Being Galled

Stephen A. Schwartzman, chairman and co-founder of the Blackstone Group, compared his company's corporate tax increase of 15% to 35% to the invasion of Hitler. The galling thing about Schwartzman's statement is that his company exists because of the bailout, and contracts given to this investment and advisory firm. Now, he is deriding the government. Schwartzman is angry with the government when Blackstone would not exist without it. The comparison is also disturbing and grossly hyperbolic. Is Schwartzman Jewish?

Being Brotherly

When I phoned my brother Haywood earlier he seemed a bit distracted. After a little while, I asked him if it was a good time. He said for me to go ahead. We had a good conversation as usual. A few hours later he phoned to say he was sorry that he hadn't given me his undivided attention earlier. I thanked him. I also wondered about our integrity and the concern we show each other.

Being Foolish

In the Senate race in Nevada between Harry Reid and Sharron Angle, it is utterly foolish to keep talking about personality when there is so much to lose politically. Get a grip people!

Being Profitable

There is a reason why the stock of Borders, and Barnes and Noble is tanking. Looking for books on the history of Detroit and Chicago in the 30s, I went to the aforementioned bookstores. I live in Detroit and there were no books on Detroit save some picture books, and they had nothing on Chicago. This is the why I largely order books online. The selection is vast and there is no hassle. I don't think Borders or Barnes and Noble can sell enough coffee to be profitable.

Being Inspired by Others

Being Inspired by Others

Being a Socialite

While shopping today I ran into a socialite going on and on about this and that to a friend who seemed utterly disinterested. The socialite's voice alone was annoying. I felt pity for the friend. When I got to the parking lot we were parked next to each other. She was still yapping as she loaded her many bags. The friend stood at the passenger's side. I inched out. "Look what I got" asked the socialite. "What?" replied the friend, from the distance. "A Soul Train T-shirt," she exclaimed. The socialite instantly became a schoolgirl. "Nice shirt," I said. "You can get one online," she said. "I will," I replied. The friend joined us. "Remember Don Cornelius?" she said. "I do," I said. "I just looove Soul Train," said the socialite swooning." "Good day to you both," I said, pulling away. Suddenly, I felt better. Maybe she's not just some yappy self-centered socialite. Well, maybe she is, but at least she looooves cool music.