The past two weeks have been a time of reflection for me. Maybe it's because a girl I worked with in high school began a class of 90-whatever group page. It's sort of cool to see how infrequently most of my former classmates make it back to the city we grew up in. Hey, I've been back three or four times this year and it's about a 90 minute drive so I'm no better than any of them. It's also interesting to see what became of them. It seems like the general rule is that most of my former classmates have two kids, are married and are gainfully employed. Ten years ago I never would have imagined that most of these people were capable of holding down a job and being parents. Hell, I can barely make it through some days but it seems like I am working two or three jobs some days. Not that I'm complaining.
And that leads me to my second area of reflection. A co-worker of eight years (he had been with our employer for 13 years) was laid off on Friday. I knew nothing good was going to come of us being called in to the conference room and I already had it figured out when I walked past my co-worker's cubicle. It's the second layoff in my department in two months. Layoffs are always brutal. This guy has a family. He has a house. He has financial responsibilities. He has a pre-teen daughter. He has a house. His wife owns her own business and was hit particularly hard during this depression (let's fucking face it, this isn't a recession, recessions end). I don't know how he's handling things. I plan on calling him at some point this week just because I'm quickly beginning to realize that my job could very well be the next and it never hurts to have a strong network.
It sounds bleak to say that and as much as I joked in a text to my old lady late Friday about running my family farm being closer than I had ever imagined, it's always our plan D. And plan D is close because we don't exactly have a plan B or plan C.
I could probably get more reflective but instead I'll give you an insanely annoying but addictive video professing one's love for farm equipment... weird.
Showing posts with label economics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label economics. Show all posts
Monday, September 12, 2011
Thursday, April 01, 2010
April Fools of years gone by
Blah, blah, blah. Today's April 1st. More commonly known as April Fools Day. It's some sort of free pass where you can play lame practical jokes on your boss and co-workers. You can call your wife, screaming, and tell her that you were just in a terrible accident and veer off into a bunch of jibberish and convince her that you're dying. You know, fun shit like that.
I should know because one year I convinced my old lady that I had some sort of terrible infection, apologized profusely, and asked her what it meant if it burned when I peed and my pee smelled like rotten ham. She didn't laugh.
I also, a few years ago, busted out that key command in Microsoft Windows that rotates the screen. My boss arrived to find the display on her monitor upside down. A year before that I stole the arms from her chair. Another year I taped down the hang-up button (or whatever it's called) on her phone so when she picked it up to retrieve her messages there was no dial tone.
But I'm beyond that. I even pulled a few tricks here on my blog including me angrily quitting blogging, discussed how we'd soon be homeless, had people fire off guesses about a huge November event and even our impending divorce. (Wow, my pranks are rather mean) But not this year.
This yea is all business as usual everywhere including my photo blog - MinnPics. Just be a good citizen and spread the word.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Do you like your job?
As someone I know goes through a huge transition in their job, it made me wonder just how many people truly love their job? How many people spring up each and every morning and are eager to get to their place of business and feel invigorated with each surprise the day throws at them?
On the flip side, how many people reluctantly roll out of bed each morning, grumbling their way to their place of business because they have to? How many people do so because it's a means to an end? They have bills to pay and have simply settled? The job is far from perfect but cash is needed so you do it.
It's the reason I've heard over and over again in the past year or two: "just be happy you have a job". Is that what we've come to as a country? Should we be happy to slog through each day working for a company who uses its underpaid minions to fatten their own wallets while shortchanging those who produce the true results? Maybe those w ho wade through the daily bullshit will also be rewarded one day but having seen both good times and bad I am skeptical at best.
Maybe in the end it all balances out and those whose dreams were crushed, whose talents were overlooked and whose hard work was taken advantage of without proper recognition will prosper. After all, the meek shall inherit the earth, right?
If reading this got you down, check out the far happier MinnPics - it's full of stunning, mind-blowing photos from across Minnesota!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Hooray! The recession is over!
Well, if I read it on Slate, it has to be true. Or dripping with sarcasm. Which is exactly how I like things to be.
If this recession, which at times still has me scurrying for a box to pack up everything on and in my desk, is over does that mean that I will someday get back to working 40 hours each week for fifty-two weeks each and every year? Will the jobs produced with this magical recovery have benefits associated with them or will they be service-type jobs as the Home Depots of the world again needlessly expand into ridiculously small markets that even under the best of conditions would be unable to support them?
Or will the rich white guys whose pockets are never pilfered during a downturn wise up and bring jobs back from overseas? Has our love-hate relationship with cheap-costing but shittily-made Chines crap come to an end? Will we finally realize that you do get what you pay for? Will Americans realize that you don't need to have one of everything? Or would such a realization hold us back from a consumer-driven recovery?
Hell, I don't know crap about the economy but I will say that this downturn has produced some up-and-coming candidates for Dumpy Strip Malls right here in the south metro of the Twin Cities. Who could have imagined that a coffee shop every six blocks was unnecessary? Who could have ever guessed that the world didn't demand six auto parts stores all along a two mile stretch of highway? And dammit if I didn't see a surplus of beads coming. After all, beads make the world go round and if we can't have a bead store in every strip mall, the terrorists will surely win.
MinnPics is alot like the Energizer bunny,it keeps going regardless of what shape the economy is in because art of all formats makes the world a better place.
If this recession, which at times still has me scurrying for a box to pack up everything on and in my desk, is over does that mean that I will someday get back to working 40 hours each week for fifty-two weeks each and every year? Will the jobs produced with this magical recovery have benefits associated with them or will they be service-type jobs as the Home Depots of the world again needlessly expand into ridiculously small markets that even under the best of conditions would be unable to support them?
Or will the rich white guys whose pockets are never pilfered during a downturn wise up and bring jobs back from overseas? Has our love-hate relationship with cheap-costing but shittily-made Chines crap come to an end? Will we finally realize that you do get what you pay for? Will Americans realize that you don't need to have one of everything? Or would such a realization hold us back from a consumer-driven recovery?
Hell, I don't know crap about the economy but I will say that this downturn has produced some up-and-coming candidates for Dumpy Strip Malls right here in the south metro of the Twin Cities. Who could have imagined that a coffee shop every six blocks was unnecessary? Who could have ever guessed that the world didn't demand six auto parts stores all along a two mile stretch of highway? And dammit if I didn't see a surplus of beads coming. After all, beads make the world go round and if we can't have a bead store in every strip mall, the terrorists will surely win.
MinnPics is alot like the Energizer bunny,it keeps going regardless of what shape the economy is in because art of all formats makes the world a better place.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Have you been furloughed yet?
Furlough, it's a fancied-up word for unpaid time off. Before this year I'd only heard it used with military personnel. Maybe that makes me a member of the military. Okay, probably not. Whatever the case, my employer issued a memo about our mandatory week-long furloughs. Every employee, even managers, will be taking a week of unpaid time off. In the short run it saves money on staffing. It also, however, takes valuable revenue-generating folks off their beats and while their number obviously aren't that impressive lately, every dollar still goes toward that all-important bottom line.
I am glad that it's not just the "worker bees" taking this latest hit due to the circumstances around us but I also have to wonder how many more times this will happen this year and next year and the year after that? How long will it be until companies realize that most everyone is running negative numbers and that your employees are your most valuable resource? How long can even somewhat financially set "worker bees" take hits like this and continue to keep their heads above water. Do minimal cuts like these do more harm than good for the economy? Do they do more harm than good for the very companies making these hard, bottom-line decisions?
I'm happy to still have a job but I often wonder, even while trying to be optimistic as the stock markets begins to rebound and home sales start to improve, how long I will count myself among the ranks of the employed.
I am glad that it's not just the "worker bees" taking this latest hit due to the circumstances around us but I also have to wonder how many more times this will happen this year and next year and the year after that? How long will it be until companies realize that most everyone is running negative numbers and that your employees are your most valuable resource? How long can even somewhat financially set "worker bees" take hits like this and continue to keep their heads above water. Do minimal cuts like these do more harm than good for the economy? Do they do more harm than good for the very companies making these hard, bottom-line decisions?
I'm happy to still have a job but I often wonder, even while trying to be optimistic as the stock markets begins to rebound and home sales start to improve, how long I will count myself among the ranks of the employed.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The power of positivity
With all the news about firings, layroof and shutdowns in the business world, it's hard to crack a smile on some days. Sure, the stock market has been on an upwards trend for a week straight but even a prolonged upward climb will take weeks, even months, to translate to actual improvement.
It's easy to fall into a funk. We know that the bad news never seems to end because it's alla round us. But what if we, as a society, began to focus on the positives and simply think positively. We ourselves are all at least partially to blame for this complete economic clusterfuck. Millions of Americans looked to make a quick buck in real estate because it had been climbing at unheard of paces for many years. What those same people failed to realize is that it was just one huge bubble. We spent wildly for the last decade or more, forgetting lessons learned in the 80s and 90s. Even those who invested did so expecting double digit returns every year. When the market corrected, investors reacted wildly. Many pulled money from companies they had invested in and expected those huge returns from leaving those companies extremely strapped for capital.
I don't pretend to know anything about the economy but an interesting topic was on the news last week. It boiled down to the power of positive thinking. Yeah, nothing gets better without action but thinking positively surely can't hurt anything, can it?
So maybe it's time to look again at your bullet-riddled 401(k) and take a percentage of what's left, move that cash from those ultra safe investments such as bonds and put it back into actual companies that show some positive potential. If enough people start doing this and have some faith (along with the belief that the billions of so-called stimulus/recovery money will be properly used) there could very well be jobs being created by year's end. If we focus on the good while not ignoring the bad, a lasting economic recovery may be here sooner than we expected.
It's all about cautious optimism.
I'm optimistic, too, that with spring just around the corner, MinnPics will experience a true rebirth full of vibrant, colorful photographs from across the great state of Minnesota.
It's easy to fall into a funk. We know that the bad news never seems to end because it's alla round us. But what if we, as a society, began to focus on the positives and simply think positively. We ourselves are all at least partially to blame for this complete economic clusterfuck. Millions of Americans looked to make a quick buck in real estate because it had been climbing at unheard of paces for many years. What those same people failed to realize is that it was just one huge bubble. We spent wildly for the last decade or more, forgetting lessons learned in the 80s and 90s. Even those who invested did so expecting double digit returns every year. When the market corrected, investors reacted wildly. Many pulled money from companies they had invested in and expected those huge returns from leaving those companies extremely strapped for capital.
I don't pretend to know anything about the economy but an interesting topic was on the news last week. It boiled down to the power of positive thinking. Yeah, nothing gets better without action but thinking positively surely can't hurt anything, can it?
So maybe it's time to look again at your bullet-riddled 401(k) and take a percentage of what's left, move that cash from those ultra safe investments such as bonds and put it back into actual companies that show some positive potential. If enough people start doing this and have some faith (along with the belief that the billions of so-called stimulus/recovery money will be properly used) there could very well be jobs being created by year's end. If we focus on the good while not ignoring the bad, a lasting economic recovery may be here sooner than we expected.
It's all about cautious optimism.
I'm optimistic, too, that with spring just around the corner, MinnPics will experience a true rebirth full of vibrant, colorful photographs from across the great state of Minnesota.
Friday, February 27, 2009
The death of the Rocky Mountain News
Today marked the final edition of the Rocky Mountain News. For those unfamiliar, it was one of Denver, Colorado's two daily newspapers.
This twenty-plus minute video is a bit on the long side but also rather captivating.
Final Edition from Matthew Roberts on Vimeo.
Many opinions were expressed in this video but the one that stuck with me is the observation that as life and technology and information moves at the speed of light, are we overlooking the small, tangible things such as the physical newspaper. Are we in danger of losing all things physical? Has the internet devalued everything and, in part, contributed to the current financial situation?
I'm heavily invested in all things online and live with all my technology. I've got more than a few feet of Cat-5 wiring running in my house. My cable modem is always on. My iPod and cell are nearly always on me during the work week. I spend many hours weekly online, not just blogging but also managing a multitude of tasks associated with my daily workflow. The advent on the internet and its rapid growth made my job both easier and more multi-faceted. I've taken on additional tasks, learned more skills than I ever thought necessary just a decade ago and have seen the entire advertising landscape change. Advertising, which drives our ravenous retail economy, recently collapsed on itself (in case you hadn't noticed). Everything essentially spiraled out of control and I think that the devaluation caused by the free online model is at least partially to blame. In inside speak, online journalism can be monetized. It can generate a profit and it can thrive and, in a turnabout, support the physical printed newspaper much as the print operations of today pay plenty of the way for the online presence.
But whatever caused the loss of just one daily newspaper, for some reason, really sticks with me. Everything lives and dies with advertising and another tangible product that had a strong virtual and physical presence was laid to rest.
Be sure to watch the video in its entirety as the seemingly endless credits roll. Those are the hundreds of people who, as of tomorrow, are unemployed because their employer had a rough ride for a year. Things don't turn around in a year. Things don't turn around without some faith in the business you run.
This twenty-plus minute video is a bit on the long side but also rather captivating.
Final Edition from Matthew Roberts on Vimeo.
Many opinions were expressed in this video but the one that stuck with me is the observation that as life and technology and information moves at the speed of light, are we overlooking the small, tangible things such as the physical newspaper. Are we in danger of losing all things physical? Has the internet devalued everything and, in part, contributed to the current financial situation?
I'm heavily invested in all things online and live with all my technology. I've got more than a few feet of Cat-5 wiring running in my house. My cable modem is always on. My iPod and cell are nearly always on me during the work week. I spend many hours weekly online, not just blogging but also managing a multitude of tasks associated with my daily workflow. The advent on the internet and its rapid growth made my job both easier and more multi-faceted. I've taken on additional tasks, learned more skills than I ever thought necessary just a decade ago and have seen the entire advertising landscape change. Advertising, which drives our ravenous retail economy, recently collapsed on itself (in case you hadn't noticed). Everything essentially spiraled out of control and I think that the devaluation caused by the free online model is at least partially to blame. In inside speak, online journalism can be monetized. It can generate a profit and it can thrive and, in a turnabout, support the physical printed newspaper much as the print operations of today pay plenty of the way for the online presence.
But whatever caused the loss of just one daily newspaper, for some reason, really sticks with me. Everything lives and dies with advertising and another tangible product that had a strong virtual and physical presence was laid to rest.
Be sure to watch the video in its entirety as the seemingly endless credits roll. Those are the hundreds of people who, as of tomorrow, are unemployed because their employer had a rough ride for a year. Things don't turn around in a year. Things don't turn around without some faith in the business you run.
Friday, February 06, 2009
It's Inventory Reduction Clearance time!!!
Like anyone else, the economy is taking its toll on me. We've seen stores going out of business across the country. I took advantage of the Steve & Barry's in Burnsville, Minnesota shutting its doors to get my hands on 80 or so wooden hangers for 20 cents each. Earlier in the month of December I scoped out the bankrupt Linens 'n Things but found only odds and ends that they were unable to bargain on. Everyone's doing it. The jewelry store in Burnsville Center where my wedding band came from recently went out of business after about 6 months of inventory reduction/store closing sales. So much for them standing behind that lifetime warranty.
Even blogs aren't safe. I have a glut of inventory and no takers (or time) to move it out the doors. So I'm announcing today my very own inventory reduction sale. Every topic must GO!!! I've got old topics, new topics, odd topics, stupid topics. Express your interest in the topic(s) of your choice and I'll hand it over - no questions asked!!!
Is this the end? Will A Day in the Life be shutting its doors? Will this sale save my business model and pull me out of the dire financial situation I find myself in?
Whatever the case, MinnPics is actually adding inventory each day. Quality, American-made photos that you can believe in because they are hand-picked and captured by the best of the best. Visit today!
Even blogs aren't safe. I have a glut of inventory and no takers (or time) to move it out the doors. So I'm announcing today my very own inventory reduction sale. Every topic must GO!!! I've got old topics, new topics, odd topics, stupid topics. Express your interest in the topic(s) of your choice and I'll hand it over - no questions asked!!!
Is this the end? Will A Day in the Life be shutting its doors? Will this sale save my business model and pull me out of the dire financial situation I find myself in?
Whatever the case, MinnPics is actually adding inventory each day. Quality, American-made photos that you can believe in because they are hand-picked and captured by the best of the best. Visit today!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Reflective and optimistic
Have we now moved to a place in time where we can look beyond the fear about what tomorrow will bring and begin to work toward a better future? That's one of the positions I am taking away from Barack Obama's Inaugural Address. It's time that we should move beyond the greed and blind profit-taking that has gotten us to this place. As a country, reality tells us that we need to stop our damn bickering. Comedic prodding of our nation's leaders will always have its place but the outright negativity (which I commented on yesterday) that so many people listen to and believe in so vehemently needs to take a back seat. The divisiveness needs to end and apparently at least 2 million people are on board in believing that the nation's 44th president, Barack Obama, is just the man for the job.
Realistically, a lot of weight is being placed on the presidnet's shoulders and if we emerge from 2009 even a sliver better than many are predicting the economy, unemployment and people's perception of America's health and strength to be at that time then Obama may be viewed as a success. If even a shred of prosperity returns and a recovery of sorts begins, then Obama will be seen by many as a messiah. I don't envy the amount of pressure people are placing on this man's shoulders because with such lofty expectations, even the best of leaders would be set up for total failure. However, Obama is poised, by virtue of his cabinet choices, to unite all but the most extreme elected officials who run this country.
For once, even on a day filled with yet more media layoffs on the local front, I am optimistic. I am actually charged up to tackle things rather than sitting back and watching the world go by and go to hell in a handbasket.
What about you? What is your mood as we seem to enter a new era in America's history?
If you haven't seen enough coverage of today's Presidential Inauguration, check out MinnPics for the cream of the crop in presidential photos.
Realistically, a lot of weight is being placed on the presidnet's shoulders and if we emerge from 2009 even a sliver better than many are predicting the economy, unemployment and people's perception of America's health and strength to be at that time then Obama may be viewed as a success. If even a shred of prosperity returns and a recovery of sorts begins, then Obama will be seen by many as a messiah. I don't envy the amount of pressure people are placing on this man's shoulders because with such lofty expectations, even the best of leaders would be set up for total failure. However, Obama is poised, by virtue of his cabinet choices, to unite all but the most extreme elected officials who run this country.
For once, even on a day filled with yet more media layoffs on the local front, I am optimistic. I am actually charged up to tackle things rather than sitting back and watching the world go by and go to hell in a handbasket.
What about you? What is your mood as we seem to enter a new era in America's history?
If you haven't seen enough coverage of today's Presidential Inauguration, check out MinnPics for the cream of the crop in presidential photos.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Sex in good times vs. bad
Sex is a constant in society. If it weren't for sex, none of us would exist today. Entire industries hinge on people having sex. It keeps the birthing wings of hospitals in business as well as the condom industry and pharmaceutical companies (birth control, penicilin for those pesky STDs) because plenty of people love the sex but not so much with the consequences.
My question is whether sex occurs more during bad economic times than good economic times.
Think for a moment how busy you are with your job. Remember a couple years ago having to work overtime just to keep your head above water at your office? Think back to last week. Did you even need eight hours each day to finish all your work-related tasks?
Sure, the economy sucks and you have far less money to get out of the house and go to a fancy restaurant like Arby's but what are you going to do to pass all that time you are spending at home like a damned hermit? You could seduce your significant other and get your sex on, of course. It sure beats watching repeats of The Real Housewives of Atlanta/Orange County/New York City/Little Rock/Des Moines and it is a hell of a lot more fun than just sitting on the couch... again.
So, are you or are you not finding yourself taking to cheaper options of entertainment such as sex during this, um, economic hiccup?
Sorry, sex-starved perverts, MinnPics is full of great photos but it's a family place so any photographs sexual in nature are strangely absent.
My question is whether sex occurs more during bad economic times than good economic times.
Think for a moment how busy you are with your job. Remember a couple years ago having to work overtime just to keep your head above water at your office? Think back to last week. Did you even need eight hours each day to finish all your work-related tasks?
Sure, the economy sucks and you have far less money to get out of the house and go to a fancy restaurant like Arby's but what are you going to do to pass all that time you are spending at home like a damned hermit? You could seduce your significant other and get your sex on, of course. It sure beats watching repeats of The Real Housewives of Atlanta/Orange County/New York City/Little Rock/Des Moines and it is a hell of a lot more fun than just sitting on the couch... again.
So, are you or are you not finding yourself taking to cheaper options of entertainment such as sex during this, um, economic hiccup?
Sorry, sex-starved perverts, MinnPics is full of great photos but it's a family place so any photographs sexual in nature are strangely absent.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Is Detroit worth saving?
I drive a typical American-made car. It's old (14) and it's developing skin cancer (rust). While it's had relatively few hugely inconvenient problems, I am less than impressed by the more current offerings of the American auto makers.
It's not that I'm some wine-sipping elitist. I don't buy a car because I'm compensating for something. I am more swayed by a combination of style, reliability, performance, cost and fuel economy.
Sure, American-made cars have some pretty impressive syles coming down the assembly lines but where is the 40 miles per gallon that they promised us 15 years ago? For far too long, American auto makers realized that the models selling for the highest prices would net them more money. That got the Big Three auto makers into a rut of churning out huge, inefficient SUVs. If you don't believe me, take a spin through your local Chevy, Chrysler or Ford dealer's lot. The majority of vehicles will be SUVs, mini-vans and full-size trucks.
There is a purpose for each and every one of these vehicles. My dad owns two full-size Ford trucks. Many of my friends own a truck or an SUV and they have legitimate uses for them. The problem lies with those who realized over this past summer that they could do without their trucks or SUVs. Those who could do without were what made Detroit's Big Three auto makers large, bloated and unable to change their ways. They bought out of wants, not needs. When gas hit 4 bucks per gallon, more and more people traded their guzzlers in favor of more economical choices.
The past few years were the ultimate undoing of Detroit.
In a free market, those unable to adapt to changes quickly have make large cuts. Some re-emerge more nimble and competitive. Others don't re-emerge. Suddenly buying American doesn't mean choosing between Ford, Chevy or Chrysler. The imports of the previous decades are mainly made in America. These companies didn't put all their eggs in the SUV basket. They maintained their core fuel-efficient models and added a full mix of vehicles. Now they have simply scaled back production of the latter and ramped up the production of their core models. Detroit isn't that flexible and simply won't be able to compete until they are.
Oh, and when it comes to bailing out Chrysler for the second time in 30 years, let's consider the rather impressive wealth of its corporate parent - private equity firm Cereberus. Rather than trying to save jobs, they are more concerned about their investment in Chrysler when they have billions, possibly hundreds of billions, (or more) or dollars in capital in which to invest. They aren't worried about jobs, they want to save their wallets. Maybe this is a case where a company would be better off in the hands of the government than under private ownership.
It's not that I'm some wine-sipping elitist. I don't buy a car because I'm compensating for something. I am more swayed by a combination of style, reliability, performance, cost and fuel economy.
Sure, American-made cars have some pretty impressive syles coming down the assembly lines but where is the 40 miles per gallon that they promised us 15 years ago? For far too long, American auto makers realized that the models selling for the highest prices would net them more money. That got the Big Three auto makers into a rut of churning out huge, inefficient SUVs. If you don't believe me, take a spin through your local Chevy, Chrysler or Ford dealer's lot. The majority of vehicles will be SUVs, mini-vans and full-size trucks.
There is a purpose for each and every one of these vehicles. My dad owns two full-size Ford trucks. Many of my friends own a truck or an SUV and they have legitimate uses for them. The problem lies with those who realized over this past summer that they could do without their trucks or SUVs. Those who could do without were what made Detroit's Big Three auto makers large, bloated and unable to change their ways. They bought out of wants, not needs. When gas hit 4 bucks per gallon, more and more people traded their guzzlers in favor of more economical choices.
The past few years were the ultimate undoing of Detroit.
In a free market, those unable to adapt to changes quickly have make large cuts. Some re-emerge more nimble and competitive. Others don't re-emerge. Suddenly buying American doesn't mean choosing between Ford, Chevy or Chrysler. The imports of the previous decades are mainly made in America. These companies didn't put all their eggs in the SUV basket. They maintained their core fuel-efficient models and added a full mix of vehicles. Now they have simply scaled back production of the latter and ramped up the production of their core models. Detroit isn't that flexible and simply won't be able to compete until they are.
Oh, and when it comes to bailing out Chrysler for the second time in 30 years, let's consider the rather impressive wealth of its corporate parent - private equity firm Cereberus. Rather than trying to save jobs, they are more concerned about their investment in Chrysler when they have billions, possibly hundreds of billions, (or more) or dollars in capital in which to invest. They aren't worried about jobs, they want to save their wallets. Maybe this is a case where a company would be better off in the hands of the government than under private ownership.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Auto makers, bailouts and dominos
The latest piece of the economic house of cards to almost buckle is that of the "big-three" (Ford, GM, Chrysler) automakers. On one hand, I can blame their near-demise on the fact that when times were good (the '90s), they failed to look ahead and failed to realize that all good things do eventually come to an end.
Instead of actually capitalizing on the future demands, they instead banked on the falsehood that gas prices would hover around a buck a gallon and continued to roll out SUVs which seem to look very much the same. While General Motors did actually think ahead albeit, briefly, and produce the GM EV-1 electric car, they quickly un-leased these vehicles and promptly crushed them. Little did they know that in 2003 when they crushed just over 1,000 of the 160 mile range electric cars and bank their future on more profitable SUVs that the tide would change in a few short years and they'd be back to square one trying to introduce an electric car all over again.
Even as gas prices rocketed past four bucks per gallon this past summer, GM continued to roll out SUVs such as the Chevy Traverse and the GMC Acadia.
Chrysler, though, is the worst offender. Their lineup consists of a brand (Jeep) whose stable of vehicles was once simple and utilitarian but has now become bloated and all seem similar in nature.
The big problem is that, as a country, we can't let these dinosaurs of manufacturing go by the wayside. Automotive sales amount to 10% of all sales in America and provide literally millions of jobs. The only logical thing to do is to bail out these behemoths with the condition that they pare down their line-ups, reduce duplicity, shed redundant brands (think GMC, Mercury and Saturn) and increase fuel efficiency while shaving down the number of dealers as well as the inventory they carry.
If even one of the big three auto makers fails, it will cause a domino effect. Think of how many automotive advertisements you see, hear and read during the course of just one day. Imagine if that amount (think 10-15% of all advertising) of revenue were to vanish. What would that do to broadcasters and print media which is already in the shitter? Do you really want to think about that sort of domino effect and what sort of unemployment numbers would result from such a scenario?
Instead of actually capitalizing on the future demands, they instead banked on the falsehood that gas prices would hover around a buck a gallon and continued to roll out SUVs which seem to look very much the same. While General Motors did actually think ahead albeit, briefly, and produce the GM EV-1 electric car, they quickly un-leased these vehicles and promptly crushed them. Little did they know that in 2003 when they crushed just over 1,000 of the 160 mile range electric cars and bank their future on more profitable SUVs that the tide would change in a few short years and they'd be back to square one trying to introduce an electric car all over again.
Even as gas prices rocketed past four bucks per gallon this past summer, GM continued to roll out SUVs such as the Chevy Traverse and the GMC Acadia.
Chrysler, though, is the worst offender. Their lineup consists of a brand (Jeep) whose stable of vehicles was once simple and utilitarian but has now become bloated and all seem similar in nature.
The big problem is that, as a country, we can't let these dinosaurs of manufacturing go by the wayside. Automotive sales amount to 10% of all sales in America and provide literally millions of jobs. The only logical thing to do is to bail out these behemoths with the condition that they pare down their line-ups, reduce duplicity, shed redundant brands (think GMC, Mercury and Saturn) and increase fuel efficiency while shaving down the number of dealers as well as the inventory they carry.
If even one of the big three auto makers fails, it will cause a domino effect. Think of how many automotive advertisements you see, hear and read during the course of just one day. Imagine if that amount (think 10-15% of all advertising) of revenue were to vanish. What would that do to broadcasters and print media which is already in the shitter? Do you really want to think about that sort of domino effect and what sort of unemployment numbers would result from such a scenario?
Monday, November 24, 2008
One man to blame for Denny Hecker woes
For those unfamiliar with the name Denny Hecker, he is a Twin Cities area automotive selling giant. For those who do know the Denny Hecker name, you'll recognize him from the endless commercials in which he seemed to nearly prey on those with bad credit, slow credit or no credit. He sells new cars across the Twin Cities, he sells used cars, he rents cars via Advantage Rental and I think he even, at one time, dabbled in home financing.
It sounds like this giant was diversified. Until this past week when, after blaming his company's woes on Chrysler Financial cutting off his line of credit Denny Hecker shut the doors of six Twin Cities dealerships. They weren't all Chrysler outlets but many of them were. Particularly the one in Shakopee which he purchased earlier this year.
That one I can offer up an explanation for its closure. The salesmen (okay, one salesman) sucked. My old lady and I stopped by there in September because we were looking for a more infant friendly ride. She already has a Toyota purchased from Hecker's Inver Grove store so we began our search at Denny Hecker's Shakopee Dodge.
That afternoon stop, as brief as it was, turned me off completely to at least Dodge dealers if not all Hecker dealerships.
That one particular sales guy was, well, how do I say it, he was a dick. Sure, he showed us a few models but only the purty outsides. He wouldn't even grab a set of keys to open up one of those precious Dodge vehicles to show a couple very serious about buying just what these apparently only pretty on the outside vehicles offered once the doors were swung open. How do I know if that Dodge Caliber had enough legroom? How do I know that my carefully styled hair wouldn't hit the headliner as I craned my neck while backing up? How do I know if the Caliber sounded like a damn queef when it was running?
Turns out that Denny Hecker's Shakopee Dodge wasn't the place to help me sort out my automotive purchasing options. It won't be anytime soon either as when I drove by today, the signs were dark. I know that there were many people working there who did their jobs well and they are victims of bad times but that one salesman soured me and I place the blame of a crumbling automotive sales empire squarely on that one dickish salesman's shoulderss. He's the real reason behind the failing of the Denny Hecker empire.
Car photos? On MinnPics? Hey, it could happen but you'll have to check for yourself to see.
It sounds like this giant was diversified. Until this past week when, after blaming his company's woes on Chrysler Financial cutting off his line of credit Denny Hecker shut the doors of six Twin Cities dealerships. They weren't all Chrysler outlets but many of them were. Particularly the one in Shakopee which he purchased earlier this year.
That one I can offer up an explanation for its closure. The salesmen (okay, one salesman) sucked. My old lady and I stopped by there in September because we were looking for a more infant friendly ride. She already has a Toyota purchased from Hecker's Inver Grove store so we began our search at Denny Hecker's Shakopee Dodge.
That afternoon stop, as brief as it was, turned me off completely to at least Dodge dealers if not all Hecker dealerships.
That one particular sales guy was, well, how do I say it, he was a dick. Sure, he showed us a few models but only the purty outsides. He wouldn't even grab a set of keys to open up one of those precious Dodge vehicles to show a couple very serious about buying just what these apparently only pretty on the outside vehicles offered once the doors were swung open. How do I know if that Dodge Caliber had enough legroom? How do I know that my carefully styled hair wouldn't hit the headliner as I craned my neck while backing up? How do I know if the Caliber sounded like a damn queef when it was running?
Turns out that Denny Hecker's Shakopee Dodge wasn't the place to help me sort out my automotive purchasing options. It won't be anytime soon either as when I drove by today, the signs were dark. I know that there were many people working there who did their jobs well and they are victims of bad times but that one salesman soured me and I place the blame of a crumbling automotive sales empire squarely on that one dickish salesman's shoulderss. He's the real reason behind the failing of the Denny Hecker empire.
Car photos? On MinnPics? Hey, it could happen but you'll have to check for yourself to see.
Monday, November 10, 2008
How to rate gas mileage when no gas is used
Can a car truly break the 150 miles per gallon (MPG) mark? Well, it can if it's this company which heavily modified a Saturn VUE Hybrid. The company, AFS Trinity, also claims that they are being "muzzled" by the dark shadowy figures behind the L.A. Auto Show who are in the pockets of Big Auto.
The problem lies in their 150 mpg claim. No, the vehicle, a plug-in electric hybrid, barely uses gas but instead derives its power from electricity. Of course if your vehicle doesn't use gas as its main source of power, your MPG rating will be off the charts. The sticky part of this math is that the average consumer is still beholden to the almight MPG rating because, well, we really aren't used to having a Plan-B.
Instead, tout how far it can go on a trip per charge. Break that down to a cost per mile driven based on the average price of electricity. Convert that to the average cost for driving 15,000 miles per years and compare that with a few different gas prices such as $2.00, $3.00 and $4.00/gallon and let people draw their own conclusion.
The problem lies in their 150 mpg claim. No, the vehicle, a plug-in electric hybrid, barely uses gas but instead derives its power from electricity. Of course if your vehicle doesn't use gas as its main source of power, your MPG rating will be off the charts. The sticky part of this math is that the average consumer is still beholden to the almight MPG rating because, well, we really aren't used to having a Plan-B.
Instead, tout how far it can go on a trip per charge. Break that down to a cost per mile driven based on the average price of electricity. Convert that to the average cost for driving 15,000 miles per years and compare that with a few different gas prices such as $2.00, $3.00 and $4.00/gallon and let people draw their own conclusion.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
The best way to protect your savings
Everyone's feeling some amount of pain from the mild economic hiccup impending financial doom but we're all asking ourselves "What can I do about it? How will my savings be protected?"
Knowing now the questions that you have, I've partnered with Hills Brothers Coffee for a sound solution.
I know what you're thinking. "Coffee? This guy's hit his head a few dozen times too many."
It's not crazy that I partnered with this venerable organization. Coffee is something that the majority of Americans drink each and every day and, due to financial circumstances, more and more are brewing their java at home. The can, though, often times ended up in your recycling on its way to becoming a fancy widget to power America's variety of industries. Well, no longer is that true.
Behold: the Hills Brothers Patented Savings Can.
Knowing now the questions that you have, I've partnered with Hills Brothers Coffee for a sound solution.
I know what you're thinking. "Coffee? This guy's hit his head a few dozen times too many."
It's not crazy that I partnered with this venerable organization. Coffee is something that the majority of Americans drink each and every day and, due to financial circumstances, more and more are brewing their java at home. The can, though, often times ended up in your recycling on its way to becoming a fancy widget to power America's variety of industries. Well, no longer is that true.
Behold: the Hills Brothers Patented Savings Can.
Fill this lil' bastard with all the coins you can gather. Not only does the can's air-tight plastic lid protect your coinage, the metal can makes for some pretty sweet rattling noises when you shake it about. The model pictured is the "Goal Maker" edition but others, such as the "Secure", "Aggressive" and "Realistic" models are due to hit store shelves soon. And let's face it, after the past few weeks, all your money will definitely fit in this can.
Look for the Hills Brothers Patented Savings Can at retailers everywhere.
Savings not FDIC insured. Keep can in cool, dry environment as moisture could cause premature failure. Keep can within sight at all times. Can rated at 36.5 lbs. maximum capacity. Toxic paints and inks may have been used during production, avoid contact with eyes, mouth, anus, lips, navel or ears. Rash may occur from prolonged contact. Nuzzling of can is discouraged. No warranty of this product is implied. Product of China.
As always, a secure place to enjoy yourself and some great visual art (photographs) in MinnPics.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Where's my bailout?
Is it just me or was there a serious flaw in Senator John McCain's plan (mentioned somewhat briefly during Tuesday evening's debate) to buy failing mortgages with taxpayer dollars? He also mentioned allowing folks (his words, not mine) to renegotiate the terms, including the principal, of their mortgage.
The big flaw there is that what you do for one homeowner leaves another sitting on the outside looking in. While I can (barely) pay my mortgage payments (even with the loss of my part-time gig and loss of hours at my full-time gig), I'd still love to be the recipient of a write-down of the principal owed on my home. A nice, round number like 23% (coincidentally the same percentage my 401k has lost this year) would be pretty damn swell with this Danish dude.
And as far as buying out failing mortgages, I'd be happy to be a 21st century property baron because what The Man does with my money is most certainly my business. I'd be cool having total oversight of the house that my future taxpayer dollars bought. I'd happily collect rent from the tenants on a monthly basis with a firm but fair hand. When it comes time for maintenance, my toolbox is mere steps away. Bring it on, this guy's itching to be a property baron and when more mortgages fail, I'd be all for the use of taxpayer dollars to add those to my vast property portfolio because I'd finally have oversight on how my tax dollars are spent.
Yes, you in the back, you have a question?
Oh, this isn't about me having any say in how my tax dollars are spent? It's all about the government having the potential to turn a few bucks because we're serfs in this country? Huh. No more of you talking, okay? That kind of harshed my vibe.
The big flaw there is that what you do for one homeowner leaves another sitting on the outside looking in. While I can (barely) pay my mortgage payments (even with the loss of my part-time gig and loss of hours at my full-time gig), I'd still love to be the recipient of a write-down of the principal owed on my home. A nice, round number like 23% (coincidentally the same percentage my 401k has lost this year) would be pretty damn swell with this Danish dude.
And as far as buying out failing mortgages, I'd be happy to be a 21st century property baron because what The Man does with my money is most certainly my business. I'd be cool having total oversight of the house that my future taxpayer dollars bought. I'd happily collect rent from the tenants on a monthly basis with a firm but fair hand. When it comes time for maintenance, my toolbox is mere steps away. Bring it on, this guy's itching to be a property baron and when more mortgages fail, I'd be all for the use of taxpayer dollars to add those to my vast property portfolio because I'd finally have oversight on how my tax dollars are spent.
Yes, you in the back, you have a question?
Oh, this isn't about me having any say in how my tax dollars are spent? It's all about the government having the potential to turn a few bucks because we're serfs in this country? Huh. No more of you talking, okay? That kind of harshed my vibe.
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
When survival means selling yourself
The temptation is always there. I often find myself, at the posh taverns I frequent, a subject of the gaze from many tempting older single women. They think that they are being coy but I see right through their lustful stares. I see the pure, unabashed sexual heat in their gleaming eyes.
What they don't know as they stare at this fine specimen of male virility and vast knowledge -- sexual and otherwise -- is that I have a price.
Much like the resurgent trend that is as old as history itself, people (mainly women) have taken to being escorts (or more) to cover their bills, earn extra cash or buy that new Mercedes they've been eyeing.
Easy money, as it was discussed on a local Minneapolis radio station this morning, is what makes being an escort and moving towards prostitution such a tempting venture to move in to. The thought of being your own boss, essentially choosing your clients and raking in far more cash than during their daytime jobs only serves to seal the deal.
Now before you get a picture in your head, these are not your typical strung out streetwalkers. These are the women whom the Elliot Spitzers of the world get involved with. These are women whose rates for being a basic escort start in the hundreds of dollars per hour range. Anything beyond that and the price just went up much like something else (it's in the John's pants and it's not a cell phone antenna).
Who, though, would do something like this? I'd be willing to wager the remaining balance of my 401k that by way of the six degrees rule we all would know a woman who has at least been propositioned for some pay to play action. If you yourself haven't been offered cash for escort services or flat out sex, then via that lovely six degrees, someone in that branching tree has. Look around your workplace. That cute girl you pass in the hall may be slinking around with wealthy businessmen after hours.
Sorry, but MinnPics is a hooker-free zone but it is full of fresh photos from my recent four and one-half day weekend and others I deem worthy of somewhat greater exposure.
UPDATE: I have officially snapped.
What they don't know as they stare at this fine specimen of male virility and vast knowledge -- sexual and otherwise -- is that I have a price.
Much like the resurgent trend that is as old as history itself, people (mainly women) have taken to being escorts (or more) to cover their bills, earn extra cash or buy that new Mercedes they've been eyeing.
Easy money, as it was discussed on a local Minneapolis radio station this morning, is what makes being an escort and moving towards prostitution such a tempting venture to move in to. The thought of being your own boss, essentially choosing your clients and raking in far more cash than during their daytime jobs only serves to seal the deal.
Now before you get a picture in your head, these are not your typical strung out streetwalkers. These are the women whom the Elliot Spitzers of the world get involved with. These are women whose rates for being a basic escort start in the hundreds of dollars per hour range. Anything beyond that and the price just went up much like something else (it's in the John's pants and it's not a cell phone antenna).
Who, though, would do something like this? I'd be willing to wager the remaining balance of my 401k that by way of the six degrees rule we all would know a woman who has at least been propositioned for some pay to play action. If you yourself haven't been offered cash for escort services or flat out sex, then via that lovely six degrees, someone in that branching tree has. Look around your workplace. That cute girl you pass in the hall may be slinking around with wealthy businessmen after hours.
Sorry, but MinnPics is a hooker-free zone but it is full of fresh photos from my recent four and one-half day weekend and others I deem worthy of somewhat greater exposure.
UPDATE: I have officially snapped.
Monday, September 29, 2008
The economic freefall
If anyone thought that a few huge lending institutions failing last week was the worst thing that could have happened to the U.S economy, you may want to rethink things.
Just a few minutes ago, the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives for the proposed $700 billion economic bailout failed.
The direct effect of that failed vote, for the time being, is a rather sizeable plunge in the markets. Take, for instance, a 70 cent per bushel drop in the price of soybeans and a 30 cent per bushel drop in corn prices on the Chicago Board of Trade.
Now factor in a tumble of 600-plus points in the Dow Jones.
The only bright spot is oil falling below $100 per barrel.
Just a few minutes ago, the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives for the proposed $700 billion economic bailout failed.
The direct effect of that failed vote, for the time being, is a rather sizeable plunge in the markets. Take, for instance, a 70 cent per bushel drop in the price of soybeans and a 30 cent per bushel drop in corn prices on the Chicago Board of Trade.
Now factor in a tumble of 600-plus points in the Dow Jones.
The only bright spot is oil falling below $100 per barrel.
The big question here is whether or not some sort of economic "bailout" will come to fruition. I think for a bailout plan to succeed, it needs to benefit the people, not the organizations. I am not here advocating for a huge handout leading to a spending spree or, gasp, even a spending orgy. A bailout of any shape needs some strict oversight, total transparency and actual public input with a serious review before even attempting a vote on any sort of borrowing from the future/China.
While we need to always be focusing on the future, the true attention needs to be paid to the present. Too many people rightfully worry incessantly about what tomorrow brings. We have to eat, we need shelter and we need transportation. The key to those necessities is having a secure job which not only provides a paycheck but those benefits which are essential (vacation, health insurance and at least some sort of retirement options - 401k).
I'll admit it, I am seriously worried about not just my job but the future of the company I work for. Sure, I keep my skills up to date and contribute often overlooked ideas that deserve at least some consideration but without the wheels of commerce turning, I'm fucked and I'm not alone.
We need to welcome back production of hard goods within our nation's borders. We need to invest in the energy solutions of the future. Sadly, too, we need government-funded incentives to spur this energy innovation because companies and innovators are clinging to a thread.
A bailout of some shape needs to take place. I'm fairly certain that the proposed/failed bailout was anything but what America needed because the dwindling middle class is fed up with CEOs walking away with hundreds of millions of dollars for doing nothing more than tanking the very business whose success they were in charge of.
It's time to spur growth from the bottom up. How to do that is anyone's guess. Maybe it involves funding education. No, not in our public schools but in our higher learning institutions. Will the future bring prosperity? I think so. Is that prosperity around the corner? That answer depends on what takes place literally in the final months of the year. It's time to feel motivated. Are you motivated or are you worried?
Friday, July 11, 2008
Welcome to America
"We should just be happy we still have jobs."
That was what was said yesterday after a meeting in our building. Sure, looking on the rosy side of things we are very grateful that our jobs haven't simply vanished to be replaced with highly trained monkeys (do they have opposable thumbs?).
Looking realistically, we should demand better. While I am well aware that the economy currently sucks and anyone that thinks we aren't currently deep in a recession is too crazy for any hope but America is supposed to be this great land of hope and prosperity. Maybe it still is but our only hope as the world's supposed greatest (and at one time only) superpower is this November.
Our country is in desperate need of a change. A change for the better. A change where innovation is encouraged and rewarded in the marketplace. I am busting with innovative ideas pertaining to my job and my employer but with the latest changes, it has shown me that America is too concerned with the "now" and, more importantly, the bottom line to foster any sort of innovation that could lead to a better tomorrow.
That doesn't mean that I'm going to stop coming up with and finding new ways to draw in the masses and bring about my own form of hope. Heck, all you have to do is click here to see that there is still plenty of amazing talent in the way of photographers right in our own back yard. They haven't crawled into a cocoon and neither have I. When things are down, the only direction the future can go is up.
That was what was said yesterday after a meeting in our building. Sure, looking on the rosy side of things we are very grateful that our jobs haven't simply vanished to be replaced with highly trained monkeys (do they have opposable thumbs?).
Looking realistically, we should demand better. While I am well aware that the economy currently sucks and anyone that thinks we aren't currently deep in a recession is too crazy for any hope but America is supposed to be this great land of hope and prosperity. Maybe it still is but our only hope as the world's supposed greatest (and at one time only) superpower is this November.
Our country is in desperate need of a change. A change for the better. A change where innovation is encouraged and rewarded in the marketplace. I am busting with innovative ideas pertaining to my job and my employer but with the latest changes, it has shown me that America is too concerned with the "now" and, more importantly, the bottom line to foster any sort of innovation that could lead to a better tomorrow.
That doesn't mean that I'm going to stop coming up with and finding new ways to draw in the masses and bring about my own form of hope. Heck, all you have to do is click here to see that there is still plenty of amazing talent in the way of photographers right in our own back yard. They haven't crawled into a cocoon and neither have I. When things are down, the only direction the future can go is up.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
I hope nobody reading this is an actual mouth breather
The latest round of political shenanigans (I'll refer to it as bullplop from here on) centers around a couple of presidential candidates (I'll call them Hillary Clinton and John McCain) pandering for votes on the basis of a gas tax holiday that will never see the light of day. Of course there are plenty of mouth breathers around who hear the phrase "gas tax holiday" and jump for joy only to tear the crotch of their 1991-vintage Zubaz. Those same mouth breathers think that the amount of gas taxes that would be rolled back for the summer months would equate to financial freedom forever. These people, too, are what I refer to as "stupid". The average amount saved (see story & chart here) by a Minnesotan if this fantasy were to happen is a mere $55! Take note and don't let a hypothetical, vote-pandering $55 "gift" sway your vote.
And in more mind-numbing economic babble, now that the "gift from God" checks are arriving from big brother (A.K.A. borrowing from our future or China) people are writing and asking readers what their plans are for this money from above. The most interesting I stumbled upon was this guy's well thought out approach to not spend the money at all.
The IRS has a schedule posted as to when the masses will get their checks and amazingly, if you have love for direct deposit, you'll be lining your pockets within the month of May.
My thoughts on spending the money are to not spend it on purchases but to save it or invest it. One can never know what the future brings but those who save are at least prepared. Others suggest purchasing Halliburton stock and a pair of Bumper Nutz. And lastly, don't buy in to these myths about the gift from above.
As for me, I'd love to blow this money on a robotic lawnmower just so I can drink a frosty Pabst Blue Ribbon while my mowerbot cuts the grass. Feel free to fantasize, what kind of crazy crap would you do with the BushGift if reality was taking a holiday?
And in more mind-numbing economic babble, now that the "gift from God" checks are arriving from big brother (A.K.A. borrowing from our future or China) people are writing and asking readers what their plans are for this money from above. The most interesting I stumbled upon was this guy's well thought out approach to not spend the money at all.
The IRS has a schedule posted as to when the masses will get their checks and amazingly, if you have love for direct deposit, you'll be lining your pockets within the month of May.
My thoughts on spending the money are to not spend it on purchases but to save it or invest it. One can never know what the future brings but those who save are at least prepared. Others suggest purchasing Halliburton stock and a pair of Bumper Nutz. And lastly, don't buy in to these myths about the gift from above.
As for me, I'd love to blow this money on a robotic lawnmower just so I can drink a frosty Pabst Blue Ribbon while my mowerbot cuts the grass. Feel free to fantasize, what kind of crazy crap would you do with the BushGift if reality was taking a holiday?
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