I just received word that my story about coming to grips with my bad golf game has been selected to appear in "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Golf Book: 101 Great Stories from the Course and the Clubhouse" which is scheduled to be available in bookstores on April 21, 2009. [Richie's Note: Or at amazon.com. This is not to be confused with "Chicken Soup for the Golfer's Soul" or "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tales of Golf and Sport: The Joy, Frustration, and Humor of Golf and Sport" or "Chicken Soup for the Golfer's Soul: 101 Stories of Insight, Inspiration and Laughter on the Links," previous editions that you may currently find in stores].
For those of you who want to get a sneak preview, here's a link to the original post. (This was a piece I wrote early last year, so some of you long time readers may already remember my lament).
Enjoy.
PS part of my payment is 10 complimentary copies of the book . 1 for Joanne and me, 1 for my sister, 1 for my mother, 1 for my mother and father-in law, 1 for my sister and brother-in-law, 1 for Richie, 1 for Alex (that makes 7 pledged already, whether they want it or not). 3 more unsuspecting victims left [Richie's Note: Or you can buy the book at Amazon for less than $11. Or your local bookstore. Full disclosure: Dad's remuneration is not based on the number of books sold, and he will not be quitting his day job.].
Monday, March 16, 2009
Ticket Master
In 'Brother , Can You Spare $350 a Game', Richard Sandomir looks on with amusement as the Yankees try to unload "premium" box seats starting at $350 and climbing to $2,500 per game (NY Times, March 15 ,2009). In this piece, he asks "who out there remembers $ 4.50 box seats". The answer is surprising.
I graduated from college in 1974 (the year before the Messersmith/McNally decision began the era of free agency in baseball). The price of a Yankee box seat in that year was $4 (riveraveblues.com). The average major league salary was $40,839 (stevetheump.com). 10 years later, the box seat prices had only risen to $9 and did not reach $10 until 1987. By the end of last year, the average major league salary had ballooned to $2,925,679 and the Yankees had raised their charge for box seats to $250.
Sandomir reports of the difficulties in the Yankees unloading these outrageously priced tickets in the middle of the worst economic cataclysm in almost 80 years. In December of last year, Randy Levine, the Yankees President, stated that "we are very sensitive to the economic conditions, to people's concerns. We monitor it very closely and if necessary, can make adjustments" (Associated Press, December 25, 2008). Two months later, Lonn Trost, the team's chief operating officer, acknowledged that the recession had an effect on the pace of sales of these 4,000 or so premium seats. Yet, when asked if the Yankees might drop the cost of these seats to entice buyers in these hard times, Troast replied "no, our prices are our prices" (Newsday.com, February 24, 2009)
We understand that sports long ago stopped being about anything but business. We recognize we are no longer being entertained like we are at a little league game but at a Springsteen concert. But while Nero continues to fiddle, Rome is definitely burning. In the span of 35 years, the top price for Yankee tickets has multiplied 90 fold and shows no signs of letting up.
We have come face to face with reality in 2009. The era of living dangerously has brought us to our collective knees. The stock and real estate market bubbles have burst. The sad truth is all around. Yet today, my cup of soda for the Yankee game costs well in excess of what my SEAT cost 35 years ago. The least expensive premium seat now costs more than my gross salary PER WEEK as a lawyer in 1977.
I have a message for the Yankees. Stop, for one brief moment, and really look around. Treat us like loyal customers who have sustained you throughout the years. We helped finance the building of the new Stadium. It holds 10,000 fewer seats than our old beloved stadium and many more luxury boxes. Thus, fewer of us get in to see our team and even fewer of us can find affordable seats.
In our time of trouble, don't slap us in the face, but reach out your hand and help us up. We see you as being like the executives from those companies who took our bail out money and then treated themselves to large bonuses.Take a smaller bonus this year and put that extra money back in our pockets.Don't continue to drink champagne when we can't afford the price of your soda.
I graduated from college in 1974 (the year before the Messersmith/McNally decision began the era of free agency in baseball). The price of a Yankee box seat in that year was $4 (riveraveblues.com). The average major league salary was $40,839 (stevetheump.com). 10 years later, the box seat prices had only risen to $9 and did not reach $10 until 1987. By the end of last year, the average major league salary had ballooned to $2,925,679 and the Yankees had raised their charge for box seats to $250.
Sandomir reports of the difficulties in the Yankees unloading these outrageously priced tickets in the middle of the worst economic cataclysm in almost 80 years. In December of last year, Randy Levine, the Yankees President, stated that "we are very sensitive to the economic conditions, to people's concerns. We monitor it very closely and if necessary, can make adjustments" (Associated Press, December 25, 2008). Two months later, Lonn Trost, the team's chief operating officer, acknowledged that the recession had an effect on the pace of sales of these 4,000 or so premium seats. Yet, when asked if the Yankees might drop the cost of these seats to entice buyers in these hard times, Troast replied "no, our prices are our prices" (Newsday.com, February 24, 2009)
We understand that sports long ago stopped being about anything but business. We recognize we are no longer being entertained like we are at a little league game but at a Springsteen concert. But while Nero continues to fiddle, Rome is definitely burning. In the span of 35 years, the top price for Yankee tickets has multiplied 90 fold and shows no signs of letting up.
We have come face to face with reality in 2009. The era of living dangerously has brought us to our collective knees. The stock and real estate market bubbles have burst. The sad truth is all around. Yet today, my cup of soda for the Yankee game costs well in excess of what my SEAT cost 35 years ago. The least expensive premium seat now costs more than my gross salary PER WEEK as a lawyer in 1977.
I have a message for the Yankees. Stop, for one brief moment, and really look around. Treat us like loyal customers who have sustained you throughout the years. We helped finance the building of the new Stadium. It holds 10,000 fewer seats than our old beloved stadium and many more luxury boxes. Thus, fewer of us get in to see our team and even fewer of us can find affordable seats.
In our time of trouble, don't slap us in the face, but reach out your hand and help us up. We see you as being like the executives from those companies who took our bail out money and then treated themselves to large bonuses.Take a smaller bonus this year and put that extra money back in our pockets.Don't continue to drink champagne when we can't afford the price of your soda.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
I support McCain
I come to you with a dirty little secret that I must reveal. I have found a Republican to believe in. I may be late to the party, but as they say, better late than never. There is a voice of reason in town, and it is one that draws me in. That voice belongs to McCain. Meghan McCain.
The daughter of the former Republican nominee for President, Ms. McCain is an outspoken critic of the extremists that now populate the party. She has chosen to take on one of those voices in Ann Coulter. The Huffington Post (3/9/09) quotes Ms. McCain as stating that "I don't understand this woman or her popularity. I find her offensive, radical, insulting and confusing all at the same time."
McCain has also taken verbal swipes at Michael Steele and his new hip-hop strategy for the party. While professing her love for the GOP, McCain has recently commented they have to become more moderate and reach out especially to younger voters (Rachel Maddow Show, 3/11/09).
This is a woman willing to be different. In her blog, McCainBlogette.com, she speaks of the tattoo she should get to commemorate her time on the campaign trail with her father. She says the unofficial survey is leaning toward McCAIN in gothic letters on the base of her neck. (McCainBlogette.com, 3/7/09)
Tattoos and outspoken criticism of her own party. Next, I wonder if she will go after the godfather of the party, Rush Limbaugh. This is my kind of woman.
She is only 24 and professes no interest in a future in politics. Until recently she was an independent but has now registered with her father's party. I have a fundamental difference with the policy beliefs which this party espouses. However, in distancing herself from the worst of the lot, she is certainly a breath of fresh air for the Republicans.
The daughter of the former Republican nominee for President, Ms. McCain is an outspoken critic of the extremists that now populate the party. She has chosen to take on one of those voices in Ann Coulter. The Huffington Post (3/9/09) quotes Ms. McCain as stating that "I don't understand this woman or her popularity. I find her offensive, radical, insulting and confusing all at the same time."
McCain has also taken verbal swipes at Michael Steele and his new hip-hop strategy for the party. While professing her love for the GOP, McCain has recently commented they have to become more moderate and reach out especially to younger voters (Rachel Maddow Show, 3/11/09).
This is a woman willing to be different. In her blog, McCainBlogette.com, she speaks of the tattoo she should get to commemorate her time on the campaign trail with her father. She says the unofficial survey is leaning toward McCAIN in gothic letters on the base of her neck. (McCainBlogette.com, 3/7/09)
Tattoos and outspoken criticism of her own party. Next, I wonder if she will go after the godfather of the party, Rush Limbaugh. This is my kind of woman.
She is only 24 and professes no interest in a future in politics. Until recently she was an independent but has now registered with her father's party. I have a fundamental difference with the policy beliefs which this party espouses. However, in distancing herself from the worst of the lot, she is certainly a breath of fresh air for the Republicans.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
The hearing
When we visited the Beatles a few months ago they were weighing in on the trials and tribulations of the political campaign.
Now it turns out that Bernie Madoff, those speaking on behalf of the victims and the judge in his criminal matter have all agreed that they will rely solely on quotes from the Beatles when making their statements in court today. I was able to get a copy of the statements ahead of time, and you are the fortunate ones to get a sneak preview.
MADOFF-
I should have known better...I should have realized a lot of things before (I should have known better)
I'm a loser, I'm a loser and I'm not what I appear to be...What have I done to deserve such a fate. I realize I have left it too late, and so it's true pride comes before a fall (I'm a loser)
But if I seem to act unkind it's only me, it's not my mind (I want to tell you)
If you've got trouble, then you got less trouble than me, you say you're worried, you can't be as worried as me (If you've got trouble)
Well I hope you come and see me in the movies, then I know you will plainly see, the biggest fool that ever hit the big time, all I gotta do is act naturally (Act naturally)
I'm down (I'm really down), I'm down (Down on the ground), I'm down (I'm really down) (I'm down)
Well, don't you know I can't take it, I don't know who can, I'm not gonna make it, I'm not that kind of man (I call your name)
Crying, crying tears keep a falling all night long, waiting, waiting, it seems so useless, I know it's wrong to keep on ... crying, crying , crying (Crying, waiting hoping)
Ev'ry night the tears come down from my eyes, ev'ry day I've done nothing but cry, it won't be long yeh, yeh (It won't be long)
Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away, now it looks as though they're here to stay, oh I believe in yesterday. (Yesterday)
If I could get my way, I'd get locked up today.(I'll cry instead)
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE VICTIMS
Tell me why you cried and why you lied to me. Tell me why you cried and why you lied to me. Well, I gave you everything I had but you left me sitting on my own. (Tell me why)
What goes on in your heart , what goes on in your mind, you are tearing me apart when you treatt me so unkind , what goes on in your mind (What goes on)
He's as blind as he can be, just sees what he wants to see, nowhere man can you see me at all (Nowhere man)
Hold your head up you silly (boy) look what you've done. When you find yourself in the thick of it, help yourself to a bit of what is all around you silly (boy) (Martha my dear)
Have you seen the little piggies crawling in the dirt, and for all the little piggies life is getting worse, always having dirt to play around in...In their styles with all their backing they don't see what goes on around. In their eyes there's something lacking. What they needs a damn good whacking. (Piggies)
I don't know how you were diverted, you were perverted too (While my guitar gently weeps)
Try to realize it's all within yourself,no one else can make you change. And to see you're really only very small and life flows on with or without you (Within or without you)
The best things in life are free, but you can't tell me 'bout the birds and bees, Now gimme money, THAT'S WHAT I WANT, that's what I want, THAT'S WHAT I WANT (That's what I want)
JUDGE
Boy you're gonna carry that weight, carry that weight a long time (Carry that weight)
Day after day alone on a hill, the man with the foolish grin is keeping perfectly still, but nobody wants to know him, they can see that he's just a fool... and nobody seems to like him, they can tell what he wants to do, and he never shows his feelings, but the fool on the hill sees the sun going down (The fool on the hill)
For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool by making his world a little colder (Hey Jude)
Cry baby cry, make your mother sigh (Cry baby cry)
And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make (The end)
The sentencing in this case will not occur for several months. It has been rumored at that time that the Beatles' songbook will again be the sole source for the closing chapter in this saga. I will see if we can get a peek at those words before they are uttered in open court.
Now it turns out that Bernie Madoff, those speaking on behalf of the victims and the judge in his criminal matter have all agreed that they will rely solely on quotes from the Beatles when making their statements in court today. I was able to get a copy of the statements ahead of time, and you are the fortunate ones to get a sneak preview.
MADOFF-
I should have known better...I should have realized a lot of things before (I should have known better)
I'm a loser, I'm a loser and I'm not what I appear to be...What have I done to deserve such a fate. I realize I have left it too late, and so it's true pride comes before a fall (I'm a loser)
But if I seem to act unkind it's only me, it's not my mind (I want to tell you)
If you've got trouble, then you got less trouble than me, you say you're worried, you can't be as worried as me (If you've got trouble)
Well I hope you come and see me in the movies, then I know you will plainly see, the biggest fool that ever hit the big time, all I gotta do is act naturally (Act naturally)
I'm down (I'm really down), I'm down (Down on the ground), I'm down (I'm really down) (I'm down)
Well, don't you know I can't take it, I don't know who can, I'm not gonna make it, I'm not that kind of man (I call your name)
Crying, crying tears keep a falling all night long, waiting, waiting, it seems so useless, I know it's wrong to keep on ... crying, crying , crying (Crying, waiting hoping)
Ev'ry night the tears come down from my eyes, ev'ry day I've done nothing but cry, it won't be long yeh, yeh (It won't be long)
Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away, now it looks as though they're here to stay, oh I believe in yesterday. (Yesterday)
If I could get my way, I'd get locked up today.(I'll cry instead)
STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF THE VICTIMS
Tell me why you cried and why you lied to me. Tell me why you cried and why you lied to me. Well, I gave you everything I had but you left me sitting on my own. (Tell me why)
What goes on in your heart , what goes on in your mind, you are tearing me apart when you treatt me so unkind , what goes on in your mind (What goes on)
He's as blind as he can be, just sees what he wants to see, nowhere man can you see me at all (Nowhere man)
Hold your head up you silly (boy) look what you've done. When you find yourself in the thick of it, help yourself to a bit of what is all around you silly (boy) (Martha my dear)
Have you seen the little piggies crawling in the dirt, and for all the little piggies life is getting worse, always having dirt to play around in...In their styles with all their backing they don't see what goes on around. In their eyes there's something lacking. What they needs a damn good whacking. (Piggies)
I don't know how you were diverted, you were perverted too (While my guitar gently weeps)
Try to realize it's all within yourself,no one else can make you change. And to see you're really only very small and life flows on with or without you (Within or without you)
The best things in life are free, but you can't tell me 'bout the birds and bees, Now gimme money, THAT'S WHAT I WANT, that's what I want, THAT'S WHAT I WANT (That's what I want)
JUDGE
Boy you're gonna carry that weight, carry that weight a long time (Carry that weight)
Day after day alone on a hill, the man with the foolish grin is keeping perfectly still, but nobody wants to know him, they can see that he's just a fool... and nobody seems to like him, they can tell what he wants to do, and he never shows his feelings, but the fool on the hill sees the sun going down (The fool on the hill)
For well you know that it's a fool who plays it cool by making his world a little colder (Hey Jude)
Cry baby cry, make your mother sigh (Cry baby cry)
And in the end the love you take is equal to the love you make (The end)
The sentencing in this case will not occur for several months. It has been rumored at that time that the Beatles' songbook will again be the sole source for the closing chapter in this saga. I will see if we can get a peek at those words before they are uttered in open court.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The First Night
He was having difficulty breathing. He was trying to remember how to get air into his lungs. He felt nauseated.
As the walls began to close in on him, he sank to his knees. He could no longer hold the weight of his body under him.
His heart was beating wildly. There was either pain or numbness radiating to his limbs. In his anxiety, he was unable to distinguish.
He tried to crawl over to his bed but was unable to move.
He felt himself falling forward. As he reached out to break his fall, his arms failed him, and he landed heavily on his face. His glasses flew away and blood appeared on his lower lip.
He lay motionless. He had neither the strength or the courage to call out.
This was going to be the longest night of his life.
This may not be how Bernie Madoff envisions the first night of the rest of his life behind bars. But, as he gets into bed tonight he knows the end is near. The nightmares will soon be real. Sleep will not come easily this evening.
As the walls began to close in on him, he sank to his knees. He could no longer hold the weight of his body under him.
His heart was beating wildly. There was either pain or numbness radiating to his limbs. In his anxiety, he was unable to distinguish.
He tried to crawl over to his bed but was unable to move.
He felt himself falling forward. As he reached out to break his fall, his arms failed him, and he landed heavily on his face. His glasses flew away and blood appeared on his lower lip.
He lay motionless. He had neither the strength or the courage to call out.
This was going to be the longest night of his life.
This may not be how Bernie Madoff envisions the first night of the rest of his life behind bars. But, as he gets into bed tonight he knows the end is near. The nightmares will soon be real. Sleep will not come easily this evening.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Buffetted by the Wind(bags)
We have become readers of the ouija board, tarot cards and the crystal ball. We look for truth in tea leaves. We are searching for answers that elude us.
We see things that are not. We miss things that are. We find what we have overlooked and overlook what we are staring at. We guess and second guess. We look forward and then back. We have been told the time was right to dive in the water and then later that we have fallen off the cliff. We are going in so many directions we have lost our way completely.
We want all those uncertain to stop sounding certain. We beseech you to quiet down until we have quieted down. We are confused enough. We don't need more noise in our heads.
We await the day when the clouds disappear and the future becomes clear. We will let you know when that day arrives. We are shutting you off and shutting you up until then.
We see things that are not. We miss things that are. We find what we have overlooked and overlook what we are staring at. We guess and second guess. We look forward and then back. We have been told the time was right to dive in the water and then later that we have fallen off the cliff. We are going in so many directions we have lost our way completely.
We want all those uncertain to stop sounding certain. We beseech you to quiet down until we have quieted down. We are confused enough. We don't need more noise in our heads.
We await the day when the clouds disappear and the future becomes clear. We will let you know when that day arrives. We are shutting you off and shutting you up until then.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Black and Blue Chips
In the latest twist to the "brother can you spare a dime" story, there is a report in the NY Times ('Slump humbling Blue Chip stocks, Once Dow's Pride', 3/6/09 by Jack Healy) about just how far your dollar will take you in the stock market. This is really a tale of the fading American dream.
What we are going through on a daily basis is a vote on our chances of survival. Strengths and weaknesses of a particular company are irrelevant. Long term analysis has been replaced by nightmares of what tomorrow will bring.
We are in free-fall. We appear as one to be going into hibernation and taking our ever dwindling pile of food with us for the long winter. While daylight saving time will soon add light to our days, and the cold will soon moderate, we seem to be headed into the caves. Nothing seems to follow its natural order.
Some day soon I hope we feel that the choices we are making as an administration have made a positive impact. Until then, I am afraid many more people will be buying GE fluorescent light bulbs than will be acquiring a piece of that company's future.
What we are going through on a daily basis is a vote on our chances of survival. Strengths and weaknesses of a particular company are irrelevant. Long term analysis has been replaced by nightmares of what tomorrow will bring.
We are in free-fall. We appear as one to be going into hibernation and taking our ever dwindling pile of food with us for the long winter. While daylight saving time will soon add light to our days, and the cold will soon moderate, we seem to be headed into the caves. Nothing seems to follow its natural order.
Some day soon I hope we feel that the choices we are making as an administration have made a positive impact. Until then, I am afraid many more people will be buying GE fluorescent light bulbs than will be acquiring a piece of that company's future.
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Minor Alterations
A little nip here, a little tuck there. No one will notice. Someone did.
My hometown of Fort Lee, NJ got a little unwanted notoriety today. It seems that someone in the high school system has been altering transcripts sent to colleges on behalf of an unknown number of students. In today's Record, our local newspaper, it is reported that this practice has been going on for at least 6 years. The length and scope of the deception has not yet been made public knowledge. The perpetrator or perpetrators have not yet been named.
It is as though the steroids era has now reached the world of college advocacy. The line between right and wrong has been moved once more.
In 2007, Touro College's former admissions director and former computer center director, along with 3 New York City public school teachers were indicted on charges that they were among 10 people in a "cash for grades scheme" in which transcripts were altered and degrees were created for people who never attended the institution, including the 3 teachers. (New York Times, July 17, 2007)
In 2008, 2 high school students were charged wtih hacking into the school's computer system and changing the grades on their transcripts. (Orange County Register, June 17, 2008).
From initial reports, it appears that this latest incident was neither for money or for personal acceptance into a college. We now find ourselves on to the next level of irrationality.
One wonders where the win at all costs philosophy will take us. Living in today's world, we are surprised by almost nothing. The next chapter awaits around the bend.
My hometown of Fort Lee, NJ got a little unwanted notoriety today. It seems that someone in the high school system has been altering transcripts sent to colleges on behalf of an unknown number of students. In today's Record, our local newspaper, it is reported that this practice has been going on for at least 6 years. The length and scope of the deception has not yet been made public knowledge. The perpetrator or perpetrators have not yet been named.
It is as though the steroids era has now reached the world of college advocacy. The line between right and wrong has been moved once more.
In 2007, Touro College's former admissions director and former computer center director, along with 3 New York City public school teachers were indicted on charges that they were among 10 people in a "cash for grades scheme" in which transcripts were altered and degrees were created for people who never attended the institution, including the 3 teachers. (New York Times, July 17, 2007)
In 2008, 2 high school students were charged wtih hacking into the school's computer system and changing the grades on their transcripts. (Orange County Register, June 17, 2008).
From initial reports, it appears that this latest incident was neither for money or for personal acceptance into a college. We now find ourselves on to the next level of irrationality.
One wonders where the win at all costs philosophy will take us. Living in today's world, we are surprised by almost nothing. The next chapter awaits around the bend.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
the fighter (a history of our country's resiliency)
Looking every bit his advanced years, the fighter staggers back to the corner. His red, white and blue trunks are spattered in blood. He is facing an opponent who seems to be coming at him from all angles. He appears defenseless, and out of answers. He sits on his stool wondering how he can summon the strength to go on.
He has fought many epic battles through a long and illustrious career. In his youth, seemingly overmatched against the long time ruler of his division, he had won a great victory, ending his opponent's reign of domination.
He had even been compelled to go face to face and toe to toe against his own brother. It was a bloody and horrific mess, long and torturous for both sides.
Through the years he had rebuffed the attempts of many from other lands who thought they had the power to overcome him. Though many tried, none prevailed.
In his own camp, mismanagement and greed had, in the not too distant past, threatened to strip him of everything. He had almost succumbed once, and had dealt with other financial troubles through the succeeding years, but he had always clawed his way back to the top. Now, he seemed to be facing the greatest test of them all.
He searches in his corner for answers, or at least words of encouragement. Where there had always been nothing but bravado now there was nothing. Silence.
He turns his weary gaze towards his opponent, who is standing and smiling broadly. The smell of victory is in the air, and the giant that faces him is anxious to finish it off. He is sure that this will be the final bell for his all but vanquished foe.
It is in his opponent's eyes that the weary warrior finds his vision. He will not let this happen. When he looks across the ring he sees not the one person awaiting the kill but the millions of eyes that are counting on their hero to arise from the ashes. He will not let them see him defeated and diminished. He will have to extinguish that look of arrogance in his opponent for all who count on him and need him. Their strength will be his strength.
As the bell rings, the fighter springs off his stool and rushes out to the middle of the ring. In an instant, the combatants are throwing their best shots at one another. This is far from over.
He has fought many epic battles through a long and illustrious career. In his youth, seemingly overmatched against the long time ruler of his division, he had won a great victory, ending his opponent's reign of domination.
He had even been compelled to go face to face and toe to toe against his own brother. It was a bloody and horrific mess, long and torturous for both sides.
Through the years he had rebuffed the attempts of many from other lands who thought they had the power to overcome him. Though many tried, none prevailed.
In his own camp, mismanagement and greed had, in the not too distant past, threatened to strip him of everything. He had almost succumbed once, and had dealt with other financial troubles through the succeeding years, but he had always clawed his way back to the top. Now, he seemed to be facing the greatest test of them all.
He searches in his corner for answers, or at least words of encouragement. Where there had always been nothing but bravado now there was nothing. Silence.
He turns his weary gaze towards his opponent, who is standing and smiling broadly. The smell of victory is in the air, and the giant that faces him is anxious to finish it off. He is sure that this will be the final bell for his all but vanquished foe.
It is in his opponent's eyes that the weary warrior finds his vision. He will not let this happen. When he looks across the ring he sees not the one person awaiting the kill but the millions of eyes that are counting on their hero to arise from the ashes. He will not let them see him defeated and diminished. He will have to extinguish that look of arrogance in his opponent for all who count on him and need him. Their strength will be his strength.
As the bell rings, the fighter springs off his stool and rushes out to the middle of the ring. In an instant, the combatants are throwing their best shots at one another. This is far from over.
Monday, March 2, 2009
Quiz
1) what is a stress test?
2) how many banks are being tested?
3) what happens if a bank fails a stress test?
4) how does a bank fail a test?
5) do we own preferred stock or common stock in troubled banks?
6) what is the difference?
7) how many times have we bailed out AIG?
8) how much $ has AIG received?
9) what do we own in AIG?
10) how much has Citigroup received in assistance?
11) how much has Bank of America received in assistance?
12) what was the 4th quarter reported loss by AIG?
13) how much has the govemment handed out in bail out funds?
14) has any of the stimulus money been handed out?
15) how much $ have each of the Big 3 received?
16) do any of the Big 3 have requests for more $?
17) do we own a stake in any of the Big 3?
18) who pushes the buttons on the decision to hand out monies?
I seem to have an ability to retain numbers. I read each day about what is happening 'out there'. Yet it is next to impossible for me to retain or comprehend this information.
Does it all seem like one big swirling mass? They talk about trying to wrap your arms around a problem. Whose arms are that big?
2) how many banks are being tested?
3) what happens if a bank fails a stress test?
4) how does a bank fail a test?
5) do we own preferred stock or common stock in troubled banks?
6) what is the difference?
7) how many times have we bailed out AIG?
8) how much $ has AIG received?
9) what do we own in AIG?
10) how much has Citigroup received in assistance?
11) how much has Bank of America received in assistance?
12) what was the 4th quarter reported loss by AIG?
13) how much has the govemment handed out in bail out funds?
14) has any of the stimulus money been handed out?
15) how much $ have each of the Big 3 received?
16) do any of the Big 3 have requests for more $?
17) do we own a stake in any of the Big 3?
18) who pushes the buttons on the decision to hand out monies?
I seem to have an ability to retain numbers. I read each day about what is happening 'out there'. Yet it is next to impossible for me to retain or comprehend this information.
Does it all seem like one big swirling mass? They talk about trying to wrap your arms around a problem. Whose arms are that big?
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