Deferred Success

* In England, educators think that using terms like winners and losers, or success and failure, traumatizes kids. So they want to change these terms to success and "deferred success."

* So if we were to look at the HP job cuts, we'd tell those workers that their not being "fired," they're just undergoing a "deferred worker retention" process.

* More London bombings. How comfortable are you taking mass transit in the US? Seems to be that's where the Islamic radicals try to kill as many infidels as possible.

* John Roberts, new Supreme Court justice? I figure Bush is going to pick 2 newbies to replace O'Conner and eventually Rhenquist. One will be conservative, and one will be moderate. I think he's trying to get the tough one done first; then, do the moderate during the 2006 election year.

* The market is down. I was looking at some of the indicators I don't check as often, to measure bullishness and bearishness. Specifically, the put/call ratio. You know, that still shows some bearishness out there. Surprisingly. Maybe folks aren't that happy with high oil prices, terrorism, and the like. Stock have been fighting that wall of worry. Still, we've had a nice run since the correction. I'd expect some moderate consolidation before we move higher. My main indicators have given a sell on the major index trackers, but sell signals are so difficult to get right. I think the buy signals are much easier. Er, "easier."

* Does weight affect your wealth?

* Well, now the market is flat... Maybe it'll close up again.