I pondered while cutting my grass this afternoon - Is there such a thing as having too big of a Virgin Mary Statue in your yard?
Do people work? I did some driving around today and it seems that traffic was terrible and it was either Escalades or BMW's in my way.
Swine Flu? Do you remember anything that kills many more people - like cancer getting this much attention from the news anchors or the government in such a speedy response? The best is they call it Swine - not pig, pork, bacon, or baby back. they did not even use the phrase "pig pen".
I am not much of a TV watcher and I can see it is getting worse. I attempted watching TV twice during the day and found it awful. The talk shows are terrible. Actually the best thing going is the soap operas. They are on daily but I think if you watch your fave twice a year you know exactly what is going on with the plot lines.
Trust me when I say there be more...
Monday, April 27, 2009
The latest auto news...
25% - that is the probability that Chrysler and GM are going to file bankruptcy. I watched/listened to most of Fritz's (Sweet name) speech. With Chrysler coming to an agreement with the CAW and UAW and Daimler optioning out of their share, it seems like everything will be on track for the Fiat deal to go through unless the bond holders really mess with the situation. GM and the unions will work on getting on the same page soon and strike an agreement.
The challenge for both auto companies will be the bond holders. Now I will not sit here and tell you I know how the bonds work and all. It is not the easiest thing to explain and that is coming from someone who has had some schooling with the subject. Fritz was asked by a reporter if GM was any closer to bankruptcy than they were one month ago. He answered the question the only way he could stating they are closer to bankruptcy. He could not afford to say anything else. If he said they were not than he plays into the bondholders hands. In addition, he cannot rationalize closing more plants and dealerships. This is a classic case of chicken and each team will wait for the other to blink with the the bondholders most likely to do so first.
Neither company can "afford" to go into bankruptcy. Despite the several claims by the government that they can push both auto companies through the process, it simply cannot happen. Much of this has to do with the the number of debtors each company has on their list. It would take for ever to figure out how to handle each of those entities that are owed money. It is one thing when small companies owe another small company money and bankruptcy takes care of it. It is quite another thing when you have one company which employs many people who owes another company that has several employees and numerous suppliers. The trickle effect of bankruptcy is too devastating and economically takes too long.
The other reason that bankruptcy is not an option with auto companies is there are few games in town domestically. If a bank goes out of business, it can get gobbled up by one of tons of other entities. The economic domino of all this taking place is limited since the assets and liabilities are absorbed by that financial entity. With an auto company, the company dissipates and there is everyone in that company as well as the suppliers and even non suppliers who benefited from the business of those employee's wages will en up feeling the effects of the company termination.
If anything it has been a very interesting to watch and will prove to be great for MBA students to take all in future classes.
The challenge for both auto companies will be the bond holders. Now I will not sit here and tell you I know how the bonds work and all. It is not the easiest thing to explain and that is coming from someone who has had some schooling with the subject. Fritz was asked by a reporter if GM was any closer to bankruptcy than they were one month ago. He answered the question the only way he could stating they are closer to bankruptcy. He could not afford to say anything else. If he said they were not than he plays into the bondholders hands. In addition, he cannot rationalize closing more plants and dealerships. This is a classic case of chicken and each team will wait for the other to blink with the the bondholders most likely to do so first.
Neither company can "afford" to go into bankruptcy. Despite the several claims by the government that they can push both auto companies through the process, it simply cannot happen. Much of this has to do with the the number of debtors each company has on their list. It would take for ever to figure out how to handle each of those entities that are owed money. It is one thing when small companies owe another small company money and bankruptcy takes care of it. It is quite another thing when you have one company which employs many people who owes another company that has several employees and numerous suppliers. The trickle effect of bankruptcy is too devastating and economically takes too long.
The other reason that bankruptcy is not an option with auto companies is there are few games in town domestically. If a bank goes out of business, it can get gobbled up by one of tons of other entities. The economic domino of all this taking place is limited since the assets and liabilities are absorbed by that financial entity. With an auto company, the company dissipates and there is everyone in that company as well as the suppliers and even non suppliers who benefited from the business of those employee's wages will en up feeling the effects of the company termination.
If anything it has been a very interesting to watch and will prove to be great for MBA students to take all in future classes.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Finally an Idol with Talent...
I never watch "American Idol". I just have no use for the show whether it be the untalented people they have on as contestants or the egotistical hosts that offer little redeeming value to me. This morning at the Doctor's office they had CNN on discussing the British version of the show and specifically a woman whose name is Susan Boyle. I am sure a good number of you saw the story on CNN but if you have nothere is the full clip from YouTube.
People - this woman has talent and I openly ask - has she been living under a rock? Her talent is just not good. It is tremendous and I am sure this is not the last time we will be seeing Susan Boyle.
People - this woman has talent and I openly ask - has she been living under a rock? Her talent is just not good. It is tremendous and I am sure this is not the last time we will be seeing Susan Boyle.
Are there any enaging stars anymore?
This week I have seen a reminder of how things have changed in this world and not for the better. It all came full circle when I heard former Detroit Tiger Mark Fidrych passed away Monday due to an unfortunate accident with his truck. Friday was the last round of the Masters Golf Tournament at the Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia for Gary Player and Fuzzy Zoeller. These two players had a few things in common. They both have engaging personalities and are past champions of the Masters. They both realize their role and that is to entertain the people – the people who made them famous.
Gary Player, from South Africa, was Tiger Woods well before Tiger’s parents were even married. Player was the first preeminent international stars outside of the US and Europe. He was bringing the sports to ends of the earth not even thought possible to even adopt the game, whether it be South America, South Africa, or Australia. He is now 74 years old and is in better shape than most people my age. The most important thing to know about Gary Player though was he realized that without a fan base, the sport could not grow. If fans were not entertained, golf growth would stay stagnant and even Player’s prosperity would not go anywhere. He was always someone who played to the crowd whether it be his engaging personality or unique shot making when a challenge was sitting in front of him. Player is as responsible as anyone with where golf is today in the world’s forefront as anyone in my humble opinion.
Another man who is thought to be finishing his last Masters was Fuzzy Zoeller. His name alone points out that he is someone that plays to the fans. That is exactly the case during his entire career. Zoeller though got hit hard by the politically correctness of the day ten years ago. Tiger Woods was in the process of winning his first Masters and as is tradition, the champion at the Champions dinner the following year gets to pick the menu. Zoeller joked that Tiger would pick fried chicken and collard greens – typically favorites for African Americans. This was a joke but a good one as he lost some sponsorships and friends in the meantime. Those who knew Zoeller realized he made a mistake and meant zero malice by them. Anyone who had watched his career and his empathy for people he knew and did not know alike knew it to be very true. He has always talked to the people in the crowd during a round and much liked Player knew that the fans were the most important thing to the sport. Despite his unfortunate and untimely commentary, Zoeller has regained much of his sponsorship and admiration by the game which is well deserved for sure. For many years, he was kind of lost in the whole sport because of that one moment and stifling one of golf’s best ambassadors.
Monday, we lost a great ambassador for baseball when Mark Fidrych died suddenly due to a mishap with his truck he was fixing that day. Mark was known for being one of the most unusual personalities to step foot on the baseball field. He took the baseball world, and the world as a whole for that matter, in 1976 when he went north with the rest of Detroit Tigers. HE would go on to have one of the most memorable seasons stat wise as well as just plain story wise. He would talk to the baseball when he was on the mound and did plenty of things that separated him from the crowd. He would end up starting the All Star game that season and pack Tiger Stadium every time he took the mound. His career would be cut short and would be out of baseball by 1981. His career though was him entertaining the people in a sports arena.
After I started thinking about it, these three athletes represent a dying age in sports. We no longer are entertained by Sports Stars. Sure Tiger Woods is a great golfer and we will tune in when he is playing well but there is nothing captivating from a personality stand point. This is for sure the case with the rest of golf unless you count the always bombastic John Daly who despite his terrible performance over the past few years does draw big crowds despite not playing often.
The NBA is suffering from the same issues. Sure you have Lebron James but do you think he is 1% as charismatic as say Magic Johnson was considered back in 1988. Please don’t tell me you think this is the case. Magic wowed fans as well as his opponents whether it be the moves or just the sheer enjoyment of playing the game. The game could have been a meaningless middle of the season game but Magic was still out there smiling having fun.
I would challenge the casual baseball fan to name three players they would pay money to go see. Some might say Alex Rodriguez and a few random names but all in all, baseball lacks that star that is engaging with fans and not just on an international platform.
Finish, sports stars are getting more money than ever before but I would argue they are not necessarily as engaging as they have been in the past. Whether it be the fact they are guarded or just completely disconnected with “Joe Fan”, I do not know the answer to the question. One thing is for sure though – we are missing such characters as the Bird, Gary Player, Fuzzy, and Magic.
Gary Player, from South Africa, was Tiger Woods well before Tiger’s parents were even married. Player was the first preeminent international stars outside of the US and Europe. He was bringing the sports to ends of the earth not even thought possible to even adopt the game, whether it be South America, South Africa, or Australia. He is now 74 years old and is in better shape than most people my age. The most important thing to know about Gary Player though was he realized that without a fan base, the sport could not grow. If fans were not entertained, golf growth would stay stagnant and even Player’s prosperity would not go anywhere. He was always someone who played to the crowd whether it be his engaging personality or unique shot making when a challenge was sitting in front of him. Player is as responsible as anyone with where golf is today in the world’s forefront as anyone in my humble opinion.
Another man who is thought to be finishing his last Masters was Fuzzy Zoeller. His name alone points out that he is someone that plays to the fans. That is exactly the case during his entire career. Zoeller though got hit hard by the politically correctness of the day ten years ago. Tiger Woods was in the process of winning his first Masters and as is tradition, the champion at the Champions dinner the following year gets to pick the menu. Zoeller joked that Tiger would pick fried chicken and collard greens – typically favorites for African Americans. This was a joke but a good one as he lost some sponsorships and friends in the meantime. Those who knew Zoeller realized he made a mistake and meant zero malice by them. Anyone who had watched his career and his empathy for people he knew and did not know alike knew it to be very true. He has always talked to the people in the crowd during a round and much liked Player knew that the fans were the most important thing to the sport. Despite his unfortunate and untimely commentary, Zoeller has regained much of his sponsorship and admiration by the game which is well deserved for sure. For many years, he was kind of lost in the whole sport because of that one moment and stifling one of golf’s best ambassadors.
Monday, we lost a great ambassador for baseball when Mark Fidrych died suddenly due to a mishap with his truck he was fixing that day. Mark was known for being one of the most unusual personalities to step foot on the baseball field. He took the baseball world, and the world as a whole for that matter, in 1976 when he went north with the rest of Detroit Tigers. HE would go on to have one of the most memorable seasons stat wise as well as just plain story wise. He would talk to the baseball when he was on the mound and did plenty of things that separated him from the crowd. He would end up starting the All Star game that season and pack Tiger Stadium every time he took the mound. His career would be cut short and would be out of baseball by 1981. His career though was him entertaining the people in a sports arena.
After I started thinking about it, these three athletes represent a dying age in sports. We no longer are entertained by Sports Stars. Sure Tiger Woods is a great golfer and we will tune in when he is playing well but there is nothing captivating from a personality stand point. This is for sure the case with the rest of golf unless you count the always bombastic John Daly who despite his terrible performance over the past few years does draw big crowds despite not playing often.
The NBA is suffering from the same issues. Sure you have Lebron James but do you think he is 1% as charismatic as say Magic Johnson was considered back in 1988. Please don’t tell me you think this is the case. Magic wowed fans as well as his opponents whether it be the moves or just the sheer enjoyment of playing the game. The game could have been a meaningless middle of the season game but Magic was still out there smiling having fun.
I would challenge the casual baseball fan to name three players they would pay money to go see. Some might say Alex Rodriguez and a few random names but all in all, baseball lacks that star that is engaging with fans and not just on an international platform.
Finish, sports stars are getting more money than ever before but I would argue they are not necessarily as engaging as they have been in the past. Whether it be the fact they are guarded or just completely disconnected with “Joe Fan”, I do not know the answer to the question. One thing is for sure though – we are missing such characters as the Bird, Gary Player, Fuzzy, and Magic.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Opening Day edition....
A series of thoughts here in the beginning of spring...
- I have "watched/read/whatever else you can do" analysis of the auto companies. With all the movement and all the analysis it still is amazing me that people don't understand the simple solution to all this - make credit available to the consumer and they will be able to buy cars.They can revamp the auto companies all day long but if there is no money available to finance cars, even the best corp reorg will not help.
- I am fearing the direction of our society. I have seen a few references this week indicating that people would rather text than talk on their phones. Why? Texting is a drawn out process. If talk on the phone, I can be doing something else at the same time.
- It is going to be interesting to watch as time goes along and more people are out of work the popularity of President Barack Obama. For all the talk from Washington, I don't think they have the first clue on what they should be doing.
- Did you happen to see the Congressional hearings with Ben Bernake and Tim G. a few weeks ago when Senator Barney Frank stopped the hearings for a moment to admonish those talking privately during the hearings? It was truly a sixth grade moment - I would expect nothing less from the participants. Oiiii veii...
- What would the people in the City of Detroit do if all suburbs got up one day and moved everything to Grand Rapids? Would they even know?
- A few Detroit sports predictions:
- Tigers will be a bad baseball team this year not going .500
- Even worse - they will not draw flies down at Comerica Park. This will be the same picture across the baseball landscape due to country's economics.
- Detroit Red Wings will not mak it to the Stanley Cup Finals - I am suire I will regret this prediction.
- Put this one in the time machine - Spartans will make the Final Four in men's basketball tomorrow.
- Matt Stafford... Bank on it - and bank on the Lions never winning with him.
- Tiger will win the Masters this weekend.
- I have "watched/read/whatever else you can do" analysis of the auto companies. With all the movement and all the analysis it still is amazing me that people don't understand the simple solution to all this - make credit available to the consumer and they will be able to buy cars.They can revamp the auto companies all day long but if there is no money available to finance cars, even the best corp reorg will not help.
- I am fearing the direction of our society. I have seen a few references this week indicating that people would rather text than talk on their phones. Why? Texting is a drawn out process. If talk on the phone, I can be doing something else at the same time.
- It is going to be interesting to watch as time goes along and more people are out of work the popularity of President Barack Obama. For all the talk from Washington, I don't think they have the first clue on what they should be doing.
- Did you happen to see the Congressional hearings with Ben Bernake and Tim G. a few weeks ago when Senator Barney Frank stopped the hearings for a moment to admonish those talking privately during the hearings? It was truly a sixth grade moment - I would expect nothing less from the participants. Oiiii veii...
- What would the people in the City of Detroit do if all suburbs got up one day and moved everything to Grand Rapids? Would they even know?
- A few Detroit sports predictions:
- Tigers will be a bad baseball team this year not going .500
- Even worse - they will not draw flies down at Comerica Park. This will be the same picture across the baseball landscape due to country's economics.
- Detroit Red Wings will not mak it to the Stanley Cup Finals - I am suire I will regret this prediction.
- Put this one in the time machine - Spartans will make the Final Four in men's basketball tomorrow.
- Matt Stafford... Bank on it - and bank on the Lions never winning with him.
- Tiger will win the Masters this weekend.
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