This is basically a combination of things that are bothering me. I would have probably written a post about them individually but instead decided to just throw them up here and move on to other topics.
- I like the new iPhone plans, I’ll save money when I upgrade. But with media rich iAds coming to the iPhone, I’m worried I’m going to end up paying AT&T in data fees to have Apple serve me ads. I think I shouldn’t be charged for iAds data.
- Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. These companies are now more or less worthless. Yet they’ll continue to exist throughout the rest of this administration. Time to shut them down.
- There’s been talk of a double-dip recession for a while now, but those talkers are starting to get my attention. I give it a 31% chance right now.
- The primary reason GDP has been up (and thus kind of not being in a recession anymore) has been due to increases in business inventories. This increase is now kind of gone. So what is going to happen to GDP? I consider this issue separate from the risk of a double-dip
- I’ve met with a number of interns from well known business schools lately. Almost everyone one of them introduces themselves as “Philip Weakonomist, Anderson, UCLA”. That is to say they introduce themselves with their name followed by business school name, and university name (just for the record I picked UCLA because you know I didn’t go there). Introducing yourself in such a manor basically says, “I’m me, now respect me because I go to a good school”. I’m not sure if the school makes them do this or what, but if I want to know what school you go to, I’ll ask. Earn respect, don’t reference your school and expect it.
- When will they introduce “at-home lipo kits”?
- Operation Repo is the dumbest show on TV. That’s saying a lot because I’ve seen all the “real housewives” shows.
- Congress is having one fundamental fight right now. Do we continue to run up the deficit to help individuals and the economy at the risk of long-term problems or do we cut spending now because we may lose our ability to borrow shortly. I don’t even know exactly where I stand anymore. I understand why politicians feel they must vote in favor of it to represent their constituency, but what are the long term costs?
- I still can’t believe the price of gold. It’s more than $1200 an ounce. If you want to invest in something in case the world collapses, take a survival training class.
- Why is TLC so obsessed with big families and small people? It’s The Learning Channel, what is there to be learned? Use contraception perhaps?
- Universities should require career preparation classes. Students need to graduate with some kind of certification that shows they can do a specific job. Gone are the days when you can just get a degree and enter the workforce.
- Banks should be allowed to engage in prop trading, positions should be disclosed on quarterly reports and the use of funds restricted so an investment can’t bankrupt the company.
That’s it for me, what’s been on your mind?
 By The Weakonomist |
The Weakonomist is the face of Weakonomics. Click the puppy to learn more about him. If you like what you're reading consider subscribing to the blog, following him on Twitter, and checking out the related posts above. Please consider a donation if you really enjoy Weakonomics. Also keep in mind that nothing we say can be construed as financial advice. |
