Bible In a Minute

I found this clip on another blog, and thought it was interesting and cute.

When is enough, enough!!

I was surprised that the Treasury Department bailed out Citigroup by lending $25 billion dollars. "Even so, taxpayers are now on the hook for nearly $250 billion of potential losses in the $306 billion portfolio, including commercial real estate loans, leveraged loans, and other assets representing 15 percent of Citigroup's $2.05 trillion balance sheet."  

Just in case anyone was wondering were our "taxpayer" dollars for the $700 billion bailout has gone, I have provided a link.  Now they are stating that the first bailout might not have been enough, and now we might need an additional $1 trillion bailout.

I have been against the bailout from day one because The Federal Government is sending a wrong message to Corporate America. They are basically stating that a company can grow as much as it wants, go global, trade on the NYSE or NASD, and don't worry about what will happen if you go out-of-business, the Treasury department will be there to bail you out. Why should taxpayer's be held accountable for mismanagement? Management is only concerned about making a profit and keeping there millions of dollars in pay, bonuses and stock options. I say, let the companies continue business as usual, and let the markets work themselves out.

The main purpose of the Treasury is for Monetary Policy and to help banks from failing. But has the United States become so greedy that we are willing to overlook risk analysis?

I understand that the Treasury has helped AIG and Citigroup, but why not help Fannie Mae, Washington Mutual, Freddie Mac or Lehman? Was the SEC auditing every major corporation's financial statements line by line? Why would Henry Paulson, with his extensive knowledge deny the beginning failure of the subprime lending market since early 2007?

And now that the bailout has been passed, many CFO's have doubts.  I think the market and economy will definitely start to improve in late 2009 into mid 2010. 

Citigroup - thrive or bust?

Citigroup is basically on life support at this point. Pandit laying off more than 50,000 employees, there stock currently trading below $5, which is not a good sign in the financial sector. When stocks trade below $5, they are usually delisted by the NYSE, but can stay on the exchange if they meet certain requirements. Citigroup's strategy is either to merge with another firm or raise capital. So far, there are rumors of three companies who might possibly consider a merger with the troubled institution. They are Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs and State Street Bank.

Since Morgan Stanley is facing financial difficulties themselves, I do not think they are in the running. But if I had to take a wild guess, I would say Goldman Sachs. Why? Henry Paulson, the current Treasury Secretary and former CEO of Goldman Sachs. Paulson still has ties to the head honchos at Goldman Sachs, who are actually benefiting from the bailout of AIG (AIG owes Goldman $20 billion, which Goldman denies). So for example, let's say that Citigroup approaches the Fed for a bailout, I am sure that Paulson would be able to convince his team otherwise and have Citigroup merge to stay afloat. State Street Bank is the second largest owner of Citigroup, owning a little less than $5 billion, so that would be a good merger.

I would hate to witness another major bank failure. I do not think the economy can handle it.

Life gets no better than this

So I am sitting in Math class a few weeks ago trying to understand Algebra & Trigonometry and thinking to myself, is this necessary? Then all of a sudden I hear my Math teacher say "This is it boys and girls. Life gets no better than this. You see Hollywood, that is fantasy world. Success is owning a car and having a job. This is as good as it gets". The class was just stunned. I looked at him and said that I was happy he was not a counselor. And then I got to thinking, "Is this it to life"?

My definition of life and achieving success is much different then my teacher's. I know that everyone is put on earth for a reason, even though we might not understand it yet. And success, well, that is enjoying all the fruits of your labor. I owned a condo at one point, and I currently own a car. So, is this how good it will get?

Funny dates stories

I think I am one of a list of many who have the funniest date stories.  Here goes.

I was invited on a date to Madison Square Garden to watch the WNBA play.  I cannot remember who Liberty was playing at that time.  So he said to me that he always goes to their games and that he better not catch any of my boyfriends out here.  I was like ok, whatever that was supposed to mean.  I am not a women's basketball fan, but I liked Scottie Pippen, so I thought watching Liberty play should be interesting.  So we went inside and took our seats.  I sat on the inside seat while he had the aisle seat.  He made a trip to the to the concession stand for some snacks, like a good date should, and returned promptly.  I began to watch the game, which I must say, was quite interesting.  

Then all of a sudden, I heard something.  So I turned to my right, which is where my date was sitting, to find out what the commotion was about.  I looked up and there was my date's girlfriend who approached him and began yelling "So is this how you work overtime!!!"  Every person that was in the vicinity of our seats just locked into my date and his girlfriend arguing. So I kept my cool while he argued with her, but made sure to keep my good eye on her just in case she wanted to get a piece of me too.  They must of went on for about a good minute.  So she walked away and he proceeded to sink in his chair like a tortoise retreats into its shell for protection.  He says to me "I've never been so embarrassed before".  I replied, "Well you should be".

Needless to say, we never spoke again.

So what was your funny dating story?

The best things in life are free

Who says that you need money to have a good time.  Here is a cost-effective tip.

Why not have a girls or guys night out online?  How?  Do you own a web cam and have a computer with a built-in microphone (a phone would do if this feature is not available)? Well then, you are half-way there.  The cool thing is that AOL/AIM, Yahoo and iChat, just to name a few, have this cool feature in which you can actually contact someone on your list by starting a conversation. Just designate a time, and a list of your friends, and you are all set.

You will will actual save on gas, drinks, money,food and everyone is home so no need to wonder how your always drunk friend will make it back home :-)

Here are a list of goodies to have on-hand before connecting online:

1.  Drink of your choice, mines is a Martini

2. Food of your choice, wings always makes it taste better

Have fun on your night out!

Fundamentals for investing

I just had an interesting conversation this evening with my uncle.  He was calling me to pick my brain about managing his finances.  Since I am family, and will not receive any compensation for my investment advice, I was happy to be of assistance.  His question was, "I know everything there is to know about investing, but I would like to know what information can a broker could give me?".

First, let me explain my background.  I began working in the financial sector in 1999.  In 2000, I obtained my Series 7 (Securities License) & 63 (State Laws & Regulations).  I worked for three investment advisors as a sales assistant.  There I was introduced to a variety of investment products.  I would have to say even though I switched companies, I was very thankful for the opportunity and experience.  I remained in the financial sector until 2007 until I was downsized.

During our conversation, we definitely spoke on a range of topics.  From Citigroup, to the bailout plan, and the financial markets.  I basically gave my honest opinion and shared my experiences working for investment advisors.  Before you decide to speak with a financial advisor, please make sure that you understand your investment objectives and how much you are willing to invest.

Fundamentals for investing:

1. Investment knowledge: Most people speak with a financial advisor because they are not sure how to handle their money, and the market confuses them.  While this is normal, I would advise you to read at least the fundamentals on investing.  Most financial advisors speak in acronyms, which can make it sometimes difficult to understand the message in which they are trying to relay.  I would suggest buying: 

a) Dictionary of Finance and Investment Terms, by John Downes  

b) Investing Basics, by Quamut

c) Mutual Fund Investing, by Quamut

d) Stock Investing, by Quamut

e) Wall Street Journal Complete Money and Investing Guidebook, Dave Kansas

2. Do not invest in what your friends or spouse are currently investing in or what you hear is the next big company.  What works for them, maybe not work for you.

3. Research.  I cannot stress this point enough.  Research everything about the company or mutual funds that you are about to invest your savings in.  How is it managed?  How long have they been in business?  Do they pay dividends?  Did they make a profit for the previous years?  What is the current news?  What are their goals?

4.  What are your investment goals?  Preserving capital or growth.  Are you a risky investor that can deal with a 30% decline in your portfolio or would you rather take a little risk and lose no more than 10%, if possible.  If you are someone that cringes when you hear news about another company laying off workers or the current mutual fund or stock in your portfolio is trading lower than yesterday, then investing is not for you.  

5.  Keep abreast with the financial and global markets.  Since we are living in the 21st century, US companies are connected globally with other markets.  Know how the market in Japan or China, will affect your current investment.

6.  Investments are not guaranteed.

I wish everyone a happy investment.

Citigroup - Will it be the next major bank to fail?

I am just so nervous while waiting on Citigroup's news tomorrow.  The current CEO, Vikram Pandit is announcing a global workforce reduction that could shed as much as 40,000 workers.  I hope that Pandit will announce news that this figure was just an high-end estimate, and that the firm plans to restructure with no or low bonuses for upper management.  But I guess that is just wishful thinking.

Men - is this your ideal woman?

Men, how would you describe your ideal woman?

Top 5 signs that know if your significant other is cheating.

Has it ever crossed your mind if your boyfriend/girlfriend/husband or wife is cheating?  Well, I l have listed the top 5 signs to spot a cheating mate.  Let me know if you agree or disagree.

1. Discusses a new topic/interest:  Now you know your significant others interests such as their love for animals, favorite foods and favorite holiday vacation spots.  But if your other mentions purchasing a bottle of wine, when you know for sure that they do not even like wine coolers, then they are cheating.  They are cheating with a partner who introduces new things and they are stupid enough, to mention those new things to you.

2. Change in schedule: Since you are with your significant other, you both have a schedule that you maintain most of the time such as sex and date nights.  If you are use to getting it at least four times a week, and then for some reason it drops down to two, then they are cheating.  They cannot keep up with the demands of having sex with more than one person.

3. Likes to be secretive: If they need to step out of the room or or move more than hearing distance to answer their phones or read their e-mails, then they are cheating.

4. Hanging out more with their friends: I know that everyone might disagree, but if they use to hang out with their friends once a week, then it jumps to twice a week, then they are cheating. There friends are their cover up.

5. Behavior change: Have you noticed that any slight questions or suggestion has been replied with an attitude that you cannot understand.  They are looking to stop spending so much time with you, and more time with the next person.

Morning delight. Who would you want to wake up next to?

50 cent - Get Up

I am trying my best to like this song, but I just can't. I am a big 50 fan, but in my opinion, this sounds like recycled rhymes. I know that artists repeat themselves throughout their career, but when I hear this song, I am like, that's it. And the video. Even though I might be the only person who has not viewed "I Am Legend", where 50 got the idea from, but this looks like Mad Max Thunderdome meets In Da Club. If this is 50's idea of grimey, I think he needs to try a little harder or come with a different strategy.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9NMwMM5PdQ

Elf cosmetics - sale!!!!!

I received an e-mail from my cousin about two months ago regarding Elf cosmetics. Since they are repackaging and changing products, everything with the name Elf is on sale for $1. And if you spend $75 or more, free shipping. I jumped on it like it was an offer for free food. This is the best deal of the century, well for me that is. And since I am a beginner applying make up, this is a cost-effective way of teaching me of how to apply products. Now, I did get a little carried away.

I bought about about five different eyeshadows, eyeliner but mostly their lipglosses. I have read tons of good reviews about their lipglosses. They are so moisturizing and thick. I love it!!!!

So try it out. Here is their website: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/eyes

I have provided a youtuber who gives a tutorial using the Elf products. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3HzI9mpeOc&feature=channel

Recession - how is everyone managing?

We definitely are living in a trying era. It seems like every time that I read the news, there seems to be another company layoff. I have been Ms. Scrooge McDuck for the last year-penny pinching. I have been adding a little water to the hand soap dispenser to make it stretch, getting a manicure or pedicure done every three months, or just simply not filling up my gas tank each time at the pump.

What definitely has helped me out was buying bulk. I have a membership at Costco's, and shop there every three weeks, buying only the necessities. I purchase chicken breast, one bag of frozen vegetables, apples, bread and tuna. It has saved me about $80 per month, which has definitely helped until I can get my feet on the ground. I am currently unemployed.

So tell me, how do you manage?

Are you comfortable in your skin?

Ever since I was young, I was always self-conscious about my weight and skin. At age 11, I weighed 150 lbs and it definitely showed on my 5'3" frame. I was humiliated as a child by my classmates and neighborhood kids about my weight, my 36D breast and my acne. My acne was so horrible growing up. I would get these massive pus filled pimples the size of a boil right dead smack in the center of my face. The kids would laugh and tease me everyday. Nothing seemed to work for my skin will growing up: Oxy, Clearasil, Benzoyl Perioxide. You name it, I tried it. I was so happy to be done with school as I felt I was everyone's personal punching bag.

Now that I am an adult, my skin is under control, my weight is still the same, but I am well-shaped and my breast, well, let's just say that they are going nowhere.

Now that I am a lot wiser and my self-confidence is through the roof, I still cannot help but to remember my younger years of being teased and it got me thinking, am I comfortable in my own skin?

Please share your experiences and how you overcame your triumphs.

Dating outside your race - are you a trader?

Have you ever been told, by your friends or family members, that no matter what, you should date within your race? Well, what happens if you date within your race, and you keep meeting Mr. Wrong, Mr. I'm Broke, Mr. I do not pay for dates unless I am receiving something in return or Mr. No Goals. Should you still consider to date within your race?

Well, let me tell you a little background about me. I am a 32-years-old female, and have not met Mr. Right. I have met Mr. Right Now, Mr. I Just Want Sex as well as Mr. Drug dealer. Now, most people will say that I have been in the "proper atmosphere" to meet these good men. I have met men at college, traveling back and from work, the bookstore and through mutual friends. My friends would say that I set my standards too high, but I simply reply, "I do not know what I want, but I do know what I will not stand for".

I love men who are spontaneous, ambitious, aggressive but not arrogant, confident, goals and knows how to respect his women. Men who I hate are liars, brag too much too much about what they own, insecure, or have children. I know that last one I might get a few bad responses, but since I have no children, is that too much to ask of my prospective mate. I would love to get to know him, instead of the tension between him and and child's/children's mother. A good communicator is definitely necessity in order for a good relationship to thrive. But I noticed that the majority of black men that I meet, most do not have at least two of these qualities.

So I have been thinking, or should I say "decided", that I will NO LONGER DATE BLACK MEN. I have decided to date outside of my race and embrace a variety of cultures.

So ladies or gentleman, have you decided to date outside of your race? If so, have you ever been called a trader?

Introduction

Hello everyone. I am so excited. This is exactly my first blog so I definitely have the "newbie jitters". This blog is basically going to be an outlet for me, to discuss a variety of topics ranging from music, current events, health, fashion, make-up, skincare, relationships, careers and anything that comes to mind. I definitely am not an expertise in one topic, which is good, but I know a great deal about these subjects, which makes me a great "conversationalist". LOL

Please give my blog a read and if you have any comments or suggestions, I would definitely appreciate it.

Thanks.