Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Ford vs GM

I am fairly new to investing in the stock market, but I have been watching from the sidelines for years. One thing I do understand is a lot of investors utilize emotion to influence stock picks. GM and Chrysler went begging from money from the government to continue doing business and Ford did not, instead opting for a possible smaller loan in the future if the other two go belly up. That gives me more confidence in Ford. They are in better shape financially. If this is true, why is GM stock outperforming Ford. Is it just because people think the government Will bail out GM forever? They will be back asking for more money next year. The billion that they are getting this year is just to get them through this year. So, please if you know or think you know why GM stock is doing better than Ford please tell me. Leave a comment! I really would like to make money and stocks are cheap now. Tell me what you would buy or not buy. Tell if you would stay out of the market right now, and if so where would you put your money to get a decent return. I know people read blogs to get advice, but I read a lot of blogs and the comments are full of "this is what I am doing". Let me know!

Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Not a Pump and Dump (A Proven Stock)

Since I am trying to increase my wealth in order to retire earlier, I am keeping a close eye on the stock market. I did not have any money in stocks prior to the current situation but I have been a lurker for years. I do have money in 2 401Ks but that is another story for another time. What I want to say is about Ford (F). Yesterday, it announced that it may be able to make it on its own, but want a $9B standby loan just in case either of the other two declare bankruptcy which would affect Ford because they use a lot of the same parts dealers, etc. Well to me this makes Ford seem like a good buy if they don't need a taxpayer bailout. However, my expectations of a massive buying spree was disappointing to say the least. Maybe I don't get it. Do people want Ford to take a $25B dollar bailout? It would put more money on their books but it would also add to their debt (If they plan to pay it back). Well, I for one will keep buying Ford, unless something radical happens. It was 2.70/share yesterday. When this stockaphobia people have is over and it starts climbing maybe I will be able to retire.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Is it Just Me? US Space Program Costly in this Economy

Is it just me or does anyone else think that continually flying the space shuttle to the International Space Station (ISS) in this economy is ridiculous. At a time when we are handing out 100's of billions of dollars of taxpayers money to bailout failing banks, automobile manufacturers, and now people who let themselves be duped into buying more house than they could afford with no money down, we should be cutting back on unnecessary spending. Now don't get me wrong, I am pro-science and an environmental scientist myself but every time we launch a shuttle it cost the US taxpayers. The space shuttle Endeavour cost 1.7 billion dollars, and every time it is launched it cost approximately 450 million per mission.

Yes, I now that we have personnel on board the space station that need to be replaced ever so often. The space shuttle also carries vital supplies to the space station. However, It is in the name of the space station, International. The US should let some of the other countries shoulder the burden. The ISS is the largest international scientific and technological endeavor ever undertaken, It draws on the resources and scientific expertise of 16 nations around the world. Canada, Japan, 11 members of the European Space Agency, Russia and Brazil are our partners.

There are other space vehicles. The Russian's have the Soyuz it is used primarily to deliver crews to space. Furthermore, Russian cargo ships have been used to deliver supplies to the ISS. The Chinese have developed the Shenzhou spacecraft to support its manned spaceflight program. The European Union has developed the Ariane 5 , an expendable launch designed to deliver payloads into geostationary orbit transfer orbit or low Earth orbit. In March 2008, the first Ariane 5 ES-ATV was launched to deliver the first Automatic Transfer Vehicle (ATV) called Jules Verne to the ISS. The ATV is an expendable, unmanned resuppply spacecraft. ATVs are designed to supply the ISS with propellant, water, air, payload and experiments. In addition, ATVs can reboost the station into a higher orbit.

So far, 30 out of 44 manned spacecraft dockings have been a US Space Shuttle. The rest have been Russia's Soyuz. There have been 34 unmanned space dockings, primarily Russian. Now, I am sure that Russia's economy is in no better shape than ours, but spending billions every few months to send people to a lab in space does not make sense.

I am not suggesting that we abandon the space program altogether, just bring the brave souls who live up there home and postpone future flights until the economy gets better or keep them up there but let our partner countries shoulder some of the burden.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Thailand People's Protest Affect Americans

As I write this there is a rebellion going on in Bangkok. I do not claim to understand all of the issues involved, but a Thai faction is protesting and holding Americans (as well as other tourist)hostage, well sort of, they have taken over Bangkok's major airport and will not let them leave. This public dissatisfaction has been going on for a couple of years. As I understand it this ongoing coup was started to get the previous Prime Minister, Thaksin to step down for various reasons including allegations of corruption. BTW, Thaksin is a billionaire making his riches in communications, banking, transport and real estate.

In 2006, the Thai Army overthrew the government of Thaksin Shinawatra and soon afterwards King Bhumibol Adulyadej appointed Surayud Chulanont as Prime Minister until democratic elections could be held. In 2008, Chulanont was succeeded by Samak Sundaravej who filled the post for 8 months amid public street protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD). The PAD consists of middle and upper-class Bangkokians and Southerners, supported by the conservative elite and factions of the Thai Army, some leaders of Democrat Party, and leaders of state-enterprise labor unions.

On September 9th, Sundaravej was disqualified from premiership due to complaints lodged by the Senators and the Election Commission of Thailand. However, the People Power Party (PPP) vowed to vote him back to the premiership. Despite objections from its coalition partners, the PPP, in an urgent meeting, unanimously decided to renominate Samak Sundaravej. Ultimately, the Issan faction of the PPP and the coalition parties boycotted the vote. The boycott was a sign of Samak's disapproval from both his own party's members and coalition parties. Finally Samak gave up his re-election bid, allowing his party to choose new nominee. The majority of his party and coalitions eventually voted for Somchai Wongsawat, deputy prime minister, to be the new premier. Somchai Wongsawat was elected as Prime Minister in September 2008.

This brings us to what is happening in Bangkok currently. On October 7, 2008, protesters attempted to hold 320 parliamentarians and senators hostage inside the Parliament building, cutting off power, and forcing Somchai Wongsawat to escape by jumping a back fence after his policy address. But other trapped legislators failed to leave and flee from the demonstration. The 6-week sit-in and siege on the area beside the near prime minister’s office forced the government to transfer its activities to the former international airport. One female protester was killed after police use force to push back the demonstration and hundreds were injured.

In November, PAD forces blockaded Parliament prior to a crucial legislative session, used hijacked public buses to take control of the government's provisional offices at the former international airport. They have now seized the passenger terminal and control tower of Suvarnabhumi International Airport, forcing the airport to cancel all flights.

The PAD has called for the resignation of the governments of Thaksin Shinawatra, as well as Somchai Wongsawat, whom the PAD accused of being a proxy for Thaksin. The PAD refused to stop its protests, noting that Somchai is Thaksin's brother-in-law; thus, claiming failure of popular democracy in Thailand. The PAD has wants constitutional amendments making Parliament a largely royally-appointed body. The PAD is largely composed of royalist, and has regularly invoked the King in its protests, and has claimed that its enemies are disloyal to the monarchy. It has openly called for the military and Thailand's traditional elite to take a greater role in politics.

To make matters worse, a rival pro-government group, the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DAAD) said the movement would consider any retreat by the government to be a military coup, and immediately launch a counter street offensive against the army, raising the prospect of clashes.

If you read this entire post, you may be wondering why I wrote it. The reason I try to keep up with the political as well as economical landscape of Thailand is that my wife is a Thai citizen and I have considered retiring in Thailand. Now, I am not sure. The Thai government has been unstable for a while but before this Americans were not really affected. I can only wait and see.

Monday, November 03, 2008

Save Sirius Radio

A group of shareholders have come up with a plan that they hope will save Sirius radio (SIRI). I personally believe that Sirus will come back. I also believe that the best way to do that is to buy stock in the company. Its a steal right now and when it does come back money will be made. However, this is is the plan that I referenced, and it can be found here:Save Sirius

There are millions of retail longs in SIRI. If we organize, we can save SIRI single handedly. Here is how. The debt to be refinanced on Feb, 2009 is $300M Let’s refinance ourselves. Open a trust escrow account, with single purpose of lending money to SIRI with very low interest. Many of longs are down at least thousands of dollars. So assume everyone of us puts just $100 in the trust, and we lend the money to SIRI with 2-3% rate. If every long puts $100, we need just 3 million guys. Next, we refinance the other two installments of debt that are due in 2009 in same manner. So overall, $300 for 2009 per person to refinance all three installments due in 2009. SIRI solves its debt issue until 2010 and gets breathing room to concentrate on business. Sounds unrealistic you say? Probably yes, but why should only likes of Icahn be an activist shareholders. WE CAN TOO.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

Bestmedicationstation site is back up

I am sorry for any inconvenience I caused anyone. I had to redo my website: Bestmedicationstation.com. Now, I am no wizard at webpage design or uploading essential files to the server, etc., The site was down for a while. That is the only reason it was down, my other sites were up but Best Medication Station is my biggie. So, now it is up and running just like before but with a few more options. So, if you need to order legal medication please consider us and visit bestmedicationstation.com. We have great prices and overnight shipping as always. Our best sellers are Soma (carisoprodol), Ultram (tramadol), and Fioricet (Butalbital and APAP). Again, thank you for your patience.

Friday, October 03, 2008

Believe it or not! Stock Picking Robot

Technology is a wonderful thing. Who would have thought that two geeks would have invented a stock picking robot that doubles your investment. That's what they state and have many credible references to back them up. You should check them out here. I am going to give it a try. Even if it is right 50% of the time what would you have to lose. Plus they give you a 2 month free trial. The point of this blog is to retire early, and this may be the way.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Undecided about the Federal Bailout

I am not sure what to make of the proposed federal bailout. At first I thought it might be a good idea to keep the US economy from sliding into a terrible recession or even a great depression. I also thought that perhaps the bailout would boost confidence in the stock market ans I could get in on some of the deflated stocks just as they would become more valuable. Now I am not so sure.

If the bailout did not happen I am not sure how it would affect me but I am sure I would survive. The proponents of this plan say banks do not have money to lend. Well I am not planning on taking out any loans anytime soon. I have several credit cards but I pay the balance off monthly. I have a mortgage but unlike the people who got caught up in the whole subprime ARM mortgage scheme, I knew better and had a great credit score, so I got a 6% 30 year fixed mortgage. I also am not trying to keep up with anyone or impress anyone so I bought a modest pre-owned house in a good neighborhood. I have two vehicles paid off so I will not be financing a car anytime soon.

The biggest uncertainty if the bailout did not happen is how it would affect my job. I do not know anything about how their finances work. I do know that they make most of their money on government contracts. We do consulting work for the Corps of Engineers, FEMA, Border Patrol, DOD and many others. We also do work for the private sector. However, if there were a run on banks, how would they pay me? I also have my savings in banks and 401ks. what would happen to that money. Does the FDIC have enough to cover all the the banks that could possibly fail? Would I lose all the money in the 401ks? 401ks are not insured by the FDIC.

I know it is not fair to use taxpayer monies to cover greedy banks and lenders, or ignorant people who fell prey to them. People should know how much home they can afford and live below their means not above them.

Whatever happens I know that I have no control over what congress does, but I do have control over how I react. I am not panicking, I just rode out two hurricanes and did not panic, I was prepared but I was prepared long before the storms formed. I think the same logic should be applied to the economy. I should have been prepared well before the "crisis", and you can bet that next time I will be.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

A web site for greedy people

Well since I have nothing to do but sit around and wait to see if Hurricane Gustaf is gonna mow my property down, I surf the web for anything interesting. Since one of my reasons to even maintain this blog (if you could call what I do maintaining)is to find ways to make money so I can retire early. Anyhow, I ran across an interesting web site last night called GreedyPeople.com. Members of this site can state what they would do for money or they could take other members up on their proposals. Some of these can be relatively simple to downright weird. One fellow wanted to pay someone $25 to go into the store and buy feminine pads for his girlfriend because he was embarrassed to do it and she wanted him to. I would do it in a heartbeat, since I have been married for many years and after a while you just do not care what others think. I signed up but I have not received my activation email yet. I guess I am out of $25, I wonder if he would pay travel expenses also because I do not know where he lives? Anyway check it out here. If you become a paying member mention my name: Snakeflake.

Tired of waiting on Hurricane Gustaf to hit

I live right in the path of what the experts are saying is the route Hurricane Gustaf will most likely take. Although I live approximately 60 miles inland, if it comes this way it will likely be very nasty. I was here during Katrina and Rita. I have been watching the weather for days saying "Hurricanes can change direction on a dime" or "It will probably change direction. Well it has not so I am very tired from preparing for a hit. I have filled sandbags, moved or tied everything down in the yard. I do not live in a flood zone but I don't think that matters when you get 12 inches of rain overnight as they have predicted. I have no flood insurance, so if anything happens I hope it is wind damage and not water. What a way to spend a long labor day weekend! Maybe I will get Tuesday off if Gustaf hangs around. I really have the minimal necessities such as a small generator (very small can run two appliances), 10 gallons of gas, 10 gallons of water (tap water in a plastic storage container). I am not buying bottled water it is too expensive. I have a couple of flashlights, a battery powered lantern, and a radio. It is kind of scary but kind of exciting at the same time. I have been through many hurricanes before but not when I owned the house. Having a hurricane head for a home you have been paying on and still owe over 100K on is a different matter. Well if you never hear from me again after the hurricane, I probably lost it all.

Thursday, July 03, 2008

BestMedicationStation.com

I am still convinced that Bestmedicationstation.com is the cheapest and most reliable pharmacy on the web. However, I have encountered one setback, the company will not ship any meds tothe state of Louisiana. When I talked with the Customer service rep she said that they are in the process of getting a pharmacy liscense in LA. This hurts me considerably because I live in LA. If you do not live in La. this problem should not affect your orders and will continue to get them Fed-exed the next day. In the meantime I am going ot search for a internet pharmacy that does ship to La. and has quality service just like Bestmedicationstation.com. INthe meantime I hope they fix this problem because I have been ordering from them for 3 years and I do not like to change. If I find another site that is comparable I will let you know.

Governor Jindal finally Vetos pay raises!

Well, this has got to have some effect on the national political prospects for Bobby Jindal, the rising star from Louisiana. Jindal, the Louisiana governor, on Monday vetoed, after promising not to, a pay raise that the state Legislature had voted for itself. he Legislature wanted to more than double its pay to $37,500. Why did Jindal change his mind again? An uprising among voters, in the form of a recall petition. The Times-Picayune sums up the brief history: "Jindal was widely criticized for failing to stop the raise before it was passed and his initial refusal to veto it. He said he had promised lawmakers that he would not use his veto, but he also pledged during his gubernatorial campaign last year to prohibit an immediate legislative pay raise."

So to recap, first Jindal promised to stop the pay raise, then told legislators he wouldn't stop the pay raise, then -- looking at his own political mortality -- reversed direction again and stopped the pay raise. Jindal fell on the sword Monday, thanking "the people for their voice and their attention" -- that would be the recall petition -- and added: "The voters have demanded change. ... I made a mistake by staying out of it."

Now I did not vote for Jindal or against him for Governor of LA. I had just moved to LA from NM before But if it comes down to McCain/ Jindal or Obama/ Richardson I will pull the lever for McCain. I lived in New Mexico for Richardson's entire gubernatorial incumbancy, and I have never been a fan of his policies. He is a typical government fatcat. We do not need him in the VPs office. Notice I have not said anything bad about Obama because he has such little experience to criticize. You may say I am a typical republican but that would be wrong. I am a conservative who loves my county and wants whats best for it.

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Try the Amazon Kindle

Amazon Kindle is a revolutionary portable reader that wirelessly downloads books, newspapers, magazines and blogs to a crisp, high-resolution electronic paper display that looks and reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight. Kindle customers, no matter where they are in the U.S., can wirelessly shop the Kindle Store and download new content — all without a PC or a WiFi hot spot. Amazon pays for Kindle’s wireless connectivity so there are no monthly wireless bills and no service commitments for customers. The Kindle Store contains over 90,000 books that can be purchased and delivered wirelessly to Kindle, each in less than a minute. Customers can choose from hundreds of top newspapers, magazines and blogs and have their subscriptions auto-delivered wirelessly. All New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases are $9.99, unless marked otherwise. At 10.3 ounces, Kindle is lighter and thinner than a paperback book, carries two hundred books, and includes built-in access to The New Oxford American Dictionary and wireless access to the Earth’s biggest encyclopedia, Wikipedia.org. To purchase Kindle go here.

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Best Medication Station

I truly believe that the first online pharmacy I opened, Is still the best. It has a great selection of legal medications (Soma, Ultram, Fioricet, etc.). It has the lowest prices especially when you factor in that you get next day air shipping for free. I am getting out of the other medication businesses because you get the best at www.bestmedicationstation.com.

Friday, January 18, 2008

New Links to Online Pharmacies

I have come across some very new online pharmacies. Great prices and many helpful medications. Check them all out because the prices vary between pharmacies and medication ordered. RX24-7 is has great deals, you can view them here. My meds 365 is also a good pharmacy and you can viewm their products and prices here. Magellin rx has really low prices on ultram, check it out here. All of these websites have great deals on medications like Soma (carisoprodol) and Ultram (tramadol), and many many other useful medications such as antidepressants, men's health, antibiotics, etc. If you check them out, leave me a comment as to what you think. If you have a website that has lower prices or better service or even different products, please let me know.