Up, Down and Around Our Town

Wait five minutes and the weather will change. Words to live by when the Midwest is your home domain. From zero with windchills that could freeze you solid to the 60's (and we mean temperature and not decade) with the hint of spring just driving us even crazier. Ah, the ups and downs. Great for potholes and sick adults. Plenty of both.

The stimulus package - is it or isn't it? From our reports, it appears that it will be a reality in the $800 billion range. Some of the "Christmas Shopping List" has been pared back, but two important items are still within. And, for a simple mind like mine, it does attack the foundation that has been cracked. Foreclosed homebuyers who may get a chance to refinance in the 4% range and a tax credit for those who are thinking about buying an American automobile. Think of the simplistic business solutions that those two options bring - getting foreclosed property off of the auction block and into the hands of (hopefully) an owner who can afford it and second, getting some of the 2008 inventory off of Ford, Chrysler and GM's lots. That will be the solid part.

As for the jobs part, the ability to repair or restore some of the infrastructure in concert with the states will put people, or at least some of them, back to work. The pricetag is downright lewd. But, the outcome and ferrying this economy over some treacherous waters may demand it. Next, get the hell out of the private sector and send AIG and their ilk to the real world to compete.

Bonuses and perks. The advantage of being in private business in a capitalistic society that rewards success and jams failure down your throat. I have no problem with bonuses (actually received a few along the way and never gave them back). But, it must be based on production and cannot be a handout from the government to go and have a party with. There seemingly were so many asleep at the switch in 2008 it is a wonder we even got to celebrate Thanksgiving. If this is change, I am for it. If this is business as usual, the same outcome will occur. Red or Blue; Black or White, GOP or Dem - it just doesn't matter.

Our week took us to the beatiful city of Memphis, Tennessee. Home of Elvis, BB King, racks and racks of barbecue ribs and a whole bunch of real pretty co-eds and their alumni advisors. Mind you, my role was to drive to and from, but the great part was getting to experience this river city in its glory. On a February day when the temps hit 70. Got to see the ducks take a walk at the Peabody, took a great picture from Home Plate at the Cardinals AAA ballpark, sampled the ribs, remembered to not order sweet tea and navigated the length of the state of Missouri with ease. I recommend the trip wholeheartedly.

Speaking of the small world department, I ran into three lovely co-eds from St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York. Shared with them that they will soon have the company of our President, the buoyant Dr. Bill Fox. Two of the three gals said that they had contact with him during his interview process and proudly stated that "he's a nice guy." Ditto. And, for the record, they left 3 feet of snow and wind chills that would not be pleasant. With the good comes the not-so-good.

In other words, 2009 has gotten off to quite a start. The inauguration, the rapid-fire trial and hanging of Rod Blagojevich and the terrible loss of employment. Funny - all three are related. And while I will never totally agree with the Obama approach, give the man credit. He hasn't rested and appears to be sticking to his guns of "not business as usual." Now if he can only get his appointees to pay their own taxes. As for Rod, his circus act continues and he even went on Letterman AFTER he was booted. To a man with no conscience, any PR is good PR. As for employment, see above.

And, as I have stated to many of my students, the greatest and funniest learning laboratory will happen this week. On Friday night. That's when the rookie males of the species will head to their neighborhood Victoria's Secret armed only with "what could happen" and have no clue on what "really will happen." It is a rite of passage as we celebrate Valentine's Day. You know, cards, flowers, chocolate and underwear. Nothing more helpless than a man with a dream and a credit card inside Vicky's Secret. Alan Funt - where are you when we need you?

Most of all, we'll get to exchange greetings with our own and that will make this week even more special. Our grandson, who already is on his way of beating his grandfather at golf and his tremendous sister will receive all we have to offer and then some. That's the role that the heroes in my life get to play. Caloric? Probably. Sincere? You bet. Underwear? Not a chance. But, do get your cards and goodies together and make this Valentine's Day special. For everyone. And remember, what she really wants is store credit.

Till next week, and as always, I remain.....