Saturday, December 31, 2011
Hecho En América
The Republican presidential dog and pony show continues as each candidate invents pronouncements to outdo their challengers in hopes of proving that their allegiance alone outshines, that they are the real patriot.
What Perry actually succeeds in doing is adding an even move generous helping to a mess filled to the brim with all that is pathetic.
Yahoo: Perry supports English as official language in US
What Perry actually succeeds in doing is adding an even move generous helping to a mess filled to the brim with all that is pathetic.
Yahoo: Perry supports English as official language in US
Fool's Gold
The vastly superior intellect of Newt Gingrich has concluded that his initial understanding that climate change exists was fool's gold. Newt will be eliminating the climate change chapter from his new book.
CBS: Gingrich kills chapter on climate change in upcoming book
CBS: Gingrich kills chapter on climate change in upcoming book
Friday, December 30, 2011
Quebec Climate Change
One suspects this type of story will be the norm. Notice that the main headlines in the USA tend to ignore the topic of climate change or simply report on drastic weather without any further context.
I just read an article over at Raw Story which claims that people who live in areas that are directly affected by unusually severe weather conditions, as in recent headlines, tend to shift their thinking in the direction that climate change is real.
Montreal Gazette: Quebec on the verge of catastrophic climate change, expert say
I just read an article over at Raw Story which claims that people who live in areas that are directly affected by unusually severe weather conditions, as in recent headlines, tend to shift their thinking in the direction that climate change is real.
Montreal Gazette: Quebec on the verge of catastrophic climate change, expert say
The models indicate mean temperatures in the southern half of Quebec will be 2C to 3C higher than normal by 2020. In northern Quebec, the warming will be even higher. And at the present rate of warming as tracked since 1948, we are on track to be well over 4C by 2050 and as high as 7C to 9C by 2080.
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 25 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. There was a very light dusting of snow on the ground this morning. They are talking snow for today but you never know. The new puppy had a good experience when we were out walking. Jed, the two year old Golden, and his owner happened to walk by as we were heading home. The interaction was initially a little tense but after a short time our puppy was comfortable and all tails were wagging. It helped that I kept feeding Jed treats and kept him more interested in me than the little puppy. Getting the puppy socialized is still a main priority.
At 8:10 a.m. futures are slightly up, the dollar is mostly down, and oil is up.
Today is the last trading day for 2011 and I guess hurray for that. If the market remains flat or goes higher, we will see the S&P in the black for the year. Its not a lot of black but at least its black. The NASDAQ will remain in the red, tough year for high tech.
If there is any kernel that we can take away from the recent articles including today's, it is simply that the present thinking has the US economy improving. The sticking point right now is in Europe. How the two will ultimately play out against each other is not clear but it will not be smooth either.
CNN: Stocks set for 2011's finish
At 8:10 a.m. futures are slightly up, the dollar is mostly down, and oil is up.
Today is the last trading day for 2011 and I guess hurray for that. If the market remains flat or goes higher, we will see the S&P in the black for the year. Its not a lot of black but at least its black. The NASDAQ will remain in the red, tough year for high tech.
If there is any kernel that we can take away from the recent articles including today's, it is simply that the present thinking has the US economy improving. The sticking point right now is in Europe. How the two will ultimately play out against each other is not clear but it will not be smooth either.
CNN: Stocks set for 2011's finish
Thursday's rebound put the S&P 500 back on track for a modest 0.4% gain in 2011, after the broad market index fell sharply Wednesday. The Dow is currently up 6.1% for the year, while the Nasdaq is set for a 1.5% loss.
Oil for February delivery rose 25 cents to $99.91 a barrel.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
You Vill Obey - Ya Vol!
After you sign the loyalty oath, you must also sign a purity oath and offer DNA samples...
I made the last part up but I had you there didn't I. That's right, its heading in that direction.
Richmond Times Dispatch: Va. GOP will require loyalty oath in presidential primary
I made the last part up but I had you there didn't I. That's right, its heading in that direction.
Richmond Times Dispatch: Va. GOP will require loyalty oath in presidential primary
Anyone who wants to vote must sign a form at the polling place pledging to support the eventual Republican nominee for president. Anyone who refuses to sign will be barred from voting in the primary.
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,287.04 gaining 135.63 points.
Reuters: Wall St rises, on track for slight gains in 2011
Reuters: Wall St rises, on track for slight gains in 2011
2 Degrees
This article is mentioned in the TRNN clip posted below "Where is the urgency about global climate change."
Its an eye opener and the article gets into what will happen to our Earth.
Scientific American: 2-Degree Global Warming Limit Is Called a “Prescription for Disaster”
Its an eye opener and the article gets into what will happen to our Earth.
Scientific American: 2-Degree Global Warming Limit Is Called a “Prescription for Disaster”
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels before the industrial revolution were about 280 parts per million on average. They have been rising ever since, and today are about 397 ppm. A level of 450 ppm has generally been associated with an average global temperature rise of two degrees C. However, the latest analysis shows that a level of 450 ppm is enough to melt a significant portion of the world’s ice, because feedback mechanisms kick in; melting ice hastens the melting of even more ice, for example, and thawing permafrost emits methane that accelerates warming, prompting permafrost to thaw even more.
If the number reaches 560 ppm, a doubling of preindustrial values, sea level globally could rise 25 meters, according to Eelco Rohling, professor of ocean and climate change at University of Southampton in the U.K., who presented data at the AGU meeting with Hansen. Many large cities worldwide lie at that elevation or lower. The two scientists agreed that if nations continue to emit CO2 at current rates, the world could reach 560 ppm by 2100.
Lost Cause
Nicely done - good read.
AlterNet: Why the White South Is Still in Denial About Slavery
AlterNet: Why the White South Is Still in Denial About Slavery
After Lincoln’s assassination, Republicans struck an implicit deal with the South, a sort of economic/cultural tradeoff, in which the South was allowed to construct the edifice of the Lost Cause culture in return for letting Northern investors exploit the South’s resources.
381,000
Disappointing news.
From CNN -
From CNN -
First-time unemployment claim filings climb 15,000 to 381,000 in the latest week, Labor Department says.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 17 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. It was colder earlier when we went for the puppy dog walk. I had on more layers than an onion, the lbj's, the fleece lined pants, woolen sock, microfiber long sleeve shirt, face mask, etc. It all worked too, I came home with toasty hands and feet. Happy to report that the dog is spent tired and is now sleeping as I type.
At 8:25 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mixed, and oil is slightly up.
In a short while we will get the first time unemployment numbers. We are still looking for numbers well below 400,000. Also we will get more information on the housing market.
Recall many investors are on holiday and so trading is limited yet potentially volatile. With Eurozone troubles popping up when least expected, it could go any way. Hopefully calmer minds will prevail and the market can remain at least flat.
CNN: Stocks: Economic reports awaited
At 8:25 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mixed, and oil is slightly up.
In a short while we will get the first time unemployment numbers. We are still looking for numbers well below 400,000. Also we will get more information on the housing market.
Recall many investors are on holiday and so trading is limited yet potentially volatile. With Eurozone troubles popping up when least expected, it could go any way. Hopefully calmer minds will prevail and the market can remain at least flat.
CNN: Stocks: Economic reports awaited
...the National Association of Realtors will release the November installment of its Pending Home Sales Index.
Oil for February delivery rose 7 cents to $99.43 a barrel.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
More Positive Less Negative
Obama is the perfect corporatist Wall Street insider. Why would the financial elite change direction in 2012?
Reuters: Obama approval back in positive territory: Gallup
Reuters: Obama approval back in positive territory: Gallup
Re-Romney Re-Risen
Its simple. The crop of Republican AKA Tea Party candidates is so radical and disturbing to even most Republicans that there is only one candidate who can possibly supplant Obama. That is Romney.
Romney is the establishment Republican's candidate. He will get the nomination sure as his name is Mitt. Its a done deal. All this bubble up bubble burst dog and pony show is nothing but made for TV spectacle.
As Maddow so clearly points out, the only one without a bubble (so far) is Santorum. He may very well get his bubble but he is not the establishment GOP candidate, he is the extreme fundamentalist AKA social values conservative candidate. Maybe he gets his bubble and he gets to walk away with the knowledge that he lead this bunch of extreme losers for a week. Maybe not.
CNN: CNN Poll: Romney on top, Gingrich fading & Santorum rising in Iowa
Romney is the establishment Republican's candidate. He will get the nomination sure as his name is Mitt. Its a done deal. All this bubble up bubble burst dog and pony show is nothing but made for TV spectacle.
As Maddow so clearly points out, the only one without a bubble (so far) is Santorum. He may very well get his bubble but he is not the establishment GOP candidate, he is the extreme fundamentalist AKA social values conservative candidate. Maybe he gets his bubble and he gets to walk away with the knowledge that he lead this bunch of extreme losers for a week. Maybe not.
CNN: CNN Poll: Romney on top, Gingrich fading & Santorum rising in Iowa
DOW Closes Lower
The DOW closed at 12,151.41 dropping 139.94 points.
Reuters: Wall Street ends 5-day rally on renewed concerns about Europe
Reuters: Wall Street ends 5-day rally on renewed concerns about Europe
Banking Is Downsizing - Thousands Of Layoffs
Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, BoA, and UBS are laying off thousands of workers.
Guardian UK: Morgan Stanley to slash more than 500 jobs in New York
Guardian UK: Morgan Stanley to slash more than 500 jobs in New York
And Randy
Who could resist an article with the following title -
AlterNet: How the GOP Tries to Transform America into a Selfish, Souless Place
AlterNet: How the GOP Tries to Transform America into a Selfish, Souless Place
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 40 degrees and rainy here in Upstate NY. I peaked ahead at the 10 day forecast and I see that after New Year's Day the temperatures will drop. January is traditionally the coldest month in these parts. All things considered this has been a very mild December, its unusual. I still need to pick up a new pair of sub zero temperature gloves, freezing hands are the worst as you know. I had a really good pair but lost one somewhere last year. Its a profound truth about gloves, eventually you will lose one. Its just like earrings.
At 7:40 a.m. futures are slightly higher, the dollar is mixed, and oil is slightly down.
Trading volume was very low on Tuesday as the market managed to stay flat and neutral. Hopefully this will be the case for the rest of the week including today.
Many investors are on holiday and there seems to be a general interest in putting the major fears on the warm burner not the raging boiling burner.
Still, you never know...
CNN: Stocks: Investors winding down
At 7:40 a.m. futures are slightly higher, the dollar is mixed, and oil is slightly down.
Trading volume was very low on Tuesday as the market managed to stay flat and neutral. Hopefully this will be the case for the rest of the week including today.
Many investors are on holiday and there seems to be a general interest in putting the major fears on the warm burner not the raging boiling burner.
Still, you never know...
CNN: Stocks: Investors winding down
(On Tuesday) Trading volumes were well below average, with many market participants taking time off this week...
...investors say the market remains vulnerable as the debt crisis in Europe continues to threaten the outlook for the global economy and financial markets.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Mall Riot
This happened Monday night at Mall of America (America's largest mall) in Bloomington, Minnesota.
DOW Closes Flat
The DOW closed at 12,291.35 dropping 2.65 points.
Reuters: Wall Street finishes mostly flat in thin trade
Reuters: Wall Street finishes mostly flat in thin trade
Confident? Confident.
Long story short - consumer confidence in a strong economy is rated at 90. The present consumer confidence is rated at 64.5. Clearly 64.5 is far below 90 but the expected number was 59. Generally the numbers are trending up.
Guardian UK: US consumer confidence surges in December
Guardian UK: US consumer confidence surges in December
Newt Ejection
Newt's seems to be losing his brief momentum.
One might conclude that the upcoming 2012 ballot with be sans Newt.
AlterNet: 5 Reasons Newt Gingrich Will Be Nothing But a Footnote in History
One might conclude that the upcoming 2012 ballot with be sans Newt.
AlterNet: 5 Reasons Newt Gingrich Will Be Nothing But a Footnote in History
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 28 degrees and cloudy moving to clear here in Upstate NY. Many people including yours truly did not work on Monday. We extended the holiday weekend and we regret that its over. Now its back to the grind. I always like this in between week. Nobody expects a whole lot to get done, its kind of a cultural give a way as it were. Earlier I was out walking the new dog, who I might add we have nicknamed 'the perfect puppy'. She has an amazing ability to dive onto somebody's lawn, where the lawn meets the street, find and then start chewing on some god awful object - a plastic bottle cap, a packet of ketchup, a styrofoam coffee cup, and most recently a dead squirrel. Yes, we are working on the 'give' command, but she really didn't want to give up the squirrel. Eventually we got it away from her. Poor squirrel though, what an ignominious end.
At 7:55 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is down, and oil is back up over $100.
Like the rest of our society, one suspects that not a whole lot will get done in the markets this week - mercifully I might add. Many investors have put the last comma and period in the ledger for the year. Still the big question will be whether or the not the indexes will end in the black or red for the year. I'll go with black, what the hell.
Notice how Sears/K Mart is about to go down the tubes with the parent company Sears Holding about to shut down over 100 stores due to poor holiday sales. Come to think of it, the last time I was at a Sears was probably 2 decades ago. Yeah, I guess I'm not helping here am I.
One of my favorite data metrics, consumer confidence, re-arises today. Exactly how confident are all you ingrates anyhow? I'm not too confident, but I am definitely more content, go figure.
CNN: Stocks: Economy in focus
At 7:55 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is down, and oil is back up over $100.
Like the rest of our society, one suspects that not a whole lot will get done in the markets this week - mercifully I might add. Many investors have put the last comma and period in the ledger for the year. Still the big question will be whether or the not the indexes will end in the black or red for the year. I'll go with black, what the hell.
Notice how Sears/K Mart is about to go down the tubes with the parent company Sears Holding about to shut down over 100 stores due to poor holiday sales. Come to think of it, the last time I was at a Sears was probably 2 decades ago. Yeah, I guess I'm not helping here am I.
One of my favorite data metrics, consumer confidence, re-arises today. Exactly how confident are all you ingrates anyhow? I'm not too confident, but I am definitely more content, go figure.
CNN: Stocks: Economy in focus
After the market open, a report on consumer confidence will be released...
Case-Shiller home prices for October are set for release ahead of the opening bell.
Sears...will...close 100 to 120 Sears and Kmart stores.
Oil for February delivery rose 38 cents to $100.03 a barrel.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Wall Street Is Closed Today
Good morning. It is 36 degrees and mostly clear in Upstate NY. Other than the Monday morning garbage collection truck sounds, its pretty quiet in the suburbs. It was extraordinarily quiet here last night. This is a holiday bonus, people give it a rest. Lots of people are taking the day off including the stock market. I hope to hit the dry sauna today and thoroughly warm the old body. Try to keep it simple and by all means relax and rest.
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Good Night
Presents were shared, family got re-connected, excellent food was savored, and I kept to my word which was to not post a single misery related article. The latter was hard to do.
I hope you are having a great day and I will see you bright and early Monday morning.
I hope you are having a great day and I will see you bright and early Monday morning.
OMM Healing Touch
Check this out, its about a type of medical practice called OMM - Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Here's the cool part, its all done by hand, no surgery, no drugs, and they can take care of just about anything. Really! A deep operative of mine practices this type of medicine.
Christmas Day
Happy Holidays everybody!
I am deliberately going to resist the hard painful stories today.
We need a break! I need a break! Too much misery in the world.
Happy to report that presents were shared, the dog is resting peacefully, the music is on, the food is cooking, life is good. May you have the same and better!
I am deliberately going to resist the hard painful stories today.
We need a break! I need a break! Too much misery in the world.
Happy to report that presents were shared, the dog is resting peacefully, the music is on, the food is cooking, life is good. May you have the same and better!
'Impressions'
Anthony Braxton
The clip stops at the end of Braxton's over the top high energy alto solo.
The clip stops at the end of Braxton's over the top high energy alto solo.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
The Ed Show - A FOX Christmas
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
ERs Swamped With Psychiatric Patients
The 99% part of America is facing a mental health crisis. As states slash spending for mental health services, ERs are the only place an individual can go for some help.
Reuters: Mentally ill flood ER as states cut services
Reuters: Mentally ill flood ER as states cut services
Across the country, doctors like Sullivan are facing a spike in psychiatric emergencies - attempted suicide, severe depression, psychosis - as states slash mental health services and the country's worst economic crisis since the Great Depression takes its toll.
Off The Ballot
Huge mistake for Newt. I feel so...unhappy (sarcasm italics implied).
The establishment GOP candidate is Romney. Romney with Christie as VP is my prediction. On the other hand, Romney may be forced to include a fundamentalist jingo ultra-wingnut as VP like McCain did in 2008.
CNN: Gingrich, Perry fail to qualify for GOP primary ballot in Virginia
The establishment GOP candidate is Romney. Romney with Christie as VP is my prediction. On the other hand, Romney may be forced to include a fundamentalist jingo ultra-wingnut as VP like McCain did in 2008.
CNN: Gingrich, Perry fail to qualify for GOP primary ballot in Virginia
Occupy Albany Evicted
Occupy Albany was evicted from their public space on Thursday night.
The police pepper sprayed many occupiers.
Many photos were taken and can be seen here - Occupy Albany, 12-22-11
The police pepper sprayed many occupiers.
Many photos were taken and can be seen here - Occupy Albany, 12-22-11
Friday, December 23, 2011
How To Do Sarcasm Online
Its an Arial font that leans to the left...
Glen McAnally: Official Site Of The Sarcastic Font Movement
Guardian UK: At last: how to do sarcasm online
Glen McAnally: Official Site Of The Sarcastic Font Movement
Guardian UK: At last: how to do sarcasm online
UK Recession Approaches
We are aware of an impending recession throughout Europe. The Eurozone debt crisis is another aspect of this recession. Britain is not exempt.
Guardian UK: Recession nears as UK services shrink
Guardian UK: Recession nears as UK services shrink
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,294.00 gaining 124.35 points.
CNN: Minimum wage increases for workers in eight states
CNN: Minimum wage increases for workers in eight states
Step Two
Occupying X is a good thing, however the next step needs to be taken. How do you transform that energy into actual change in our society.
AlterNet: The 99% Versus Wall Street: Stephen Lerner on How We Can Mobilize To Be the Greedy 1%'s Worst Nightmare
AlterNet: The 99% Versus Wall Street: Stephen Lerner on How We Can Mobilize To Be the Greedy 1%'s Worst Nightmare
Alcohol Induced Consequence-Free Myopia
The article refers to people who live in the "here and now" without consciously considering the consequences of their actions or words. Technically speaking that is not living in the "here and now", as living in the here and now would include an understanding of interdependence. That understanding would also include cause and result, that there are consequences for one's actions.
The mean drunk has no use for cause and result. They are not living in the here and now, they are living in a massively closed-off self-induced reality, and nobody else is included in that reality.
Live Science: Personality Trait Reveals Who Becomes a Mean Drunk
The mean drunk has no use for cause and result. They are not living in the here and now, they are living in a massively closed-off self-induced reality, and nobody else is included in that reality.
Live Science: Personality Trait Reveals Who Becomes a Mean Drunk
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 38 degrees and rainy here in Upstate NY. The final holiday weekend push is here minus the snow. In the New England area the official colors are red, white, and green. Last night I joined a group of neighbors in Christmas caroling, yes I did. It was a good experience, and I will do it again in the future.
At 8:30 a.m. futures are relatively flat, the dollar is down, and oil is up.
I am going to predict that the market stays flat and not too much changes. Its a wish really more than a prediction, my holiday wish. One gets the sense that the trading floor will be sparsely peopled. We need a holiday here, its been a weird year.
CNN: Stocks: Investors pack up for the holidays
At 8:30 a.m. futures are relatively flat, the dollar is down, and oil is up.
I am going to predict that the market stays flat and not too much changes. Its a wish really more than a prediction, my holiday wish. One gets the sense that the trading floor will be sparsely peopled. We need a holiday here, its been a weird year.
CNN: Stocks: Investors pack up for the holidays
Investors got more good news after Thursday's market close, as House Speaker John Boehner said that he would accept a two-month extension of the payroll tax cut, a move that ensures taxes will not increase on Jan. 1
Oil for February delivery rose 46 cents to $99.86 a barrel.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Mike Myers Visits Occupy Wall Street
The clip is a little old but its still well done. Myers does show up around 4:00.
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,149.03 up 41.29 points.
CNN: Stocks tick higher on positive jobs data
CNN: Stocks tick higher on positive jobs data
There were 364,000 initial jobless claims last week, 4,000 fewer than a week earlier.
Robert Reich's Latest
Robert Reich is my favorite kind of writer, he's clear, succinct, knowledgeable, and very intelligent.
Here he gets into the history of the Tea Party. Its a good read.
AlterNet: The Great Republican Crackup: How Angry, White, Southern Men Took Over the GOP and Made Our Government Into a War Zone
Here he gets into the history of the Tea Party. Its a good read.
AlterNet: The Great Republican Crackup: How Angry, White, Southern Men Took Over the GOP and Made Our Government Into a War Zone
...today’s Tea Party is less an ideological movement than the latest incarnation of an angry white minority – predominantly Southern, and mainly rural – that has repeatedly attacked American democracy in order to get its way.
Six in ten Tea Partiers say evolution is wrong; other Republicans are split on the issue. Tea Party Republicans are twice as likely as other Republicans to say abortion should be illegal in all circumstances, and half as likely to support gay marriage.
Tea Partiers are more vehement advocates of states’ rights than other Republicans. Six in ten Tea Partiers want to abolish the Department of Education; only one in five other Republicans do. And Tea Party Republicans worry more about the federal deficit than jobs, while other Republicans say reducing unemployment is more important than reducing the deficit.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is a surprising 44 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. As you know today is the winter solstice, but the good news is that from here until June, the days get longer and brighter.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is down or flat against major world currencies, and oil is priced higher.
Investors will be looking at lots of economic data today, and considering trading volume is low it could get bouncy. Soon we get the third and final reading on the third quarter GDP. When its the third, its final. This is followed by the weekly first time layoffs number.
I'm not sure what to make of the consumer sentiment data. I mean how exactly does "pissed off" play into Wall Street?
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on economy
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is down or flat against major world currencies, and oil is priced higher.
Investors will be looking at lots of economic data today, and considering trading volume is low it could get bouncy. Soon we get the third and final reading on the third quarter GDP. When its the third, its final. This is followed by the weekly first time layoffs number.
I'm not sure what to make of the consumer sentiment data. I mean how exactly does "pissed off" play into Wall Street?
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on economy
...swings are likely to continue as trading volume remains light going into the holidays.
Reports on consumer sentiment and leading economic indicators are also on tap after the market opens.
Oil for January delivery rose 25 cents to $98.92 a barrel.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,027.59 down 75.99 points.
CNN: Home sales during housing bust worse than thought
CNN: Home sales during housing bust worse than thought
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 40 degrees and raining here in Upstate NY. I just spent the last hour over at the local Y. A good part of that time I was resting in the dry sauna. For anyone who has any trouble with the cold winter North East temperatures, try the dry sauna. It is fantastic. I've mentioned it before but its worth repeating.
At 9:30 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mixed, and oil is down.
Right now it looks like the Eurozone optimism from Tuesday's massive gains has eroded.
In short this is the screwy story that apparently will get repeated for a long time to come - a day of optimism followed by several of pessimism. The DOW seems to be holding steady between 12K and 11K and continues to simply trade in that range.
I watched a conservative economist yesterday predict massive economic upheaval in 2012. All I can say is take it with a grain of salt. The market has a way a evading impending calamity, its a remarkable thing. I did like a few of his recommendations though - cut the credit card debt, and make sure you have a fixed interest mortgage.
CNN: Stocks: Reality check for markets
At 9:30 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mixed, and oil is down.
Right now it looks like the Eurozone optimism from Tuesday's massive gains has eroded.
In short this is the screwy story that apparently will get repeated for a long time to come - a day of optimism followed by several of pessimism. The DOW seems to be holding steady between 12K and 11K and continues to simply trade in that range.
I watched a conservative economist yesterday predict massive economic upheaval in 2012. All I can say is take it with a grain of salt. The market has a way a evading impending calamity, its a remarkable thing. I did like a few of his recommendations though - cut the credit card debt, and make sure you have a fixed interest mortgage.
CNN: Stocks: Reality check for markets
The ECB allotted €489.19 billion ($643.1 8 billion) in the first batch of its 3-year loan program, which was more than investors expected. The loans will go to 523 banks in the eurozone to support bank lending and liquidity...
Oil for January delivery fell 10 cents to $97.14 a barrel.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Earth Sized Exoplanets Found
Right size but too hot for life to exist there -
ABC News: 2 Earth-Size Planets Spotted Around Distant Star
ABC News: 2 Earth-Size Planets Spotted Around Distant Star
DOW Closes Much Higher
The DOW closed at 12,103.58 gaining 337.32 points.
Reuters: Wall Street rallies 3 percent in broad advance
Reuters: Wall Street rallies 3 percent in broad advance
Tim Tebow SNL Skit
This is the skit that's causing such a stir. The fundamentalists are fuming over this thing.
Maddow - Iraq, Ron Paul, GOP Candidates
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Re-Dick-Less
Only 10?
AlterNet: The 10 Most Ridiculous Right-Wing Outrages of 2011
AlterNet: The 10 Most Ridiculous Right-Wing Outrages of 2011
8. Planned Parenthood Subsidizes its Abortion Mills with Sex Trafficking!
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 31 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. I like the tradition of gift giving, its a fine tradition. Clearly there is a line that gets crossed and it can turn into neurotic materialistic behavior. Let's not go there. I want to mention that many people have the hardest time of the year right now. Lots of people get depressed and completely miserable around the Holidays. Some have lost loved ones at this time of year or are simply missing somebody, really missing them deeply. Its the harsh experience of that miserable anxiety of feeling lonely and unconnected. So if you know anyone that feels that way, lend them a hand, offer some friendship. That would be possibly the best gift. Let's get through this Holiday together and in one piece.
At 8:20 a.m. futures are moderately up, the dollar is down against all major world currencies, and oil is up. The trifecta is in for the market to at least open higher. We only say open higher because the market has started strongly on many days recently only to tank on the same old same old. That would be the Eurozone debt crisis containment blues - this is a looming monster, don't think otherwise. This is a big deal.
Notice how American banking stocks are plummeting in value because of exposure to the Eurozone crisis. I would suspect many of us do not feel particularly bad that an outfit like BoA has ultra cheap sinking stock right now, except of course those of us who own the stock and are seeing horrendous devaluation. We've been there.
This is a part of the merde that is hitting the fan. The banking system is getting hit hard. This is just the beginning.
CNN: Stocks: Investors are sitting, waiting, wishing
At 8:20 a.m. futures are moderately up, the dollar is down against all major world currencies, and oil is up. The trifecta is in for the market to at least open higher. We only say open higher because the market has started strongly on many days recently only to tank on the same old same old. That would be the Eurozone debt crisis containment blues - this is a looming monster, don't think otherwise. This is a big deal.
Notice how American banking stocks are plummeting in value because of exposure to the Eurozone crisis. I would suspect many of us do not feel particularly bad that an outfit like BoA has ultra cheap sinking stock right now, except of course those of us who own the stock and are seeing horrendous devaluation. We've been there.
This is a part of the merde that is hitting the fan. The banking system is getting hit hard. This is just the beginning.
CNN: Stocks: Investors are sitting, waiting, wishing
Bank of America fell below $5 per share on Monday, its lowest level since the worst of the financial crisis in March 2009.
U.S. banks have been hit by concerns about their exposure to bonds issued by fragile governments in the eurozone.
Oil for January delivery rose 36 cents to $95.16 a barrel.
Monday, December 19, 2011
DOW Closes Lower
The DOW closed at 11,766.26 dropping 100.13 points.
CNN: Scary times for stocks: Be careful out there
CNN: Scary times for stocks: Be careful out there
Ron Paul Now Leads Gingrich In Iowa
Notice that nobody talks about Ron Paul even though he is now leading! Its amazing.
Bachmann - Kinsey Was BS
She is correct, the 10% of the population is gay figure is a myth. The percentage must be much higher. However, that is not what she is getting at...
CNN: TRENDING: Bachmann pauses in Iowa tour to talk 'myth' of Kinsey Report
CNN: TRENDING: Bachmann pauses in Iowa tour to talk 'myth' of Kinsey Report
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is down 54 points.
Nice car, remember the early 3 cylinder ones. I had a friend who used to call his 'The Slob.'
CNN: Saab calls it quits
Nice car, remember the early 3 cylinder ones. I had a friend who used to call his 'The Slob.'
CNN: Saab calls it quits
Shock The Monkey
Miserable situation gets worse.
Live Science: Wild Monkeys to Be Released into Fukushima Fallout to Test Radiation
Live Science: Wild Monkeys to Be Released into Fukushima Fallout to Test Radiation
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 21 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. I was out earlier dressed in my low temperatures finest walking the new dog. The dog was skittish, I think the cold was a new experience. We did not stay out long. I think when it gets really cold we will do frequent but short walks. Its difficult holding a treat to get her to walk with you when your hands are freezing. I need a lightweight glove that resists the super cold and that would allow me to hold a treat - the dog owner's winter glove.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately up, the dollar is up, and oil is up. With trading expected to be light the entire week it could end up being an uneven moody day.
Investors are slightly less worried about the Eurozone at the moment given Fitch's reaffirming the credit rating for some European countries. France gets to keep its triple A rating.
Now one might think the the death of Kim Jong II would be a good thing given his authoritarian control of N.Korea. Not so, investors love stability and nobody can provide stability like a ruthless dictator. Therefor Kim Jong II's death has caused a bit of a negative stir for investors.
CNN: Stocks: Optimism amid turmoil
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately up, the dollar is up, and oil is up. With trading expected to be light the entire week it could end up being an uneven moody day.
Investors are slightly less worried about the Eurozone at the moment given Fitch's reaffirming the credit rating for some European countries. France gets to keep its triple A rating.
Now one might think the the death of Kim Jong II would be a good thing given his authoritarian control of N.Korea. Not so, investors love stability and nobody can provide stability like a ruthless dictator. Therefor Kim Jong II's death has caused a bit of a negative stir for investors.
CNN: Stocks: Optimism amid turmoil
...investors breathed a sigh of relief that France, in particular, retained its pristine AAA rating.
Asian markets ended lower, amid fears the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il could lead to instability on the divided Korean peninsular.
Oil for January delivery rose 35 cents to $93.90 a barrel.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Iraq Update
We can read this report but take it with a grain of sand. The military presence is not completely gone.
Reuters: Last U.S. troops leave Iraq, ending war
Reuters: Last U.S. troops leave Iraq, ending war
2011 And Science
For me its all about Kepler - 22b.
Guardian UK: Science review of 2011: the year's 10 biggest stories
Guardian UK: Science review of 2011: the year's 10 biggest stories
Graphene – a sheet of carbon atoms one atom thick – could be used to make everything from touchscreens to plastics cheaper and more efficient...
Ignorant Democracy
Its more about the animal realm than human realm.
Live Science: Democracy May Depend on the Ignorant
Live Science: Democracy May Depend on the Ignorant
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