Pink Floyd and Money

It is Friday and I am off to the Hard Rock Live in Orlando for Classic Albums Live performance of Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here". These artists, who after performing the highlighted album note for note song for song, take a break and return to play other hits by the featured band. They are nothing short of outstanding!

While at the show, during these economically tough times, I am sure one item won't be far from the mind of most patrons: Money! With that in mind, here is Floyd from Dark Side of the Moon with Money!



See ya post show at the John Lennon room!

Left Lost On Wealth Creation

On weekdays, my lunch hour is generally consumed by reading the editorial page of Investors Business Daily. Yeah, I recognize I got issues. Most days, IBD has an "on the left" and "on the right" guest columnist. One of the moonbats on the left that just provides me endless comedy is Washington Post columnist Eugene Robinson.

This past week, Robinson penned a column titled "As Different As Day & Night", which engaged the current sparring between President Obama and former Vice President Cheney. This was the normal left wing lunacy you might expect but the following paragraph caused me concern.

Comprehend this one: In Obama World, Americans have a sense of community and shared purpose. Those upon whom fortune has smiled — through accident of birth, educational opportunity, career-enhancing connections or any other kind of "right place, right time" serendipity — recognize that extending a hand to those who do not enjoy such advantages is not just morally right, but ultimately beneficial to all.

On the list of things indicating how fortune has smiled on Americans, I found a couple of glaring omissions. Did any ring in your head? How about hard work? What about risk taking? The entrepreneurial spirit? These aspects seem obvious to me but then I wondered aloud, "Does Mr. Robinson even consider these things when thinking about those who are wealthy achieved their success?" I think not. I think he actually believes that the way wealth was achieved was by the examples he listed. Is this a void by the members of the left ideology, or does this come from the background of Mr. Robinson being African-American. Can't be that; surely he has met Chris Gardner, whose rags to riches story is incredibly inspiring. I am not sure, but the thought process is un-American as I see it.

Robinson further digs at Cheney, writing The idea that luck or connections could possibly have anything to do with, say, becoming the lavishly compensated chairman and chief executive of a mega-corporation such as Halliburton? Preposterous and un-American".

Cheney felt that "obtaining great wealth and power has nothing to do with being "fortunate," whatever that means. It's all about preparation, focus and hard work. Cheney is nothing but right. I have known many a classmate who was born into money whose life is far from full of riches. It comes down to you and what you make of your opportunities. In fact, interestingly enough, I was born in the same hospital as Cheney, so we entered this world through the same hospital exit, just about two some decades apart, with the same opportunities to create our own paths of success, which may or may not have anything to do with our financial status, another point seemingly missed by Robinson.

Robinson closes that Obama (s) World is an exciting place to live right now — not perfect, to be sure, but full of energy and hope. Robinson must have missed those tea parties also. Obama's world is steadfastly leading us to a fascist state by having governmental influence of historic proportions, implementing spending programs which expand entitlements and are set to saddle our grandchildren with a smothering debt, displaying a complete lack of regard for the principles (among them contract law) that have held this country together and a naivete regarding foreign policy that is beyond troubling. The aftermath is draining our energy and pocketbook, squelching our hope, unless you are down on your luck, in which case the Obama's World can bail you out, on the back of the taxpayers aforementioned shrinking pocketbook.

America is traveling down a very destructive path under the current leadership. Ask the Chrysler dealers. I hope you will join me in doing whatever legally possible to defeat this encroachment.

'Noles On The Mind in 2009

Spring football is over around the country and as we embark on the dog days, the chirping on the college football landscape has begun. With the preseason annuals set to hit the newstands in just a few weeks, passions are beginning to simmer.

Not surprisingly, the Southeastern Conference banter tops the blogosphere, with Lane Kiffin of Tennessee verbally assaulting just about everyone. Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyer have been recent sparring partners for the unproven Kiffin. Given the embarrassing antics of Kiffin, I could see anyone who could hang half a hundred on the Vols doing just that.

Surprisingly, Florida State is feeling some heat; from Penn State fans. A Lions sportswriter claims the fix is in and FSU will keep all victories when the NCAA makes its ruling first week of June.

Handicapper Phil Steele has released his list of the toughest schedules for 2009, and the Seminoles are tops on the list. FSU is the only team whose opponents won over 100 games collectively. SEC powers Florida and Georgia are 43rd and 44th respectively. FSU will be much better in '09 but the record may not show it. On the warpath in 2010.

The Wall Street Journal, of all folks, had an intriguing story on how stellar offensive lines are a prelude to success. The study, which was well done, indicates that three teams who were projected to thrive in 2008, Missouri, Georgia and Clemson, all faltered behind inexperienced offensive lines. Four teams return over 80 starts this year. Virginia Tech, a top five pre-season lock, Notre Dame, Texas and Florida State, led by All America candidate Rodney Hudson, are the teams. I do place quite a bit of weight on experience up front, particularly if the team is breaking in a new signal caller.

There will be a lot to kick around over the summer. Athlons and Lindy's will be out first week of June. I'll wager on the Gators as the preseason top pick.

Send Grayson on Permanent Vacation

Fresh off the debacle otherwise known as the Pay for Performance Act of 2009 , Orlando Congressman Alan Grayson (D) has offered another idiotic proposal, the Paid Vacation Act. This legislation would be the first to make paid vacation a requirement under federal law.

The birth of this legislation dawned on Grayson while he was at Disney World. As a shareholder of the company (DIS:NYSE), I appreciate his patronage but with the nations economic status crumbling, one might suspect he had more pressing obligations. Apparently not.

Grayson commented he thought vacations would stimulate the economy. It might stimulate Disney and surrounding tourist places like Sea World, rental car companies and the surrounding hotels, but it would would be a regulatory anchor on companies efforts to produce a quality product while growing their business. Grayson, who cited vacation time as reasoning why the Euro is rising against the Dollar, has his lack of understanding of economics at display yet again.

Incentives work! Both ways. If these financial constraints, such as Graysons pending legislation, continue to be placed on businesses, they will be forced to hire less workers, which would restrict the amount of product produced. It would also likely lessen the profit margin of what is produced as efficiency is reduced, which would harm the ability of the company to grow, potentially costing jobs. This, ultimately, would also limit supply which would then force prices up. It is the equivalent of a tax, and when you tax something, you get less of it.

Noted in the story at Politico.com was that the United States was dead last in mandatory vacation, with France leading the way. The story failed to mention that the US is first in output (over 4 times that of France) and that France has historically high unemployment and had workers rioting within the past few years. I certainly do not aspire the United States to become the economic equivalent of France, but I fear many do.

A seemingly obvious economic principle bears repeating. There is no free lunch. Vacationers on their employers expense may think there is, but someone is paying the cost, and in the end it is the consumer.

There’s a reason why Disney World is the happiest place on Earth: The people who go there are on vacation,” said Grayson. “Honestly, as much as I appreciate this job and as much as I enjoy it, the best days of my life are and always have been the days I’m on vacation.” So, fellow Orlandoans, lets put him on permanent vacation during the next elections. But then again, it looks like he already is vacationing on our dime.

Sura Sets To Dunk On GM

Former Florida State basketball standout and NBA veteran Bobby Sura has filed a lawsuit against General Motors.

Sura co-owns a GM Saturn dealership in Tallahassee and contends in the suit that GM's announcement that the brand was for sale devalued the brand and rendered the dealership worthless.

Look for other dealerships to follow the lead of Sura, including GM's Pontiac dealerships and Chrysler dealers who have been strong armed by the Obama administration. What has happened to General Motors and Chrysler is criminal as is the role our government has played in the whole saga.

Rain On Me

We have been having some serious rain here in Central Florida this week. I have felt like a duck doing exterior inspections for residential appraisals during downpours.

At least the good ole boys are up in Charlotte for the World Coca Cola 600 this week and not at the World Center of Racing, Daytona International Speedway.

Green Ideology Taxes Prosperity

The events of the last year or so have been an unparalleled attack on prosperity, and much of the basis for this has been due to an incredible scam otherwise known as Global Climate Change, which essentially blames the industrial revolution for all the perceived problems.

CNBC's Larry Kudlow, a BAHL's Blog favorite, editorializes on this subject last night on his excellent program, The Kudlow Report. Take a listen:



I agree whole heatedly agree with Kudlow, with one exception.

Although I enjoy much of the programming on CNBC, I do not share Kudlow's respect for General Electric CEO Jeff Immelt. There is evidence suggesting General Electric does business with Iran (who is the head of the snake in the trouble in the middle east and has been identified as providing support to those trying to kill our troops), oversees the NBC news division, which is out of control in bias favoring left wing ideology and has a practically hidden financial interest in our society moving toward green technology.

I may further comment on a later post on GE and Immelt, but at this point I am simply refraining from purchasing GE appliances for my rental property portfolio. I do not have much of a voice, but I can steer my minor allotment of cash spent in this arena in a different direction. Cash is king!

FDIC Economic Wizard Seidman Dies

On the heels of losing another famed Great American on the economic front in Jack Kemp, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of another as former FDIC chair and CNBC economics commentator Bill Seidman died today.

Seidman, 88, was a crafty veteran of the economic political theatre and was the chief architect of the Resolution Trust Company which rescued the real estate market decades ago. In fact, I recently wrote if he might be available to help us out yet again.

In an era lacking common sense, Seidman rose above the fray and fired out plain spoken intellectual rhetoric on the economic issues of the day. He forgot more than most knew.

I will certainly miss those segments on CNBC with Seidman. He was a great gentleman a a true titan in banking and economics.

The gang at CNBC mourn the loss, including Sure Herrara, Erin Burnett, Larry Kudlow and Jim Cramer.



Larry Kudlow, an old friend and colleague of Seidman, posted the following tribute:



With the passing over the last few weeks of Kemp and Seidman, the economics department up in Heaven has dramatically improved. Rest in peace Bill!

Here Comes Your 1930's Shakedown

I remain puzzled as to how Barack Obama was elected President. I am not the most right wing guy on the planet, but right out of the gate in the campaign, I recognized he is not what he is cracked up to be. I am far from a racist, but don't suffer frauds lightly. See John Edwards.

In fact, among the dozen or so major problems I identified was the relationship Obama had with organizational group, ACORN.

Throughout the campaign, and after the election, I have written articles critical of this organization, with their tentacles stretching from voter fraud to union shakedowns, not to mention the role ACORN played in the housing crisis.

The pot is simmering as FOX News anchor Glenn Beck continues to ask questions no one else seems to want to ask, including most of those "looking out for us" in Washington. Take a listen:



I disagree with Beck on one major ACORN issue. Beck thinks this about fraud on both sides of the isle and not Obama. Right and wrong. I think Obama is complicit in the actions of ACORN, complete with the campaign donation he accepted from them and his history shaking down banks who ACORN deemed non participatory in lending practices that benefited minorities.

We shall see as the events unfold. Stay tuned, it will likely be a wild ride. Glenn, my friend, stay safe.

You're Hired, Again!

With the world seemingly on edge, Donald Trump announced today that Miss California, Carrie Prejean, would keep her crown.

Since answering a question from the heart about gay marriage from a gay marriage activist nut case with a personal agenda, Prejean has been viciously attacked, beginning with a tirade from the activist judge on his website and astonishingly continuing from numerous sources across the globe.

Semi-nude pictures were published, but beyond the publishing of these pictures, the publishers went out their way to lambaste Prejean. First up to bat was The Dirty.com, followed by TMZ.com. "Bible Thumper", "Sinner" and "homophobic debutante" were among the verbal jabs.

Well, I hate to break to it these publishers and all the other proclaimers of hate against folks engaging their freedom of speech. This is America, and some of us do not support your cause, feel free to speak against you and will continue to do so while you firebomb us with your hate. Meanwhile, your antics are winning the hearts and minds of just about nobody.

Instead of hammering Miss California, maybe you could learn something from her.




H/T GATEWAY PUNDIT BLOG

I think Miss Prejean has quite a future ahead of her. As Trump said, she is quite beautiful and I grow more impressed with her after every public appearance she makes!

Guantanamo Bay: Leave The Light On!

All throughout the campaign we heard over and over again what an atrocity the detention facility for captured terrorists, Guantanamo Bay, is. Even though this is factually incorrect as the detention center is extremely well run, the media has proclaimed it as gospel and so it is in the minds of most Americans.

Our newly elected President, Barack Obama, is now tasked with living up to his campaign promise to close the facility, and since he was all rhetoric and had no plan, he is at a fork in the road. There have been many ideas from the administration floated, but none of them are acceptable. In fact, some are downright dangerous and juvenile. An example of this idiocy is a plan to not only release them in The United States (other countries including their home countries won't take them because they are too dangerous) but to provide them welfare to "start a new life". Is there anyone out there with a lick of sense that thinks this is sound decision making?

I call it a slap in the face to our troops and our citizenry, which I find appalling. Please review some of the terrorists, (yes, this is not a typo, terrorists) who tried to kill countless Americans.



Well, what should we do? I got a plan! Leave the light on at GITMO! It functions perfectly for what it is designed to do and should remain open, provided you wish to capture the terorists.

The decisions this administration has made and continues to ponder regarding the war on terror is most troubling and places this country at risk in September 10 footing. Somebody with some common sense needs to get the attention of these morons before something real bad happens at the hands of the non captured terrorists.

Oh, look! Fellow Nebraska native Dick Cheney is on the attack. Thank God!

Wider Was Better

With General Motors announcing the elimination of the Pontiac Motor Division, and since the good ole boys are heading to Darlington this week, lets relive the last win for the Pontiac on the Sprint Cup circuit. Mike Joy, Larry McReynolds and Darrell Waltrip have the call for FOX Sports.

Housing Bottom To Lead Recovery

Not withstanding the stranglehold being placed on the vehicles of economic growth coupled with the immoral spending creating massive deficits and the complete lack of respect for contract law, our economy is engaged in a rebound.

What led our economy down was the housing crisis, which culminated in the banks getting creamed with the derivatives gambling they were involved in, freezing credit and punishing housing values and stifling sales activity.

Markets correct themselves, regardless of what politician is claiming credit. Currently, even in the face of the implementation of economic policies that would make Milton Friedman cringe, evidence suggests a bottom is in.

The S&P seems to have bounced nicely off the bottom and has been in an uptrend for several weeks now. Any recovery in the economy will met with rising oil prices, and that is taking place.

The wildcard in the deck is the lagging indicator of jobs. The jobs report will be released in the morning, and indications from the ADP National Employment Report suggests that, although the loss of jobs will continue, likely for some months, the rate of job losses is declining significantly. In a chart gathered from Professor Mark Perry's A+ economic blog Carpe Diem, we see that unemployment claims seem to have peaked a few weeks back. In past recessions, this has proven to be a very sound and reliable indicator.

If we can see improvement in the job situation, we can turn to housing affordability, which is at historic highs evidenced by the chart from professor Perry. If it is given that the jobs losses have stabilized and will be improving, a significant change in the housing psychology can take place, tackling the existing inventory at a accelerated pace which will lead to a resumption of normal price appreciation.

The one, and only, governmental action that has helped housing thus far is the 8K credit for buyers who have never owned a home or those that have not within the prior three years. With prices way down, this is percentage wise a big deal.

I have always subscribed to the stock market being a leading indicator and telling us a story. Therefore, given the recent performance of the market, I am looking for a much better job number and a clear signal the worst is behind us. Then we can turn our attention to the nationalization of industries, higher taxes and regulatory influences that are heading our way thanks to the incompetence we unfortunately placed in policy making positions.

When is the next tea party ?

Eco-tional Rescue

While guest hosting for Rush Limbaugh today, Mark Steyn could hardly keep his composure. I was right there with him, in tears while keeping my gas guzzling SUV hammer down in the fast lane on I-4. And for good reason!

Steyn was recounting a story from the BBC, and it is a howl. A group of Eco sailors, you know, left wing global warming idiots, were in the midst of a 500 mile trip to Greenland on a boat named the Fleur, aimed to rely on sail, solar and man power. Isn't that nice.

As education systems around the world make efforts to brainwash our children on the horrendous (unproven) plight known as man made global climate change, some 40 schools across the UK were following the progress of the trip.

Mayday! Mayday! "Atrocious" weather apparently ripped the wind generators and solar panels off the boat, resulting in the crew taking refuge in the cabin, powerless. I bet they wish they were powered by those gas guzzling 350 Chevy block MerCruiser inboards?

America, this is not the first group of global warming novice would be Christopher Columbus yachtsman plucked from the sea this year, and although I cannot imagine, it won't be the last. I appreciate the passion, but there is something known as common sense, and it seems foreign to these idiots who are hell bent on being right on this while substantial evidence to the contrary continues to mount.

In an article on Anthony Watt's super climate oriented blog, guest poster William DiPuccio, in an article about ocean heat, quotes Albert Einstein, “No amount of experimentation can ever prove me right; a single experiment can prove me wrong.” This is applicable with respect to these alarmists. Anti global warming folks, although stacked with evidence, are labeled as anti-earth while idiots like this continue to fail in proving their ideas while foolish governments fund unnecessary green projects at taxpayers expense.

Maybe Al Gore will solve the housing crisis? He predicts south Florida will be under water next year. That will do away with overhang of inventory in the condos down there in a heartbeat.

Although the sailors were "overwhelmingly relieved to be safe" and gave heartfelt thanks to the coastguards for their professionalism as well as to the outstanding captain and crew of the Overseas Yellowstone," they should not have attempted such a bold expedition with unproven power options resulting in them needing rescue.

Mother Ocean is boss, as many a man has found out the hard way over time. So is man made progress, and the industrialization of modern technology, including fossil fuel. With that in mind, in the mother of all irony, the rescuing vessel, the Overseas Yellowstone, was as God wanted it, an oil tanker.

God Bless America!

Conservative Patriot Kemp Throws Last Pass

Supply side conservative and NFL All Star quarterback Jack Kemp has unfortunately passed away due to the insidious disease of cancer.

Although I never met him, I always appreciated him and his story. Kemp was cut several times and traveled a lengthy road en route to his legendary football career, never giving up and persevering. He was league MVP while with the Buffalo Bills of the AFL.

Kemp was also part of the Reagan Revolution, co-authoring the Reagan tax cuts which ignited the greatest bull market in history. By all accounts, he was a neat guy.







An American conservative patriot, Kemp will be sorely missed. Maybe Ronnie will have a beer waiting for him. Meanwhile, Cancer must be stopped and you can help by visiting HERE.

UPDATE 5-4-09

CNBC's Larry Kudlow, who knew Kemp for some 35 years from their days working under Reagan, penned a wonderful column on Kemps contributions. Kudlow also got together with Art Laffer and Robert Rahn, former Reagan economic advisers, and former Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, to remember Jack Kemp. It is worth your time:

FOX Business Babes Love The 'Huskers

The annual meeting for shareholders of Berkshire Hathaway is being held this weekend in lovely Omaha, Nebraska. Due to events associated with the 2009 Bobby Bowden Tour stop in Orlando this weekend I was unable to attend.

Liz Claman of FOX Business is out there and while at Borsheims, she had an opportunity to sit down with Nebraska Governor Dave Heineman (R). The economy in Nebraska is faring much better than most of the country. Take a listen:


Liz says her and fellow FOX Business babe Jenna Lee will be attending a 'Husker game this fall. Jenna's brother Zac is atop the depth chart at quarterback for the Big Red. GBR!