My View

Some random thoughts from a warped and fevered mind...

There was the sound of great rejoicing in the land as the Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 10,000 this week. The last time the DJIA was above that level was on October 7th, 2008. This is seen as an indicator that the economy has turned the corner and the markets are responding accordingly. In the words of that great market analyst, Lee Corso, "Not so fast, my friend." The economy still continues to struggle with unemployment that hovers close to 10% and anti-business and high tax proposals that are coming out of Washington. A falling dollar has helped to boost market returns, and while we enjoy it in the short term, long term this will be painful. Be cautious about assuming the worst is behind us.

It's a small world, but I wouldn't want to have to paint it.

Yesterday's saga of the balloon boy is beginning to appear as if it was a publicity stunt. Final judgement is awaiting, but in my view, it is a sad commentary that so many in our society have resorted to brazen stunts to garner their 15 minutes of fame. And this is a family that appears to savor the spotlight as evidenced by their previous appearances on reality television shows. My thought- you want your 15 minutes of fame? Try doing something that is worthwhile that betters the lives of others.

If you drink, don't drive. Don't even putt.

People of all political leanings are frustrated at the bloated and mostly unresponsive government in Washington and a Congress that seems to be disconnected from the people they ostensibly represent. There is much that can be said about that, but perhaps the most succinct summation comes from a founding father and U. S. president, John Adams. Adams said, "In my many years, I have come to the conclusion that one useless man is a shame; two is a law firm; and three or more is Congress." Unfortunately, those words are still ringing true today.

Always practice safe lunch- use a condiment.

And that, my friends, is my view