When the HP-Compaq deal was announced the vision of a large whale consumer a larger, fatter whale came to mind. Or a snake with a massive bulge, the bulge being an animal it has just tried to consume. The deal seemed to make sense, only to HP CEO Carly Fiorina. Yet, the boards and stockholders of both companies seemed ready to go along. Until last week that is.More...

The first nail in the coffin of Ossama Bin Ladin and his Taliban supporters was hammered in Friday. Mazar-e-Sharif, a strategic Northern city fell to opposition forces in a massive hail of bombs and infantry attacks. It is the first step in the road toward a world free of terrorism. Here is what it means and what will come next.More...

Tech Leader Index Last Update 4/10/2006 Start Cap $1,593,623,137,937 Market Cap $1,163,676,883,825 Last Close $734.10 Index Value $730.21 % Change -26.98% 1 Day Change -0.53% Point Change -3.90 Year to Date 1.97%   Click for Details

Redneck Index Last Update 3/30/2006 Start Cap $34,485,194 Market Cap $160,556,129 Index Value $4,655.80 % Change 365.58% YTD 379.82%

The B-52

The first B-52 bombers rolled out of the factory in the 1950's. With eight massive engines, these versatile bombers were technological wonders. Now, in spite of massive upgrades, these weapons are technologically obsolete. Yet, they are by far our most powerful weapon in the war against Afghanistan harbored terror. There is something to learn about technology here.More...

What might happen in the stock markets next week.

The rate cut is now behind us. The pace of layoffs has started to taper off. Energy prices fell 21% last month. The earlier Greenspan rate cuts are starting to work through the national economy. The stock market has risen substantially over its September 24 lows and held onto those games after the rate cut. The next few weeks could be a turning point. How will we know? More...

Last weeks portfolio snapshot. More...

Our models still look strong. More.