Today's Tids Issue
4031
For Hunkerin':
So
far so good. The wind is howling, the snow like darts
is parallel to the ground. The windows are rattling, but the most comforting sound,
is that steady hum of burner that keeps us warm. May it keep on chugging
without alarm.
So,
when did somebody think it a good idea to name winter storms.
It was probably a branding manager at Weather Channel looking to put sexiness
into a snow storm. We have always had snow storms; they came, we put on heavy
shoes and coats, and they left. And in between we frolicked in it, riding
sleighs and skis, throwing snowballs; or simply standing agog, inhaling the
beauty of purity. But now-a-days people make money on everything, including the
whims of nature.
The
auto makers are making money, but people aren’t buying.
Well, at least they aren’t buying like they did in the past. For the first time
since the post 2008 recession auto unit sales are down, but profits are up nicely.
Yes, people are buying more expensive, wider margin Pick-ups and SUV’s while sedans
languish. In addition, dealers are paying less for trade-ins as unsold used
cars crowd expanded lots. In case you haven’t received the bulletin, the
average price for a car in 2017 was $34,968! Sounds extraordinarily high, but remember,
more people than ever are only paying for a fraction of that price on their
leases.
BTW,
Tesla only sold 1,553 Model 3’s in the 3rd
Quarter. This will be interesting to watch as the big automakers worldwide gear
up to produce competitive models. It really all boils down to battery innovation,
and how far ahead is Tesla? That is the question.
The
Question:
Name what are considered the 5 best songs about snow.
The
Headiness:
--South Recovering From First Big Snowfall In Years
As Northeast Burrows In For Long Windy Day.
--Dow Crosses Over 25K; Investors Seeing Tax Reform
Fueling 2018 Economy.
--Trump Blasts Bannon Over Book Criticizing Son And
Son-in-Law.
--Japan’s Abe Says NK Could Benefit From Economic
Ties If It Sought Peace.
--French President Macron Heading To China To Strengthen
Economic Ties.
--4.5 Earthquake Hits San Fran Area.
--Iran Puts Down Protests; Turkey Says It Needs Stable
Iran.
--Macy’s Says That Strong Christmas Sales Not Good
Enough To Transform Bad Year; JC Penny Holiday Sales Up 3.4%.
When
winter storms paint the earth pure white, politicians
creep out to take over the spot light.
So
far in post New Year’s Day journalism, I’m seeing a lot of what
I call headline romping. That’s like turning casual remarks and idle curiosities
into national events, some to near crisis urgency. But there is one huge story
looming, and that is the “Can” they can no longer kick down the road –The Budget.
It’s time, and the Dems resistance on immigration as part of the final package has
gotten stronger. There were promises made about dacha on both sides, and now it
requires a decision that could derail America. Let’s hope the hangover cobwebs
are clearing and that adults on both sides can keep the momentum growing, while
doing the right thing. Those headlines might divert to that in the next week or
two.
Lately,
I have been seeing among the trendy foods in local restaurants – “Moules Frites”.
That is simply Mussels and French fries. I remember as a kid seeing bushels of mussels
clinging to weather warn pilings neath greying docks at the shore. Hanging there
with seaweed, they never looked that appealing to me. It’s amazing what a
little garlic, butter and wine can do.
I
figure that with a lot of people snowed in or frozen around
the country, most could find a little warmth reading the Tids.
The
cashless society of China is growing exponentially.
In fact, panhandlers on streets are holding signs saying, “We accept ChatPay”.
(ChatPay is the leading Chinese cashless transfer medium.) If this goes global,
no longer will we be able to say we spent our last dollar in the barber shop. I
can see the day when homeless shelters will be mandated to pass out “Squares”.
While
we weren’t looking, the media wasn’t reporting, acrimony on
the increase in NAFTA Talks. Canada has issued a protest against newly imposed
US duties that will affect $5.66 Billion of imports. Two sides of the trilateral
group have dug in their heels. Mexican just says it is happy the US hasn’t penalized
cactus imports.
Somehow
the phrase, “NFL Heiress” sounds odd to me.
Ironically,
the new tax system, which takes away some business entertainment
expense write-offs, could have a big effect on the Golf Industry. Trump kids
are grumbling.
A
reasonably conservative investor I know has invested in
the cannabis industry -- in Canada where it has reached a level of maturity.
Do Snowstorms become more lovable if you name them?
The
Answer:
Number one on the lsit si A hazy Shade Of Winter. It
is followed by Snow (Hey Oh – Red Hot Chili Peppers), California Dreamin’,
Snowbird, Don’t eat The Yellow Snow, 15 Feet of Pure White Snow, Snowblind
Friend, Snowblind, Snow Blind and at #10 – First Snow in Brooklyn. The song I
thought of first, Let it Snow, is 34th! I think I’m fading to that eternal
snowdrift. BTW, Frosty the Snowman was 13th.
Hunker
down, and may all of those angels you make in the snow be
there when you need them.
The
quiet peace of a snowy evening may set you dreaming:
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