- President Obama gave his speech tonight, and ticked off millions by pre-empting American Idol.
- You won't be able to avoid Obama's speech on the news. One of the funniest comments I heard about it was that he "is going to cut the deficit by increasing the deficit." Nobody cares right now. Pessimism is high. Lots of folks have lost their jobs or have seen salaries cut back. People want to hear a message of hope, and you have to acknowledge that Obama delivers that in spades.
- Interesting comments on peoples' 401(k) habits through this bear market. Fidelity Investments, Charles Schwab Corp. and other 401(k) account managers say most clients rode out the worst months of the stock market slump without changing weekly contributions or moving to more conservative money-market or bond funds. Promising!
- On the otherhand, that's not the views of House Education and Labor Committee Chairman George Miller (D). “For too many Americans, 401(k) plans have become little more than a high-stakes crap shoot,” said Miller. “We are realizing that Wall Street’s guarantees of predictable benefits and peace of mind throughout retirement was nothing more than a hollow promise.” Fear is selling well, and Bill hops on board. You wonder what he has in mind. Higher taxes and government guarantees? Are those reliable?
- Global warming satellite lost in space. A satellite launched from California failed to reach orbit today, crashing into the sea near Antarctica and dooming a $273 million mission to study global- warming gases. The cause of the crash was blamed on global warming.
- Yes, that's a picture of Sarah Silverman. Just cuz.
- American Idol will be on Wednesday. Relax.
