"Now hear me speak with a prophetic spirit." (King John)

Yesterday was a banner day on the market; however, I got out of it a few weeks ago when it was clearly on a downward spiral, and settled for a fixed savings at 3%. As of yesterday, therefore, I found my "portfolio" to be about $1800 ahead of the market. Speaking of the market, I call your attention to the blog of November 2nd, 2007 where I mention that gold had reached $800 an ounce! I bought it when it was $400. Wow. But as of today, it is now $1003 an ounce. How 'bout that? Now if you had 100 ounces, you would have gained $20,000 in four months. But you don't have 100 ounces, do you? Guys...you only have 1 measly ounce. So sorry.

I didn't hear Barack's speech yesterday, but I did read the entire manuscript online. I was absolutely intrigued by how Lincolnesque it was. Go ahead and guffaw if you wish, but I prophesied the market and gold. The speech pulled no punches, but was cool and forthright about race relations in this country.

I found the following from today's NY TIMES:

Mr. Obama’s Profile in Courage
NY Times Editorial
There are moments — increasingly rare in risk-abhorrent modern campaigns — when politicians are called upon to bare their fundamental beliefs. In the best of these moments, the speaker does not just salve the current political wound, but also illuminates larger, troubling issues that the nation is wrestling with.
Inaugural addresses by Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt come to mind, as does John F. Kennedy’s 1960 speech on religion, with its enduring vision of the separation between church and state. Senator Barack Obama, who has not faced such tests of character this year, faced one on Tuesday. It is hard to imagine how he could have handled it better.

I've seen and heard many Presidents since 1924, and I have no doubt that this man is the one who can accomplish great things in the White House. I did lean toward Hillary until I read this speech. Obama oozes charisma and leadership from every pore. He is definitely the best speaker since FDR. If he receives the Democatic nomination, don't vote for him at America's peril...and yours.

"A Heaven on Earth I have won by wooing thee." (All's Well)

Well, today I had a "date" with Rhoda. It was quite an occasion since it's been awhile since we had a day to spend together. We didn't quite spend the entire day together because she had a doctor's appointment this morning. But we did manage to get out about 1:30pm. As all things change with the years, this date was not quite like the dates we had when we first met and were "courting". Back then we would go out to dinner and a movie and then go back to hers or mine and listen to classical music. Now our date consisted of going out to lunch and then shopping at Costco; and finally a late movie, dinner out and back home to listen to operatic arias and perhaps watch the gardening show. However, we never made it to the movie because we didn't get out of Costco until 3:30, and since Rho never took anything out of the fridge for dinner, we are planning on pizza. After which, we'll take turns on the computer. Another date shot to hell. (Excuse the language). But I was so looking forward to watching the garden show, and listening to Kate Smith.

While at Costco, I didn't feel like walking around so fortunately we availed ourselves--rather myself--of an available Costco scooter. It was kind of old, and I figured, therefore, we'd get along together. I hopped in, revved up the motor and proceeded to follow Rhoda as she perused the isles to find the stuff on her list. I must say, that driving that scooter around Costco was akin to driving on the LIE or I95. Not only were there other scooters to avoid, but also, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, skateboards and surfers. It was certainly a harrowing experience. Hereafter when we go there, I will refuse unless we have accident shopping insurance. And perhaps a portable horn and rear-view mirror for the scooter.