April 2008

Yes, I'm still fired up... only this time about Martin Feldstein, president & CEO of the National Bureau of Economic Research! Recognize his name? If you don't, become familiar with it. He is one of the smartest , most well-respected authorities on all things related to the economy. Feldstein is a professor at Harvard University and was the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under ... read more

I am fired up today about oil!!! It is time to start drilling in the United States. Enough is enough. Everyone is feeling the pinch: the American consumer, all sorts of corporations including those providing consumer staples, the trucking indsutry and airline companies. You name it.....the rising cost of oil is affecting ALL of us! Yesterday, I asked my assistant Melissa to gather together a ... read more

Today is a very special day if you're a Jackie Robinson fan. Today marks the 61st anniversary of Robinson's entrance into Major League Baseball. Robinson, as you may recall, was responsible for breaking baseball's color barrier. As Martin Luther King noted, Jackie was a "freedom rider before there were freedom rides." His contribution to the civil rights movement, well before it occurred, is ... read more

Captain Rex Kramer: Do you know what it's like to fall in the mud and get kicked, in the head, by an iron boot? Of course you don't--no one does--that never happens. Airplane! (1980) Doesn't that just sum up how the airline industry is feeling after jet fuel prices have risen north of 77% in the past year. This morning it's official: Delta and Northwest have announced they are merging. ... read more

As promised, here are a few behind the scenes pictures of my recent trip to the Anheuser-Busch headquarters. ... read more

On this morning's special edition of Money for Breakfast where we look at the "Mood of Main Street," Dave Ramsey, host of The Dave Ramsey Show on the Fox Business Network (8 p.m. EDT), a personal finance expert and radio talk show host took phone calls, e-mails and answered some of our questions about the health of the economy, how to cut back debt and where and when to invest. read more

It's that time of year.....April 15....tax day. You have another 24 hours to get them done or file for an extension. Uggg!!! This morning on Money for Breakfast, Roni Deutch--the "Tax Lady--" joined me to discuss what to do with the remaining 24 hours and why this year will be a big year for IRS audits. Not good for you and me! Her advice on the other hand, is a good thing for you and me. Take ... read more

Since I posted my last blog Wachovia Bank (WB) reported earnings. In pre opening the stock is own 12%. The bank’s earnings are a big disappointment with an operating loss of 14 cents a share, well below expectations of a 40-cents gain. They also cut their dividend to 37.5 cents a share from 64 cents. They did confirm they would raise $7 billion in a common and preferred stock offering. We now ... read more

Speaking of movers and shakers: How about those Rangers, as in New York Rangers!!! It's just about the beginning of the 2nd period and the game is tied. The first two games in New Jersey were perfect, if you're a Rangers fan like me :). Rangers just scored on a powerplay....Avery. Now 2 to 1. He is such a competitor!!!! Before he scored that goal he stood in Brodeur's face (the Devil’s ... read more

Wow!!! There are moments in this job where you have the opportunity to interview people that you've read about or have heard quoted time and time again. Today I had that opportunity! I interviewed Bob Doll, BlackRock's chief investment officer. BlackRock is the largest publicly traded asset manager with $1.1 trillion in assets. When Bob talks, people listen! Here are some excerpts from our ... read more