Investors, Insiders, Hunters
Veblen, Inflation, Hedges
In The Theory of the Leisure Class, Thorstein Veblen develops the theory of wasteful or conspicuous consumption. He defines it as spending more money on goods than they are worth. Essentially, it's about spending to impress. Turns out, luxury goods can do well in inflationary times (along with land and real estate, commodities, oil and gas, metals and mining, agriculture stocks, the type of assets that rocketed during the 70's). It is a bit of a paradox, of course, but vanity can go a long way. Spoiler #1, Veblen was not exactly a bona fide capitalist... Spoiler #2, the stock of Ferrari has been a standout since it went public toward the end of 2015, but RACE remains expensive at current price. Spoiler...
Elliott's Investment in SalesForce is a Mere Sign that the Stock's Finally Reached Fair Value
Activist investor Elliott has made a multibillion-dollar investment in Salesforce (CRM). Elliott will probably push for CRM to make operational improvements (and possibly seek board representation). The company's already laid off 10% of its workforce. The fears of an economic slowdown may prompt potential customers to postpone the acquisition of new CRM functionality. Revenue has recently decelerated.The stock's lost about 50% of its value in a little over a year. A co-CEO's leaving the company, and so is the co-founder of Slack Tech, which CRM acquired last year (after buying Tableau and MuleSoft earlier). Starboard Value, another top investor, has also acquired a key stake in CRM. But, unsurprisingly, it's not advocated for major changes. Indeed, there is nothing too...
Howard Hughes & Pershing Square
Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. has a 31.7% stake in Howard Hughes (HHC). If you believe Bill Ackman is a smart investor - and he is - 's got to make you... think.
The firm has strong management, a compelling portfolio of strategically-located real estate assets, and is rather cheap, making it a possible value investment.
Ackman serves as director and chairman, has waived all compensation.
Flipped A Coinbase And Landed On Tailwinds: It's A Buy
Summary A bear in crypto, a deteriorating bottom line, intensifying competition, negative sentiment, and the prospect of heavier regulation, make any investment in Coinbase a contrarian play. But crypto will not go away. Coinbase knows it. BlackRock knows it. Even the government knows it. We go against the grain, make the case Coinbase is a buy. Coinbase has to regain profitability but network effects, a strong balance sheet, solid competitive positioning, and leadership in risk management and regulatory compliance, hold promise. Coinbase is actively fighting trading fee erosion via the creation of a unique ecosystem that offers a wide range of services (well beyond trading) and multiple income streams. Check out www.funanc1al.com for market insight and so much more. We...
The Fun Lens
The Ghost and the Foreteller
"I'm sorry. The last thing I should be doing as a ghost is scaring people. But, you know, I don't have a choice," Jake Orbs-Blanket says to Sybil Clinton. Sybil, terrified, is not used to seeing ghosts, especially not in her office where one expects to encounter, what's the word—humans? She should have seen the signs: the displaced jewelry, the mysterious lights, the disembodied laughter, the screams, the footsteps, the ringing bells, and the violin playing at night. As a foreteller, it's a bit of a conundrum that she never sees anything coming. "Are you, you know?" Sybil stammers, more stating than asking. "I was hoping you'd see me coming," Jake chirps. "You're a foreteller, right, like an oracle? I...
Meta’s Response to TikTok Controversy: A Message of Appreciation to US Lawmakers
Hello, we’re Facebook, and we’d like to express our deepest thanks to the lawmakers and policymakers of the US for considering a nationwide ban on all electronic devices against those folks at TikTok. We’re pleased that a house panel recently unanimously approved a bill that could ban their practices. It’s about time. What kind of social media platform dares to develop an algorithm that immerses a billion monthly users in a feed that’s so relevant as to be addictive to our very own users?
We Will Sell Airplanes, Satellites, and Mid-Flight Plunges
To our esteemed consumers, airline customers, shareholders, regulators, and all those willing to give us a chance,
We are excited to announce a bold new direction for our company (Boeing). It is high time we diversify and secure new sources of revenue. Moving forward, please be advised that we will continue to design, manufacture, and sell our traditional lineup of airplanes, rockets, missiles, and satellites. Additionally, we are thrilled to introduce an exciting array of new experiences, including mid-flight plunges, post-takeoff blow-offs, exotic safety episodes, and flight control jams.
Move Over, Swifties: Miley Cyrus's Flowers Is Pop, Disco, Rock, Funk, Flamenco, Country, Snubs, Reaffirmation of Political & Economic Dogma, A Powerful Reflection on America's World Standing, And an Essay on Eschatology
Move Over, Swifties: Miley Cyrus's Flowers Is Pop, Disco, Rock, Funk, Flamenco, Country, Snubs, Reaffirmation of Political & Economic Dogma, A Powerful Reflection on America's World Standing, And an Essay on Eschatology
Ideas for Evolving ID's
Game Changer:
From Landing New Goals to Inspiring New Lives
The Investor
Invest Smarter to Create Wealth
The Traveler
The World Is Yours
The Entrepreneur
Best Start-up's Gotta Be Yours
The Gourmet
Feasts, Fun & Follies
The Hobbyist
Do your Dream
The Creator
Foster the Artist in You
The Ethicist
Share & Honor our Planet, Cultivate Love
How to Be Happy, Starting... Now
What It Takes to Be Happy
Now is the time. Now is forever, the time to be happy. No matter what. How? Here is the secret. The great minds of the world tell you. Health. Ethics. Passion. Soulmates. Family. Work. Even how to deal with... the Impossible. The power of imagination. Humor. Money. Charity and generosity. Altruism. Enjoy and beware. FUNanc!al. Be happy.
Travelers, Explorers, Adventurers
São Jorge Castle, Belém Tower, Pastéis de Belém, Belcanto, The Four Seasons Ritz, Lisbon, Portugal
The people, weather, water, arts and architecture and other sights, shopping, and cuisines, make it well worth visiting Lisbon, Portugal, and we can't wait to be back already. Enjoy São Jorge Castle, Belém Tower, Pastéis de Belém, Belcanto, The Four Seasons Ritz, Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the second-oldest European after Athens, predating other modern European capitals, not to mention New York City or Los Angeles, by centuries. But it's also beautiful, fun, and rejuvenating.
The Merrion, the Scones, Guinness, the Arts, Dublin, Ireland
First time in Dublin and hopefully won't be the last. It all started at the Merrion, one of the top hotels in town along with the Shelbourne and the Westbury. Located in the heart of Dublin city center (unlike the Intercontinental, another solid alternative), it is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. Service was magnificent. Truly one of a kind. They made Covid testing a breeze (right in our room, how much easier can it be?). Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Rooms was quite pleasant, the scone original, although the pastries in general weren't quite as good as we would have liked. Of course, I was born in France, feel free to disregard... Only hiatus, a last-minute...
Gourmands & Epicureans
Duryea in Montauk, NY: The Lobster Roll and The Views Rock!
The lobster roll is excellent - and expensive, at $45, but this is the Hamptons after all, beware! Not sure what they put in this, it's a one-of-a-kind experience. Maybe it does not have quite the refinement of the roll you'll get at The Bernardin in New York City or the pure freshness slash taste bud capital delight the roll you'll get at Neptune Oyster in Boston's North End, but it's truly an enjoyable ride. No need to order French fries with it by the way, the roll comes with chips that are good enough (but nothing to write home about) and not too salty. This said, the French fries make for another feast. The portions are massive and potatoes light and...
Modern Apizza Still Rocks!
Tried some serious pies in Naples and Rome and various US cities (New York, both Brooklyn and Manhattan, Providence, Boston, LA's Mozza, etc.) and, if they tell me there's pizza on Mars, I'll fly there. Been coming here at Modern Apizza for years. Many consider the clams casino a classic. The white clam (and varieties) in/around New Haven, CT, is a must; Pepe's, Sally's, and Zuppardi's have their own version, all quite compelling. (Please, do not discount Zuppardi's, with lemon it's amazing.) At Modern, the Italian Bomb used to be my favorite, but these days I try to consume less meat, both for health reasons and, you know, animal lives matter. I'm no vegetarian, but if they tell me, you can...
Zuppardi's White Clam Pizza Puts Pepe's to Shame
Alright, there you have it. Don't get me wrong, the white clam at Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana is a terrific pizza. But so is Zupp's. Just add a little lemon - or lots, as I do. Gotta love the lemon/white clam combo. The homepage of Zupp's states, "Anthony Zuppardi’s legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren who continue to operate Zuppardi’s Apizza today. Working with the same integrity as that of Dominic and Anthony, the Zuppardi family strives to provide their customers with quality New Haven-style apizza." It's true all the way. Zuppardi’s White Clam classic is a white pizza prepared with shucked-to-order littleneck clams baked on fresh dough with a mixture of garlic and spices. It is a delight....
Better than Ecstasy, Jacques Genin's Ganaches, Pralinés, Caramels, and Pâtes de Fruit
Better than Ecstasy, Jacques Genin's Ganaches, Pralinés, Caramels, and Pâtes de Fruit enchant and tantalize. Try any of the fondeur en cholocat's friandises, and you'll most likely become a regular.
Hobbyists & PassionBeasts
Gardening for the Clueless
OK, I have never gardened. Not once in my life. Just read "Grow your Own Green Market," an article in the Wall Street Journal published on May 7, 2022. I live in a house and the house does have a garden. Brainstorming. Maybe I should give it a shot.
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