Monday, March 1, 2010
2.28.2010
I was in Walmart today and Holy shit a lot of people shop there! It is absolutely amazing! There is a new Walmart SuperCenter about 2-3 miles from my house and every time I drive passed it there is close to a full lot of cars parked.
Makes you want to buy stock in Walmart! Oh...and Yes, there were some funky ass creatures shopping at Walmart. Great people watching!
Makes you want to buy stock in Walmart! Oh...and Yes, there were some funky ass creatures shopping at Walmart. Great people watching!
2.26.2010
Cracks me up to see all these broads working out with their hair all done up, make-up popping and perfume smelling. YOU ARE AT A FITNESS CENTER, not a fucking wedding!
2.25.2010
For all you NE Illinois folk, if you travel North on Fairfield Rd from Route 120, it dead ends just as you pass Lake Villa. I thought you could go North all the way to Antioch (route 173). Not so.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
2.23.2010
Sometimes numbers get so high that it is hard to understand what they mean. Here's a great example.
How much money is $17.5 Billion? Well, it is a pile of $100 bills the height of 50 Washington Monuments. About 5 miles straight up!
Conversion.
$1 billion= a stack of $100 bills is a tad over 1/4 mile high (3 Wash Monuments high!)
1 mile of stacked $100 bills = $3.5 billion
Good to know if you want to explain how much a fuck load of money looks like!
How much money is $17.5 Billion? Well, it is a pile of $100 bills the height of 50 Washington Monuments. About 5 miles straight up!
Conversion.
$1 billion= a stack of $100 bills is a tad over 1/4 mile high (3 Wash Monuments high!)
1 mile of stacked $100 bills = $3.5 billion
Good to know if you want to explain how much a fuck load of money looks like!
2.19.2010
Got so slammed tonight with my old man that by the end of the night the bartender asked me what I wanted to drink and I replied, "Chips and Salsa."
Oh boy!
Oh boy!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
2.18.2010
What it takes for a country to grow its GDP....
Listening to an interview of Byron Weins, the following countries have to invest the following to grow their GDP by $1.
US needs to invest $6 to grow US' GDP $1
UK needs to invest $2 to grow UK's GDP $1
China needs to invest $1 to grow China's GDP $1.
hmm...those US margins SUCK!
Listening to an interview of Byron Weins, the following countries have to invest the following to grow their GDP by $1.
US needs to invest $6 to grow US' GDP $1
UK needs to invest $2 to grow UK's GDP $1
China needs to invest $1 to grow China's GDP $1.
hmm...those US margins SUCK!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
2.17.2010
52% of China's 2009 total oil consumption had to be imported from abroad.
Here are the top 3 suppliers to China
Saudi Arabia 32.8%
Angola 25.6%
Iran 20.2%
FYI...US is heavily dependent on Canada, Mexico, Venezuela and Nigera.
As you can see, China is dependent upon the Middle East.
Here are the top 3 suppliers to China
Saudi Arabia 32.8%
Angola 25.6%
Iran 20.2%
FYI...US is heavily dependent on Canada, Mexico, Venezuela and Nigera.
As you can see, China is dependent upon the Middle East.
2.16.2010
I guess Youtube has an internal "block" or "sensor" feature that if you use unauthorized music in a home video that they will just mute ALL audio in the video.
Here's an example
Pretty shitty!
Here's an example
Pretty shitty!
2.15.2010
Was off work today b/c of Presidents Day.
I feel like during every non-festive Holiday, I feel more and more like a bump on a log on my day off. Just feel unproductive when I'm not working.
Perhaps if that is the case I should go out and get plowed the night before a day off so at least I can act like I am accomplishing something the next day when I try and crack my hangover!
shizzzzle!
I feel like during every non-festive Holiday, I feel more and more like a bump on a log on my day off. Just feel unproductive when I'm not working.
Perhaps if that is the case I should go out and get plowed the night before a day off so at least I can act like I am accomplishing something the next day when I try and crack my hangover!
shizzzzle!
2.14.2010
HOLY SHIT are malls empty! Besides department stores, they are just about the most worthless way to shop these days!
I went today where there were a bunch of President Day's Sales and I tell you, it was ghost town on the supply of merchandise! Pretty sad actually!
However, there still are STILL the creepy teens that roll around the mall in packs looking for easy puntang! ahahhaaha...funny shit to watch!
I went today where there were a bunch of President Day's Sales and I tell you, it was ghost town on the supply of merchandise! Pretty sad actually!
However, there still are STILL the creepy teens that roll around the mall in packs looking for easy puntang! ahahhaaha...funny shit to watch!
2.13.2010
SELLING options is a great way to pick up premium in the stock market. ***Options are a bit complicated and if you have questions...post a comment and I will reply***
I like to sell puts in stocks that I would like to own and are unsure of my entry point. Sell a out of the money put and ring in the premium of the option...if it pulls back and you get put the stock, you are happy anyway...if the stock drifts higher..you gain the premium. Just make sure if you think you might get put the stock that you have enough money in your account to be able to fund your buys.
Giddy up!
I like to sell puts in stocks that I would like to own and are unsure of my entry point. Sell a out of the money put and ring in the premium of the option...if it pulls back and you get put the stock, you are happy anyway...if the stock drifts higher..you gain the premium. Just make sure if you think you might get put the stock that you have enough money in your account to be able to fund your buys.
Giddy up!
2.12.2010
When measuring and cutting Wood...DONT FORGET TO TAKE IN ACCOUNT THE WIDTH OF THE SAW BLADE! This comes in handy when you need a bunch of lengths of wood and you add all the lengths up to come up with one large slab of wood. Make sure you give yourself a little extra.
...I learned this the hard way! hahah!
...I learned this the hard way! hahah!
2.11.2010
After China dumped $34.2 billion in U.S. Treasuries, Japan is now the LARGEST holder of US debt.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
2.10.2010
Lehman Brothers went bankrupt in September of 2008. The majority of their CEO's compensation was tied to stock. At one point their CEO, Dick Fuld, was worth about $1 billion at the peak of Lehman's highest stock price. When Lehman went bankrupt, his stock was worth $65,486.72.
Whoops!
Whoops!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
2.09.2010
So China and Iran want to punish America by selling U.S. Treasuries. I have to say if they do this it will somewhat cripple our balance sheet by inevitably increase the interest rates on U.S. debt obligations.
Pretty intriguing and could punish the U.S. However, I think China and Iran underestimate the Feds willingness to keep these rates low.
Should be interesting to pay attention to this development. My initial gut feeling is that the Commies will never be able to pull this off!
Pretty intriguing and could punish the U.S. However, I think China and Iran underestimate the Feds willingness to keep these rates low.
Should be interesting to pay attention to this development. My initial gut feeling is that the Commies will never be able to pull this off!
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
2.08.2010
CDS information.
If a company's CDS is selling for 612 bps as in the case of AIG when the shit was hitting the fan in 2008, that means that in order to insure $10 million of AIG debt, it would cost $612,000 every year for the next 5 years.
wow!
pg 272, "Too big to fail" by Andrew Ross Sorkin.
If a company's CDS is selling for 612 bps as in the case of AIG when the shit was hitting the fan in 2008, that means that in order to insure $10 million of AIG debt, it would cost $612,000 every year for the next 5 years.
wow!
pg 272, "Too big to fail" by Andrew Ross Sorkin.
Monday, February 8, 2010
2.07.2010
Spending a fuck load of money to travel and see your team in the SuperBowl sounds like a great idea until your team loses! I've been through a bunch of losing with my sports teams and I have been telling myself for the past 5 or so years that I would never blow a bunch of dough on my sports teams even if they made it to the big venue.
Sounds easier said than done. Silly isn't it? Piss away a bunch of money on a sports team and for a bunch of players that you probably don't know or have not even come close to meeting??!!
All said and done, I'd prob still entertain the idea if my teams ever make it to the big dance! ahahaha...I'm fucking crazy!
Sounds easier said than done. Silly isn't it? Piss away a bunch of money on a sports team and for a bunch of players that you probably don't know or have not even come close to meeting??!!
All said and done, I'd prob still entertain the idea if my teams ever make it to the big dance! ahahaha...I'm fucking crazy!
2.06.2010
I am a firm believer of the 80/20 rule. "80% of the productivity is done by 20% of the workforce". I think it may be more like 90/10.
aka...there are a lot of fucking stiffs out there!
aka...there are a lot of fucking stiffs out there!
2.05.2010
"More than a Game" is a pretty damn good movie! Its about Lebron James and his Nationals team he played on in grade school as well as his High School team from Akron, OH. And NO its not just about King James...I promise.
Go see it...its pretty sweet!
Go see it...its pretty sweet!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
2.04.2010
Got whiff of the top earnings today from Hollywood. Because of Avatar's great success of 2009, I would have guessed that James Cameron was the top moneymaker in Hollywood for 2009. But I was dead wrong.
Michael Bay was the highest earner in Hollywood in 2009 @ $125 million....Yeah, WHO??!! He's the director and producer of the Transformer movies. Seems to me like he's the real bidness man sharing in Transformer toy revenues AND DVD sales. BIG UPS to Michael Bay....He probably got a peek at Meagan Fox's booby too...Lucky Bastard times 2 !!
Good chit.
Michael Bay was the highest earner in Hollywood in 2009 @ $125 million....Yeah, WHO??!! He's the director and producer of the Transformer movies. Seems to me like he's the real bidness man sharing in Transformer toy revenues AND DVD sales. BIG UPS to Michael Bay....He probably got a peek at Meagan Fox's booby too...Lucky Bastard times 2 !!
Good chit.
2.03.2010
MMA cage "rental"
If you are wondering how much it costs to rent an MMA cage in order to host an event, it costs about $15,000!
Chaaachingo!
If you are wondering how much it costs to rent an MMA cage in order to host an event, it costs about $15,000!
Chaaachingo!
2.01.2010
2010 SuperBowl Commercial stats
A 30-second commercial this Sunday should cost around $2.6 million, down from $3 million last year. This 13% decline is only the third decline ever and the largest year-to-year decline on record. At $2.6 million, the cost of a commercial is the same as it was in 2000.
**source**
A 30-second commercial this Sunday should cost around $2.6 million, down from $3 million last year. This 13% decline is only the third decline ever and the largest year-to-year decline on record. At $2.6 million, the cost of a commercial is the same as it was in 2000.
**source**
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
1.31.2010
I am by no means a handy man around the house, but my recent enrollment in a Carpentry class made me realize another thing in life.
TOOLS are fucking expensive!! I just continue to tell myself if I average the cost over the life of the product then maybe they don't seem as expensive....ha!
"You get what you pay for" in tools.
TOOLS are fucking expensive!! I just continue to tell myself if I average the cost over the life of the product then maybe they don't seem as expensive....ha!
"You get what you pay for" in tools.
1.30.2010
Johnnie Walker BLUE label is the highest rated scotch whiskey in the JW group. It is VERY tasty!! WOW. Well worth the $225+ price tag per bottle.
From lowest to highest rank (and least to most expensive)
Red
Black
Gold
Green
Blue
Hat tip "E Money"
From lowest to highest rank (and least to most expensive)
Red
Black
Gold
Green
Blue
Hat tip "E Money"
Friday, January 29, 2010
1.29.2010
Haiti donations + tax deductibility
One can deduct donations made to Haiti in either the 2009 or 2010 tax year, but not both. Details include:
Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card.
The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.
One can deduct donations made to Haiti in either the 2009 or 2010 tax year, but not both. Details include:
Only cash contributions made to these charities after Jan. 11, 2010, and before March 1, 2010, are eligible. This includes contributions made by text message, check, credit card or debit card.
The contributions must be made specifically for the relief of victims in areas affected by the Jan. 12 earthquake in Haiti.
1.28.2010
Border Wars
If you are looking for a new show, I have one for you. Border Wars on Monday nights at 8pm (CT) on National Geographic channel is a dandy!
Shows what goes on in patrolling the Mexico/U.S.A. border...Mainly from Nogales port of entry.
Good shit..check it out.
If you are looking for a new show, I have one for you. Border Wars on Monday nights at 8pm (CT) on National Geographic channel is a dandy!
Shows what goes on in patrolling the Mexico/U.S.A. border...Mainly from Nogales port of entry.
Good shit..check it out.
1.27.2010
FUCK
The word fuck dates all the way back to King Henry's crazy ass! It stems from the phrase, Fornication Under the Consent of the King.
Meaning, you can't bang unless the King ok's it!
Giddy up!
The word fuck dates all the way back to King Henry's crazy ass! It stems from the phrase, Fornication Under the Consent of the King.
Meaning, you can't bang unless the King ok's it!
Giddy up!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
1.26.2010
A 120 Volt electrical shock is more dangerous than a 230 or 400 Volt shock. With a 120 volt shock, the initial shock isn't as extreme which doesn't provide the instant "release" from the charge. This is dangerous b/c it increases the chances of a person being held to the 120 volt charge. With a higher volt shock, the initial volt is so extreme that it actually throws a person away from the electric charge which disconnects one from the current.
Shizzle!
Shizzle!
1.25.2010
Brett Favre throws a football approx 66-74 MPH which is equivalent to throwing a baseball about 100MPH.....WOW!
Monday, January 25, 2010
1.24.2010
Domaine Boingneres Armagnac is really FUCKING good! Smooth as hell! Well worth the $120/bottle price tag!
Sip sip!
Sip sip!
1.23.2010
I witnessed a robbery on my way home tonight.
A gas station attendant was robbed at gun point and while the suspect was running to get in the get away car, I saw him and the gun. I immediately pulled over and turned around to try and get a license plate #, but there was too much traffic for me to tailgate him. I then pulled into the gas station to make sure the attendant was ok. She was and the cops were called.
I learned what it was like to give a written witness statement. Basically, you go into the police station and sit down in a room and give a statement verbally to a cop....then they ask you to write it down in detail on a sheet of legal paper. They also take down a variety of personal information. It took about 30 mins and I was good to go.
FYI..They caught the fucker that robbed the gas station. The get away car swerved across on coming traffic and flipped over the curb while being chased by the police. The suspect with the gun was ejected from the back window and landed 15 yards away. He is in intensive care after sustaining a gash to his head and severe head trauma.
Karma is a mutha fucka!!
A gas station attendant was robbed at gun point and while the suspect was running to get in the get away car, I saw him and the gun. I immediately pulled over and turned around to try and get a license plate #, but there was too much traffic for me to tailgate him. I then pulled into the gas station to make sure the attendant was ok. She was and the cops were called.
I learned what it was like to give a written witness statement. Basically, you go into the police station and sit down in a room and give a statement verbally to a cop....then they ask you to write it down in detail on a sheet of legal paper. They also take down a variety of personal information. It took about 30 mins and I was good to go.
FYI..They caught the fucker that robbed the gas station. The get away car swerved across on coming traffic and flipped over the curb while being chased by the police. The suspect with the gun was ejected from the back window and landed 15 yards away. He is in intensive care after sustaining a gash to his head and severe head trauma.
Karma is a mutha fucka!!
1.22.2010
**Brokerage account trading**
If you trade stocks in a brokerage stock account and you have under $25,000 "net liquidity value", then you cannot show any "day trade pattern" trading or you will NOT be able to trade for 5 business days.
"Day trade pattern" is 4 or more trades in a particular security over 5 business days that resemble day trading...in, out, in, out, in, out...etc.
I learned that the hard way in Thursday's sell off in CME. I bot and sold it a few times and soon found that I can't put on any trades for 5 business days. I can, however, exit positions if I choose to do so.
Giddy up!
If you trade stocks in a brokerage stock account and you have under $25,000 "net liquidity value", then you cannot show any "day trade pattern" trading or you will NOT be able to trade for 5 business days.
"Day trade pattern" is 4 or more trades in a particular security over 5 business days that resemble day trading...in, out, in, out, in, out...etc.
I learned that the hard way in Thursday's sell off in CME. I bot and sold it a few times and soon found that I can't put on any trades for 5 business days. I can, however, exit positions if I choose to do so.
Giddy up!
Thursday, January 21, 2010
1.21.2010
Emergency Unemployment Compensation
One of the most important numbers that comes out each week is the Emergency Unemployment Compensation or "EUC" number. EUC is a federal emergency extension that provides up to 53 additional weeks of unemployment benefits. It is the number of unemployed people in the U.S.A. that have essentially ran out of their state unemployement package and are receiving FEDERAL unemployment benefits! This program is 100% FEDERALLY funded. These people can apply within 2 weeks of their last state unemployment package and see if they can get EUC. Today, this number came out with a WEEKLY increase of 652,000 for a running total of 5,654,544!! Yes, 5.6 MILLION people. Roughly 2-3% of the US population.
Check out this table courtesy of zerohedge
One of the most important numbers that comes out each week is the Emergency Unemployment Compensation or "EUC" number. EUC is a federal emergency extension that provides up to 53 additional weeks of unemployment benefits. It is the number of unemployed people in the U.S.A. that have essentially ran out of their state unemployement package and are receiving FEDERAL unemployment benefits! This program is 100% FEDERALLY funded. These people can apply within 2 weeks of their last state unemployment package and see if they can get EUC. Today, this number came out with a WEEKLY increase of 652,000 for a running total of 5,654,544!! Yes, 5.6 MILLION people. Roughly 2-3% of the US population.
Check out this table courtesy of zerohedge
1.20.2010
One needs to attain 3 strips (or levels) on their Martial Arts' belt in order to move up to the next colored belt. It generally takes 3-5 years to achieve "Black Belt" status.
1.19.2010
Don't buy a hammer with a wooden shank. They can break and when they do, its not pretty!
Buy a steel or graphite shank. They are stronger. 16 or 20 oz. will do!
Buy a steel or graphite shank. They are stronger. 16 or 20 oz. will do!
1.17.2010
I recently realized that there comes a point where you have to try new things. Challenge yourself! Experience things out of your comfort zone. It definitely tests your mental and physical strength. You'd be surprised how strong of a person you really are when you do this. Yes, it is intimidating and yes it is uncomfortable, but it sure is damn worth it! Over the years, I have become too complacent in my life. I need to constantly challenge myself...constantly learn new things!
Go get em!
Go get em!
1.16.2010
I realized that Peyton Manning is THE best QB that I have ever seen! Hard for me to admit this, but its true...that fucker manages his offense better than anyone ever has! Very impressive!
1.15.2010
New place for drinks in Antioch, IL.
Check out Double Play Sports Bar and Grill in Antioch! The have a fabulous all you can eat Lake Perch fish fry on Friday along with great premium drafts. $3 for a pint! They even give you a fresh frosty mug for every beer. Its great! Very spacious with large HD flat panel tvs and a huge wrap around granite bar. Very nice!
Check out Double Play Sports Bar and Grill in Antioch! The have a fabulous all you can eat Lake Perch fish fry on Friday along with great premium drafts. $3 for a pint! They even give you a fresh frosty mug for every beer. Its great! Very spacious with large HD flat panel tvs and a huge wrap around granite bar. Very nice!
1.14.2010
Jewel Osco Butcher/Meat Dept info.
I saw in the sale ad that USDA Choice Porterhouse steaks were on sale for $4.99/lb. (A great price). So, I went in after work and of course most of the steaks were cut about 1.25 inches. I was wanting a cut closer to 2 inches! Yum yum. However, the butchers went home for the day so I couldn't get a special cut, but the guy at the counter said that one could call during the day (8am-3pm) and request special cuts and they will have them on hold for you. Good shit for the future!
Call ahead to the butcher shop and request your cuts and they will be ready after work. Giddy up!
I saw in the sale ad that USDA Choice Porterhouse steaks were on sale for $4.99/lb. (A great price). So, I went in after work and of course most of the steaks were cut about 1.25 inches. I was wanting a cut closer to 2 inches! Yum yum. However, the butchers went home for the day so I couldn't get a special cut, but the guy at the counter said that one could call during the day (8am-3pm) and request special cuts and they will have them on hold for you. Good shit for the future!
Call ahead to the butcher shop and request your cuts and they will be ready after work. Giddy up!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
1.13.2010
18.56 gallons of gasoline are produced from 1 barrel of crude oil.
10.31 gallons of Diesel gas are produced from the same barrel of crude
*****source, The Gartman Letter*****
10.31 gallons of Diesel gas are produced from the same barrel of crude
*****source, The Gartman Letter*****
1.12.2010
If you are going to tackle a "Bob Villa" project at home, you should buy back up supplies/materials. I learned this the hard way and had to go back to the homebuilder store twice! Back that ass up!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Follow up to "Google leaving China"
Directly from the Official Google Blog
This is pretty top notch if you ask me! Might take from their bottom line, but enough is enough of China and the ANTI-free speach sensors! Go GOOGLE!
I pulled this from the site.
Like many other well-known organizations, we face cyber attacks of varying degrees on a regular basis. In mid-December, we detected a highly sophisticated and targeted attack on our corporate infrastructure originating from China that resulted in the theft of intellectual property from Google. However, it soon became clear that what at first appeared to be solely a security incident--albeit a significant one--was something quite different.
First, this attack was not just on Google. As part of our investigation we have discovered that at least twenty other large companies from a wide range of businesses--including the Internet, finance, technology, media and chemical sectors--have been similarly targeted. We are currently in the process of notifying those companies, and we are also working with the relevant U.S. authorities.
Second, we have evidence to suggest that a primary goal of the attackers was accessing the Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists. Based on our investigation to date we believe their attack did not achieve that objective. Only two Gmail accounts appear to have been accessed, and that activity was limited to account information (such as the date the account was created) and subject line, rather than the content of emails themselves.
Third, as part of this investigation but independent of the attack on Google, we have discovered that the accounts of dozens of U.S.-, China- and Europe-based Gmail users who are advocates of human rights in China appear to have been routinely accessed by third parties. These accounts have not been accessed through any security breach at Google, but most likely via phishing scams or malware placed on the users' computers.
We have already used information gained from this attack to make infrastructure and architectural improvements that enhance security for Google and for our users. In terms of individual users, we would advise people to deploy reputable anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on their computers, to install patches for their operating systems and to update their web browsers. Always be cautious when clicking on links appearing in instant messages and emails, or when asked to share personal information like passwords online. You can read more here about our cyber-security recommendations. People wanting to learn more about these kinds of attacks can read this U.S. government report (PDF), Nart Villeneuve's blog and this presentation on the GhostNet spying incident.
We have taken the unusual step of sharing information about these attacks with a broad audience not just because of the security and human rights implications of what we have unearthed, but also because this information goes to the heart of a much bigger global debate about freedom of speech. In the last two decades, China's economic reform programs and its citizens' entrepreneurial flair have lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese people out of poverty. Indeed, this great nation is at the heart of much economic progress and development in the world today.
We launched Google.cn in January 2006 in the belief that the benefits of increased access to information for people in China and a more open Internet outweighed our discomfort in agreeing to censor some results. At the time we made clear that "we will carefully monitor conditions in China, including new laws and other restrictions on our services. If we determine that we are unable to achieve the objectives outlined we will not hesitate to reconsider our approach to China."
These attacks and the surveillance they have uncovered--combined with the attempts over the past year to further limit free speech on the web--have led us to conclude that we should review the feasibility of our business operations in China. We have decided we are no longer willing to continue censoring our results on Google.cn, and so over the next few weeks we will be discussing with the Chinese government the basis on which we could operate an unfiltered search engine within the law, if at all. We recognize that this may well mean having to shut down Google.cn, and potentially our offices in China.
The decision to review our business operations in China has been incredibly hard, and we know that it will have potentially far-reaching consequences. We want to make clear that this move was driven by our executives in the United States, without the knowledge or involvement of our employees in China who have worked incredibly hard to make Google.cn the success it is today. We are committed to working responsibly to resolve the very difficult issues raised.
Posted by David Drummond, SVP, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer
This is pretty top notch if you ask me! Might take from their bottom line, but enough is enough of China and the ANTI-free speach sensors! Go GOOGLE!
I pulled this from the site.
Like many other well-known organizations, we face cyber attacks of varying degrees on a regular basis. In mid-December, we detected a highly sophisticated and targeted attack on our corporate infrastructure originating from China that resulted in the theft of intellectual property from Google. However, it soon became clear that what at first appeared to be solely a security incident--albeit a significant one--was something quite different.
First, this attack was not just on Google. As part of our investigation we have discovered that at least twenty other large companies from a wide range of businesses--including the Internet, finance, technology, media and chemical sectors--have been similarly targeted. We are currently in the process of notifying those companies, and we are also working with the relevant U.S. authorities.
Second, we have evidence to suggest that a primary goal of the attackers was accessing the Gmail accounts of Chinese human rights activists. Based on our investigation to date we believe their attack did not achieve that objective. Only two Gmail accounts appear to have been accessed, and that activity was limited to account information (such as the date the account was created) and subject line, rather than the content of emails themselves.
Third, as part of this investigation but independent of the attack on Google, we have discovered that the accounts of dozens of U.S.-, China- and Europe-based Gmail users who are advocates of human rights in China appear to have been routinely accessed by third parties. These accounts have not been accessed through any security breach at Google, but most likely via phishing scams or malware placed on the users' computers.
We have already used information gained from this attack to make infrastructure and architectural improvements that enhance security for Google and for our users. In terms of individual users, we would advise people to deploy reputable anti-virus and anti-spyware programs on their computers, to install patches for their operating systems and to update their web browsers. Always be cautious when clicking on links appearing in instant messages and emails, or when asked to share personal information like passwords online. You can read more here about our cyber-security recommendations. People wanting to learn more about these kinds of attacks can read this U.S. government report (PDF), Nart Villeneuve's blog and this presentation on the GhostNet spying incident.
We have taken the unusual step of sharing information about these attacks with a broad audience not just because of the security and human rights implications of what we have unearthed, but also because this information goes to the heart of a much bigger global debate about freedom of speech. In the last two decades, China's economic reform programs and its citizens' entrepreneurial flair have lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese people out of poverty. Indeed, this great nation is at the heart of much economic progress and development in the world today.
We launched Google.cn in January 2006 in the belief that the benefits of increased access to information for people in China and a more open Internet outweighed our discomfort in agreeing to censor some results. At the time we made clear that "we will carefully monitor conditions in China, including new laws and other restrictions on our services. If we determine that we are unable to achieve the objectives outlined we will not hesitate to reconsider our approach to China."
These attacks and the surveillance they have uncovered--combined with the attempts over the past year to further limit free speech on the web--have led us to conclude that we should review the feasibility of our business operations in China. We have decided we are no longer willing to continue censoring our results on Google.cn, and so over the next few weeks we will be discussing with the Chinese government the basis on which we could operate an unfiltered search engine within the law, if at all. We recognize that this may well mean having to shut down Google.cn, and potentially our offices in China.
The decision to review our business operations in China has been incredibly hard, and we know that it will have potentially far-reaching consequences. We want to make clear that this move was driven by our executives in the United States, without the knowledge or involvement of our employees in China who have worked incredibly hard to make Google.cn the success it is today. We are committed to working responsibly to resolve the very difficult issues raised.
Posted by David Drummond, SVP, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer
1.11.2010
Google leaving China?
Chinese laws require some politically and socially sensitive issues to be blocked from search results available in other countries. Google Inc. will stop censoring its search results in China and may pull out of the country completely.
GO GOOGLE! FUCK the commies!
Chinese laws require some politically and socially sensitive issues to be blocked from search results available in other countries. Google Inc. will stop censoring its search results in China and may pull out of the country completely.
GO GOOGLE! FUCK the commies!
Monday, January 11, 2010
1.10.2010
A cliche indeed, but absolutely, 100% the TRUTH......
"It's not what you know, but WHO you know."
Talk to people around you! Network! Build relationships! Put yourself in a circle of good people! You'd be surprised who you run into and who they know!
Put down the fucking cel phone and stop texting! Look around and SPEAK to people!
"It's not what you know, but WHO you know."
Talk to people around you! Network! Build relationships! Put yourself in a circle of good people! You'd be surprised who you run into and who they know!
Put down the fucking cel phone and stop texting! Look around and SPEAK to people!
1.09.2010
If you want to read about the invention of CMOs (Collateralized Mortgage Obligations)via Salomon Brothers back in 1986-1988 by none other than the most famous mortgage trader ever Lewie Ranieri, read Chapter 7 of "Liar's Poker" by Michael Lewis.
This book is absolutely amazing! A must read by anyone interesting in more of the "corporate culture" (for lack of a better phrase) of trading bonds back in the late 70's and 80's. Salomon Brothers WAS the bond/mortgage market back in this time period. Many of the veteran traders in bonds still today originated from the Salomon trading floor. Lastly and more importantly, many of the stories in the book are the cause of the most recent debt, credit and mortgage crisis!
Read it..it will do you good!
This book is absolutely amazing! A must read by anyone interesting in more of the "corporate culture" (for lack of a better phrase) of trading bonds back in the late 70's and 80's. Salomon Brothers WAS the bond/mortgage market back in this time period. Many of the veteran traders in bonds still today originated from the Salomon trading floor. Lastly and more importantly, many of the stories in the book are the cause of the most recent debt, credit and mortgage crisis!
Read it..it will do you good!
Friday, January 8, 2010
1.08.2010
Today I learned a few more numbers to watch in order to fully understand the reliability of the U.S. employment number that is released on the 1st Friday of every month. I'm not sure if these numbers are truly reliable in the first place since there are so many revisions to the prior 3 months every time the number is released, but we'll save that argument for another day.
Of course the 2 main numbers I already focus on are 1. unemployment rate (currently 9.975%) and 2. change in non-farm payrolls (currently -85,000). This means that the US unemployment rate is 9.975% and 85,000 new workers lost their job Dec, 2008. **All newly released numbers are from the prior month**
What I did learn today (Hat tip Barry) was 4 more numbers to look at that paint a "better" picture of employment or lack there of. Notice I use the word "better".
These include: A) Temp help B) Hrs. work C) Wages D) change in NILFs ("not in labor" Essentially, these are people that have given up looking for a job)
Conclusions to draw are as follows.
A) Temp help numbers give one an understanding of employers "testing" the economic strength by hiring temp workers (cheaper to do this as an employer). So, if this number is increasing, employers are testing the economic strength.
B) If Hrs. work are increasing, employers are more confident in an economic recovery..sensing increasing future customer demand for products and services.
C) Wages is simply the relation of supply (jobs offered by employers) vs. demand (jobs wanted by unemployed)
D) NILFs is key. If this is increasing, that means more unemployed have given up on searching for a job. Not a good sign of course.
**Note: for full understanding, one would have to look at relations and trends of these statistics over a variety of time frames, but this is a good start to get a "better" handle/understanding of the employment numbers.
Good Fortune!
Of course the 2 main numbers I already focus on are 1. unemployment rate (currently 9.975%) and 2. change in non-farm payrolls (currently -85,000). This means that the US unemployment rate is 9.975% and 85,000 new workers lost their job Dec, 2008. **All newly released numbers are from the prior month**
What I did learn today (Hat tip Barry) was 4 more numbers to look at that paint a "better" picture of employment or lack there of. Notice I use the word "better".
These include: A) Temp help B) Hrs. work C) Wages D) change in NILFs ("not in labor" Essentially, these are people that have given up looking for a job)
Conclusions to draw are as follows.
A) Temp help numbers give one an understanding of employers "testing" the economic strength by hiring temp workers (cheaper to do this as an employer). So, if this number is increasing, employers are testing the economic strength.
B) If Hrs. work are increasing, employers are more confident in an economic recovery..sensing increasing future customer demand for products and services.
C) Wages is simply the relation of supply (jobs offered by employers) vs. demand (jobs wanted by unemployed)
D) NILFs is key. If this is increasing, that means more unemployed have given up on searching for a job. Not a good sign of course.
**Note: for full understanding, one would have to look at relations and trends of these statistics over a variety of time frames, but this is a good start to get a "better" handle/understanding of the employment numbers.
Good Fortune!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Follow up to 1.06.2010 post on Cash for Clunkers
There is something else to think about on this issue. Instead of the Government paying you $4,500 for your clunker, you could have donated your car to charity. Under these rules, the IRS allows you, the taxpayer, to claim a tax deduction of
a) The value of your vehicle up to $500 or
b) If we sell the vehicle for more than $500, we will mail you a notification stating the exact amount for which it sold, which is the value you state for your tax purposes.
So, depending on your income level and value of your vehicle, this could be a substantial savings instead of getting a pole jammed up your ass by the Government! I'll save you the obnoxious math figuring. Cheers!
a) The value of your vehicle up to $500 or
b) If we sell the vehicle for more than $500, we will mail you a notification stating the exact amount for which it sold, which is the value you state for your tax purposes.
So, depending on your income level and value of your vehicle, this could be a substantial savings instead of getting a pole jammed up your ass by the Government! I'll save you the obnoxious math figuring. Cheers!
1.07.2010
No disrespect to any professions. Everyone has to do what they have to do to pay the bills. I just think sometimes of my qualities and realize some jobs that I would absolutely NEVER do.
A while back I learned after painting my bedroom ALL BY MYSELF that I would NEVER want to be a Painter. Yesterday, after I witnessed 2 movers haul away my old refrigerator and install a new one that I would NEVER ever be a Mover. That job is relentlessly back breaking!
That said, I have a tremendous amount of respect for all the painters and movers in the world b/c if it weren't for you guys I would have to attend Confessional for 2 weeks straight every time I would have to paint or move heavy objects! Can I get an Amennn for all my brothas??!!
A while back I learned after painting my bedroom ALL BY MYSELF that I would NEVER want to be a Painter. Yesterday, after I witnessed 2 movers haul away my old refrigerator and install a new one that I would NEVER ever be a Mover. That job is relentlessly back breaking!
That said, I have a tremendous amount of respect for all the painters and movers in the world b/c if it weren't for you guys I would have to attend Confessional for 2 weeks straight every time I would have to paint or move heavy objects! Can I get an Amennn for all my brothas??!!
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
1.06.2010
Early on this one, but I don't want to forget..Enjoy!
This one was sent to me via email....slick Obami.
Ignore all the gas crap and just look at how the stupid car buyer got taken to the cleaners:
If you traded in a clunker worth $3500, you get $4500 off for an apparent "savings" of $1000.
However, you have to pay taxes on the $4500 come April 15th (something that no auto dealer will tell you). If you are in the 30% tax bracket, you will pay $1350 on that $4500.
So rather than save $1000, you actually pay an extra $350 to the Feds. In addition, you traded in a car that was most likely paid for. Now you have 4 or 5 years of payments on a car that you did not need, that was costing you less to run than the payments that you will now be making.
But wait, it gets even better. You also got ripped off by the dealer … for example, every Ford dealer was selling the Ford Focus with all the goodies, including A/C, auto transmission, power windows, etc. for $12,500 the month before the "cash for clunkers" program started.
When "cash for clunkers" came along, they stopped discounting them and instead sold them at the list price of $15,500. So you paid $3000 more than you would have the month before... (Honda, Toyota and Kia played the same list price game as Ford and Chevy did)..
So let's do the final tally here:
You traded in a car worth: $3500
You got a discount of: $4500
---------
Net so far +$1000
But you have to pay: $1350 in taxes on the $4500
--------
Net so far: -$350
And you paid: $3000 more than the car was
selling for the month before
----------
Net -$3350
We could also add in the additional taxes (sales tax, state tax, etc.) on the extra $3000 that you paid for the car, along with the 5 years of interest on the car loan, but let's just stop here.
So who actually made out on the deal? The Feds collected taxes on the car along with taxes on the $4500 they "gave" you. The car dealers made an extra $3000 or more on every car they sold along with the kickbacks from the manufacturers and the loan companies.
The manufacturers got to dump lots of cars they could not give away the month before. And the poor, stupid consumer got saddled with even more debt that they cannot afford.
Obama and his band of merry men convinced Joe consumer that he was getting $4500 in "free" money from the "government" when in fact Joe was giving away his $3500 car and paying an additional $3350 for the privilege.
Think this was stupid?
Just wait until we get health care with "no additional costs over what most of us now pay for health insurance and the best medical care in the world. Think the new scheme might be designed by the same people who came up with Cash for Clunkers?
This one was sent to me via email....slick Obami.
Ignore all the gas crap and just look at how the stupid car buyer got taken to the cleaners:
If you traded in a clunker worth $3500, you get $4500 off for an apparent "savings" of $1000.
However, you have to pay taxes on the $4500 come April 15th (something that no auto dealer will tell you). If you are in the 30% tax bracket, you will pay $1350 on that $4500.
So rather than save $1000, you actually pay an extra $350 to the Feds. In addition, you traded in a car that was most likely paid for. Now you have 4 or 5 years of payments on a car that you did not need, that was costing you less to run than the payments that you will now be making.
But wait, it gets even better. You also got ripped off by the dealer … for example, every Ford dealer was selling the Ford Focus with all the goodies, including A/C, auto transmission, power windows, etc. for $12,500 the month before the "cash for clunkers" program started.
When "cash for clunkers" came along, they stopped discounting them and instead sold them at the list price of $15,500. So you paid $3000 more than you would have the month before... (Honda, Toyota and Kia played the same list price game as Ford and Chevy did)..
So let's do the final tally here:
You traded in a car worth: $3500
You got a discount of: $4500
---------
Net so far +$1000
But you have to pay: $1350 in taxes on the $4500
--------
Net so far: -$350
And you paid: $3000 more than the car was
selling for the month before
----------
Net -$3350
We could also add in the additional taxes (sales tax, state tax, etc.) on the extra $3000 that you paid for the car, along with the 5 years of interest on the car loan, but let's just stop here.
So who actually made out on the deal? The Feds collected taxes on the car along with taxes on the $4500 they "gave" you. The car dealers made an extra $3000 or more on every car they sold along with the kickbacks from the manufacturers and the loan companies.
The manufacturers got to dump lots of cars they could not give away the month before. And the poor, stupid consumer got saddled with even more debt that they cannot afford.
Obama and his band of merry men convinced Joe consumer that he was getting $4500 in "free" money from the "government" when in fact Joe was giving away his $3500 car and paying an additional $3350 for the privilege.
Think this was stupid?
Just wait until we get health care with "no additional costs over what most of us now pay for health insurance and the best medical care in the world. Think the new scheme might be designed by the same people who came up with Cash for Clunkers?
1.05.2010
"Any player unaware of the fool in the market probably IS the fool in the market."
---W. Buffett---
---W. Buffett---
1.04.2010
"When large numbers of people are after the same commodity, be it a stock, a bond, or a job, the commodity quickly becomes overvalued."
----Liar's Poker----
----Liar's Poker----
Monday, January 4, 2010
1.03.2010
NEW CAR BUYING
Here's the way to look at buying a NEW car and leaving the dealer with only 1-2% profit. And believe me, they WILL sell you the car, they will just bitch and moan until you start walking out the door. Then they will run after you begging for your business! Remember, dealerships make most of their money selling used cars and maintenance on vehicles! Why do you think they bend over backwards to keep your maintenance business when they sell you a car??!!
Ok, this post will be longer than I would like, but this info is worth sharing!
First thing you want to do is go to edmunds.com and find your car's pricing with all the options you want. MSRP is the sticker price you find on the window. Most think if you walk into a dealership and get a "deal" off the sticker price that you are good to go. Wrong! You want to negotiate from the INVOICE price, not the MSRP! Next, you want to find the profit margin the DEALER is making. MSRP vs. Invoice. This margin is found by dividing INVOICE by MSRP. (Inv/MSRP). That is the DEALERS profit. Next you want to find the "dealer holdback"..I wont get into what dealer holdback is, but all I know is that you want to take that from the dealer as well! Click on "dealer holdback" above and you can educate yourself on it. To find the dealer holdback, just go to yahoo.autos and type "dealer holdback" in the search box. This figure is usually a few percent. Lastly, you want to find the incentives that are offered by the auto manufacturer to the dealer. Again, go to edmunds.com and click incentives...you want to claim all these!
So, after these 3 steps, you will know exactly how to figure out the EXACT profit margin the dealership is going to make off your sale. YOUR cost vs. THEIR invoice price. What you want to do is put these profit figures into % terms vs. INVOICE so if the salesman gives you a price, you can divide that number by INVOICE and get the percent profit margin. Try and leave the dealership with 1-2%
Here's an example how to look at it.
Lets say after pricing my car with options and computing (INV/MSRP), I get .945. Lets assume Invoice is $30,000 and MSRP is $31,746. That means if I buy the car for sticker price (MSRP), the dealer will make 5.5% PROFIT. I would be dumb if I did this! So, now I want to find out the dealer holdback and make sure I don't pay that! I go to yahoo autos and search dealer holdback and find that the holdback is 3%. I want to subtract the holdback from the profit margin. So, 5.5-3= 2.5%. Lastly, we want to find incentives, after getting it from edmunds.com, I find that there are $2,000 in dealer incentives that are being offered right now. That is subtracted right from the MSRP price. So, 31,746-2k= $29,746. So, when you go to the dealer and negotiate price, you base all his offers off of the $29,746 price. WHOOA, wait, I am below invoice, I thought the smart thing to do was negotiate off of invoice! Yes, if there are no dealer incentives being offered! If there are, subtract that out and BOOOM, you are now below invoice...who would have thought??!!
So, any price the salesman gives you, divide THAT by $29,746 and you know the exact profit margin he is making! PM = $$$$$/ $29,746. Or, you can multiply the PM you are willing to pay and offer that price..ROCK BOTTOM!
If you want to make sure that the dealer makes only 1%-2% PROFIT, take your calculator with you and just multiply 1.01 to get 1% profit (29,746 * 1.01 = $30,043) and for 2% profit multiply 1.02 * $29,746 (29,746 * 1.02 = $30,341). Now you know exactly what profit margins the dealerships are getting and what "deal" YOU are getting.
$30,341 still gives the dealership 2% profit AND you ONLY pay $341 above invoice. An uneducated new car buyer might do their homework and know MSRP is $31,746 and offer $31,000 ($746 below sticker) and think they are in Phat City, but even at this price, you are leaving the dealership with 4% profit..Waay too much! The salesmen is going to look at you like you are crazy for offering $30,341, but we all know he's still making money on it! Remember, the dealership doesn't lose any money on the incentives...the incentives come from the automobile manufacturer! Good Luck..Bring your calculators, it will show the salesman that you mean BUSINESS!!
Here's the way to look at buying a NEW car and leaving the dealer with only 1-2% profit. And believe me, they WILL sell you the car, they will just bitch and moan until you start walking out the door. Then they will run after you begging for your business! Remember, dealerships make most of their money selling used cars and maintenance on vehicles! Why do you think they bend over backwards to keep your maintenance business when they sell you a car??!!
Ok, this post will be longer than I would like, but this info is worth sharing!
First thing you want to do is go to edmunds.com and find your car's pricing with all the options you want. MSRP is the sticker price you find on the window. Most think if you walk into a dealership and get a "deal" off the sticker price that you are good to go. Wrong! You want to negotiate from the INVOICE price, not the MSRP! Next, you want to find the profit margin the DEALER is making. MSRP vs. Invoice. This margin is found by dividing INVOICE by MSRP. (Inv/MSRP). That is the DEALERS profit. Next you want to find the "dealer holdback"..I wont get into what dealer holdback is, but all I know is that you want to take that from the dealer as well! Click on "dealer holdback" above and you can educate yourself on it. To find the dealer holdback, just go to yahoo.autos and type "dealer holdback" in the search box. This figure is usually a few percent. Lastly, you want to find the incentives that are offered by the auto manufacturer to the dealer. Again, go to edmunds.com and click incentives...you want to claim all these!
So, after these 3 steps, you will know exactly how to figure out the EXACT profit margin the dealership is going to make off your sale. YOUR cost vs. THEIR invoice price. What you want to do is put these profit figures into % terms vs. INVOICE so if the salesman gives you a price, you can divide that number by INVOICE and get the percent profit margin. Try and leave the dealership with 1-2%
Here's an example how to look at it.
Lets say after pricing my car with options and computing (INV/MSRP), I get .945. Lets assume Invoice is $30,000 and MSRP is $31,746. That means if I buy the car for sticker price (MSRP), the dealer will make 5.5% PROFIT. I would be dumb if I did this! So, now I want to find out the dealer holdback and make sure I don't pay that! I go to yahoo autos and search dealer holdback and find that the holdback is 3%. I want to subtract the holdback from the profit margin. So, 5.5-3= 2.5%. Lastly, we want to find incentives, after getting it from edmunds.com, I find that there are $2,000 in dealer incentives that are being offered right now. That is subtracted right from the MSRP price. So, 31,746-2k= $29,746. So, when you go to the dealer and negotiate price, you base all his offers off of the $29,746 price. WHOOA, wait, I am below invoice, I thought the smart thing to do was negotiate off of invoice! Yes, if there are no dealer incentives being offered! If there are, subtract that out and BOOOM, you are now below invoice...who would have thought??!!
So, any price the salesman gives you, divide THAT by $29,746 and you know the exact profit margin he is making! PM = $$$$$/ $29,746. Or, you can multiply the PM you are willing to pay and offer that price..ROCK BOTTOM!
If you want to make sure that the dealer makes only 1%-2% PROFIT, take your calculator with you and just multiply 1.01 to get 1% profit (29,746 * 1.01 = $30,043) and for 2% profit multiply 1.02 * $29,746 (29,746 * 1.02 = $30,341). Now you know exactly what profit margins the dealerships are getting and what "deal" YOU are getting.
$30,341 still gives the dealership 2% profit AND you ONLY pay $341 above invoice. An uneducated new car buyer might do their homework and know MSRP is $31,746 and offer $31,000 ($746 below sticker) and think they are in Phat City, but even at this price, you are leaving the dealership with 4% profit..Waay too much! The salesmen is going to look at you like you are crazy for offering $30,341, but we all know he's still making money on it! Remember, the dealership doesn't lose any money on the incentives...the incentives come from the automobile manufacturer! Good Luck..Bring your calculators, it will show the salesman that you mean BUSINESS!!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
1.02.2010
Even though I'm not a Gator fan and not really a Tim Tebow fan like it or not, I realized that I truly enjoy watching classy, competitive College athletes compete every year. And it was a real treat to watch Tebow for 4 years even though I found myself rooting against him in just about every game! Ha. Keep at it Tebow, you are going to face heavy criticism up until the NFL Draft...just do what you do and things will work out just fine!
1.01.2010
Name this starting line up. Tyreke Evans, Omri Casspi, Ime Udoka, Jason Thompson and Spencer Hawes.....Yep, it the NBA's Sacramento Kings. Their oldest starter besides Udoka @ 32 is 23 years old. At 14-18, not bad for a bunch of youngsters. Keep an eye on these boys for years to come. They would be over .500 if it weren't for 2 buzzing beater losses via Kobe Bryant and the Lakers and an OT loss to Lebron and the Cavs. Keep your head up boys!
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