Alf's Blog

What are you spending on gas?

The business model is the same, distribution systems are the same and demand remains strong. But, for the first time in recent memory gasoline prices are higher in the southeast than in the northeast.

Our newsletter editor has been running back and forth and up and down the east coast for the last month and continues to lament loudly that the per gallon price on NY turnpikes is actually less than it is in Atlanta.

Are you ready to turn in your gas guzzler in favor of a more fuel efficient compact?

Calculate your cost of gasoline for a year, or for a trip 

Calculate the cost of gas for a trip between two cities 

Calculate your cost of gasoline if you don't know your car's average gas mileage

Lost in Translation

A Russian mother-daughter team is suing the Viacom subsidiary for "emotional distress" allegedly caused by a case of miscommunication on the popular reality show Date My Mom. Apparently, a mishap in translation has a mother speaking about her daughter's ass instead of her heart. Much more than a cultural competency issue, if accurate, the issue of translation can be applied to many entertainment mediums where the dollar far out weighs a call for objectivity or clear communication.

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/gossip/story/355652p-303074c.html

Help Rebuild New Orleans

Initial public response to Hurricane Katrina has died down and homeless families, jobless parents and bankrupt small businesses need our help.  I propose establishing a small business venture fund that will provide loans of up to $5000 to support the rebuilding of a business. An amount that meager won’t fund the rebuilding of a restaurant or retail business, but it may be all that’s needed to get a craftsman back in business, a construction worker a new set of tools, a shoeshine operator a set of supplies and a stand. Here’s the deal. My wife and I are in for $5000. If we can get a minimum commitment of $50,000, we’ll approach a corporation or foundation for matching funds. Then we’ll have the respected New Orleans City Business magazine disperse the money to worthy loan recipients, the little guy and gal who most run the risk of falling through the cracks. What do you think? It’s not as easy as writing a check to the Red Cross, but it could be equal or greater value when the waters recede and memories fade. As always I seek and value your feedback and response to what I propose. ([email protected] or 404-307-8773).