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Thursday, December 31, 2015

The Writer's Life 12/31 - Oil's Well

John Crudele contributes a financial column to the NY Post several times a week. He had interesting numbers in today's. Since 1938 the S&P 500 has risen an average of 6.5% annually. Now that we are in the computer age, research has been done and it found that the index has risen an average of 8.6% during a period that covers the final four days of a month and the first three of the next. If only a mutual fund could be established to take advantage of that.

President Obama is probably the first and biggest enemy of fossil fuels to occupy the White House. Fortunately, he does not have absolute power in regulating the market for crude oil. The Brent product hit an eleven year low yesterday, as inventories continue to rise, which means gasoline prices will remain low for quite a while. Also, Conoco Phillips will ship the first supply of U.S. shale since a 40-year ban was lifted. If Obama had anything to do with this, kudos. I doubt he did, though. Had he absolute power, I believe he would fix gasoline prices at $5 a gallon -- at least, hoping that Americans enmasse would finally switch to alternative means. One may argue that the low costs of gasoline and natural gas have done a great deal to offset the staggering bill for Obamacare. Liberal friends on Facebook have posted photos of gasoline prices now and when Bush was in office as proof that Obama is a better and special-interest-free economic steward. I resist the temptation to reply, to get into a political argument that will change no one's opinion. I'm just happy that enough checks and balances exist so that liberals don't get their way completely, although it seems they do no matter who's in charge. Who would have thought a few years ago, given environmental trends, that the USA would be the world's largest producer of oil? Yay!

For the first time ever a Broadway show, Daddy Long Legs, was streamed live, and it was free. The broadcast went out to 35 countries. Ticket sales have since increased. Expect more productions to follow suit. Eventually a fee will be charged. The computer age continues to be a marvel.

My thanks to the kind folks who bought books in Russian and English today, especially the gentleman who purchased bios of Ingrid Bergman, Mary Martin and Helen Morgan, satisfying his penchant for celebrity tell-alls. The highlight of the session was a visit from my most faithful customer, Marie. She's bought all my books not only for herself but for friends as well. She's been blue lately, saying it's been "one thing after another," elaborating no further. She dabbles in art and has tried to sell her work, without success, through a Manhattan gallery. I knew she would be attracted to the version of Arabian Nights illustrated by Marc Chagall I had prominently displayed. "Merry Christmas," I said, handing it to her and giving her a hug and kiss. Here eyes filled with tears.

Happy New Year. Please don't drink and drive.
Vic's 5th Novel: http://tinyurl.com/okxkwh5Vic's 4th novel: tinyurl.com/bszwlxh
Vic's 3rd Novel: http://tinyurl.com/7e9jty3
Vic's Short Story on Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/k95k3nx
Vic's Short Story Collection: http://www.tiny.cc/Oycgb
Vic's 2nd Novel: http://tiny.cc/0iHLb Kindle: http://tinyurl.com/kx3d3uf
Vic's 1st Novel: http://tinyurl.com/l84h63j
Vic's Rom-Com Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/kny5llp
Vic's Horror Screenplay: http://tinyurl.com/cyckn3f

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