Comments for Rational Speculation

Comment on The Other Warren Buffett by MJ

MJ — Mon, 05 May 2008 14:25:41 +0000

Mike, I can’t believe this guy, he is my hero now too.

Comment on Fed Bailout Consequences by Mike

Mike — Mon, 05 May 2008 07:16:53 +0000

Here’s a very descriptive and interactive pie chart from The New York Times business section visualizing the individual parts of the Consumer Price Index.

All of Inflation’s Little Parts

Comment on Beat The Street Game by Mike

Mike — Mon, 05 May 2008 01:11:13 +0000

I didn’t play last week because I’d put in an 80-hour week, but this week I’m off.. so here goes.

FSLR - Short
OIH - Short
QQQQ - Long
JAVA - Long
MORN - Short

Comment on Carter Bank & Trust by Mike

Mike — Sat, 03 May 2008 00:57:21 +0000

According to the Statement of Income that I received in the mail today (along with a $0.10/share dividend check), Carter Bank and Trust only managed to squeak out a $0.09 per share profit for the first quarter of 2008.

This is much less than the $0.14 per share profit for the same period last year.

According to an excerpt from the Statement of Income, Worth Harris Carter, Jr., the Chairman of the Board & President writes:

“..With the Fed continuing to reduce interest rates, the income from our investment portfolio declined $2.4 million. At the same time our interest income on loans increased $1 million as a result of increased volume. Our net interest income declined $1.4 million. Interest expense, however, increased $1 million and our net interest income declined $2.4 million. Non-interest income increased $500,000 while non-interest expense only increased $300,000. As a result, our income before taxes declined $2.2 million. Net income after taxes was down $1.275 million.”

Comment on April Update by MJ

MJ — Thu, 01 May 2008 02:31:44 +0000

Mike, I think in the market is changing or shifting or some other term like that. Things will either change, like new high mileage cars or more motorcycles and greater energy efficiency, or get a lot worse and then change.

I used to think America was stupid (see “President”), but what I really think is that America is slow. I think we will all come around, some just may do it a little quicker than others. 5-10 years from now a Prius will be considered a POS gas gussler, okay maybe not, but the market will demand something different. Make no mistake though, there is always money to be made.

Comment on April Update by Mike

Mike — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:40:08 +0000

Hmmm.. I didn’t think anyone was actually reading all my drivel. I value your differing opinions.

MJ.. IMO, the only reason the stock market hasn’t really tanked yet is because, so far, government intervention has successfully postponed the crisis.

I also agree that continued high oil prices will takes it’s toll, and I can’t see any reason why housing should turn around anytime soon.

trip.. being unconventional is one of my many faults. By the way, there’s big money in those Pop Tarts.