Change?

Change... Be careful what you ask for, you might just get it.

Welcome to HELL

OK, studying is my least favorite thing to do and I am about to lock my self in a box for the next 6-9 months doing just that, studying.

I figure it is time to take the plunge. I am going to take the CPA exam in January 2010. (and probably plenty more times after January)

So, you won't be seeing me much in the next couple of months. That is unless you watch the evening news and pay attention to the reports of suicidal men on overpasses.

Also, use this as a notice as to why I will be a little bit more irritable than usual. (Hard to do I know)

---One last thing, If anyone knows a CPA that is looking for cheap labor, let me know, I have to get experience hours...Oh boy, this is going to be fun :(

Unbelievable!!

This will come as a surprise to all that know me, but I think I may have to admit that I was wrong. I am travelling for work in St. Louis and it is actually a really nice place to visit. The scenery is top notch and the architecture is really unique. Of course this could be because today it is 82 degrees with no humidity and there are no clouds in sight.

However, the people are still fat and every place smells like smoke and coal. I think the city might even get bumped up on my list of places to return to if they pass a no public smoking ban (currently on the ballot).

Note to self---dont make an opinion of a midwestern city in the winter.

Dilbert- If we had any money...

Stress test delay- again

The Fed decided to delay the release of the bank stress tests again. They were due out on the 4th.
This can not be good news.

Off to SF today.

quote of the week

When refering to Chrysler's Bankruptcy the big O had this to say, "This is not a sign of weakness but rather one more step on a clearly chartered path to Chrysler's revival."

Not a sign of weakness? That's confusing, I thought only those who couldnt meet their obligations filed for Chapter 11 restructuring. Nobody told me that it meant a clearly chartered path towards revival. Well, now I know.

A Unique Place

Here are some interesting economical things I learned while in Ireland (Quick Version)
- Their equivalant to our sales tax (VAT tax) is 21.5% in the Republic of Ireland and 15% in Northern Ireland. No property tax. Highest incomce tax rate in the UK is now 50%, 35% in the Republic of Ireland.

-Outstanding public facilities (train stations, airport, buses, libraries, etc..) with plenty of ongoing building in downtown areas.

-Belfast is a ticking time bomb ready to send the country back to the 1980's. The relgious divide is apparent in N. Ireland and it is going to come to a boiling point soon according to many of the people I spoke with.

-Despite the tensions between the Protestants and Catholics, many Catholics prefer to remain a part of the UK and fear the economic change that would accompany succession.

-Outside of the main cities, Dublin & Belfast, most of the communities are either self sustained (inland) or are focused around the tourist industry (Coastal Regions).

-Sadly fly fishing is not very popular in Ireland. There are a few die hard old timers, but fishing is looked on as a means to an end, not as a hobby.

-There are a lot of Polish people in Ireland. They mostly came over as mushroom pickers in the 1970's and 1980's and were once considered the gypsy class of Ireland, living out of caravans (motorhomes). Now they are accepted as a part of the Irish working class population.Very similar to the Mexican population in California.

-Polish is the #2 language in Ireland, ahead of Gaelic and behind English.

-Ford has a strong presence in Ireland. GM, although I did see a dealership, I didnt see any of their cars on the road.

...To be continued.....maybe....

Halfway there...

Ken Lewis was removed as Chairman of BofA's Board of directors today. It looks like he will remain in the CEO position until the rest of the crap hits the fan.

:::Flashback:::
February 22nd...Can someone please tell me why Ken Lewis is still employed?

I guess the stockholders are wondering that same question.

Obama & Chavez

Is this a sign of the times to come? I am afraid it is.

Ireland Trip