Charles Ponzi lives on!

The following article within today’s WSJ is certainly worth reading, Before the Bust, These CEOs Took Money Off the Table

Don’t get me wrong. I am very much a capitalist and believe people should be rewarded for building value. However, with investors losses now totaling $ 9 trillion, it’s hard to fathom that these modern day con artists were rewarded with over $100 MM apiece.

By the way, I have a Nigerian friend looking to cash in on some old oil contracts.

Bankruptcies Loom Large

For all those that think the economy has hit bottom, you better hang on for 2009. So far in 2008, corporate default rates have been in low single digits, near historical averages. The people in the know, including my neighbor, expect default rates to increase threefold and “real” unemployment (not the number the gov’t reports) to hit double digits (12%). Let’s hope everyone is wrong.

Google Chrome

A couple of key takeaways from some of Google’s recent blog posts:

At Google, we have a saying: “launch early and iterate.”

On the surface, we designed a browser window that is streamlined and simple.

I hate to say it, but Google gets it. I will be downloading Chrome tomorrow.

Make Your Own Drug

It’s not what you think! Fun site and a creative way to waste 5 minutes. As I am examining effective viral campaigns, this is one to keep in mind.

getyourdrugon.com

Commerce Bank

More calls last night and a few more emails and still no resolution. I am convinced now their new slogan should be “No Stupid Fees, No Stupid Hours, Just Stupid People.” Well, the good news is I have felt compelled to start blogging again.

Update: I finally found a representative that took the initiative and resolved the issue. She was well informed, polite, and effective. It could and should have been quick and easy!

Commerce Bank ~ Worst Bank Award!

Wow … I have now experienced the worst customer service ever. My suggestion spend less money on your interior design and more on customer service.

Clinton compared to Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction

The Democratic Primary gets uglier and uglier.

Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn, an Obama supporter, compared Clinton to the Glenn Close character in “Fatal Attraction” — a spurned woman turned stalker who was apparently drowned in a bathtub only to jump up one more time to be shot dead.

The perfect little class!

Here’s our youngest in her Pre K class. Priceless!

NYTimes.com Launching New Ad Campaign

“All the News That’s Fit to Click” It’s hard to believe they paid an agency to come up with that tagline, but then again it is the New York Times.

Born to play Futbol

The boys had a triumphant return to NYC after thoroughly enjoying their excursion to Brazil. It was 11 days of futbol: outdoor, indoor, and beach. More pictures to follow …