Bizzy’s AM Coffee Biz-Econ Links (022206)
Free Links:
- Kevin Hassett at Bloomberg thinks that “first-quarter GDP growth is setting up to be a blowout.” I’m a fan of modest expectations and upside surprises, so I wish Kevin would put a sock in it, especially after the very marginal, though not yet final, 4th quarter of 2005.
- My reaction to Larry Summers’ resignation from Harvard — There is no appeasing tyrants, even academic ones. I really should say, ESPECIALLY academic ones (HT The Corner and Instapundit).
- Yeah, but you have only one mouth — USA Today reports that 16% of wireless phone users have two phones, one personal and one business: “Driving the trend: More large companies are doling out mobile phones or PDAs to employees and restricting them to business use.” Now here’s an interesting side note: 6% of the two-phoners use one for incoming calls, and the other for outgoing.
- No need to fully understand what’s at this link (I sure don’t) — Just know that Apple appears to be losing its (excuse the term) viral virginity.
- This is the first time since the Fed’s tightening regime began in June 2004 that they’re saying they may (emphasis on may) ease up.
- If forcing the Arab company seaport deal is Bush’s first veto, he’s blind in one eye and can’t see out of the other. The only thing I can figure is that he knows the veto will be overridden and he’ll then be able to say he did everything he could. Recent revelations that Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and Joint Chiefs Chairman Pace weren’t aware of the deal are not helpful, and are giving off a distinct “gang that can’t shoot straight” (oops) air.
- Well at least Moody’s didn’t say GM’s cars are junk — just their bonds, which are now even junkier.
- Something closer to zero would have been better, but Radio Shack investors can be thankful that the company’s $1.03 million payout to resigned and disgraced CEO Dave Edmondson is $41 million less than Carly Fiorina got from Hewlett Packard.
- This bears watching — megamillionaire Tom Monaghan is building a planned community in Florida that will appeal primarily to orthodox Catholics. The ACLU is monitoring, and is concerned that Monaghan’s developers are asking pharmacies that locate in the new town not to carry contraceptives. A battle royal seems inevitable.
1. I’m surprised the market didn’t react positively to the Fed minutes release. What I read between the lines is that the Bernake led Fed is going to wait on data before commiting to future action. I hope that will make them less likely to go one hike too far as his predecessor would.
2. I view the port thing differently and will post something later this morning.
3. I’ve liked Monaghan’s life story and I understand the concerns people have about cultural changes, etc. However, I think he is making a mistake in attempting to hide from the rest of society. Catholics (and I am one) should be able to co-exist with other religions without losing their way.
Comment by LargeBill — February 22, 2006 @ 8:44 am