Search found 1965 matches

by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 13, 2009 7:41 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this legit?
Replies: 22
Views: 4037

Correct - the sales rep told me that DN changed it's pricing as of Feb, and that my contract clearly (?) specified that they had the right to raise the rate at any time. I believe we signed up last April, and there was no mention of a teaser rate - that's the only reason I was willing to commit to two years. Unfortunately I don't believe I have a copy of the original contract - I probably did keep it but I don't know where it is. Linda Ask them to mail, fax, or email you a copy of the contract. I would be willing to bet that there is an opt-out clause in case of a rate increases. It'll be buried in the small print, but I'm willing to bet it exists. If you make enough noise, you'll be able to cancel their service without a fee. The squeaky ...
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 13, 2009 7:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this legit?
Replies: 22
Views: 4037

I was responding to the person's original post which states. "About a year ago we signed up with Dish Network on a 2 year contract ." [my emphasis added] I know a freeby is not a contract but it's presence may have affected the terms of the contract. A lower initial rate may well have been covered in the contract: Let's wait until the original poster returns with answers to some of the questions asked in the follow-ups It doesn't sound like the original poster signed up for a teaser rate, here's what she said in the original post. "When I called to inquire/complain they said that the contract clearly states that they can raise prices whenever they want." [/b] If she signed a contract with a teaser rate, the appropriate ...
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 13, 2009 4:52 pm
Forum: Forum Issues and Administration
Topic: The +1 mental disease is spreading
Replies: 55
Views: 12379

Alex Frakt wrote:"+1" posts without any additional comments are stupid: they are a waste of bandwidth and people's time. If moderators notice them, they may delete them at their discretion without notice.
So you'd rather posters who totally agree with a post say "Excellent point JackBogleFan123, I completely agree!" That takes up more bandwith than a +1. Hell, this entire thread is taking up more bandwith than a year's worth of +1 comments.
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 13, 2009 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is this legit?
Replies: 22
Views: 4037

You're stuck with whatever the contract says. If it says they can raise rates with proper notice but you can't cancel during the term, that's what will happen. That doesn't seem fair me, but a contract is a contract. Did you get a lower intital rate or some freeby because you signed up for two years instead of some shorter term? Definitely not true, contracts are struck down all the time for a variety of reasons by courts. You should read the documents you signed when you agreed to terms with Dish Network. Often times there is a clause that allows the consumer to terminate the contract without a penalty if the price increases, material alterations are made to the contract, etc. You could make a decent argument that the price increases of a...
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 12, 2009 4:19 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Social Security and Medicare Funds Worsen in Recession
Replies: 1
Views: 1071

Social Security and Medicare Funds Worsen in Recession

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid= ... refer=home

The financial health of Social Security and Medicare, the two main safety nets for American retirees and the elderly, is declining as the recession cuts payroll-tax contributions just as the baby-boom generation begins to retire.

The Social Security trust fund will run out of assets in 2037, four years sooner than previously forecast, the trustees said today. Spending on Medicare, the health insurance plan for the elderly, will reach a legal limit by 2014, the same year predicted in 2008, the trustees’ report said.
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 12, 2009 2:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: General Motors offer to bondholders
Replies: 71
Views: 9384

Jack wrote:As stated before, junior creditors can take a higher priority if they are contributing to the reorganized enterprise. That is not unprecedented.
Hi Jack,

If this isn't unprecedented, could you please tell us when and what established the precedent?
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 12, 2009 2:24 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Chase credit card 3% cashback no more
Replies: 280
Views: 309235

I still have the 5% back on gas, grocery, drug stores, and 1% back on everything else from Chase. I hate Chase and can't wait to cut all ties with them, but this card is too good not to use for a few purchases.

I will never pay an annual fee for a credit card, so if anyone tries to institute this, I'll simply cancel the card and fine one that doesn't charge an annual fee.
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 12, 2009 1:33 am
Forum: US Chapters
Topic: Tulsa Local Chapter?
Replies: 36
Views: 14828

I miss Oklahoma :(
by SoonerSunDevil
Mon May 11, 2009 9:03 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: General Motors offer to bondholders
Replies: 71
Views: 9384

Re: General Motors offer to bondholders

saurabhec wrote:but it is still a fairly sad day for property rights and rule of law. Good day for UAW union workers though.
Funny this topic of property rights came up; we just had a discussion about this in my property class. If this isn't the definition of a regulatory taking by the government, I don't know what is. Obama is just buying votes appeasing to all of the "middle-class" UAW workers. This makes me physically ill.
by SoonerSunDevil
Sun May 10, 2009 4:23 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella Insurance
Replies: 82
Views: 14192

Gekko wrote:how would you like a 25% wage garnishment for the rest of your life?
That's why God created bankruptcy courts. Or maybe that was Congress, I forget.

I think the basic point about umbrella insurance is this, if you have a decent to significant amount of assets you need to protect them. If you have $1,000,0000 in assets you probably want at least $1,000,000 in umbrella coverage to protect against the catastrophic accident. If you have $15,000, you don't need umbrella insurance.
by SoonerSunDevil
Sun May 10, 2009 2:53 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Umbrella Insurance
Replies: 82
Views: 14192

EmergDoc wrote:I find it hilarious that most people only carry the minimum required liability coverage on their autos, yet buy comprehensive/collision to cover the value of the $10K car. The real financial catastrophe is in disabling a neurosurgeon fresh out of residency in a car wreck that is your fault. Even one or two million is going to go pretty quick in a situation like that.
Unless you're poor and don't have any assets. If I was at fault in the accident that you described, what's the neurosurgeon going to get out of me? I bet my assets are greater than my liabilities by maybe $15,000 (damn you student loans!). Good luck trying to get someone in my position to pay you the $2,000,000 judgment or whatever it might be.
by SoonerSunDevil
Sun May 10, 2009 2:39 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: anybody still want to talk about the Japan analogy?
Replies: 60
Views: 9229

Chastemp wrote:Hi Value,

Sooner was referring to me as the troll because I wrote a post implying that the government was doing harm as long as it remains an interloper in private enterprise. However, I do indeed recognize that at critical times government intervention was the lessor of the two evils as far as the financial system was concerned. I always have to struggle to maintain the purity of expression necessary here. Sadly, despite my rigorous attempts at self control I still sin in the eyes of some. :cry:

Chas
I did not call you a troll, allsop called you a troll.
by SoonerSunDevil
Sat May 09, 2009 2:12 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: anybody still want to talk about the Japan analogy?
Replies: 60
Views: 9229

saurabhec wrote:That said, I would rather be lucky than smart.
Amen!
by SoonerSunDevil
Sat May 09, 2009 11:24 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: anybody still want to talk about the Japan analogy?
Replies: 60
Views: 9229

Re: Zombie Banks

You were well compensated for a high risk transaction. The outcome doesn't necessarily validate the strategy, although it does appear that JPM and WFC have been well positioned to weather this storm. Your move is not dissimilar from value investing pros that were hammered during this bear market (Bill Miller, Dodge and Cox) by jumping onto "great buys" like AIG, Fannie Mae, Wachovia, WM, etc. So it is nice to hit value home runs, but obviously there are times when the risk shows up. I would be tempted to unload BAC, as they are not in a position to outearn their future liabilities and may be a zombie bank model. a 600% from trough to peak is good enough. Hi Nick, I get your point about other value investors loading up on AIG, Fan...
by SoonerSunDevil
Sat May 09, 2009 11:17 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: anybody still want to talk about the Japan analogy?
Replies: 60
Views: 9229

jpsfranks wrote:
SoonerSunDevil wrote:Anyone want to tell me I was right about buying a ton of shares in BAC, JPM, and WFC? :D

If I hear the term zombie bank one more time... :evil: :evil: :evil:
Congratulations, it seems that buying the banks this spring was a good move. However buying them last summer was not.
Very true, I was definitely a little too early to the party, but when I went "all in" in March and focused on three bank stocks I got "lucky,"

Eventually I'll go back to the Boglehead buy and hold strategy using a globally diversified portfolio of low-cost index funds, but for right now I'm sticking with the banks.
by SoonerSunDevil
Fri May 08, 2009 9:41 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: anybody still want to talk about the Japan analogy?
Replies: 60
Views: 9229

Anyone want to tell me I was right about buying a ton of shares in BAC, JPM, and WFC? :D

If I hear the term zombie bank one more time... :evil: :evil: :evil:
by SoonerSunDevil
Thu May 07, 2009 4:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Global Crisis ‘Vastly Worse’ Than 1930s, Taleb Says
Replies: 47
Views: 7834

Who cares what Taleb or Roubini or anyone else has to say?

Didn't Taleb's hedge fund blow-up because he bet on a black swan and no black swan occurred? Is that a black swan?

Roubini... what a media whore.
by SoonerSunDevil
Thu May 07, 2009 3:48 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Ouch! Bad SCZ buy
Replies: 14
Views: 2617

Re: Ouch! Bad SCZ buy

diasurfer wrote:Another case of keyboard incompetence? Taken to the cleaners using market orders?
I have no idea what caused the price swing, but it happens from time to time. I don't know if it's a glitch or what, but this just gives me another reason to use limit orders and limit orders only, especially for stocks that aren't liquid.

Since you have WellsTrade and it doesn't cost you anything to trade, I strongly suggest using only limit orders.
by SoonerSunDevil
Thu May 07, 2009 10:42 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does America need a new retirement system?
Replies: 68
Views: 9552

On the welfare state there hasn't been a significant expansion of same since the late 1960s I don't think. With one exception: Schedule D Medicare (the pharmaceutical drug benefit). The bank and auto company rescues are just that. The US government will try to exit those industries as quickly as possible, although it may take some time. There have been three enormous expansions of government power in the history of the United States. The first was after the Civil War (Reconstruction), the next was the New Deal, and the last was the Great Society. Let me just say that I believe we are in the midst of the fourth massive expansion of government power. I can't say more because the thread will get locked :wink: "[A] government big enough t...
by SoonerSunDevil
Thu May 07, 2009 1:37 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does America need a new retirement system?
Replies: 68
Views: 9552

mikem wrote:Which begs the question...

Would the general retired population have taken more personal responsibility for their futures had Social Security not existed?

I think many just assume that SS/Medicare will take care of them so no planning/saving required.
Bingo.
by SoonerSunDevil
Thu May 07, 2009 1:34 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does America need a new retirement system?
Replies: 68
Views: 9552

jegallup wrote:Is there anyone around who still thinks privatizing Social Security would've been a good idea?
Yes, I certainly do.
by SoonerSunDevil
Thu May 07, 2009 1:31 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Does America need a new retirement system?
Replies: 68
Views: 9552

Americans might need a new retirement system, but what we need are more Americans to quit being so damn reliant on someone else for their economic well-being. Americans who are physically and mentally capable of earning a decent wage shouldn't be dependent on anyone for their own economic well-being. Americans have a duty to serve those who are incapable of providing for themselves, but what America really needs most is personal accountability. It's sickening listening to everyone who feels entitled to something or "that's not fair" kind of talk.

We're becoming more of a welfare state each passing day and it doesn't seem to be bothering enough people.
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 06, 2009 5:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Death Of Vanguard? Schwab Offers 0.09% ER Index Funds
Replies: 51
Views: 11633

SoonerSunDevil wrote:
simplesimon wrote:I just *facepalmed* when I read the title.

How is Schwab's offering of low-cost index funds going to do anything when Fidelity's been doing it for years?
+1
Wait, we're not supposed to do the "+1" thing anymore, so I would like to recant my agreement with your prior post.

-1
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 06, 2009 5:24 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Death Of Vanguard? Schwab Offers 0.09% ER Index Funds
Replies: 51
Views: 11633

simplesimon wrote:I just *facepalmed* when I read the title.

How is Schwab's offering of low-cost index funds going to do anything when Fidelity's been doing it for years?
+1
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 06, 2009 5:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Death Of Vanguard? Schwab Offers 0.09% ER Index Funds
Replies: 51
Views: 11633

The death of Vanguard, really?

"The rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated."

Vanguard isn't going anywhere.
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 06, 2009 3:23 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Bank of America going to survive?
Replies: 159
Views: 37838

Bounca wrote:
freedomfunds wrote:xlf trumps chasing stocks
I caught that falling knife back in July. :roll: I didn't have (nor now) have the cojones that Sooner obviously has.
I caught that falling knife, too, but I finally said "to hell with it" around the second week of March and dumped just about everything in my portfolio and loaded up on BAC, JPM, and WFC. I don't know if it's cojones or what, but I like where I'm sitting right now. Ask me again in a year :D
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 06, 2009 3:22 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Bank of America going to survive?
Replies: 159
Views: 37838

duhmel1 wrote:BAC is planning to sell part of its stake in a Chinese bank to raise $8B. This reduces the amount of equity needed from outside. Evidently this stake in the Chinese bank doesn't count as 'capital'.
The gov't apparently wants all of the 19 banks who underwent the stress test to have a Tangible Common Equity ratio of at least 4%. The Chinese bank stock would not count towards this if B of A continued to hold the stock, but if B of A sold it then could manuver the cash in such a way as to improve their TCE.
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 06, 2009 8:23 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Bank of America going to survive?
Replies: 159
Views: 37838

xlf trumps chasing stocks Not for me it isn't. BAC is going to get hit hard tomorrow, but they will be fine in a few years. A healthy BAC, Countrywide, and ML is going to be a profit powerhouse. They aren't healthy yet, but they will be in 3-5 years. When they are healthy again, BAC is going to be MUCH higher than it currently is. Tomorrow is going to be tough after getting the news on BAC, but I'm not going to sell any of my shares. Long-term... Query on ML. I've lived through the investment bank-commercial bank combination. It never really works. The cultures and approaches to business are just too different. The core of ML is the Financial Consultants: they are the powerhouse of the firm (effectively a series of independent businesspeop...
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 06, 2009 8:20 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Bank of America going to survive?
Replies: 159
Views: 37838

BAC is up to $12 in pre-market trading. I cannot follow this market to save my life. The futures are actually POSITIVE! If the financial stocks close today up slightly, I should be positive overall from before the bear.

God protects drunkards and fools :D
by SoonerSunDevil
Wed May 06, 2009 3:33 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Bank of America going to survive?
Replies: 159
Views: 37838

I just took a quick study break to look at the futures and I'm baffled. Currently, the S&P 500 is only down 5.40 points and the Dow is only down 30 points. Bank of America is down 11% in Germany right now. If this price decline carries over to the U.S. markets BAC would be selling for about $9.70. I will be thrilled if BAC only loses 11% or so tomorrow.
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 05, 2009 9:28 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Bank of America going to survive?
Replies: 159
Views: 37838

freedomfunds wrote:xlf trumps chasing stocks
Not for me it isn't. BAC is going to get hit hard tomorrow, but they will be fine in a few years. A healthy BAC, Countrywide, and ML is going to be a profit powerhouse. They aren't healthy yet, but they will be in 3-5 years. When they are healthy again, BAC is going to be MUCH higher than it currently is. Tomorrow is going to be tough after getting the news on BAC, but I'm not going to sell any of my shares. Long-term...
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 05, 2009 9:13 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Bank of America going to survive?
Replies: 159
Views: 37838

Ariel wrote:Market tanking tonight on this news :shock:
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Bank of America (BAC.N) has been deemed to need an additional $34 billion in capital, according to the results of a government stress test, a source familiar with the results said on Tuesday.
http://www.reuters.com/article/ousiv/id ... C120090506
And that's exactly what I was worried about...

I thought about selling into the rally yesterday, but I'm holding BAC for the long-term, no need to try and time the markets anymore than I already have.

Bummer for BAC shareholders. I wonder how much BAC will lose tomorrow. My guess is 25% or so.
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 05, 2009 9:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Crashing today
Replies: 36
Views: 6736

I'm only 3% or so short of where I was before the bear came. One decent day in the financials and my portfolio will be positive overall despite all of the events over the past 12-18 months. I'd rather be lucky than good :wink: P.S. The stress test results will either make me a very happy man or I'll be underwater double digits instead of a paltry 3%! Although the alternative is that I'll be up a few percent. why dont you elaborate how you're pulling off avoiding most the bear Search for my prior posts, I dumped the majority of my portfolio into BAC, BAC Call Options, JPM, and WFC. My cost basis in BAC is under $6. My call options have tripled. My cost basis in JPM is about $22 or $23 a share. My cost basis in WFC is about $14.50 or so. I p...
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 05, 2009 7:40 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to hold Vanguard Index funds- what brokerage firm
Replies: 22
Views: 5626

I think they make their money from loaning out securities (all the brokerage firms do it), they also are using it as a way to grow their client base (loss leader for other services), and it is possible that they are routing orders in a way that is beneficial to them. From what I have read, routing and execution is pretty good. They have at least a couple of ways of making money off the PMA account. 1. It requires a checking account. Most people have direct deposit (more revenue for WF) and like to keep a cushion of at least a few thousand dollars. I know people that want to keep at least $10,000 in their checking account "just because." WF is probably paying them 1/4 of 1% on their balance. 2. Some people still insist on having a...
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 05, 2009 7:33 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to hold Vanguard Index funds- what brokerage firm
Replies: 22
Views: 5626

livesoft wrote:Definitely specific-lot identification when selling is available for mutual funds at WellsFargo. And all transactions download trivially into TurboTax.

It was mentioned on another thread that some, but not all admiral share funds are available at WellsFargo. Search the forum for that thread.
Yup, the specific-lot identification with Wells Fargo is a breeze. Every time I read someone who says "Yeah, it's easy to do specific-lot identification with Vanguard. You just have to write them a letter and mail it or send them a fax" I want to bang my head on the table.
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 05, 2009 7:29 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Where to hold Vanguard Index funds- what brokerage firm
Replies: 22
Views: 5626

What I don't understand is that despite the many posts on this forum that WellsFargo has FREE transactions for Vanguard funds and FREE transactions for stocks and FREE transactions for ETFs and FREE transactions for other mutual funds, that many folks choose to ignore these facts and state that if you use something besides Vanguard that it would cost you money. It won't cost you money, it's FREE. You and me both, my friend, you and me both... I have never understood the infatuation with Vanguard. Their products are excellent, customer service below average, and website primitive. The easiest solution is to extract from Vanguard the things they are good at; low-cost ETFs and mutual funds. Dump the things Vanguard isn't good at, like custome...
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 05, 2009 5:05 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Is Bank of America going to survive?
Replies: 159
Views: 37838

It's been almost a month since the last post on this thread and there's been enough drama in the financials to last a lifetime over the past 30 or so days. As of today, BAC is trading at $10.84 and there is lots of information swirling about the results of the stress tests. I was a firm believer that BAC wouldn't need more capital, but the market reacted very positively to the news that BAC was rumored to need $10 Billion for the government to feel they are "well-capitalized" based on the criteria set forth in the stress tests. From the price moves by BAC (up over 25% in two days this week) it appears that the market overall thought that BAC would need significantly more than $10 billion. Some knucklehead at FBR wrote a piece last...
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 05, 2009 4:56 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Crashing today
Replies: 36
Views: 6736

I'm only 3% or so short of where I was before the bear came. One decent day in the financials and my portfolio will be positive overall despite all of the events over the past 12-18 months.

I'd rather be lucky than good :wink:

P.S. The stress test results will either make me a very happy man or I'll be underwater double digits instead of a paltry 3%! Although the alternative is that I'll be up a few percent.
by SoonerSunDevil
Tue May 05, 2009 10:59 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slipping Sox
Replies: 33
Views: 5629

I'm glad that baseball players are so honest and respectful towards everyone in society. I guess this doesn't apply to testifying under oath to Congressmen? What about the steroid accusations, just a big cover up? I've no doubt that many, many baseball players used steroids, and many probably still do. But to point to that in defense of the NFL is beyond laughable. The use of steroids has redefined just about every aspect of professional sports, but none nearly as much as pro football. Bob Sanders of the Indianapolis Colts is 5'9'' on a good day and is one of the best safeties in the league. The NFL's all-time leading rusher, Emmitt Smith, is 5'9''. Perhaps the best pure runner in NFL history, Barry Sanders, was 5'8''. You may not like foo...
by SoonerSunDevil
Mon May 04, 2009 11:50 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slipping Sox
Replies: 33
Views: 5629

diasurfer wrote:All the pros in the big 3 sports are equal-opportunity knuckleheads. Why can't they be more like golfers? I mean, take that John Daly for example, now there's a guy kids can look up to.
Don't forget about Fuzzy Zoeller!!!
by SoonerSunDevil
Mon May 04, 2009 6:01 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slipping Sox
Replies: 33
Views: 5629

Look at someone like Dustin Pedroia. He's a gifted MVP 2nd baseman and is about 5'7.'' There's a place in baseball for a talented player who is not long in the limbs. You can't say the same about NFL players. The new 1st round draft pick Quarterback of the Bucs has a spotty undergraduate record but is 6'5" and weighs over 250 lbs. Is being a godzilla the NFL's only criteria? Or carrying an unlicensed weapon? Or fighting in strip-clubs? I'm sick of the lack of character and mobster antics displayed by these ignorant bozo millionaires. Many men would not take their wives or daughters to an NFL game due to the outrageous fan behavior. Each game is a testosterone fete. Bob Sanders of the Indianapolis Colts is 5'9'' on a good day and is on...
by SoonerSunDevil
Mon May 04, 2009 2:10 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Tight-Fisted Investing/Rick Ferri in WSJ
Replies: 82
Views: 20643

Rick Ferri wrote:I have been told by the WSJ that the person in the print article and who used to be on the website also has the last name of Ferri, and the typeset people pulled the wrong print. They do have a sketch of me, and that might be corrected on the website. I don't know what will happen with the print edition except as to get a mention in the corrections section.

This could have been worse. They could have mistakenly printed that our fee is 2.5% rather than 0.25%.

Rick
Tell them they can make it up to you by running another piece on PS within the next few months!
by SoonerSunDevil
Mon May 04, 2009 3:37 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: AMEX Blue Cash Credit Card Rebate Terms Changed
Replies: 10
Views: 3081

I'm a big fan of AMEX and I'll continue to be a loyal customer even after the changes.
by SoonerSunDevil
Mon May 04, 2009 2:18 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slipping Sox
Replies: 33
Views: 5629

The other problem with baseball is that there are so many freaking games that a lot of the games don't matter. If you lose one game in college football your season has the potential to be radically altered. If you lose one NFL playoff game, you're out. Baseball has 162 regular season games and then a bunch of Best of Seven Series nonsense. The individual games don't mean too much in baseball. One bad pass, great catch, penalty, or a wrong strategic move could cripple a season for a football team.
by SoonerSunDevil
Mon May 04, 2009 2:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slipping Sox
Replies: 33
Views: 5629

chaz copied and wrote: SoonerSunDevil wrote: Gekko wrote: people still watch baseball? +1 I'll be happy when football season gets here. It's interesting to watch the strategy play out over time. Baseball players interview better than the majority of the knucklehead football player college graduates and the good ones possess a thoughtful understanding of the game. The MLB salaries are higher and the careers longer than NFL salaries and careers. By the time you get to know a football player he's burnt out and out of the league. Chicks like the long ball. Some of us like the games played more than once a week. Wait, you mean the MLB players who actually speak English, right? Ever listen to Juan Gonzalez or Sammy Sosa speak? Good luck making o...
by SoonerSunDevil
Sun May 03, 2009 5:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Slipping Sox
Replies: 33
Views: 5629

Gekko wrote:people still watch baseball?
+1
by SoonerSunDevil
Fri May 01, 2009 9:11 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: NYT: Swiss won't name 52,000 US tax evaders
Replies: 43
Views: 7033

Pacific wrote:craigr

:lol: :lol:
My thoughts exactly!
by SoonerSunDevil
Fri May 01, 2009 8:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: 100% Gain--Really!
Replies: 70
Views: 19736

I just hope the Bank of America (and other bank) increase is due to the true value of the company, rather than essentially taxpayers subsidizing shareholders. I guess you win either way, but the former seems so much more "right". That's an illustration of one way prices can swing big without a tripling of business. But seems like a more common scenario is when an original price had an expectation of lower earnings (or higher risk) and buyers begin to think higher earnings (or lower risk) are more reasonable. (That is, the original or current expectation may merely be wrong.) Hi Harold, I agree with you, I win either way (or at least I expect to!), but I hope it's because of the true value of the company because I will win more. I...
by SoonerSunDevil
Fri May 01, 2009 1:54 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: A law firm looking to sue over FBIDX
Replies: 2
Views: 1428

Seems like a borderline frivolous suit to me. If anyone needs to be sued over their mutual funds, it's Charles Schwab. If I rememer correctly, one of Charles Schwab's short-term bond funds lost roughly 50% very recently.

I believe Vanguard had a bond fund a few years ago that significantly diverged from its benchmark by about 2% because the managers were actively making bets on a fund that was supposed to be passive. I don't remember all of the details there, either, but I'm sure someone here does. That seems like a better reason to sue, assuming you're going to sue at all.