Wednesday, February 29, 2012
DOW Closes Lower
The DOW closed at 12,952.07 dropping 53.05 points.
Reuters: North Korea agrees to nuclear moratorium, IAEA inspections
Reuters: North Korea agrees to nuclear moratorium, IAEA inspections
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,968.49 down 36.63 points.
CNN: Bernanke: Job market 'far from normal'
CNN: Bernanke: Job market 'far from normal'
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning and welcome to Leap Day, February 29th. It is 30 degrees and hazy here in Upstate NY. We are expecting a snow storm to arrive later today something along the lines of 6 to 10 inches. Considering its been a snow-free winter, this is fine.
At 8:20 a.m. the DOW is modestly higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up. The market is poised to open a little higher.
Investors are very pleased to see that the European Central Bank will be making funds available to European Banks. This is thought to be an assist to the ongoing eurozone crisis.
One of the bigger pieces of data today will be a second reading of the fourth quarter GDP. In addition new words from Bernanke will be parsed and the indexes will respond in kind.
CNN: Stocks to open higher on Europe hopes
At 8:20 a.m. the DOW is modestly higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up. The market is poised to open a little higher.
Investors are very pleased to see that the European Central Bank will be making funds available to European Banks. This is thought to be an assist to the ongoing eurozone crisis.
One of the bigger pieces of data today will be a second reading of the fourth quarter GDP. In addition new words from Bernanke will be parsed and the indexes will respond in kind.
CNN: Stocks to open higher on Europe hopes
...the European Central Bank said that it well lend €529.5 billion, or $721.4 billion, to European banks, a move aimed at preventing a credit crunch.
...the government's second estimate of fourth-quarter GDP growth.
...a report on the global oil market...
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
The Unimaginable
The headline alone leaves me dizzy.
Certainly it's in the immediate running for peculiar story of the week and it's only Tuesday...
Raw Story: Gingrich: ‘Transvestite’ invited me to ‘exorcism of Jerry Falwell’
Certainly it's in the immediate running for peculiar story of the week and it's only Tuesday...
Raw Story: Gingrich: ‘Transvestite’ invited me to ‘exorcism of Jerry Falwell’
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 13,005 gaining 23 points.
First time the DOW closes above 13,000 since May 2008. Its been a long time coming, however it will go down, so its a double edged gain.
Reuters: Dow closes at highest since May 2008
First time the DOW closes above 13,000 since May 2008. Its been a long time coming, however it will go down, so its a double edged gain.
Reuters: Dow closes at highest since May 2008
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 34 degrees, sunny, and windy here in Upstate NY. The sore throat has descended along with the heavy eyes and fatigue. It's been a while since I had a cold, I guess I'm overdue. The thing of it is, I really don't mind resting. Resting is a delicious thing in and of itself.
At 8:30 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is slightly down.
The center of the investment universe, oil, is back in the headlines. The price per barrel has risen dramatically in the past week and today the price is easing slightly. Gas prices are one of the main ways we experience inflation as you know, and so the inflation alert is on serious standby. Speculators push oil prices higher, make a bundle of dough, allow the price to settle to a more normal $70 to $80 a barrel, and then start pushing the price up again. That's how its done. You can read about Iran fears, blah blah blah, its about making huge profits.
Otherwise there seems to be a general sense that the economy is on a better footing right now. No doubt a bump is in the near future but right now the DOW and S&P are bubbling.
CNN: Stocks to advance as oil prices pause
At 8:30 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is slightly down.
The center of the investment universe, oil, is back in the headlines. The price per barrel has risen dramatically in the past week and today the price is easing slightly. Gas prices are one of the main ways we experience inflation as you know, and so the inflation alert is on serious standby. Speculators push oil prices higher, make a bundle of dough, allow the price to settle to a more normal $70 to $80 a barrel, and then start pushing the price up again. That's how its done. You can read about Iran fears, blah blah blah, its about making huge profits.
Otherwise there seems to be a general sense that the economy is on a better footing right now. No doubt a bump is in the near future but right now the DOW and S&P are bubbling.
CNN: Stocks to advance as oil prices pause
The rise in oil prices has translated into higher gas prices, with the national average rising 21 straight days.
...crude futures eased for a second straight day Tuesday...
...optimistic ahead of the European Central Bank's second so-called long-term refinancing operation...
...Case-Shiller releases its home price index at 9 a.m. ET.
Monday, February 27, 2012
CNN Poll Has Obama With A Double Digit Lead
I just checked Rasmussen, who is conservative, and he has Romney over Obama 45% to 43%.
So who do you believe?
CNN: Poll: Obama holds double digit leads over Romney and Santorum
So who do you believe?
CNN: Poll: Obama holds double digit leads over Romney and Santorum
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,001.00 up 18.05 points.
CNN: In Depth: Why the price of that tank of gas is going up, up, up
CNN: In Depth: Why the price of that tank of gas is going up, up, up
Morning
Feeling a bit under the weather today therefor I am going to do the unusual and skip the stock market stuff. I think bed rest is going to be on the agenda. See you later.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Gibbs On Gingrich
He lets Gingrich have it, it is amusing.
"If there's a problem on the lunar colony, he'll be among the first we'll call."
"If there's a problem on the lunar colony, he'll be among the first we'll call."
Santorum Secularism
Is it possible to dislike a candidate more than one dislikes Gingrich.
Apparently the answer is yes...
Raw Story: Santorum: JFK’s secularism ‘makes me throw up’
Apparently the answer is yes...
Raw Story: Santorum: JFK’s secularism ‘makes me throw up’
Coming Up On Wall Street
Good morning. It is a cold 20 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. We watched 'The Artist' last night and if you have not seen it, see it. Its truly an entertaining joy to watch. I don't want to give away a single stitch about the film but it is based on a very clever vision for a main stream movie.
So what's going on with Wall Street? Good question. The S&P is approaching a significant number, 1370. If it goes above 1370, the present rally could pick up a bit more steam. However there is resistance to crossing that threshold. All of the various elements that we know about are still in play such as the Eurozone debt crisis and especially Greece along with concerns about China's economic growth. In the US there's always the drive for continued consumer spending, the housing market in many areas is tragically bad and in other pockets its percolating. The job market is rousing very slowly yet the weekly first time unemployment numbers are improving.
Personally I think the market is in for a decent correction probably sooner than later. The indexes are in unusually high territory considering the tender state that the US and world economy is still operating in. Something has to give and I don't think we go into a period of amazing robust growth anytime soon.
Reuters: Rally on Wall St to be put to test
Just imagine a strong recession comes through in the Summer just before the November elections and bam - Rick Santorum is the next President. You know its possible, right..
CNN: A new recession seems inevitable
So what's going on with Wall Street? Good question. The S&P is approaching a significant number, 1370. If it goes above 1370, the present rally could pick up a bit more steam. However there is resistance to crossing that threshold. All of the various elements that we know about are still in play such as the Eurozone debt crisis and especially Greece along with concerns about China's economic growth. In the US there's always the drive for continued consumer spending, the housing market in many areas is tragically bad and in other pockets its percolating. The job market is rousing very slowly yet the weekly first time unemployment numbers are improving.
Personally I think the market is in for a decent correction probably sooner than later. The indexes are in unusually high territory considering the tender state that the US and world economy is still operating in. Something has to give and I don't think we go into a period of amazing robust growth anytime soon.
Reuters: Rally on Wall St to be put to test
And one economist Lakshman Achuthan, co-founder of the Economic Cycle Research Institute predicts a recession in the Summer of 2012.The S&P 500's close was the highest since June 6, 2008......created concerns that the market is due for a pullback...
Just imagine a strong recession comes through in the Summer just before the November elections and bam - Rick Santorum is the next President. You know its possible, right..
CNN: A new recession seems inevitable
Achuthan said data gathered since his September forecast only confirms his view that economic growth has slowed to such a degree that a downturn is now unavoidable, likely by late summer.
Speaking German In Texas
In Texas there is a town called New Braunfels, where there is a large German-speaking population.
One day, a local rancher driving down a country road noticed a man using his hand to drink water from the rancher's stock pond. The rancher rolled down the window and shouted: "Sehr angenehm! Trink das Wasser nicht. Die kuehe habendarein geschissen." Which means: "Glad to meet you! Don't drink the water. The cows have shit in it."
The man shouted back: "I'm from Indiana and just down here campaigning for Santorum. I can't understand you. Please speak in English."
The rancher replied: "Use both hands."
Saturday, February 25, 2012
GOP Tax Plan In Kansas
Sounds about right - 21,000 who make over $250,000 a year will get a $1500 tax cut while 500,000 who make under $25,000 will pay an additional $72.
Let's do the math -
21,000 X $1500 = $31,500,000.
500,000 X $72 = $36,000,000.
Nicely done Kansas, including an itty bitty amount of more revenue for good measure...
Raw Story: Kansas may raise taxes on the poor to fund cuts for the rich
Let's do the math -
21,000 X $1500 = $31,500,000.
500,000 X $72 = $36,000,000.
Nicely done Kansas, including an itty bitty amount of more revenue for good measure...
Raw Story: Kansas may raise taxes on the poor to fund cuts for the rich
Determined Stupidity
Santorum has a point. If his loyalists got an education just image the amount of additional harm and damage they could do if they learned how to read and write...
Facebook Post Or Jail
First I've read of Facebook being used as an alternative to jail time.
What would you pick - 60 days in jail, a hefty fine, or posting on Facebook?
Yahoo: Ohio man given choice of Facebook apology or jail
What would you pick - 60 days in jail, a hefty fine, or posting on Facebook?
Yahoo: Ohio man given choice of Facebook apology or jail
Morning
Just got in from a very long walk, it was to the bagel shop and back. Anything that helps to wear the dog out is good. The walk took about 1.5 hours. On the way back the temperature started to drop and all of a sudden we got a decent snow squall. A few minutes later and the sun is out. I must admit right about now I am overly ready for spring. Even though its been a very moderate winter, by the end of February I've had enough.
I was thinking about the politics of Santorum, it's the politics of exclusion. It boils down to his platform being about who and what he wants to exclude in America. Contraception is now to be excluded. Gays are excluded, of course. Women's health care is excluded. Where does this come from? What human frailty is responsible for the development of an entire political system that is predicated on the need to keep people out. When you put it that way it sounds like racism but its not exactly that is it. Its racism and more spread out over a panorama of people and ideas. I feel compelled to mention once again that the authoritarian personality needs to exclude people. From the authoritarian point of view this is a good thing just as hierarchy is a good thing and democracy is not. Democracy is as we know socialism, from the authoritarian perspective.
Given the present political landscape, at this juncture I believe Obama wins re-election. There's a ways to go and change is inevitable, but the GOP is out of gas right now and the majority of the electorate is not pleased with the politics of exclusion. Only a few extremists are happy with it and given the extremism found in FOX News, exclusion is being media dumped on the many like it or not. I do not like it, and in fact I am pretty sick of it as well. I'm tired of reading about Santorum's latest misery pronouncement.
I was thinking about the politics of Santorum, it's the politics of exclusion. It boils down to his platform being about who and what he wants to exclude in America. Contraception is now to be excluded. Gays are excluded, of course. Women's health care is excluded. Where does this come from? What human frailty is responsible for the development of an entire political system that is predicated on the need to keep people out. When you put it that way it sounds like racism but its not exactly that is it. Its racism and more spread out over a panorama of people and ideas. I feel compelled to mention once again that the authoritarian personality needs to exclude people. From the authoritarian point of view this is a good thing just as hierarchy is a good thing and democracy is not. Democracy is as we know socialism, from the authoritarian perspective.
Given the present political landscape, at this juncture I believe Obama wins re-election. There's a ways to go and change is inevitable, but the GOP is out of gas right now and the majority of the electorate is not pleased with the politics of exclusion. Only a few extremists are happy with it and given the extremism found in FOX News, exclusion is being media dumped on the many like it or not. I do not like it, and in fact I am pretty sick of it as well. I'm tired of reading about Santorum's latest misery pronouncement.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Huntsman - Rips The GOP, Time For A Third Party
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Krugman On Romney's Economy
Turns out the governor revealed he is not an austerity driven slash and burner. Apparently he knows better.
NYT: Romney’s Economic Closet
NYT: Romney’s Economic Closet
Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum Mammal Shrinking
Sounds like an 'Onion' headline. Its a warning really, about what might happen as the temperatures rise.
Live Science: Ancient Warming Shrunk Horses to Housecat Size
Live Science: Ancient Warming Shrunk Horses to Housecat Size
Prosperity Through Impoverishment
How Germany is squeezing its workers while the top tier grow fabulously rich.
Sound familiar?
AlterNet: German Economic Striving at the Expense of Workers and Neighbors Will Backfire
Sound familiar?
AlterNet: German Economic Striving at the Expense of Workers and Neighbors Will Backfire
The Market On Friday
Good morning and welcome to the weekend. It is 32 degrees and we have light snow here in Upstate NY. A neighbor commented on the snow earlier, I paraphrase, "What is that white stuff falling out of the sky? Pollen?" The snow-less wonder Winter of '12 has made us forget that last year at this time we were up to our eyeballs in snow.
At 8:20 a.m. futures are up (pushing the possible DOW over 13K again), the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is higher going out of sight. Look for higher and higher gas prices if this nonsense continues. This is about greed, plain and simple. There's no fundamental reason why oil should be this high considering the quantities available and the stockpiles already out there.
Barely a mention of the eurozone crisis today as investors look for further signs that the US economy is improving. My favorite, consumer sentiment data comes through today along with data on housing. Long story short, its expected to be improving.
Let me recap. The DOW is about to go beyond 13,000. That is a very high number approaching the all time high hit a few years back, it went slightly over 14,000. All I can say is what gives. The economy is still a mess, everyone knows that, unemployment is way too high, houses have lost tremendous value, foreclosures continue, etc etc etc. In short it's all still a mess, yet the DOW is approaching record highs as if everything was percolating like crazy. Could it be that Wall Street has figured out that 20% of the population can be homeless and it doesn't affect their bottom-line especially if the top 1% own more and more of the total equity base.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on the economy
At 8:20 a.m. futures are up (pushing the possible DOW over 13K again), the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is higher going out of sight. Look for higher and higher gas prices if this nonsense continues. This is about greed, plain and simple. There's no fundamental reason why oil should be this high considering the quantities available and the stockpiles already out there.
Barely a mention of the eurozone crisis today as investors look for further signs that the US economy is improving. My favorite, consumer sentiment data comes through today along with data on housing. Long story short, its expected to be improving.
Let me recap. The DOW is about to go beyond 13,000. That is a very high number approaching the all time high hit a few years back, it went slightly over 14,000. All I can say is what gives. The economy is still a mess, everyone knows that, unemployment is way too high, houses have lost tremendous value, foreclosures continue, etc etc etc. In short it's all still a mess, yet the DOW is approaching record highs as if everything was percolating like crazy. Could it be that Wall Street has figured out that 20% of the population can be homeless and it doesn't affect their bottom-line especially if the top 1% own more and more of the total equity base.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on the economy
Economic reports on tap for Friday include consumer sentiment and new-home sales, where investors hope for continued signs of momentum in the U.S. economy.
Oil for April delivery rose 52 cents to $108.35 a barrel.
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Who Is Next?
Disinterest in Santorum and Romney is leading to more chatter about a new "unknown" candidate entering the race.
Christie?
Guardian UK: Romney heads to Michigan as GOP figures lament dismal Arizona debate
Christie?
Guardian UK: Romney heads to Michigan as GOP figures lament dismal Arizona debate
The clamour for another candidate would begin to rise if Romney was to lose his home state Michigan to Santorum in Tuesday's primary.
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,987.75 up 49.08 points.
351,000 initial jobless claims over the last week -
Reuters: Jobless claims hold steady at 4-year low
351,000 initial jobless claims over the last week -
Reuters: Jobless claims hold steady at 4-year low
Incarcerated Society
2.4 percent of all Americans are ex-prisoners. That would be roughly 1 in every 33 did time.
I would suspect at this point that prison is a viable desirable option for many people including young people, more of an intentional choice than the result of criminal activity.
Live Science: Massive Rise in Prison Population May Have Serious Consequences
I would suspect at this point that prison is a viable desirable option for many people including young people, more of an intentional choice than the result of criminal activity.
Live Science: Massive Rise in Prison Population May Have Serious Consequences
Steel Trap
Another article which attempts to tackle the endlessly stuck into perpetuity authoritarian mind.
Lots of freakin' luck with that, although it is always worth reminding ourselves that the political "enemy" will remain, stay, be implanted, embedded, stuck. Nothing is going to change about that no matter how hard we pretend it can or will or that some amazing lightning strike will do the job.
AlterNet: The Republican Brain: Why Even Educated Conservatives Deny Science -- and Reality
Lots of freakin' luck with that, although it is always worth reminding ourselves that the political "enemy" will remain, stay, be implanted, embedded, stuck. Nothing is going to change about that no matter how hard we pretend it can or will or that some amazing lightning strike will do the job.
AlterNet: The Republican Brain: Why Even Educated Conservatives Deny Science -- and Reality
A kind of “authoritarian activation” needs to occur, and it happens through the development of political “expertise.” Consuming a lot of political information seems to help authoritarians feel who they are—whereupon they become more accepting of inequality, more dogmatically traditionalist, and more resistant to change.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 37 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. Just reading the headlines is about as close as I get to the GOP debate. These people are booing contraception. Which century is it anyhow? The authoritarian mind is a unique entity. No one makes people use contraception, no one makes people become gay and then get 'gay' married, and if you don't want to have an abortion you don't have to get one. But what the authoritarian wants everyone must have. Try explaining that little blip to an authoritarian, the light bulb stays off doesn't even rise to fizzle dim.
At 8:15 a.m. futures are slightly higher, the dollar is down against all world currencies, and the price of oil is up, its skyrocketing. Inflation is creeping in.
Investors are very pleased to see that huge world economic mover Germany is reporting better than expected economic growth in the last month. This is a big deal. The eurozone can fall to pieces and it looks like it is and will continue to fall to pieces, but if Germany can maintain, a lot of power goes with that. Its simply because Germany is a top 5 world economy. It's a case of bigger is better, much better in fact.
CNN: Economic optimism to boost stocks
At 8:15 a.m. futures are slightly higher, the dollar is down against all world currencies, and the price of oil is up, its skyrocketing. Inflation is creeping in.
Investors are very pleased to see that huge world economic mover Germany is reporting better than expected economic growth in the last month. This is a big deal. The eurozone can fall to pieces and it looks like it is and will continue to fall to pieces, but if Germany can maintain, a lot of power goes with that. Its simply because Germany is a top 5 world economy. It's a case of bigger is better, much better in fact.
CNN: Economic optimism to boost stocks
...investors were encouraged after a reading on Germany's business conditions rose for a fourth straight month in February -- the highest level since July...
...the European Commission forecasts that the eurozone will likely face a mild recession in 2012, thanks to negative growth in Greece, Portugal, Spain, the Netherlands, Cyprus, Slovenia and Belgium.
Oil for April delivery rose 16 cents to $106.44 a barrel.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,918.05 down 47.64 points and the temperature in Upstate NY is 48 degrees with sunshine.
CNN: Home prices at lowest point in more than 10 years
CNN: Home prices at lowest point in more than 10 years
Dark Age Extremist
I will say it again. Divide America into two separate and discreet countries: America and Red America.
Red America can be for the fundies, neocons, and all other authoritarians of all stripes and sizes. It can be set up as a non democratic hierarchical society with male dominance, female submission, no abortion, no gays, no art, no music, no questions, no colleges, no intelligence, unlimited fear, and lots and lots of war. Happiness will abound...
AlterNet: Agenda for the Dark Ages: GOP Frontrunner Rick Santorum's 5 Most Extremist Themes
Red America can be for the fundies, neocons, and all other authoritarians of all stripes and sizes. It can be set up as a non democratic hierarchical society with male dominance, female submission, no abortion, no gays, no art, no music, no questions, no colleges, no intelligence, unlimited fear, and lots and lots of war. Happiness will abound...
AlterNet: Agenda for the Dark Ages: GOP Frontrunner Rick Santorum's 5 Most Extremist Themes
...the essence of the Republican Party has distilled into a toxic brew of resentment, prejudice, anti-intellectualism and misogyny.
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 40 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. We are expecting the temperature to go into the 50s later on. The amazingly mild Winter of 2012 continues on its mild course. Out walking the dog earlier I couldn't help but notice the sound of the Spring birds. Its the sound of Spring. Hey, a cold snap could still happen.
At 8:20 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mostly up against world currencies, and the price of oil is down. The market is poised to open flat to down this morning.
Its the same story. In spite of a loan to Greece to pay off a March bond deadline, Greece is on major shaky ground. It just got downgraded two notched to just slightly better than junk status. Been there, done that...
That country's default seems like a sure and inevitable thing. Could it be that in the investment world its better to default later rather than sooner? Or it could be about buying time in the hope that something will come along to ameliorate the problem. Who knows. Get braced, Greece is going down further.
CNN: Investors sidelined by Greece worries
At 8:20 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mostly up against world currencies, and the price of oil is down. The market is poised to open flat to down this morning.
Its the same story. In spite of a loan to Greece to pay off a March bond deadline, Greece is on major shaky ground. It just got downgraded two notched to just slightly better than junk status. Been there, done that...
That country's default seems like a sure and inevitable thing. Could it be that in the investment world its better to default later rather than sooner? Or it could be about buying time in the hope that something will come along to ameliorate the problem. Who knows. Get braced, Greece is going down further.
CNN: Investors sidelined by Greece worries
...analysts caution that Greece will eventually need more support for its long-term debt.
Greece's fate also depends on whether private sector investors agree to debt reduction agreement terms, which include a write down of 53% on the face value of Greek government bonds -- steeper than the previous 50% reduction agreed to in October.
...the National Association of Realtors releases existing-home sales for January...
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,995.81 up 45.94 points.
Looks like the DOW crossed 13K at some point. Scary stuff, like dipping your toe into ice cold lake water...
CNN: Dow crosses 13,000
Looks like the DOW crossed 13K at some point. Scary stuff, like dipping your toe into ice cold lake water...
CNN: Dow crosses 13,000
32%
No surprise here as 32% of our nation views Iran as the major threat to the USA.
That would be roughly the same number of GOP/conservatives/Tea Partyers AKA FOX News watchers that live in the country.
Unfortunately the sentiment will not be appeased until this inevitable war starts. Right now Iran truly is the number one problem, not necessarily because it represents an "existential" threat but because government policy is erring on the side of the neocons. A new GOP president in the Fall would seal the war deal as Romney, Santorum, and Gingrich all have neocon advisers.
Gallop: Americans Still Rate Iran Top U.S. Enemy
That would be roughly the same number of GOP/conservatives/Tea Partyers AKA FOX News watchers that live in the country.
Unfortunately the sentiment will not be appeased until this inevitable war starts. Right now Iran truly is the number one problem, not necessarily because it represents an "existential" threat but because government policy is erring on the side of the neocons. A new GOP president in the Fall would seal the war deal as Romney, Santorum, and Gingrich all have neocon advisers.
Gallop: Americans Still Rate Iran Top U.S. Enemy
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 24 degrees and mostly sunny here in Upstate NY. There's just no denying the return of light, its great. We see some light out there now around 6:15 a.m., we always get that 20 to 30 minutes of bonus light prior to sunrise and after sunset. In a sense the equinox is a misnomer from the point of view of actual light. The new dog had a great morning playing with her new good buddy two streets over. Its fun watching the dogs play, they bite each other with such abandon, its non stop frolicking. Its also good to see the dog huffing and puffing and with the tongue hanging from fatigue.
At 8:20 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is neutral to slightly higher against major world currencies, and the price of oil is higher, weighing in just over $104 per barrel. Inflation here we come...
Investors are no doubt pleased to see that Greece has made a deal to acquire funds so as not to default on its big March bond payment. We also get the sense that its borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. The financial noose is getting tighter, we shall see how long Greece can exist on a respirator. Greece is now a major experiment for the greedy forces of privatization, the ordinary people can be damned in the face of it.
No doubt we are at another financial crossroads. What happens next? Does the DOW traverse the 13K region and explore little known or seen territory or is another correction just around the corner...
CNN: Stocks consider Greece deal
At 8:20 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is neutral to slightly higher against major world currencies, and the price of oil is higher, weighing in just over $104 per barrel. Inflation here we come...
Investors are no doubt pleased to see that Greece has made a deal to acquire funds so as not to default on its big March bond payment. We also get the sense that its borrowing from Peter to pay Paul. The financial noose is getting tighter, we shall see how long Greece can exist on a respirator. Greece is now a major experiment for the greedy forces of privatization, the ordinary people can be damned in the face of it.
No doubt we are at another financial crossroads. What happens next? Does the DOW traverse the 13K region and explore little known or seen territory or is another correction just around the corner...
CNN: Stocks consider Greece deal
...eurozone finance ministers completed a deal early Tuesday that will provide Greece with the €130 billion in funding it needs to avoid default next month.
...Greece needs to make severe budget cuts that reduce its debt to a figure 121% of its gross domestic product by 2020. Currently, debt is 160% of GDP.
Home Depot reported fiscal fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that topped analysts' expectations.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Tightening The War Noose
Guardian UK: Iran threatens to extend oil embargo
Here's what Nouriel Roubini thinks of a war with Iran -
Mail Online: 'Dr Doom' - economist who predicted financial meltdown of 2008 - now warns Iran conflict 'could spiral economy into global recession'
Here's what Nouriel Roubini thinks of a war with Iran -
Mail Online: 'Dr Doom' - economist who predicted financial meltdown of 2008 - now warns Iran conflict 'could spiral economy into global recession'
Morning
It is 24 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. Its a holiday, the streets are less filled with cars, I always like that.
The dog cut herself just below her nose this morning. She dove after a broken bottle. Face cuts will bleed a lot, even on dogs. It is starting to congeal now. We have her in her crate to keep the blood off of the rest of the house and to keep her quiet.
As you know the stock market is closed today. Its great to have a break from that enormous entity. We expect to see lots of hand wringing over the Eurozone debt crisis. The highest mark the DOW has ever achieved is 14,164.53 on October 9, 2007. We are presently at 12,949, and they keep saying that the economy is just beginning to come around...
The dog cut herself just below her nose this morning. She dove after a broken bottle. Face cuts will bleed a lot, even on dogs. It is starting to congeal now. We have her in her crate to keep the blood off of the rest of the house and to keep her quiet.
As you know the stock market is closed today. Its great to have a break from that enormous entity. We expect to see lots of hand wringing over the Eurozone debt crisis. The highest mark the DOW has ever achieved is 14,164.53 on October 9, 2007. We are presently at 12,949, and they keep saying that the economy is just beginning to come around...
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Iran's Oil
The mechanism for a war continues to grind forward.
CNN: Iran suspends oil exports to Britain and France
CNN: Iran suspends oil exports to Britain and France
Regressing On Climate Change Education
I'm not entirely sure if the hard right's need to bury climate change "awareness" by creating doubt inspired classroom curricula makes one iota of difference. The climate change damage is done and nothing is occurring to hold it back or improve it.
Live Science: Classrooms Become Next Battleground for Climate Change Skeptics
Live Science: Classrooms Become Next Battleground for Climate Change Skeptics
Recently leaked documents from conservative think tank The Heartland Institute reveal plans to pay a non-climate scientist to create school curricula designed to foster doubt about the scientific evidence surrounding climate change.
13th Centruy Brilliance
I've said this before several times on this blog and I feel compelled to say it again. I favor a division of the United States into Red America and America, two discreet independent countries. Allow the Christian fundamentalists and hard right people to go their own merry way and leave the rest of us alone.
AlterNet: States Where Right-Wingers Are Promoting Shocking Measures to Keep Women Barefoot and Pregnant
AlterNet: States Where Right-Wingers Are Promoting Shocking Measures to Keep Women Barefoot and Pregnant
1. Kansas considers letting doctors lie to patients seeking abortions.
3. Oklahoma moves toward making an embryo a legal person.
Micro Thin Snow Morning
Good morning. It is 27 degrees and bright out, here in Upstate NY. Today in Albany NY the Sun rose at 6:47 a.m. and will set at 5:31 p.m. We are getting almost 3 minutes of daylight more each day as the Spring Equinox approaches. I've had enough of the moderate Winter.
There's a light patina of snow on everything this morning. The deer tribe already passed through the yard and we saw two medium sized and gangly fawns from the family of six. A neighbor already reported a deer tick on her dog, so the alarms are on standby.
The big event for me today will be watching the Knicks play the Mavericks at 1:00, toss in rehearsal for an upcoming music performance, a few walks with the dog, a little house work, and there it is.
There's a light patina of snow on everything this morning. The deer tribe already passed through the yard and we saw two medium sized and gangly fawns from the family of six. A neighbor already reported a deer tick on her dog, so the alarms are on standby.
The big event for me today will be watching the Knicks play the Mavericks at 1:00, toss in rehearsal for an upcoming music performance, a few walks with the dog, a little house work, and there it is.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Squirrels And Santorum
We were out walking the dog through the neighborhood and I couldn't help but notice that the local squirrel population is really taking a beating. Lots of squirrels and chipmunks are squashed to bits from getting caught under vehicle tires. Its an ongoing little tragic reminder as you're walking. How about a squirrel graveyard area somewhere in town? As you know the squirrel body remains and decomposes on the road or by the side of the road. Still, somehow my dog finds these bodies and all of a sudden I'm walking along and the dog has a dead squirrel in its mouth, all happy and proud. A small battle ensues trying to convince the dog to "drop it." I've taken several remains to a remote spot myself because I had enough of the latter reoccurring.
We had a guest over earlier. We started to talk politics and the guest tells me the humorous anecdote that is going around about Santorum. You probably already heard this one but they say he has a brilliant mind especially brilliant for the 13th Century. How true is that? Maher has a funny line, he says that Santorum believes life begins at erection. It worries me that someone like Santorum can rise as high as he presently is rising. The election system is so messed up in this country, let's do away with the present system and simply go with the candidate that gets the most votes wins. Enough of these state by state Karl Rove strategies designed to piece together enough backwards minds to elect an especially regressive conservative.
We had a guest over earlier. We started to talk politics and the guest tells me the humorous anecdote that is going around about Santorum. You probably already heard this one but they say he has a brilliant mind especially brilliant for the 13th Century. How true is that? Maher has a funny line, he says that Santorum believes life begins at erection. It worries me that someone like Santorum can rise as high as he presently is rising. The election system is so messed up in this country, let's do away with the present system and simply go with the candidate that gets the most votes wins. Enough of these state by state Karl Rove strategies designed to piece together enough backwards minds to elect an especially regressive conservative.
Al Jazeera - Obama Birth Control Plan Angers Church
The Republicans are being absolutely ridiculous, once again.
Morning
Good morning. It is 27 degrees with scattered clouds here in Upstate NY. The moderate winter continues and yesterday we had a significant taste of spring as well. Its nice to drop the many layers of clothing for a few days. We were at the local grocery store and one teenager was out and about in t-shirt, no jacket, no sweater, just t-shirt and jeans. Its inspiring.
It will be another working weekend as I am back at this old house. The remodeling project is back and in gear. I'm tired of looking at blue tarps and construction debris in the living room. Its time to move it back towards habitable condition.
Last night I had the wild salmon with ginger sauce at a Chinese restaurant. All I can say is if you want some amazingly interesting dreams, try it. It was truly delicious but I had some of those very complex deep dreams that you wake from and are clueless about any significant meaning or connection to your real life yet you know that something powerful is percolating.
Lately I am working with the idea of letting it go. We reach a point where the noise from past friction with other people, past failings, past negativity and such is just plain boring and unneeded. Let it go. Evict it from the head space and no matter how adamantly it keeps knocking on the door, do not let it back in. Easier said than done, right. Still, figure it out.
It will be another working weekend as I am back at this old house. The remodeling project is back and in gear. I'm tired of looking at blue tarps and construction debris in the living room. Its time to move it back towards habitable condition.
Last night I had the wild salmon with ginger sauce at a Chinese restaurant. All I can say is if you want some amazingly interesting dreams, try it. It was truly delicious but I had some of those very complex deep dreams that you wake from and are clueless about any significant meaning or connection to your real life yet you know that something powerful is percolating.
Lately I am working with the idea of letting it go. We reach a point where the noise from past friction with other people, past failings, past negativity and such is just plain boring and unneeded. Let it go. Evict it from the head space and no matter how adamantly it keeps knocking on the door, do not let it back in. Easier said than done, right. Still, figure it out.
Friday, February 17, 2012
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,949.87 gaining 45.79 points.
From CNN - Dow closes at highest level since May 2008.
From CNN - Dow closes at highest level since May 2008.
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,929.32 up 25.24 points.
Looks like the Tea Party Congress is up to more mischief by linking payroll tax cut extensions along with a reduction in unemployment benefits. I mean after all if you are laid off or are unemployed its really only your own fault right. This is exactly how they think. We wouldn't want our lords and masters sitting in perfect puffy Italian leather loungers in 75,000 square foot mini-mansions to fret one little perfectly botoxed brow over a little threat to their billions.
CNN: Congress restructures unemployment benefits
Looks like the Tea Party Congress is up to more mischief by linking payroll tax cut extensions along with a reduction in unemployment benefits. I mean after all if you are laid off or are unemployed its really only your own fault right. This is exactly how they think. We wouldn't want our lords and masters sitting in perfect puffy Italian leather loungers in 75,000 square foot mini-mansions to fret one little perfectly botoxed brow over a little threat to their billions.
CNN: Congress restructures unemployment benefits
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
