Amazon (AMZN) makes so much money off of its Prime customers it could drop the $79 annual fee and still come out way ahead. Though the company has no pressing reason to cut into the Prime program with it accounting for close to a third of the firm's operating profit, it's a lever which should strike some fear into retailers such as Target (TGT) and Wal-Mart (WMT). [View news story]
But if the price went up, it'd probably still be worth it to me. That's a PR issue, sure, but from a value standpoint, $100/year still isn't bad.
$120? $150? I dunno, I don't have a walk-away number in mind, but $79/year is a steal.
And frankly I really don't care that much about the content libraries, that's just gravy. The meat is in the shipping -- for me, at least.
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
Re: Google -
Slightly off-topic, but does anyone else think Google Glass will be a flop? What's the stock impact? (I suspect not much)
I liken Google Glass to the Segway scooter -- it's a brilliant and innovative answer...to a question no one was asking. People will have to work hard to find useful applications for it. There's no "aha!" moment about it.
On the one hand, that's how you create new markets and succeed.
On the other hand, that's how you fail by not addressing actual needs or wants of consumers.
Amazon (AMZN) makes so much money off of its Prime customers it could drop the $79 annual fee and still come out way ahead. Though the company has no pressing reason to cut into the Prime program with it accounting for close to a third of the firm's operating profit, it's a lever which should strike some fear into retailers such as Target (TGT) and Wal-Mart (WMT). [View news story]
I love my Prime.
I end up buying from Amazon a lot more because of the free two-day shipping (which sometimes ends up being free one-day shipping).
When I think of something I need or want, I could either buy it from a local store in a day or two, or I could order it from Amazon and have it on my doorstep in a day or two...and Amazon is usually cheaper.
Plus the library of free videos and books, while not fantastic, is getting better all the time.
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
To answer my own question, now that I've looked at the document, no, there is no mention of what loopholes to close or what deductions to eliminate.
In fact, the only "loophole" ever mentioned is this one: "Close the loophole that allows discretionary spending limits to be circumvented through advance appropriations"
And while this might be a noble goal, it is hilarious that one of the primary ways that this budget is expected to stay revenue-neutral is *never even discussed*.
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
Here's the actual budget document. It's much higher level than I would have expected...very light on details....
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
From the article:
> The budget's goal would be to eliminate all but two income tax > brackets, one at 10 percent and the other at 25 percent
And I'm sure Mitt Romney's will be the 10 percent bracket. :-)
> Still, Ryan defended the generally unflinching conservatism of his > budget. "That means we surrender our principles? That means > we stop believing in what we believe in?"
Perhaps Mr. Ryan would do well to note the difference between "surrender" and "compromise"?
> The tax cuts would be financed by closing loopholes and > deductions in the tax code.
Does he say *what* loopholes and deductions would be closed?? I suspect some very fuzzy math is involved here...
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
The Republicans are just supporting their top priority: making sure Obama doesn't get a third term.
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
> What do you think the Republicans should have done, > created a budget the Democrats would have fallen over > themselves to approve. I don't think that is what their > constituents sent them to Washington to do.
Indeed, most of their constituents do support something along the lines of Obama's approach: http://bit.ly/10Kka3S
Regardless, I'm sure that their constituents didn't intend for them to completely obstruct the normal business of the government until they get more spending cuts and tax cuts...
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
> Democrat controlled Senate
Also known as the Republican fillibustered Senate.
However, you'll note that in private industry, it is very common practice to reorganize in response to major failures. If Company X has a big fraud scandal, you'll often see a new top-level Ethics department or something similar, with a chief that reports directly to the CEO.
Similarly, the CFPB "was designed to consolidate employees and responsibilities from a number of other federal regulatory bodies, including the Federal Reserve, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration and even the Department of Housing and Urban Development." (http://bit.ly/14S2UX6)
Haven't many often argued that the government should run itself more like an effective business? :-)
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
deercreek,
Just curious, do you or any of your coworkers find the unions helpful at all?
At the schools I've worked with, I've seen several teachers (good ones, by all accounts) basically get targeted for firing or harassment by non-union principals or administrators, and the union support has often been their only recourse to defend themselves.
They agree with the negatives about unions: keeping bad teachers from getting fired, sucking dues out of everyone, playing politics, etc -- but they are also often grateful when they do need help, because no one else will help them and they can't afford too many hours from lawyers or other resources.
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
People often cry freedom with regard to such money-losing programs that are marketed to unsuspecting citizens, but the reality is that shady financial firms are putting a burden of expertise on consumers that is often unreasonable.
Your lawyer doesn't expect you to argue your own court case (in fact it is not at all recommended).
Your doctor doesn't expect you to prescribe your own medicine (in fact it is illegal).
Your mechanic doesn't expect you to now how to replace your transmission, etc, etc.
Why does your bank or so-called financial adviser get to expect you to be a financial professional?
Amazon (AMZN) makes so much money off of its Prime customers it could drop the $79 annual fee and still come out way ahead. Though the company has no pressing reason to cut into the Prime program with it accounting for close to a third of the firm's operating profit, it's a lever which should strike some fear into retailers such as Target (TGT) and Wal-Mart (WMT). [View news story]
$120? $150? I dunno, I don't have a walk-away number in mind, but $79/year is a steal.
And frankly I really don't care that much about the content libraries, that's just gravy. The meat is in the shipping -- for me, at least.
One customer's data point...
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
Slightly off-topic, but does anyone else think Google Glass will be a flop? What's the stock impact? (I suspect not much)
I liken Google Glass to the Segway scooter -- it's a brilliant and innovative answer...to a question no one was asking. People will have to work hard to find useful applications for it. There's no "aha!" moment about it.
On the one hand, that's how you create new markets and succeed.
On the other hand, that's how you fail by not addressing actual needs or wants of consumers.
Thoughts?
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
http://bloom.bg/ZHSfg8
Amazon (AMZN) makes so much money off of its Prime customers it could drop the $79 annual fee and still come out way ahead. Though the company has no pressing reason to cut into the Prime program with it accounting for close to a third of the firm's operating profit, it's a lever which should strike some fear into retailers such as Target (TGT) and Wal-Mart (WMT). [View news story]
I end up buying from Amazon a lot more because of the free two-day shipping (which sometimes ends up being free one-day shipping).
When I think of something I need or want, I could either buy it from a local store in a day or two, or I could order it from Amazon and have it on my doorstep in a day or two...and Amazon is usually cheaper.
Plus the library of free videos and books, while not fantastic, is getting better all the time.
Worth every penny.
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
http://1.usa.gov/YqGEje
In fact, the only "loophole" ever mentioned is this one:
"Close the loophole that allows discretionary spending limits to be circumvented through advance appropriations"
And while this might be a noble goal, it is hilarious that one of the primary ways that this budget is expected to stay revenue-neutral is *never even discussed*.
Faith-based economics? :-)
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
http://1.usa.gov/YqGEje
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
> The budget's goal would be to eliminate all but two income tax
> brackets, one at 10 percent and the other at 25 percent
And I'm sure Mitt Romney's will be the 10 percent bracket. :-)
> Still, Ryan defended the generally unflinching conservatism of his
> budget. "That means we surrender our principles? That means
> we stop believing in what we believe in?"
Perhaps Mr. Ryan would do well to note the difference between "surrender" and "compromise"?
> The tax cuts would be financed by closing loopholes and
> deductions in the tax code.
Does he say *what* loopholes and deductions would be closed?? I suspect some very fuzzy math is involved here...
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
> created a budget the Democrats would have fallen over
> themselves to approve. I don't think that is what their
> constituents sent them to Washington to do.
Indeed, most of their constituents do support something along the lines of Obama's approach:
http://bit.ly/10Kka3S
Regardless, I'm sure that their constituents didn't intend for them to completely obstruct the normal business of the government until they get more spending cuts and tax cuts...
House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan calls his latest budget proposal "an invitation to the president of the United States, to the Senate Democrats to come together to fix these problems." Democratic Representative Chris Van Hollen says it's a "total uncompromising" blueprint and dead on arrival. Hollen adds a warning to the markets as well, noting that despite the healthy performance of stocks recently, the impact from another stalemate will likely reverse those gains very quickly. [View news story]
Also known as the Republican fillibustered Senate.
Just sayin.... :-)
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
Exactly!
http://bit.ly/14SZOSJ
;-)
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
BBB is a non-profit, not a government agency.
CMTE???
The FTC does indeed have a Bureau of Consumer Protection:
http://bit.ly/13R3vfB
However, you'll note that in private industry, it is very common practice to reorganize in response to major failures. If Company X has a big fraud scandal, you'll often see a new top-level Ethics department or something similar, with a chief that reports directly to the CEO.
Similarly, the CFPB "was designed to consolidate employees and responsibilities from a number of other federal regulatory bodies, including the Federal Reserve, the Federal Trade Commission, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, the National Credit Union Administration and even the Department of Housing and Urban Development." (http://bit.ly/14S2UX6)
Haven't many often argued that the government should run itself more like an effective business? :-)
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
Just curious, do you or any of your coworkers find the unions helpful at all?
At the schools I've worked with, I've seen several teachers (good ones, by all accounts) basically get targeted for firing or harassment by non-union principals or administrators, and the union support has often been their only recourse to defend themselves.
They agree with the negatives about unions: keeping bad teachers from getting fired, sucking dues out of everyone, playing politics, etc -- but they are also often grateful when they do need help, because no one else will help them and they can't afford too many hours from lawyers or other resources.
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
Who's doing this job now?
Or perhaps more accurately, who's supposed to be doing this job but isn't?
Wall Street Breakfast: Must-Know News [View article]
Your lawyer doesn't expect you to argue your own court case (in fact it is not at all recommended).
Your doctor doesn't expect you to prescribe your own medicine (in fact it is illegal).
Your mechanic doesn't expect you to now how to replace your transmission, etc, etc.
Why does your bank or so-called financial adviser get to expect you to be a financial professional?