As of today a few of Fayetteville's highest municipal posts are filled by interim leaders who have been a part of our City's upper management for a good little while. They know quite a bit about the happenings, dynamics and underlying issues causing concern to the citizens of Fayetteville and its leadership. They each served under the tutelage of their former bosses for a few good years and surely handle themselves according to what they have learned. Assistant City Manager Kristoff Bauer is currently filling the role of Interim City Manager after the dismissal of Fayetteville head honcho Dale Iman, and former assistant Chief Katherine Bryant is filling the role of Police Chief since Tom Bergamine served his last day on the patrol this month. Both of these vacant posts were reportedly created in large part as a result of a DWB controversy that arose in Fayetteville. Racial profiling by the PD was alleged statistically, investigated thoroughly and while not necessarily proven, it was the talk of the town, the talk of our police and its supporters and even the talk of state judicial proceedings for quite some time.
All this talk led to a focused microscope being put on the actions of our City Council and Mayor, who alone serve as our city's body of elected representatives. The Mayor and City Council are responsible for hiring and firing only two people in the entire city staff of hundreds: City Manager and City Attorney. (it is my understanding that our City Attorney Karen McDonald is in good standing with the City Council and not at risk of turnover) As you might surmise, the responsibility to hire and fire those two people is taken very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that it is commonplace to hire a consulting/expert firm for tens of thousands of dollars to solicit applicants, review credentials and make recommendations to the Council. The city will first hire a City Manager, and then leave the decision of hiring a Police Chief up to the City Manager. I can assure you that any candidate for City Manager will be very closely interrogated about how, why and under what circumstances they would prefer to go about hiring a police chief and managing them. After all, its in large part what got us into this predicament in the first place, and surely our elected officials are learning from the past.
The question I pose to you is this: Of the two "Interims" that we currently have in the positions of City Manager and Police Chief, which of them will be given the title permanently? Do both of them even want the job? And 6 months down the road (or 17 months), how do you think the citizens of Fayetteville will feel looking back on this whole conundrum?
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
March: MAN-Up TAR HEELS
Kendall Marshall and Tyler Zeller have driven the TarHeels offensively all year long with rotating help from Barnes, Bullock and Henson. With Marshalls' injury we have a million things to make up for, the least of which is dribbling. Passing and controlling the game are KMarsh's two weapons and lately he's been pouring on the touch around the basket and turning into a double-double machine. If it weren't for him feeling like he needed to score we may not be down another guard....injuries are tough. Also remember, we become a BETTER defensive team when Marshall is off the court some might argue during the regular season, and especially when he is nursing a screw and a fracture.
Barnes will have to be willing to control and distribute the ball. Likewise for Bullock, Hairston and namely Stillman White. The fact that in 2012 we've got a Mormon PG at the helm late in March and a 9 figure Mormon leading the GOP primary race is quite the parallel in our news media. The primary difference is that Stillman will definitely not be with us next year as he embarks on his Mission, but hopefully Romney will be quite the stately figure in the news most every day as the leader of the free world. Remember the folks in China and Russia aren't really free, are they? So they don't count.
I digress....if you think Stillman White is the only savior for UNC Basketball, think again. We've got to have all 6 other guys in the rotation step up their game 10-15% and we can play with any squad in the country. That's the beauty of being the best basketball program in the country. Don't argue. This message is directed primarily at you HB, because you need to step yours up 25-35% if we are going to have a chance at Roy's third bling, I mean ring. Hubert to Watts for the alley-ooooppp!! would also be a good combo. Add irony to injury, and we are potentially meeting Roys' old JayHawks on Sunday and there's not enough Cortisone in the country to ease the tension there.
Tar Heel fans unite, WIN one game at a time!
Go Heels Go America.com
Hey Dickie V....RETIRE, BABYY!!!!
Barnes will have to be willing to control and distribute the ball. Likewise for Bullock, Hairston and namely Stillman White. The fact that in 2012 we've got a Mormon PG at the helm late in March and a 9 figure Mormon leading the GOP primary race is quite the parallel in our news media. The primary difference is that Stillman will definitely not be with us next year as he embarks on his Mission, but hopefully Romney will be quite the stately figure in the news most every day as the leader of the free world. Remember the folks in China and Russia aren't really free, are they? So they don't count.
I digress....if you think Stillman White is the only savior for UNC Basketball, think again. We've got to have all 6 other guys in the rotation step up their game 10-15% and we can play with any squad in the country. That's the beauty of being the best basketball program in the country. Don't argue. This message is directed primarily at you HB, because you need to step yours up 25-35% if we are going to have a chance at Roy's third bling, I mean ring. Hubert to Watts for the alley-ooooppp!! would also be a good combo. Add irony to injury, and we are potentially meeting Roys' old JayHawks on Sunday and there's not enough Cortisone in the country to ease the tension there.
Tar Heel fans unite, WIN one game at a time!
Go Heels Go America.com
Hey Dickie V....RETIRE, BABYY!!!!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Fayetteville PD and DWB
Fayetteville Police Department and the coined issue of "Driving While Black" have been hot on the wire as of late after a four month moratorium on -Consent Searches- was implemented by the Fayetteville City Council. The root of the issue and cause of racism accusations being thrown at the FPD is the statistics that show an overwhelming percentage of Consent Searches are being performed on African Americans. Fayetteville's Police Chief, who is a 30+ year veteran of the department, has tendered his resignation in convenient timing for the playing out of the debacle- which speaks volumes on its own.
The moratorium and its details, which were authored by Mayor Pro Tem Jim Arp, have seen ample opposition since being enacted- the Police Benevolent Association has pushed the envelope on behalf of the popo for all legal action. NC State Attorney General recently chimed in on the topic by sending the FPD an opinionated letter. The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives has been hired by the City Council to investigate the practices and policies of our local police amidst accusations of profiling and improper search methods in coordination with the moratorium.
State and Federal constitutions uphold the legality of Consent Searches and many will argue that limiting the tools of police is not in the realm of municipal authority. You will certainly find plenty of folks that will argue both sides.
Voting Against the Moratorium were: City Council Members Val Applewhite & Keith Bates
Voting for the Moratorium were: Mayor + 7 council members
At the end of the day, I just want Fayetteville, NC to be safer than it was yesterday. We ask the Police Department to accomplish that goal every single day, even when the cards are stacked against them, and I wish our entire community would support them doing so fairly and constitutionally. This has been a public service announcement to help you stay reasonably informed.
The moratorium and its details, which were authored by Mayor Pro Tem Jim Arp, have seen ample opposition since being enacted- the Police Benevolent Association has pushed the envelope on behalf of the popo for all legal action. NC State Attorney General recently chimed in on the topic by sending the FPD an opinionated letter. The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives has been hired by the City Council to investigate the practices and policies of our local police amidst accusations of profiling and improper search methods in coordination with the moratorium.
State and Federal constitutions uphold the legality of Consent Searches and many will argue that limiting the tools of police is not in the realm of municipal authority. You will certainly find plenty of folks that will argue both sides.
con·sent
[kuhn-sent] Show IPAverb (used without object)
1.
to permit, approve, or agree; comply or yield (oftenfollowed by to or an infinitive): He consented to the proposal.We asked her permission, and she consented.
To clarify, I am personally against the moratorium- and I think the issues and controversy at hand could have been handled differently for optimal results. I don't know all of the private details, and am very anxious to hear the findings of NOBLE. Any way you cut it, there is no easy way around, or through the issue and obvious controversies surrounding police enforcement along racial lines and the supposedly unfair and manufactured disparities.
Voting Against the Moratorium were: City Council Members Val Applewhite & Keith Bates
Voting for the Moratorium were: Mayor + 7 council members
At the end of the day, I just want Fayetteville, NC to be safer than it was yesterday. We ask the Police Department to accomplish that goal every single day, even when the cards are stacked against them, and I wish our entire community would support them doing so fairly and constitutionally. This has been a public service announcement to help you stay reasonably informed.
UNC Tar Heel Basketball
Every year has potential to be a big time year for the boys wearing sky blue unis. Under the helm of Roy Williams we have won 2 of the last 7 NCAA Division One championships. 2012 is no different as the Tar Heels start to round out the ACC regular season currently ranked in the top 10. Heading into the NCAA tournament I can go ahead and guarantee at least a 4 seed, promise.
One characteristic of good NCAA bball teams lately is the presence of quality contributing underclassmen. After enduring a few key injuries in the guard area with both L McDonald and D Strickland falling to injuries- a list of underclassmen have been forced to step up and contribute solid minutes. They all deserve a big round of applause, and I mainly mean the ones off the bench. The starters are just doing exactly what was expected of them, and Barnes, Bullock and Marshall have all performed very well in just their second season our of high school. Bullock has warmed up quickly to the starting role and his tenacious D is a must moving forward this season. If the Kinston HS product can keep up the pressure on D and knock down jump shots consistently he will help Roy's cause; not to mention the rebounding and ball handling potential. Marshall and Barnes exceptional play really doesn't need to be pointed out- it always seems like they both have gas left in the tank.
James Michael McAdoo and PJ Hairston are the primary cards in the TarHeel deck that must continue to get better every game for us to be a potential NatChamp . These guys are both studs with top notch talent, build and motors, but the question is how fast can they mature and deliver for the heels. Any given game McAdoo and Hairston are prone to go off on a tangent aka double-double. I like what I see lately- and hope that Watts, White and Hubert can also get good minutes when they get the opportunity. We run such a fast paced game that our depth and conditioning will be a huge advantage over any team. Add that to the fact, that "good fouls" and playing tough D will let us take advantage of all the fouls we have to give- especially against any poor free throw shooting team.
I can't reasonably write about the TarHeels without giving major kudos to Zeller & Henson, who are the best big man combo in the entire amateur basketball world. Zeller is the ACC POY and Stretch Henson is the biggest defensive factor in the continental United States. Keep up the good work, Big Guys- and maybe pick up the pace a skotch on the free stripe! It's all in the knees.
Best of luck to the Tar Heels. Go Heels Go America . com
One characteristic of good NCAA bball teams lately is the presence of quality contributing underclassmen. After enduring a few key injuries in the guard area with both L McDonald and D Strickland falling to injuries- a list of underclassmen have been forced to step up and contribute solid minutes. They all deserve a big round of applause, and I mainly mean the ones off the bench. The starters are just doing exactly what was expected of them, and Barnes, Bullock and Marshall have all performed very well in just their second season our of high school. Bullock has warmed up quickly to the starting role and his tenacious D is a must moving forward this season. If the Kinston HS product can keep up the pressure on D and knock down jump shots consistently he will help Roy's cause; not to mention the rebounding and ball handling potential. Marshall and Barnes exceptional play really doesn't need to be pointed out- it always seems like they both have gas left in the tank.
James Michael McAdoo and PJ Hairston are the primary cards in the TarHeel deck that must continue to get better every game for us to be a potential NatChamp . These guys are both studs with top notch talent, build and motors, but the question is how fast can they mature and deliver for the heels. Any given game McAdoo and Hairston are prone to go off on a tangent aka double-double. I like what I see lately- and hope that Watts, White and Hubert can also get good minutes when they get the opportunity. We run such a fast paced game that our depth and conditioning will be a huge advantage over any team. Add that to the fact, that "good fouls" and playing tough D will let us take advantage of all the fouls we have to give- especially against any poor free throw shooting team.
I can't reasonably write about the TarHeels without giving major kudos to Zeller & Henson, who are the best big man combo in the entire amateur basketball world. Zeller is the ACC POY and Stretch Henson is the biggest defensive factor in the continental United States. Keep up the good work, Big Guys- and maybe pick up the pace a skotch on the free stripe! It's all in the knees.
Best of luck to the Tar Heels. Go Heels Go America . com
Monday, February 20, 2012
American Presidents, Best of the Bunch
It is not all about the Benjamins in this discussion today about American Presidents. Mr. Benjamin Franklin did not make the cut as USA's Commander in Chief. The list is 44 gentleman deep and includes a laundry list of some of the most influential Americans of all. Recent presidents probably won't be earning medalist honors in any best president competitions, so I will recommend a couple to be considered in the discussion.
The one and only #1 on the list is the experienced military General named George Washington. He is on the one $ bill and Quarter. He is the ultimate face of America and the guy wore some of the sweetest outfits in history. Google "George Washington's gear" and check him out.
James K Polk is a renowned Tar Heel on the list hailing from Mecklenburg County who is best known for doing what he said he was going to do. Polk also was active with making America a coast to coast nation through mergers and acquisitions. He died way to early at the ripe age of 53 like so many other American presidents we lost too early.
Radio, film and television star Ronald Reagan was governor of California for 8 years before starting his 8 year presidential term. He personified America and showed us all a new kind of president with the polish and affinity of the big screen. His wife is equally as famous as he is, which is one indicator of a fairly told story about a quality public service oriented family. Reaganomics and a cool hand under big stakes with nuclear implications are also highlights of his presidential ticket.
Notice I didn't mention in partisan politics in my 3 possible medalist in the best President discussion. American Presidents that is.
Go Heels Go America
The one and only #1 on the list is the experienced military General named George Washington. He is on the one $ bill and Quarter. He is the ultimate face of America and the guy wore some of the sweetest outfits in history. Google "George Washington's gear" and check him out.
James K Polk is a renowned Tar Heel on the list hailing from Mecklenburg County who is best known for doing what he said he was going to do. Polk also was active with making America a coast to coast nation through mergers and acquisitions. He died way to early at the ripe age of 53 like so many other American presidents we lost too early.
Radio, film and television star Ronald Reagan was governor of California for 8 years before starting his 8 year presidential term. He personified America and showed us all a new kind of president with the polish and affinity of the big screen. His wife is equally as famous as he is, which is one indicator of a fairly told story about a quality public service oriented family. Reaganomics and a cool hand under big stakes with nuclear implications are also highlights of his presidential ticket.
Notice I didn't mention in partisan politics in my 3 possible medalist in the best President discussion. American Presidents that is.
Go Heels Go America
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Cape Fear Grange & White Bean Chicken Chili
I'm not sure how the groups you are a part of raise money- but I guarantee you that most every group has done something a little bit different to fund their activities/outreach/programs/parties/etc, whatever you want to call it.
Today I took part in a fundraiser for the Cape Fear Grange at Haymount UMC. As I sold tickets, I was repeatedly asked, "What is the Cape Fear Grange? and what do you all do?" It's a perfect question to ask when contributing to an organization or its fundraisers. I want to shed some light on the organization if anyone is interested.
The Cape Fear Grange is our local, fledgling branch of the agriculturally based NC (approx. 80 years old) and National Grange (founded 1867). It started as a family oriented organization supporting farming communities, but as agriculture has diminished in the country, so to has the prominence of the Grange. With thousands of members throughout the country, Granges typically concentrate on family values and are committed to community service. In large part, Grange programs support development of character, leadership and civic knowledge amongst both adults and youth. The extensive youth programs are at the cornerstone of the group- thus putting a great emphasis on the next generation and improving their prospects. Our local grange contributes time, money and attention to some local causes including: feeding the homeless, feeding hungry children, supporting local schools and donating clothing for underprivileged kids to name a few. The group maintains its nonpartisan stance, but certainly does emphasize and promote the importance of agriculture, youth development and the impact of taxation in all levels of government...through grassroots participation.
Today we sold a good number (more than 500, less than 1000) of White Bean Chicken Chili at a price of $6 a pop. That $6 included a good bowl of Chili, delicious cornbread and a spearmint (for delivery) and if you ate dinner at the church, throw in a drink and some condiments to spice things up a bit. The vast majority of our Chili was sold for delivery to businesses throughout the area, and I want to thank all of the great organizations that were kind enough to buy Chili from me! I hope everybody enjoyed the meal, and can appreciate that by eating the chili (or feeding your whole office) you are in a indirect way helping to make our community a better place. If you want to do even more, feel free to join our organization a parsley $15 annual dues. Come one, come all- bring a friend!
I want to thank all the kind organizations that bought tickets from me: Systel, Spring Lake Dental Group, Village Family Dental, Wells Fargo Advisors, Two Men and A Truck, Capital Bank, Jernigan Warren Funeral Home, C. Mark Hurley: Nationwide Insurance, Cashwell Appliance Parts, H+H Homes, Ensystex, Beaver, Holt, Sternlicht & Courie, Tom Keith & Associates, and any that I forgot. Thanks to every single person that helped fund the Cape Fear Grange's primary annual fundraiser. Next year, I will be selling tickets again, so please consider making an order next time around. It is very much appreciated.
Today I took part in a fundraiser for the Cape Fear Grange at Haymount UMC. As I sold tickets, I was repeatedly asked, "What is the Cape Fear Grange? and what do you all do?" It's a perfect question to ask when contributing to an organization or its fundraisers. I want to shed some light on the organization if anyone is interested.
The Cape Fear Grange is our local, fledgling branch of the agriculturally based NC (approx. 80 years old) and National Grange (founded 1867). It started as a family oriented organization supporting farming communities, but as agriculture has diminished in the country, so to has the prominence of the Grange. With thousands of members throughout the country, Granges typically concentrate on family values and are committed to community service. In large part, Grange programs support development of character, leadership and civic knowledge amongst both adults and youth. The extensive youth programs are at the cornerstone of the group- thus putting a great emphasis on the next generation and improving their prospects. Our local grange contributes time, money and attention to some local causes including: feeding the homeless, feeding hungry children, supporting local schools and donating clothing for underprivileged kids to name a few. The group maintains its nonpartisan stance, but certainly does emphasize and promote the importance of agriculture, youth development and the impact of taxation in all levels of government...through grassroots participation.
Today we sold a good number (more than 500, less than 1000) of White Bean Chicken Chili at a price of $6 a pop. That $6 included a good bowl of Chili, delicious cornbread and a spearmint (for delivery) and if you ate dinner at the church, throw in a drink and some condiments to spice things up a bit. The vast majority of our Chili was sold for delivery to businesses throughout the area, and I want to thank all of the great organizations that were kind enough to buy Chili from me! I hope everybody enjoyed the meal, and can appreciate that by eating the chili (or feeding your whole office) you are in a indirect way helping to make our community a better place. If you want to do even more, feel free to join our organization a parsley $15 annual dues. Come one, come all- bring a friend!
I want to thank all the kind organizations that bought tickets from me: Systel, Spring Lake Dental Group, Village Family Dental, Wells Fargo Advisors, Two Men and A Truck, Capital Bank, Jernigan Warren Funeral Home, C. Mark Hurley: Nationwide Insurance, Cashwell Appliance Parts, H+H Homes, Ensystex, Beaver, Holt, Sternlicht & Courie, Tom Keith & Associates, and any that I forgot. Thanks to every single person that helped fund the Cape Fear Grange's primary annual fundraiser. Next year, I will be selling tickets again, so please consider making an order next time around. It is very much appreciated.
Cole World Only
Jermaine Cole aka J Cole flows, period. Below is a sampling of some of my favorite lyrical work from his latest album. Parts of it have been edited for the Under 18 audience, in case I have any. Clearly these lyrics are hard to fully appreciate without the music behind them, but gee whiz this guy does it up.
Dollar and a Dream: Volume III (talk about that too hot to trot.....)
"I got the nerds rappin' hard shit, dummies rappin' smart shit
Mozart meets Humphrey Bogart with this from the heart shit
Play your part, life is but a dream for me
I get a flash of nightmares when players scheme on me
It's hard to see my enemies, who infiltrated my team?"
Dollar and a Dream: Volume III (talk about that too hot to trot.....)
"I got the nerds rappin' hard shit, dummies rappin' smart shit
Mozart meets Humphrey Bogart with this from the heart shit
Play your part, life is but a dream for me
I get a flash of nightmares when players scheme on me
It's hard to see my enemies, who infiltrated my team?"
"Sometimes I just shake my head and tell myself this is a shame
And then my other side kick in like, "Mitch don't be so fuckin' lame"
Dang, what a life, another day, another night
At times this shit is all blurry, pray and hope that God heard me
Just for those prayin' for me, man I know that y'all worry
But I ain't never failed and you can bet I never will"
And then my other side kick in like, "Mitch don't be so fuckin' lame"
Dang, what a life, another day, another night
At times this shit is all blurry, pray and hope that God heard me
Just for those prayin' for me, man I know that y'all worry
But I ain't never failed and you can bet I never will"
Lost Ones
"And I aint too proud to tell ya that I cry sometimes
I cry sometimes about it
And girl I know it hurt but if this world was perfect
Then we could make it work but I doubt it"
I cry sometimes about it
And girl I know it hurt but if this world was perfect
Then we could make it work but I doubt it"
Never Told
"One night stands, no best man, no bridesmaids or Reverends
Cause Wolverine’s depressing, don’t wanna be your ex-man
Cause Cupid aims and throw the darts, there go the sparks then broken hearts
Who wanna build Noah’s Ark just to have that shit torn apart?"
Cause Wolverine’s depressing, don’t wanna be your ex-man
Cause Cupid aims and throw the darts, there go the sparks then broken hearts
Who wanna build Noah’s Ark just to have that shit torn apart?"
Mr. Nice Watch, --Jay-Z's line--
"Uh, what up Cole, It's your time
Let these players know
Adjust ya Roley's on these mo fo'ing hoes
Whenever you ready, go!"
Let these players know
Adjust ya Roley's on these mo fo'ing hoes
Whenever you ready, go!"
Your boy, J Cole represents the 'Ville harder than anybody. Not just because he is well on the way to being really rich and is already quite famous- but because he is a bright guy, graduated with accolades from St. John U and sets the example of chasing your dream and doing it the right way. Sure we've had plenty of relatively well know personalities come out of Fayetteville, but not a single one declares or has declared as loud and proud that they are from Fayetteville, NC.
In the words of Little Weezy, J Cole DROPS IT LIKE IT'S HOT
Agreed?
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
What I Got, What I Own, What I'll Hold
When you think about the best way to put money away for retirement, you have a laundry list of options to consider. Many folks pay someone to figure out what to do with their retirement investments- and in most cases that may be the smartest thing to do. Everyone feels differently about saving for retirement- and on a list of priorities it often doesn't fall where it should. If you can't pay your current bills or are racking up credit card debt like Antoine Walker at the mall, you probably aren't maxing out your annual Roth IRA contribution. My parents always emphasized saving and investing, maybe even to a fault at times, but their strategy paid major DIVIDENDS after my dads career was cut short by a stroke. If you're not exactly sure what a dividend is, chances are you don't understand your retirement strategy in the slightest, if you even have one. Hands off and clueless might just be the best strategy for investing in your long term financial stability. Investment advising is big business because it pays to know what you're doing with your nest egg- and a good advisor should accomplish solid growth and returns. That being said, it is your responsibility and yours only to put some money away each month or year or even week to save for a rainy day, your kids college- or retirement.
I don't pretend to be a pro at investing, stocks and bonds or any financial category- but I have a fairly broad (albeit shallow) understanding of the world of money, finances and markets. Much to the chagrin of my bankers, financial advisors, insurance agents and librarians- I feel the need to understand the value of their products. Some would call it being a savvy consumer, and hopefully it is, but in large part I'm just curious and I know understanding what my money pays for will pay dividends.
It is very cool that every one of us can become an owner of most any large company in the world. "Occupy Wall Street" and the so called 99% villanizes the owners of big corporations that suck profits out of companies and control the world- but what they don't mention is that you can join the ranks of owners for a reasonable price. Own a piece of Bank of America for $6.50, Google for around $630, Microsoft for less than $30 and even Ray Lewis' Under Armor for $76.27. Many fantastic advisors will urge you to have it your way and buy some McDonalds in the form of MCD instead of on the dollar menu. I know the buttons on my pants would appreciate it. Personally, I like to buy companies that are employers of friends of mine. Not only do I think these companies employ some pretty solid people, but it's also kind of cool to be my friends boss, even if in a far fetched way. Some recent acquisitions I have made in my brokerage account in part as a result of employing friends (consider with caution): CSCO, WFC, GM, CBKN, FCNCA and F. I want to add CAT to the list soon, possibly GT and maybe even good ol' Mickey D's. Unlike the list of bank stocks I own, two of these potential newbies actually pay a decent dividend.
If by now you are still not sure about the meaning of dividend, I recommend looking it up. It will be a great place to start on your quest towards understanding your strategy, and maybe one day retiring- if you'd like.
Go Heels Go America. com
I don't pretend to be a pro at investing, stocks and bonds or any financial category- but I have a fairly broad (albeit shallow) understanding of the world of money, finances and markets. Much to the chagrin of my bankers, financial advisors, insurance agents and librarians- I feel the need to understand the value of their products. Some would call it being a savvy consumer, and hopefully it is, but in large part I'm just curious and I know understanding what my money pays for will pay dividends.
It is very cool that every one of us can become an owner of most any large company in the world. "Occupy Wall Street" and the so called 99% villanizes the owners of big corporations that suck profits out of companies and control the world- but what they don't mention is that you can join the ranks of owners for a reasonable price. Own a piece of Bank of America for $6.50, Google for around $630, Microsoft for less than $30 and even Ray Lewis' Under Armor for $76.27. Many fantastic advisors will urge you to have it your way and buy some McDonalds in the form of MCD instead of on the dollar menu. I know the buttons on my pants would appreciate it. Personally, I like to buy companies that are employers of friends of mine. Not only do I think these companies employ some pretty solid people, but it's also kind of cool to be my friends boss, even if in a far fetched way. Some recent acquisitions I have made in my brokerage account in part as a result of employing friends (consider with caution): CSCO, WFC, GM, CBKN, FCNCA and F. I want to add CAT to the list soon, possibly GT and maybe even good ol' Mickey D's. Unlike the list of bank stocks I own, two of these potential newbies actually pay a decent dividend.
If by now you are still not sure about the meaning of dividend, I recommend looking it up. It will be a great place to start on your quest towards understanding your strategy, and maybe one day retiring- if you'd like.
Go Heels Go America. com
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