| Your portfolio is an animal that needs discipline
WHEN it comes to building a sound investment portfolio, it is often easier to say how not to go about it. Many portfolios that cross my desk seem to look like a ragbag history of investors' (or advisers') best ideas at the time. You can often see the chronological history of the portfolio like the cross-section of a geological rock formation. From privatisations and demutualisations, through to technology and telecoms stocks, along with ageing fashion fads of the sector or emerging markets of the day. These are not portfolios but embarrassments. .
PATSY R. BRUMFIELD: It really matters to know someone else's heart
Mrs. Ida M. Raspberry of Okolona came into the Daily Journal office recently to share a story. Part of her family lore goes back to her struggling childhood when she never got that wonderful doll she always hoped for each Christmas.
Well, never let it be said her son, Basil Leif, wasn't listening. This past Christmas, he announced he wanted to take her back to those childhood memories. She said he placed her hands over her eyes and made her promise not to look. Then, he hung a stocking with items she traditionally received - candies, nuts, fruits and some fireworks.
But the real surprise was next. Basil had reconnoitered antique shops looking for a 1930s-era doll, like the one she had wanted. Sure enough, when she opened her eyes, there it was. He secured her promise to pass the doll down through the generations to remind her family of their happy day.
'Limited edition' Chesterfield poster has its limits
DEAR HELAINE AND JOE: I have a Chesterfield cigarette poster with a picture of Ronald Reagan. It is 18 by 22 inches and marked "Originally printed in 1948, copyright 1980, Stampagraphic, Limited Edition." What is my piece worth? Thank you. -- A.P., Jerome, Mich.DEAR A.P.: Chesterfield as a brand of cigarettes has a very long history. Originally, it was a product of the Drummond Tobacco Company of St. Louis, which was primarily a maker of plug tobacco.Cigarettes were a sideline for Drummond, and other than Chesterfield, they manufactured both the Drum and Cannon brands. In the late 1890's there was a tobacco war between the American Tobacco Company, Drummond, and Leggett and Meyers. American Tobacco won and acquired Drummond in 1898 and then acquired Leggett and Meyers in 1899.American Tobacco manufactured the Chesterfield brand until 1911, when the company was broken up as a monopoly, and Chesterfield went to Leggett and Meyers which continued making the brand until 1998.
Lakeland is hot destination
Many popular hotel chains in Lakeland are located a few miles from Joker Marchant Stadium, off exits 32 and 33 on I-4. Check lakelandchamber.com or call (863) 688-8551.
Holiday Inn (North) Lakeland Hotel & Conference Center: The $122 "Best Breaks" rate includes breakfast for two. Ask about the $79 "Detroit Fan" rate, though availability is limited. (863) 688-8080
Residence Inn: $129-$139, including breakfast and midweek dinners. (863) 680-2323
Scottish Inn: $69-$79 per night. (863) 687-2530
Terrace Hotel: $89-$209, including continental breakfast; ask about the "Tiger Rate." (863) 688-0800
Airfares
Sample roundtrip airfares, mid-February through March, from Detroit to Orlando or Tampa -- found Thursday at travelocity.com -- start at $103 and $113 (plus taxes), but are higher for specific dates.
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