- I worked on saturday, and decided to take today off and run to Reno and hook up with the one-armed bandit. My wallet was a bit lighter on the drive back over the hill.
- Did you hear about the slot machine that gave away too much money? Hat tip to Rob Black. A slot machine at Caesars Indiana incorrectly dispensed approximately $500,000 due to a setup error over two days in July. The machine was setup for use in the Philippines, resulting in credits being multiplied by 10 when money was deposited in the machine. An honest patron reported the error to employees. Harrah’s seeks to recoup some of the lost money using surveillance and reward card tracking information. I think Harrah's should eat that. Good grief. I hope they at least did something for that "honest patron." Note to self: Don't use reward card and wear a disguise next time at Harrah's.
- KLo on the Misery Index: However, for those who are politically inclined, something called the misery index has been rising over the past four months and could be yet another bad omen for the GOP Congress in November. Boy, if the unshakeably optimistic Larry Kudlow is down on the GOP, there is a wall of worry out there.
- I like it when the market drifts lower ahead of a news event like the Fed. I don't think the Fed will hike rates tomorrow, but more important may be what they say. Bernanke has been more dovish that the other Fed members, so I hope he holds sway and rates are not hiked tomorrow. I'd also like to see some optimistic "we did our job, inflation is licked, and the economy appears headed for a soft landing" kind of chatter. Maybe that message can be tatooed on the side of a flying pig tomorrow...
- Lebanon rejected the US-France 2-page peace dealio. They say because it allowed Israeli troops to remain on Lebanon soil. So the bombs continue, I suppose. Hey, it's been going off and mostly on for 60 years. Why not another few weeks?
- Oh, the BP pipeline? Sheez. Hey, just in time for the late summer travel and ramp-up into Labor Day Weekend! Instead of traveling, how about a backyard barbeque? I'm sure one of the Geek Channels will have a Star Trek or Twilight Zone marathon to watch, too. Joining Netflix is another idea. Get a few Netflix flicks for the long weekend. Just thinking outloud. I'm wondering if folks (in numbers) have altered their driving habits at all, or just cut back on their coffee drinks. Say, SBUX earnings wasn't good, huh?
