Christmas is upon us. It nears. And as it does so so does our moods change. Some of us become morose, some no change. We don't exchange gifts anymore, we can get those when we want at any time. We do not even wrap gifts anymore, we "bag" them. Or we just write checks. Some get cash. Ho, ho, ho!
The "Charlie Brown" tree is out and lit up. So much for interior decoration. A wreath is on the front door, so much for exterior decoration. Done.
The dreaded shopping at the grocery stores is almost done. The constant carping that you have to go to more than one grocery store to get things you need is just about over. Not!
Now for the stock market to recover. We were widely diversified, ergo we were widely ripped too. So much for diversification, we all go down, the boat goes down to. So we are hoping for a rise. There are some bright spots, GNMA funds did well, on average a 7% yield. And now that the FOMC - "the Federal Reserve Bank" - has lowered the interbank loan rate to 0 to 0.25%, the bond funds have all gone up. But that is an inverse ratio, as the interest rate goes down the price (eh cost?) of bonds goes up. Fortunately for us, we do not have to live on our savings - yet.
Equities on the other hand seem to ride along the bottom. The market does not seem to approve of the auto companies bailout. Sort of delays the inevitable. Ford did not get any bail out money but gets tarred right along with GM and Chrysler. Not have the merger talks between GM and Chrysler broken down or stopped, it now sounds like the government is going to force Ford into taking over Chrysler. Can you imagine that - Ford divisions of Mazda, Volvo and Chrysler? Not.
We have giant auto dealers around the corner from us in Hudson Oaks. Things are bad in the auto business, right. Well they are building a new Hundya dealership. That's added to the remodeling of the General Motors place and a new Suzuki dealership just finished. All the GM line, Toyota, Nissan and Hyundai dealerships belong to one guy, Jerry Durant (nice person by-the-way - met him and his wife). The Ford guy owns the Suzuki dealership. The local bigwig Republican, Roger Williams, owns the Chrysler dealership. And the Lincoln Mercury dealership is owned by Hooks. Hudson Oaks has no ad volarium taxes, it basically has three business groups: liquor stores, car dealers and Wal-Mart. They get enough off sales taxes not to have property taxes. I think they may be hurting this year with the decline in auto sales - ya think!
As the end of the year nears, the Cost of Living Allowances (COLA) will kick in for next year. All the social security retirees will get a 5.8% increase. Us military retirees also get the same 5.8% increase. And since I am disabled, I get a stipend from the Veterans Administration and that goes up 5.8% too. Ergo we get a 5.8% raise next year. This does not happen often and most certainly will not happen next year with the decline of the price of oil and cost of buying a house. All other areas are up - like food.
That amount is not exactly correct as I am subject to "concurrent receipt" adjustments. In the past, I had to pay for my VA stipend - that is it was deducted from my taxable military retirement and paid back to me in tax exempt VA benefits. The US Congress saw the inequity in that process but was reluctant to making a 100% adjustment. In fact, only those with a disability rating of over 50% can get any relief at all. Since I qualify for that, they have steadily adjusted down the amount deducted out of my military retirement. It means we get about another $100 or so per year increase in the military retirement. It is taxable, but I am steadily reaching the point where I no longer have pay for my own disability. No one, not civilians, not civil servants ever have to pay for their own disability stipend - only the retired military people do.
Those whose disability is below 50% have to just suck it up. Some day in the future, they will get theirs too but many will have died not ever collecting a penny. And of course, nothing from the government is retroactive, except maybe taxes.
So the year rolls over.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
New York, New York, Not
Back from flying trip to New York to see Jake, Anne and Wil before they moved to Madison, WI. We arrived at LaGuardia International (surprise, it had not changed from the last time I was there, except then I was heading from Long Island, not Manhattan).
Jake met us right out side the secure area, we got the one suit case and piled into a taxi for a daring ride to midtown Manhattan. Not bad, quick given the usual amount of traffic, narrow streets and, well you know, New Yorkers. The ride was pretty quick and we dumped off on 2nd Avenue right on the corner closest to the hotel. The hotel was quite nice, not shabby as I expected but not cheap either. I would expect a bit more posh for the prices we paid, but I guess I was expecting more for my money than one can buy in Manhattan.
After registering, plunking down the suit case we headed up the hill to Jake and Anne's "Studio" appartment at 5 Tudor Place. It was maybe three or four blocks from the hotel. It was a nice place, quaint. Across from the United Nations building but you can not see the UN from their appartment. They do look out on the East River. Nice view of Queens. Though in a few years the vacant lot in between them and the East River will have yet another building blocking the view. But they are moving out so . . .
The studio appartment is tiny but they seem to have it under control. One would not consider a cocktail party there but a couple of guests would be okay - for a while. It really is an efficiency type set up and one must remain efficient to live there. But it comes with door men, a small kiosk for necessities and location above all. It has a small park out front of 10 Tudor and 15 Tudor. Across the street from Jake and Anne is 2 Tudor. All these buildings date from 1927 or so. And Jake and Anne's place is on the 19th floor, only two above them. Did I mention it is 225 or so square feet in size!
And they are cramed in there with Wil, the baby that yet demands more efficient use of what little space they have. And a cat named Elsie. But they seem happy and satisfied and well adjusted.
Oh yes, there is also Elise, the cat. Elsie stayed camped out in a small spot in a closet as far away as she can get. The night Judie and I baby sat Wil so that Jake and Anne could have a night out together, she came out couple of times. Its not that she dislikes Wil, she seems to tolerate him just fine, she is very shy and nocturnal in nature. Perhaps she will be more out going in Madison with more space to gad about in.
Jake walked us all over the place, he is really a good tour guide of Manhattan. We took a Gray line bus at Times Square and did the Manhattan. It was bitterly cold and the bus had an open canopy in the back. Naturally, the only seats available were right next to the open area. As the tour went, people got off and we moved foward to more comfortable area.
The next day we rode the subway up to City Park and walked through the area. Really enjoyed see the park, nice in the middle of a massive city. And yes, we walked and walked and walked. Judie did not get to see the Macy windows, there was a mass gaggle of people gawking at them.
Having been in Paris, Tokyo, Soeul, Los Angeles and yes, even New Orleans, we found the New Yorkers quite nice and not pushy. No, we did not seen any crime, no bums on the streets like we did in Phoenix and surprisingly clean streets. There were no panhandlers and we did see lots of dogs on leashes, etc.
Yes, it was expensive but it was also good food with large servings. We ate at the Capitol Grille, excellent steak, and great service. Yes, it was pricy but given the circumstances, okay.
They will soon be moving, heading out for Madison. They hope to lease their appartment, that should not be to much of a problem as it is really fixed up well. It has been updated and they are getting ready to install a new airconditioning/heating unit to make it even better.
Yes, we enjoyed ourselves. But I glad I do not have to ever go back there again. Not my kind of living, to much walking and very pricy.
Jake met us right out side the secure area, we got the one suit case and piled into a taxi for a daring ride to midtown Manhattan. Not bad, quick given the usual amount of traffic, narrow streets and, well you know, New Yorkers. The ride was pretty quick and we dumped off on 2nd Avenue right on the corner closest to the hotel. The hotel was quite nice, not shabby as I expected but not cheap either. I would expect a bit more posh for the prices we paid, but I guess I was expecting more for my money than one can buy in Manhattan.
After registering, plunking down the suit case we headed up the hill to Jake and Anne's "Studio" appartment at 5 Tudor Place. It was maybe three or four blocks from the hotel. It was a nice place, quaint. Across from the United Nations building but you can not see the UN from their appartment. They do look out on the East River. Nice view of Queens. Though in a few years the vacant lot in between them and the East River will have yet another building blocking the view. But they are moving out so . . .
The studio appartment is tiny but they seem to have it under control. One would not consider a cocktail party there but a couple of guests would be okay - for a while. It really is an efficiency type set up and one must remain efficient to live there. But it comes with door men, a small kiosk for necessities and location above all. It has a small park out front of 10 Tudor and 15 Tudor. Across the street from Jake and Anne is 2 Tudor. All these buildings date from 1927 or so. And Jake and Anne's place is on the 19th floor, only two above them. Did I mention it is 225 or so square feet in size!
And they are cramed in there with Wil, the baby that yet demands more efficient use of what little space they have. And a cat named Elsie. But they seem happy and satisfied and well adjusted.
Oh yes, there is also Elise, the cat. Elsie stayed camped out in a small spot in a closet as far away as she can get. The night Judie and I baby sat Wil so that Jake and Anne could have a night out together, she came out couple of times. Its not that she dislikes Wil, she seems to tolerate him just fine, she is very shy and nocturnal in nature. Perhaps she will be more out going in Madison with more space to gad about in.
Jake walked us all over the place, he is really a good tour guide of Manhattan. We took a Gray line bus at Times Square and did the Manhattan. It was bitterly cold and the bus had an open canopy in the back. Naturally, the only seats available were right next to the open area. As the tour went, people got off and we moved foward to more comfortable area.
The next day we rode the subway up to City Park and walked through the area. Really enjoyed see the park, nice in the middle of a massive city. And yes, we walked and walked and walked. Judie did not get to see the Macy windows, there was a mass gaggle of people gawking at them.
Having been in Paris, Tokyo, Soeul, Los Angeles and yes, even New Orleans, we found the New Yorkers quite nice and not pushy. No, we did not seen any crime, no bums on the streets like we did in Phoenix and surprisingly clean streets. There were no panhandlers and we did see lots of dogs on leashes, etc.
Yes, it was expensive but it was also good food with large servings. We ate at the Capitol Grille, excellent steak, and great service. Yes, it was pricy but given the circumstances, okay.
They will soon be moving, heading out for Madison. They hope to lease their appartment, that should not be to much of a problem as it is really fixed up well. It has been updated and they are getting ready to install a new airconditioning/heating unit to make it even better.
Yes, we enjoyed ourselves. But I glad I do not have to ever go back there again. Not my kind of living, to much walking and very pricy.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Chick-Fil-A Bowl. . .
Does that mean the game can not be played on Sunday?
I do not believe LSU merits a bowl this year, and yet they get picked up by the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta. They are to play Georgia Tech. As I recall Georgia Tech was once in the SEC like Tulane but bowed out for the ACC. Georgia Tech has to cross town to play while LSU has to cross Mississippi and Alabama.
Unless Coach Miles has done something about his Offensive Coordinator and his Defensive Coordinator(s), it will be all Georgia Tech game. I understand, that Miles was on his way to the west (left) coast to recruit when the selection was made known. I guess it was not so impressive a selection, eh?
At least the team will get to play together once more. A little more experience for the quarterbacks and some NFL exposure for the seniors. Maybe it will be a good game after all.
Tuberville bowed out of Auburn. Think Lou Holtz' son will take over? I do not know who is in the offing. I know that Tennennesse opted for the ex-coach of the Raiders. He was not to good at the Raiders and so, should be just as bad at the Vols. It is the time of the Commodores! May they rise and defeat the Volunteers soundly. Any rate there is a vacancy. Could be Jimbo Fisher? A lot of new head coaches did their time at LSU. Pelini, the coach at LA Tech and maybe it will be Jimbo's shot at the big job. He is slated to replace Bobby Bowden but looks like Bobby is gonna die in place.
Sabin met his match playing Florida. Bama put up a good fight. Coach Sabin has done wonders with his team but the wonders ran out against Tebow and Company. Florida should do a number on Oklahoma. Oklahoma likes to run up the score. Don't guess they care much about the future, some of those teams are gonna rise up and do a big number on them one day, and then they will cry foul.
Will TCU appear on the LSU schedule next year? Rumor has it that they will either in 09 or 10. That would be a good game.
Saw where LA Tech is going to a bowl, the Independence Bowl. Correct me if I am wrong, but that's closer than the Sugar Bowl is to LSU to LA Tech. Oh, I guess it is about the same, say 90 miles. I mean how far is Ruston from Shreveport? LSU as been there, last time played Notre Dame and won (again, too). Good on Tech.
Understand ULL (to me it is SLI) was also bowl elligible but no selection. Would have been nice for their program.
Well, off to New York next weekend to see Will and company.
I do not believe LSU merits a bowl this year, and yet they get picked up by the Chick-Fil-A Bowl in Atlanta. They are to play Georgia Tech. As I recall Georgia Tech was once in the SEC like Tulane but bowed out for the ACC. Georgia Tech has to cross town to play while LSU has to cross Mississippi and Alabama.
Unless Coach Miles has done something about his Offensive Coordinator and his Defensive Coordinator(s), it will be all Georgia Tech game. I understand, that Miles was on his way to the west (left) coast to recruit when the selection was made known. I guess it was not so impressive a selection, eh?
At least the team will get to play together once more. A little more experience for the quarterbacks and some NFL exposure for the seniors. Maybe it will be a good game after all.
Tuberville bowed out of Auburn. Think Lou Holtz' son will take over? I do not know who is in the offing. I know that Tennennesse opted for the ex-coach of the Raiders. He was not to good at the Raiders and so, should be just as bad at the Vols. It is the time of the Commodores! May they rise and defeat the Volunteers soundly. Any rate there is a vacancy. Could be Jimbo Fisher? A lot of new head coaches did their time at LSU. Pelini, the coach at LA Tech and maybe it will be Jimbo's shot at the big job. He is slated to replace Bobby Bowden but looks like Bobby is gonna die in place.
Sabin met his match playing Florida. Bama put up a good fight. Coach Sabin has done wonders with his team but the wonders ran out against Tebow and Company. Florida should do a number on Oklahoma. Oklahoma likes to run up the score. Don't guess they care much about the future, some of those teams are gonna rise up and do a big number on them one day, and then they will cry foul.
Will TCU appear on the LSU schedule next year? Rumor has it that they will either in 09 or 10. That would be a good game.
Saw where LA Tech is going to a bowl, the Independence Bowl. Correct me if I am wrong, but that's closer than the Sugar Bowl is to LSU to LA Tech. Oh, I guess it is about the same, say 90 miles. I mean how far is Ruston from Shreveport? LSU as been there, last time played Notre Dame and won (again, too). Good on Tech.
Understand ULL (to me it is SLI) was also bowl elligible but no selection. Would have been nice for their program.
Well, off to New York next weekend to see Will and company.
Monday, December 1, 2008
The Tigers Blew It
Yep, the LSU Tigers really blew it Friday. They lost of Arkansas in the last minute of the game. Poor defense and an offensive that sputtered -- again. True, they have quarterback problems but the young quarterback seemed to do well - for a while.
I blame the poor offense on the Offensive Coordinator, Coach Crowton. He was a failure a BYU and now he is a failure at LSU as an assistant coach. His designed offense is no good and his play calling ability really stinks. He can not get off doing something. He will try to run through the middle and the back gets stuffed. He keeps on trying that.
Arkansas forgoes the run and takes to the pass and it works for them. Why can't LSU do the same? Crowton is the reason. He can not seem to figure out when something is not working. And Les Miles lets him keep on doing it.
The defensive coach and coordinator is not doing so well either. The defense steadily declined over the season. They did pretty well against Bama but after that it all went hell in a hand basket. They got run over by Troy and everybody after saw the films and exploited the LSU defense.
Well there is next year. Time to reassess and maybe move a few coaches on to somewhere else.
Geaux Tigers
I blame the poor offense on the Offensive Coordinator, Coach Crowton. He was a failure a BYU and now he is a failure at LSU as an assistant coach. His designed offense is no good and his play calling ability really stinks. He can not get off doing something. He will try to run through the middle and the back gets stuffed. He keeps on trying that.
Arkansas forgoes the run and takes to the pass and it works for them. Why can't LSU do the same? Crowton is the reason. He can not seem to figure out when something is not working. And Les Miles lets him keep on doing it.
The defensive coach and coordinator is not doing so well either. The defense steadily declined over the season. They did pretty well against Bama but after that it all went hell in a hand basket. They got run over by Troy and everybody after saw the films and exploited the LSU defense.
Well there is next year. Time to reassess and maybe move a few coaches on to somewhere else.
Geaux Tigers
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