Monthly Archives: July 2010

“We laugh at honor and are shocked to find traitors in our midst.” C.S. Lewis

Posted on July 26, 2010 by mmjdiary
Posted in Classic Quotes | Leave a comment

Just Ask His Mother

Posted on July 25, 2010 by mmjdiary

Mark S. Kirk is a candidate for the U.S. Senate in the grand state of Illinois.  He has been spinning some yarns about, what else?  Military Service.  His Naval Reserve service statements have raised some fact checkers’ eyebrows. Big deal, … Continue reading →

Posted in Truth Percolates | Leave a comment

Ex-Wife Gets a Cool Mil For Reporting Her Ex-Husband to the SEC for Insider Trading

Posted on July 25, 2010 by mmjdiary

Hell hath no fury.  Never mind that. No fury needed here — just cull through your ex’s e-mails during divorce discovery!  Karen Kaiser used to be married to David Zilkha who used to work for Microsoft who then went to … Continue reading →

Posted in Truth Percolates | Leave a comment

“To those here tonight who feel the need to contradict my memories with the truth, remember, I was there, too. I have stories on all of you — photos on many —and know a Rolling Stone reporter.” Gen. Stanley McChrystal on the occasion of his retirement ceremony following 38 years of honorable service and one last run-in with said Rolling-Stone reporter and one commander-in-chief.

Posted on July 25, 2010 by mmjdiary
Posted in Classic Quotes | Leave a comment

The Rangel Round-Up Update

Posted on July 25, 2010 by mmjdiary

The Barometer has been covering each painful incident about Representative Charles Rangel as they percolated out in dribs and drabs.  Rangel is now in settlement contentions (apparently not talks) with the ethics committee on his pending ethics charges and hearings.  Here are … Continue reading →

Posted in Government Ethics | Leave a comment

Goldman To Pay SEC $550 Million: Chump Change

Posted on July 16, 2010 by mmjdiary

The SEC announced the Goldman fine with fanfare.  But the amount Goldman Sachs will ante up for its role in the Abacus mortgage fund was small potatoes.  Howard Chen, a banking analyst, had the best take on Goldman’s lack of remorse … Continue reading →

Posted in News and Events | Leave a comment

Just Can’t Help Themslves — Michael Vick

Posted on July 16, 2010 by mmjdiary

Michael Vick, who entered a guilty plea to federal charges related to a dogfighting enterprise,  got back into the NFL on a lick-and-a-promise.  Following his release from prison, the Philadelphia Eagles took on the quarterback  with the NFL’s imprimatur, provided he … Continue reading →

Posted in For the legal side | Leave a comment

Scrushy Asks for Early Release: Let Him Out

Posted on July 16, 2010 by mmjdiary

Richard Scrushy, the former CEO of HealthSouth who was acquitted of the criminal charges  related to his role at that company but later convicted of bribery, has asked for an early release from prison based on the U.S. Supreme Court … Continue reading →

Posted in News and Events | Leave a comment

Toyota and Its Gas Pedal, Apple and Its Antenna, and Dell and Its Computers

Posted on July 14, 2010 by mmjdiary

The consumers are different and the products worlds apart but there is a common thread.  When the sudden acceleration issues with Toyota vehicles first emerged, the company hedged on a floor-mat cause, opted not to make disclosures and filings, and … Continue reading →

Posted in News and Events | Leave a comment

RE: Business, “The Authoritarian Way” (7/14/10) Ian Bremmer, “BP Is Lucky It Spilled in US Waters, Not Chinese,” USA Today

Posted on July 14, 2010 by mmjdiary

Not so fast, Mr. Bremmer.  In comparing China and the United States, your categories on statist vs. rule of law are correct.  However, the United States’ political philosophy has shifted.  The facts and logic point to the U.S. as the … Continue reading →

Posted in Analysis | Leave a comment

Repo Sleight of Hand

Posted on July 10, 2010 by mmjdiary

Bank of America has joined the ranks of companies ‘fessing up to “repos.”  “Repos” do not mean the same thing to banks as they do to those rather large fellows with tow trucks and crow bars.  To the latter, repos … Continue reading →

Posted in News and Events | Leave a comment

“As I read the decision by the NCAA, I read between the lines, and there was nothing but a lot of envy. They wish they were all Trojans.” USC Coach Mike Garrett, in his best “They’re just jealous mode,” on the NCAA report that cost USC two years of post-season play, 10 scholarships for each of the next three years, and the loss of 14 victories from 2004 and 2005. The report documents USC NCAA violations related to players receiving money from sports agents. There’s a tone-at-the-top problem there that USC cannot solve unless and until Garrett goes. The NCAA found academic fraud in 2001 as well. But Garrett can raise money . . .

Posted on July 8, 2010 by mmjdiary
Posted in Classic Quotes | Leave a comment

“There have been numerous, repeated instances in the past when prior Administrations — both Democratic and Republican, and motivated by the same goals — discussed alternative paths to service for qualified individuals also considering campaigns for public office. Such discussions are fully consistent with the relevant law and ethical requirements.” Robert F. Bauer, White House Counsel, offering an “Everybody does it,” and “That’s the way it has always been done” explanation for the offer of an advisory board position to Congressman Joe Sestak in exchange for his pulling out of the Pennsylvania Senate Democrat Primary. Mr. Sestak won the race and ended Sen. Arlen Specter’s long-term career.

Posted on July 8, 2010 by mmjdiary
Posted in Government Ethics | Leave a comment

Johnson & Johnson’s McNeil and the 2010 Tylenol Recall

Posted on July 8, 2010 by mmjdiary

The conduct is different from McNeil’s 1982 recall when the 8 cyanide poisoning deaths occurred in Chicago. In that situation, McNeil earned the praise of the president, the loyalty of customers, and a get-out-of-jail free pass on everything since that … Continue reading →

Posted in Seven Signs in Action | Leave a comment