The Week in Review and Things I can afford that the middle class cannot.

Too often we who live above the masses tend to discount the responsibilities we have in keeping them informed and enlightened. My fellow readers, for the last few months I have forsaken this responsibility and for that I am apologetic. A reader recently commented that he found my recent posts to be uninspired and inconsistent. He is right.

So what do you say we get back on track with a double dose of that which you love so much?


The Week in Review

Sarah Who?

Last week my favorite maverick rocked the political world by nominating the little known Governor of Alaska , Sarah Palin as his running mate. Decried by many as proof that he is out of touch, she proved to be the spark that this campaign desperately needed. Turns you can be a cutthroat pit bull and well-liked. But only if you are attractive. Sorry Hillary.

Dow Takes a Constitutional


Why sugar coat what happened to the market this week? I literally lost a boat load of money - a beautiful 1940 Cris Craft Custom Runabout wad of cash.


Putin Blames the U.S for Georgian Conflict

To paraphrase the former Russian president and former head of the KGB or FSB or whatever gestapo secret police they've got over there, the US deliberately provoked Georgia into attacking South Ossetia to create a competitive advantage for one of the candidates running for president of that country.

If you don't understand that argument either I don't blame you. Clearly blending fantasy and reality is a feat hard to achieve.


Things I can afford that the middle class cannot.

They say one cannot collect an original Rembrandt painting these days. In fact, they say one cannot even collect a Rembrandt drawing unless they are a multi-millionaire. Obviously they don't know G. Glen Ross.

I do own a Rembrandt painting - a nude. Mrs. Ross wanted one so I bought it for her. It was the eighth most expensive financial transaction I've ever partaken in. She hung it in her dressing room and then she rewarded me by raising my McCane. It was all quite nice.

See, the thing is we wealthy appreciate great art for what it gives back to the world. Some may say it is obscene to spend so much on little dabs of paint. They might suggest picking up a reproduction or a poster. But what they don't know, what few outside of the art world know is that the true meaning of the artist's intentions can only be found in the original piece of work.

I know, I know, to the middle class to speak of art in such a way sounds so unexpectedly womanly, but should we really expect open minded, cultured thinking from a group of people who's favorite piece of literature is the weekly Auto Trader? I mean, the only beauty these people are capable of seeing is a framed Walmart reproduction of Unicorns prancing through La-La Land with naked little nymphs frolicking in pixie powder. And even that they can barely afford.

The Week in Review: 6/-6/6

The democrats decide, unemployment rises, the SUV dies. Once more, the liberal media wants you to believe that the sky is falling.

Obama vs. McCain
Finally, the democrats chose their sacrificial lamb for 2008, thus ensuring the plutocracy endure. Citizens of lollipop land will have to wait another four years before gumdrops and equal rights pour from the Heavens.

Unemployment rate climbs 5.5%
Meaning? You'll have to wait in line a few extra minutes at McDonalds. Let's face it, the only jobs being lost are the ones not worth having.

$4.00 gas kills the SUV
Ford and General Motors have announced plans to cut production of SUVs and pick-up trucks to make way for smaller, more fuel efficient vehicles. Observers maintain the death of the SUV is upon us. In fact, it is not. What's happened is that the market has equalized and the folks who had no business buying SUVs in the first place (read: the middle class) are finally realizing the folly of leasing, seven-year loans and negative equity. Pity that it takes events such as this to impart a little economic common sense to the masses.

Week in Review: 5/18-5/24

Well, here we are again. It never ceases to amaze me how time effortlessly slips through our fingers.

California Supreme Court legalizes gay marriage

Some folks are up in arms over this "landmark" decision. But I don't see why it's such a big deal. What man would want to marry a lesbian anyway? Heck, in many ways I think gays are lucky. You know how much money I'd still have if marriage was illegal?

Clinton wants to change the rules

Hillary wins a few states, continues to think her campaign is relevant, says that the delegates from Michigan and Florida should be counted. Of course, back in January when both candidates thought the states didn't matter she agreed with the DNC that the delegates should not be counted. And you know what? I'm starting to respect her dogged, single-minded, win-at-all-costs determination. Very Rossian.

American Idol crowns its victor

Thank God this show has ended. Mrs. Ross complains that I'm a workaholic. Well honey, what self-respecting man would want to come home to the garbage you insist on watching? However, I do find it interesting that more people voted for the two Idol candidates than did during the last Presidential election. Nothing makes me prouder to be a veteran and American.

Week in Review: 5/4-5/10

Much goings on in the world this week. However, as most of it happened outside of the United States, there really is no need to talk about it.

On to what really matters.

Obama wins again. Hillary does too.

Hillary still believes she has a chance. She also believes the Monica episode was just a one time deal.

Crude hits yet another high.

Once again crude oil sets another price record. For those of you not positioned in oil futures, this is a bad thing. It's also why you have to shop at Wal*Mart and cut coupons.

Scarlett Johanssen engaged to Ryan Reynolds.

I had the pleasure of meeting this fine young lady at a charity dinner a few years ago. Despite being an actor, I found her to be very likable and intelligent. Congratulations to the happy couple. May you enjoy it while it lasts.

The Week in Review: 3/23-3/29

What I think you need to know about last week.

The Fed tries to stave off a US economic meltdown

In case you were too busy volunteering, in which case you assuredly don't care about anything that actually matters, the Fed brokered a deal that sold troubled investment bank Bear Stearns to JP Morgan Chase for $2 a share. This is big because that bastard James Cayne lost about $950 million in the deal. A year ago, his shares were worth over $1 billion. He just dumped them for $61 million.


Hillary misspeaks

I don't understand why this is news. She does it all the time.


American Airlines grounds 300 planes

The nation's largest airline grounded 300 planes for safety inspections. Every one of the airline's Boeing MD-80s were grounded on the order of a FAA directive that mandated wiring be inspected for proper installation. I can only imagine how inconvenient this was to commercial travellers. Actually, no I can't, because I'm not poor.

The Week in Review: 3/9-3/15

The Week in Review: 3/9-3/15

Big week in the world of politics and escort services. All I have to say about both is that I am thoroughly enjoying watching the Socialist Worker's Party of America continue to piss down their leg. And as far as client #9 is concerned, it just illustrates the divide between those who think they have power and those who actually do. The last time I paid for sex was in Seoul and it only cost a quarter dollar.

Ferraro speaks her mind

Under most circumstances I never agree with anything emitted from the mouth of a democrat, especially one that got so thoroughly trounced back in '84. However, the former VP nominee spoke a hint of the truth when she said that Barack Obama was, "lucky to be who he is."

Of course he is, anyone who isn't Hillary is lucky to be who they are.

One in four teenage girls has a sexually-transmitted disease

I've always thought that teenagers were the disease carrying spawn of the devil, now I know they are. Mixed-gender schools are one of the most morally corrupt concepts man has ever created. That is why I guarantee that my son Preston will be attending military school. I also guarantee he won't contract HPV, the Clap, or the AIDs.

Feds lend $200 billion. Europe and Canada, up to $45 billion

For the first time, the Federal Reserve will lend Treasuries in exchange for debt and mortgage-backed securities. I can't tell you what a relief this news is. Over the last few months, my portfolio has lost more than most people make in five years. Not that this has anything to do with you; I just thought you'd like a hint at how wealthy I am.