insane_equine

Expect BofA's Dividend To Be Cut

I completely disagree!
There is very little chance that BAC will reduce the dividend, especially in view of the chairman's direct comment when asked about this exact possibilty.
A dividend cut at this point would so erode investor confidence in BAC that irreparable harm would result.
Fear over the Countrywide acquisition is unfounded. BAC has protected itself from loss in a prior arrangement and positioned themselves admirably for the future.
I have more concern over the MBNA merger, which could result in major credit card losses in a severe economic downturn, though in that case we are ALL in trouble.
At its current price I consider BAC to be a bargain to be held over the long term.

Upstream MLPs and Canadian Royalty Trusts: High Return, High Risk?

BTE & Pengrowth are 2 Canroys I hold in addition to several US pipelines. These are the 'widows & orphans' investments of today, as electric companies once were.
Not totally risk free, but close enough for me.

Sears vs. Bank of America: No Big Deal

Why deal with Sears/KMart if you can avoid it? That's a has-been outfit with zero upside. Nothing there but declining realty holdings.
Good move, BAC. Keep that money available for a better opportunity.

Is Donahoe Trying to Destroy eBay?

Regarding present seller unrest & their annoyance with these ham fisted changes:

There are several NON-NEGOTIABLE demands, IMHO

1. FEEDBACK CHANGE MUST BE RESCINDED, LEAVE CURRENT SYSTEM ALONE.

2. ELIMINATE "BEST MATCH" ENTIRELY!!!! This thing does not work!

3. NO MANDATORY PAYPAL USE REQUIREMENTS FOR SELLERS with (for example)
1 YR longevity/100 sales/99% feedback & ABSOLUTELY NEVER A 21 DAY HOLD.
This proposal should be discussed, as it aims at a possible problem; however the new eBay 'shotgun' approach is wrong & excessive. If holds are really confined to obvious "high-risk" transactions why not just post a caveat emptor on the listing page or else PROPERLY instruct bidders in the first place?

4. DSR ratings are acceptable, but pnly if system is tweaked with consistent instructions to buyers. Eliminate the red-letter warnings from item page. Just add an "overall satisfaction" star! DUH .....

5. EBAY badly needs to OFFER MEANINGFUL CUSTOMER SERVICE TO BOTH SELLERS & BUYERS!!!
This one single step would have eliminated the need for any of these unpopular changes!

5. JOHN DONAHOE must apologize in public or GO period, end of story!

I have been on strike since Feb 18. Time to get this settled or just sacrifice my inventory and plain forget eBay forever.

eBay Management and Sellers Need Relationship Advice

Well said, thank you for describing this complex situation in terms so easy to understand.
When my wife & I split I was amazed at the sudden sense of relief from constant tension.
These recent eBay-free weeks during the boycott have felt much the same!
I don't hate my ex, and don't hate eBay either, but I can sure live happily ever after without 'em!

Thornburg's a Huge Bargain After Monday's Crash

Robert Burns (I believe) said it best... the best laid plans of mice and men often gang awry

Or: You can fool some of the people all of the time, and all of the people some of the time. That's real good odds!
Either Abe Lincoln or Brett Maverick said that, and was right.

One or other quote applies here. It is immaterial which it is, sadly!