Sunday, May 17, 2009

When satire and reality cross paths


Barney Frank, Chris Dodd, Charles Rangel to Start Own Bank

The Congressional Reporter & Advisor has revealed today that three of the most influential Democratic leaders on Capitol Hill have started their own bank and will soon be lending money to anyone who has a pulse.


Barney Frank (D-MA), Chris Dodd (D-CT), and Charles Rangel (D-NY) announced the opening of People’s Bank & Trust at a news conference yesterday in Manhattan.

Bank officials plan to create new jobs and will offer on-the-job training. Mr. Frank stated, “We take pride in offering loans to anyone, anytime, for anything.”

The three senior ranking Democratic lawmakers are well accustomed to controversy, but each has deftly avoided financial and tax corruption charges so far.

Frank went on to say, “Our access to trillions of taxpayer dollars provides us the capital to give Americans their piece of the American dream”. During the brief Q&A session, a reporter asked Mr. Rangel whether loans would be available for investors seeking to purchase low-income apartment buildings in NY City. However, Mr. Rangel left the podium suddenly without answering the question and was seen walking briskly towards the buffet table.

Mr. Dodd did not answer questions and excused himself from the news conference telling reporters he was late for a creative writing class in lower Manhattan.

The new bank will reportedly offer free checking, 1/2% interest rate loans and 90 day overdraft protection for all customers. In addition, checkbooks will feature designer checks printed in red ink.

Disclaimer: The above is a political satire adapted from the spoof.com website. It is intended for entertainment value only. Any similarity (perceived, implied or otherwise) to the contents of this story and factual information regarding persons mentioned herein is coincidental.

Monday, February 16, 2009

Merriam Report News and Updates for 2009

February: We have posted a follow-up to previously issued Merriam Report research for Dryships, IBM, Wyeth and Nike on our website. Click here to view these updates.

My latest article titled, "Yield for Yield's Sake" was just published on the Seeking Alpha website. It discusses a host of global macro-economic issues and I've included a list of bonds and fixed-income securities worthy of a closer look by investors. You can read the article here.

On a lighter note: While rushing to catch a connecting flight in Mexico City a few weeks ago, I caught a glimpse of the January 2009 Mad Magazine featuring a hilarious caricature of President Obama on the cover. During the return trip home, I had a few hours between flights and searched every news stand at the airport for that magazine. Sadly, they had been replaced with the February edition.

To my delight and surprise, a client (thank you Bill) sent me the English language version of the cover in an email. Please note there is absolutely no disrepect intended or inferred towards President Obama, but the illustration pretty-well sums up what the man is having to deal with.

We hope you enjoy it!