Ever since the “financial crisis” erupted days ago (seems like months), I must admit that I have been afraid to look at my meager portfolio to find out how much more meager it is.
I feel like an ostrich-and while the sand around my head feels warm, I am getting chills by the minute over the impending collapse of our markets. I can’t even look at the balances! Why? Because I have NO CLUE what to do.
Do I cash out? Some people have-and already regret it…if stocks recover (they have to, don’t they?) I’ll be OK…that’s pretty much all anyone talks about. We decry the antics on Wall Street, but also harbor nightmares of having our credit cards turned down at the store. College loans denied. Home equity? You must be kidding.
The Congress lived up to it’s 10% approval rating yesterday-and we lost a TRILLION dollars of value in the stock market—less than the cost of a bailout. Was/is the bailout the correct strategy?
Who knows? Could someone-anyone with a clue take charge and—without the politics of an election or the motivation to cover their….uh…rears…please stand out and give us the straight dope? Have we heard the straight talk from Secretary Paulsen –and just decided to ignore it?
Look up the Representatives in your state who voted for or against the measure—and then measure them by the eventual results from the markets. It’s one thing for politicians to take money from us in the form of taxes…but to allow them to stand by idly while our personal wealth evaporates is another matter…a criminal one!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Internet Voting
After the meltdown today in the U.S. House-failing to pass the Emergency Legislation to stabilize our financial markets, everyone is uneasy—waiting and wondering--- what will happen next?
Will it be impossible to get a college loan? A mortgage? Use your credit card? All of these scenarios have been speculated upon…no one knows for sure.
As Chuck Todd, NBC’s political analyst said-“The American people now have hard evidence that Washington is BROKEN.”
What would happen if everyone REALLY had a vote? I know that we are not a true democracy, but a “representative” democracy---but what would happen if the issues of the day were subject to a TRUE referendum of the American people?
If we had the opportunity to jump on the web and VOTE individually for this package, what would the result have been? Of course, this issue, like many other complex ones—escapes the understanding of most Americans. Nevertheless, how would we as a nation have voted?
Regardless of its merits or drawbacks, my guess is that most people don’t see how it will affect THEM PERSONALLY. They still may see it as a bailout of greedy Wall Street bankers-and they would have voted against it.
Now what?
Stay tuned.
Will it be impossible to get a college loan? A mortgage? Use your credit card? All of these scenarios have been speculated upon…no one knows for sure.
As Chuck Todd, NBC’s political analyst said-“The American people now have hard evidence that Washington is BROKEN.”
What would happen if everyone REALLY had a vote? I know that we are not a true democracy, but a “representative” democracy---but what would happen if the issues of the day were subject to a TRUE referendum of the American people?
If we had the opportunity to jump on the web and VOTE individually for this package, what would the result have been? Of course, this issue, like many other complex ones—escapes the understanding of most Americans. Nevertheless, how would we as a nation have voted?
Regardless of its merits or drawbacks, my guess is that most people don’t see how it will affect THEM PERSONALLY. They still may see it as a bailout of greedy Wall Street bankers-and they would have voted against it.
Now what?
Stay tuned.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Grab The Popcorn! The Debate Is ON!
I guess it’s official….Sen. John McCain has decided to show up tonight to debate Sen. Obama!
While we all wait for the “plan” to save our ailing economy, we can certainly spare 90 minutes to focus on who should inherit this MESS next year.
Being a political junkie, I’ll be glued to the tube tonight—from the pundit parade before to the spin party afterward. I’ve always been amazed at how two people can see the same debate and each believe a different person (“their man”) “won”.
I always feel there is a “winner”…even if it’s not the candidate I personally support. One of the two contestants always seems to have the upper hand, appears more comfortable or has the verbal advantage in the sparring match. The “winner” shouldn’t necessarily be President, but being able to think on your feet and articulate your position has value for the Leader Of The Free World.
My biggest gripe is usually with the moderator(s). When a candidate evades a question (which ALWAYS happens), those running the forum almost always let them off the hook. PLEASE press for an answer, Mr. Or Ms. Moderator! We ARE paying attention-and we know when the candidates are trying to change the subject!
It would be interesting to test the KNOWLEDGE BASE of the candidates. That is, put each of them in a sound-proof booth and ask the same questions of each. Not questions of position, which politicians of all abilities can tap dance their way around. Questions that have only ONE definitive answer. Facts. Questions like: “What form of government is in place in Albania? Who is their political leader? Who runs the opposition party? Questions such as these have only ONE correct answer-and a shallow candidate will be quickly exposed.
In a world where BS dominates, it would be refreshing to hear REAL knowledge, REAL understanding, REAL intelligence carry the day!
Just another reason why I’M not running for President!
While we all wait for the “plan” to save our ailing economy, we can certainly spare 90 minutes to focus on who should inherit this MESS next year.
Being a political junkie, I’ll be glued to the tube tonight—from the pundit parade before to the spin party afterward. I’ve always been amazed at how two people can see the same debate and each believe a different person (“their man”) “won”.
I always feel there is a “winner”…even if it’s not the candidate I personally support. One of the two contestants always seems to have the upper hand, appears more comfortable or has the verbal advantage in the sparring match. The “winner” shouldn’t necessarily be President, but being able to think on your feet and articulate your position has value for the Leader Of The Free World.
My biggest gripe is usually with the moderator(s). When a candidate evades a question (which ALWAYS happens), those running the forum almost always let them off the hook. PLEASE press for an answer, Mr. Or Ms. Moderator! We ARE paying attention-and we know when the candidates are trying to change the subject!
It would be interesting to test the KNOWLEDGE BASE of the candidates. That is, put each of them in a sound-proof booth and ask the same questions of each. Not questions of position, which politicians of all abilities can tap dance their way around. Questions that have only ONE definitive answer. Facts. Questions like: “What form of government is in place in Albania? Who is their political leader? Who runs the opposition party? Questions such as these have only ONE correct answer-and a shallow candidate will be quickly exposed.
In a world where BS dominates, it would be refreshing to hear REAL knowledge, REAL understanding, REAL intelligence carry the day!
Just another reason why I’M not running for President!
Thursday, September 25, 2008
I've Got Your Economic Recovery RIGHT HERE!
America is reeling with the ever-changing news about how we’re all going to financial hell in a handbasket.
First, how did it all unravel SO FAST? I mean, we all KNEW there was trouble…and if we believe what we’ve been told, it has been brewing for years. Why, then, did things become UNGLUED in a matter of days last week? Polls show that a huge proportion of Americans are neither FOR or AGAINST the bailout plan. I’m not surprised, since my guess is that no one UNDERSTANDS any of it. Each day it gets worse—and it seems that the “solutions” all favor things like BANKS, INSURANCE COMPANIES and other LENDERS….but not PEOPLE.
I’m no economist, but it seems that the problem stems from inflated home prices/values—and then the packaging and sales of these “securities” (odd choice of words, no?) If we resurrect the housing industry by getting those homes back off the market, the supply/demand mechanism will work again, no?
Since we’re flinging dollars around like so much Monopoly money, here’s MY solution to the FINANCIAL CRISIS…are you ready?
Give every American household $250,000 TAX-FREE! There are currently a little over 111 Million Households in the U.S. Let’s round up to 112 million for the sake of calculation.
That comes to 28 Trillion Dollars ( is that a lot of money?)
Here’s what will happen:
1) Every family that has lost their home will now be able to buy it back—at a conventional 30-year mortgage rate. (or with cash)
2) Every family will be able to eliminate their credit card debt.
3) Every family will be able to afford healthcare
4) Every family will be able to afford college for their kids
5) Every family will spend tens of thouands of that quarter-million dollar windfall, thus lifting the economy out of the doldrums.
As for the INSTITUTIONS and CEOs who ran them, let’em fail. They deserve it and will be replaced by companies who will not let greed drive their decisions.
Will it work? I don’t know, but I do know that I like it a lot better than the existing plan-where American who are hurting will not feel any relief at all!
First, how did it all unravel SO FAST? I mean, we all KNEW there was trouble…and if we believe what we’ve been told, it has been brewing for years. Why, then, did things become UNGLUED in a matter of days last week? Polls show that a huge proportion of Americans are neither FOR or AGAINST the bailout plan. I’m not surprised, since my guess is that no one UNDERSTANDS any of it. Each day it gets worse—and it seems that the “solutions” all favor things like BANKS, INSURANCE COMPANIES and other LENDERS….but not PEOPLE.
I’m no economist, but it seems that the problem stems from inflated home prices/values—and then the packaging and sales of these “securities” (odd choice of words, no?) If we resurrect the housing industry by getting those homes back off the market, the supply/demand mechanism will work again, no?
Since we’re flinging dollars around like so much Monopoly money, here’s MY solution to the FINANCIAL CRISIS…are you ready?
Give every American household $250,000 TAX-FREE! There are currently a little over 111 Million Households in the U.S. Let’s round up to 112 million for the sake of calculation.
That comes to 28 Trillion Dollars ( is that a lot of money?)
Here’s what will happen:
1) Every family that has lost their home will now be able to buy it back—at a conventional 30-year mortgage rate. (or with cash)
2) Every family will be able to eliminate their credit card debt.
3) Every family will be able to afford healthcare
4) Every family will be able to afford college for their kids
5) Every family will spend tens of thouands of that quarter-million dollar windfall, thus lifting the economy out of the doldrums.
As for the INSTITUTIONS and CEOs who ran them, let’em fail. They deserve it and will be replaced by companies who will not let greed drive their decisions.
Will it work? I don’t know, but I do know that I like it a lot better than the existing plan-where American who are hurting will not feel any relief at all!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Doggy School Or No Doggy School...That Is The Question
The little puppy I blogged about several weeks ago is now 14 weeks old—and hardly recognizable.
A Golden Retriever that we named Molly (an excruciating exercise in a family of 5 strong-willed people), our little pup now really looks more like a DOG…with a lot more growing to do.
Molly is pretty much housebroken…she WAITS until it’s time to go outside..and we give copious amounts of dog treats for doing her business on grass versus linoleum. She’ll actually “sit” for the treat—where she learned this I don’t know.
But that’s about it! She still chews stuff-so shoes and other items have magically vanished from the floor, where training cannot overcome temptation. Several friends have INSISTED on Dog Obedience School. In the same breath, some of them have actually joked that their hound flunked out, but it was a “great experience” nonetheless.
I’m looking for input here! Aside from rolling over, playing dead-or “heeling”, what is the USE of Doggy School?
With the price of gas, food…and everything else, I’m trying to cut down on needless expense…is this one of them?
Your feedback appreciated! Either comment below or send me an e-mail:
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thanks!
A Golden Retriever that we named Molly (an excruciating exercise in a family of 5 strong-willed people), our little pup now really looks more like a DOG…with a lot more growing to do.
Molly is pretty much housebroken…she WAITS until it’s time to go outside..and we give copious amounts of dog treats for doing her business on grass versus linoleum. She’ll actually “sit” for the treat—where she learned this I don’t know.
But that’s about it! She still chews stuff-so shoes and other items have magically vanished from the floor, where training cannot overcome temptation. Several friends have INSISTED on Dog Obedience School. In the same breath, some of them have actually joked that their hound flunked out, but it was a “great experience” nonetheless.
I’m looking for input here! Aside from rolling over, playing dead-or “heeling”, what is the USE of Doggy School?
With the price of gas, food…and everything else, I’m trying to cut down on needless expense…is this one of them?
Your feedback appreciated! Either comment below or send me an e-mail:
Tim.moore@citcomm.com
Thanks!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Congratulations! You Now Own An Insurance Company...
…..and an investment bank, a major brokerage house, a mortgage company…anything else?
Oh, yeah…a TON of terrible loans. The government bailout of AIG and everyone else it seems is troubling--to say the least.
Now I’m not saying we shouldn’t have bailed out these institutions, but how are the CEO’s getting a free ride? The proverbial “golden parachute” for some of these criminals is north of $150 MILLION dollars!!! That’s ONE person, in each company, who tanked their firm, someone who is responsible for people losing their homes and tens of millions in value lost for millions of Americans in their investments---and they get a “exit package” that would be enough to send a thousand “average” Americans into a cushy retirement.
Where is the fairness here?
I don’t understand the issues well enough to assess blame, but there are people who KNEW what they were doing was risky…..and they did it anyway. Greed was the motive. Personal greed—and the perceived ability to bury their poor judgment in the complexity of the financial marketplace.
Whether you want to blame Congress, the President, the CEO’s the Regulatory agencies-or all of the above, the important thing now is to completely restructure the financial system to insure nothing of the kind EVER happens again.
The future of our country—and what our children will inherit—depends on it!
Oh, yeah…a TON of terrible loans. The government bailout of AIG and everyone else it seems is troubling--to say the least.
Now I’m not saying we shouldn’t have bailed out these institutions, but how are the CEO’s getting a free ride? The proverbial “golden parachute” for some of these criminals is north of $150 MILLION dollars!!! That’s ONE person, in each company, who tanked their firm, someone who is responsible for people losing their homes and tens of millions in value lost for millions of Americans in their investments---and they get a “exit package” that would be enough to send a thousand “average” Americans into a cushy retirement.
Where is the fairness here?
I don’t understand the issues well enough to assess blame, but there are people who KNEW what they were doing was risky…..and they did it anyway. Greed was the motive. Personal greed—and the perceived ability to bury their poor judgment in the complexity of the financial marketplace.
Whether you want to blame Congress, the President, the CEO’s the Regulatory agencies-or all of the above, the important thing now is to completely restructure the financial system to insure nothing of the kind EVER happens again.
The future of our country—and what our children will inherit—depends on it!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Weekend Were Made For Sports!
After a long week of work, it’s great to kick back on the weekend and play---or WATCH sports!
What a terrific time of year! Baseball playoffs are looming..and the Red Sox are in the thick of it. College Football dominates Saturdays (I don’t even want to TALK about my Ohio State Buckeyes!)—and then, of course, there’s the NFL…although after yesterday, being a Patriots fan may not be easy, either.
Watching the Ryder Cup yesterday was a thrill. Yes, I used the word “thrill” while describing the act of watching golf on TV. Even non-golf fans (I think) would have been riveted to their seats, watching the U.S. wrest the Cup away from the Europeans after such a long drought.
The Celtics trophy arrives in Portland on Wednesday, my youngest son is playing soccer for PAYSA and there is still some actual me-getting-off-my-rear-and-actually-playing-a-sport—GOLF…for at least a couple of weeks….Fall arrives today, but with sunshine and relatively warm temps this week, the forecast is for plenty of bogeys!
Get out there and enjoy the weather while it lasts….there’ll be plenty of time for the couch-potato-only stuff later!
What a terrific time of year! Baseball playoffs are looming..and the Red Sox are in the thick of it. College Football dominates Saturdays (I don’t even want to TALK about my Ohio State Buckeyes!)—and then, of course, there’s the NFL…although after yesterday, being a Patriots fan may not be easy, either.
Watching the Ryder Cup yesterday was a thrill. Yes, I used the word “thrill” while describing the act of watching golf on TV. Even non-golf fans (I think) would have been riveted to their seats, watching the U.S. wrest the Cup away from the Europeans after such a long drought.
The Celtics trophy arrives in Portland on Wednesday, my youngest son is playing soccer for PAYSA and there is still some actual me-getting-off-my-rear-and-actually-playing-a-sport—GOLF…for at least a couple of weeks….Fall arrives today, but with sunshine and relatively warm temps this week, the forecast is for plenty of bogeys!
Get out there and enjoy the weather while it lasts….there’ll be plenty of time for the couch-potato-only stuff later!
Friday, September 19, 2008
Coffee......Or Beer?
Two of my favorite beverages, both with their attributes…and flaws.
What if I had to give one of them up? Which would I choose?
I haven’t been given that ultimatum from a doctor or anything. I sometimes just ask myself the question in case I had to…sort of my way of ranking my love of each. Actually, love is a tad strong for one’s affection for a DRINK.
Coffee is my morning engine. The thought of starting the day without a cup of joe is hard to take. I love the smell of coffee….in fact, I love the idea of coffee….a hot cup is of comfort to me…for reasons I cannot explain.
And then there’s beer.
As you may have gathered from a previous blog, I am not a microbrew guy. But give me an ice-cold Bud Light Lime or Corona Light and I’m a happy guy. I don’t need to have a beer every night…in fact, during the week I’ll probably not consume more than 2-3 beers all week. On the weekend, it could be SLIGHTLY MORE.
Anyway, back to the question…coffee or beer…..hmmmm
Gotta pick the mean Columbian bean….which reminds me that I haven’t had my first cup yet…see ya!
What if I had to give one of them up? Which would I choose?
I haven’t been given that ultimatum from a doctor or anything. I sometimes just ask myself the question in case I had to…sort of my way of ranking my love of each. Actually, love is a tad strong for one’s affection for a DRINK.
Coffee is my morning engine. The thought of starting the day without a cup of joe is hard to take. I love the smell of coffee….in fact, I love the idea of coffee….a hot cup is of comfort to me…for reasons I cannot explain.
And then there’s beer.
As you may have gathered from a previous blog, I am not a microbrew guy. But give me an ice-cold Bud Light Lime or Corona Light and I’m a happy guy. I don’t need to have a beer every night…in fact, during the week I’ll probably not consume more than 2-3 beers all week. On the weekend, it could be SLIGHTLY MORE.
Anyway, back to the question…coffee or beer…..hmmmm
Gotta pick the mean Columbian bean….which reminds me that I haven’t had my first cup yet…see ya!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Thinking About Heat
With September zipping into the final third of the month-and “summer” officially ending in a couple of days, a young man’s fancy turns to thoughts of…HEAT!
The icy winds, snow and sleet are soon to arrive-and planning on keeping the family warm this winter has taken on the importance of an international summit meeting.
Unlike past years, nothing can escape the horizon when focusing on keeping warm. Used to be just the “primary” method of heat was on the table. Will it be oil-or wood? Sometimes even electric heat can make sense.
Beyond that, spending money on efficiency has never been more important. Every dollar spent on insulation, energy window replacement, sealing doors and the like will pay dividends in energy efficiency that are a multiple of the original outlay.
Probably this weekend, we’ll do a run-through of our house, making note of everywhere that improvements can be made. Balancing the expected extra cost of heating oil against the dollars we should be spending to make the oil go farther will be tougher this year.
It might be cheaper to shut the house down and rent a shanty in Florida…hmmmm…oh yeah, there’s that little thing called a JOB….
The icy winds, snow and sleet are soon to arrive-and planning on keeping the family warm this winter has taken on the importance of an international summit meeting.
Unlike past years, nothing can escape the horizon when focusing on keeping warm. Used to be just the “primary” method of heat was on the table. Will it be oil-or wood? Sometimes even electric heat can make sense.
Beyond that, spending money on efficiency has never been more important. Every dollar spent on insulation, energy window replacement, sealing doors and the like will pay dividends in energy efficiency that are a multiple of the original outlay.
Probably this weekend, we’ll do a run-through of our house, making note of everywhere that improvements can be made. Balancing the expected extra cost of heating oil against the dollars we should be spending to make the oil go farther will be tougher this year.
It might be cheaper to shut the house down and rent a shanty in Florida…hmmmm…oh yeah, there’s that little thing called a JOB….
Stocks Are Falling While CEO's Are Eating Caviar
OK….I’m not one of those guys who gripes about CEO pay scales…let’em earn the millions they desire—BUT…..if they drive their companies into bankruptcy, why on earth do they get a golden parachute?
This week’s troubles on Wall Street and the financial markets will toss thousands out on the street. They’ll be jobless as we head into the winter season-and their stock/stock options are worthless. Their 401k’s, stuffed with the shares of their now-defunct company are also diminished.
The big guys in the Executive Suite are not likely to face that same fate. Their Boards of Directors have, in most cases, crafted an “exit package” that will keep them from clipping coupons for the rest of their lives. And there is something fundamentally wrong with that.
No doubt there will be class action civil suits, brought by disgruntled ex-employees, looking to exact their pound of flesh from the people they once reported to. It’s doubtful that anyone will win-with the exception of the lawyers.
Of course, the candidates have weighed in with their solutions-and I readily admit that I don’t have the answer. I do know that whatever solution that comes about to prevent this type of situation from ever happening again will need to contain at least these ingredients:
1) Disincentive (read: “prison”) for anyone whose actions steer their company is a reckless direction in the name of profits and
2) Restitution from all assets (company and individual) who let greed guide them
I’m Tim Moore…and I approved this message
This week’s troubles on Wall Street and the financial markets will toss thousands out on the street. They’ll be jobless as we head into the winter season-and their stock/stock options are worthless. Their 401k’s, stuffed with the shares of their now-defunct company are also diminished.
The big guys in the Executive Suite are not likely to face that same fate. Their Boards of Directors have, in most cases, crafted an “exit package” that will keep them from clipping coupons for the rest of their lives. And there is something fundamentally wrong with that.
No doubt there will be class action civil suits, brought by disgruntled ex-employees, looking to exact their pound of flesh from the people they once reported to. It’s doubtful that anyone will win-with the exception of the lawyers.
Of course, the candidates have weighed in with their solutions-and I readily admit that I don’t have the answer. I do know that whatever solution that comes about to prevent this type of situation from ever happening again will need to contain at least these ingredients:
1) Disincentive (read: “prison”) for anyone whose actions steer their company is a reckless direction in the name of profits and
2) Restitution from all assets (company and individual) who let greed guide them
I’m Tim Moore…and I approved this message
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Oil Change...And Would You Like A Complete Engine Rebuild With That?
My recent blog on car repairs sent my friends to me with their own horror stories-and now I don’t feel all alone out there!
All this reminded me of the modus operandi of virtually all of the “quick oil change” purveyors out there.
1) Take the car into the bay for the cheap oil change, then…
2) Walk slowly into the waiting room with a concerned look on your face-and a shopping list of everything else wrong with your car. If carrying a clogged fuel filter or filthy air filter, all the better.
The above scenario happens EVERYTIME I go for an oil change. EVERY SINGLE TIME. Or, I should say, it used to.
When bringing my then-young son John into one of these places, we joined an elderly woman who had arrived just moments before. I explained to the youngster what was about to happen-and then sat back to watch the show! Sure enough, within five minutes, the door opened from the service area and a somber technician approached the lady with a sorry tale of woe regarding her Buick. After the several hundred dollars in “repairs” was approved by the woman, fearful of ghastly consequences if she failed to give the OK, my young son turned to me in astonishment and asked, “How did you know that was going to happen, Dad?” I assured him that the exact same thing would happen to us in just a few minutes.
Moments later, another serious grease monkey oiled his way into the waiting room, interrupting my enjoyment of a seven year old People magazine with a litany of ailments my car was suffering from, not the least of which was a filthy air filter, which he proudly held in his hand, as if he were in kindergarten “show and tell”.
“Funny”, I said, “I just put that air filter in a week ago”. Of course, the outside was dirty, but as I flexed the accordion-like baffles, they were as clean as the driven snow. A visibly embarrassed techie shrank into some excuse as I instructed him to merely complete the job for which we came.
Granted, there are many legitimate repairs offered and completed, but many more I suspect are completely unnecessary. I would love to see the industry’s revenue breakdown. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if at least 50% of their revenue is derived from parts and labor unrelated to the oil change itself.
So….whenever I go in and get the oil changed, I state my preferences right up front:
“Hi…I’m here for the oil change and fluid top-off special. I don’t want an air filter, a fuel filter, a new serpentine belt, a fan belt, a new battery, spark plugs, distributer, master cylinder, valve job, wiper blades or ANYTHING ELSE you have. Unless the engine is literally falling out of the car, I’ll be all set with the oil change…..OK?”
Haven’t had a lick of trouble since…try it…it works!
All this reminded me of the modus operandi of virtually all of the “quick oil change” purveyors out there.
1) Take the car into the bay for the cheap oil change, then…
2) Walk slowly into the waiting room with a concerned look on your face-and a shopping list of everything else wrong with your car. If carrying a clogged fuel filter or filthy air filter, all the better.
The above scenario happens EVERYTIME I go for an oil change. EVERY SINGLE TIME. Or, I should say, it used to.
When bringing my then-young son John into one of these places, we joined an elderly woman who had arrived just moments before. I explained to the youngster what was about to happen-and then sat back to watch the show! Sure enough, within five minutes, the door opened from the service area and a somber technician approached the lady with a sorry tale of woe regarding her Buick. After the several hundred dollars in “repairs” was approved by the woman, fearful of ghastly consequences if she failed to give the OK, my young son turned to me in astonishment and asked, “How did you know that was going to happen, Dad?” I assured him that the exact same thing would happen to us in just a few minutes.
Moments later, another serious grease monkey oiled his way into the waiting room, interrupting my enjoyment of a seven year old People magazine with a litany of ailments my car was suffering from, not the least of which was a filthy air filter, which he proudly held in his hand, as if he were in kindergarten “show and tell”.
“Funny”, I said, “I just put that air filter in a week ago”. Of course, the outside was dirty, but as I flexed the accordion-like baffles, they were as clean as the driven snow. A visibly embarrassed techie shrank into some excuse as I instructed him to merely complete the job for which we came.
Granted, there are many legitimate repairs offered and completed, but many more I suspect are completely unnecessary. I would love to see the industry’s revenue breakdown. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if at least 50% of their revenue is derived from parts and labor unrelated to the oil change itself.
So….whenever I go in and get the oil changed, I state my preferences right up front:
“Hi…I’m here for the oil change and fluid top-off special. I don’t want an air filter, a fuel filter, a new serpentine belt, a fan belt, a new battery, spark plugs, distributer, master cylinder, valve job, wiper blades or ANYTHING ELSE you have. Unless the engine is literally falling out of the car, I’ll be all set with the oil change…..OK?”
Haven’t had a lick of trouble since…try it…it works!
Friday, September 12, 2008
Drive It Until It Stops
I love cars-and can’t help myself from “shopping” in the classifieds…even if there is NO WAY I am buying a used (let alone new) car.
With one kid in college, another headed to higher education next year-and another one off to the ivy-covered walls in about a decade, I am in no position to “change rides” right now.
Of course, this means getting hosed by car repair places from the “minor” problems that my Jeep encounters. I love that Grand Cherokee, even though it only gets about 15 miles to the gallon. (I think it was designed by an oil company). Still, if something breaks, falls off or otherwise becomes inoperative, I am a prisoner of the estimate. $200 here, $400 there…before long, we’re talking real money!
But…there are no payments each month (unless you count repair bills) It’s paid for-and aside from pouring gasoline in generously (sometimes I think a tanker truck should follow me around for convenience sake), there are no regular expenses. I should be grateful. I know of people still paying out monthly-and also facing the repair bills when the warranty runs out.
Maybe I should get one of those little motor scooters. They don’t look very manly, but financial distress drives a man to extremes! So…if you see me putt-putt down the street in a wimpy little motorbike, try not to laugh….too hard. At least wait until I’m out of earshot.
With one kid in college, another headed to higher education next year-and another one off to the ivy-covered walls in about a decade, I am in no position to “change rides” right now.
Of course, this means getting hosed by car repair places from the “minor” problems that my Jeep encounters. I love that Grand Cherokee, even though it only gets about 15 miles to the gallon. (I think it was designed by an oil company). Still, if something breaks, falls off or otherwise becomes inoperative, I am a prisoner of the estimate. $200 here, $400 there…before long, we’re talking real money!
But…there are no payments each month (unless you count repair bills) It’s paid for-and aside from pouring gasoline in generously (sometimes I think a tanker truck should follow me around for convenience sake), there are no regular expenses. I should be grateful. I know of people still paying out monthly-and also facing the repair bills when the warranty runs out.
Maybe I should get one of those little motor scooters. They don’t look very manly, but financial distress drives a man to extremes! So…if you see me putt-putt down the street in a wimpy little motorbike, try not to laugh….too hard. At least wait until I’m out of earshot.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
It Was Seven Years Ago Today
9-11-2001
It’s hard to believe that it was seven years ago today that the multiple tragedies occurred which changed our lives forever.
I watched the original coverage from 2001 this morning on MSNBC..and it was still difficult to view. The flood of those same emotions-on a day which, weather-wise was very similar to today—came back to my spirit.
The horror remains—and of course we will never know the extent of it-for any of the people on those planes, those in the towers as they tried to escape—and those on the ground.
I remain in awe of the police and fire/rescue crews who risked life and limb to save others, many losing their own lives in the process. I remember calling my wife as soon as I found out. I remember making the announcement on 94.9 WHOM, since Dean Rogers was scheduled to participate in a promotion that day and was out of the building. Dean was supposed to meet Jared (from Subway) on top of Mount Washington. He was on his way there when he heard the news.
Gathering around the TV set, all of our staff watched in horror as the story unfolded of the first tower being hit—and then we witnessed the second plane slam into the other tower. As news reports flew in, stories of the Pentagon being hit, a plane headed for the White House or Capitol building, we were stunned as we tried to comes to grips with what now appeared to be a coordinated, multi-target attack. As our studios in One City Center house U.S. Senator Susan Collins, our building was placed in lock-down, with no one able to enter…or leave.
One of the most eerie things was a sky completely devoid of air traffic. As close as we are to the Portland Jetport, the sight and sound of planes approaching and taking off are so common as to not be noticed at all…until it all stops. The silence was deafening.
To later learn that two of the terrorists started their carnage by leaving from Portland made it all the more terrifying. Details of their stay the night before at the South Portland Comfort Inn, their use of the Key Bank ATM near the Mall-and their dinner the night before at Pizza Hut---have forever made these locations send a chill up my spine. I used that ATM two days later and was in mid-transaction when I realized that this was the machine that monster Mohammed Atta used……I can’t even describe the emotions I felt at that moment……
Looking back, I remember how we all came together as a country-and how we hugged our children a little tighter that night. Out of tragedy came an appreciation for all we have been blessed with. I know that you too are grateful for the bravery and devotion of our police and fire/emergency pros. We pray that in your service to us, that you never have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
It’s hard to believe that it was seven years ago today that the multiple tragedies occurred which changed our lives forever.
I watched the original coverage from 2001 this morning on MSNBC..and it was still difficult to view. The flood of those same emotions-on a day which, weather-wise was very similar to today—came back to my spirit.
The horror remains—and of course we will never know the extent of it-for any of the people on those planes, those in the towers as they tried to escape—and those on the ground.
I remain in awe of the police and fire/rescue crews who risked life and limb to save others, many losing their own lives in the process. I remember calling my wife as soon as I found out. I remember making the announcement on 94.9 WHOM, since Dean Rogers was scheduled to participate in a promotion that day and was out of the building. Dean was supposed to meet Jared (from Subway) on top of Mount Washington. He was on his way there when he heard the news.
Gathering around the TV set, all of our staff watched in horror as the story unfolded of the first tower being hit—and then we witnessed the second plane slam into the other tower. As news reports flew in, stories of the Pentagon being hit, a plane headed for the White House or Capitol building, we were stunned as we tried to comes to grips with what now appeared to be a coordinated, multi-target attack. As our studios in One City Center house U.S. Senator Susan Collins, our building was placed in lock-down, with no one able to enter…or leave.
One of the most eerie things was a sky completely devoid of air traffic. As close as we are to the Portland Jetport, the sight and sound of planes approaching and taking off are so common as to not be noticed at all…until it all stops. The silence was deafening.
To later learn that two of the terrorists started their carnage by leaving from Portland made it all the more terrifying. Details of their stay the night before at the South Portland Comfort Inn, their use of the Key Bank ATM near the Mall-and their dinner the night before at Pizza Hut---have forever made these locations send a chill up my spine. I used that ATM two days later and was in mid-transaction when I realized that this was the machine that monster Mohammed Atta used……I can’t even describe the emotions I felt at that moment……
Looking back, I remember how we all came together as a country-and how we hugged our children a little tighter that night. Out of tragedy came an appreciation for all we have been blessed with. I know that you too are grateful for the bravery and devotion of our police and fire/emergency pros. We pray that in your service to us, that you never have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Mt. Washington...It's COLD UP HERE!!!
Quickie post today!
Just got back from the summit of Mount Washington, home to 94.9 WHOM’s transmitter. The 9th day of September—and it was in the 30’s up there, with winds at 40-50 mph! Winds hit a peak of 81 miles an hour! Rime ice (air that freezes) was on the structures up there and some of it was blowing off onto us.
Despite the conditions, the summit was loaded with tourists-plenty of hikers too! Visibility varied from nonexistent—to spectacular, with views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesauke on the other!
WHOM’s incredible coverage is, of course, due to the antenna height on top of the Northeast’s highest peak…6, 288 feet!
Imagine how much fun it is up there in January!
Just got back from the summit of Mount Washington, home to 94.9 WHOM’s transmitter. The 9th day of September—and it was in the 30’s up there, with winds at 40-50 mph! Winds hit a peak of 81 miles an hour! Rime ice (air that freezes) was on the structures up there and some of it was blowing off onto us.
Despite the conditions, the summit was loaded with tourists-plenty of hikers too! Visibility varied from nonexistent—to spectacular, with views of the Atlantic Ocean on one side and New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesauke on the other!
WHOM’s incredible coverage is, of course, due to the antenna height on top of the Northeast’s highest peak…6, 288 feet!
Imagine how much fun it is up there in January!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
It's September...And Where Are The Yankees?
Red Sox fans are living large this week.
First, we need to block out the agony of losing Tom Brady, whose injury has all but ended the Super Bowl dreams of Patriots fans for 2008/9. Also, it’s still very much BASEBALL season-and the race down to the wire with Tampa Bay is every bit as exciting as it would be with another team—from a city where playing in October is almost an afterthought.
I love it.
The pinstripes have become pinheads—and their demise this year under a new skipper must indeed be satisfying to one Joe Torre, whose new team out west is still in the hunt for the playoffs.
I think the demolition of Yankee Stadium has something to do with it. As much as I love hating the Yankees, the history of that stadium is something baseball fans of all affiliations should revere. Not so New Yorkers. More luxury skyboxes trump (pardon the pun) the heritage of a great stadium.
The Red Sox cherish their traditions—setting a major league record last night for 456 consecutive sellouts is testament to the rabid fanbase that Boston possesses.
A win tonight and the Sox are in First Place in the American League East.
Which would put Tampa Bay 2nd
Which would put Toronto 3rd
Which would put the vaulted Yankees……..4th.
Thank god for Baltimore.
First, we need to block out the agony of losing Tom Brady, whose injury has all but ended the Super Bowl dreams of Patriots fans for 2008/9. Also, it’s still very much BASEBALL season-and the race down to the wire with Tampa Bay is every bit as exciting as it would be with another team—from a city where playing in October is almost an afterthought.
I love it.
The pinstripes have become pinheads—and their demise this year under a new skipper must indeed be satisfying to one Joe Torre, whose new team out west is still in the hunt for the playoffs.
I think the demolition of Yankee Stadium has something to do with it. As much as I love hating the Yankees, the history of that stadium is something baseball fans of all affiliations should revere. Not so New Yorkers. More luxury skyboxes trump (pardon the pun) the heritage of a great stadium.
The Red Sox cherish their traditions—setting a major league record last night for 456 consecutive sellouts is testament to the rabid fanbase that Boston possesses.
A win tonight and the Sox are in First Place in the American League East.
Which would put Tampa Bay 2nd
Which would put Toronto 3rd
Which would put the vaulted Yankees……..4th.
Thank god for Baltimore.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Change...Yeah, Right!
Call me cynical, but I’m not ready to believe any more campaign promises!
Both candidates are calling for “Change”…so much so that I have generally tuned the word out. To quote the song from “My Fair Lady”….don’t tell me, “Show Me!”
The swirling vortex of corruption and special interests that IS Washington has somehow sucked everyone up, including those who call themselves “mavericks”…..the trouble is, we really DO need a politician, an “insider” if you will—to make things work. Otherwise, our next President will spend the first four years trying to find the Men’s Room. The last time we elected a true outsider, it was a peanut farmer from Georgia…and we all know how that ended up!
I’m not sure any one individual, Democrat or Republican-can really change the culture of greed and vested interests that have ruled Congress for decades. We voters have been disappointed so many times that we have started to lose faith!
So, bring it on! Trot out the worn old clichés…salve us with the soothing words we long to hear…but whoever wins in November, realize that 2008 has been a watershed year for voter interest (if only because we need to express our dissatisfaction somehow)—and whether it’s Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin, we will CLOSELY watch what you DO…not what you SAY.
Good luck!
Both candidates are calling for “Change”…so much so that I have generally tuned the word out. To quote the song from “My Fair Lady”….don’t tell me, “Show Me!”
The swirling vortex of corruption and special interests that IS Washington has somehow sucked everyone up, including those who call themselves “mavericks”…..the trouble is, we really DO need a politician, an “insider” if you will—to make things work. Otherwise, our next President will spend the first four years trying to find the Men’s Room. The last time we elected a true outsider, it was a peanut farmer from Georgia…and we all know how that ended up!
I’m not sure any one individual, Democrat or Republican-can really change the culture of greed and vested interests that have ruled Congress for decades. We voters have been disappointed so many times that we have started to lose faith!
So, bring it on! Trot out the worn old clichés…salve us with the soothing words we long to hear…but whoever wins in November, realize that 2008 has been a watershed year for voter interest (if only because we need to express our dissatisfaction somehow)—and whether it’s Obama/Biden or McCain/Palin, we will CLOSELY watch what you DO…not what you SAY.
Good luck!
Friday, September 5, 2008
Radio Advertising...It Works!
And now…a message from our sponsor!
Since I don’t actually sell advertising, I feel that I can praise those who do…and those who invest in it. The old saying goes “word of mouth is the best advertising” and I agree. It’s probably why radio advertising is so effective.
The newspaper in Portland, the Press Herald is in big trouble. Plummeting advertising revenue is the reason why-and it makes sense-even though I would hate to see the paper actually fail. People’s lives are so much busier—who has time to read the paper? And if they DO read the paper, will they even see my ad? I read the Sports section first (and sometimes that’s it). The newspaper will count me in their circulation, but if an ad is in the garden section, you can be sure I won’t see it. Newsprint rates are going way up while readership (even the inflated “circulation numbers”) are going down---fast.
With radio, if you are listening, you will hear the commercial. Only one at a time-as opposed to the paper, where dozens of ads on each page compete for your attention. Radio is intrusive-as the listener in a car or other environment is most receptive to the message. Sure, some people tune out when the ads come on, but the latest research indicates that only a very small percentage do.
What about TV? Better than print, to be sure. But with so many advertisers, television is much too expensive-and TiVo has so many people fast-forwarding through the commercials, it’s hard to tell if ads are really seen even on highly rated programs.
There’s hardly anything more satisfying than hearing from client after client who invested in our station and saw huge results. 94.9 WHOM has a unique position-as the biggest audience station in Northern New England-that certainly helps-but the quality of the audience (age demo and upscale lifestyle), a quality message/offer-combined with an effective reach schedule means that success is really almost a foregone conclusion.
I’m proud to work for a company that “gets it”---Listeners and clients come first—and the results---#1 audience and #1 revenue only reinforce that keeping your priorities in order pays big dividends!
And now….back to another long sweep of Continuous Light Rock on 94.9 WHOM
Since I don’t actually sell advertising, I feel that I can praise those who do…and those who invest in it. The old saying goes “word of mouth is the best advertising” and I agree. It’s probably why radio advertising is so effective.
The newspaper in Portland, the Press Herald is in big trouble. Plummeting advertising revenue is the reason why-and it makes sense-even though I would hate to see the paper actually fail. People’s lives are so much busier—who has time to read the paper? And if they DO read the paper, will they even see my ad? I read the Sports section first (and sometimes that’s it). The newspaper will count me in their circulation, but if an ad is in the garden section, you can be sure I won’t see it. Newsprint rates are going way up while readership (even the inflated “circulation numbers”) are going down---fast.
With radio, if you are listening, you will hear the commercial. Only one at a time-as opposed to the paper, where dozens of ads on each page compete for your attention. Radio is intrusive-as the listener in a car or other environment is most receptive to the message. Sure, some people tune out when the ads come on, but the latest research indicates that only a very small percentage do.
What about TV? Better than print, to be sure. But with so many advertisers, television is much too expensive-and TiVo has so many people fast-forwarding through the commercials, it’s hard to tell if ads are really seen even on highly rated programs.
There’s hardly anything more satisfying than hearing from client after client who invested in our station and saw huge results. 94.9 WHOM has a unique position-as the biggest audience station in Northern New England-that certainly helps-but the quality of the audience (age demo and upscale lifestyle), a quality message/offer-combined with an effective reach schedule means that success is really almost a foregone conclusion.
I’m proud to work for a company that “gets it”---Listeners and clients come first—and the results---#1 audience and #1 revenue only reinforce that keeping your priorities in order pays big dividends!
And now….back to another long sweep of Continuous Light Rock on 94.9 WHOM
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Telemarketers-Beware!
My apologies in advance if you make your living as a telemarketer.
I, like most people, cannot stand telemarketers—not as people, mind you. It’s just that the very idea of calling people in their homes to sell them stuff seems so intrusive. While I haven’t gone as far as to put my number on the national “don’t call” list, the very fact there needs to be a “don’t call” list is evidence of their collective nuisance.
And yes, there really needs to be such a list. Everything from timeshares to insurance to credit cards to charities—sprinkle the legitimate ones among the hundreds of scams out there, many of them targeting the elderly-and my blood boils!
It’s fun to ask telemarketers stupid questions in the middle of their spiel….throws ‘em off, since 99.9% read a script verbatim. Once they have to start over, the chance of their squeezing a dime out of anyone is greatly diminished-and they know it.
The clever ones disguise their pitch as “research”. They start with the statement-“I’m not selling anything”—and then proceed to sell you something. That’s too bad, because I used to take the research and survey calls. Now, I can’t even provide a legitimate researcher with data since they are dwarfed by the “research-as-sales” practitioners who have long closed off that avenue as well.
Perhaps that’s why the newest tactic is automated telemarketers. Recorded voices that auto-dial your number. I guess the reasoning here is that these tele-robots won’t be affected by rejection like their human counterparts. Problem is their closing ratio must be infinitely smaller. Nice people have a hard time hanging up on a real person, even a jerk. Not so with a machine.
While the urge to slam the receiver down so hard that it will drive phone shards into the ear of the person at the other end is strong, I think that toying with the tele-intruder is much more fun.
Here’s my favorite:
When one of these knuckleheads calls, express immediate great interest in their product/service and ask if they take credit cards. You will be able to hear the drool at the other end of the line. When they say “YES!”, simply ask for THEIR phone number so you can call them back when THEY are having dinner!
Works every time. They never have a number to call back—and you also get a parting shot in about interrupting one of their meals!
I, like most people, cannot stand telemarketers—not as people, mind you. It’s just that the very idea of calling people in their homes to sell them stuff seems so intrusive. While I haven’t gone as far as to put my number on the national “don’t call” list, the very fact there needs to be a “don’t call” list is evidence of their collective nuisance.
And yes, there really needs to be such a list. Everything from timeshares to insurance to credit cards to charities—sprinkle the legitimate ones among the hundreds of scams out there, many of them targeting the elderly-and my blood boils!
It’s fun to ask telemarketers stupid questions in the middle of their spiel….throws ‘em off, since 99.9% read a script verbatim. Once they have to start over, the chance of their squeezing a dime out of anyone is greatly diminished-and they know it.
The clever ones disguise their pitch as “research”. They start with the statement-“I’m not selling anything”—and then proceed to sell you something. That’s too bad, because I used to take the research and survey calls. Now, I can’t even provide a legitimate researcher with data since they are dwarfed by the “research-as-sales” practitioners who have long closed off that avenue as well.
Perhaps that’s why the newest tactic is automated telemarketers. Recorded voices that auto-dial your number. I guess the reasoning here is that these tele-robots won’t be affected by rejection like their human counterparts. Problem is their closing ratio must be infinitely smaller. Nice people have a hard time hanging up on a real person, even a jerk. Not so with a machine.
While the urge to slam the receiver down so hard that it will drive phone shards into the ear of the person at the other end is strong, I think that toying with the tele-intruder is much more fun.
Here’s my favorite:
When one of these knuckleheads calls, express immediate great interest in their product/service and ask if they take credit cards. You will be able to hear the drool at the other end of the line. When they say “YES!”, simply ask for THEIR phone number so you can call them back when THEY are having dinner!
Works every time. They never have a number to call back—and you also get a parting shot in about interrupting one of their meals!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
I've Never Been "Vetted"
Every presidential year, the process of the nominees in picking out their running mates is fascinating to watch. This year…..even more so!
Obama passes over Hillary to pick Biden. McCain passes over everybody in the lower 48 to pick Palin. And through it all, a word that is virtually never used outside an election year gets a presidential workout.
Vetted. Vet. To vet or not to vet. That is the question. A verb, a process, a procedure. Used as a noun in non-election years, it’s the abbreviation of veterinarian. It’s OK to take your dog to the vet. It’s not OK to vet your dog, unless, of course, you suspect your hound once accepted illegal PAC money.
First of all, it sounds painful. Sounds like you’re eviscerating a deer carcass. I imagine it is zero fun for the political underlings who are charged with turning over every stone in someone’s political, personal and professional life, hoping not to find the kind of thing that tabloids live on.
Arguments will rage over the latest “vetting”. Did McCain spend more than just a hasty few hours researching his running mate’s background after Joe Lieberman was overruled as his choice by the party elite? Perhaps we will never know, but I don’t envy the participants or their families, subjected to the glaring spotlight of intense scrutiny.
I’ve never been vetted—and the country is better off for it. I’ll wait by the phone for the call from whomever is left in the race…..oops…gotta go.
Ron Paul is on line one.
Obama passes over Hillary to pick Biden. McCain passes over everybody in the lower 48 to pick Palin. And through it all, a word that is virtually never used outside an election year gets a presidential workout.
Vetted. Vet. To vet or not to vet. That is the question. A verb, a process, a procedure. Used as a noun in non-election years, it’s the abbreviation of veterinarian. It’s OK to take your dog to the vet. It’s not OK to vet your dog, unless, of course, you suspect your hound once accepted illegal PAC money.
First of all, it sounds painful. Sounds like you’re eviscerating a deer carcass. I imagine it is zero fun for the political underlings who are charged with turning over every stone in someone’s political, personal and professional life, hoping not to find the kind of thing that tabloids live on.
Arguments will rage over the latest “vetting”. Did McCain spend more than just a hasty few hours researching his running mate’s background after Joe Lieberman was overruled as his choice by the party elite? Perhaps we will never know, but I don’t envy the participants or their families, subjected to the glaring spotlight of intense scrutiny.
I’ve never been vetted—and the country is better off for it. I’ll wait by the phone for the call from whomever is left in the race…..oops…gotta go.
Ron Paul is on line one.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Staying Up All Night
Some people are morning people…others are night owls. This week, I am both. In addition to the 12m-5:30a show weekdays, I get to fill in for Dean Rogers this week as he heads off to vacation. As a behavioral experiment, we’ll see how well I survive the combination of staying up all night—and then acting bright and chipper as I help wake up Northern New England! If a song ends and you don’t hear me, it will be because I am fast asleep—and the coffee didn’t work.
Third-shift workers who listen to 94.9 WHOM all night long are a hardy bunch. It is truly a community apart from any other. Encompassing all walks of life, from factory workers to nurses and other hospital employees, police and fire, dispatchers, security guards, toll booth operators and convenience store clerks.
The toughest hour is really not the last one. It’s the 4am-5am block. I estimate that half the audience is wrapping up their workday-or at least looking shortly ahead to it’s anticipated conclusion. The other half is just waking up, trying to grab an extra precious minute of sleep! Of course, there may be another portion-those who have been trying (in vain) to sleep—and now must get up to start a new day deprived of the rest that a good night’s sleep provides.
I don’t have that issue thank God….I could drink a GALLON of coffee (and often do!), but as soon as my head hit the pillow, I am OUT. In fact, it’s a bit past my bedtime now, so I think I’ll….just…wrap….things……up and…….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Third-shift workers who listen to 94.9 WHOM all night long are a hardy bunch. It is truly a community apart from any other. Encompassing all walks of life, from factory workers to nurses and other hospital employees, police and fire, dispatchers, security guards, toll booth operators and convenience store clerks.
The toughest hour is really not the last one. It’s the 4am-5am block. I estimate that half the audience is wrapping up their workday-or at least looking shortly ahead to it’s anticipated conclusion. The other half is just waking up, trying to grab an extra precious minute of sleep! Of course, there may be another portion-those who have been trying (in vain) to sleep—and now must get up to start a new day deprived of the rest that a good night’s sleep provides.
I don’t have that issue thank God….I could drink a GALLON of coffee (and often do!), but as soon as my head hit the pillow, I am OUT. In fact, it’s a bit past my bedtime now, so I think I’ll….just…wrap….things……up and…….zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
