tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post3392741505625873596..comments2008-10-13T11:50:48.769-07:00Comments on Soul Meets World: The Crash & Burning Of The EconomyAlexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-52260510396541513002008-10-13T11:50:00.000-07:002008-10-13T11:50:00.000-07:00Hi Max,<br>I wish you a fantastic week ahead my fr...Hi Max,<BR/>I wish you a fantastic week ahead my friend. :D<BR/><BR/>Let's make it another outstanding one.<BR/><BR/>Outstanding Cheers!Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-47183517041837134502008-10-13T08:15:00.000-07:002008-10-13T08:15:00.000-07:00Hey Alexys,<br><br>LOL you did well to present a d...Hey Alexys,<BR/><BR/>LOL you did well to present a disclaimer, girl! <BR/><BR/>You bet: God is on our (in)side! :D<BR/><BR/>You are welcome, darling, for everything!<BR/><BR/>I wish you a great week!<BR/><BR/>Monday CheersMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12588149349270422294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-91394531514746941182008-10-12T11:00:00.000-07:002008-10-12T11:00:00.000-07:00ACM,<br>You've finally came out of hiding. Where h...ACM,<BR/>You've finally came out of hiding. Where have you been? When you say modification, do you mean to make it better?<BR/>I know that the spin in the media says that the government would have come to a standstill, but I am not convinced? Granted, it has slowed down, but a complete halt is hyperbole, don't you think?<BR/><BR/>I agree that Wall Street is volatile and unpredictable, but isn't that the nature of the beast? Beasts don't reason. Beasts don't have logic. Beasts follow their prey. If there is no prey, there is no beast.<BR/><BR/>I concur that lenders themselves are a part of the feeding frenzy, but as a devil's advocate why wouldn't they present the sacrificial lamb to the hungry lion? They are a business. It is up to consumers to do their homework and read the find print to see if they have added artificial colors, sweeteners or flavoring.<BR/><BR/>Politics is just another name for illusion. Politicians are adept at three card Molly. We don't don't where the card goes and how it disappears, all we know is that we have been taken.<BR/><BR/>Taxes are another issue all together. It's a backward system of checks and balances that lines the wrong pockets and strips others. While I agree that we should send politicians packing, what would that leave us with? A circus with no ringmaster? I think is has already happened.<BR/><BR/>Thank you for gracing these comments with a piece of your mind. Don't be a stranger. Your intellect is always welcome here.Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-74669495083725800192008-10-12T10:33:00.000-07:002008-10-12T10:33:00.000-07:00Logan,<br>Life is cyclic. Even if we think we have...Logan,<BR/>Life is cyclic. Even if we think we have learned something, it is presented to us again to see how we implement what we have learned. The history teacher never retires (maybe that's why they shout?) ;DAlexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-82181742865452138352008-10-11T21:57:00.000-07:002008-10-11T21:57:00.000-07:00Alexys,<br>Your article is very apropos as the wor...Alexys,<BR/>Your article is very apropos as the world is going through a modification process; politics in todays world are really economics. The bailout at first glance seems to be yet another government intervention programme to help fuel the greed of Wall Street. The question here is if the government stood back and did nothing the nation would have almost come to a standstill.<BR/><BR/>We may hate Wall Street and its failure but it is what exists. It is a volatile creature that turns on its investors without mercy. The man on the street or as some may say the poor would be affected as much as the rich. America and the world is run by stocks, shares and credit.<BR/><BR/>To call Wall Street and the Banks greedy for giving out subprime loans is using them as a scapegoat, equally to blame are those who accepted the loans, both parties knew what they were getting into. Lenders are not innocent in all this. They held a piece of raw meat to lions who had not eaten in days.<BR/><BR/>America has poor choices for its next president who must lead it out of economic hell, neither of the two candidates has offered any real solutions other than empty rhetoric. Increasing services as one candidate wants, is insanity, in a time of crises it would only be adding to the financial woes but to get elected he does not care about the circumstances. The other says reduce taxes, at this time is just as dangerous to take away more money from the government leaving the faucets running on an already beleaguered system.<BR/> <BR/>To tax any group, rich, middle class, poor is diverting the solution into a bigger crisis. If you tax the rich the poor will pay. If a multi-million dollar corporation is going to be taxed by a new higher tax bracket then it will be passed down to all sectors of wealth, or put another way to all sectors of poorness. <BR/><BR/>The best way to resolve the nations issues is by getting rid of the root cause - - all politicians; once they are gone we may be able to instill the nearest thing to democracy. Democracy is a wonderful dream, but can never be an actuality.ACMnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-3570102749027584872008-10-11T20:24:00.000-07:002008-10-11T20:24:00.000-07:00Hi Alexys,<br>I enjoyed this article, it was very ...Hi Alexys,<BR/>I enjoyed this article, it was very informative. I learned a few things I had not known before. History is a loud teacher that keeps repeating itself and each time we think it's the last time. We think we have learned until it happens again.Logannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-26367853516052707602008-10-10T11:49:00.000-07:002008-10-10T11:49:00.000-07:00Hi Max,<br><br>"Aaaaaannnnd cut," the director say...Hi Max,<BR/><BR/>"Aaaaaannnnd cut," the director says. That's a wrap. (In filmmaking terms, it means that the director has shot the last shot.) <BR/><BR/>Someone coming in on the end of these comments may not know what to think, so I have to offer this Disclaimer: Some of the above comments are fictionalized for entertainment purposes only. Commenters are not advocating violence in any way.<BR/><BR/>"Maybe our winnings will help our economy?"<BR/><BR/>Every little bit helps.<BR/><BR/>"We are on a roll...I can feel that we are going to make a lot of money on this (since nobody has this inside information, meaning that no one sees it coming)!"<BR/><BR/>Except God and God is on our (in)side. ;D<BR/><BR/>Thanks for your indulgence.<BR/><BR/>Alanis Morissette You Oughta Know Cheers!Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-50967156898728068442008-10-10T10:45:00.000-07:002008-10-10T10:45:00.000-07:00Alexys,<br><br>Thank you!! :D<br><br>"I just check...Alexys,<BR/><BR/>Thank you!! :D<BR/><BR/>"I just checked her luggage (I know a baggage handler who owed me a favor) (Don't ask?) and sure enough she had several icepicks in her luggage. She mumbled something about the film Basic Instinct. So that being said, I have called the Vegas bookie and put money down for both of us on her winning. Maybe our winnings will help our economy? (It had to be done.) (To be continued....)" - ok, I won't ask lol! LOL LOL you did well, girl! We are on a roll...I can feel that we are going to make a lot of money on this (since nobody has this inside information, meaning that no one sees it coming)! My gut tells me that it will help our economy, girl *High Five*! <BR/>LOL I will wait for the continuance LOL...<BR/><BR/>"A little too ironic...and, yeah, I really do think..." -It's like rainnnnnnnn.....(Max fading away)....<BR/><BR/>"Max, you're the best." - we both are *High Five*!<BR/><BR/>Alanis Morissette Thank you Cheers!Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12588149349270422294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-42271763167726476052008-10-10T09:33:00.000-07:002008-10-10T09:33:00.000-07:00Max,<br>Merry Friday to you too darling.<br><br>"T...Max,<BR/>Merry Friday to you too darling.<BR/><BR/>"The Painful Squeeze" LOL LOL!"<BR/><BR/>LOL with you.<BR/><BR/>"...we must run a check on her first; if she does have one...let's put our money on her!"<BR/><BR/>I just checked her luggage (I know a baggage handler who owed me a favor) (Don't ask?) and sure enough she had several icepicks in her luggage. She mumbled something about the film Basic Instinct. So that being said, I have called the Vegas bookie and put money down for both of us on her winning. Maybe our winnings will help our economy? (It had to be done.) (To be continued....)<BR/><BR/>"yes, I really do think...It's like rain in a wedding day; it's a free ride when you're already late, it's a good advice that you just can't take...who would've thought, who'd figure?" LOL..."<BR/><BR/>It's a black fly in your Chardonnay<BR/>It's a death row pardon <BR/>two minutes too late<BR/>And isn't it ironic... don't you think<BR/>A traffic jam when you're already late<BR/>A no-smoking sign on your cigarette break<BR/>It's like ten thousand spoons <BR/>when all you need is a knife<BR/>It's meeting the man of my dreams<BR/>And then meeting his beautiful wife<BR/>And isn't it ironic...don't you think<BR/>A little too ironic...and, yeah, <BR/>I really do think...<BR/><BR/>Max, you're the best.<BR/><BR/>Alanis Morissette Ironic Cheers!Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-23159362966258081952008-10-10T09:10:00.000-07:002008-10-10T09:10:00.000-07:00Hi Harmony (My fan),<br><br>Not enough change is w...Hi Harmony (My fan),<BR/><BR/>Not enough change is what got us into to this. (Change as in coins.)<BR/><BR/>Everyone wants more change (coins), but not enough change (behavior.) <BR/><BR/>My mother used to call it champagne taste on a beer salary. People want nice homes, cars, lifestyles even though they can't afford them - human nature. Money does strange things to people. They want more, but they don't want to hang on to it.<BR/><BR/>I would like to say that it will change our behavior, but I know better. It will not change it. The decline in the U.S. housing market coupled with the subprime fiasco started the ball rolling out of control.<BR/><BR/>We can only hope that it is controlled by the same individuals who started it. We shall see?Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-64039671251647065552008-10-10T09:08:00.000-07:002008-10-10T09:08:00.000-07:00Hello Lady A!<br><br>Merry Friday to you :D!<br><b...Hello Lady A!<BR/><BR/>Merry Friday to you :D!<BR/><BR/>"I think I will write a book called, From Childbirth To Corsets: The Painful Squeeze Of A Woman's Journey." - ROFL!!! That is an excellent title LOL LOL LOL! You kill me LOL LOL LOL "The Painful Squeeze" LOL LOL!<BR/><BR/>"I would tend to agree. What if Bjork has an icepick?" - we must run a check on her first; if she does have one...let's put our money on her! <BR/><BR/>"Isn't it ironic how Iceland is green and Greenland is Ice?" - "yes, I really do think...It's like rain in a wedding day; it's a free ride when you're already late, it's a good advice that you just can't take...who would've thought, who'd figure?" LOL...<BR/><BR/>"People just don't look at the big picture." - sad, isn't it? <BR/><BR/>"Incredible. It is typical of executive behavior (some executives.)" - indeed...and then they dare speaking of "Social Responsibility" *nodding*.<BR/><BR/>"Queenly Cheers Darling! (raising hand and slowly rotating it - doing the Queen wave.)" - ROFL...LOL LOL!<BR/><BR/>The Queen wave CheersMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12588149349270422294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-44500810691128634342008-10-09T22:15:00.000-07:002008-10-09T22:15:00.000-07:00WOW. What a discussion!<br>May I be so elementary ...WOW. What a discussion!<BR/>May I be so elementary as to suggest that the change we need to see begins with us? Wall St. is a reflection of my own behavior. Have I lived beyond my own means? Did I contribute the the present state of the whole by expecting others to absorb the responsibility? Of course, they are responsible, but they would not have had bad debt to purchase without my humble contribution.<BR/><BR/>Who is to say this entire fiasco may not open new ways of thinking and behaving that benefits the whole. I can only hope.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for addressing a tough subject! <BR/><BR/>Your Fan,Harmony/Goldenzenhttp://goldenzen.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-74566782027244231952008-10-09T11:35:00.000-07:002008-10-09T11:35:00.000-07:00Hi Max,<br><br>"The things that women used to do.....Hi Max,<BR/><BR/>"The things that women used to do...sweet Lord *nodding*..."<BR/><BR/>I think I will write a book called, From Childbirth To Corsets: The Painful Squeeze Of A Woman's Journey.<BR/><BR/>"...my money is definitely on Foxy...damn, that girl can punch! How about you?"<BR/><BR/>I would tend to agree. What if Bjork has an icepick? Isn't it ironic how Iceland is green and Greenland is Ice?<BR/><BR/>"- absolutely! That is one thing that people seem not to grasp! True!"<BR/><BR/>People just don't look at the big picture.<BR/><BR/>"I can believe it, girl *nodding*! LOL they better not dare...did you see the poor excuse their PR gave to the press? Shocking...as if people cared if they have been doing these reward-trips for the last 50 years (how about the sense of timing?)!"<BR/><BR/>Incredible. It is typical of executive behavior (some executives.) <BR/><BR/>Queenly Cheers Darling! (raising hand and slowly rotating it - doing the Queen wave.)Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-77247210311054695152008-10-09T11:21:00.000-07:002008-10-09T11:21:00.000-07:00Hi SheR,<br>I can imagine what they are saying abo...Hi SheR,<BR/>I can imagine what they are saying about America. America is like a gold fish in a world bowl.<BR/><BR/> I agree faith and money are two different things. You can have faith that you will earn money, but you can't invest money in faith. <BR/><BR/>"We can't pray to God and ask Him to make the stocks we buy to go the way we want it to. It just doesn't work."<BR/><BR/>I know and imagine how many investors secretly prayed that they wouldn't lose their money. I wouldn't be surprised if there were a church on the trading floor just for that? It would be nice if people had more of an investment in other people - in kind acts - in love - in compassion - in being good people.<BR/><BR/>Faith always trumps money!Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-19745083513891469072008-10-09T10:23:00.000-07:002008-10-09T10:23:00.000-07:00Hi Lady A,<br><br>"It's painful even thinking abou...Hi Lady A,<BR/><BR/>"It's painful even thinking about it. Ouch. Keira Knightley wears one in The Duchess and she said it was so painful that she could not even sit - or eat." - I can only imagine! The things that women used to do...sweet Lord *nodding*...<BR/><BR/>"It kept you off the streets. ;D" - LOL LOL LOL that's the right expression LOL...;D<BR/><BR/>"OMG. I hope I don't run into her or vice versa." - if you do...watch out!!! LOL<BR/><BR/>"Maybe she can go toe to toe with Foxy Brown? :-o Who is your money on?" - LOL LOL...my money is definitely on Foxy...damn, that girl can punch! How about you?<BR/><BR/>"I think that in itself will create more home robberies and crime in general. Desperate people make desperate decisions." - absolutely! That is one thing that people seem not to grasp! True!<BR/><BR/>"Now those execs at AIG are asking for another $37.8 Billion. (Three weeks ago the got $85 billion.) Can you believe it? What do they want to do now, go on a world cruise?" - I can believe it, girl *nodding*! LOL they better not dare...did you see the poor excuse their PR gave to the press? Shocking...as if people cared if they have been doing these reward-trips for the last 50 years (how about the sense of timing?)! <BR/><BR/>"You know it takes one to know one. We are amazing - and modest. ;D" - LOL oh yeah, we are the Queens of Modesty ;D! lol...<BR/><BR/>Modesty Queens Cheers.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12588149349270422294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-50154313250488877512008-10-09T10:13:00.000-07:002008-10-09T10:13:00.000-07:00Hi Max,<br><br>"...remember that at that time wome...Hi Max,<BR/><BR/>"...remember that at that time women wore corsets (I can't imagine the pain of wearing those), I even bet that ribs got broken back then."<BR/><BR/>It's painful even thinking about it. Ouch. Keira Knightley wears one in The Duchess and she said it was so painful that she could not even sit - or eat.<BR/><BR/>"I did...we used to think that we were so much more intellected than everybody else...so sad lol *nodding*. Teens have these things; but then again it kept us away from troubles (since we were so busy being humanists)."<BR/><BR/>It kept you off the streets. ;D<BR/><BR/>"Bjork, isn't she living in the US?"<BR/><BR/>OMG. I hope I don't run into her or vice versa.<BR/><BR/>"...that girl needs to enroll in an Anger Management program..."<BR/><BR/>Maybe she can go toe to toe with Foxy Brown? :-o <BR/>Who is your money on?<BR/><BR/>"...(during tragedies there is always someone making money)."<BR/><BR/>For sure. Over here there is a man who sells home safes. He is making millions because no one wants to put their money in a bank anymore. I think that in itself will create more home robberies and crime in general. Desperate people make desperate decisions.<BR/><BR/>"Hmmm...that is an excellent conspiracy theory, girl *High Five*! Yes, how do we know indeed...? *Max thinking*...."<BR/><BR/>Now those execs at AIG are asking for another $37.8 Billion. (Three weeks ago the got $85 billion.) Can you believe it? What do they want to do now, go on a world cruise?<BR/><BR/>"...you are amazing"<BR/><BR/>You know it takes one to know one. We are amazing - and modest. ;D<BR/><BR/>Amazing Cheers.Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-35543288035241221812008-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:002008-10-09T10:00:00.000-07:00Hey Alexys!<br>First of all I like to say that Fai...Hey Alexys!<BR/>First of all I like to say that Faith and Money don't mix. Or should I say Investing? If one has enough Faith in one's religion, he should have realised that Money is not important. So most of the time, we choose which is more important to us. We can't pray to God and ask Him to make the stocks we buy to go the way we want it to. It just doesn't work.<BR/><BR/>Guess what the rest of the world thought about the recent American crisis? Well.. half of the world is cursing how the people at Wall Street handled the crisis. Or like most of us said, American economy is in deep shit but it doesn't have to drag all the rest of the world's economies with it. <BR/><BR/>Sighs.. we have no control over what happens in the financial markets.. just like we have no control over the Big Picture (with respect to one's faith). <BR/><BR/>Faith or Money? You choose.SheR.http://www.blogger.com/profile/16109763022684492732noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-4741602501486560382008-10-09T04:39:00.000-07:002008-10-09T04:39:00.000-07:00Hi Alexys,<br><br>"See, I knew you had an inside t...Hi Alexys,<BR/><BR/>"See, I knew you had an inside track." - lol I did indeed...<BR/><BR/>"The finest taste. I am enthralled by what was created in that period. I know that they were thought of as ruthless - they started as lenders. They made money, they lost money, like the banks of today. There were rivalries, there was envy, there was jealousy, there was murder, nothing has changed." - you can say that again "nothing has changed" *nodding*! Still, they were a great family...despite their fame. <BR/><BR/>"Really, I didn't know that. She once ordered that no woman at the French court should have a waist measuring more than 13 inches. Isn't that smaller than Barbie? Barbie's waist was 18 inches but I think it has been widen a bit to accommodate the fast food craze. ;D" - LOL LOL LOL LOL remember that at that time women wore corsets (I can't imagine the pain of wearing those), I even bet that ribs got broken back then *nodding*. <BR/><BR/>"You did? Cool!" - I did...we used to think that we were so much more intellected than everybody else...so sad lol *nodding*. Teens have these things; but then again it kept us away from troubles (since we were so busy being humanists). <BR/><BR/>"I didn't know that. See how deep, far and wide America runs." - indeed...indeed...<BR/><BR/>"I don't know what Bjork is going to do now? Hopefully this will not set her off on one of her violent streaks where she beats up paparazzi at airports again." - LOL LOL Bjork, isn't she living in the US? LOL LOL I hope not...let me tell you, that girl needs to enroll in an Anger Management program...<BR/><BR/>"Max, I think we would make better economists. If we can see certain trends in financial markets, one would think that certainly the economists who get paid to do it would see it? But instead, they are deaf, dumb and blind - like Tommy the pinball wizard." - LOL you are right! Perhaps they didn't want to see it, because they were making money from it...(during tragedies there is always someone making money). <BR/><BR/>"And that's only because it leaked out. Imagine what we don't know? How much of the bailout is ricocheting back to the government coffers in underhanded deals done behind closed doors? How we know that it is not a ploy to bolster the presidential campaign? Voter registration has increased because of it." - Hmmm...that is an excellent conspiracy theory, girl *High Five*! Yes, how do we know indeed...? *Max thinking*....<BR/><BR/>"It has dropped even further? Wow." - yep...I still haven't heard how it is today though....<BR/><BR/>"Another awe-inspiring statement. Hats off!" - *bowing*...thank you! <BR/><BR/>"High five! Applause! Gratitude! Love!" - lol you are amazing, Lady A! Thanks!<BR/><BR/> Fantastic Cheers.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12588149349270422294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-1153437860093965662008-10-08T18:18:00.000-07:002008-10-08T18:18:00.000-07:00Hi Simon,<br>That's exactly what the negative forc...Hi Simon,<BR/>That's exactly what the negative force wants you to feel - an little uneasy, unsure, etc.<BR/><BR/>That's what fear does. It makes us panic and think of all the possible things that can go wrong. Fear is attachment. If we have no attachment, we have no fear.<BR/><BR/>You are right, it IS a perfect opportunity to rely on our spirit.Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-60703156743845737512008-10-08T14:38:00.000-07:002008-10-08T14:38:00.000-07:00There was I thinking that I was coming to be more ...There was I thinking that I was coming to be more attached to things of the spirit than to the material world and then this big financial thing blows up and I'm suddenly feeling very, very uneasy. We don't realize how attached we are to material goods until we're threatened with losing them. So all I can do is observe the fear and understand what it tells me about myself, I guess. More opportunity for spiritual development! :-)Simonhttp://secretoflife.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-51865918480343367172008-10-08T13:57:00.000-07:002008-10-08T13:57:00.000-07:00Hi Max,<br><br>"That exact painting was on my hist...Hi Max,<BR/><BR/>"That exact painting was on my history book, in 11th grade, so I remembered it well lol."<BR/><BR/>See, I knew you had an inside track.<BR/><BR/>"Aaah, the Medici...they were ruthless, yet had a fine taste for arts."<BR/><BR/>The finest taste. I am enthralled by what was created in that period. I know that they were thought of as ruthless - they started as lenders. They made money, they lost money, like the banks of today. There were rivalries, there was envy, there was jealousy, there was murder, nothing has changed.<BR/><BR/>"Caterina de' Medici was a very strong woman, but swayed towards necromancy." In fact, she was a patron of many witches, sorcerers and mediums (among them the famous Nostradamus)."<BR/><BR/>Really, I didn't know that. She once ordered that no woman at the French court should have a waist measuring more than 13 inches. Isn't that smaller than Barbie? Barbie's waist was 18 inches but I think it has been widen a bit to accommodate the fast food craze. ;D<BR/><BR/>"So, you are a fan of humanism...I do understand you...I had a mini humanistic club in high school."<BR/><BR/>You did? Cool!<BR/><BR/>"If the Medici didn't exist, the Renaissance wouldn't have been as great as it was (I am sure some will disagree)."<BR/><BR/>I am sure they will. <BR/><BR/>"I totally read you! Did you know that people here in Europe are running to the bank to withdraw their money? It's crazy."<BR/><BR/>I didn't know that. See how deep, far and wide America runs.<BR/><BR/>"...Iceland...I was shocked! I never thought it could be possible...but it is, when bad financial decisions, mixed with greed, are made. Everybody was all too excited with the subprime, and oil (the speculation with oil was too much, a few made a lot of many with it)...."<BR/><BR/>I don't know what Bjork is going to do now? Hopefully this will not set her off on one of her violent streaks where she beats up paparazzi at airports again.<BR/><BR/>"...I don't see people explaining on TV the downside of these actions. Ok, I am not being fair....the Portuguese Central bank came to TV (after people had withdrawn their money) to explain that this is a bad move for economy. Now, I ask: with so many genial economists, why wasn't this predicted? It is not hard to guess that people would run to the banks to empty their accounts, is it?"<BR/><BR/>Max, I think we would make better economists. If we can see certain trends in financial markets, one would think that certainly the economists who get paid to do it would see it? But instead, they are deaf, dumb and blind - like Tommy the pinball wizard.<BR/><BR/>"That is shameful. It denotes total lack of respect for the people who is suffering due to their bad decisions."<BR/><BR/>And that's only because it leaked out. Imagine what we don't know? How much of the bailout is ricocheting back to the government coffers in underhanded deals done behind closed doors? How we know that it is not a ploy to bolster the presidential campaign? Voter registration has increased because of it. <BR/><BR/>"I heard it is $82/per barrel (today 8th of October)."<BR/><BR/>It has dropped even further? Wow.<BR/><BR/>"Speculation is a killer...a killer. We have always speculated in the market, but I don't know what happened now...my only explanation is: before they knew when to stop, and this time they didn't want to stop."<BR/><BR/>Another awe-inspiring statement. Hats off!<BR/><BR/>"I think of those who turn their back on God and I am confounded because once they turn their back, God is behind them." - LOL LOL this was a good one too LOL LOL...."<BR/><BR/>LOL with you!<BR/><BR/>"And this conversation is off the hook!"<BR/><BR/>High five! Applause! Gratitude! Love!<BR/><BR/>All Of The Above Cheers.Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-70682274584351687662008-10-08T12:36:00.000-07:002008-10-08T12:36:00.000-07:00Hi Lady A!<br><br>"I knew you would recognize...Hi Lady A!<BR/><BR/>"I knew you would recognize it immediately. I have that kind of confidence in your ability and intelligence - and thorough art knowledge." - why, thank you *bowing*! That exact painting was on my history book, in 11th grade, so I remembered it well lol. <BR/><BR/>"I didn't see it. I will see if I can find it though. I am fascinated by the Medici family. I think they helped to define the Italian Renaissance. I am a great fan of humanism and wonder how it would have been to live among them. I would have love to have a Medici patron - even now." - Aaah, the Medici...they were ruthless, yet had a fine taste for arts *chills down my back*! Caterina de' Medici was a very strong woman, but swayed towards necromancy *nodding*. In fact, she was a patron of many witches, sorcerers and mediums (among them the famous Nostradamus). <BR/>So, you are a fan of humanism...I do understand you...I had a mini humanistic club in high school. <BR/>If the Medici didn't exist, the Renaissance wouldn't have been as great as it was (I am sure some will disagree). <BR/><BR/>"Thank you my darling." - you are most welcome! :D<BR/><BR/>"LOL. Levity is always welcome in such dire circumstances. Glad you got the humor. As far as Buffet goes, the man seems to do no wrong. He has amazingly bailed out some companies himself." - with you around it is impossible not to have humour, girl! Buffet...I admire such levels of financial brilliancy....<BR/><BR/>"We don't know where we are in the trajectory of the crisis so it's hard to make our next move with confidence and I totally follow your reasoning to the letter. America's financial troubles run deep below the surface and they are liable to bubble up without warning to the citizens. If we follow history, we shouldn't be surprised." - I totally read you! Did you know that people here in Europe are running to the bank to withdraw their money? It's crazy...<BR/><BR/>"When I look at all of the world markets, I am astonished how America has managed to have it's hand in the pie of the world and if it can't make pies, then neither can anyone else." - yes...but the whole world is to blame too. Everybody, in the financial world, decided to get a piece of the US subprime lending, and now look what happened...<BR/><BR/>"I thought we had it bad until I found out that Iceland is now on the verge of bankruptcy. Wow. A country on the verge of bankruptcy? How did that happen? Iceland is a country that once had one of the world's highest per capita incomes and now their currency is almost half its value." - yes...Iceland...I was shocked! I never thought it could be possible...but it is, when bad financial decisions, mixed with greed, are made. Everybody was all too excited with the subprime, and oil (the speculation with oil was too much, a few made a lot of many with it)....<BR/><BR/>"Some of it has already happened with millions withdrawing money from banks, which rely on capital to spend and loan other money. It's a domino effect." - exactly!!! And I don't see people explaining on TV the downside of these actions. Ok, I am not being fair....the Portuguese Central bank came to TV (after people had withdrawn their money) to explain that this is a bad move for economy. Now, I ask: with so many genial economists, why wasn't this predicted? It is not hard to guess that people would run to the banks to empty their accounts, is it?<BR/><BR/>"Excellent analogy. The import/export of food is always adversely affected around the world. I have seen shades of what you describe in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina." - yes, Katrina is a good example. Now let's enlarge the panorama to the world scale...disastrous!!<BR/><BR/>"One of the company's the government bailed out was AIG whose executives just spent $400,000 for a vacation. :-o" - WHAT? That is shameful. It denotes total lack of respect for the people who is suffering due to their bad decisions. <BR/><BR/>"I knew you would like that. It is true isn't it. Wall Street takes us for fools. Money is an aphrodisiac." - lol I did. Yes, it is true! Money can be a venom...shameful, I say. <BR/><BR/>"I know. The public doesn't know the extent in which they play with our future and manipulate the market. Remember the U.S. gas (petrol) prices? A couple of months ago oil was about $160/per barrel, today it is less than $90/per barrel." - I heard it is $82/per barrel (today 8th of October). Speculation is a killer...a killer. We have always speculated in the market, but I don't know what happened now...my only explanation is: before they knew when to stop, and this time they didn't want to stop. <BR/><BR/>"We pass them with flying colors when we get used tot he tests." - so true.<BR/><BR/>"I think of those who turn their back on God and I am confounded because once they turn their back, God is behind them." - LOL LOL this was a good one too LOL LOL....<BR/><BR/>"If they turn back to the front, God is in front of them. God does not disappear like a David Copperfield trick. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. God IS. Fear isn't." - Amen, Amen, Amen..sista! Halleluiah!!!<BR/><BR/>"Max, thank you, thank you thank you." - you are a thousand times welcome *big smile*!<BR/><BR/>And this conversation is off the hook!<BR/><BR/>Big Hug & Kisses Cheers.Maxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12588149349270422294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-10466133617557939102008-10-07T23:13:00.000-07:002008-10-07T23:13:00.000-07:00Hi Max,<br>"I immediately recognised the Mass...Hi Max,<BR/>"I immediately recognised the Massacre perpetrated by the Catholics against the Protestants during the French War of Religions."<BR/><BR/>I knew you would recognize it immediately. I have that kind of confidence in your ability and intelligence - and thorough art knowledge.<BR/><BR/>"(did you watch "La Reine Margot" [Margot was the daughter of Catherine di Medici, sister to King Charles - let me check which one - ah, Charles IX] with Isabelle Adjani? It depicts this scene in such a cruel and realistic fashion that I nearly cried)."<BR/><BR/>I didn't see it. I will see if I can find it though. I am fascinated by the Medici family. I think they helped to define the Italian Renaissance. I am a great fan of humanism and wonder how it would have been to live among them. I would have love to have a Medici patron - even now.<BR/><BR/>"And congrats for the wonderful analogy to the present economic crisis *clap clap clap*!"<BR/><BR/>Thank you my darling.<BR/><BR/>"I know this is a serious matter but...ROFL...LOL LOL LOL...girl, you do have humour! Warren Buffet seems to get by just fine, doesn't he? He is a rather clever chap..."<BR/><BR/>LOL. Levity is always welcome in such dire circumstances. Glad you got the humor. As far as Buffet goes, the man seems to do no wrong. He has amazingly bailed out some companies himself.<BR/><BR/>We don't know where we are in the trajectory of the crisis so it's hard to make our next move with confidence and I totally follow your reasoning to the letter. America's financial troubles run deep below the surface and they are liable to bubble up without warning to the citizens. If we follow history, we shouldn't be surprised.<BR/><BR/>When I look at all of the world markets, I am astonished how America has managed to have it's hand in the pie of the world and if it can't make pies, then neither can anyone else. <BR/><BR/>I thought we had it bad until I found out that Iceland is now on the verge of bankruptcy. Wow. A country on the verge of bankruptcy? How did that happen? Iceland is a country that once had one of the world's highest per capita incomes and now their currency is almost half its value.<BR/><BR/>"...general panic will spread, people will take their money out of the banks, which in turn is bad for the business - again, financial one; if people take their money out, the futures market is at stake, if it is at stake then production of food is at stake - since this market is the one which controls the buy and sell of food/beverages market."<BR/><BR/>Some of it has already happened with millions withdrawing money from banks, which rely on capital to spend and loan other money. It's a domino effect.<BR/><BR/>"...if production of food is at stake people won't have anything to eat, if they do not have anything to eat, civil war will occur...I gave food as an example, but now imagine food, and other commodities lacking in our shelves, not to mention the high levels of unemployment...a total civil disaster)."<BR/><BR/>Excellent analogy. The import/export of food is always adversely affected around the world. I have seen shades of what you describe in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina.<BR/><BR/>"The US forgot about their huge responsibility towards the world, but mainly towards its own citizens (who are far worse than we are, from what I am hearing)."<BR/><BR/>Yes some people were severely effected by the fallout - losing their bank deposits, homes, children's education fund, 401k's, etc. and hopefully they too will be able to regain some of what they lost through low interest loans and grants, but it is not likely with the $700 billion floating into the wrong hands. One of the company's the government bailed out was AIG whose executives just spent $400,000 for a vacation. :-o<BR/><BR/>""unless Wall Street is in serious need of trifocals, even Stevie Wonder could have seen this coming." - LOL LOL LOL this was a good one LOL!"<BR/><BR/>I knew you would like that. It is true isn't it. Wall Street takes us for fools. Money is an aphrodisiac.<BR/><BR/>"Yes, indeed. Since 1901 many market crashes have happened, however none had the International magnitude that this one has (the wonders of globalisation)."<BR/><BR/>Agreed.<BR/><BR/>"Greed is the right word here: the way they played with the subprime lending (one of the factors that took everybody down)? Shameful."<BR/><BR/>I know. The public doesn't know the extent in which they play with our future and manipulate the market. Remember the U.S. gas (petrol) prices? A couple of months ago oil was about $160/per barrel, today it is less than $90/per barrel.<BR/><BR/>"Tests are always tough, but if we fear less they will seem easier to pass."<BR/><BR/>We pass them with flying colors when we get used tot he tests.<BR/><BR/>"God always said that besides believing in Him, we should never fear nor be struck by awe, why? Because He knew that once we allow fear to invade our mind, faith alone won't take us where we need (and want) to go."<BR/><BR/>I think of those who turn their back on God and I am confounded because once they turn their back, God is behind them. If they turn back to the front, God is in front of them. God does not disappear like a David Copperfield trick. God is omnipresent, omnipotent, and omniscient. God IS. Fear isn't.<BR/><BR/>"Alexys, fantastic post! I enjoyed reading it a lot, girl...thanks for this gift!"<BR/><BR/>Max, thank you, thank you thank you.<BR/><BR/>Hugs & Kisses Cheers.Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-63223105324844400302008-10-07T22:09:00.000-07:002008-10-07T22:09:00.000-07:00Nathan,<br>It's true, especially when we look at t...Nathan,<BR/>It's true, especially when we look at the history of most wars, the crux being religion and one's interpretation of it.Alexys Fairfieldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13486319246332212531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1055176677823781877.post-7563993404741417432008-10-07T13:24:00.000-07:002008-10-07T13:24:00.000-07:00Hi Lady A! :D<br><br>My Lord...fantastic picture: ...Hi Lady A! :D<BR/><BR/>My Lord...fantastic picture: I immediately recognised the Massacre perpetrated by the Catholics against the Protestants during the French War of Religions (did you watch "La Reine Margot" [Margot was the daughter of Catherine di Medici, sister to King Charles - let me check which one - ah, Charles IX] with Isabelle Adjani? It depicts this scene in such a cruel and realistic fashion that I nearly cried). <BR/>And congrats for the wonderful analogy to the present economic crisis *clap clap clap*!<BR/><BR/>"A bird's eye view of the massacre would show stockholders and shareholders among the financially deceased and Warren Buffet with not so much as a hair out of place." - I know this is a serious matter but...ROFL...LOL LOL LOL...girl, you do have humour! Warren Buffet seems to get by just fine, doesn't he? He is a rather clever chap...<BR/><BR/>The reason why the government bailed out Wall Street is: 1- the US economy's health depends on the health of Wall Street; 2- international markets depend on the health of Wall Street (and if all markets go down, the entire world's economy will too, and if that happens, general panic will spread, people will take their money out of the banks, which in turn is bad for the business - again, financial one; if people take their money out, the futures market is at stake, if it is at stake then production of food is at stake - since this market is the one which controls the buy and sell of food/beverages market; if production of food is at stake people won't have anything to eat, if they do not have anything to eat, civil war will occur...I gave food as an example, but now imagine food, and other commodities lacking in our shelves, not to mention the high levels of unemployment...a total civil disaster). <BR/>Now, who is to blame? This is what the US government should be thinking about and trying to answer....(but I think they know that we know the answer to this one).<BR/><BR/>"How can a country whose been writing off debts to other countries for years afford to give anything to anybody?" - good question!<BR/><BR/>"Isn’t that's why we are in this trouble? Aren’t we just rewarding bad decisions? We have spent what we don't have and we don't have anything to spend." - yes! Yes! Yes, that is exactly it! And now, others do not have anything to spend either. The US forgot about their huge responsibility towards the world, but mainly towards its own citizens (who are far worse than we are, from what I am hearing). <BR/><BR/>"unless Wall Street is in serious need of trifocals, even Stevie Wonder could have seen this coming." - LOL LOL LOL this was a good one LOL!<BR/><BR/>Yes, indeed. Since 1901 many market crashes have happened, however none had the International magnitude that this one has (the wonders of globalisation). <BR/><BR/>Greed is the right word here: the way they played with the subprime lending (one of the factors that took everybody down)? Shameful. <BR/><BR/>"Do you think the tests of faith get tougher with each day or does our perspective change according to level of fear?" - I think that our perspective changes according to the level of fear. Tests are always tough, but if we fear less they will seem easier to pass. <BR/><BR/>"Does fear play a big role in our faith?" - yes, it does. God always said that besides believing in Him, we should never fear nor be struck by awe, why? Because He knew that once we allow fear to invade our mind, faith alone won't take us where we need (and want) to go. <BR/><BR/>Alexys, fantastic post! I enjoyed reading it a lot, girl...thanks for this gift! [this article may raise some sharp opinions...I will stay tuned to all of the comments]:D<BR/><BR/>Bailout responsibility CheersMaxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12588149349270422294noreply@blogger.com