June 2010

NetJets Consolidated Links

Wed, 06/30/2010 - 18:31

There are various NetJets conversations taking place scattered throughout this site. They represent the accumulation of months' worth of comments, many of which appear to be from employees, ex-employees and flight crew, about events leading up to and (especially) since Warren Buffett ousted Richard Santulli in 2009. Although I am not endorsing particular comments, the NetJets content is of interest to a wide variety of readers because it offers a glimpse into the opinions of people who are unhappy about recent changes (and some who are happy).

"Russian Spy" at NetJets

Wed, 06/30/2010 - 16:58

Here's the link. Claims to have worked closely with Buffett. Despite the photo, I don't think so.

NetJets -- Still Here

Tue, 06/29/2010 - 15:23

I got a question today, "did you take NetJets off your blog?" No, it has just rolled down to the next page because of other blog posts.

Audiobookstore

Tue, 06/29/2010 - 09:41

The Audiobookstore  contacted me and asked me to link to their site. Their site is comprehensive, and this gives me a chance to tell you about the differences between various versions of the audiobook.

BP's Corner-Cutting Extends to Its Finances

Sun, 06/27/2010 - 21:38

In this latest column I discuss BP as a case study in management failure to maintain a margin of safety on multiple levels. While most of the commentary has focused on the company's shortcuts in its exploration business, BP also was operating on a razor-thin margin in its balance sheet, despite its professed strong cash flows and low leverage.

On the Virtues of the Old (Media)

Fri, 06/25/2010 - 07:39

Last night I felt #%$@*&^%%#$ because the column I've worked on for a couple of days got bumped to Sunday night (... wait for it). Everything is always meant to be, so I waited for the blessings of this situation to become apparent, and they did.

Pensacola Beach

Wed, 06/23/2010 - 16:28

Quick link to shocking photo. Ran across this while writing a Bloomberg column (about money, not tarballs) and thought it should be shared.

Guilty Because Not Proven Innocent

Wed, 06/23/2010 - 09:17

Many of you have been following white-collar criminal investigations for companies ranging from AIG to Berkshire Hathaway to Goldman Sachs. This article is a worthwhile read. It discusses important nuances to understanding how these cases are prosecuted, why certain individuals are indicted, why charges may be subsequently dropped, and what happens to these people when that occurs. Highly recommended.

Should You Write a Book?

Thu, 06/17/2010 - 16:42

I get emails all the time from people who want to discuss writing a book. If you've ever thought about writing a book and your query goes something like this ....

Debating How to Protect Taxpayers from Deepwater Horizon Bill

Wed, 06/16/2010 - 21:46

New York Times tonight has a good article discussing the financial impact of possible criminal charges on BP. Click on the box halfway down on the left side "How Much Will BP Really Pay" to go to Room for Debate, the Times' forum of experts on the subject. I wrote an op-ed today as a panelist. Please note this piece went up before the escrow details were announced.