Showing posts with label Money Makes the world go 'round. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Money Makes the world go 'round. Show all posts

Friday, November 2, 2012

Reading between the lines

Maybe I’m seeing something that isn’t really there.  Then again, maybe I am…

In this AP story reprinted on the website of the local cat box liner we read about a newly announced merger and/or acquisition.  It seems that the exclusive manufacturer of the paper used by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to make US currency has agreed to purchase a Kennebunk Maine division of Hallmark that specializes in making stationary.  Crane & Co. CEO Stephen DeFalco is quoted as saying the acquisition of William Arthur gives his company “flexibility in the marketplace.”

Very interesting…

Do they foresee a time – possibly in the not too distant future – where the need for their primary product might go into decline?  I do.  Are they positioning themselves to be able to survive should that happen?  That would seem prudent.

Friday, October 12, 2012

Getting a bit spendy out there…

Last night I popped by the local stop & rob for a splash of gogo juice.  I still find it hard to believe that I put two stink’n zincolns shy of a U.S.Grant in the gas tank of my Volkswagen Beetle!  AND it was the cheapest unleaded regular they had!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Circling the bowl indeed

Poking around in the blogosphere I came across a link over at The MIDDLE of the RIGHT to a story I had missed.  I’ve largely given up on CNN as a news source since so much of what they cover these days seems to my ear more in line with Entertainment Tonight.  I may have to start popping back in at CNN/Money a bit more often, though.




Things may be unraveling more and faster than even I realized.  I wish I could say I found this surprising.  I don’t.  I am a bit taken aback by the swiftness with wich it seems to be coming on.

Hold onto your hats, folks.  I expect this to be a bumpy ride…

Monday, September 3, 2012

Thought for the day:

In 1920 thanks in large part to ever increasing manufacturing efficiencies the base price of a Ford Model T was $260 (according to Wikipedia).
The dollar was backed by Gold at an exchange rate of $22 per Ounce Troy (oz/T).
So the cost of the car was 11.81 ounces Troy if paid for in gold. 

The invoice price of a base 2013 Ford Fusion is $20,235  (according to Edmonds)  The dollar was taken off the Gold Standard in 1971 by Executive Order signed by Richard Nixon.  Today the spot price of one ounce Troy of Gold is $1693.70 (according to Kitco).  So the cost of the car is 11.94 oz/T if paid for in Gold.

And you get more car for your gold…  Of course we’re not really talking about Fords.  We’re talking about fiat…  You see, gold is not over priced - the dollar is circling the bowl.

What’s that whooshing sound I hear?