Friday

A week ago today Southern California was hit with the largest earthquake since 1999.  Just a day earlier, the region shook as a magnitude 6.4 pre-shock rattled through before the main event which was 11 times stronger.  Meanwhile, my buddy John in New Orleans spent his Wednesday of this week moving sand in an attempt to minimize potential flood damage from Tropical Storm (and potentia

Disruptor is an aging buzz word in the American lexicon.  For years we’ve been hearing about disruptive technology (sometimes it only disrupts one’s inner tranquility when it doesn’t work).

"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