Who Should Conservatives Vote For?

There is a debate raging among Texas Republicans about whether they should vote in the Democratic Party in order to play a spoiler role. After all, the Democrats and independents did the same thing to Republicans in places like New Hampshire, which has led to us having a likely nominee like John McCain. The following are four options being weighed by Conservatives in Texas:

* Vote for John McCain in order to make him look like a stronger candidate as he goes into the general election. This seems to be the least attractive option among Conservative voters that I know.

* Vote for Barack Obama to protect voters from the Clinton machine. She is, without a doubt, the most polarizing candidate in the race for the presidency. Maybe the most divisive, ever. I believe that Obama is the biggest threat in November, however. He's articulate and has virtually no record to run from. Voting for Hillary was the conventional wisdom for some time. To me, it makes zero sense.

The two most logical options to this writer are:

* Voting for Hillary Clinton. I must admit, it is very strange to see that on my screen. However, a vote for Hillary will likely force Democrats to use the delegates voted for in Michigan and Florida in order to have a decisive victory. This means that Obama will be punished for obeying the rules and Hillary would likely come out the winner in a smoke filled room. It will be similar to George McGovern getting the nomination after a brokered convention in 1972 and his giving his acceptance speech at 3 AM. The nominee will limp along to November and Democratic voters will feel very disenfranchised.

* Voting for Mike Huckabee. A vote for Huckabee will remind McCain how hard he still needs to work to satisfy Conservative voters. It will make him weigh his choices for Vice President more seriously and take stronger positions on issues he has been soft on. Furthermore, there are many "RINOs" (Republicans in Name Only) running for office on Texas ballots. If one votes for a Democrat they will not be voicing their opinion on those other races, meaning that moderate Republicans (who would vote for McCain anyway) will determine Republican representation on those other offices. It is too important for RINOs to vote for Republicans.

It is that last argument that will likely have me cast a vote for Huckabee. It will be interesting to see what other Conservatives will be doing this Tuesday.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

William F. Buckley, 1925-2008

I met William F. Buckley only one time in the early 1980s . I was Chairman of Young Conervatives of Texas at Abilene Chrisitan University and was a young college student on the quest to change the world. Before I met Buckley I had been exposed to some of his excellent works. He was a brilliant writer whose nonfiction meant more to me than his fiction (of which he was famous).

When I met him, I was young and arrogant and felt I had so much more to offer the world than my actual worth. I believe people needed to know me and my opinions were vast and my knowledge was limited. What impressed me was how Buckley was a gentleman. He listened, politely as I pontificated about the way the world was and should be. He actually encouraged me in my enthusiasm and wish me well in my endeavors. He actually gave me the contact information of one of his assitants if he could ever be of assistance.

The funny thing was, I wasn't very impressed by the fine treatment I received. I expected no less. It was after many years and reflecting back that I realized how honored I was to meet the person that many call the intellectual godfather of the modern Conservative movement.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

On the Show: Are You a Business Maverick?

On a recent show I had the opportunity to interview Polly LaBarre, author of the best selling, Mavericks at Work. The book immediately caught my attention (it is one of the many that comes in my mail box). After all, I always considered myself something of a maverick.

In the interview, I found Polly to be bright, insightful, and practical. So often, individuals with a writing background (she was formerly with Fast Company magazine) tend to lack the real world experience necessary to bridge the gap between business and academia. She certainly fills that void.

The core values of the book are demonstrated on the website: "Business as usual is bust. In industry after industry, the old guard is cutting back and losing ground. Meanwhile, organizations and entrepreneurs that were once dismissed as upstarts, wildcards-mavericks-are making waves and growing fast. There's a reason: In an age of hyper-competition and nonstop innovation, the only way to stand out from the crowd is to stand for something truly original. Mavericks show you how-by helping you to rethink your strategy, reinvent your approach to innovation, reconnect with your customers, and rediscover the power of your people."

The following is that interview, which is definitely worth hearing again.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

"Business Rivals" on Fox Business

I like business news in general -- which is why my kids think I am incredibly boring, but I tend to love the Fox Business Channel in particular. Fox Business is very personality driven and seems to be dedicated to coming up with ways of keeping the network relevant and interesting.

An example of this is the network's new "Business Rivals" segment on its Money for Breakfast program. The premise is simple, and is summed up by the network here:

"Starting on Feb. 25, each week Money for Breakfast presents a segment on the country's greatest business rivals and tells their stories. From Coke vs. Pepsi to Avis vs. Hertz to Microsoft vs. Apple to some even lesser known combatants – all of which you the viewer can help nominate. E-mail your comments and suggestions to rivalries@foxbusiness.com."

"We will look at how the rivalries came to pass and why they remain so heated -- i.e. the Coke - Pepsi fracas at Wal-Mart. We will then post each segment right here at FOXBusiness.com, and ask you to vote for America's Greatest Rivalry. "

I saw the first one today -- Wal-Mart vs. Target -- and they give a great overview of both companies, as well as their strengths and weaknesses. I assume they will be adding more information as the weeks go by, so we can make make a more reasonable vote. I vote for Wal-Mart, although I like both stores (if you want to know why, simply put "Wal-Mart" in this blog's search engine and you will see why I came to that conclusion).

They already have a list of other rivalries that you will want to watch in the weeks to come that you can see here. I will comment about many of those, I am sure. It is this different approach to business television that makes Fox Business so successful, in my opinion.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

On the Show: Jonathan Hoenig Challenges Conventional Wisdom

On of my favorite regular guests on my show is Jonathan Hoenig of Capitalist Pig, Fox Business, and Fox News. He is one of the few guests that actually tells it "like it is" and holds very little back. He's a libertarian in the Ayn Rand tradition and is unwavering in his convictions.

I don't agree with him on everything. The roots to his philosophy are clearly intellectual, mine are actually more religious buttressed with academia. In this interview we have an exchange regarding the "Christian Right" that sheds some light on both of our perspectives.

Still, Jonathan is a brilliant and fascinating guest, one that I always enjoy on the program. Furthermore, I am looking forward to having him on as a guest on this Thursday's (February 28th at 11 AM) Houston Business Show.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

On the Show: Cable Maven Challenges You to Think Big

Rarely do I have celebrities in their own right on the Houston Business Show, but that is exactly what I had with Sheldon I. Atfeld (AKA the Cable Maven). According to his site, Atfeld is "a twelve-time Emmy Award-nominee and four-time Emmy Award winner, Sheldon I. Altfeld has been an actor, writer, producer and director in Hollywood since 1950. His extensive credits have spanned every aspect of the entertainment industry, including radio, television, motion pictures, stage productions and recording. "

He is also a pioneer in the cable television industry and has actually developed a kit that teaches individuals on how to create a network. I love the idea. It is bold, it is crazy, and it really American. I'm not sure how practical it is, but it is certainly a lot of fun to think about and Sheldon is a great interview to discuss such a topic which we do here and here. I hope you enjoy it.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

On the Show: Eric Pratt Provides a Different View of Guns on Campus

Eric Pratt of Gun Owners of America was recently on the Houston Business Show following another tragedy on a college campus. This time it was Northern Illinois University and in spite of the quick action of campus law enforcement, the results were deadly.

Eric argues that the current approach of prohibiting guns on campus by anyone but law enjorcement is the equivalent of putting a sign outside of your house stating "we do not have guns in this house" and thinking that will make you safer.

This may not seem like business to you, but it is the business of all parents of making their kids safe. Check out the interview on a recent Houston Business Show.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Google's Street View: A Very Strange Trip

Any frequent reader of this blog or listener of my show knows that I am from the Detroit, Michigan area. The suburb of Ferndale, to be precise. Growing up there, I had a relatively happy childhood and loved my neighborhood in particular. I have told my kids more than a few stories of my old home town.

The last time I visited was 1981 after living in Texas for around five years. My brother was there at the time and I thought it would be fun to visit. He was planning on coming back to Texas with me so I spent a few weeks catching up with old friends and visiting some of the sites and sounds that made Michigan home. I really thought I would visit again, but that has yet to materialize.

A few years ago Google Maps came on the scene with its nifty satellite and I finally got to see the old neighborhood. Sure, it was just the roof tops and really rough side views, but I got a sense of what it looked like. Then we got Streetview. I noticed it was only at a few locations at first -- none near the Detroit area -- but in no time it all it was in Pleasant Ridge, about a half a mile from where I grew up, and this week, it is along Hilton and zipped right down Goodrich, where I grew up. I saw the church at the end of the street that I went to, the tree I ran into playing football, and all the homes of my friends I grew up with.

It was interesting and, oddly, largely took away my desire to visit. I don't know if that was an intended result, but the travel industry may never be the same. I tell you something else it may have shot -- new websites designed to connect people to their old home towns. At least any such sites that would charge money.

However, Streetview is still cool and I'll keep watching for its expansion. I'm looking forward to seeing the park that I grew up (and often fell down) in.

Click the Google Map image above and you will find the map and a little guy standing on my street. Click Streetview, and then the little guy and you will see where I grew up. If you care. I liked it any way. You might like to go from there to some great places you want to remember.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

On the Show: Charles Payne

Earlier this week Charles Payne of Wall Street Strategies, Fox News and Fox Business, demonstrated again why he is one of the best and the brightest on Wall Street today. He discussed on my program how investors can demystify the process of buying and selling sense, some of the common sense approaches that smart investors are taking, and the future prospects of both Wall Street and the economy in general. Here his interview on February 6th here, here, and here. Coming soon will be the revisiting of his interview this week. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

On the Show: Guy Kawasaki

Guy Kawasaki of Garage.com was a guest on my recent Houston Business Show and our conversation created quite a stir. Following the program someone sent me a post on a blog in which the author said he was "Dropping Out of School." Why? Because of what he heard on my program. In his post he wrote:

"I’m dropping out of school. Why you might ask? I’ll tell you. Ever since I started the program back in late November, I would ask myself, “Why am I REALLY doing this?”. To be honest, I really couldn’t find an answer. I follow Guy Kawasaki on Twitter and on Friday, February 15, he said he was live on the Houston Business Show. I listened to the show and the question came up about the need for an MBA. To sum it up, Guy basically said and MBA is not needed for entrepreneurs and startups in general. It’s like he was speaking to me. I’m an entrepreneur and I want to start a startup!"

Typically making life changing decisions upon listening to a radio show makes me nervous, but his reasons (seen through out the post) makes sense to him. During the show Guy also discussed how venture capital has been demystified and other interesting topics. Click to hear part one and part two.

What did you think of Guy's interview?

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

What Happened to Sharper Image?

Sharper Image was one of the hottest companies in America for years and in the 1980s, it reached near iconic status. Today, I learned on the news that the company has declared bankruptcy.

I remember talking to my friends in college who talked about the quality of a mall based on whether it had a Sharper Image. The store became the benchmark separating the good, from the bad and ugly. One of my favorite movies is "When Harry Met Sally" (yes, I am a romantic) and one of the most enjoyable scenes (and memorable) scenes is in a Sharper Image. There, the two main characters sing on a karaoke and stumble upon Harry's ex-wife in a most uncomfortable and humorous scene.

Back in those days, Sharper Image was decidedly geared towards the affluent. The products weren't cheap, but they were believed to be of a higher quality and a cut above in creativity, over others. Some where along the way, Sharper Image became common in price and image.

* Right now, if you visit the Sharper Image Site, you will find a digital frame key chain for less than $30.

* You can find a hydrogen fuel rocket set for less than $20.

* You can find a Sharper Image Turbo Groomer for less than $30.

I think you get the point, Sharper Image products are quickly beginning to look like the cheap products we associate with "as seen on TV." We come to that conclusion, because that appear to be exactly what they have become. I believe that the lure of being like everyone else on TV was the very thing that led to its decline. He (or she) that lives by low prices, often dies by low prices. Write that up in the Sharper Image obituary.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Star Wars In Space?

I was an early and vocal proponent of the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) and was a part of the Project High Frontier Speakers Bureau in the 1980s. "Star Wars" (as its opponents typically describe it) made sense and should be a policy priority for our nation. Fortunately, Ronald Reagan agreed and we won the war against the Soviets without firing a single shot. How? Because SDI created a level of doubt in the Soviets that their weapons would not be effective. Furthermore, the US grew its offensive weapon arsenal as well at that time and changed geopolitical landscape.

We have seen SDI technology work before. Such defense systems were used by the US in Israel during the first Gulf War and successfully knocked off Soviet SCUD missiles used by Iraq. Fast forward to today and the technology, against, appears poised to come to the rescue.

What seems like the thesis of a sci-fi movie, the US is moving as quickly as possible to respond a satellite moving quickly towards crashing into earth. The vehicle appears to have toxins that could create an environmental hazard if it hits the ground. With SDI, this satellite will likely be destroyed and its debris will burn up as it enters the earth's atmosphere. It is great to see this technology used in a very important and peaceful way. Furthermore, I kind of like the warning shot such technology will provide towards potential enemies. Just one more reason to be grateful for the Reagan years.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Watch Out for the Fakes

For quite some time we have been told that watches are in decline. That cell phone, which also computes, searches the web, and serves several other functions (including facilitating conversations) is now also the standard time piece for the younger generations. In fact, at 46 I am anything but the "younger set," but I find myself simply not looking for my watch because I know I can pull out my phone to tell the time.

Now, a recent article by Business Week is finding that biggest brands of watches is taking a beating from the fakes. The problem of counterfit goods isn't limited to fakes, as seen by a recent slide show done by the magazine for AOL. See the link to the slide show above.

What items should you keep an eye out for by the person in the trench coat near the alley? Well, the winners of the "Plagiarius Awards" for best fakes include:

* The copy cat of the Fortis B-42, the watch worn by Cosmonauts. The original costs over $2,000.00, but significantly less by that guy named "Louie."

* The "Two in One" Salt and Pepper shakers from high end home good stores.

* "Trend Line V3 Vegatable Slicer." The fake comes with huge savings, but will it last as long? And what about the damage done to the innovator of the original?

* The PND Heating System Component.

* Others copied included the MEM faucet and very popular braided bracelets. Visit all of them in the slide show above.

From the time we were young we have been warned about the need for "buyers beware." With improvements in technology and, in my opinion, the even greater disregard of intellectual property rights than in any other time in history, the warning is more important now than ever.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Naked Cowboy Sues M&Ms

M&Ms is in trouble. They have a cowboy gunning for them. A naked cowboy. John Burck, better known as the Naked Cowboy (although he does wear boots, guitar, cowboy hat and white underpants), has been singing and playing his guitar in New York City for years now and, lately, he's been getting more attention than usual.

People have been approaching him with statements ranging from warnings to congratulatory remarks. "Congratulations on the new deal with M&Ms." "Dude, M&Ms has ripped you off!" "They have a video about you and M&Ms down the street." For a while, he simply ignored them, but his curiosity finally got the best of him. He went down the road and saw the film footage of a M&M that looks just like him. "Hey, where's my check?" I'm sure he thought.

It isn't coming, unless that is, he wins his new lawsuit for $6 million. Yes, that may be overkill, but M&Ms wasn't particularly smart in the way it did things. Besides using an image very close in resemblance to Burck, it appears that the company actually gave him credit for the inspiration when they introduced the character.

If M&Ms wanted to make a quick correction, they would offer Burck a contract.

* Imagine the footage of the original and the M&M fighting over his guitar!

* Think of Burck, spray painted to look like the M&M in an effort to be loved as much as the chocolate.

* Or, how about the two trading places, with Burck coming out of a bag and the M&M singing on Times Square.

The possibilities could be endless if the two chose to make money, instead of war.

What About the Economy?

I was listening to the radio just before my show began today and noted that it was reported that consumer spending was up over the last month. This came as a surprise to the "sky is falling" crowd that dominates the media today.

According to CNNMoney:

Retail sales unexpectedly rose 0.3% last month after a dismal December, the Commerce

Department said Wednesday, easing concerns that the U.S. already has fallen into a recession.
Wall Street cheered the report. The Nasdaq rose 2.3% while the S&P 500 and Dow climbed 1.4%.

Analysts had expected a 0.3% fall following December's 0.4% drop.

Consumer spending, which accounts for 70% of economic activity, is being eyed closely for signs the U.S. is sliding into a recession.

"As the consumer goes, so goes the economy," said Joel Naroff. chief economist at Naroff Economic Advisors. "The good news is that the consumer is not dramatically cutting back on spending, but the bad news is the consumer is not spending at any great pace."

The 1.4 percent increase in the Dow translated into 178.83 points. This is a significant increase for a single day.

The media is now trying to figure out what happened, considering the economy was suppose to be in a total melt down. I have been a contrarian for quite some time. The reality is, last month was the first one in which we actually showed the slightest sign of weakness outside of the subprime crisis. In spite of how great the passion to declare the end of the world, we might be seeing the end of a very short "recession." We will have to wait a while and see.

On a recent Movers and Shakers segment, I interviewed several Advisors from the Houston Business Show about the economy. I found the conversation most informative (click here and then click, Movers and Shakers).

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Range Rover's Excellent Commercial

The most recent commercial I have seen of Range Rover, featuring Flaming Lips compelling "Do You Realize" is one of the best commercials on TV today, in my opinion. The music is extremely inviting and the video footage simply demands my attention.

The video asks several compelling questions, reminding the reader of the once great vehicle maker's history. We are reminded that it was part of entourages that protected heads of state and government. We see it participating in serious competitions under the most harsh conditions -- and winning. You cannot see the footage and hear the dialogue without being impressed. Very impressed.

The commercial reminded me of the Range Rovers I saw in adventure movies as a child. The great safaris I recall in the movie Born Free. It reminded me of a very special vehicle.

Not too long ago, a friend of mine had a Range Rover. It was a really attractive vehicle. He told me he was putting it up for sale and I was interested. He said, "no, I couldn't do that to you." His vehicle, he went on to say, was a horrible vehicle, spending far more in the repair garage than the home garage. He said, "ask anyone who owns a Range Rover today, the new ones are terrible."

I thought back about the commercial and in all bout a few seconds of the 30 second spot was made up of old footage. That spot is a celebration of what was versus what is. If they could raise the quality to match the commercial, they would have a winner.

Click to see the commercial.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Dr. Phil Reaches 1000

Everyone knows I am something of a fan of Oprah, in spite of her politics. I'm equally -- and maybe even more impressed -- by Dr. Phil. Today, I am watching Dr. Phil's 1,000th show. Dr Phil is extremely real and, unlike most of the crazy people who have a daytime TV show, he actually seems to be helpful. He requires guest to take ownership over their issues -- or take a walk.

Dr. Phil is, of course, "his own man." However, he was discovered by Oprah whom he worked for as a consultant during her trial in Amarillo with the beef producers. She discovered his home grown wisdom that was tempered by a PhD.

What started as a weekly segment on the Oprah show evolved into a daily program of his own and it became the second highest daytime show (after his mentors) in no time. Phil McGraw is tough, yet has a great sense of humor (as seen from his antics on The Simpsons, Scary Movie 4, his banter with Dr. Phil, and other appearances).

I congratulate Dr. Phil for making common sense into interesting television.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Firebrand...What I'm Watching and Why

For months I have been wanting to watch Firebrand on TV. Tonight I finally got to watch it and it is absolutely fascinating. Essentially it is little more than a series of commercials. Hilarious, clever, and memorable commercials. My wife walked in around half way through and we had to turn the TV to her favorite show (Two and a Half Men).

Any way, I got to see enough of it to heighten my curiosity. Here are a few observations:

* The show is introduced by an attractive young lady that reminds me a "VJ" in the VH1 or MTV tradition. I guess this makes her a "CJ".

* This young lady says very little and doesn't separate each commercial with commentary, but instead merely tells the audience what is coming up next.

* In addition to commercials, logos of the brands are lined up on the top and the bottom of the screen.

* They generally choose outstanding ones that are worth watching because of their entertainment or visual value.

* I looked at the website while watching the TV show and the two really mirrored each other. It was excellent.

This show has raised some questions....

* Does every company that has a commercial, pay to be on? If so, it would be cheap since the show is nothing but commercials. Talk about product placement.

* If they have actual commercials that are not part of the program, it is news to me. I would love to hear from others who know what this show is all about.

* The show is on ION Television, which is noted for being wall to wall infomercials. Is that all this program actually is?

It is an interesting program, but it reminds me of the old saying that there is a thing line between genius and stupid. I haven't quite figured out what side of the line this show lands.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

The Matrix Economy, The Media, and Agent Smith

On today's show I interviewed Charles Payne of Wall Street Strategies and I am coming to the conclusion that we have a Matrix Economy. This economy is largely a lie and is one designed to make us have a negative perspective. The greater our pessimism, the more likely we will consume the poison being fed to us by the media.

I wrote a while back about Agent Smith of the Matrix and his conversation with Neo. In it I wrote "I love the scene where Agent Smith tells Neo the truth about the world he has always known. He tells the hero that in earlier attempts the machines attempted to make a perfect virtual world so that humans would be happy while they waited to be batteries for the machines. Smith goes on to say that it made the humans miserable and they had to give us the current world plagued with challenges and problems in order to make us content. We lived for bad things, he argued, and the Matrix accomodates such." The antics of the last few weeks only further validates that argument. We continue to give the negative media higher ratings and they reciprocate with more of the information we actually need to not hear.

We need to get real about the economy. Our future depends upon it. The media is Agent Smith. Listen with caution.

When you click the above photo you will hear a recent interview with Charles Payne -- the most optimistic man on Wall Street -- about the economy.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Are We Now In A Recession?

You probably didnt ask for it, but it has been shoveled down our throats, we are being told that we are in a recession. I have said quite often in this blog, that I'm not buying it, and the economic statistics supports my optimism.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we maintain a ridiculously low 4.9 percent unemployment. Economists call 4 percent zero unemployment (factoring in seasonal employees, those creating their own business but still cited as unemployed, illegal business activity, etc.). There has never been a recession with this low of unemployment.

On the same BLS page we find that productivity was up 6.3 in the last quarter we have such recorded. Again, not indicative of a recession. In fact it is a sign of a booming economy.

As I watch CNBC (which is all I have available in my TV studio) I am seeing these people celebrate a recession as the Dow hoovers around -300. One of the analysts is arguing that they need to declare the recession now so the market can determine what are the best stocks to invest in. It is dishonest (it takes six months of economic decline to have an actual recession), it probably lead to poor financial planning, but it leads to great TV ratings.

I admit, today may not be a good day to invest in the market if you are faint of heart -- although there are plenty of barging out there that are worth pursuing. But there are numerous places that you can successfully put money -- in Real Estate (especially in the investment side as people move to renting rather than owning), creating your own business, and other more tangible economic activities. But it is simply too early to call this an economy in decline.

In the above video from Movers and Shakers, you will see a different spin on the economy.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Fox's Super Bowl Coup

Any regular reader of this blog knows I'm a big fan of Fox. All the more so with recent success they enjoyed with the Super Bowl over the weekend.

It was, without question, one of the best games in the history of the game. In fact, it was one of the best games in the history of all games. This is certainly one that is destined to go down in history. It was one of those games where I am sure many called others saying, "you have to watch this."

I was delighted to see that Fox pulled it off without a major wardrobe dysfunction and all the Any regular reader of this blog knows I'm a big fan of Fox. All the more so with recent success they enjoyed with the Super Bowl over the weekend.

It was, without question, one of the best games in the history of the game. In fact, it was one of the best games in the history of all games. This is certainly one that is destined to go down in history. It was one of those games where I am sure many called others saying, "you have to watch this."

I was delighted to see that Fox pulled it off without a major wardrobe dysfunction and all the embarassment and cost (in fines) that can come with that. Yes, Paula Abdul was a little stiff, but she remained in clothes.

The commercials were solid and, thanks to the network's relationship to MySpace.com, people will find those spots archived. that means these commercials will have an after life like we have never seen before. Furthermore, with the commercials strategic location in the world's premeir social network, all the advertisers will be able to monitor public opinon on the spots. This will provide an unprecedented level of research.

Also, Fox had the opportunity to promote its new line up of programming both on TV and online at MySpace (where you see those ads pop up repeatedly).

In the end, Fox was great for the fans and its clients, proving once again why Murdoch is one of the most brilliant people in media today.and cost (in fines) that can come with that. Yes, Paula Abdul was a little stiff, but she remained in clothes.

The commercials were solid and, thanks to the network's relationship to MySpace.com, people will find those spots archived. that means these commercials will have an after life like we have never seen before. Furthermore, with the commercials strategic location in the world's premier social network, all the advertisers will be able to monitor public opinion on the spots. This will provide an unprecedented level of research.

In the end, Fox was great for the fans and its clients, proving once again why Murdoch is one of the most brilliant people in media today.

By the way, you can see that archive of commercials here.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.