Friday

"History never repeats itself, but the kaleidoscopic combinations of the pictured present often seem to be constructed out of the broken fragments of antique legends."  Mark Twain in the introduction to The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today.

In yesterday’s note (click here to review) we examined the Census Bureau’s data on Retail Sales.  In short, they were weak.  The headline tally declined 1.2 percent (the largest drop in nine years), and minus signs accompanied most of the components. 

In yesterday’s note (click here to review) we examined the Census Bureau’s data on Retail Sales.  In short, they were weak.  The headline tally declined 1.2 percent (the largest drop in nine years), and minus signs accompanied most of the components. 

Our Pie Parties always provide wonderful material for morning notes.  Tuesday’s gathering was no exception.  As you might have guessed, the recent government shutdown was brought up and we explored the topic.  In particular, Jack voiced concern about workers not being able to financially shelter in place during their paycheck hiatus.  In other words, why couldn’t

The whole world was downgraded by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).  Does that matter? Perhaps we should first consider what the IMF is.  It is an international organization headquartered in Washington D.C.

The movie Crocodile Dundee was released in 1986, over 32 years ago.  A quote from the flick popped into my head a few days ago when listening to a podcast mentioning the Australian economy.  In the movie, the lead character (played by Paul Hogan) is held up at knifepoint by a few would-be muggers.  Ultimately, he pulls out his Bowie knife (which is significantly larger), and the