I certainly don’t begrudge President Obama the occasional recreational activity or leisure time with his family. But lately I wonder:

Does The President work for Main Street or Madison Avenue?

As The Administration reverts its tenor from catastrophic to cavalier, Time Magazine ponders the critical question plaguing recession-ravaged America: Obama Team’s Drink of Choice…Coke or Pepsi?

Indeed, I live Pepsi’s outrageous Obama-obsessed ad campaign every time I pull out of my garage. The billboards dot the highways and nearly every bus stop I pass in Greater Miami reminds me that if I drink Pepsi, I too may count on a hopeful future. (Too bad I can’t retire on Pepsi.)
Maybe the President opted for beer over Pepsi last night in a celebratory move – his victory in ridding himself of ACORN (with those two huge payoffs). Now he can ditch those Z-list community organizers and hang where he belongs. I’d say that was money well spent!

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Please do not construe this rant as anti-Israel or pro-Palestine— I’m neither. I’m PRO-PEOPLE!!! No, acts of terrorism, violence or hatred against any person, group, country— should be tolerated, and should be punished to the full extent of the law. But I must confess, hunger breeds unrest— I myself get a bit cranky if I skip a meal or two. No child in our country or in our world should go hungry— EVER! And certainly not because of some arbitrary ruling that prevents food stuffs from crossing borders to feed hungry civilians. Honestly, macaroni used as a weapon?!? The only danger perhaps is to burgeoning waistlines— but who is obese in war-ravaged neighborhoods?!?

Let’s be practical, hungry persons will not direct their anger towards the terrorist organization whose activities are perhaps being diverted by limiting supplies to the region, law-abiding citizens, who are starving, will channel hostility toward those who are seen as preventing them from feeding their needy children!!

Dish with us on this issue and whatever else is on your plate…

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I hear the term ‘stress test,’ and I think of my poor late Dad on a treadmill regretting a lifetime’s worth of cattle-dining.  If he were around today, he’d certainly be devastated to watch his hard-earned American Dream be erased in a matter of months.

I don ‘t know about all of you out there, but I could use a Stress Test!  And all my years of tofu and veggie consumption may not be enough to save me.

Are you afraid to turn on the tube too?

If so, then you qualify.  And President Obama will even pay for your doctor’s visit.

Don’t get me wrong…I certainly do not blame the President for what’s happened in the past.  Bush- appointed SEC Chair, Christopher Cox, should be housed in Guantanemo for allowing criminals like Stanford and Madoff to roam free on Wall Street.

But enough is enough.  As an investor, I want the markets to succeed and a little optimism from The Administration would be welcome right about now.  I may not be at retirement, but this crisis is adding twelve years to my age (or “24″ if you factor in this morning’s market value reaching 1997 lows).

Tomorrow Mr. Geithner had better perk up or his new plan will be DOA! After all, with international headlines like “Geithner’s damp squib fuels de-globalisation,” who needs market killers!?! The President and his assortment of ’smartest guys in the room’ are urged to calm these markets, or Cramer (and I) will assign a ‘SELL SELL SELL’ to that bluechip known as TAD (The American Dream).

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As a savvy and (now) persnickety shoe shopper, I have noticed that during that this economic “emergency” a positive fashion trend might actually be emerging (or reemerging)… Not that I want to give you a shocking flat or tip you off of your five-inch Dior’s (btw did you see those hot pink ladies in the Bergdorf’s latest spring preview—they’re definitely worth a toast or two…), but it seems that CUSTOMER SERVICE might actually be making a much needed come back.

“Better late than never!” says Sista. When cash is scarce and store stock (not my Macy’s stock) is high, boutiques large and small need to get back to basics and time-honored best practices that won customer loyalty in the first place… That’s why United Airlines new GM for Cabin Appearance AKA “Mr. Clean,” gets a super-sized hireheels kick-up! He’s bringing the “friendly skies” back to the poor slobs (and I mean slobs) who fly (see vid from NBC Nightly News)… Thanks for giving a touch-up to the make-up of those dingy aisles Mr. Clean— this road/sky warrior will be choosing your airline more often from now on.

As for the rest of you…, I suggest you clean up your acts. And US Air, you should have never taken free soft drinks off of the roster in the first place!!! I don’t mind paying for my super-shaken grey goose martini, but paying for my D.C. (Diet Coke) chaser is totally U A (unacceptable)!

It’s mile-high time that the CUSTOMER IS QUEEN AGAIN!!!

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That is, unless your name is Rahm Emanuel.

Yeah, his is a real ‘down-on-your-luck’ kinda story…

From The New York Post:

Emanuel is a multimillionaire, but lived for the
last five years for free in the tony Capitol Hill
townhouse owned by De Lauro and her husband,
Democratic pollster Stan Greenberg.
…

Emanuel never declared the substantial gift of free
rent on any of his financial disclosure forms. He
and De Lauro claim that it was just allowable
“hospitality” between colleagues.

Hospitality— for five years!?! I’d like to get into that lavish buffet line…

Heck, I’m afraid to “impose” for more than two nights at
a friend’s crib. Looks like the “looped-in”
Daschles and Emmanuels of the world have
discovered (or invented) enough IRS loop holes to rival a
multi-billion-dollar Ponzi scheme. Madoff’s got nothing on
those two… They should all be under house arrest!

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We received this poem from one of our vibrant
and vital hireheelers: TruthisGold and decided to
share it with the MORE than worthy women of
hireheels. Remember ladies— you are wise,
fabulous, smart and sexy! You must NEVER take
your worth for granted.
HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!

XOXOXO…
Sista & Princess

THE WORTH OF A WOMAN

Women have strengths that amaze men.
They bear hardships and they carry burdens,
but they hold happiness, love and joy.
They smile when they want to scream.
They sing when they want to cry.
They cry when they are happy
and laugh when they are nervous.
They fight for what they believe in.
They stand up to injustice.
They don’t take ‘no’ for an answer
when they believe there is a better solution.
They go without so their family can have.
They go to the doctor with a frightened friend.
They love unconditionally.
They cry when their children excel
and cheer when their friends get awards.
They are happy when they hear about
a birth or a wedding.
Their hearts break when a friend dies.
They grieve at the loss of a family member,
yet they are strong when they
think there is no strength left.
They know that a hug and a kiss
can heal a broken heart.
Women come in all shapes, sizes and colors.
They’ll drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you
to show how much they care about you.
The heart of a woman is what makes the world keep turning.
They bring joy, hope and love.
They have the compassion and ideas.
They give moral support to their
family and friends.
Women have vital things to say
and everything to give.
HOWEVER, IF THERE IS ONE FLAW IN WOMEN,
IT IS THAT THEY FORGET THEIR WORTH.

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As the rest of America’s women go 1-800-Flower-less and Godiva-less this Valentine’s Day, it seems that Ruth Madoff made off with an early Valentine’s gift from her sweetie. Days before her husband’s surrender, Mrs. Madoff withdrew over $15 million.  And that’s what we know about!

The Madoffs: Sweethearts or modern-day Bonnie & Clyde?

Who knew Bernie was such a romantic?  If only I could land a man so caring about my financial future.  Instead I trusted all those Wall Street bad boys with my money and my heart. But I digress. Mrs. Madoff is certainly no victim and, at worst, a potential co-conspirator.  She now faces possible criminal charges as the investigation into the world’s largest Ponzi scheme forges ahead.

Meanwhile few Americans sympathize with Madoff’s true victims, who conjure up images of tv shows like Dynasty and Dirty, Sexy Money.

To those folks I share a story I heard over dinner last night that will break your heart. My Nantucket insider told of a loyal Bulgarian housekeeper who entrusted her family’s life savings ($200K) with her employer.  She had the misfortune of cleaning the home of former Madoff employee Frank Avelino, an accountant who delivered investors to Mr. Madoff since the 1960s.

Who would have thunk it? An immigrant maid gains entry to one of the most exclusive clubs on Nantucket …and quite possibly the planet!

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YES!

Maybe that is why his ratings continue to hover in the stratosphere.  Heck, he’s managed to push out Olbermann among untold numbers of 18 Millionistas during cable news’ coveted 8pm slot.

Bill, I continue to watch you, mainly because you were consistent and fair during the on-air witch trials of 2008.  But you haven’t exactly won my heart.  Besides, you favor blonde bombshells and I’m a brunette.

You may be en vogue now, but your unacceptable ‘witchy’ comment about Helen Thomas – a trailblazer for women – risks relegating you to our Heel of Fame.   I hope the flowers you sent Helen yesterday included a note of apology.  And by the way, unlike Ms. Martin’s group, hireheels DID defend Sarah Palin last year. So come and get us!a co-editors note from Sista:
I was struck by Bill O’s comments just like any other viewer… but was even more troublesome to me personally is Mr. O’Reilly’s inability to recognize that he actually made sexist remarks… Is sexism so pervasive in our society that it goes unnoticed or is even acceptable in common discourse?!? In last night’s program O’Reilly quipped with comedian Denis Miller that his comments weren’t sexist because he (O’Reilly) was merely referring to Ms. Thomas’ voice not her appearance. Mr. O’ calling a woman’s voice witchy, shrill or using any other derogatory adjective IS sexist– just as it would be to comment on any other part of her physical make-up.

And as for Ms. Martin… I realize that she was on air representing a liberal women’s organization… BUT does she and the rest of “women kind” think we will further ourselves as a sex if we “cherry pick” which women should be defended and which women should be left to fend for themselves, when they are subjected to prejudice, stereotyping, and the like?!? It’s time for the “sistas” to take a firm stand for all women—regardless of their race, religion, socio-economic status, education or PARTY AFFILIATION!!!

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Well if there were any doubt how the markets reacted to Secretary Geithner’s speech – hyped up numerous times last night by President Obama – just turn on CNBC. In a new poll, 65% do not believe Geithner’s plan will work. And the Dow is tanking.

Why did the Secretary make a speech when he had so little to say?

One could ask the same of our President, who last night was long on eloquence and short on specifics. Business likes specifics and so do ordinary Americans like me.

Wall Street is now frighteningly in synch with Main Street in its opposition to the government’s stimulus plan. For weeks Americans urged their leaders to send the proposed bill to the fat farm. Instead it landed on Canyon Ranch.

The Commander-in-Chief is now sauntering on stage in sunny Florida, clearly relishing his former role as Campaigner-in-Chief. (Is this the Dems’ version of swagger?) As a citizen, I don’t want my President in a Townhall meeting today. I want him back in Washington working 15-hour days solving this crisis.

Geithner’s confidence-busting speech, along with President Obama’s cozily-staged Townhall are just more examples of an Administration (and former campaign) more consumed by style
than substance.

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on this given sunday pro bowlers basked in balmy hawaii while…

Politicos Larry Summers and Barney Frank made headway (or at least believed they did) calling all vibrators to create a buzz for their big O’ stimulus on the talkies…Formerly “fallen from grace” Whitney Houston made a “triumphant comeback” at a Clive Davis tribute bash… Calm, cool, collected Capt. Sully lit up the skies on 60… Bono, Stevie W., Cold Play, bad-boy Kid Rock and the tragic and talented Jennifer Hudson (and more) brought down the house at the 51st Grammys… And a sista stumbled upon soon-to-be triple platinum Op Ed piece that was garnering major play, as it made it to the top 5 of the NY Times.com most emailed chart…

This little ditty, “Mistresses of the Universe,” penned by clearly manhood-secure columnist Nicholas Kristof really rang this gal’s bell! Especially when he cited a British study that suggests, that we just might need to shake up Wall Street with a bit of diversity of the spectator pump persuasion. That’s right credentialed chicas. Spiff up those résumés or finish that ap to HBS, because it’s time to mop that Floor and rid it of some of its over bullish livestock…

Click hireheels’ one thing, then get your financially savvy freak on!

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