Category Archives: News and Events

There were 19,000 people who became ill and 8 who died from the processed peanuts of Peanut Corporation of America, now in Chapter 7 bankruptcy.  Such are the lessons of warnings unheeded.  Such are the consequences of placing “$$$$” on … Continue reading →

The flags are always there, hindsight being what it is.  But, perhaps we could document these flags after the crash and use them proactively.  Harry Markopolos warned us about Madoff being a fraud in a detailed November 2005 white paper.  … Continue reading →

Wells Fargo called off an employee conference scheduled to convene in Las Vegas.  President Obama scolded executives, “You can’t take a trip to Las Vegas . . . on the taxpayers’ dime.”  The outrage from Oscar Goldman, Hizzoner of the rose of the … Continue reading →

In this era in which outrage is a lost art and parents rent buses to haul their underage drinking high-schoolers around on prom night to help them avoid DUIs or worse, Kellogg Co. and USA Swimming deserve kudos, accolades, and a goodly … Continue reading →

The Barometer notes that commentary on the recent run of tax-challenged nominees for presidential-level appointments bemoans the vetting process of the Obama administration.  You can only vet so far.  If, as in the case of Mr. Daschle, the nominees withhold … Continue reading →

Former Senator Tom Daschle, President Obama’s nominee for secretary of health and human services, can be added to the list of those government officials who have made”honest mistakes” on their income taxes.  Mr. Daschle did not pay taxes on a car … Continue reading →

Rapper Lil Wayne used lyrics from the Rolling Stones’ 1965 song, “Playing With Fire,” in his “Playing With Fire” song that was part of his “The Carter III” CD.  Abkco Music filed an infringement suit against Lil Wayne for using … Continue reading →

Several former top executives at Merrill Lynch held personal investment in the air-like hedge funds of Bernard Madoff.  Bank of America, J.P. Morgan, and Morgan Stanley steered their clients and themselves away from Madoff because of his “opaque investment strategy.”  … Continue reading →

Former Lehman Brothers CEO, Richard S. Fuld, Jr. sold his $13 million Florida home to his wife, Kathleen, for the randy sum of $10.  The Barometer knew the real estate market had declined in Florida, but . . .  Ah, … Continue reading →

Southern Illinois University, to its credit, developed a new plagiarism policy after it experienced several publicized problems in a doctoral thesis.  However, The Chronicle of Higher Education reports that SIU’s policy seems to eerily parallel that of Indiana University.  SIU … Continue reading →

Despite plaintive pleas to Barbara Walters and compelling evidence presented to Geraldo Rivera and Larry King, Rod Blagojevich was impeached by all 59 Illinois state senators. Former Governor Blago was arrested for allegedly trying to sell President Obama’s U.S. Senate seat and … Continue reading →

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Ousted John Thain was busy during his time at Merrill, writing bonus plans and redecorating.  His taste tops Kozlowski’s $6,000 shower curtain: Area rug  $87,784 4 pairs of curtains $28,091 Pair of guest chairs $87,784 Commode on legs $35,115 (something … Continue reading →

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