Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Winners and Losers 2009

Product of the Year

Winner: ZhuZhu the chemical laden snuggle thingie. Aggressive mobs of parents lined up on Black Friday to get their hands on a Zhu Zhu Pet for their precious little ones. The slightest whiff of a hard-to-find fad has these self-propelled fuzzy critters lighting up eBay and they will likely bring in more than $100 million to their parent company. Not even claims of radiation could halt these little juggernauts.

Loser: Julie Aigner-Clark. The Baby Einstein founder who was once hailed as an American hero (seriously?) by former President George Bush. Her ubiquitous video business reaped millions and was eventually purchased by Walt Disney Co. Who knew the whole premise of putting your baby in front of TV for hours and hours was problematic? Apparently, the American Academy of Pediatrics did. Can you say refund?

Investment Moment of the Year

Winner: Jon Stewart./The Daily Show The financial television moment of the year had to be the complete dress-down of Jim Cramer, CNBC's resident "expert" stock market head case. Stewart was serious just long enough to air some snippets from Cramer's hedge-fund past and provide a much-needed catharsis for countless Americans feeling victimized by the Wall Street machine.

Loser: American Investors - victimized by the Wall Street Machine. I was told once you are either on the inside or way outside and guess where the average investor falls. But we keep coming back for more – as we love a story and have short memories - even after a decade of losing money. Most of these people are not here to make you money, they are here to make money for themselves and their firms. Find a fee only advisor with solid credentials!

Politician of the Year that is not Barack Obama

Representative Joe Sestak Watch the former Admiral closely; he's the real deal, a brilliant, hard-working congressman who is headed for bigger things if the people of Pennsylvania and the leaders of the Democratic Party know what's in the national interest. Did I mention I'm from Pennsylvania?

Destination

Winner - Bay of Fires, Tazmania - They say: “White beaches of hourglass-fine sand, Bombay Sapphire sea, an azure sky - and nobody. This is the secret edge of Tasmania, laid out like a pirate’s treasure map of perfect beach after sheltered cove, all fringed with forest. It’s not long since the Bay of Fires came to international attention, and the crowds are bound to flock. Now is the time to visit.”

Loser: the entire Country of Afghanistan – runner up Somalia. Obviously because neither country has a Howard Johnsons’.


C Blakely, December 2009

Sources: Lonely Planet Guide, MarketWatch.com