Attack of the Car Wash Water Snake

These guys just wanted to wash off their Jeep...



Until next time,
- Steve

Dem's squash plans for auto industry bailout - stocks are tanking again

Sheesh, what a week. As I write this, news came across the wire about 4:10pm ET, that the democrats delayed an auto industry bailout package. The broader markets were already down for the day, but then the free fall started and the Down ended the day down another 5.28% and the S&P 500 finished down 6.71% while the NASDAQ, that beacon of hope in this stock market, only finished down 5.07% (that was obviously sarcasm if you didn't pick up on it).

The stakes are high. The Detroit automakers employ nearly a quarter-million workers, and more than 730,000 other workers produce materials and parts that go into cars. About 1 million more people work in dealerships nationwide. If just one of the automakers declared bankruptcy, some estimates put U.S. job losses next year as high as 2.5 million. I honestly don't know how I feel personally about these bailout packages. Undoubtedly we all know someone whose employment might be affected by these companies (not just Auto Manufacturers) going out of business. However, the interesting thing is the corporate greed that manifested itself in the hearings earlier this week when the CEO's of GM, Ford and Chrysler made their way to capitol hill to plead their case.

Think about this... there are 24 daily non-stop flights from Detroit to the Washington DC area, but these CEO's each took their own private jets. Even if they flew 1st class on commercial flights, which would still be despicable, at a cost of somewhere north of $1,000, it would still dwarf the cost of the private jet flights which were estimated at anywhere from $10,000-$30,000 EACH.

The following is an excerpt from an article in the Washington Post (full link here) that is just one more example of why these guys and their companies don't deserve any help whatsoever!

So it was hard to feel sorry for the executives when Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Ill.), late in the hearing, reminded them again that "the symbolism of the private jet is difficult," and mischievously asked the witnesses whether, in another symbolic gesture, they would be willing to work for $1 a year, as Nardelli has offered to do.

"I don't have a position on that today," demurred Wagoner (2007 total compensation: $15.7 million).

"I understand the intent, but I think where we are is okay," said Mulally ($21.7 million).

"I'm asking about you," Roskam pressed.

"I think I'm okay where I am," Mulally said.

And don't even think about asking him to fly commercial.

Until next time
- Steve

Dow closes below 8,000 for the 1st time in over 5 years

Wow, another huge down day on Wall Street.

On fears primarily related to the impending auto industry collapse, the Dow closed below 8,000. This is the lowest point since March of 2003. Same for the S&P 500.

I read an article in the most recent Time magazine regarding a possible collapse by GM. If GM were to fail, it would not affect just the 200,000 or so employees of GM, but could expand to approximately 1.2 million jobs. This is because of the extensive supply chain of parts and other jobs related to GM. With the economy continuing the way it is, I sure don't know of any of my friends out shopping for new vehicles!

Hang in there folks, until next time,
- Steve

Double Digit % Increase in Electric Bills Coming

Aaaahhh, the good news of the economy continues. Tampa Electric (TECO) customers are looking at an 12% increase in January. Progress Energy, who just increased bills 11% last month, are increasing another 13% in January.

Here's a link to the story on TBO.com.

Until next time,
- Steve

Maddon wins AL Manager of the Year

Rays Manager Joe Maddon was named AL Manager of Year today by the Baseball Writers Association of America. Here's a link to the article on MLB.com.

Continuing the theme from Evan Longoria's unanimous selection as Rookie of the Year, Maddon was only 1 vote short of a unanimous selection as Manager of the Year. The only other manager to get a 1st place vote was Ron Gardenhire from Minnesota.

Until next time,
- Steve

Top 10 Microsoft Moments

I love these type of articles. They look back over the history of companies and dig into significant times in the company's growth. Because of Microsoft Windows celebrating 25 years yesterday, November 10th, Time.com has provided a look back at the top 10 Microsoft moments. Here's a link to the very insightful article.

Because of all the stock splits, the adjusted stock price when the company went public on March 13th, 1986 was only $0.0955. Based on today's stock price of $20.84 that is a 21,722% increase! That's even with the stock down over 60% from it's all-time high in December of 1999. No wonder Bill Gates is one of the richest men in the world!

Until next time,
- Steve

Longoria wins Rookie of the Year in the AL

To add to Carlos Pena's recent gold glove award, Evan Longoria has been named a unanimous winner of the Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award in the American League. He was named in 1st place on all 28 ballots and was a runaway winner over Alexi Ramirez of the White Sox.

Despite missing 30 games due to a broken wrist he suffered on August 10th after being hit by a pitch, he led all Major League rookies with 27 home runs and a .531 slugging percentage. In addition, he led the American League with 85 RBI's, 60 extra base hits and 238 total bases.

Evan had 2 walk off homeruns during the season and 3 in one game on September 18th against the Twins. He played excellent defense throughout the season, finishing with a .961 fielding percentage, 6th among American League 3rd basemen.

Let's hope the awards continue with Joe Maddon's being named Manager of the Year!

Until Next Time,
- Steve

Is Jason Giambi on the juice again?

Check out this pic... He must be pumping up because the Yankees released him and he needs to impress a new team since he's a free agent.

Would you all take him in Tampa? Or could we afford him?

Until Next Time,
- Steve

Check out Taggalaxy.com

Here's a link: http://www.taggalaxy.com/

This is a really unique website where you search for tags of photos posted on flickr. A huge globe is then represented, or possibly other globes with related tags.

I searched for our hometown, Plant City, and here's what I got.



Until next time,
- Steve

Obama not willing to spread his own wealth?

Interesting take on Obama's "Spread The Wealth" economic policy. The following cartoon was in the editorial section of today's newspaper.

Click the image below for a larger view.



Until next time,
- Steve

McCain takes his turn on Saturday Night Live

McCain actually showed a lighter side on the clip that may have resonated with folks. He seemed much more at ease than even the last debate against Obama. What do you think?

Until next time,
- Steve

Best Reason Yet to Vote for McCain

Last night my daughter Jacelyn spent the night with her G-Ma and PopPop (G-ma is short for Grandma because Kelly's mom didn't want to be called Grandma, G-ma sounded much more cool). Anyway, G-ma is telling me this morning in church about a conversation between her and Jacelyn regarding the upcoming election. It went something like this...

Jacelyn: G-ma, have you voted yet?
G-Ma: Yes, I voted early.
Jacelyn: Who did you vote for?
G-Ma: I voted for McCain.
Jacelyn: I like him too, more than Obama.
G-Ma: Why?
Jacelyn: He just looks like a President, the other guy doesn't.

There you have it folks, the best reason yet that I have seen to vote for John McCain and Sarah Palin!

Until next time,
- Steve