Maybe a little conflict of interest?
Raw Story: Cantor could rake in windfall if debt ceiling isn’t raised
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Possible Dismissal In Strauss-Kahn
The accuser is inconsistent in her allegations.
Reuters: Case against Strauss-Kahn near collapse: report
Reuters: Case against Strauss-Kahn near collapse: report
Inkjet Solar Cells
Now we are talking!
This kind of breakthrough in solar cell production could make solar energy affordable for the average person.
BBC: Scientists use inkjet printing to produce solar cells
I found the following video on youtube about inkjet printing on metal. It is not about making solar cells.
This kind of breakthrough in solar cell production could make solar energy affordable for the average person.
BBC: Scientists use inkjet printing to produce solar cells
I found the following video on youtube about inkjet printing on metal. It is not about making solar cells.
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,414.34 gaining 152.92 points. Today's closing also represents the end of the second fiscal quarter.
Reuters: Wall Street rallies 4th day, gains in July seen
Reuters: Wall Street rallies 4th day, gains in July seen
UK Strikes
Governments want to cut pensions and people are not liking it.
Guardian UK: More than 11,000 schools affected by strikes
Guardian UK: More than 11,000 schools affected by strikes
Beck Equal Hater
Except when they pay your exorbitant and completely unmerited salary which in turn compels you to love the Republicans and despise Democrats...
Raw Story: Beck on Republicans: ‘I hate them’
Raw Story: Beck on Republicans: ‘I hate them’
Cool U.S.
The globe is warming. The facts are the facts.
Live Science: May 2011: Globe Warms, But U.S. Cools
Live Science: May 2011: Globe Warms, But U.S. Cools
May 2011 was the 315th consecutive month to have a global temperature above average.
428,000
Investors will see this as a slight improvement and therefor not negative, but its bad news.
CNN:
CNN:
Number of people filing initial unemployment claims dips by 1,000 to 428,000 in the latest week, government says.
New Counterterrorism Strategy
Reading about America's new counterterrorism policy released on Wednesday, I start to wonder what neocon based, AEI funded, PNAC loving thing is now going on and when do we get our phones tapped, emails read, internet doings recorded, bank accounts scrutinized, and DNA swabbed and categorized? Ooops, that's already going on, we are way past that...
The new policy is like the old policy except instead of 'the global war on terrorism' its now the 'war with Al Qaeda.'
We are re-branding the war on terrorism with a singular focus on post bin Laden leftovers.
Are there terrorists, yes obviously. Its just that the ones that bug me the most are the ones that are trying to scrap our Social Security and Medicare, keep the tax codes rigged so that the ultra wealthy pay nothing in taxes, continue to pump all public monies into endless wars around the globe and support it with endless militarization, and then play are patriotic and goody goody when called out on these very things.
CS Monitor: US unveils new counterterrorism strategy: three key parts
The new policy is like the old policy except instead of 'the global war on terrorism' its now the 'war with Al Qaeda.'
We are re-branding the war on terrorism with a singular focus on post bin Laden leftovers.
Are there terrorists, yes obviously. Its just that the ones that bug me the most are the ones that are trying to scrap our Social Security and Medicare, keep the tax codes rigged so that the ultra wealthy pay nothing in taxes, continue to pump all public monies into endless wars around the globe and support it with endless militarization, and then play are patriotic and goody goody when called out on these very things.
CS Monitor: US unveils new counterterrorism strategy: three key parts
“This is the first counterterrorism strategy that focuses on the ability of Al Qaeda and its networks to inspire people in the United States to attack us from within..."
• A zeroing in on the organization’s senior leaders.
• Enhanced cooperation with allies and partners to defeat the extremist scourge.
• A sustained effort to restore America’s image and leadership in the world.
“...individuals, sometimes with little or no direct physical contact with Al Qaeda, who have succumbed to its hateful ideology.”
“We intentionally do not use ‘global war on terror’: We’re in a war with Al Qaeda.”
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 65 degrees, sunny, and superlative here in Upstate NY. It really doesn't get any more gorgeous than this temperature wise. I am sitting here with the windows wide open, its bright outside, there is a cool breeze coming through, people are jogging by and walking by the front of the house, and the sound of the bulldozers leveling out a plot for a new apartment complex about 1/4 mile away is coming through as well. Its good.
At 8:15 a.m. futures are slightly up, the dollar is mixed, and oil is ever so slightly down.
The market is expected to open higher except in a short time we get the weekly numbers on first time unemployment filers. That number has been stubbornly high and so any improvement over last week will be seen as positive. Needless to say worse numbers could be a deal breaker.
Investors continue to hail Greece's approval of new austerity measures with a vote on how to implement those measures to be taken today. Investors expect all will go according to script. On the other hand, the Greek people are not going along with cuts to things like their retirement funds, and all basic services provided by their government. That is a lot to swallow.
Its unfortunate but there will be continued riots and strong protests in Greece probably marked by state sponsored repression. That's how it works right. Maybe something better can occur. They are truly in a tough spot.
CNN: Stocks: Waiting for Greece's next move
At 8:15 a.m. futures are slightly up, the dollar is mixed, and oil is ever so slightly down.
The market is expected to open higher except in a short time we get the weekly numbers on first time unemployment filers. That number has been stubbornly high and so any improvement over last week will be seen as positive. Needless to say worse numbers could be a deal breaker.
Investors continue to hail Greece's approval of new austerity measures with a vote on how to implement those measures to be taken today. Investors expect all will go according to script. On the other hand, the Greek people are not going along with cuts to things like their retirement funds, and all basic services provided by their government. That is a lot to swallow.
Its unfortunate but there will be continued riots and strong protests in Greece probably marked by state sponsored repression. That's how it works right. Maybe something better can occur. They are truly in a tough spot.
CNN: Stocks: Waiting for Greece's next move
Markets also welcomed Greece's approval of austerity measures Wednesday, which aim to keep the country from defaulting.
Oil for August delivery slipped 2 cents to $94.75 a barrel.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Michele's Husband Talks Homosexuality
"I think we really need to call sin. sin."Okay, based on the last line alone, I will wager that he is gay.
"I think what you clearly say is what is the understanding of god's word on homosexuality...barbarians need to be educated, need to be disciplined. Just because someone feels it or thinks it doesn't mean that we are supposed to go down that road."
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,261.42 today gaining 72.73 points.
The austerity measures approved by the Greek Parliament were the compelling thing, however the Greek people are enraged. Rioting continues.
Reuters: Wall St climbs for third straight day
The austerity measures approved by the Greek Parliament were the compelling thing, however the Greek people are enraged. Rioting continues.
Reuters: Wall St climbs for third straight day
CNN - Greece Passes Austerity Plans
The plans did in fact pass, but the riots continue. The state tear gasses and pepper sprays the people.
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is up 81 points.
The Greek Parliament has passed an austerity measure, this is compelling news for investors. Meanwhile the Greek people are seriously protesting that country's austerity plans. Its a classic modern situation where governments move in one direction, people want the opposite and only want improvements in their lives not austerity, and Wall Street reacts favorably.
Reuters: Wall St extends gains for 3rd day on Greece vote
The Greek Parliament has passed an austerity measure, this is compelling news for investors. Meanwhile the Greek people are seriously protesting that country's austerity plans. Its a classic modern situation where governments move in one direction, people want the opposite and only want improvements in their lives not austerity, and Wall Street reacts favorably.
Reuters: Wall St extends gains for 3rd day on Greece vote
U.S. pending home sales rose a stronger-than-expected 8.2 percent in May, but a glut of unsold properties remained a drag on the housing market.
The Crow Knows
Live Science: Hitchcockian Crows Spread the Word About Unkind Humans
Truth And Fact Challenged, And Now Hypocrite
How ya gonna splain this one Lucy?
Let's try to restrain ourselves, the temptation to use hundreds of four letter riddled commentary is quite overpowering but we shall not be led astray.
Turns out the Bachmann's are enjoying the good life, propped up on medicaid money.
You +$#%ing piece of $#%(^###@$ing @$$%.
Where do we go with this? Bachmann will play it cool, she will attempt to ride it out over time as America has no more than a 24 hour memory span.
Generally where there is smoke, there is fire. Guaranteed more hypocrisy spews out of this maladjusted campaign.
MSNBC: Bachmann's husband got $137,000 in Medicaid funds
Let's try to restrain ourselves, the temptation to use hundreds of four letter riddled commentary is quite overpowering but we shall not be led astray.
Turns out the Bachmann's are enjoying the good life, propped up on medicaid money.
You +$#%ing piece of $#%(^###@$ing @$$%.
Where do we go with this? Bachmann will play it cool, she will attempt to ride it out over time as America has no more than a 24 hour memory span.
Generally where there is smoke, there is fire. Guaranteed more hypocrisy spews out of this maladjusted campaign.
MSNBC: Bachmann's husband got $137,000 in Medicaid funds
While Rep. Michelle Bachmann, R-Minn., has forcefully denounced the Medicaid program for swelling the "welfare rolls," the mental health clinic run by her husband has been collecting annual Medicaid payments totaling over $137,000 for the treatment of patients since 2005, according to new figures obtained by NBC News.
The clinic, based in Lake Elmo, Minn., describes itself on its website as offering "quality Christian counseling" for a large number of mental health problems ranging from "anger management" to addictions and eating disorders.
The $161,000 in payments from the Minnesota Department of Human Services to her husband's clinic appear to contradict some of Michelle Bachmann's public accounts this week when she was first asked about the extent to which her family has benefited from government aid. Contacted this afternoon, Alice Stewart, a spokeswoman for Bachmann, said the congresswoman was doing campaign events and was not immediately available for comment.
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning and welcome to Hump Day. It is 66 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. Throughout the night we had strong rains along with some thunder and lightning. The prediction is for a very nice day. My early morning walk was standard except that more people said hello this morning. I always find it strange to be in close proximity to a fellow human being and that person pretends I am not inches away. Such is contemporary life.
At 8:15 futures are moderately up, the dollar is mixed, and oil is up.
Greece will vote on new austerity measures designed to qualify that country for more financial assistance to get through this unending Greek crisis. The Greek people have something else in mind. They are not pleased to say the least. There is an uprising occurring and generally when the state locks horns with the people, well most of the time the state has the military superiority while the people have the moral superiority. Heads often roll and not the heads of those working for the state.
Today investors will look at more data on America's troubled housing market. That sector is dragging and its understandable.
At the moment all is slightly fluffy as far as stocks go. The market may even open higher. As we know that is where our understanding ends.
CNN: Stocks: Pinning hopes on Greece
At 8:15 futures are moderately up, the dollar is mixed, and oil is up.
Greece will vote on new austerity measures designed to qualify that country for more financial assistance to get through this unending Greek crisis. The Greek people have something else in mind. They are not pleased to say the least. There is an uprising occurring and generally when the state locks horns with the people, well most of the time the state has the military superiority while the people have the moral superiority. Heads often roll and not the heads of those working for the state.
Today investors will look at more data on America's troubled housing market. That sector is dragging and its understandable.
At the moment all is slightly fluffy as far as stocks go. The market may even open higher. As we know that is where our understanding ends.
CNN: Stocks: Pinning hopes on Greece
Greece's vote Wednesday follows a debate of whether the country should adopt severe spending cuts and tax increases, in exchange for a financial aid package from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
The National Association of Realtors will release its May pending home sales data at 10 a.m.
Oil for August delivery gained 87 cents to $93.76 a barrel.
'Symphony No.3-3rd Movement'
Mariss Jansons Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra performs the music of Brahms.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
'Robots Of Brixton'
Brixton has degenerated into a disregarded area inhabited by London's new robot workforce - robots built and designed to carry out all of the tasks which humans are no longer inclined to do. The mechanical population of Brixton has rocketed, resulting in unplanned, cheap and quick additions to the skyline.
The film follows the trials and tribulations of young robots surviving at the sharp end of inner city life, living the predictable existence of a populous hemmed in by poverty, disillusionment and mass unemployment. When the Police invade the one space which the robots can call their own, the fierce and strained relationship between the two sides explodes into an outbreak of violence echoing that of 1981.
Robots of Brixton from Kibwe Tavares on Vimeo.
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW gained 145.13 points today closing at 12,188.
Reuters: Wall St up again on Greece, but investors skittish
Reuters: Wall St up again on Greece, but investors skittish
China Debt
More info on a looming potential bubble burst in China.
It looks familiar, heavy infrastructure and housing building based on an unending asset expansion bubble and paid for with ultra loose credit. Somewhere down the line the bubble implodes.
CNN: China's debt bomb
It looks familiar, heavy infrastructure and housing building based on an unending asset expansion bubble and paid for with ultra loose credit. Somewhere down the line the bubble implodes.
CNN: China's debt bomb
Most recently, China's top auditor said that loose lending standards and a sharp rise in local government borrowing (for building projects, of course) may have created a mountain of debt that cannot be repaid...
What's happening in China should sound familiar because it is reminiscent of what happened here in the US. Confronted by an economy that couldn't deliver real wealth to the people, our bureaucrats loosened borrowing standards in the 1990s.
More Michele Flubs
I'm really liking her, she has no concerns about making false statements. Its amazing, its stunning!
The Fukushima Exclusion Zone
The Japanese have established a 12.5 mile radius exclusion zone around the Fukushima reactors. People that live near that zone are anxious about the dangers of radiation as well and who wouldn't be. Within that population people with small children are hard pressed with concerns about health being compromised by radiation.
As much as I am opposed to nuclear power, I believe that nuclear reactors will continue to be viewed as a viable energy source. Recent articles lead me in the direction of a newer variety of reactors intended to reduce safety issue fears.
Meanwhile the present crop of reactors are literally potential time bombs. In the USA we like to build our reactors very close to major populated centers. The warnings are out, officials know what is at stake, yet the word is silent on solutions and alternatives. Recent studies have revealed a list of ongoing safety issues along with inconsistent standards in safety at these reactors. We hate to say it but its just a matter of time when we are facing another crisis. Its hard to imagine any other scenario. There are two reactor exclusion zones that I am aware of, Fukushima and Chernobyl along with areas contaminated with nuclear waste. That list seems destined to grow. Its Russian roulette.
CS Monitor: Beyond Japan's Fukushima exclusion zone, shuttered shops speak to radiation doubts
As much as I am opposed to nuclear power, I believe that nuclear reactors will continue to be viewed as a viable energy source. Recent articles lead me in the direction of a newer variety of reactors intended to reduce safety issue fears.
Meanwhile the present crop of reactors are literally potential time bombs. In the USA we like to build our reactors very close to major populated centers. The warnings are out, officials know what is at stake, yet the word is silent on solutions and alternatives. Recent studies have revealed a list of ongoing safety issues along with inconsistent standards in safety at these reactors. We hate to say it but its just a matter of time when we are facing another crisis. Its hard to imagine any other scenario. There are two reactor exclusion zones that I am aware of, Fukushima and Chernobyl along with areas contaminated with nuclear waste. That list seems destined to grow. Its Russian roulette.
CS Monitor: Beyond Japan's Fukushima exclusion zone, shuttered shops speak to radiation doubts
Mr. Monakata is one of the very few people still living in the bucolic countryside just outside the 12.5-mile radius exclusion zone surrounding the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, where three reactors exploded after the March 11 earthquake and subsequent tsunami.
In the small city of Date, 35 miles from the plant, the anxiety is palpable – especially among parents of young children.
...the city will issue individual radiation detectors to all school-age children...
Safety inspectors have rejected 266 of 2,000 food samples they have tested since March.
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 73 degrees and mostly sunny here in Upstate NY. I have taken to picking up litter during my morning walk. Its an attempt to do something positive first thing. Why not?
At 8:00 a.m. futures are slightly down, the dollar is mixed, and oil is slightly up.
The investment news continues with virtually the same points. Greece is still trying to figure out how to remain a viable country. Their parliament will vote tomorrow on the newest austerity measures. Meanwhile the population is up in arms over proposed cuts.
Investors will be looking at news on home prices which more than likely will fall once again and looking at numbers on consumer confidence. Exactly how confident are you?
The underlying and probably more compelling story will be the start of second quarter numbers in July. This is what people are waiting for.
CNN: Stocks: Greece still in focus
At 8:00 a.m. futures are slightly down, the dollar is mixed, and oil is slightly up.
The investment news continues with virtually the same points. Greece is still trying to figure out how to remain a viable country. Their parliament will vote tomorrow on the newest austerity measures. Meanwhile the population is up in arms over proposed cuts.
Investors will be looking at news on home prices which more than likely will fall once again and looking at numbers on consumer confidence. Exactly how confident are you?
The underlying and probably more compelling story will be the start of second quarter numbers in July. This is what people are waiting for.
CNN: Stocks: Greece still in focus
...Greece's parliament will vote Wednesday on a five-year budget plan.
Investors will get the S&P Case-Shiller home price index for April at 9 a.m. ET...
...consumer confidence survey for June...
Oil for August delivery edged higher 30 cents to $90.91 a barrel.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Close Call Asteroid
Its bus sized, its going to miss us this time, but 2022 is coming.
Raw Story: NASA: Asteroid to barely miss earth Monday
Raw Story: NASA: Asteroid to barely miss earth Monday
Bachmann Flubs Her Presidential Announcement
We know that dastardly liberal intellectualism is equal to Satan in certain political spheres.
However, Michele needs to add at least one such intellectual to her crew of advisers.
Today she inadvertently likened her spirit to the wrong John Wayne. The locale she pointed to as the home of John Wayne is in fact the home of serial killer John Wayne Gacy. We know Michele does not mean to liken herself to that John Wayne, but as a presidential candidate she might consider becoming a tad more diligent and precise in her pronouncements.
WaPo: The wrong John Wayne
However, Michele needs to add at least one such intellectual to her crew of advisers.
Today she inadvertently likened her spirit to the wrong John Wayne. The locale she pointed to as the home of John Wayne is in fact the home of serial killer John Wayne Gacy. We know Michele does not mean to liken herself to that John Wayne, but as a presidential candidate she might consider becoming a tad more diligent and precise in her pronouncements.
WaPo: The wrong John Wayne
Rep. Michele Bachmann kicked off her presidential campaign on Monday in Waterloo, Iowa, and in one interview surrounding the official event she promised to mimic the spirit of Waterloo's own John Wayne.
The only problem, as one eagle-eyed reader notes: Waterloo's John Wayne was not the beloved movie star, but rather John Wayne Gacy, the serial killer.
Thirty Year Energy War
Michael T. Klare paints a picture of how energy types and usage will change in the next 30 years. He is talking about oil and coal no longer being the dominant fuel and is placing his bet on more decentralized easy to install systems like solar in its present usage.
ZNET: The New Thirty Years’ War
ZNET: The New Thirty Years’ War
Why 30 years? Because that’s how long it will take for experimental energy systems like hydrogen power, cellulosic ethanol, wave power, algae fuel, and advanced nuclear reactors to make it from the laboratory to full-scale industrial development.
Thirty years from now, for better or worse, the world will be a far different place: hotter, stormier, and with less land (given the loss of shoreline and low-lying areas to rising sea levels). Strict limitations on carbon emissions will certainly be universally enforced and the consumption of fossil fuels, except under controlled circumstances, actively discouraged. Oil will still be available to those who can afford it, but will no longer be the world’s paramount fuel.
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,043.56 today gaining 108.98 points.
Reuters: Wall Street rises as banks rally
Reuters: Wall Street rises as banks rally
In economic news, U.S. consumer spending stagnated in May, according to a government report, while a reading on Midwest manufacturing rose slightly.
Chinese Cities In Massive Debt
One wonders how this will impact the markets.
First the Dodgers, now China. Who exactly is not in debt?
AFP: China cities owe $1.65 trln, some 'may default'
First the Dodgers, now China. Who exactly is not in debt?
AFP: China cities owe $1.65 trln, some 'may default'
Excessive borrowing by authorities to fund infrastructure and other projects has sparked concerns among China's leadership about the risks the loans pose to the financial stability of the world's second largest economy.
By the end of last year, local governments had 10.7 trillion yuan ($1.65 trillion) of debt, the National Audit Office (NAO) said in a statement, or about 27 percent of China's 2010 GDP of 39.8 trillion yuan.
"The ability of some areas and industries to repay debt is weak and potentially risky," the NAO said.
Bankrupt Dodger Blues
Debt is all the rage. If you are not in debt, get into it. Everybody is in debt.
The owner Frank McCourt is sighting a bitter and contentious divorce battle with the estranged Jamie McCourt as a source of his lack of funds.
Reuters: Los Angeles Dodgers file for bankruptcy
...having been heavily in debt and locked in a bitter divorce battle with his estranged wife Jamie.
Uncontacted Amazon Tribe
One hopes that the authorities have enough sensitivity and compassion to allow these tribal people to live as they choose. There's something truly remarkable knowing that there are people out there unaware of the torque of modern life.
Live Science: Existence of Uncontacted Amazon Tribe Confirmed
Live Science: Existence of Uncontacted Amazon Tribe Confirmed
The latest images reveal that the newly confirmed tribe grows corn, peanuts, bananas and other crops.
When missionaries contacted the tribe in 1987, 45 Indians died of common diseases that they had never encountered and thus had no tolerance for, including the flu.
Marriage Equality And Elections
I believe that New York's passing marriage equality legislation last Friday was a landmark decision. This is quite huge.
This is a progressive issue and it is being spearheaded by the third most populous state. I think the implications go much further. When we talk about a landslide, we are talking about something that sweeps away all kinds of matter in its path. This is such legislation as it will embolden more progressive issues. People are charged.
Young people are far more open to gay marriage then older people. In time this is a change that will clearly occurs regardless as the new guard replaces the old. The patriarchs of the various churches in opposition and the politicians like Bachmann and Christie are attempting to hold back a body of water where the dam has already burst.
I think the implications are strong not just for marriage equality but for other issues as well. Seeing people fight for their rights makes other people want the same for themselves on a host of issues. 2011 is shaping up to be a year of human rights gains worldwide. There is a lot of kickback and resentment of the changes, that is the way humans change. Some go kicking and screaming and others just enjoy the ride.
CS Monitor: How will New York's gay marriage law affect the 2012 election and beyond?
This is a progressive issue and it is being spearheaded by the third most populous state. I think the implications go much further. When we talk about a landslide, we are talking about something that sweeps away all kinds of matter in its path. This is such legislation as it will embolden more progressive issues. People are charged.
Young people are far more open to gay marriage then older people. In time this is a change that will clearly occurs regardless as the new guard replaces the old. The patriarchs of the various churches in opposition and the politicians like Bachmann and Christie are attempting to hold back a body of water where the dam has already burst.
I think the implications are strong not just for marriage equality but for other issues as well. Seeing people fight for their rights makes other people want the same for themselves on a host of issues. 2011 is shaping up to be a year of human rights gains worldwide. There is a lot of kickback and resentment of the changes, that is the way humans change. Some go kicking and screaming and others just enjoy the ride.
CS Monitor: How will New York's gay marriage law affect the 2012 election and beyond?
...Republican leaders in New Hampshire hope to repeal the state law allowing same-sex marriage – right around the time of New Hampshire’s first-in-the-nation presidential primary election.
Elected judges in Iowa who upheld that state’s law have been defeated at the polls. Voters in Maine repealed a law allowing same-sex marriage. And in California, the legal fight over the Prop. 8 ballot measure banning same-sex marriage continues – most recently involving questions over whether a gay judge can fairly hear the case.
...(On gay marriage) Gallup...pushed through the majority mark to 53 percent this year.
Could an exodus of gay people from the rest of the US to the Empire State sap the will (and pocketbooks) of campaigns to legalize marriage in, say, Missouri or Minnesota or Kansas?”
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 66 degrees and mostly sunny here in Upstate NY. The weather logos have sun for the next few days and we are happy to see it after a full week of rain. I must say the lushness of the vegetation is very rich. There is an outpouring of green and plant growth at all levels. Also the humidity has been absent most of this time and the temperatures have been quite nice and comfortable.
At 8:05 a.m. futures are slightly higher, the dollar is mixed, and the price of oil per barrel is slightly lower.
Investors will be looking at data on personal income and spending. One thing we need to do is understand who is being included in this data. If it is as I suspect then it is a poor reflection of the ordinary person particularly if the ultra rich are averaged into the numbers.
Talk of the Greek debt crisis continues and will continue. At the moment nothing is jumping out and saying extreme tragedy in the markets for the next few hours.
CNN: Stocks: Investors wary over Greece
At 8:05 a.m. futures are slightly higher, the dollar is mixed, and the price of oil per barrel is slightly lower.
Investors will be looking at data on personal income and spending. One thing we need to do is understand who is being included in this data. If it is as I suspect then it is a poor reflection of the ordinary person particularly if the ultra rich are averaged into the numbers.
Talk of the Greek debt crisis continues and will continue. At the moment nothing is jumping out and saying extreme tragedy in the markets for the next few hours.
CNN: Stocks: Investors wary over Greece
...investors awaited personal income and spending data.
European stocks were mixed ahead of the debate on the austerity package for Greece
Oil for August delivery slipped 36 cents to $90.80 a barrel.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Bachmann Backs Amendment To Ban Gay Marriage
Bachmann is now polling either first or second on the GOP list for the 2012 presidential candidate. Given the present state of the GOP it would not surprise any of us if she were to win the nomination as either the presidential or vice presidential candidate.
Here she is calling for an amendment to ban gay marriage throughout the country. An amendment would trump any legislation passed by a state.
The Christian Post: Bachmann Would Back Federal Amendment Banning Gay Marriage
The Christian Post: NY Catholic Bishop: We Should Speak 'Forcefully And Clearly' Against Gay Marriage
Here she is calling for an amendment to ban gay marriage throughout the country. An amendment would trump any legislation passed by a state.
The Christian Post: Bachmann Would Back Federal Amendment Banning Gay Marriage
Speaking to Fox News Sunday, Bachmann said that if she were elected president she would back an amendment to define marriage as "between a man and a woman."Also -
Bachmann, who has placed first and second in the latest polls of 2012 Republican candidates, will formally declare her candidacy Monday in Waterloo, Iowa, where she was born.
The Christian Post: NY Catholic Bishop: We Should Speak 'Forcefully And Clearly' Against Gay Marriage
In the moments following the bill's passage, Dolan and DiMarzio also joined other Catholic bishops in New York to release a statement opposing the decision.
"The passage by the Legislature of a bill to alter radically and forever humanity’s historic understanding of marriage leaves us deeply disappointed and troubled," the bishops said.
"We worry that both marriage and the family will be undermined by this tragic presumption of government in passing this legislation that attempts to redefine these cornerstones of civilization."
The statement was also signed by Howard J. Hubbard, Bishop of Albany; Edward U. Kmiec, Bishop of Buffalo; Terry R. LaValley, Bishop of Ogdensburg; Matthew H. Clark, Bishop of Rochester; William F. Murphy, Bishop of Rockville Centre and Robert J. Cunningham, Bishop of Syracuse.
It is still unclear whether any of the bishops plan to deny communion to any Catholic politicians such as Cuomo and Republican Sen. Mark Grisanti who supported the gay marriage bill.
Nebraska Nuke Plant Incident
The news suggests that the problem is at best minor.
CNN: Flood berm bursts at Nebraska nuclear plant
CNN: Flood berm bursts at Nebraska nuclear plant
The plant is designed to withstand waters up to 1,014 feet above mean sea level, according to the OPPD. The river currently stands at 1,006.3 feet and is not expected to exceed 1,008 feet, the Power District said.
Old Old House
Spent the afternoon building brick walls that support a new front entrance porch to the old house. The work on this place never ends and so it keeps me busy.
I enjoy building brick walls and working with concrete. Its so fundamental - rocks and things like rocks.
Tomorrow I will go out and wash the walls with some light dilluted acid to remove mortar from the brick surfaces. The good part is that I pushed it and finished it today.
Next step is wood.
I enjoy building brick walls and working with concrete. Its so fundamental - rocks and things like rocks.
Tomorrow I will go out and wash the walls with some light dilluted acid to remove mortar from the brick surfaces. The good part is that I pushed it and finished it today.
Next step is wood.
'Drill Everywhere...There Is No Such Thing As Global Warming'
We talk about fossil fuels, but what about actual living fossils?
I have to admit that I am losing interest in people like Beck and Santorum from the point of view of wanting to post and highlight their views. We can make fun of them, be sarcastic, whatever. Ultimately, we need to move on in spite of their media headwind. Its a matter of will power.
I have to admit that I am losing interest in people like Beck and Santorum from the point of view of wanting to post and highlight their views. We can make fun of them, be sarcastic, whatever. Ultimately, we need to move on in spite of their media headwind. Its a matter of will power.
Have A Good Sunday Morning
An example of American Luminism - Good name for an art movement, maybe we need to revive it.
5 Myths Debunked
My calendar says that today is Gay Pride Day. Let's further the work of the New York legislature and put some myths to rest.
Live Science: 5 Myths About Gay People Debunked
Live Science: 5 Myths About Gay People Debunked
Another stereotype is that gay relationships aren't as real or long-lasting as heterosexual ones.
Research has found that to be untrue. Long-term studies of gay couples indicate that their relationships are just as stable as straight pairings.
More Coming Up On Wall Street
Good morning. It is 68 degrees, cloudy, and damp here in Upstate NY. The logo has a big old sun on it for today and tomorrow but nothing at the present moment approaches that. I was just out taking my morning constitutional. I've found that walking really loosens the back. Yesterday I had to do some heavy lifting and this morning I woke with the back tightness. For the moment the formula is working.
This week investors will look at a slew of data on ingrate consumer personal income and spending numbers along with salient data on manufacturing, housing, and employment.
Adding flavor and zest to the heady economic data stream will be the ongoing economic crisis in Greece along with Italy's own banking problems plus factor x which typically comes out of nowhere.
So why not offer a guess as to how the direction of the market goes - alright, I predict the market ends on Friday July 1st down from the DOW at its present number 11,934.58. July is right around the corner.
CNN: Stocks: Investors prep for quarter end
This week investors will look at a slew of data on ingrate consumer personal income and spending numbers along with salient data on manufacturing, housing, and employment.
Adding flavor and zest to the heady economic data stream will be the ongoing economic crisis in Greece along with Italy's own banking problems plus factor x which typically comes out of nowhere.
So why not offer a guess as to how the direction of the market goes - alright, I predict the market ends on Friday July 1st down from the DOW at its present number 11,934.58. July is right around the corner.
CNN: Stocks: Investors prep for quarter end
The ISM manufacturing survey (is) the second most important piece of economic data investors get on a monthly basis...
"There remains a lot of worry about Greece and any developments could change the market's direction quickly..."
Investors will get the S&P Case-Shiller home price index for April at 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday...
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Much More Diabetes
347 million people worldwide have diabetes. The rise is primarily attributed to people living longer followed by the secondary reason - obesity.
BBC: Diabetes rate 'doubles' - Imperial College and Harvard research suggests
BBC: Diabetes rate 'doubles' - Imperial College and Harvard research suggests
75th 6.0 Magnitude Aftershock In Japan
Famous Earthquakes are usually arranged by their magnitude on the Richter scale. In comparison, a tornado can rumble with Richter scale magnitude of 4.8, and a 1-megaton nuclear bomb can measure 7.5 on the Richter scale. The highest magnitude earthquake recorded to date - at about 9.6 - was the 1960 Chilean earthquake, in which a fault 621 miles(1,000 kilometers) long slipped 33 feet (10 meters). sourceLive Science: 75th Aftershock of Magnitude 6 or Higher Hits Near Japan
Marriage Equality In New York
The states that now allow for equality in marriage are New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and New Hampshire and the District of Columbia. We get it with New England and now New York but certainly Iowa sticks out like a sore thumb as it were. Iowa must of seen one of the strongest advocacy groups in the history of that state.
Regardless, this is huge. The air is a little bit better in New York today.
CNN: New York governor signs same-sex marriage bill into law
Regardless, this is huge. The air is a little bit better in New York today.
CNN: New York governor signs same-sex marriage bill into law
Cuomo signed the bill into law after the legislature cleared the way to legalize same-sex marriage with a 33-to-29 vote, the first time a state Senate with a Republican majority has approved such a bill.
Coming Up On Wall Street
Good morning. It is 62 degrees, rainy, and with a thunderstorm logo here in Upstate NY. Today is the day for sleeping in. So I am typing between snoozes.
As you know various technical levels of the stock market have been tested in the past few weeks. In general this quarter will more than likely end in the red.
The headline for the excerpted Reuters articles is intriguing with bulls ready to charge.
Long story short, the market is poised for gains in two weeks if corporate second quarter reports are strong. We know the alternative. Between now and the beginning of July the same type of volatility of recent weeks seems possible.
Reuters: Bulls ready to charge into a wall of worry
As you know various technical levels of the stock market have been tested in the past few weeks. In general this quarter will more than likely end in the red.
The headline for the excerpted Reuters articles is intriguing with bulls ready to charge.
Long story short, the market is poised for gains in two weeks if corporate second quarter reports are strong. We know the alternative. Between now and the beginning of July the same type of volatility of recent weeks seems possible.
Reuters: Bulls ready to charge into a wall of worry
The sources of the recent decline, including Greece's slow march toward a default on its debt, weak U.S. economic data and the creeping deadline to lift the U.S. debt ceiling, are far from being resolved.
...daily volume on the New York Stock Exchange, NYSE Amex and Nasdaq has averaged 7.22 billion shares.
That is down from the 7.94 billion shares traded daily during the first quarter...
The next two weeks, before quarterly earnings season starts in earnest, could be marked by wild swings like the ones seen recently.
Besides the weekly jobless claims numbers, housing and manufacturing data will attract the most attention next week.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Same Sex Marriage Passes In New York State
All these high taxes and something truly decent finally happens!
Congratulations to all my fellow New Yorkers.
Raw Story: Same-sex marriage passes in New York State
Congratulations to all my fellow New Yorkers.
Raw Story: Same-sex marriage passes in New York State
DOW Closes Lower
The DOW dropped 115.42 points today closing at 11,934.58.
Notice that Italian banking has moved into the list of E.U. economic concerns.
Reuters: Wall Street falls as anxiety mounts over euro-zone debt
Notice that Italian banking has moved into the list of E.U. economic concerns.
Reuters: Wall Street falls as anxiety mounts over euro-zone debt
...worries about the Italian banking sector and Greece's austerity plan...
New Words For War
Tom Engelhardt goes over the latest changes in the Washington used ways of describing war. For example "victory" is out now replaced with “successful in implementing the president’s strategy."
I'm noticing that there is a return to dry and down trodden sarcasm in recent articles coming from the left. It sounds as if all hope in progressive movements have evaporated, replaced with a sarcastic dryness aimed at a wither resistant scourge.
ZNET: “Victory” Is the Verbal Equivalent of a Yeti
I'm noticing that there is a return to dry and down trodden sarcasm in recent articles coming from the left. It sounds as if all hope in progressive movements have evaporated, replaced with a sarcastic dryness aimed at a wither resistant scourge.
ZNET: “Victory” Is the Verbal Equivalent of a Yeti
Permanent bases: In the American way of war, military bases built on foreign soil are the equivalent of heroin. The Pentagon can’t help building them and can’t live without them, but “permanent bases” don’t exist, not for Americans. Never.
That’s simple enough, but let me be absolutely clear anyway: Americans may have at least 865 bases around the world (not including those in war zones), but we have no desire to occupy other countries. And wherever we garrison (and where aren’t we garrisoning?), we don’t want to stay, not permanently anyway.
Cigarettes Makers Target Black Youth
This occurs in California and they reduce the prices and up the advertisements.
Rather cannibalistic - head towards the people with less information on the consequences of smoking and then get them hooked real young. Keeps the revenue stream rolling in.
Reuters: Newport ads target black youth: Stanford study
Rather cannibalistic - head towards the people with less information on the consequences of smoking and then get them hooked real young. Keeps the revenue stream rolling in.
Reuters: Newport ads target black youth: Stanford study
Bin Laden Linked To Pakistan's ISI
The cell phone gave it away. Is this a surprise given the place where he was killed.
Raw Story: Cell phone links Osama bin Laden to Pakistani intel
Raw Story: Cell phone links Osama bin Laden to Pakistani intel
Gay Marriage In New York
Happy to see that Hew York is attempting to lead the way on some long overdue and progressive legislation.
The New York legislative body is close to approving a law making gay marriage legal in this state. I am happy to say that I relented and did vote for Governor Cuomo. Initially I was very opposed to another family - father/son governing duo. I did not like the Bush family monopoly. Cuomo's opponent was simply way too extreme for my tastes and let's face it, third party candidates get a maximum 5% of the vote, even though I tend to like them the most.
At this moment and as far as I know, they are one vote shy of passing the law. The 32nd vote will have to be a Republican and that person is presently not voting because of poor reasons. Let's face it, this is a poor place to play politics.
It is young people that are impressing me as the young vote is strongly behind gay marriage. There is a shift going on in the consciousness at large and its an improvement over the old school. Any way you cut it, this bill will eventually get approved, if not today then in a year or two.
CS Monitor: New York lawmakers delay same-sex marriage vote until Friday
The New York legislative body is close to approving a law making gay marriage legal in this state. I am happy to say that I relented and did vote for Governor Cuomo. Initially I was very opposed to another family - father/son governing duo. I did not like the Bush family monopoly. Cuomo's opponent was simply way too extreme for my tastes and let's face it, third party candidates get a maximum 5% of the vote, even though I tend to like them the most.
At this moment and as far as I know, they are one vote shy of passing the law. The 32nd vote will have to be a Republican and that person is presently not voting because of poor reasons. Let's face it, this is a poor place to play politics.
It is young people that are impressing me as the young vote is strongly behind gay marriage. There is a shift going on in the consciousness at large and its an improvement over the old school. Any way you cut it, this bill will eventually get approved, if not today then in a year or two.
CS Monitor: New York lawmakers delay same-sex marriage vote until Friday
The Democratic-dominated Assembly last week approved the bill, which would make New York the sixth and most populous state to permit same-sex marriages, and Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has promised to sign it.
"No one wants to be the 32nd vote..."
...(gay marriage legislation is) especially (popular) among younger voters..
The Market On Friday
Good morning and welcome to the weekend. It is 65 degrees, cloudy, and with a thunderstorm logo here in Upstate NY. The weather pattern of rain is stuck over this area. This is the trend for this year, a week or two in a row of rain. We would like to see some sun but that's not happening for a few days more. Things are very green around here and the plants are thriving, bushes are getting overgrown. Everybody's lawn is deep green, not a speck of brown crab grass. We are deep in green.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are slightly up, the dollar is mixed, and oil is up.
On Thursday the market was steeply down all day long then almost completely recovered in the last hour of trading. News of a Greece bailout came through. Investors were happy to see that the E.U. along with the IMF put together another promise of rescue funds for Greece. That issue is still not going away yet.
At 8:30 a.m. we will get the final reading on the first quarter GDP. There are a host of ifs and what ifs for today but at this very moment the market is primed to open slightly higher and as we know that could change any second.
CNN: Investors pause after Greek aid cheer
At 8:00 a.m. futures are slightly up, the dollar is mixed, and oil is up.
On Thursday the market was steeply down all day long then almost completely recovered in the last hour of trading. News of a Greece bailout came through. Investors were happy to see that the E.U. along with the IMF put together another promise of rescue funds for Greece. That issue is still not going away yet.
At 8:30 a.m. we will get the final reading on the first quarter GDP. There are a host of ifs and what ifs for today but at this very moment the market is primed to open slightly higher and as we know that could change any second.
CNN: Investors pause after Greek aid cheer
The European Union pledged to extend aid to Greece, as long as the country introduces another round of tax hikes and spending hikes -- in an effort to help the debt-stricken country avoid a default.
The Commerce Department will release its final reading on first-quarter gross domestic product at 8:30 a.m. ET, as well as May durable goods orders.
Oil for August delivery gained 23 cents to $91.25 a barrel.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Iman Shumpert
This is the New York Knicks new guard which they drafted at number 17 in the first round of the NBA draft tonight.
'You Are Not Your Brain'
I listened to one of the authors of this book on the local NPR affiliate today and found her discussion and comments to be compelling.
They have a very good program for helping people.
Amazon: You Are Not Your Brain: The 4-Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and Taking Control of Your Life
They have a very good program for helping people.
Amazon: You Are Not Your Brain: The 4-Step Solution for Changing Bad Habits, Ending Unhealthy Thinking, and Taking Control of Your Life
Tea Party Collapse In Florida
Its looking like the 15 minutes of fame is dissipating in some areas.
Raw Story: Poll: Tea party poses ‘real danger’ to GOP in Florida
Raw Story: Poll: Tea party poses ‘real danger’ to GOP in Florida
DOW Closes Down
The DOW dropped 59.67 points today closing at 12,050.
Reuters: Dow, S&P end down but off lows on Greek deal
Reuters: Dow, S&P end down but off lows on Greek deal
Another Deliberate Attempt To Get Into Jail
This is the second story I have seen about someone trying to get into jail in order to get health care. I would presume that if there are two such stories, then there are probably many more that we are not aware of.
March 29, 20111 - journalgazette.net: Troubled man sets trailer fire, confesses
March 29, 20111 - journalgazette.net: Troubled man sets trailer fire, confesses
Osborn, 50, of the 2900 block of Coliseum Boulevard West, told police he did not belong in the outside world, could not get a job, support himself or get proper medical care for his depression, according to court documents.
Nuclear Waste In Russia
She was Russian and began to tell me about Russia's way of dealing with nuclear waste. She said that European countries also send their nuclear waste to Russia. Russia in turn dumps it all in Siberia.
I need to investigate this further when time allows but this BBC article linked below from a few years ago details a major mess in the Andreeva Bay. You see Russia has little environmental oversight. The waste is dumped, and that's about it.
The NYPIRG worker told me that nuclear waste in Russia is transported in train cars and that often the cars are joined to passenger train cars. The people riding are unwittingly exposed to radiation. How's that for adding unknown insult to unknown injury.
So when the GOP yaps on (and I use the word yap intentionally implying animal intelligence level behavior) about wanting to do away with the EPA and wants to allow big business to simply do what it wants, as the Koch Brothers so warmly advocate, we might also include how that brilliant strategy is working in Russia around nuke waste.
October 2006, BBC: uclear waste poses Arctic threat
About halfway between Severomorsk and the Norwegian border lies Andreeva Bay, an environmental nightmare where the waters are completely devoid of life.
Leaks from the region's largest nuclear waste storage facility mean no fish will ever swim in this fjord. Onshore, both the soil and the groundwater are badly contaminated.
On this vast site, 32 tons of highly radioactive waste with a high uranium content is stored in crumbling concrete bunkers and rusting tanks and containers - about a third of the nuclear waste mountain that can be found on the Kola Peninsula.
'Our Daily Bread'
I watched a portion of this documentary last night, and I literally had to stop and leave the room.
You might become a vegetarian after watching this documentary which shows among other things, details on how animals are processed in slaughter houses. It will make you think twice about eating meat, absolutely.
trailer
excerpt
You might become a vegetarian after watching this documentary which shows among other things, details on how animals are processed in slaughter houses. It will make you think twice about eating meat, absolutely.
trailer
excerpt
DOW Down At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is down 183 points. Oil prices are down over $4 per barrel. That is an unusual drop.
CNN: U.S. to release oil from strategic reserve
CNN: U.S. to release oil from strategic reserve
429,000
Bad news again on the economy - this will weigh down markets even more.
From CNN:
From CNN:
Initial filings for unemployment insurance climb by 9,000 in latest week to 429,000, Labor Department says.
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