Slope of Hope Blog Posts

Slope initially began as a blog, so this is where most of the website’s content resides. Here we have tens of thousands of posts dating back over a decade. These are listed in reverse chronological order. Click on any category icon below to see posts tagged with that particular subject, or click on a word in the category cloud on the right side of the screen for more specific choices.

American Splendor

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It’s been frequently said here on Slope that George Carlin is our patron saint. Most folks probably consider that a kind mark of respect for the man, but I honestly believe that George Carlin was one of the greatest Americans to even live.

I am sincere. When I say one of the greatest Americans, I put him up there with the likes of Benjamin Franklin (not quite Abraham Lincoln level, but still, way up there). And I use “American” very deliberately, because he embodies for me the properties that I believe made this country great – – – a strong will, fierce independence, the ability to think deeply, the propensity to articulate thoughts well, and the willingness to express himself.

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Proof Positive

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I’m not sure why, but for some reason today a number of folks wrote me some very kind and grateful emails. One was particularly touching to me, and I wanted to share it (the subscriber has kindly granted me his permission to do so, as I pledged to post the entire email except for the person’s name):

Hi Tim,

Just wanted to send you a quick thank you, and a testament to how successful you and your site are, particularly this year. I haven’t always agreed with some of the comments in the comments section, and find some of the characters that spend a lot of time there downright batshit crazy (haha), but I’ve always stayed because I value your opinions and have seen good results from your ideas. And speaking of that, so far this year I’ve spent $174.75 on a gold membership at Slope and in just IYR, EWB, EWZ and EFA (four underlyings I never would have traded until you mentioned them) I’ve made $51,990.98 in realized profits YTD. Talk about money well spent.

Thank you very much and hope you have continued success throughout the rest of the year!

It is obviously very heartening to me, a one-man business owner, to receive such testimonials and know that my hard work is actually making a positive difference in the lives of those who choose to be here. Our time has finally come, and I am grateful not only for your presence but for your positivity.

Consolidated Cramer Collapses

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I’d like to start off with something the comic Todd Barry said when he was presenting at the Comedy Central Roast of Chevy Chase many years ago:

When I found out I was going to be roasting Chevy, everyone pretty much said the same thing: They said roasting Chevy Chase is like shooting fish in a barrel. Actually it wasn’t “everyone” it was just my four-year old nephew. But roasting Chevy Chase isn’t as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. It’s as easy as looking at fish in a barrel. It’s as easy as being somewhere near a barrel.

This is precisely how I feel about illustrating the horrific stock market picks of the $5,000,000/year (CNBC base salary) investing “guru” known as Jim Cramer, who is perhaps the most famous stock market prognosticator on the entire planet. He’s so famous, he was even featured in the Iron Man movies.

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