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Apparently American Express profiles shoppers and now evaluates where (not just how) we use their cards – and, will penalize cardholders if they visit certain stores or restaurants.
Good Morning America ran a story about this yesterday.
ABC offers a good summary of the story here.
See a list of potential “trouble spots” here.
I use American Express. But, now I need to be careful not to use it at places where other people (and, not necessarily AMEX users) shop.
Pondering if this is evil or smart.
Recently AMEX’s stock went up, even though profits are down (read a story here). American Express has the right to protect itself. And, as a shareholder I appreciate this.
I don’t mind being held accountable by people.
However, I don’t want to be responsible for other people’s actions.
Rules enable (in part) informed decision-making. Rules make the community work by uniformly fair application (kids and dogs instinctively appreciate and respond well to rules).
The key here is American Express (and, probably other credit related companies) is changing the rules – and, we don’t know what the rules are.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
Brian Patrick Cork
I had my heart broken again last night.
Just not much left.
Rest assured, I continue to stand the breach.
“Long Nights” by Eddie Vedder.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
brian patrick cork
The following is a note from Drew Tilghman. He puts together a Blog titled The Sojournaler.
This was in response to my Blog Post The Dark Monkey.
“…thanks for posting so transparently about your daughter, Haley Anne. I have two daughters, nine and seven years old. Just before your blog was posted, I opened up gmail accounts for both of my daughters. I did so because my older daughter has a friend in her school who has one, and my daughter wanted to be able to write emails back and forth with her. I thought it harmless enough and of course I had to do for my younger daughter what I was doing for my older daughter. I told them both that they could only email when I am with them and that they had to pass all “friends” by me.
We spent the rest of that day, laying on my bed next to one another, emailing and chatting with one another. For the moment, it was a little bit of heaven. The three of us communicating in written words what we could have merely said to one another’s face. I had this deep unrest, though. I knew that they were not ready for the email accounts. So I told myself, and my girls, that there would be strict constraints here. I knew, deep down, that they were not ready.
Then I read your blog. Again, thanks for your transparency. The reality of this culture is a forceful one. Our daughters’ innocence and modesty are at stake. I have revoked my girls’ accounts, and amazingly they understand. It is good to have other fathers who are open and honest about their love for their children. We love so imperfectly, but we love. I hope and pray that our daughters will see that and trust that love. It is this love, ultimately, that will guide our daughters into a full maturity that we have so desperately prayed they will discover.” - Drew Tilghman
After a brief exchange, he followed up with:
“p.s. thanks for having the balls to say some of the things you say.”
Then, he hauls-off and challenges me to go one step further and talk/reveal/discuss/ example my thoughts and feelings.
…Dude.
Fine.
So…
I have been thinking about Drew’s response – and, the terrific feedback I get from so many others that follow my Blog; and, the things I do with my life.
I may well have the coolest job in the world. I hang out all day telling men how to make better decisions in their lives.
I have this nagging suspicion that it’s all luck. All the time.
And, for the record, I wait for something awful to happen.
Ever vigilant.
In any event, those that care about this Blog (approaching 30 visitors a day); listen to me speak; and, call me friend – understand that I am a Contrarian (not just from an investment point-of-view); a Jeffersonian /1; a Heterodox; and, (possibly) annoyingly tortured and transparent.
I spend a lot of time on my Figgerin’ Spot sorting all of this out and (trying) making sense of my role and place in this world (often running and cycling endless miles). Remember, I am the guy that is distressed by evolving rules of grammar AND the global economy AND 2012 (and, my roll as a soccer coach for my Fusion Shockers!).
NOTE: I feel (okay… I am convinced) like this constant state of evaluation is critical in being an (successful) earthly father.
If you ask my own Haley Anne and Emma Jo what their Daddy does, they will likely say:
“Daddy helps people.”
ANTHER NOTE: It works; I just tested it on Emma Jo to make sure (there were witnesses).
How cool is that (*how cliche is that*)?
I think the key here is transparency.
Haley Anne and Emma Jo have observed men approach me and thank me for helping; advising; and, being in their lives.
They also understand we live with abundance (and, being permitted to be grateful comes with a cost).
However, I also let them know that I struggle with the blackness in the hearts of men; my own penchant to work and train an enormous amount of hours; and, constant self evaluation.
My primary mission in life is to REFLECT and REPRESENT /2.
It’s never easy for me; I will never be good enough.
I don’t want this to be just about Faith. Because God knows I struggle with that.
I am not perfect. I certainly want to be. I want to be ideally imperfect for them so they can watch me fight the good fight and learn to be true. To be good citizens – and, objective.
I try hard every hour of every day.
They can stumble, and I am right there to right them with love and compassion – and, example.
They see the trial and triumph etched in my face and my heart. Some times my tears.
The point I want to make is that I believe my daughters observe my struggle; see the result; and understand that character is tested and forged every day.
God gave me daughters because he trusts me (or, perhaps not). So, their role (today) is to remind me daily that I must earn their trust and faith.
By the way, God has a great sense of humor… In light of how I lived much of my life prior to being married, it’s a knee slapper he gave me daughters.
Maybe it’s a stretch in terms of relevancy – however, let’s thrown down “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley.
But, certainly “Open My Eyes” by Buckcherry (be open-minded about this song). Here is the acoustic version. But, go download it on iTunes.
And, for balance go read Daddy’s Girl /3 by Garrison Keillor to your daughter – no matter her age.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
_________________________
1/ There are many parallels with Ayn Rand’s Objectivism.
2/ See “Image”.
3/ I swear, this is my 4th favorite book.
As I have already stated on this Blog, 2008 was a financial crisis, affecting mostly “Wall Street.”
Looking ahead, what can we expect for America?
2009 will be the year “Main Street” gets hit.
Mind you, 2009 will be awful for A LOT of people. But, I believe it can be pretty good for some people focused on Best Business Practices, clear thinking, opportunities and having a plan.
But, generally speaking, the damage to the real economy so far is trivial to what will happen over the next two years. There will be two big stories.
Business bankruptcies
Going into 2007 we knew that our financial sector was unusually strong, well-managed with strong balance sheets. False! Going into 2009 we know that our non-financial business sector is well-managed (outside of some weak sectors, like autos), with strong balance sheets. Expect to be disappointed and astonished yet again.
Triage
That is a VERY scary word.
Everybody wants bailouts. Worse, the expectation of bailouts means that few preventive measures will be taken. This referred to as “moral hazard”. We see this, for example, at work in California – which is already de facto bankrupt. But, nobody gives an inch. No lower government spending; no lower government wages; no reduced government employment; and, no higher taxes (there is more; but, you get my drift).
Why compromise?
Well… The Federal Government will not let California go broke. Or the auto companies. Or the universities. Or the banks and insurance companies. Or millions of households (not actually sure about that one yet).
There is not enough money to bailout everybody. Triage will be necessary.
I have seen this under the worst possible scenarios. But, you can probably relate to it in terms of what Kate Beckinsale does with lipstick on the foreheads of the wounded at Pearl Harbor (but, it is one of the most gripping scenes in the 2001 movie).
To wit:
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Those who will die anyway: no treatment.
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Those who will recover anyway: no treatment.
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Those will will recover only with treatment.
Making these harsh decisions might be President Obama’s greatest challenge. He may have one of the toughest jobs ahead of him since Truman.
Looking beyond the downturn, what can we expect?
The consensus confidently – almost to a man – anticipates inflation, against which the Federal government will fight either successfully (optimists) or unsuccessfully (doomsters).
This is, however, absurd.
People are already preparing for this “inevitable” outcome by owning mostly short-term debt. As the end of the downturn approaches — inflation can only manifest itself in times or full employment or via a currency crisis — everyone will (should) take strong measures. Even elderly ladies in Peoria will own inflation-protected bonds, short-maturity bonds, and hoard gold bars in their basement.
These measures will foreclose inflation as a workable option. As the government is forced to either issue vast amounts of short-term debt or monetize the debt, inflation becomes useless as a tool. Short-term debt becomes an albatross during inflation: interest expense skyrockets as interest rates soar.
Seriously.
Hyperinflation always remains an option – as does atomic war and mass suicide.
However, none of these are “solutions” in any meaningful sense.
Seriously.
With a history of vast deficits behind us, and larger deficits ahead (from baby boomer’s retiring), the government will choose Door #2: default. We will just not pay all our obligations. This is historically the most common solution.
How we decide who to pay — and how much to pay — will test America as it has seldom been tested.
- Do we pay our foreign debts?
- To what extent do we renege on promised social security and medicare benefits?
- To what extent do we raise taxes vs. defaulting?
The big unknown
The recession of the late 1920’s became a Great Depression due to a series of public policy errors.
Most seriously:
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Many nations abandoned the gold standard too slowly, and
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The nation with the largest trade surplus wrecked the world trade system.
America was the culprit (for #2), enacting the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act in 1930. We can only guess at the equivalent of mistake #1, but the prime candidate for #2 is China devaluing the RMB to boost its exports.
More later.
Remember what Hemingway thought of Spain. Go read those books. Spain can be defended.
“Sons Gonna Rise” by Citizen Cope.
Peace to my Brothers and Sisters.
Brian Patrick Cork
Its Monday (well late).
And, a picture of a Door, Window, or other Portal is due.
Geraniums and a window shared by BB Webb.
What story here (this window)?
Today I have been listening to “I Still Haven’t Found What I Am Looking For” .
I am all for U2.
But, David Cook throws out a rousing rendition.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
Brian Patrick Cork
Many of you read my post: Sammy: The best argument I ever knew for Dogs in Heaven.
That story has now been viewed over one million (1,000,000) times. And, it has apparently circled the globe repeatedly having been passed from one dog-friend enthusiast to another via email.
Thanks for that.
Meanwhile…
We went and visited CeCe and her people (Dave and Kelly) yesterday. CeCe is a four year old Rhodesian Ridgeback that is expected to give birth to six little mighty champions February 14th (perfect).
I get a new “buddy”!
This picture is of a Ridgeback puppy at four months.
At about two yeas, he can start running with me.
You need to know there is significant debate around the naming of this particular Ridgeback.
Thoughts and suggestions include, but are not linited to: Achilles, Artemis (my favorite /1), Dude, Mondo, “Mr. Tinkles” (a delicious absurdity. Haley Anne has mused: “how could you EVER get mad at a large dog named Mr. Tinkles?”), Ranger, Telemachus (from Homer’s Odyssey /2) and, ZimBob.
So, lets fire up a poll…
Brian’s Ridgeback should be named:
Feel free to comment with additional suggestions. The winner gets a cases of Modelo Especial.
By the way… I probably need a truck now (and, it will come in handy for soccer any way). So, more about that later.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
__________________________
NOTES:
1/ Artemis was King Leonidas’ loyal captain and friend in the movie The 300. Not historically accurate. But, cool nonetheless.
2/ Telemachus (also transliterated as Telemachos or Telémakhos; literally, “far-away fighter”) is a figure in Greek mythology, the son of Odysseus and Penelope, and a central character in Homer’s Odyssey. The first four books in particular focus on Telemachus’s journeys in search of news about his father; they are, therefore, traditionally accorded the collective title the Telemachy.
In a recent email exchange, my friend PJ Bain said:
“On another topic, don’t lose your Faith – you seemed to be bending gray matter and fighting some demons around this the other day.”
I am always fighting something.
I am, I fear, my own demon.
However, I am also convinced this is how God keeps me sharp and on my toes. I never rest and am always vigilant in my quest and commitment to serve others.
This often comes in the form of “stirring the pot”.
Fortunately, this has become a terrific filter. Men who care to know me are often drawn to my heart, and then later, my deeds.
I work so very hard to reflect and represent what I feel is the “image”.
More later.
Peace be to my Brothers and Sisters.
Brian Patrick Cork
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