Andrew Cuomo for POTUS

Cuomo, Trump, and CNN

Recently on CNN I have seen Chris Cuomo interview his brother Andrew, the Governor of New York a couple of times. I was impressed with both people and interviews. I always admired Chris - he is one American media person who can actually speak English (not American, but English) very well - grammar and vocabulary in particular and is admirably eloquent. But this is not about Chris.

His brother is apparently of the same ilk - perhaps not quite so eloquent but he would nail crowds if on the stump for President. He must have already been successful to be in his present position. This guy would make a great President. That would be about four years overdue. I hope he runs some day.

His talk last night, March 16, was even more impressive. He knows how to relate to the average person which the current President has never and will never learn. He even gave credit to Trump and his team for their recent activity against the virus (I am assuming by now everybody knows which one!). It was a very well organized talk ending in some effective personal family anecdotes. If Trump had made this speech earlier himself, the country would be feeling a lot better. So would Trump since I already said Andrew complimented him and we all know he is very keen on praising himself.

When you see Anthony you have to look twice to see if it is Chris or not. He is obviously the older but if an "older twin" were possible this would be as close as you could get.

Imagine team Cuomo - Andrew for President and Chris for V.P.  - a brotherly team just like the Kennedys.

Now to CNN. I like and watch the network. But just like they have for over three years with Trump, they are overdoing the Corona virus. Yes we need to be regularly informed but there is other news out there. All the harping about Trump was not very effective in dislodging him. They just went on, and on, and on. Now here we go again.

With the virus they are beginning to sound like the old Buffalo Evening News I used to hear in early TV days. It was all fires, shootings, and accidents because for some morbid reason bad news sells better than good.

Tell us a few times a day the facts and what is happening with the spread and the defence. That's it. Give us a break. The worst example was last night with Don Lemon. Unfortunately for him, by the time he airs most of the day's news is old. But he started by quoting a number. Then there was a big dramatic pause - a stunt he pulls all too often. Finally he quotes a second number and of course it is a new statistic and the point is to show how there has been such a huge increase in numbers from point A to point B. More pause.

Come on guys. Is there a separate Oscar for news reporting? Your job is not to SELL the news, it is to TELL the news and that is all.

We might be less up tight if you would just do that.

Please.

#thebrewsterblock

Yesterday and COVID-19

Yet Another Cover of a Beatles Classic

Try singing this to the tune of "YESTERDAY":

Yesterday, all our viruses seemed far away,
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay,
Co-vid-19 please go away!

Suddenly, our disease centers can’t protect me,
And that’s not the way it’s meant to be
What happened to the CDC?


Why, it, was so slow I don’t know they just won’t say,
I sense something wrong since the last election day-ay-ay-ay.


Yesterday, our  immune system was very strong,
Now for all of us there’s something wrong,
Pray some vaccine will come along.

Please-be-kind, help another not your own behind,
That’s the way to win I think you’ll find,
We have the strength within our mind.


There, are, those who will need-a-hand to see this through,
And, the one in need well it might be me or you-ou-ou-ou.


Yesterday …. 

#the brewsterblock

Time to Implement Rationing During Corona Fever

It Was Necessary in Previous Wars. How About This One?

People are going nuts. Supermarket shelves are more empty than I have ever seen due to panic and selfish buying. So much for all of us pulling together.

My parents used to tell me about rationing during the war. Metals and certain food basics were simply not available. They all went to soldiers and the war machine. I don't know for sure but if there were black markets, those caught were no doubt punished and treated with disgust.

That is what I now feel when I see people at the cashier with an entire cart full of something like hand sanitizer, toilet paper, bread or even meat - every man and woman for themselves apparently. Children be damned. Meanwhile ten people behind them have nothing. It is not quite at the Boxing Day level with fighting yet but I expect it soon will be.

Perhaps now the governments should quickly legislate against this and direct the stores to support and enforce the rules. Place a limit on these vital items like 2 packages each or even one in some cases. Cashiers should be instructed not to cash out any more than that. Today, POS devices (electronic cash registers) could be programmed to enforce this. Some will try to come back for more or send family members but it would be an improvement over the current situation.

Sometimes when people act like children that is how you have to treat them. Logic, reason, and sharing are not working.

Sad but true.


#thebrewsterblock

Wise Advice for Corona or Any Other Crisis

Did You Listen to Your Financial Advisor?

I know it might be a bit late for this current crisis in your life but when the #COVID-19 subsides I strongly advise everyone to look at this as just another unforeseen happening. Then think about and do something about the advice that banks and advisors have been giving for decades. Create an emergency fund for the possibility of six months or better with no income.

This was usually a guard against potential job loss but it applies equally here. With all the shutdowns yet to occur, you might be laid off. If not then for sure you must have seen people stocking up on - in some cases hoarding - certain things from the supermarket. Stocking up means buying extra - with what? If you immediately thought about your credit card you are in trouble.

Many years ago I was a financial advisor and for sure gave the same advice. Most people ignored it. Thank goodness I followed it myself. As just mentioned, this does not mean increasing your credit or credit card debt. That way lays disaster. You are adding to the first crisis or problem with a second one - throwing fat onto the fire.

The usual excuse was that nobody could afford it. I once wrote an article pointing out places most people could find extra cash if they had the willpower, not the means.
 

There are lots of lists out there of what things to stock up on for an emergency - essentially the basics of life so I won't repeat them here. Cash or available funds however are also one of them.

So here are some of those items I once wrote about. Just remember your #CORONA experience when you ask yourself if any of the following are VITAL and CRITICAL to your life. 

Can you at least cut down on (and put into your emergency fund):

1. Beer, wine, or other beverage?
2. Your monthly TV or entertainment package?
3. The need to have the newest, biggest TV to watch nightly?
4. Meat - one of the most costly forms of food. Buy cheaper cuts and learn how to cook them.
5. Going to movies?
6. The latest and greatest phones for both you and your kids?
7. New clothes or fashions?
8. A new car? Buy smaller and pre-owned for a couple of years. I always do this.
9. Vacations? Do a staycation once or twice and add a bundle to your fund.
10. Reno's and furnishings. This is very rarely vital. The same applies to the size of your home.

While you are at it, involve your kids in the discussions. It will be a great life lesson and a good test for your parenting ability.

#thebrewsterblock

Best Corona Article by Colin Berkshire

Read This COVID-19 Article People. Then Get Some Sleep

This is by far the best article I have read on the #COVID-19 virus. Read ALL of it:

https://talkingpointz.com/coronavirus-get-over-it/?fbclid=IwAR0d05uEG_AZvvCTj3VyxESpV9T4z6k4E7lem0iBvpvz8zBmcSBDoc_RhWg

Thank you Colin Berkshire. If people would read this and follow it the Markets and general health of people would be a lot better off. Take note of the advice about masks. I have been saying this myself. A virus will pass right through a mask and some will collect in it.

If posting this helps just a few of my readers feel better then I have accomplished something. Thank you again W.R. for posting it on Facebook.

#thebrewsterblock