Occupy OPK
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Well, how many have seen the movie Twister?
My parents lived through that here in S. FL last evening.
Lucky & strange, almost every home on their block was destroyed, Except their home!
The tornado appears to have started across the street from them (depositing part of one home on my parent's neighbor's car), then crossing over to their side and taking out all the homes next to them and on down the block (both sides!).
My parents were not home, but just turning their car into their development. My father said he did not know what was happening. Their car was lifted up, all the windows blew out, and then they came to a stop facing the wrong way. Thank God, neither of them was hurt, just some glass that gave my dad some minor cuts.
Wow, it still feels like I went to the movies last night, only we were the "stars", sort of...
~FunnelFred
P.s. Ron, you may want to rethink your request :-/.
How true, Liz, how true...eom
Uh, Liz, correct me if I'm wrong, but...
Did you just insult a monkey?
Hehe, FredMonk
:o()
I want an Ahhhnold button!
Hmmm, if they have Arnold Schwarzenegger campaign buttons, will his name fit on it?
Vote For A. Schwarz...(u know)
~F8
Hawk:
Sounds like a good idea. Together they could generate quite a following...
I may even go out there and vote (what the heck, votes from Florida can count any way we want...right?!?).
~FloridaFred
Liz,
When I lived in NY, the first Christmas catalogs appeared in June.
I would hear people say they were done Christmas shopping by September (not me, but I am thinking about changing from my one-day marathons in late December).
<:o()
Hawk, Ah yes Jesse Ventura (whose inauguration was attended by Arnold).
Friends for a while, remember them in the movie Predator? A kind of invisible alien hunting man...kind of what's hunting the stock market.
Governor Predator(s)
~F8, one of the hunted (for now)
...yes, like in a boxing match with an invisible opponent...
Exactly Ron. Just what I meant. You just said it alot more succinctly.
As Meatloaf said, "You took the words right out of my mouth".
(Btw, don't go beyond those words of the song, if you know it, because it'll get real weird then...!)
~
F
8
Jeopardy Style: What are Liz's feelings about the California recall election?
(Honestly though, maybe a little clearer answer about how you felt would have made it easier to understand, lol.)
<%^o~
No "Gray" area there!
8F~
Gotta go along with you there Jake.
Maybe we should have bought (held, or bought more in some cases) AMTD.
I'm searching hard for what's next...
Everything from OZLU to MMM...
'til tomorrow, fRED (fred Red Equity Dungeon)
:-/~
:o(
`
Tough day...Like watching a blank wall with an occasional bug running down it...
APOA & XRMD and things of that ilk may be the only types of plays with any strength.
May have to move soon, back into closed end funds (ACG, et.al.) or mtge. plays like INV...we shall see...
One has to watch this type of market like a hawk (right, Hawk) and, unfortunately, it's not moving much (positively, anyway), or it's like a bad roller coaster~~vvv~~vvv/\---;
Hopefully, someone tomorrow will do something good (gov't, auctions?) or new leadership stocks will emerge...
Best, F8
Hey Marcos, I like that sign...
I'd like to see a big version of it hanging on the floor of the NYSE (although, I bet someone would try to tear it down on a regular basis). 8-)
Kind of reminds me when they have a moment of silence on the floor (in NY or Chicago) in honor of something...a nice, quiet, respectful moment...then all hell breaks loose again.
Similarly, someone says IIRWGUA, calms for a moment, then resumes screaming and pushing.
~FRED (Financially Ready Every Day)
:o)
Jake,
I understand Wednesday is a key of yours...
While I don't always agree with the masses (& I'm guessing you don't either), Monday is the most important market day for the majority of brokers. If there is going to be a significant turn from Monday's indications, it usually occurs on Tuesdays.
Again, I may not always agree with the masses, but the masses can dictate the indications.
When something significant occurs (on any day), I start calling all my broker contacts at various houses to get a "feel" for the majority. Many times they continually echo one another that this "Turn Around" (houses say, whether correct or not, mostly occurs on Tuesday) is caused by ___ and indicates ___ , and I average out and take the highest percentage of answers to "maybe" indicate where most of the money is going.
We may not always agree, but they (& the numbers) usually control the $ flow...
I don't believe I mentioned "Bear" anywhere, but affirmative on a possible "correction", and that is what the "Turn Arounds" were indicating.
I'm still waiting for tomorrow morning for confirmation on today (& that would be Wednesday...... ).
Best, F8
Jake & All,
While I do not necessarily agree 100%, here's something else to consider, and the important thing being how many agree with this (not just me or Art).
(Post Credit & Thanks: Art2Gecko)
Wall Street's "fear gauge" could signal market top
By Doris Frankel
CHICAGO, Aug 5 (Reuters) - A popular contrarian stock index
used by some players to forecast market turns is rising and may
be poised to break out of its trading range, marking a
short-term top for stocks, several analysts said.
The indicator is the Chicago Board Options Exchange's
Market Volatility Index <.VIX>, known as the "fear gauge" since
it measures how worried investors are.
"The rise in the VIX is occurring amid growing worries
about the economic outlook. The trend is especially evident in
the financial sector, where anxiety levels are rising in
lockstep with interest rates," said Frederic Ruffy, analyst
with Optionetics, an options strategy and education firm.
With the bulk of the earnings season past and trading
volumes light in the typically slow summer season, Wall Street
stocks have been stuck in a range after a double-digit
percentage rally from 2003 lows hit on March 11.
The levels considered significant on the VIX vary, but
since May, the VIX has been locked in a range roughly between
21 and 24, which suggests growing complacency among investors.
A low VIX, normally in the range of 20-25, is said to
suggest an overly optimistic market susceptible to setbacks,
while a spike in the VIX to levels over 40 typically signals
extreme fear among investors and often occurs near major market
bottoms.
The index, which spiked to just over 57 on Sept. 21, 2001,
in the post-attack trading week when stocks carved out
three-year lows, hit an intraday high of 41.16 on March 12,
2003. At that time, the S&P 500 index bottomed with a close of
804.19.
MOVING HIGHER
For the past eight sessions, the VIX has crept higher. On
Monday, it peaked at an intraday high of 24.90, a level not
seen since May 20.
The VIX continued to move higher on Tuesday as stocks fell
after a report showing that the U.S. services sector expanded
at a surprisingly strong rate failed to rouse investors.
"This rise in the VIX may only be the beginning of higher
volatility to come as we just recently touched under the key 20
level" of 19.63 on July 24, said Price Headley, founder and
chief analyst at BigTrends.com, an options advisory firm.
The VIX is calculated by measuring the premiums of
short-term options on the Standard & Poor's 100 index <.OEX>,
or how much investors are willing to pay for the options as
insurance to hedge their portfolios.
Historically at 20 or lower, the VIX has marked a top in
the market, as investors show little interest in insuring their
portfolios with options when the news appears strongly
positive, Headley said.
But typically when stocks move lower, investors buy puts to
hedge the risk in their portfolios. said Richard Croft,
president of Croft Financial Group, a Toronto-based investment
counseling service.
A put gives the holder the right to sell the underlying
stock at a predetermined price within a set time period.
"The cause and effect of buying these puts means that the
puts become more expensive and that is reflected in the VIX,
which is moving higher," Croft said.
The last several times that the VIX crossed under 20 marked
significant tops in the stock market. Those days included Aug.
17, 2000, when the VIX hit a low of 19.81 and March 21, 2002,
when the VIX hit a low of 19.89, Headley said.
Greg Simmons, president of Linear Capital Management, a
California-based hedge fund, believes the VIX has been oversold
for too long and is due for a breakout.
"I would not be long the market for one second. I would
assume the VIX will retrace approximately half of its drop from
the March highs of over 40 and go up to test the low 30s which
would translate into much lower stock prices," Simmons said.
((Reporting by Doris Frankel, editing by Eric Walsh;
Reuters Messaging: doris.frankel.reuters.com@reuters.net;
doris.frankel@reuters.com; 312-408-8750))
(C) Reuters 2003. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of
Reuters content, including by caching, framing or similar means, is expressly
prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters and the Reuters
sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of
companies around the world.
nN05527611
Aug-05-2003 19:48 GMT
Symbols:
US;OEX US;VIX
Source RTRS Reuters News
Categories:
DNP DRV E LEN PCO PCU RNP RTRS STX U US MST/F/DRV MST/I/MKT MST/L/EN
MST/R/US MST/S/NDX REV5 RSF TGT/RSF
-----------------------------------
Best, F8
Jake,
Just to clarify...
I rarely let stress enter my day (I'm against that way of life ).
I am assessing, though, the amount of worry in the market.
For example, when the bond market closed today, the thought might be that stocks would get a break (maybe, even a relief).
Didn't happen.
No matter how you look at today, IMHO (which is sometimes with a silly smile, or a joke to the rest of the office, for our own relief - obviously, something you cannot always get in this forum), there is still an over abundance of worry in the market.
If you're making a living in this market, today hurt many. If you're using it for a secondary income, or have good long-term investments, jobs, businesses (Jake's Pub, I would say, in your case), then, you can ride out longer down trends better than others.
IMHO, if today has any follow through, that's a longer-term trend (correction) in the making... There may be nothing quick, as you suggest, if that happens, but, I will certainly watch closely and hope for the best.
It's a difficult task to speak to all on the same level. My own space has those that rely on day-to-day fluctuations, and long-term plays. Personally, I wear two hats as short-term trader and long-term investment stategist.
This is the first Turn-around Tuesday, in recent memory, that has looked like this one. As the brokers gauge, Monday sets the stage for the week, and Tuesday tells you if it will continue or turn around (in most cases).
We had a bit of relief toward the end of yesterday (Monday), but completely turned on our (turtle) back today. Too quickly for many. So, whether it's justified or not, if it continues to scare people out tomorrow,...well, let's wait for early morning to finish that sentence...
Hanging tough, F8
Uh Oh, Here Comes The F(R)ED...
When whatever causes those words, "...it's gonna force the Fed to act...", then, I start wondering/worrying...
~Fed8
%^}
Jake,
Yes, that's true.
(It's just hitting some good news right on the chin today. When the markets go down on good news, it warrants knowing if the amount of worry is justified...)
~F%
Jake/SIRI: Yes, it is now making me rethink a partial/all exit above my original $2.21 ($2.20-$2.25).
The close today will dictate the terms to me (possible $3's?).
Fingers crossed (I still don't like the Geo-political, terrorwarworldweaponsofmasshysteriaworrywhateverthecrapisgoingonintheuniverse stuff at the present...).
-H o w A b o u t A N i c e G a m e O f T h e r m o N u c l e a r W a r ?!?
~Fred, I'm OK, it's just the world that's crazy...I tink...
WBR/SIRI:
Liked the Fred & Ted (& Rick) show. Still pretty positive on WBR/Long.
Liquidity well over $200 million (Revolver & Cash). They still have 33 non-core assets to be sold.
Debt payment terms appear favorable, RPR (Revenue Per Room) up, IMHO.
They're now the largest operator in the Caribbean.
May buy more in the low .40's.
SIRI heading in the right direction for tomorrow's news/earns. Like the $2 break...
Best, F8
Hawk/WBR:
On CC right now, will get back to you after it...
Quick thoughts: I like news for WBR & overall market news this morning, BUT, world news (terror, war, WMD) has something making markets go down.
Good market news + "something" = markets go down
"Somethin'" = not right
Hold & stay tuned, F8
~~IMHO, FWIW, TSOP, MFSB, FDIC insured )
OK, got ya Ron. Funny how it's sometimes difficult to get into continuing a good habit (as in many things, i.e., exercising, trading stocks - stop trading when too emotional & stop trying to reinvent the wheel/notes to self - and, generally, stop doing stupid things over & over again (again, note to self).
Thank you very much (note to all, including self...sometimes),
~Me, Myself & ...
Ron, Just to be clear...
Did you go to an acupuncturist once, and it took a couple of weeks to have an effect, or, did you go for a while, and it took a couple of weeks to really help? (Obviously, the latter is better, and I may have been confused in my earlier post.)
~Fred-san
Ron, "...a couple of weeks..."?!?
Are you sure it was not just a good stock trade that made you feel better (by then)?
Boy, I won't laugh (:-/), but one session a year.
When I was in PT, I went three times a week for eight months.
If my insurance had a limit, I don't think I knew what it was...
Best thing I did, was to make a copy of a PT handbook they had in the Ortho/PT's office I went to...it had pictures & explanations for each movement & exercise used (so I could do them at home).
I have not tried, but maybe search PT online & try to get the appropriate stretches & exercises (if you need them).
Again, I highly recommend it over anything else (medication, chiropractor, etc.). A reflexologist may be helpful too.
(Incidentally, I was told that golf, water skiing, and bowling are among the worst activities to engage in with back injuries...but, I have done all three since...I think moderation was the key.)
Keep a stiff upper lip, and a straight lower back.
~FredLimber
We should revisit that article in September to see how they did...
~F888 (love that post #)
Ron,
My mom keeps saying to me, "Don't get old."
I keep replying, especially after 40, "Mom...too late."
(At least, in some respects.)
I'll tell you though, physical therapy, if kept up on your own, IMHO, is the best thing.
I had a pretty bad back injury in January, 1991 (one month before my 31st birthday). I was told I needed surgery to repair at least one of two herniated discs. I insisted on trying the physical therapy route (since it helped me 100% some years earlier with avoiding arthroscopic surgery on my knee).
Twelve years later, I have never had surgery, and have had very little problems. The only thing to speak of, is if I go an extended period of time without doing the stretching, light muscle building, et.al. (basically, physical therapy at home or in the gym), I get a reminder in the form of light muscle spasms [which motivate me right onto the floor (or mat) to correct my physical arrears to myself].
Btw, I asked if the therapy worked to ascertain the value of HLSH, i.e., a kind of light-hearted way of saying, if the therapy worked, then maybe they're OK.
~Physical health first, then (you can work on) Financial health
Best to you with both, FizzicalFinancialFred
Ron, Question is: Did the therapy work? %^)
Jake,
Traditionally, that's been the case.
I still believe September & Oct. are the worst for the Naz.
(Who knows, that may change this year...)
Happy August 1st!?
~FebruaryFred
Heck, Marcos, I kind of wanted to hear what a "super long short" was (sounded interesting).
Glad you're feeling better.
Markets making me a little sick at the moment (getting that stuck on the fence feeling again).
If the markets go to stinkville, I may have to take my toys and go home (& find something more fun to play with).
~FencedinFred
Marcos,
How have you been feeling? You "look" OK .
You may know, but WBR reports on 8/5, and SIRI on 8/6. It could affect each stock's share price leading into the reports.
(Numbers are expected to be good on each, just be careful as the market reacts over the next two or three days. I may sell some or all depending...though, both may be good long-term holds, IMHO.)
Best, F8
P.s. What is a "super long short"? (Or, did you mean "super long shot? Or, a "super long philly"?)
:)
Liz, Ouch, I did not realize there was more...
(always hate the word "staples" used in this context).
But, the beach awaits & the impending Hot Dog (Hot Rock) on the sand...
Rock(y) & Roll
~Fred-san(d)
Well, Liz, it's about time...
Now, Rocky can rest easy, heehee, woof!
Btw, how is the rocky Rocky...steady as he goes!
~Freddog
{:^0~
Hey (not so) Feeble, it looks like INTC & WAVX are tied together again (or even more after today's news).
Thanks, F8
Jake, WAVX is a favorite of Matt's. You may want to catch up with some of his posts on it [or maybe not :/ ].
It's had quite a move. Would you buy it here?
Thanks, F8
Liz/Jake:
It appears others on iHub are having a similar problem this morning Liz. One regular poster posted once and reached the 18 limit for the day. (Glad you're not affected. :) )
Jake, don't let anything disrupt you to a TOU violation. Whatever has happened (sad, I guess :( ), just try to leave it in the past. It really should have no place here (and, of course, the Sheriff will not allow it to have a place here).
Stay cool & focused, F8
Anyone notice a problem with the "number of posts written"?
It is showing a number combining yesterday & today's on mine.
I may be forced out of here early...
(and I've just used up another post mentioning my dwindling posts ).
~F8 76543...
Viva Wyndham! OK, let's try this one more time:
Wyndham Enters Strategic Alliance Agreement with Viva Resorts; Seven Resorts Added to Wyndham Brand under 10-Year Agreement
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 2003--
Resorts Re-Branded to Viva Wyndham Properties; Strategic
Transaction Expands Brand Presence in Caribbean and Mexican Markets
Wyndham International, Inc. (AMEX:WBR) announced today that it has entered into a 10-year strategic alliance agreement with Viva Resorts and their seven properties in the Bahamas, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Under the agreement, as of Dec. 1, 2003, the properties will be re-branded as Viva Wyndham Resorts and incorporated into the Wyndham portfolio.
"As the largest hotel brand in the Caribbean, Wyndham offers destination choices that cater to every type of traveler and their various needs," said Fred J. Kleisner, chairman and chief executive officer of Wyndham International. "The partnership with Viva allows us to expand these offerings both in new Caribbean and Mexican markets, as well as provide more choices for guests looking for all-inclusive resort experiences."
"Building a strong partnership with a brand like Wyndham is the key component to ensuring our guests enjoy a consistent, upscale hotel product," said Viva Resorts President, Ettore Colussi. "Wyndham's highly-regarded industry reputation will help us quickly raise awareness stateside and entice more business from the United States."
The seven properties will be re-branded as Viva Wyndham resorts, and exclusively offer all-inclusive packages that include accommodations, full breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks; unlimited beverages, cocktails and wine; daily activities and fitness programs; unlimited non-motorized water sports with complimentary lessons; enrollment in the Viva Kid's Club; live nightly entertainment; and all taxes, surcharges and gratuities.
Viva Wyndham Caribbean properties include:
-- The 276-room Viva Wyndham Fortuna Beach - Grand Bahama Island,
The Bahamas
-- The 500-room Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach - La
Romana-Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
-- The 330-room Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace - La
Romana-Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
-- The soon to open, 223-room Viva Wyndham Tangerine - Cabarete,
Dominican Republic
Viva Wyndham Mexican properties include:
-- The 400-room Viva Wyndham Maya - Playacar, Mexico
-- The 234-room Viva Wyndham Azteca - Playacar, Mexico
-- The 355-room Viva Wyndham Vallarta - Vallarta, Mexico
standards and numerous upscale amenities aimed at enhancing guest comfort and convenience. Guestrooms will feature the Golden Door(R) Bath Care Collection, a selection of body products, including shampoo, conditioner, after-sun lotion, lip balm, shower gel and body lotion, inspired by the renowned, Wyndham-owned Golden Door in Escondido, Calif. While relaxing poolside, guests take advantage of upgraded pool standards including comfortably-cushioned lounge chairs and plush towels.
Guests of the Viva Wyndham properties will also enjoy Wyndham ByRequest(R), the brand's guest recognition program developed by Wyndham to deliver on its brand philosophy of empowering guests to achieve a more customized hotel experience. Guests may choose items from a variety of pre-selected categories that appear on the Wyndham ByRequest profile form, such as a welcome snack or a preferred type of wine.
The Viva Wyndham resorts in the Dominican Republic and Bahamas bring Wyndham's Caribbean portfolio up to 16 properties on eight islands, including Aruba, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Netherlands Antilles and U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to the three Viva Wyndham Mexican properties, Wyndham boasts the renowned Four-Star, Four-Diamond Mexican resort, the Grand Bay Hotel Isla Navidad - A Wyndham Luxury Resort located near the Pacific coast near the town of Manzanillo.
Since its inception in January 1997, Viva Resorts has become one of the fastest growing all-inclusive resort and management operations in the Caribbean and Mexico. Known for value-packed, all-inclusive vacations reflective of the host country, Viva believes that a true vacation experience begins at the heart of the destination and incorporates culturally-inspired ambiance, a high-energy atmosphere and international accents on both food and service. Catering to travelers of all ages, Viva also offers family-friendly programs including a stay, play and eat free program for children under 12 years of age when sharing the same room with parents. Viva Resorts maintains its headquarters in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and a U.S. and Canada sales and marketing office in Miami. For more information, visit www.vivaresorts.com.
Wyndham International, Inc. offers upscale and luxury hotel and resort accommodations through proprietary lodging brands and a management services division. Based in Dallas, Wyndham International owns, leases, manages and franchises hotels and resorts in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Europe. For more information, visit www.wyndham.com. For reservations, call 800-WYNDHAM.
CONTACT:
Wyndham International, Inc.
Media Contacts
Darcie M. Brossart, 214-863-1335
dbrossart@wyndham.com
SOURCE: Wyndham International, Inc.
Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: http://www.businesswire.com
07/31/2003 09:01 EASTERN
------------------------
Best, F8
...And Thanks Hawk (I wonder why, when I put in SwingTrade on RB, it does not come up...oh well...).
~F8
Thanks Ron (that was a tough board to find). eom
Hawk:
Thanks for keeping an eye out.
I'm sorry though, I'm a bit confused. Was this a quote from briefing.com on RB?
If it's from RB, then where there? %^)
(Maybe if you have a link to the board where it's from>>)
I'm not sure where this Swingtrade board is...(Briefing, RB)...I'm only familiar with iHub's Swingtrade board.
TIA, F8