While the domestic economy grew 3.9% in the last quarter, The Federal Reserve, America’s central bank, has decided to reduce interest rates one quarter of a point, the second consecutive cut in rates, presumably in an effort to correct a slump in the housing market. Actually, a lower interest rates... read more

Here is wishing you a Happy Halloween! Whether you are celebrating, taking the kids trick or treating, or just handing out candy, have a little fun with this day! Now, we must be politically correct and acknowledge that not everyone feels the way that those of us who enjoy this “holiday” do…there’s... read more

The current rash of wildfires in California reminds me that when politicians do not have a soothing solution to a problem, they talk blathering nonsense. First, there is the claim that people are building new homes and, therefore, living too close to dangerous fire prone forest areas. Well, once upon... read more

Well, it’s time to return to the business of real life; enough of this vacation state of mind! Yes, I have a lot to say about my recent (first) trip to Las Vegas, and, as such, will probably focus on the topic for the next few days. But right now I’m faced with that disquieting sensation that I... read more

Christmas is a good time to give a luxury time piece as a gift so most of the better known Swiss watch makers have begun advertising their wares. This season has several distinctive stylistic emphases ranging from creative numbering to multiple time zones. Audemars Piguet is leading the way with two... read more

You’ve probably seen them in grocery stores and farm markets by now-those “real” pumpkins with Halloween and Thanksgiving images or sayings on them. If you’ve ever wondered how to do it yourself, here are a few easy steps to creating your own works of art: First, clean the pumpkin thoroughly... read more

There is a basic acidic dispute between the recently elected Democratic Governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer, and the long serving Republican Majority Leader of the State Senate, Joe Bruno., allegedly over ethics reform or a lack thereof in Albany and beyond. In a strong armed effort to get action and... read more

I think that you still have to have a bit of kid left in you to get a kick out of Halloween. I have a lot left in me. My city does not have a huge array of “Haunted Houses” during October, but we have a few pretty good ones. We have one at our zoo, one by our three rivers, and last night I visited... read more

At 14,000, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is essentially higher than it has ever been before, translating into many, but not all, investors making money. The same holds true for Google, GOOG, which is selling for more than $600 a share, again meaning a lot of people are making money in this stock... read more

As most sophisticated voters should already know, the American economy has serious problems that need immediate attention. Comparatively high interest rates, for example, have made it harder for potential purchasers of big ticket items such as cars and homes to be able to afford the requisite payments... read more