BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com BloggingStocks http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/media/feedlogo.gif BloggingStocks http://www.bloggingstocks.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Walmart Finally Coming to Chicago?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/23/walmart-finally-coming-to-chicago/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/23/walmart-finally-coming-to-chicago/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/06/23/walmart-finally-coming-to-chicago/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After years of pretty staunch resistance, Walmart (WMT) may finally be gaining access to the nation's third-biggest market: Chicago. In the past, labor unions and other organizations had banned the retailing giant from the metro area, citing unreasonable salaries and unfair treatment.

In an effort to respond to these concerns, WMT has devised the "Chicago Community Investment Partnership," which carries enough economic clout to win over the Windy City's decision-makers. As Alderman Anthony A. Beale summed up in a release, "most of all, [the city of Chicago] need(s) good jobs."

The Partnership, to be carried out over the next five years, promises the following:

Continue reading Walmart Finally Coming to Chicago?

Walmart Finally Coming to Chicago? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 23 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChicagoConsumer ExperienceEmploymentfeaturedinthenewsPoliticsRetailUnionsWal-Mart StoresWMTWed, 23 Jun 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Washington Gridlock: Upside and Downside]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/24/washington-gridlock-upside-and-downside/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/24/washington-gridlock-upside-and-downside/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/24/washington-gridlock-upside-and-downside/#commentsFiled under: ,

One upside to gridlock in Washington? The U.S. Congress won't likely move forward with its effort to allow the General Accounting Office to audit the U.S. Federal Reserve.

One (big) downside? President Obama and Congressional Republicans, particularly Republicans in the Senate may not be able to agree on next year's budget. This could result in a shutdown of the federal government if the two political parties don't agree to pass a continuing resolution in the meantime. Any inability of the parties to agree on new budget or a continuing resolution as a temporary bridge will likely rattle both the bond and stock markets.

Continue reading Washington Gridlock: Upside and Downside

Washington Gridlock: Upside and Downside originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 24 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budgetdemocratsobamapoliticsrepublicansWed, 24 Feb 2010 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[It Won't Be Easy to Get the Money Out of U.S. Politics]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/22/it-won-t-be-easy-to-get-the-money-out-of-u-s-politics/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/22/it-won-t-be-easy-to-get-the-money-out-of-u-s-politics/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/22/it-won-t-be-easy-to-get-the-money-out-of-u-s-politics/#commentsFiled under: ,

An unease in the nation appears to growing -- particularly among typical Americans -- regarding the influence of money in politics, and among U.S. Representatives and Senators, in particular.

This phenomenon has occurred cyclically in the U.S., and it is unclear whether this firestorm will differ from the rest. Historically, the displeasure runs hot for about a year or so, then the fire dies out.

Further, even less certain is whether these Americans will seek to reconcile the contradiction between the American economic system and the political system (democracy), or even whether most of these Americans will recognize it.

Continue reading It Won't Be Easy to Get the Money Out of U.S. Politics

It Won't Be Easy to Get the Money Out of U.S. Politics originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CongresspoliticswealthMon, 22 Feb 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Obama's Approval Rating Slips in Marist Poll, Holds Steady in Gallup]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/10/obama-approval-rating-slips-in-marist-poll-holds-steady-in-gall/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/10/obama-approval-rating-slips-in-marist-poll-holds-steady-in-gall/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/10/obama-approval-rating-slips-in-marist-poll-holds-steady-in-gall/#commentsFiled under: ,

A pair of polls offered differing signals regarding the American public's support for President Obama: The Marist Poll placed Obama's approval rating at 44% -- an Obama administration low -- Bloomberg News reported. The poll was conducted February 1-3, 2010. However, the Gallup Poll had Obama's approval rating holding steady at 50%, based on a three-day average ending February 8, 2010.

Even allowing for the fact that the approval for almost every president drops in Year 2 from Year 1, as noted earlier, President Obama's approval rating has entered the "area of concern."

Continue reading Obama's Approval Rating Slips in Marist Poll, Holds Steady in Gallup

Obama's Approval Rating Slips in Marist Poll, Holds Steady in Gallup originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>approval ratinginthenewsObamapoliticsWed, 10 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/bipartisan-support-growing-for-jobs-bill/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/bipartisan-support-growing-for-jobs-bill/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/02/09/bipartisan-support-growing-for-jobs-bill/#commentsFiled under: , ,

What might get the Republicans to bite on the jobs bill currently under formulation on Capitol Hill? A lack of an estate tax.

The bipartisan Senate bill that may come for a vote this week is not likely to include an extension of the estate tax, which expired at the end of 2009, Reuters reported Tuesday (however, Washington's likely, second heavy storm/blizzard in a week, expected to arrive Tuesday night, may delay the vote: most federal offices were closed again Tuesday for snow clean-up).

Continue reading Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill

Bipartisan Support Growing for Jobs Bill originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>inthenewsjobs billpoliticsrecessionTue, 09 Feb 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil rises despite increased inventories]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/oil-rises-despite-increased-inventories/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/oil-rises-despite-increased-inventories/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/30/oil-rises-despite-increased-inventories/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

oil pricesOil prices have risen sharply today, despite news that oil inventories rose more than expected last week.

Traders pushed oil up $2.92 a barrel Tuesday to $69.63 even though oil inventories rose by 2.8 million barrels last week verse analyst estimates for a rise of 2.1 million barrels.

Continue reading Oil rises despite increased inventories

Oil rises despite increased inventories originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economygasgasolineGDPinthenewsinventoriesIranoiloil pricesOilPricespoliticsrecessionWed, 30 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cash for Clunkers program to end on Monday]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/20/cash-for-clunkers-program-to-end-on-monday/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/20/cash-for-clunkers-program-to-end-on-monday/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/08/20/cash-for-clunkers-program-to-end-on-monday/#commentsFiled under: , ,

cash for clunkersIf you are getting tired of reading all the news on the government's "cash for clunkers" program, don't worry... the Obama administration announced this afternoon that the popular incentive program will come to an end this Monday.

There has been a lot of controversy over the program as of late, but one thing is for sure, car buyers have definitely been taking advantage of the program since it launched last month.

Continue reading Cash for Clunkers program to end on Monday

Cash for Clunkers program to end on Monday originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 20 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoscarscash for clunkersCashForClunkersfeaturedfuel efficiencyFuelEfficiencygasincentivesObamapoliticstransportationThu, 20 Aug 2009 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil prices fall on economic concerns]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/22/oil-prices-fall-on-economic-concerns/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/22/oil-prices-fall-on-economic-concerns/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/22/oil-prices-fall-on-economic-concerns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

falling oil pricesOil moved up above $70 early in the session, but was unable to hold that momentum through the day. After its strong start to the day, prices dropped $2.19 to $67.83.

A major reason for the drop in prices can be attributed to the World Bank. The World Bank slashed its forecast for this year's global economic growth, and reported that the current recession is deepening.

Continue reading Oil prices fall on economic concerns

Oil prices fall on economic concerns originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 22 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Iranoiloil demandoil pricesoil productionOilDemandOilPricesOilProductionOPECpoliticsrecessionWorld BankWorldBankMon, 22 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iran: Totalitarian rule begets totalitarian economy]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/17/iran-totalitarian-rule-begets-totalitarian-economy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/17/iran-totalitarian-rule-begets-totalitarian-economy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/06/17/iran-totalitarian-rule-begets-totalitarian-economy/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The rulers of Iran are losing their patience with the election protests of the last few days. They are selectively tightening their grip on the freedom of the press, freedom of speech, freedom to travel and peaceful marches by disenfranchised voters that believe the reported results of a Mahmoud Ahmadinejad victory were a fraud.

The government is cracking down by not renewing visas for the foreign journalists, confining others to their hotels, and limiting all broadcasts and news outlets.

If anything can be gleaned from this, one only need take a brief glance at history to learn that a nation with totalitarian rule begets a totalitarian economy.

Continue reading Iran: Totalitarian rule begets totalitarian economy

Iran: Totalitarian rule begets totalitarian economy originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>economicsinthenewsIranIran election protestsMahmoud Ahmadinejadmiddle eastpoliticsShahiSheldon LiberWed, 17 Jun 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Has Sarah Palin jumped the shark -- again?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/18/has-sarah-palin-jumped-the-shark-again/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/18/has-sarah-palin-jumped-the-shark-again/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/04/18/has-sarah-palin-jumped-the-shark-again/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Clearly Sarah Palin, failed Washington aspirations and all, still has her supporters. They like her political positions on abortion, taxes, and gun control (limiting the control that is), to name a few. It just shows how many of us will ignore continuing inappropriate behavior if need be, as long as the end justifies the means.

Now that our political leaders have morphed into celebrities like never before -- doing commercials, late night television, radio, musical and comedic cameos and the like -- it looks like the Sarah Palin show can legitimately be accused of "jumping the shark!" ... and then some.

Continue reading Has Sarah Palin jumped the shark -- again?

Has Sarah Palin jumped the shark -- again? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 18 Apr 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012 presidential campaignabortionalaska governorAlaskaGovernorjump the sharkNKENOCpolitical humorpoliticianspoliticsSarah PalinSheldon LiberSat, 18 Apr 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Serious Money: Frustration is not apathy!]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/03/serious-money-frustration-is-not-apathy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/03/serious-money-frustration-is-not-apathy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/03/serious-money-frustration-is-not-apathy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One of our reader's who blesses us with frequent comment's, B. Harrison, left the following tidbit for us recently (responding to: Buffett suffers big losses at Berkshire Hathaway) and I thought I would share it because this sentiment comes to us frequently.
  • "And the American people are simply apathetically sitting back while our CORRUPT Congress who enabled and allowed all of the corporate FRAUDS, continues to allow the CORRUPT CEOs and Boards of Directors run those corporations, and to keep their ill gotten "weath" that they amassed while mismanaging the corporations, and orchestrating and perpetuating all of those FRAUDS."
I do not agree that the American people are "apathetically sitting back".... They are voicing their opinions on the web, in letters and emails to their representatives, they take to the streets and protest, they sell the stock of poorly run companies and file class action suits. The truth is that they are frustrated because our representatives have an unwavering singular focus, and that is to sustain themselves in office. Nothing takes a higher priority then that; it's called political self preservation.

Continue reading Serious Money: Frustration is not apathy!

Serious Money: Frustration is not apathy! originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 03 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIGBerkshire HathawayBerkshireHathawayBRK.ABRK.BCcitigroupcorporategovernanceexecutive compensationExecutiveCompensationgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsGMgovernanceinthenewspoliticspublic opinionPublicOpinionSheldon LiberSheldonLiberWarren BuffettWarrenBuffettTue, 03 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[King had a dream, does Obama have a fantasy?]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/25/king-had-a-dream-does-obama-have-a-fantasy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/25/king-had-a-dream-does-obama-have-a-fantasy/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/02/25/king-had-a-dream-does-obama-have-a-fantasy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Listening to President Obama's speech last night I was very impressed with his grasp of the vast number of difficult issues that face our nation. I support him in addressing these problems head on -- with optimism, energy and forthrightness. He said, "I get it" -- I believe him.

Now, having laid out a vision for all that ails us, I can't help but think that the president is going to be playing out a fantasy. His epic journey to the White House has reinforced the President's conviction that 'anything' is possible, but the real question this morning is whether 'everything' is possible.

Continue reading King had a dream, does Obama have a fantasy?

King had a dream, does Obama have a fantasy? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bail outsBailOutsBalancing the budgetBalancingTheBudgetBarack ObamaBarackObamabi-partisanshipdefictseconomyIraq WarIraqWarObama speechObamaSpeechpoliticspresidents speechPresidentsSpeechSheldon LiberSheldonLiberWed, 25 Feb 2009 16:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Paul bashes the bailout]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/27/ron-paul-bashes-the-bailout/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/27/ron-paul-bashes-the-bailout/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/27/ron-paul-bashes-the-bailout/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's no surprise that Congressman Ron Paul isn't pleased with bailouts and economic stimuli. He recently appeared on MSNBC's Morning Joe and explained why he believes that the current path of economic intervention will turn a bad recession into a depression.

His point is essentially this: What got us into the current mess was excessive consumption and excessive leverage -- and now we are trying to do more of both to get the economy out of this mess.

Watch the video below. It's hard to argue with.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Ron Paul bashes the bailout originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BailoutseconomyPoliticsRon PaulRonPaulTue, 27 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why a porn industry bailout isn't such a bad idea]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/08/why-a-porn-industry-bailout-isnt-such-a-bad-idea/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/08/why-a-porn-industry-bailout-isnt-such-a-bad-idea/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/08/why-a-porn-industry-bailout-isnt-such-a-bad-idea/#commentsFiled under:

Hustler founder Larry Flynt and Girls Gone Wild impresario Joe Francis have sent a letter to Congress facetiously asking for a $5 billion bailout for the porn industry.

"The government is handing out money," Francis told E! News. "They're moving toward a nationalized economy, and Larry and I felt we might as well be a part of it."

"People are too depressed to be sexually active," Flynt said in a statement. "This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."

Of course they're being facetious, but a bailout for the sex industry might not be such a crazy idea. A $5 billion infusion could be enough to move the porn industry back to the United States, and create thousands of jobs for recently laid off retailers and autoworkers -- Debbie Does Detroit, perhaps?

Playboy Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: PLA) shareholders could definitely use a bailout and if the industry at large is faring as poorly as that company, Flynt and Francis may deserve more sympathy than they're likely to get.

Why a porn industry bailout isn't such a bad idea originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BailoutPoliticsThu, 08 Jan 2009 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Oil down sharply following bearish inventory report]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/07/oil-down-sharply-following-bearish-inventory-report/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/07/oil-down-sharply-following-bearish-inventory-report/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/01/07/oil-down-sharply-following-bearish-inventory-report/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Oil prices have dropped sharply today as traders focus on increased demand concerns following this week's oil inventory report.

Going into today's inventory report, analysts were expecting to see an increase in oil reserves of around 1.5 million barrels. However, the market was shocked to see that the actual increase last week was well above that figure, as the Energy Information Agency announced that inventories grew by 6.7 million barrels.

The result? Oil prices have dropped over 9% in today's market, falling $4.54, down to $44.04.

Continue reading Oil down sharply following bearish inventory report

Oil down sharply following bearish inventory report originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>40 oil40Oilfalling oilFallingOilforecastHamasMiddle EastMiddleEastoiloil demandoil pricesOilDemandOilPricespoliticsRussiaUkraineWed, 07 Jan 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Illinois governor's corruption charges touch Obama, Tribune]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/09/illinois-governors-corruption-charges-touch-obama-tribune/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/09/illinois-governors-corruption-charges-touch-obama-tribune/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/09/illinois-governors-corruption-charges-touch-obama-tribune/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Police today arrested Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich and his chief of staff on federal corruption charges that both touch the Tribune bankruptcy and the incoming administration of his fellow Illinois Democrat Barack Obama.

According to the Chicago Tribune, the governor and his Chief of Staff John Harris allegedly demanded the firing of Chicago Tribune editorial board members responsible for editorials critical of Blagojevich in exchange for state help with the sale of Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs baseball stadium owned by Tribune Co. That takes pettiness to a new level.

Finding a new owner for the ivy-covered baseball temple is in the best interest of all taxpayers. I can't understand why any political leader with an ounce of integrity would want to hinder the sale, even to the extraordinarily obnoxious Mark Cuban. Then I read a little further.

The Tribune reports Blagojevich and Harris have been accused in a "wide-ranging criminal conspiracy" to gain financial benefits for the governor, members of his family and his campaign fund in exchange for state appointments, state jobs and state contracts.

Continue reading Illinois governor's corruption charges touch Obama, Tribune

Illinois governor's corruption charges touch Obama, Tribune originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Barack ObamaBarackObamafeaturedpoliticspresidential electionPresidentialElectionrod blagojevichRodBlagojevichtribuneTue, 09 Dec 2008 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Sunday Funnies: All infrastructure for Dan]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/23/sunday-funnies-all-about-infrastructure-for-dan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/23/sunday-funnies-all-about-infrastructure-for-dan/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/23/sunday-funnies-all-about-infrastructure-for-dan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Blogging for AOL has been an interesting experience over the last few years. For me it is one of those unplanned surprising things that pop up on life's journey every so often. For the most part it has been a rewarding experience. I have had to become a lot more thick skinned when receiving harsh and even crude comments from readers.

One of the great things has been the 'pen pals' I have made around the world. People that have taken to my stories and regularly add their insights. The dialogue makes it more informative and the immediacy somehow makes it more personal and real.

Just this morning I received a note from Dan, a frequent participant in the BloggingStocks.com dialogue. He had noticed that one of my colleagues Peter Cohan had picked up my infrastructure theme lately and was not able to find my stories about the subject from earlier in the year.

I think this is one of the themes that Peter and I could write about non-stop and it would not be getting enough attention. It is first and foremost about putting people to work doing things that the nation needs done anyway. If we have to run the printing presses let it be for things that last 80 to 100 years not 2 to 3. The following stories will illuminate the subject as to my views in more detail.

Thanks for writing Dan. I hope you and others will continue to comment and try and wake up our elected officials. I started banging this gong in February. Maybe someone in Washington will do something before next February.
I think that the infrastructure story will continue to be a major theme next year and for many years to come. My stories have discussed roads, bridges, tunnels, highways and the like but future stories will be about water. In using the the picture above contributed by editor and writer Sarah Gilbert, I want to drive home the point that we all have expectations that our simplest needs will be met. That is not going to be so, if we do not plan for the future.

Sheldon Liber is the CEO of a small private investment company and the principal for design and research at an architecture & planning firm. He writes the columns Chasing Value and Serious Money.

Sunday Funnies: All infrastructure for Dan originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 23 Nov 2008 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BridgesinfrastuctureplanningpoliticsRoadsSheldon LiberSheldonLibersunday funniesSundayFunniesTunnelsWaterSun, 23 Nov 2008 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Post-election investment thoughts: Energy, tech, infrastructure]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/05/post-election-investment-thoughts-energy-tech-infrastructure/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/05/post-election-investment-thoughts-energy-tech-infrastructure/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/05/post-election-investment-thoughts-energy-tech-infrastructure/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This post was written by Minyanville contributor Sean Udall.

Through my career I've generally stayed apolitical with regard to investment and trading decisions, but there have been times when some higher percentage trades have presented themselves due to political circumstances. Examples include: the tech push in Clinton's second term, the defense sector after Bush's 2000 victory, as well as the oil patch. Based on that, here are some overriding thoughts, in no particular order.

  • The market has moved to the phase where many if not most participants want and expect a pullback. Since the market confounds the greatest number of players most of the time, is a big pullback a lower probability event now? Moreover, does the selling panic of much of October turn into a buying panic in the coming weeks and months? I'm letting the charts lead me here but aware that this bullish case could possibly trump terrible economic conditions.

  • I still think the alt energy patch (solar, wind, battery tech, clean coal) will produce some of the best winners, but a lot of easy money has been made in just days. Quality and fundamentals will likely count much more now than over the past few months. Also, extended runs may become vulnerable quickly if policy decisions do not show quick tangible follow-through. Companies with the best balance sheets and funding sources will benefit the most and have the least downside on sharp technical pullbacks.

    • Continue reading Post-election investment thoughts: Energy, tech, infrastructure

    Post-election investment thoughts: Energy, tech, infrastructure originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    110508aecomakamakamaibbybest buyBestBuyctrixctxsfeaturedffivmdrobamapoliticspwrquantavmwWed, 05 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST    <![CDATA[The Coffee Stock: Starbucks woos the engaged with free coffee, lessons]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/the-coffee-stock-starbucks-woos-the-engaged-with-free-coffee-l/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/the-coffee-stock-starbucks-woos-the-engaged-with-free-coffee-l/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/the-coffee-stock-starbucks-woos-the-engaged-with-free-coffee-l/#commentsFiled under: ,

    Vienna, Austria is largely credited with creating the coffee house culture. Its venerable institution of a coffee shop, Café Central, was meeting place, workshop, living room for writers and political firebrands of all kinds. Revolutionist Leon Trotsky was just one famous patron. At the coffee house, you could be sure to connect with the most passionate and literate people around.

    While that culture persists in Vienna and many European cities, critics argue that Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX), McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) and Dunkin Donuts have devalued coffee's key role in literary and political engagement. I argued last month that this was one of the key failings of Starbucks over the past several years and that the company should endeavor to reclaim the coffeehouse feel. And small steps indicate the chain is trying. Publication of the GOOD sheet and offering free coffee for those who vote seem designed to target the engaged. [Aside: Starbucks changed its qualifications to "anyone who asks" to keep on the right side of election law, which generally bars inducing someone to vote -- or convincing them not to vote -- by giving them anything of value.]

    By aligning itself with an ad campaign that encourages voting and prompting its customers to delve deeply into a potentially political issue with its GOOD sheet, Starbucks is clearly attempting to rebrand itself from the accessory of the clueless pregnant celebrity (remember Britney Spears and Jennifer Garner while pregnant, always with a Starbucks cup in hand?) to the brain fuel of the cerebral community organizer. As bold and cutesy stuffed animals and children's insulated mugs are replaced on the counter space with an explanation of the economy or a description of U.S. immigration statistics, it's clear the company is working toward coffee house and away from its industry category ("quick service restaurant").

    Recent management comments in last week's New York Times point to more ways Starbucks is working to appeal to the engaged, intellectual consumer.

    Continue reading The Coffee Stock: Starbucks woos the engaged with free coffee, lessons

    The Coffee Stock: Starbucks woos the engaged with free coffee, lessons originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    cafe centralCafeCentralcoffeehousegood sheetGoodSheetinthenewsmcdpoliticssbuxstarbucksviennavotevotingTue, 04 Nov 2008 13:30:00 EST    <![CDATA[Governors message to Congress: Please save us]]>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/30/governors-message-to-congress-please-save-us/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/30/governors-message-to-congress-please-save-us/http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/10/30/governors-message-to-congress-please-save-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

    A bunch of governors went to Washington yesterday and asked Congress to send them tens of billion of dollars to help them balance their budgets. So, taxpayers in Texas can help the citizens of Michigan. According to The New york Times, "Appearing before separate congressional committees, they said that their states, like many others, had already moved to address budget deficits."

    It is not unfair for people paying federal income tax to ask why these states did not put aside money into "rainy day" funds when their treasuries were doing well. What about cutting down on all of those people who plant trees in state parks or the guys who mow the governor's lawn? What about the receptionist in the state assembly? Shouldn't all of those calls go directly to state officials?

    Governors like to spend their testimony time talking about all the hospital they have to close and the police they may have to fire. Of course, they don't show up with budgets taking out the cost of the state helicopter of the doughnut budget for the state highway patrol. Why should anyone with those perks suffer?

    Douglas A. McIntyre is an editor at 247wallst.com.

    Governors message to Congress: Please save us originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

    Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>    economyinthenewspoliticsstate budgetsStateBudgetsThu, 30 Oct 2008 11:11:00 EST