wetwillie

Repricing Employee Stock Options: Disingenuous and Disrespectful

I work in the analog IC business as a circuit designer. I agree that it is wrong to reprice options. While options are nice (very nice in the run-away market) they should never be repriced. I even question if they are really necessary in retaining key, talented employees. For a startup, the use of options are extremely important but should be faded out once the company reaches profitability. There is very large risks with startups-but a well established, profitable tech company is another story.

Employment Stats: Critics of Birth/Death Adjustment Proven Wrong

I do agree that a mean of accounting for non-standard jobs needs to be accounted for but the method used now over estimates when the economy is slowing and under estimates as the economy improves. Since these are the areas that interests us the most the results can be misleading. I would prefer at least consistancy.

The Short Selling Ban: Is CVS a Financial?

You need to add Sears Holdings and Vale Jewelers to your list. Short selling is needed to provide balance and price discovery (not naked short selling though) in the market. Artificial protection never works in the end.

Why Friday Came Early

I am 2 years away from the formal retirement age and has seen my retirement saving meltdown over the past 18 months. If the bailout fails to be enacted I will see even more significant decline. But for my kids and grandchildren I DO HOPE IT FAILS! I will pick myself up and continue on. I hope the country will do the same. NO BAILOUT!

Don't Be Fooled - Short Selling Restrictions Do Work

I disagree!!! I do agree that naked short selling needs to be prohibited and the uptick rule needs to be put in place but short selling does provide balance in the market. After all, with nornal short positions it does provide some level where there are willing buyers.

The Test of Wills at Boeing

I have worked in a union shop and it completely shut down indivual initiative. I worked hard, studied and got a degree on my own. What is needed is an enviorment that both labor and management work together instead of us and them. Cheaper labor doesn't always equate to a cheaper product but it is a price competitive world and until they find common pain it will go on.

The Government's Moral Hazard with Fannie and Freddie

Mahesh you are right on the point. about "credit scores". But I'd also like to point out with the takeover of Freddie and Fannie the is an implied timetable to get loans off their books. And what do you think that means? What I forsee happening is the politically friendly institutions (most of them) will buy these loan portfolios for pennies on the dollar and this will be the next fleesing of the taxpayer.

Election Speculation: Steaks and Strip Joints

This problem started long before the Bush administration. The problem is on both sides and until we get more mavericks like Ron Paul its going to continue.It doesn't matter wether its a Republican or a Democrat that takes your money. One gives it to bankers the other to people who don't earn it.

Core Inflation Is Low and Stable

This is a economist??? No wonder we are screwed up.

16 Stocks That Are Paying My College Tuition

What-are you daft? The return on a good college degree is better the the stock market. Engineering especially. I wouldn't trade my BET,BSEE and MSEE for all mt investing experience.

Rentech: Homegrown Synthetic Fuel On the Near Horizon

You could also add Sasol(ssl) to the list but it is different-it actually makes money and pays a dividend. They certainly have more experience than the other two mentioned. I have no position in SSL at this time.

Gold Miners Not Necessarily Golden: The Case of Northgate Minerals

One thing that needs to be pointed out is that if ARS securities fail to produce a bid thay normally reset the interest rate to some much higher value. There are many uses for the ARS-hospital bonds, state bonds, ect. If they do not have an immediate need for the funds this may not be so terrible after all.

Chipotle: Customers Begin to Tighten the Belt

Zack sounds like he thinks people will never eat out again. I believe that CMG was over extended before but now the most of the correction is in place. Can it go lower? Yes-but again, most of the pain has been felt already and the risk/reward at this point is very appealing to me.