Snapback

a) 70-something years of S&P
Just a quick snapshot of S&P 500 returns for the past 70-something years, sorted in descending order: Stockbee S&P thingie

The top 10 best and worst years seemed interesting to me.
Of the best 10 S&P years, 5 of those top-performing years occurred between 1927-1936:

• 1927 37.5%,
• 1928 43.6%,
  
• 1933 54.0%,
  
• 1935 47.7%,
  
• 1936 33.9%

Of the worst 10 S&P years, 3 of those occurred since 2001:

• 2001 -11.9%,
• 2002 -22.1%,
  
• 2008 -37.0%

Also, year 2000 had a negative return of -9.1%.
I think it's interesting to note, as well, than only 11 years of 70+ had declines of greater than 10%. In contrast, we've seen 18 years with gains of 30% or more!

b) Obama BP snapback
We had a rationality test a couple posts back regarding media coverage of President Obama and the BP oil spill. That was fun.

Since then, I have been taken aback a bit by the ferocity of the snapback in media coverage to bolster President Obama as REALLY REALLY on top of this oil thing and that he REALLY REALLY cares too. In just a few days, we hear that the President is "caring", "competent", "heartbroken", and (my fave from yahoo) he's digging in to "face a difficult challenge!". Wow. This is all very encouraging 40 days into the spill here.

But nothing says it better than pictures, right. Below, President Obama actually touches the sand to show his concern and how REALLY REALLY involved he is in the whole process.


He he. Crock a shit.

c) Rationality Test, cont.
Hey, you lefties can add this one to the rationality test:

Is it OK for some anti-Palin author to rent the house next to hers,
so that he can spy on Sarah Palin and family?

Or, is it creepy?
Some WaPo chick votes "creepy".

QOTD

"Plow through all the papers, interview all the sources you want.
But seizing the opportunity to live next door is creepy."
- WaPo chick on the loser who moved in next to Sarah Palin, Palin doesn't need this neighbor.

That's an easy call, but jeez, at least she got it right.

I am wont to recall some rightie nut jobs moving in next door to leftie pols. In addition to being "creepy", this seems like an escalation. Maybe I'm wrong. I don't think so though.
happy mem day... yow, bill

PS - Late addition... my fave BP rant on the radio this morning was a lady mad at Britain. He he.