Thinking Outside The Box

It's a tough economy out there and many people are desperate for any kind of work. Desperate times call for desperate measures when the bill collector comes a calling. Getting ahead requires thinking outside of the box. But, don't just take my word for it.


Cassies - "The Pitch" from Cartilage Inc. on Vimeo.

Quants: The Alchemists of Wall Street

The credit crisis has shown how the global financial system has become increasingly dependent on mathematical models trying to quantify human (economic) behavior. What are the risks of treating the economy and its markets as a complex machine? Will we be able to keep control of this model- based financial system, or have we created a monster?


Source: VPRO Backlight

Happy Thanksgiving!

Well, as the markets have show these past two weeks, investors' economic fears (perhaps justifiably) have gotten the best of them. I'm not sure where we're headed in the near future, but if the markets keep heading south, I'm looking to capitalize on the opportunities being presented. In my opinion, things aren't as bleak as is being reported or being perceived by investors.

In this corrupt corporatocracy we live in, there are many things I could find fault with, but at least for today, I'm thankful for the non-financial things in my life, especially my good health. I hope you feel the same way and I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Image Source: Adam Zyglis: The Buffalo News

Weekly Wrap

It was a rough week for me this previous week. The three major market indexes ended the week with a 3-4% loss. Not only was I wrong about where the stock market would end for the week, but the flu hit me like a ton of bricks on Thursday. My body felt like it was pummeled with a 2x4. I'm just finally getting halfway back to normal today.

So, how was it that the often infallible Oracle of Burbank wasn't able to mystically forecast this past week's market movements with his usual accuracy? Like most intangible things, my reasons can't easily be quantified, but I think this best describes my situation for the week -

The Congressional Pass

Ever wonder how it is that many members of Congress leave their offices much richer than when they began their terms? Unlike the 99% of Americans who must abide by the rules of the game or be held accountable, Steve Kroft reports that members of Congress can legally trade stock (or other assets) based upon non-public information obtained on Capitol Hill.

We "average" Americans can be prosecuted for this type of criminal activity, but Congresspersons somehow get a pass on profiting from insider information.


Source: CBS News: 60 Minutes