Free beer at American Airlines

American Airlines sent Rocky the following email:

As a valued Admirals Club® member, we want you to be the first to know that beginning October 1, 2010, American will offer alcoholic beverages, including wine, beer and spirits, free of charge to customers visiting any of our domestic clubs, in addition to complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks and juices.  Domestic clubs will offer well brand liquors, house wine and beer as a complimentary service on October 1st.”  Menu items vary by location, and include fresh salads, sandwiches, hot entrees and small bites. All menu items are available to enjoy in the club or for carry-out.

Rocky appreciates the gesture, and instead of visiting his local Applebees or TGIF, he’s planning to “hang out” at the Admirals Club, where he can throw back a ”cold one” while charging his cellphone.  He also expects that American may discover a surge in Admiral Club membership in college towns.

[Disclosure: Rocky has no position in American Airlines (AMR) ,  Applebees (DIN), or BUD stock. But he may re-examine a three-way-arbitrage....in the morning.]

Yoda and investments

Rocky finds inspiration (and good investment ideas) in unusual places — including extra-terrestrials.

For example, Yoda (from Star Wars) said, “Size matters not.” Was Yoda referring to relative valuations between large cap and small cap stocks? Or something less profound, and more lascivious?

Rocky’s daughter recently discovered the creature pictured above. Since it’s not the season for butterfly larvae, the only sensible conclusion is that an alien recently landed and is trying to send Rocky a trading signal. “VZ phone home?”

[Disclosure: Rocky never provides investment advice, and also cautions against following advice provided by aliens, including Jim Cramer.]

A new set of wheels

It was an exciting week as Rocky finally bought a new set of wheels. Not a Ferari, Porsche or even a humble Ford Taurus. It’s a new set of wheels for his 12-year-old Asko Model 1895 Dishwasher.

Asko charged $45 for the set of eight tiny plastic wheels and clips. By weight that’s equivalent to about $7,200 per tire for his full-size car.

Gentlemen: Start your rinse cycles!