Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 12/14
It’s been a stressful few weeks for US auto makers. Last week, they handed in their proposals to be reviewed by Congress. I’m not sure about the details, but it was along the lines of major cut backs, and the Ford CEO vowing to work for $1 a year if Ford had to take money from the government (they are currently only asking for a loan line for emergency). At the beginning of the week, the senate approved a bailout. On Thursday, it was blocked by opposing Republicans, who thinks that it will be better for the big 3 to pursue a prearranged bankruptcy instead and also because the Unions wouldn’t back down from a wage cut (beggars really can’t be choosers…). Supporters argue that no one wants to buy cars from a bankrupt car company, which is a very valid point (think of the warranty/repair issues!). On Friday, Bush had to step in vowing to save the automakers from collapsing, with the TARP money (which they originally didn’t want to do). A lot is at stake. The automakers claim that 1 out of 10 jobs in the US is connected to the auto industry. That would be devastating to the already weak economy.
A very good example of this trickling effect, would be GMAC the auto financier, which just got approved to become a bank holding company last week. Unfortunately, becoming a bank holding company is not as easy as GS and MS makes it out to be and they’re struggling to raise the capital needed to do so. They are trying to renegotiate with debt holders to swap the debt for a smaller amount of debt, cash and preferred shares. If this doesn’t work then they are highly likely to go into bankruptcy.
The other big news this week was Bernie Madoff $50 billion fraud. This former chairman of the NASDAQ stock market and Wall Street legend, is allegedly the perpetrator of a $50 billion giant ponzi scheme. According to Wiki, a ponzie scheme is a fraudalent investment operation that pays abnormally high returns to investors using the money coming in from subsequent investors. Apparently lots of the super wealthy have been fooled by this scheme. It is amazing how much you can get away with, with a good reputation and an affable character!
It appears though that the markets is already immune to these scandals, because the markets ended (by a tiny bit) up this week!
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Ctrl BG: A Shortcut to Financial News 12/14 was first posted on December 15, 2008 at 10:12 am.
Oh boy, oh boy
A little flannel can go a long way. Too much flannel can be tacky and “OH LOOK I AM A HIPSTER.”
Perhaps a little too trendy with the scarf and all – but nonetheless a rather eye-pleasing outfit! I love the checkered shirt.
I love this. I love the coat. He looks so… historical!
Casual, cute, playful!Lego belt!
Umm…yes, hello and hello.
Boys with style are big in my book – a little character like a neck scarf or a sharp looking jacket can make all the difference. Just enough scruff balanced out by the perfect amount of tidiness. And of course, excellent manners. Chivalry is not dead and of course style for men is alive as ever. Just a few things that make me sigh.
So tell me, how you would you like your man to dress?
All photos by The Sartorialist, which I love and adore. Who doesn’t?
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Oh boy, oh boy was first posted on December 16, 2008 at 10:12 am.
Little Frivolous Somethings
When I was a kid, Christmas was about finally getting that one toy I’ve wanted all year long. When I grew older, it was about finally getting that one big fashion item that I’ve been craving for since all season. Now that I’m a bit older and (hopefully) wiser, I’m beginning to think that maybe that perfect Christmas gift is not about getting that big ticket item, but about getting that little frivolous something that will make you smile. Because really, I’d like to be present when a big ticket item is bought for me- just in case anything goes wrong. Besides, you’d be really broke if you bought something big for everyone you loved!
When I say frivolous, I do not mean something completely useless. It has got to be something that I would actually use, that little something that I’ve been meaning/wanting to buy but have put it on the backlog because there are more practical things on my list (like toothpaste, vacuum cleaners and Tweezerman tweezers- though if all else fails, these would not be a bad idea. At least they’re useful!). Here are a few things on my backlog:
Essie nail varnish set. I am a HUGE fan of professional nail varnish (they go on SO much smoother and chips less!), Essie in particular. One can never have too much nail varnish, because they come in so many different colors and your favourite ones will start to dry out and coagulate after a while. I am especially loving this little gift set from Essie, because it encompasses all the classic colors one MUST have in their repertoire. They are also in delightfully small bottles that are actually more easy to carry and well, just the right size. I have personally never finished a bottle of nail varnish. Plus, did I mention that they are only $15 (they are usually $6-7 a bottle)!
The next thing on my list, are Shu Uemura fake lashes. Frivolous? Yes, for $20, they can only be used for one night. But fun? Definitely! I’d love to know what it feels like to have ridiculously long and perfect lashes for one night. This would also be the perfect time to give them out, because what better time is there to try fake lashes then New Years Eve? 
Speaking of New Years Eve, I have a vision. A vision of myself in a simple dress (of undecided color as of now) with a low side bun accessorized with this fabulous piece of purple feather (right). And if that plan should go awry, I can be masculine chic, in this adorable hat (left). I can even use this for Halloween next year! Spending $18 on literally a piece of feather is definitely not practical, but it will definitely draw a smile from me 
Other random cute things on my list is a munny and a lego Ipod speaker. I don’t really need ipod speakers, but I definitely wouldn’t mind one that is so small and cute! And actually, I have a Munny. But mine didn’t come out as I would like it to, so I’d love a second chance to decorate a Munny (including markers and other decorating materials would also be a nice touch). 
Not exactly “little” , but I’ve always been very intrigued with lomography. I love taking pictures and I’d love to try out the different effects of lomography. The camera is not too expensive at $50 (compared to real digital cameras anyway), but if you factor in film and developing etc, it is actually a very expensive random hobby. Like those polaroids back in the days!
The purple frame (left) is not just a random piece of art. It is a mini DNA portrait! HG and I saw it on CNBC’s list of weird gift ideas and our inner nerds are awaken. You really cannot get more personalized than a picture of your own DNA composition. And for someone to go to the effort of collecting your DNA sample and then go have it made…. that’s a LOT of effort.
Then there are classes. Cooking classes, dancing classes, it would just be FUN to take a random class with friends even though you will never be able to replicate that 5 layer chocolate cake you just made at home. My friends just did a Christmas Cupcake decorating class, and I am SO jealous, because it looked so much fun. I wish I was there! Sur la Table offers cooking classes for $69 and I’m sure there are lots more similar places that I don’t know of yet. Whatever you want to learn, there will be a class for it somewhere!
And last on my list is a really cute and big stuff toy. Something cute so it’ll look good on my bed and something big and cushiony so I can lean on it while I read. I know, I am a kid at heart 
8 more days til Christmas!!!
Image Source: Essie, Sephora, DNA 11 and Urban Outfitters
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Little Frivolous Somethings was first posted on December 18, 2008 at 8:12 am.
The Girl With The Short Hair
The best part is that you figure out fun ways to do your hair, it’s just easier to take of! Best part? If you can work the curling iron and get a bunch of curls, it’s completely adorable. It definitely becomes a deciding factor on how you style your outfits. What are your thoughts on girls with short hair? As for my next hair cut? I’m definitely going to go for a Shannyn Sossamon look.
Image Source: Garance Dore
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
The Girl With The Short Hair was first posted on December 20, 2008 at 11:12 am.
Good Golly Boots!
Yes, two.
They are comfortable … and I love, love, love them.
Steve Madden – Legion
INC Brook Riding Boot – mine are chocolate brown and aren’t so shiny.
Oh sales how I love thee.
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Good Golly Boots! was first posted on December 30, 2008 at 8:12 am.
Pass The Bubbly Please
Their dresses make you feel almost old hollywood glam or simply modern chic. I know they’re rather simple, definitely something you’ve seen before, but talk about excellent draping! I don’t know, there’s something about them that makes me fall in love.
Love the velvet bodice of this dress!
This dress is actually much more beautiful in person.
Aughhh…I need to get this – look at that sleeve detail!
So simple, so lovely (especially the colour). Hm, I will advise you not to wear a headband that the model demonstrates…
Ok, kind of generic I know, princess cut blah blah blah. But the material! And a colour that would look great on all skin tones.
What are you doing for New Year’s? &equally important, what will you be wearing?
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
Pass The Bubbly Please was first posted on December 31, 2008 at 2:12 am.
There’s something about the girl
Image Source: Garance Dore
( This post is from an independent writer. The opinions and views expressed herein are those of the author and are not endorsed by trendpk.Com.)
There’s something about the girl was first posted on January 2, 2009 at 8:01 am.
