The Break-Up: See It Only If You Want One.

In my ongoing series of "Straight Guy Reviews Chick Flicks", The Break-Up gets a definite DON'T SEE. Obviously, you might think that it should be good because Vince Vaughn is usually funny and Jennifer Aniston is not bad to look at. Even though this was clearly a chick oriented romantic comedy, I thought it might be enjoyable because I heard Vince Vaughn was playing a fat Polish Chicago sports fan . But he wasn't funny at all, just pathetic. Vaughn's video game trash talking couldn't rescue his character from the making me embarrased to be in ...

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Why I Still Like Being Short US Bonds and Short the Dollar

Why I like being short US bonds (betting interest rates go up) and short the US DollarFour possible scenarios:Dollar gets strong because it has the highest interest rates in the developed world. (great my bond position makes money and this nicely hedges my losses in currency)Dollar gets weaker because of inflation, worsening budget deficit, trade deficit: (great for currency position and for bond position because long bonds will get killed in anticipation of greater inflation)Dollar gets weaker while interest rates go up. (every thing working here - except sadly the most important thing - the world economy ...

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Technology and Internet Value Basket: Loaded and Ready to Fire.

The US Equity Markets are falling. Technology stocks are currently out of favor. Below is my list of big cap, highly liquid technology and internet oriented media stocks that I will buy as a basket once it seems the big selling is coming to an end. Characteristics:1. They are all old line companies from the last bull market that are being ignored this time. 2. They are being ignored because they are still being considered as technology companies. 3. They ...

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Wisdom from Eddie Murphy: Buying in a Falling Market

I can't help but think of that moment in the movie Trading Places, Eddy Murphy is trying to explain why the market is going to keep going down. He doesn't offer an explanation of the exact moment to buy, but he can explain that it's not right now. The US Equity markets are falling. Technology stocks are currently out of favor. I’m working on a list of value tech stocks that I will buy when I think we’re near the bottom. I know tech stocks usually bottom in the summer but I might get them ...

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Note to Democrats: Please Don't Take the Bait on Gay Marriage

I posted this on the Democratic National Committee Blog:Let the Republicans hang themselves with the gay marriage issue. I have to think the American people will see through this tactic. Democratic leaders would be smart to keep their mouths shut or just say, "What is more important? Rising inflation, the budget deficit, fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and terrorism at home or fighting a war against American homosexuals? In states where the majority of people really care, gay marriage is already banned. Besides, gay and lesbian groups have nothing to fear from a constitutional amendment that ...

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Tax Dodge for New Treasury Secretary Paulson: How to Avoid Nearly a Hundred Million in Taxes by Taking a Government Job

Paulson gets to avoid nearly a hundred million in taxes for taxing his new job. Now here's a good reason to take a government job: a beautiful tax dodge. Sadly, if you were thinking about state, local or legislative service, tax relief only applies to employees of the Executive Branch.Article from Forbes.com ...

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Portfolio Trades: Telmex (TMX) - so cheap

Added to my Telefonos de Mexico (TMX) position. I am now up to a 1/2 position. This stock is just so darn cheap. It has a p/e of 8.5 (forward p/e of 8.1) and a dividend yield of 3.6%. I like those stats. Why is Telmex cheap? The company has a fantastic monopoly with plenty of government protections. Those protections are at risk. While that is true, deregulation happens slowly (especially in Mexico). Carlos Slim and Telmex are both important to the Mexican government and economy. I do no think the ...

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Inconvenient Truth: Movie Review

I saw the movie. I saw Al Gore's slide show at a conference on philanthropy and climate change in February. I've been to the website. I have been deluged with newspaper columns on the film. I have heard two separate features on NPR about Al Gore and An Inconvenient Truth. Suffice it to say I've been satiated with the topic lately.I won't say much but my recommendation is as follows: See An Inconvenient Truth. It's nothing like Fahrenheit 9/11. It treats the watcher like a thinking person and provides information in a way that is both respectful ...

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Trading Activity for June 1.

I cannot give an explanation of what each one of these means but I will log the trades. Feel free to ask questions in the comments - I will respond.Sold out and closed long S&P 500 Futures position I put on and wrote about yesterday.Continued liquidation of closed-end bond funds (most of these positions are fairly illiquid)Covered short position in Sept '07 Libor Futures.Increased position in out of the money put spreads on 30-year treasuries.Naked shorted GOOG (Google) Jan 2008, 250 strike puts (LEAP). (yes, I find value in GOOG at that point)Traded around the strangle in EEM ...

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End of Month Trades: S&P Futures, DELL, GG, COP , Bond Futures

I'm Going out long US equities as a short term trade for end of month. Often we see these reversals after a big fall the first few days of a new month as asset allocators move into (the newly cheaper equities). I bought June S&P 500 (ESM5) futures position at 1265.50. My plan was to play it for about 5-10 points. I ended up selling out of half the position at 1270.50 just a few minutes later. Now I'm waiting to sell the rest tomorrow into the buying I expect. Other recent trades: I continue to ...

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