Why is it that all Republicans think one way and all Democrats think the other way, or visa-versa? It has to be party spirit, which is not good for the country. "My way or no way" as a party seems un-good to me.
If the stimulus plan works, or nearly so, the Democrats come out the big winner and the Republicans the big loser. The other way, it is reversed. Seems like Russian roulet, doesn't it? As I see it, I would almost hate to be a Repubican or a Democrat, and probably worse a Republican, because I think the plan is going to work some - at least.
Here is something that takes the cake: In the ending process, one of my senators put out word to his constituents how that he voted against the package and why. But, said he (get this!), if it passes, he is going to "work with the administration" to make sure of accountability and transparency. Hummm. "Work with the administration?" Frankly, I am not sure any Republican, including this good senator, can have any influence on the administration on this one considering the opposition they gave to it. Frankly, if it is successful, the Republican party (of which I am one) can just hang it up for eight years, for sure.
This partisan spirit is bound to take us through a rough four years, or so I think. Maybe, just maybe, those Congressionals will see the light and start working more together. Wouldn't that be something! Everything proposed by a Democrat cannot be all wrong. The same with a Republican.
As a caveat to this I wish the Democrats would stop bashing Bush. It is their game now, and everything that we have wrong today did not happen on Bush's watch. The Democrats had the Congress for the last four years. Have they forgotten that?
That is how I see it, but I might change.
At this writing (7:30 p.m.), the 60 votes required for passage have not been registered; after about four hours it stands at 59 for. Word is a Democrat is on the way back from a wake for his mother to vote "yea," which should happen at around 10:30 p.m. So, by counts showing and forecast, the stimulus bill will pass the Senate, with very little Republican support, probably only the three who agreed to it the first time around.
So, that is the summary of what is happening now. It will pass. The President will sign it.
What has happened is the Republicans have maintained a split from the Democrats even in a situation that was guaranteed to pass both houses. I am a bit uncomfortable with their doing that. Why is it that all Republicans think one way and all Democrats think the other way, or visa-versa? It has to be party spirit, which is not good for the country. "My way or no way" as a party seems un-good to me.
If the stimulus plan works, or nearly so, the Democrats come out the big winner and the Republicans the big loser. The other way, it is reversed. Seems like Russian roulet, doesn't it? As I see it, I would almost hate to be a Repubican or a Democrat, and probably worse a Republican, because I think the plan is going to work some - at least.
Here is something that takes the cake: In the ending process, one of my senators put out word to his constituents how that he voted against the package and why. But, said he (get this!), if it passes, he is going to "work with the administration" to make sure of accountability and transparency. Hummm. "Work with the administration?" Frankly, I am not sure any Republican, including this good senator, can have any influence on the administration on this one considering the opposition they gave to it. Frankly, if it is successful, the Republican party (of which I am one) can just hang it up for eight years, for sure.
This partisan spirit is bound to take us through a rough four years, or so I think. Maybe, just maybe, those Congressionals will see the light and start working more together. Wouldn't that be something! Everything proposed by a Democrat cannot be all wrong. The same with a Republican.
As a caveat to this I wish the Democrats would stop bashing Bush. It is their game now, and everything that we have wrong today did not happen on Bush's watch. The Democrats had the Congress for the last four years. Have they forgotten that?
That is how I see it, but I might change.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Oh! These times
Ever want to say something and not know what to say? That is where I am. Maybe I should just say nothing, but I will press on. Wouldn't be like me to say nothing.
The Congress is getting close to an agreed on stimulus bill of nearly $800 billion. I guess that ought to make me feel good. It doesn't so much. Truth is, I almost have a gut ache over it. I just hope that somebody knows what they are doing. Guess I am still of the old school that believes well-to-do is created by people making stuff, and this seems a far reach from that.
Don't get me wrong. I am encouraged. I drove down IH-35 today from Austin to San Antonio to Laredo and there are a lot of 18-wheelers still on the road, going into and out of Laredo, my home town. Seemed almost as many as ever. I hope they were not running empty.
I had wearied somewhat on trucks, knowing that a lot of what they carry is autos and auto parts for that industry. My thinking was that would dry up if no cars are being sold. Not sure they are still carrying auto stuff, but, anyway, the trucks are still on the road, and that must mean something - if they are not running empty, trying to get home on pocket change.
I note that a lot of people are advertising a lot of products on television and on the Internet. That must mean something. Surely they are not advertising with no hope of sales. Saw one on television today selling stuffed bears made in the USA. Sounded pretty good to me. I almost bought one, and might still do so; again, I might not. But seeing it, and lots more, tells me somebody is doing some good, and they are making stuff. Someone is always inventing a better mouse trap, they say. To me now, a bear is good as any as long as it is Made in the USA.
My theory is that if people are advertising it has to mean sales are out there. I hope this is true.
The next few days and weeks will give an indicator as to whether there is a stimulus, even with the billions on billions about the hit the street. If that is what is needed, I sure hope it works. If that is not what is needed, I feel for US. Maybe, maybe, people just need to be encouraged to do something.
I know lots of people are hurting. While it has not hit me personally yet, I know it has a lot of people. Well, I said it has not hit me. But it has. My little bit of stock is close to 40 percent down! That is a hit, come to think of it. And, one of my stocks keeps dropping more than the average. It used to be really good and moving up, but now..... In fact the company put out a notice today revising down its forecast for doing well in 2009. That did not make me feel too good, yet I figured it was true.
Well, we will get through it all, but I think it will only come when we start making something. I hope somebody knows how to make something - which might be intirely different that what has been made, and that something sells. If that happens the multiplier will surely start moving around and make us all feel better.
The Congress is getting close to an agreed on stimulus bill of nearly $800 billion. I guess that ought to make me feel good. It doesn't so much. Truth is, I almost have a gut ache over it. I just hope that somebody knows what they are doing. Guess I am still of the old school that believes well-to-do is created by people making stuff, and this seems a far reach from that.
Don't get me wrong. I am encouraged. I drove down IH-35 today from Austin to San Antonio to Laredo and there are a lot of 18-wheelers still on the road, going into and out of Laredo, my home town. Seemed almost as many as ever. I hope they were not running empty.
I had wearied somewhat on trucks, knowing that a lot of what they carry is autos and auto parts for that industry. My thinking was that would dry up if no cars are being sold. Not sure they are still carrying auto stuff, but, anyway, the trucks are still on the road, and that must mean something - if they are not running empty, trying to get home on pocket change.
I note that a lot of people are advertising a lot of products on television and on the Internet. That must mean something. Surely they are not advertising with no hope of sales. Saw one on television today selling stuffed bears made in the USA. Sounded pretty good to me. I almost bought one, and might still do so; again, I might not. But seeing it, and lots more, tells me somebody is doing some good, and they are making stuff. Someone is always inventing a better mouse trap, they say. To me now, a bear is good as any as long as it is Made in the USA.
My theory is that if people are advertising it has to mean sales are out there. I hope this is true.
The next few days and weeks will give an indicator as to whether there is a stimulus, even with the billions on billions about the hit the street. If that is what is needed, I sure hope it works. If that is not what is needed, I feel for US. Maybe, maybe, people just need to be encouraged to do something.
I know lots of people are hurting. While it has not hit me personally yet, I know it has a lot of people. Well, I said it has not hit me. But it has. My little bit of stock is close to 40 percent down! That is a hit, come to think of it. And, one of my stocks keeps dropping more than the average. It used to be really good and moving up, but now..... In fact the company put out a notice today revising down its forecast for doing well in 2009. That did not make me feel too good, yet I figured it was true.
Well, we will get through it all, but I think it will only come when we start making something. I hope somebody knows how to make something - which might be intirely different that what has been made, and that something sells. If that happens the multiplier will surely start moving around and make us all feel better.
Friday, February 6, 2009
He hit it outta the park!
I am not a fan particularly of baseball. I do enjoy watching from time to time. Mostly that would be during the World Series, with no particular team as a favorite, at least not at the start. But sometimes, I like a lesser game.
Today, I went out to watch the first home game of the season for our local university.
One reason I did that was that the head coach is a member at our church. He moved here from a similar job in a university setting in West Virginia last summer. Getting to know him, I soon learned how intense he was at doing his job as a coach. I learned that from some sermons (we have different men of the church bring sermons) he has brought, in which he often had some comparison of playing the game of baseball and that of being a Christian. I have learned a lot about both his Christian walk and his baseball walk, and both were good to hear.
Anyway, he started his playing season last week out of town. His team won one and lost two on the road. I could tell in talking with him he was not satisfied with that. I know he had rather to have won all three. (Wouldn't all coaches?) Today was his first home game. I went out to observe the coach and players in action. I thought that would be a good thing to do as an outing.
I was impressed with the interaction of my friend with his players. Obviously, he was always the coach. He seemed respected. When I arrived, his team was winning 2 to 1 in the bottom of the first inning.
One thing I noticed was that at the end of each inning, my friend's players would run (a fast walk) to the corner of the field, huddle, and return to the team area. I had never seen that before. Maybe it has happened but I have not seen it. I thought, now that is a good way to keep their bodies exercised so that when they get to bat or out in the field their bodies could respond. Well, that was typical of how my friend had trained/disciplined his players.
In the top of the 5th, the opposing team was up to bat. Score was still 2 to 1 in favor of the home team. As it turned out, the bases became loaded with the opposing team. I am sure that caused some consternation with my friend. Bases were loaded and a new batter was up to bat.
Then, the pitch. The batter connected. He hit that ball solidly. It climbed out over the pitcher and high over center-field. I watched. Wow! I thought, that ball is going over the fence! I am sure I took longer to comprehend what was happening than did the players. And so it did - over the fence. I watched the outfielder. After the ball went over the fence, the outfielder jumped up on the fence as if, by some miracle, he thought he might draw the ball back. I later thought, 'He is trying to make it look like he did his part for his coach.' Oh, well.
With that hit, four runs came in. The bases loaded came in, and the batter galloped his bases and came home. The score went 5 to 2 in favor of the opposing team.
About this time, I was tired and decided to go home. Don't know how that game came out, or how the following game did. I do know that the home team tried really hard while I was there. I hope they did not have that picture again.
He hit it outta the park! That is what batters want to do. Occasionally it happens, like a hole in one for a golfer.
Anyway, my impression. Baseball is a fun game. I am glad my friend likes coaching. I am glad he is my friend. I am rooting for the home team.
Today, I went out to watch the first home game of the season for our local university.
One reason I did that was that the head coach is a member at our church. He moved here from a similar job in a university setting in West Virginia last summer. Getting to know him, I soon learned how intense he was at doing his job as a coach. I learned that from some sermons (we have different men of the church bring sermons) he has brought, in which he often had some comparison of playing the game of baseball and that of being a Christian. I have learned a lot about both his Christian walk and his baseball walk, and both were good to hear.
Anyway, he started his playing season last week out of town. His team won one and lost two on the road. I could tell in talking with him he was not satisfied with that. I know he had rather to have won all three. (Wouldn't all coaches?) Today was his first home game. I went out to observe the coach and players in action. I thought that would be a good thing to do as an outing.
I was impressed with the interaction of my friend with his players. Obviously, he was always the coach. He seemed respected. When I arrived, his team was winning 2 to 1 in the bottom of the first inning.
One thing I noticed was that at the end of each inning, my friend's players would run (a fast walk) to the corner of the field, huddle, and return to the team area. I had never seen that before. Maybe it has happened but I have not seen it. I thought, now that is a good way to keep their bodies exercised so that when they get to bat or out in the field their bodies could respond. Well, that was typical of how my friend had trained/disciplined his players.
In the top of the 5th, the opposing team was up to bat. Score was still 2 to 1 in favor of the home team. As it turned out, the bases became loaded with the opposing team. I am sure that caused some consternation with my friend. Bases were loaded and a new batter was up to bat.
Then, the pitch. The batter connected. He hit that ball solidly. It climbed out over the pitcher and high over center-field. I watched. Wow! I thought, that ball is going over the fence! I am sure I took longer to comprehend what was happening than did the players. And so it did - over the fence. I watched the outfielder. After the ball went over the fence, the outfielder jumped up on the fence as if, by some miracle, he thought he might draw the ball back. I later thought, 'He is trying to make it look like he did his part for his coach.' Oh, well.
With that hit, four runs came in. The bases loaded came in, and the batter galloped his bases and came home. The score went 5 to 2 in favor of the opposing team.
About this time, I was tired and decided to go home. Don't know how that game came out, or how the following game did. I do know that the home team tried really hard while I was there. I hope they did not have that picture again.
He hit it outta the park! That is what batters want to do. Occasionally it happens, like a hole in one for a golfer.
Anyway, my impression. Baseball is a fun game. I am glad my friend likes coaching. I am glad he is my friend. I am rooting for the home team.
Later update: the home team loss the first game but won the second.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Hang up on the money
Read an interesting article yesterday from a prominent paper that explains the hang up on money flow. Don't hear this talked about much. Needs to be said.
It seems the bank regulators (government) have stepped in and required banks to have more capital than was before required. In other words, before this time of problems with cash flow, banks were required to have a certain percentage of capital over and above their outstanding loans. Well, now the regulators came in and upped the percentage, which means banks had to use some of the bailout money, or other money, to gain the percentage now required. Result: less or no money to lend until the necessary buffer is gained.
Besides that, the regulators started checking loan collateral/worthiness closer. In many cases, they told the banker "no" on making a loan. In other words, the standing of the bank client keeps them from receiving money. Result: less money being lent.
So, the problem is deeper than most talk about.
Just heard Donald Trump on Larry King Live (2-4), and he only talked that money was not flowing. He did not say why.
Why isn't the whole story being told? It may be that banks are under more stringent rules, but the public needs to know that. The rules might be good. The public needs to know.
I used to be in real estate. Then there were a lot more rules on down payment and credit worthiness than was in the play at the beginning of the current housing problem. A part of that problem was that money flowed too easily. Same problem. Different yard.
The hang up on money is that rules needed tightening. Once we can get that balanced, perhaps things will smooth out. But it should always be with good rules.
It seems the bank regulators (government) have stepped in and required banks to have more capital than was before required. In other words, before this time of problems with cash flow, banks were required to have a certain percentage of capital over and above their outstanding loans. Well, now the regulators came in and upped the percentage, which means banks had to use some of the bailout money, or other money, to gain the percentage now required. Result: less or no money to lend until the necessary buffer is gained.
Besides that, the regulators started checking loan collateral/worthiness closer. In many cases, they told the banker "no" on making a loan. In other words, the standing of the bank client keeps them from receiving money. Result: less money being lent.
So, the problem is deeper than most talk about.
Just heard Donald Trump on Larry King Live (2-4), and he only talked that money was not flowing. He did not say why.
Why isn't the whole story being told? It may be that banks are under more stringent rules, but the public needs to know that. The rules might be good. The public needs to know.
I used to be in real estate. Then there were a lot more rules on down payment and credit worthiness than was in the play at the beginning of the current housing problem. A part of that problem was that money flowed too easily. Same problem. Different yard.
The hang up on money is that rules needed tightening. Once we can get that balanced, perhaps things will smooth out. But it should always be with good rules.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Where is the stimulus?
This is likely a question that more and more people ask every day. Jobs are being lost. People are going bankrupt. Houses are being foreclosed.
How long does it take to get help to people who need it? Obviously, it is not an overnight solution. But why is that, when so many hurt and need help?
I have decided that somehow it would be better for the president and his people to first figure out what is needed and then what the Congress would more totally agree to and then send that bill to the congress for fine tuning. The way it is now, it seems, a basic idea is sent, and the Congress is allowed to mold what each of the some 400 individuals think would be a good spend. Does not work. Takes too long. May never happen.
If a stimulus was needed, it was needed yesterday. The way it is going, too many people will have already lost and probably never be able to recover. This is a deficiency in our form of government.
I recall working for a hotel company that was mostly individually owned. The principal could make a change overnight, and the next day implementation would occur. Then, the former principal sold out. More people got into the decision and leadership role. Now it takes days, weeks, and sometimes months to advance an idea and get it into the system. I think the former was better for the company. There is a lesson worth thinking about here.
Our Congress system spends too much time in debate and back room arm twisting to be of much use to immediate type needs for the American people. This stimulus package is evidence of that.
So, where is the stimulus? It is in the Halls of Congress, where it will likely remain for TOO long -- already has.
How long does it take to get help to people who need it? Obviously, it is not an overnight solution. But why is that, when so many hurt and need help?
I have decided that somehow it would be better for the president and his people to first figure out what is needed and then what the Congress would more totally agree to and then send that bill to the congress for fine tuning. The way it is now, it seems, a basic idea is sent, and the Congress is allowed to mold what each of the some 400 individuals think would be a good spend. Does not work. Takes too long. May never happen.
If a stimulus was needed, it was needed yesterday. The way it is going, too many people will have already lost and probably never be able to recover. This is a deficiency in our form of government.
I recall working for a hotel company that was mostly individually owned. The principal could make a change overnight, and the next day implementation would occur. Then, the former principal sold out. More people got into the decision and leadership role. Now it takes days, weeks, and sometimes months to advance an idea and get it into the system. I think the former was better for the company. There is a lesson worth thinking about here.
Our Congress system spends too much time in debate and back room arm twisting to be of much use to immediate type needs for the American people. This stimulus package is evidence of that.
So, where is the stimulus? It is in the Halls of Congress, where it will likely remain for TOO long -- already has.
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