tuckfinitee's Comments RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.comuser/205178/comments http://seekingalpha.com/article/179636-california-vs-greece-two-economies-in-trouble?source=feed#comment-819555 819555 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:39:24 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/179636-california-vs-greece-two-economies-in-trouble?source=feed#comment-819365 819365 Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:18:14 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/179636-california-vs-greece-two-economies-in-trouble?source=feed#comment-819281 819281
I think a valuable comparison to be made between Greece and CA now would be psychotropic drug use(prescription and non) and hours of TV watched and video games played.

So a Greek law demands that taxi drivers check the papers of immigrants before giving them a ride. Interesting. A black market in cab rides. I see no problem with voluntary compliance of new taxes.]]> Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:39:06 -0500
I think a valuable comparison to be made between Greece and CA now would be psychotropic drug use(prescription and non) and hours of TV watched and video games played.

So a Greek law demands that taxi drivers check the papers of immigrants before giving them a ride. Interesting. A black market in cab rides. I see no problem with voluntary compliance of new taxes.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/179505-does-fiscal-or-monetary-stimulus-work?source=feed#comment-818942 818942
Just because you compartmentalize something with a label and say it is different doesn't make it different.

As for the can't do comments? Complete nonsense. N. America and Europe have been throwing away potential for decades. There is no objective reason why the last 50 years shouldn't have been as transformational as 1900 to 1950. Of course some transformation did take place. Most of it refining and developing scientific discoveries of the 50s and 60s. The pipeline isn't dry but it's not what it should be.

There is an underlying reason enabling the gangsterization process that has taken place. A change of attitude. Away from the shaping of the physical world and towards moral superiority seeking, rent seeking, working the system, niche seeking. ]]> Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:39:46 -0500
Just because you compartmentalize something with a label and say it is different doesn't make it different.

As for the can't do comments? Complete nonsense. N. America and Europe have been throwing away potential for decades. There is no objective reason why the last 50 years shouldn't have been as transformational as 1900 to 1950. Of course some transformation did take place. Most of it refining and developing scientific discoveries of the 50s and 60s. The pipeline isn't dry but it's not what it should be.

There is an underlying reason enabling the gangsterization process that has taken place. A change of attitude. Away from the shaping of the physical world and towards moral superiority seeking, rent seeking, working the system, niche seeking. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/179335-economic-outlook-looking-backwards-to-look-forward?source=feed#comment-817538 817538
What is the literal significance of the phrase "fiscal stimulus"? I know what you want it mean but how does that correspond to material world activities. How is fiscal stimulus different from the use of resources the gov is already massively engaged in? Is it just a matter degree? The difference in degree isn't that great. Are there any limits on the gov ability to successfully redeploy resources?
Perhaps we should send all our earnings and savings to the gov. If there is a limit can you give even a ballpark figure as to where it might be?

I can think of one reason why 100% gov control isn't practical. Enough has to be left in private hands to generate a business cycle bounce for the gov to take credit for.]]> Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:00:07 -0500
What is the literal significance of the phrase "fiscal stimulus"? I know what you want it mean but how does that correspond to material world activities. How is fiscal stimulus different from the use of resources the gov is already massively engaged in? Is it just a matter degree? The difference in degree isn't that great. Are there any limits on the gov ability to successfully redeploy resources?
Perhaps we should send all our earnings and savings to the gov. If there is a limit can you give even a ballpark figure as to where it might be?

I can think of one reason why 100% gov control isn't practical. Enough has to be left in private hands to generate a business cycle bounce for the gov to take credit for.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/179295-focusing-on-malinvestment-not-stimulus?source=feed#comment-817381 817381
But how much impact would it really have on the freebie enterprise system? Gov is already the biggest player by a huge margin. Gov central planning is already the reality. Our gov "policies" are just more whimsical than most. Would you be allowed to veto current "policies"? I think not.

Perhaps you would concentrate on infrastructure? In developed economies ongoing gov investment in current infrastructure while necessary isn't very stimulative. It tends to be overpriced and have a low return.

Being stimulus czar, trying to do the work of a million entrepreneurs, trying to determine value when there's a thumb on every scale might not be so easy. If you could order the building of nuclear power plants and drilling for oil it would be easier. We are probably at least a decade away from that kind of revolutionary thinking.]]> Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:25:47 -0500
But how much impact would it really have on the freebie enterprise system? Gov is already the biggest player by a huge margin. Gov central planning is already the reality. Our gov "policies" are just more whimsical than most. Would you be allowed to veto current "policies"? I think not.

Perhaps you would concentrate on infrastructure? In developed economies ongoing gov investment in current infrastructure while necessary isn't very stimulative. It tends to be overpriced and have a low return.

Being stimulus czar, trying to do the work of a million entrepreneurs, trying to determine value when there's a thumb on every scale might not be so easy. If you could order the building of nuclear power plants and drilling for oil it would be easier. We are probably at least a decade away from that kind of revolutionary thinking.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/179184-why-reinstating-glass-steagall-is-a-fool-s-errand?source=feed#comment-816066 816066
On the other hand we still go through tedious risky processes of changing laws in the dead of night and inventive semantic gamesmanship like SIVs and securitisation. Incidentally I think the Europeans are rather chagrined they went along with some of our "creativity".]]> Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:14:48 -0500
On the other hand we still go through tedious risky processes of changing laws in the dead of night and inventive semantic gamesmanship like SIVs and securitisation. Incidentally I think the Europeans are rather chagrined they went along with some of our "creativity".]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/179194-the-health-care-ruse?source=feed#comment-815935 815935
The second priority is to cut costs either now or later after the camel has his nose under the tent.

Who will bear the brunt of cost cutting?

1. The public in the form of reduced services and/or higher prices.
2. Doctors and other health care workers.

Who is likely is going to benefit or break even?

1. The middlemen.
a. The gov! More high paying, high benefit jobs.
b. Pharma
c. Insurance cos
d. Lawyers(I predict their time will come eventually)]]> Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:47:09 -0500
The second priority is to cut costs either now or later after the camel has his nose under the tent.

Who will bear the brunt of cost cutting?

1. The public in the form of reduced services and/or higher prices.
2. Doctors and other health care workers.

Who is likely is going to benefit or break even?

1. The middlemen.
a. The gov! More high paying, high benefit jobs.
b. Pharma
c. Insurance cos
d. Lawyers(I predict their time will come eventually)]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178990-no-economic-joy-for-joe-six-pack?source=feed#comment-814737 814737
353732 I think you underestimate the influence of the infantryman's philosophy. You overestimate the public's ability to understand or adhere to a hierarchy of values. The infinite wish list cherry picking game has been trotted out what a gazillion times? It still gets the desired kid in a candy store responses.]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 15:05:54 -0500
353732 I think you underestimate the influence of the infantryman's philosophy. You overestimate the public's ability to understand or adhere to a hierarchy of values. The infinite wish list cherry picking game has been trotted out what a gazillion times? It still gets the desired kid in a candy store responses.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/179050-woodbine-s-different-take-on-gold?source=feed#comment-814703 814703
Gold just isn't generating enough income or is it too much? Gold is funding too much or not enough of something. Oh I know gold is handing out to many IOUs to the public in the form of benefits and subsidies. No wait it's taxing people too much(not enough?).

My advice is that if the Iron Curtain and the Soviet Union fall and there is major de-governmentalisation in Asia and major technological build out creating economic growth while simultaneously reducing commodity pricing power you should sell PMs.]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 14:32:56 -0500
Gold just isn't generating enough income or is it too much? Gold is funding too much or not enough of something. Oh I know gold is handing out to many IOUs to the public in the form of benefits and subsidies. No wait it's taxing people too much(not enough?).

My advice is that if the Iron Curtain and the Soviet Union fall and there is major de-governmentalisation in Asia and major technological build out creating economic growth while simultaneously reducing commodity pricing power you should sell PMs.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/179025-can-inflation-be-managed?source=feed#comment-814665 814665
In the aftermath this whole dollar as reserve currency issue could get more scrutiny. People are getting so suspicious these days.]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:54:57 -0500
In the aftermath this whole dollar as reserve currency issue could get more scrutiny. People are getting so suspicious these days.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/179046-2-reasons-companies-are-still-cutting-back-on-fixed-investment?source=feed#comment-814623 814623
The problem is that there aren't that many profitable business plans out there that aren't of the freebie enterprise system variety. Getting more from the gov and/or giving less. There are some problems attached with this though. EVERYBODY is playing this game whether they want to or not. Many players are pros with long experience and political clout. That's mighty stiff competition when you think about. I mean seriously going up against EVERYBODY.

If the freebie enterprise system were an efficient wealth creator then you might expect more opportunities in spite of the heavy competition. There seems to be some slippage though and it's logical to assume that lowering interest rates will have decreasing effect. It is more interesting for people who prefer zero sum games.]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 13:10:06 -0500
The problem is that there aren't that many profitable business plans out there that aren't of the freebie enterprise system variety. Getting more from the gov and/or giving less. There are some problems attached with this though. EVERYBODY is playing this game whether they want to or not. Many players are pros with long experience and political clout. That's mighty stiff competition when you think about. I mean seriously going up against EVERYBODY.

If the freebie enterprise system were an efficient wealth creator then you might expect more opportunities in spite of the heavy competition. There seems to be some slippage though and it's logical to assume that lowering interest rates will have decreasing effect. It is more interesting for people who prefer zero sum games.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178993-congress-made-the-bank-bailouts-work-for-taxpayers?source=feed#comment-814145 814145
I think they wanted a slush fund and a diversion and that deploying some money initially buying into banks was a better diversion and kept other options open.

No one has ever explained to me what purpose these "buy ins" served that couldn't have been accomplished by other means. Now of course with fanfare the banks are "buying back" all the while being gifted by the Fed.

Congress of course is going to try to get some PR. But no one fell on their sword, no show trials, damn few lost their jobs, and some lackluster "testimony". Without the full WWF smack down it falls flat. They should have gotten Speilberg to produce.]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 06:58:02 -0500
I think they wanted a slush fund and a diversion and that deploying some money initially buying into banks was a better diversion and kept other options open.

No one has ever explained to me what purpose these "buy ins" served that couldn't have been accomplished by other means. Now of course with fanfare the banks are "buying back" all the while being gifted by the Fed.

Congress of course is going to try to get some PR. But no one fell on their sword, no show trials, damn few lost their jobs, and some lackluster "testimony". Without the full WWF smack down it falls flat. They should have gotten Speilberg to produce.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178976-why-bernanke-doesnt-understand-basic-economics-of-central-banking?source=feed#comment-814130 814130
I suspect however he believes that gov intervention can repair the field. We are long past "intervention". The gov is the playing field.

Gov central planning(call it policies and regulations but you're only fooling yourself), gov taxes, and gov spending dominate. Not only are they the biggest factors they are the most volatile and variable. ]]> Sun, 20 Dec 2009 05:48:19 -0500
I suspect however he believes that gov intervention can repair the field. We are long past "intervention". The gov is the playing field.

Gov central planning(call it policies and regulations but you're only fooling yourself), gov taxes, and gov spending dominate. Not only are they the biggest factors they are the most volatile and variable. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178911-the-gold-bubble-that-goes-on-and-on?source=feed#comment-812910 812910 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:02:31 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/178797-how-the-government-creates-money?source=feed#comment-812837 812837
Are choices and potential too "philosophical"? You of course know that they are economic "goods" even though they can't be quantified with any degree of exactitude. Without them you might as well be an earthworm.

There's nothing philosophical about human actions in the material world to survive, reproduce, and promote esthetic values. How to do it though?

If you prefer to think of the information as a byproduct of the physical exchanges be my guest. What's more important the brain cells or the mind? You need both. It's more useful to accept brain cells as a given and work on the mind.]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:58:56 -0500
Are choices and potential too "philosophical"? You of course know that they are economic "goods" even though they can't be quantified with any degree of exactitude. Without them you might as well be an earthworm.

There's nothing philosophical about human actions in the material world to survive, reproduce, and promote esthetic values. How to do it though?

If you prefer to think of the information as a byproduct of the physical exchanges be my guest. What's more important the brain cells or the mind? You need both. It's more useful to accept brain cells as a given and work on the mind.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178801-have-you-learned-anything-from-the-crisis?source=feed#comment-812361 812361 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 12:10:12 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/178791-the-bernanke-circus-what-does-it-mean-for-investors?source=feed#comment-812295 812295
What's the value for example of RE in the context of the Feds recent and long term actions.

What's the value in the context of gov central planning(its not central if you call it policies)and accounting fraud? What's the value of GM or Chrysler bonds? What's the value of anything when taxes and laws are changed at the whim of political "goals" or junk science?

What's the value in the context of BLS stats?

What's the value when 90% of the people you invest in(hire)are a losing proposition? But hey the rainmakers can't do everything. Can you say outsourcing?

What's the value when it's always better to be a borrower than a saver or lender(except for certain lenders of course)?

It's possible that perceived values might be a little high from time to time. The US produces a lot of stuff. It also has a huge overhead. How huge? No one knows.

I know I want to sell mainstream and buy off the grid whenever possible.]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2009 11:28:12 -0500
What's the value for example of RE in the context of the Feds recent and long term actions.

What's the value in the context of gov central planning(its not central if you call it policies)and accounting fraud? What's the value of GM or Chrysler bonds? What's the value of anything when taxes and laws are changed at the whim of political "goals" or junk science?

What's the value in the context of BLS stats?

What's the value when 90% of the people you invest in(hire)are a losing proposition? But hey the rainmakers can't do everything. Can you say outsourcing?

What's the value when it's always better to be a borrower than a saver or lender(except for certain lenders of course)?

It's possible that perceived values might be a little high from time to time. The US produces a lot of stuff. It also has a huge overhead. How huge? No one knows.

I know I want to sell mainstream and buy off the grid whenever possible.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178797-how-the-government-creates-money?source=feed#comment-812229 812229
1. Value
2. Equity
3. Currency
4. Debt Debt(when it's honest)is a commitment to certain values and courses of action.

You're confusing one flow of information with the "thing in itself".]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:55:51 -0500
1. Value
2. Equity
3. Currency
4. Debt Debt(when it's honest)is a commitment to certain values and courses of action.

You're confusing one flow of information with the "thing in itself".]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178792-tarp-thoughts-i-told-you-so?source=feed#comment-812181 812181
So you're saying that the OPM mafia's left pocket/right pocket switch will only cost a couple of hundred billion. Well after all the important thing in the "follow the money" shell game is in the end the OPM mafia has more. It's so comforting to know they keep getting bigger no matter what happens to the peons.]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:29:28 -0500
So you're saying that the OPM mafia's left pocket/right pocket switch will only cost a couple of hundred billion. Well after all the important thing in the "follow the money" shell game is in the end the OPM mafia has more. It's so comforting to know they keep getting bigger no matter what happens to the peons.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178857-america-plays-shell-game-with-bailout-money?source=feed#comment-812152 812152
Pat you dare suggest that God's little worker angels would put their interests above stockholders. ]]> Fri, 18 Dec 2009 10:12:31 -0500
Pat you dare suggest that God's little worker angels would put their interests above stockholders. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178755-money-supply-have-you-seen-m3-lately?source=feed#comment-811616 811616 Fri, 18 Dec 2009 00:58:15 -0500 http://seekingalpha.com/article/178649-big-money-is-bullish-while-small-money-is-bearish?source=feed#comment-811035 811035
What I'm curious about is if you have any non-circular ideas about developments today for example? Or is your implied advice to draw our own conclusions about everything?

I have a couple of ideas. Maybe more shoes dropping in Europe that haven't hit the media yet? V shaped pricing colliding with a lazy U? ]]> Thu, 17 Dec 2009 14:38:25 -0500
What I'm curious about is if you have any non-circular ideas about developments today for example? Or is your implied advice to draw our own conclusions about everything?

I have a couple of ideas. Maybe more shoes dropping in Europe that haven't hit the media yet? V shaped pricing colliding with a lazy U? ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178693-move-over-bernanke?source=feed#comment-810852 810852
2. Who is Simon? Is that a first name, last, or stage name. Is he a religious leader?

3.What are you talking about? Isn't MSM still floating in gossip, awards, show biz chatter?]]> Thu, 17 Dec 2009 12:26:29 -0500
2. Who is Simon? Is that a first name, last, or stage name. Is he a religious leader?

3.What are you talking about? Isn't MSM still floating in gossip, awards, show biz chatter?]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178604-federal-government-completely-out-of-control?source=feed#comment-810543 810543
People who don't understand the crime syndicate model whine and snivel instead of educating themselves and getting a piece of the action.]]> Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:55:04 -0500
People who don't understand the crime syndicate model whine and snivel instead of educating themselves and getting a piece of the action.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178663-greece-concerns-are-misplaced?source=feed#comment-810482 810482 people and cancels some of some of those pesky IOUs. I'm sure Greeks won't mind more taxes and getting stiffed. It's not like behavior changes over trivialities like that. ]]> Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:35:38 -0500 people and cancels some of some of those pesky IOUs. I'm sure Greeks won't mind more taxes and getting stiffed. It's not like behavior changes over trivialities like that. ]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178371-does-the-move-in-the-dollar-have-legs?source=feed#comment-809508 809508 Europe today? Somehow saying Germany and France may be okay if they don't get pulled down by everyone else doesn't really work for me.]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2009 22:37:31 -0500 Europe today? Somehow saying Germany and France may be okay if they don't get pulled down by everyone else doesn't really work for me.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178404-what-motivates-fox-s-glenn-beck-on-gold-and-healthcare?source=feed#comment-809433 809433
I'd better start selling some gold because ummm, because uhhhh, becauzzzzzzz, let me think. A comic dissed a talking head? Was that the right answer? Did I win a burrito? I don't have cable or satellite.]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2009 21:39:08 -0500
I'd better start selling some gold because ummm, because uhhhh, becauzzzzzzz, let me think. A comic dissed a talking head? Was that the right answer? Did I win a burrito? I don't have cable or satellite.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178378-individual-investor-challenge-can-you-succeed-by-going-it-alone?source=feed#comment-808771 808771
If you like to play card games for money that require skill, I have a couple of suggestions you might try. Stuy Unger and I played an interesting variation of gin. After we looked at our hands we wrote on slip of paper what discard we would knock on. You could only score if you knocked on that discard or undercut. Not a great money game though.
English Stud hi/low split no qualifier bet declare bet is an excellent heads up money game. There's always rubber bridge but there's a lot more luck in it.]]> Wed, 16 Dec 2009 14:08:23 -0500
If you like to play card games for money that require skill, I have a couple of suggestions you might try. Stuy Unger and I played an interesting variation of gin. After we looked at our hands we wrote on slip of paper what discard we would knock on. You could only score if you knocked on that discard or undercut. Not a great money game though.
English Stud hi/low split no qualifier bet declare bet is an excellent heads up money game. There's always rubber bridge but there's a lot more luck in it.]]> http://seekingalpha.com/article/178376-yes-china-has-fully-arrived-as-a-superpower?source=feed#comment-808691 808691 Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:32:14 -0500