Summer 2006 Kickoff

It's a pretty slow day in the markets as people prepare for Memorial Day weekend by leaving at lunch and spending their afternoon in traffic on the LIE. So I figured I'd say Hi and comment on some things going on in my head today.

Rayburn House Office Building

• Right now I'm watching CNN and they're covering this story about the supposed shooting in the parking garage of the Rayburn House Office building in Washington DC. Most people don' t know that there are actually six Congressional office buildings that house all the members of Congress and their staffs. The House buildings are called Rayburn, Longworth and Cannon. The Senate buildings are called Hart, Dirksen and Russell. When I worked at the US Chamber of Commerce and then The White House I ran memos and stuff in and out of all six of these buildings. Pretty sweet eh?
  
  
  
  Happier times. *Sigh*
  
• Looks like America's Royal Couple, Brit Brit and K-Fed, are done. We here at Pedro's NYC headquarters have already conducted a moment of silent prayer to reflect on this great loss to humanity. I really thought this relationship would stand the test of time - say what you want about the historical data on marriages between lead singers and their back up dancers - Brit Brit is not just any old lead singer. She is (was?!) America's Sweetheart. (from the Daily Mirror via Gawker)
  
  
  
  
  Switch Hitting Catchers are NOT dime a dozen
  
• My beloved Yankees lose another player to injury. Man, this team is a-hurtin. Georgie Posada is crucial to the Yanks success so Pedro's NYC sends him best wishes for a speedy recovery. Enjoy the rest while you can Georgie! Hopefully you come back 100% and rested for the remainder of the campaign.
  
• I got an email from one of the most famous members of the Blogosphere*: Lizzie Spiers! Also, be sure to check out her newest blog: DealBreaker! It the great words of Jim Cramer, Boo Yah!
  
  
  
  
  Pedro's NYC hearts Uma
  
• The trailer for My Super Ex-Girlfriend was released this week. Part of the film was shot outside Pedro's NYC headquarters on East 54th Street. Very. Exciting. Stuff. (Brought to my attention by Spencer.)
  
  
  
  
  X-Men are people, too!
  
• And finally, X-Men III is released this weekend and should be a smashing success. As a collector of comics for many years, I've lived through good and bad adaptations of some of my favorite comic books. The lowest point has clearly been the pathetic renditions of one of comic-doms best characters, The Punisher. I have 3 copies each of issues #1, 2 and 3, all of which would be worth substantially more if the movies hadn't sucked. But, bygones. What am I gonna do, right? Anyway, Hugh Jackman's Wolverine is absolutely perfect, and Patrick Stewart is excellent as Professor Xavier. I also have a couple of copies of the new Wolverine #1 which, at last check, were worth about $20 - pretty good ROI for the $1 I spent on them at the comic book shop in Georgetown in 1989. Or was it 1990? Anyway, I strongly urge you all to see it - but make sure you get there early to get a seat. It's gonna be packed everywhere.

That's all folks. The fund closed up 3bps today which, as my trader said, is better than being down. I'm off to meet Ralphie for a cocktail or twenty so I'm out like Ryan Fucking Seacrest. Have a great Memorial Day everyone! Back atcha next week.

*The term "Blogosphere" is used here but is being credited to Uncle Grambo at www.whatevs.org.