After AIG chief executive Edward Liddy’s testimony before Congress, I believe the correct pronunciation is “Aaaiiiieeegggggh!”
Liddy told Congress on Wednesday that some of the insurance giant’s executives have begun returning part of the $165 million in retention bonuses handed out after AIG received around $180 billion in federal bailout money. Liddy said he found the bonuses “distasteful.”
The outrage over bonuses going to the very people responsible for AIG’s colossal failure has spread across the country, from the White House all the way to Main Street. We all feel helpless in the face of such callous greed.
Here’s a prescription for feeling better: Vent your anger by coming up with new meanings for the letters AIG. Put them in the comments below. I’ll get you started with a few suggestions.
For example, Liddy could soon be back before Congress for Another Intense Grilling.
The bailout came from an Anxious, Interfering Government that Awarded Incompetence Gratuitously, giving taxpayer money to Annoying Incentive Grubbers.
My favorite so far: Ax Irresponsible Greedheads.
- Today’s lead item at A News Cafe, The Lowdown on Downtowns by Paul Shigley, is an excellent article on how cities and towns make the most of their downtown areas, with some great suggestions for how we could improve ours in Redding. Nightspots and restaurants already have made our downtown better. If we can replace some of the nuisance properties with modern housing, we could save downtown yet.
- As you might’ve noticed in the Announcements, our own Doni Greenberg and Kelly Brewer will be guest bartenders Friday night at Maritime Seafood & Grill downtown, starting at 7 p.m. They’ve asked that customers stick with “uncomplicated drinks.” I plan to order a Pink Lady Cosmopolitan with fresh lime juice and a twist. With a side of Mojitos. Heh.
- Pet Peeve: Store clerks or waiters who say “no problem” instead of “you’re welcome.” When I say “thank you,” I don’t want to hear “no problem.” In fact, I never want to hear “no problem.” If it’s not a problem, just shut up and take care of it. Thank you.
Tips appreciated: Send news tidbits to steveb.anewscafe@gmail.com.
