Random Thoughts

The human mind works in mysterious ways:

1) Had to hear it to believe it: On my way home, I was listening to Kudlow and Company on CNBC ("... where we still believe free market capitalism is the best path towards prosperity") and after listening to Larry and Art Laffer dish out some economic smack-down on a few perma-bears, John Kerry came on. During the interview, Senator Kerry said two things that I found truly suprising. The first, was his support for a modifiying the current Sarbanes-Oxly regulations, which of itself, was quite surprising. Even more suprising though, he pretty flatly stated that gun control is not effective and new gun control law is not prudent in the wake of the VT Massacre. I was quite surprised.

2) New Product Idea: Somebody needs to package beans in little fruit cups like they do apple-sauce and fruit cocktail. Personally, I like making quick home-made burritos as a snack, but hate opening up a whole can of beans. Even better, it would be a very healthy side item to pack in a lunch. With the same maufacturing line, you could probably package black beans, refried beans, and even humus, all of which could find a niche market. On top of that, it would be very helpful for people on vegetarian diets (not me).

3) Bad Product Idea: Single Malt Scotch Roll-Ups. The savory taste of 18 year old single malt scotch from the highlands, in the lovable form of a fruit roll-up. Perfect for the on-the-go snacker who can't take time for an eye opener to calm the morning jitters before starting the daily commute. Also great for teaching kids to enjoy the taste of anything.

4) Tick-Tock: Our troops still remain un-funded. President Bush called congressional leaders in for a conference about the issue. Speaker Pelosi sat to hist right and looked like a pissed off little school girl after being put in time-out during the photo session that was on the news. I think the strategy is, that if Speaker Pelosi can get enough camera time looking like a completely deranged bitch, then Hillary will seem amiable enough to elect. Well, at least the first part of the plan is working.

5) Supreme Court: I am not too sad to hear that the practice of ripping fetus that would have a good chance of surviving on its own out of a womans body and then crushing its skull is now illegal. Of course, there is another procedure available for late term abortion where the fetus is dismembered inside to womb.

6) The bombing continues: Almost 200 Iraqi's perished yesterday in the worst string of bombings in a long time. Based on what I read, it seems that the current terrorists are almost completely focused on attacking civilians now. They are ghouls. The press was quick to point out that some Iraqi's blame the Americans. Thanks guys, nothing gladens a soldiers heart more, than risking your very life and sanity to try to save somebody, and then actually get told you are responsible. People that supply, plan, and execute these killings are to blame. They must be stopped.

7) Economy looking better: We seem to be at a possible inflection point. Inflation indicators have eased up a bit and economic growth seems down but positive. Our exports are up and employment figures and wages improve, but housing and planned capital spending by US Companies is down. In essence, it seems a mixed bag. My advice, concentrate on megacap multi-national corportations that can profit from a weak dollar (GE, UT, CAT, XLI etc) and have good exposure to foreign markets. Hedge your holdings with energy or energy commodities (XLE or USO), and smartly get some money into foreign markets (EFA). Be careful of tech and extremely careful with any business that profits mostly from discretionary spending.