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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Hello

Good Night

'I Am John Wayne'

I am John Wayne from Christina Choe on Vimeo.

Arizona's Internet Morality Bill

If the state finds your internet post offensive or annoying you could be in trouble in Arizona.

One wonders if the extraordinarily brutal language of the far right is exempt...

Mediacoallition: Arizona House Bill 2549: Bill to Censor Electronic Speech on Governor's Desk
It would make it a crime to communicate via electronic means speech that is intended to "annoy," "offend," "harass" or "terrify," as well as certain sexual speech. However, because the bill is not limited to one-to-one communications, H.B. 2549 would apply to the Internet as a whole, thus criminalizing all manner of writing, cartoons, and other protected material the state finds offensive or annoying.

The Daily Show - The Week In Review

'A Short Story About Love'

The latest free 'Fringe.'

Scarborough On Trayvon Martin

Remarkably Scarborough sheds a wiser light on this troubling case.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Have A Good Morning

the work of Mark Laita


The Onion - The Week In Review

The Onion: Penn State T-Shirt Awkwardly Looked Away From

Arguing Obamacare

CS Monitor: How Founding Fathers helped argue the health-care case at the Supreme Court

Antarctic Ice Loss

Live Science: Increasing Cracks Could Speed Antarctic Ice Loss

Right Wing Bullies

AlterNet: How Right-Wing Bullies Blame and Attack the Victims of Violence and Oppression

Al Jazeera - Underground Park Looks To Provide NYC Relief

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

Morning

It is 34 degrees and raining with some snow mixed in, here in Upstate NY. Hooray it's Saturday. I just got back from another trail run with the new dog. We saw deer running away from us at two different points in the run. The dog was cool, she didn't go chasing after them but you could see that her curiosity was piqued. Our last dog was a dachshund and that dog would have taken off after the deer in a flash leaving us trying to find him in the woods for the next hour and yes that is experience talking. It was raining the entire time and then the snow started to mix in. Right now it's quiet out there. Trail running is a nice alternative to running on pavement, the knees and joints take less of a beating. Exercise is so crucial. We spend too much time sitting and not really involved in physical activity. Exercise helps to burn away a good deal of the tension and stress that we accumulate. Let's face it, the world is stressful, just reading the news is stressful, and the body and mind absorb the stress. It's imperative that we treat stress with good medicine like exercise, stretching, and the rest of it.

'Hill Stomp'

Robert Belfour

Friday, March 30, 2012

Earth Hour

Saturday March 31st 8:30 PM.

Earth Hour

Good Night

'Getaway'

Getaway from Team Getaway on Vimeo.

Lake Titicaca


CS Monitor: Pollution threatens South America's Lake Titicaca

DOW Closes Lower

The DOW closed at 13,212.04 dropping 66.22 points.

From CNN:
Dow and S&P post biggest first-quarter gains since 1998.

The Daily Show - Hot Docket

Walker Recall Election Is A Go

How about that!

Politico: Scott Walker recall set for June 5

TRNN - Why Is The Green Party's Jill Stein Running To Be President?


More at The Real News

DOW Higher At Noon

In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,196.79 up 50.97 points.

CNN: Stocks on track for big quarterly win

Have A Good Morning

work by Carlotta Brunetti

The Onion - After 1 Week In New York Tim Tebow Already A Gay, Homeless Crack Addict

The Onion: After 1 Week In New York Tim Tebow Already A Gay, Homeless Crack Addict

Catalytic Fast Pyrolysis

Live Science: Building Green Gas Technology Without a Manual

The Changing Religious Landscape

AlterNet: Atheism Rising, But God Is Not Dead Yet: 10 Ways Religion Is Changing Around the World

Al Jazeera - Video Raises Questions Over Florida Killing

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

The Market On Friday

Good morning and welcome to the weekend. It is 33 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. It is a gorgeous morning actually, crisp, bright, and good walking weather. The winter-like clothing is still out and being used but the sun is telling a different story. I just know the steady warmth is coming.

At 8:40 a.m. futures are modestly higher, the dollar is down against all major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. Right now the the market is poised to open higher.

According to CNN - "Consumer spending climbs 0.8% in February, while personal income edges up 0.2%, government says." And that could be just enough to create a bump in the market for today.

Basically the week up to today has revealed a string a poor economic indicators in the world economy. The market has lost some ground with the DOW teetering on dipping below 13,000 as investors expressed concern that the world economy is slowing down.

However, right now Friday is looking good.

CNN: Stocks on track for big quarterly win
The week has been filled with a string of lackluster numbers on durable goods, home prices and the labor market.


New reports are due Friday on consumer spending and income, manufacturing, and consumer confidence.

'Floe'

The Philip Glass Ensemble

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Good Night

'Tenacious D To Be the Best'

Tenacious D 'To Be the Best' by Jeremy Konner from Partizan on Vimeo.

Earl Scruggs Dies

Earl Scruggs Bio

DOW Closes Higher

The DOW closed at 13,145.82 gaining 19.61 points.

Reuters: S&P 500 dips, blue chips lead late comeback

Maddow - Obamacare

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Poll Shows GOP Primary Slog Helps Obama

The Daily Show - The Hunger Shame

TRNN - Chicago Activists Stop Forclosure


More at The Real News

DOW Lower At Noon

In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,057.57 down 68.64 points.

Same headline of the week, different day...

CNN: Stocks pull back on economic growth worries

The Goldilocks Zone

MSNBC: Billions of alien habitable planets, right here in our galaxy

Have A Good Morning

work by Strijdom van der Merwe

The Onion - U.S. Military Desperate To Be Handed Just One Solid War It Can Knock Out Of The Park

The Onion: U.S. Military Desperate To Be Handed Just One Solid War It Can Knock Out Of The Park

Digital Forensics

Live Science: How Digital Forensics Can Help Reveal Online Fraud

Getting Played

AlterNet: Thomas Frank: How Americans Have Gotten Played -- Over and Over and Over Again

Al Jazeera - Sunni Iraqis Yearn To Remain Part Of Arab Fold

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

359,000

Certainly this will be regarded as improving good news.

From CNN -
First-time unemployment benefit claims fall 5,000 to 359,000 in latest week, the government says.

The Market On Thursday

Good morning. It is 43 degrees and cloudy almost rainy here in Upstate NY. The logo has rain and 50s for the day. Earlier I was out running with the dog, yes running. The dog is a fine runner, of course next to me she is merely trotting. It's great having a companion jogger and I think in time she will become excellent at it. This morning it was trail jogging too, so she got to meander through the woods a bit.

At 8:30 a.m. futures are slightly down, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down. Right now the market is poised to open lower.

Today's pre-market activity is in line with the entire week. Investors are seeing data that suggests the world economy is sluggish. Again I would like to point out that the market is all about unlimited growth, and exactly how realistic is that in a world of finite resources. In some respects our market based economy is like a virus that grows strong but eventually consumes the host.

Otherwise, investors will be looking at the all important weekly first time layoffs number and a revision of the fourth quarter GDP. Perhaps these numbers will spark an upward momentum.

CNN: Stocks: Growth worries keep investors sidelined
Disappointing reports on durable goods orders, consumer confidence and home prices have dragged on domestic markets this week, while ongoing concerns about a growth slowdown in China have added pressure on world markets.


The government's third estimate of fourth-quarter GDP for 2011...

'Phantom Limb'

The Shins

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Good Night

Romney On Obamacare

DOW Closes Lower

The DOW closed at 13,126.21 dropping 71.52 points.

CNN: Stocks slide on economic jitters

Foxden

Guardian UK: US acted to conceal evidence of intelligence failure before 9/11

The Daily Show - The O'Donnell-Chair Interview

TRNN - High Oil Prices Must Be Subject Of Criminal Investigation


More at The Real News

DOW Lower At Noon

In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,091.02 down 106.71 points.

CNN: Stocks meander lower
...a report on durable goods that missed expectations.

Fox On Global Warming

According to FOX News the global warming coffin is nailed shut. It does not exist.

Have A Good Morning

work by Roy Staab

The Onion - Women Voters Can't Help Fawning Over Sexist GOP

The Onion: Women Voters Can't Help Fawning Over Sexist GOP

Cities Balloon

Live Science: Swelling Cities Threaten Humanity, Experts Say

Deny

AlterNet: The Strange Conservative Brain: 3 Reasons Republicans Refuse to Accept Reality About Global Warming

Al Jazeera - US Seeks Vital Signs From 'Obamacare' Debate

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

The Market On Wednesday

Good morning. It is 42 degrees and getting cloudy here in Upstate NY. The unseasonably high temperatures of the past two weeks have caused lots of blooming usually seen only in April to occur. That's good except the very cold dip we had into the 20s yesterday caused the beautiful magnolia blooms to turn brown. It's sad to see. Magnolias are just outstanding in the Spring, oh well. The forsythia is still holding its ground, so the yellow is everywhere.

At 8:25 a.m. futures are slightly higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. One might guess that the market will open slightly choppy.

The investment articles are suggesting that not a lot of outstanding data is coming through today. Investors will be parsing numbers on durable goods production.

On days like today when no compelling story or number seems to be pushing the indexes, the ameliorating factors arise as the day progresses. So look for a surprise.

CNN: Stocks: Turnaround in store?
The government releases its monthly report on durable goods orders before the opening bell.


At 10 a.m. ET, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner is scheduled to testify before a House Appropriations subcommittee on the Treasury budget.


The price of an average gallon of regular gas surpassed the $3.90 mark Wednesday...


Annie's Inc., the organic food maker known for its macaroni & cheese, is expected to begin trading under the ticker BNNY...

'Going Out West'

Tom Waits

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Cow Plus Bell


Yahoo: More cowbell! Vermonters planning world’s largest cowbell ensemble

Boston.com: Phish drummer, Ben & Jerry’s plan ‘world’s largest cowbell ensemble’

Good Night

'The Guardian'

The Guardian from Carly Palmour on Vimeo.

DOW Closes Lower

The DOW closed at 13,197.73 dropping 43.90 points.

CNN: Coolest inventions coming in 2012

The Daily Show - Cable News Investigators And Dick Cheney's Heart

TRNN - Should Supreme Court Find Insurance Mandate Unconstitutional?


More at The Real News

DOW Flat At Noon

In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,241.52 down 0.11 points.

CNN: Home prices fall to 2002 levels

On Love

"At the touch of love everyone becomes a poet." - Plato


"Do all things with love." - Og Mandino


"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." - Lao Tzu


"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love." - Mother Teresa

Fitty Foto

For $100 he'll sign his name, in magic marker, anywhere you want...

Yahoo: Gingrich Begins Charging $50 for Photos at Events

Have A Good Morning

work by Nils-Udo

The Onion - Lawyers Opposing Health Care Law Cite Kids-With-Pre-Existing-Conditions-Can-Go-Fuck-Themselves Clause

The Onion: Lawyers Opposing Health Care Law Cite Kids-With-Pre-Existing-Conditions-Can-Go-Fuck-Themselves Clause

Decade Of Climate Change

Live Science: Decade of Extreme Weather Bears Fingerprint of Climate Change

The Objectivist World

AlterNet: The Horrors of an Ayn Rand World: Why We Must Fight for America's Soul

Al Jazeera - Top US Court Weighs 'Obamacare'

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

The Market On Tuesday

Good morning. It is 24 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. We are briefly back to the feel of Winter but the forecast has the temperatures heading back up into the 50s again. In a way this is more like it, more like what we are used to in all previous years. I might have had my last sensation of numb cold hands this morning while walking the dog. Might not miss that.

At 8:15 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is up against all major world currencies, and the price of oil is ever so slightly higher per barrel. The market is poised to open in the flat zone.

Investors will be parsing more data on the housing market today. In addition Bernanke will be lecturing this afternoon, and as we know his words can alter the value of the world economy in an instant. That must be an amazing rush - holding that level of power in the world.

The expectation is that interest rates will continue to be held at the barest and this is delightful news to the investment world.

CNN: Stocks: Ready to hold steady
On top of home price data from the Case-Shiller 20-City Index, investors will also look at corporate results from homebuilder Lennar for a reading on the sector.


...Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke will deliver a lecture at George Washington University, and a House Financial Services subcommittee will hold a hearing on aid to the eurozone.

'Part Of Me'

Katy Perry

Monday, March 26, 2012

Good Night

'Inti-Ñan'

Inti-Ñan from BabaBC on Vimeo.

Assault Allegation

Guardian UK: George Zimmerman told police Trayvon Martin beat his head into pavement

Pink Slime Slowdown

Google: Pink slime' maker suspends some plant operations

DOW Closes Higher

The DOW closed at 13,241.63 gaining 160.90 points.

CNN: BMW recalls 367,000 cars in the U.S.

Santorum - 'You Can't Handle The Truth!'

Chomsky On Enlightenment, Classical Liberalism, Anarchism

This is the second of an eight part interview.

TRNN - History Of An Occupation


More at The Real News

DOW Higher At Noon

In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,215.03 up 134.30 points.

CNN: Stocks surge 1% on dovish Bernanke

Krugman On The Stand Your Ground Law

This is an important eye opening article.

NYT: Lobbyists, Guns and Money

Have A Good Morning

work by Ilka Meyer

The Onion - The Week In Review

The Onion: Purity Of War Marred By One Bad Apple In Afghanistan

Mercury And The Moon

Live Science: NASA Extends Missions to Mercury and the Moon

Working With Low Self Esteem

Nice to see this article posted in AlterNet, we'll get back to their GOTP bashing articles tomorrow...

AlterNet: The Fascinating Buddhist Approach to Low Self-Esteem

Al Jazeera - UK Co-Operatives Prosper In Recession

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

The Market On Monday

Good morning. It is 42 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. If I had worn gloves on my morning dog walk the personal comfort zone would have been improved. It's cool out. Notice that establishment Republicans are calling for all GOTP members to fall in line behind Romney, plus we now have Paul Ryan making a play for the VP spot. My November vote will not so much be about who I support, but who I utterly reject. Romney reminds me of Nixon minus Nixon's bubbly happy personality and that is something to utterly reject. On another level Romney is the most salient result of a disastrously dysfunctional political system. Other than being a registered Republican, Romney will say anything to anyone in order to receive their support. Beware though, his foreign policy advisers are neocons, and that means war, make no mistake. Romney is there to transfer as much wealth as possible to the already bloated incomes of the super wealthy elite and he will do this using the same methods as Bush II.

At 8:15 a.m. futures are modestly higher, the dollar is up against all major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. Right now the market might very well open somewhat mixed with energy stocks down.

Today a few key points will be investors parsing through more data on the weak U.S. housing market while they carefully analyze Bernanke's comments to the National Association for Business Economics. I'm sure most Americans will be on the edge of their seats in anticipation.

Also, notice that China has produced a ripple in the investment world with data suggesting a slowdown in it's roaring industrial economy. That would also suggest that the world economy might be slowing as well.

CNN: Stocks: Choppy trading ahead
...a series of dour economic reports out of China...


A report on pending home sales is due Monday...


...watching to see whether Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke says anything notable...

'Take The A Train'

Dave Brubeck

Sunday, March 25, 2012

The Dress Code

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

45 Foot Paper Airplane

'News Anchor Fail Compilation 2011'

This is a riot...

Good Night

'Drawing Apparatus'

Drawing Apparatus from Robert Howsare on Vimeo.

Water Wager

It's not easy to get water into the middle of the desert.

Guardian UK: Las Vegas plans to pump water across 300 miles of desert approved
The Centre for Biological Diversity called the decision a victory for "mindless Las Vegas growth".

White House Responds To GOP Comments On Obama Regarding Trayvon Martin

"..GOP primary has been more of a circus show, a clown show..."

Gingrich has it coming.

'The Tale Of Despereaux'

We saw this on Netflix, it's cute, easy entertainment.

Christiania

Have A Good Morning

work by Giuseppe Penone

The Onion - Poll Shows Best Part Of Primary Season Has Been Really Getting To Know, Spend Time With 4 Great Guys

The Onion: Poll Shows Best Part Of Primary Season Has Been Really Getting To Know, Spend Time With 4 Great Guys

Too Hot, Or Not

Live Science: Do Record High Temps Mean a Scorching Summer is Ahead?

Priority Inversion

AlterNet: A Single Hedge-Fund Hustler Makes More Than 85,000 Teachers: Why Are Our Priorities So Messed Up?

Al Jazeera - Portugal's Effective Approach To Drugs

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

Morning

Good morning. It is 43 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. The logo is showing dark clouds for the day. We have returned to the type of weather this time of the year normally brings. Everyone was shocked in a good way to experience Summer in March just a few days ago. It will be back.

As a result of our seriously warmer weather, everything seems to be in bloom except for the hostas in the front lawn. The trees are starting to leaf up.

The next big order of business is to get at least part of the yard fenced in so that the new dog can be let out. This dog loves the outdoors and will have a fine time patrolling the yard. I expect to see her sleeping out there or at least resting. Her barking is a little problematic and we are taking measures to try to limit it.

Be good.

'Young Folks'

Peter Bjorn and John

Friday, March 23, 2012

Good Night

See you bright and early on Saturday.

'The Fungarium'

Beyond the Gardens: The Fungarium from LONELYLEAP on Vimeo.

DOW Closes Higher

The DOW closed at 13,080.73 gaining 34.59 points.

CNN: The oil industry's plan to lower gas prices

The Enceladen Ocean

The ocean is on Enceladus, one of Saturn's 66 moons.

Time: Say Hello to an Extraterrestrial Ocean — and Maybe Extraterrestrial Life

TRNN - Japan Plays Down Fukushima As Questions About Nuclear Energy Remain

This is from March 12th.


More at The Real News

DOW Flat At Noon

In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,044.85 down 1.29 points.

CNN: Stocks falter on disappointing home sales

Krugman On GOTP Gas Paranoia

NYT: Paranoia Strikes Deeper

Santorum Favors Obama Over Romney

We are witnessing one of the most tragic and destructive presidential elections in a lifetime. The authoritarian will feed on it's own.

Yahoo: Santorum suggests that re-electing Obama would be better than a Romney presidency

Maddow - Santorum's Religion

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Have A Good Morning

more work by Strijdom van der Merwe

The Onion - Sometimes I Feel Like I’m The Only One Who Gives A Shit About Rich, Lustrous Hair

The Onion: Sometimes I Feel Like I’m The Only One Who Gives A Shit About Rich, Lustrous Hair

Just My Imagination

Live Science: Fertile Imagination: Ovulating Gals Have More Sex Fantasies

Busting Up Democracy

AlterNet: The Right-Wing Plot to Control Your Health Care

Water Wars

Guardian UK: Water wars between countries could be just around the corner, Davey warns

Al Jazeera - Scientists Find Root Of Male Baldness

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

The Market On Friday

Good morning and welcome to the weekend. It is 60 degrees and gorgeous here in Upstate NY. The Summer In March Of '12 reality continues on today. I think I saw my first ear of corn growing - yes I'm lying but it feels about right. Actually the forecast has the area returning to more normal temperatures for this time of year by next week. It will seem like a shock, but we do need some time to exhibit the sweater and light jacket collection.

At 8:00 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. I don't really know so I am going to take a guess and say the market will open slightly higher. It's always a crap shoot.

Today investors will get data on new home sales in February. As you know the housing market is weak and lagging behind the already lagging recovery. That would be a double lag. Notice that mortgage rates tipped up this week although they are still low. If one were thinking about buying a house and had the stomach and money for it, this is your time to buy. If your willing to live where the buying is particularly cheap, the sky is the limit. $100,000 will get you glowing perfection in certain areas of the country of course you might not be able to find a job and you might need to be able to defend yourself 24/7.

In truth the American landscape in many parts of this country is downright depressing, it's vacant, devoid of cultural decoration, intellectually deflated, stuck in deep seated rumor and mischief, yuk. Still, one person's misery landscape is another person's heaven...

CNN: Stocks: Bracing for more housing data
(On Thursday) investors were rattled by worries of a global growth slowdown based on soft manufacturing data from Germany and China.


New home sales for February (data on Friday)

'Goin Down To The River'

Mississippi Fred McDowell

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Good Night

Pinterest

CNN: Is Pinterest the next Facebook?

DOW Closes Lower

The DOW closed at 13,046.14 dropping 78.48 points.

CNN: Colleges slashing tuition, offering 3-year degrees

Still Life


CNN: Museum discovers 'new' Van Gogh painting

Reich On Romney

Robert Reich: Why Mitt Won’t Be Able to Hide From His Primary Self (We’re No Longer In An Etch-A-Sketch World)

TRNN - The Right Vs EPA


More at The Real News

DOW Lower At Noon

In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,062.79 down 61.83 points.

Reuters: Global growth concerns weigh on Wall Street

Maddow - Slippery Romney

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Have A Good Morning

work by Strijdom van der Merwe

The Onion - Military Now Considering Limiting Soldiers With Severe PTSD To 3 Combat Tours

The Onion: Military Now Considering Limiting Soldiers With Severe PTSD To 3 Combat Tours

348,000

Better news...

From CNN -
Number of people filing for first-time unemployment benefits falls to a 4-year low of 348,000, government says.

The Smell Diet

Live Science: The Nose Knows: Smelly Foods Make You Eat Less

Big Ears

AlterNet: Exposed: Massive New Spy Center Built to Track Your Emails and Phone Calls

Al Jazeera - Family Rejects Self-Defense In Racially Charged US Killing

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

The Market On Thursday

Good morning. It is 51 degrees and hazy here in Upstate NY. The weather logo has us in the 80s and sunny later on today. That would possibly be a record high temperature in these parts. The early blooming continues, shrubs, leaves, it's all coming out. We are in the garden planning stage as well - looking forward to fresh garden vegetables, yes.

At 8:25 a.m. futures are significantly lower, the dollar is up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. At the moment the market is set to open with a thud.

Investors are alarmed that China's stunning economic growth has slowed down for a 60 minute period sometime in March. Truly it's ridiculous. Wall Street is only geared up for one thing, booms, major booms, anything other than a booming growing economy is failure. We really need to get past this, we need to evolve a little bit more. The world cannot maintain or support unlimited economic growth into the distant unknown future. It can't happen yet our economy is established only for this purpose. It's like a disease that completely gorges itself on the host body until the host dies and voila, so does the disease organism.

CNN: Stocks: Growth worries dampen enthusiasm
(Regarding China) A reading below 50 indicates the sector is contracting, and HSBC said that a significant drop in new orders acted as the primary drag on manufacturing.


...Germany showed the eurozone stalwart hit a soft patch in March...

'Skinny Love'

Bon Iver

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Romney's Amnesia

I don't believe I have heard a larger crock of shit in recent years. Certainly I've heard equally as large crocks of shit, but nothing larger than this crock of pure distilled shit.

HuffPo: Mitt Romney: George W. Bush And Henry Paulson Saved Country From Depression

Good Night

'Yello Belly End'

Yello Belly End from Philip Bacon on Vimeo.

Hypoxic Dead Zones - Ocean Damage

Reuters: Damage to world's oceans 'to reach $2 trillion a year

DOW Closes Lower

The DOW closed at 13,124.62 dropping 45.57 points.

Reuters: Home sales show underlying strength, prices rise

Obama Vs Romney In Dollars

In February - Romney raised $11.5 million, Obama raised $23.1 million.

LA Times: Romney beats GOP candidates in fund-raising, Obama tops all

Chomsky - The Responsibility Of Intellectuals

TRNN - 'Librotraficantes' Smuggle Banned Books Into Tucson, Arizona


More at The Real News

DOW Lower At Noon

In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,137.94 down 32.25 points.

In the housing market, existing home sales dropped in February.

Reuters: Wall Street edges lower after housing data

GOTP Opposing Education


Amazing - the vast majority of Tea Party people believe college is bad.

Ignorance is bliss. I was wondering about Santorum's comments when he called Obama a snob for wanting more Americans to gain a college education. Turns out Santorum is merely on the cutting edge of Tea Party brilliance.

Pew Research: Colleges Viewed Positively, But Conservatives Express Doubts
Just 38% of those who agree with the Tea Party viewed their (college's) impact positively...

Have A Good Morning

work by South African artist Strijdom van der Merwe

The Onion - Nation's First Boombox-Carrying, Rollerskating Congressman Broke Boundaries

The Onion: Nation's First Boombox-Carrying, Rollerskating Congressman Broke Boundaries

Deep Seeing

Live Science: Why Seeing Around Corners May Become Next 'Superpower'

Bully

AlterNet: Conservative Bullying Has Made America Into a Broken, Dysfunctional Family: But There Are Ways to Regain Our Wellbeing

Al Jazeera - Canadians Of African Origin Seek Equality

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

The Market On Wednesday

Good morning. It is 56 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. The weather logo has sun coming through today and temperatures back in the 70s. We are all in awe of the early Spring delicious weather. In this neighborhood the forsythia are in bloom, dogwoods and magnolias are soon to follow. When I recognize how easy it is to exist in the warmer temperatures it makes me want that warmth all year round...

At 8:10 a.m. futures are modestly higher, the dollar is down against most major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. Right now the market is poised to open higher.

Notice that the average price of gas is now $3.86 per gallon.

Investors are seeing data on the housing market this week. As you know housing is one sector of the economy that is very weak and not recovering well. Data this week has so far been positive.

Investors are concerned that China's frantic economic growth is slightly stalling out. Once again is it realistic to think that the world's economic growth must continue and ramp up year after year. Clearly the environment does not agree. Yet this is how Wall Street works.

CNN: Stocks: More housing data on tap
The housing market remains in focus Wednesday, with a report on existing home sales and the weekly Mortgage Bankers Association application index on tap.


Data released by the government on Tuesday showed a big increase in requests for building permits in February...


...concerns about slowing growth in China...


Gas prices are up 17.8% this year.

'Mirage - Khöömei'

Enkh Jargal

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Good Night

'5,000 Miles, 930 People, 162 Seconds'

I Love People: 5,000 Miles, 930 People, 162 Seconds from Benjamin Jenks on Vimeo.

Tingly Tattoo

ABC News: Nokia Patents Vibrating Tattoo, Lets You Feel Alerts

Vote

Click the link and pick your favorite -

Raw Story: What’s the dumbest thing conservatives have trumpeted in 2012?

DOW Closes Lower

The DOW closed at 13,170.19 dropping 68.94 points.

CNN: The fake housing recovery

Best News Of The Month

Fantastic!

Raw Story: FCC decision strikes critical blow to right-wing radio dominance

The Daily Show - Cable News - C-SPAN

TRNN - Iraq Nine Years Later: Poverty And Violence Continue


More at The Real News

DOW Lower At Noon

In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,166.10 dropping 73.03 points.

Reuters: Wall Street opens lower after run-up

WBEC Dumping Limbaugh In Favor Of Huckabee

The Berkshire Eagle: WBEC radio picks up Mike Huckabee as Limbaugh's successor

The Stunning Santorum

Santorum appears to be running exclusively on a "social values" ticket. He's not concerned about unemployment, he says job creation is not the government's role.

Notice that the right is simultaneously lambasting Obama on employment and then voting for Santorum who could care less about employment.

What do you do with that?

Raw Story: Santorum ‘does not care’ about the unemployment rate
...it wasn’t the government’s duty to create jobs.

Have A Good Morning

The subtle work of Strijdom van der Merwe

The Onion - Stock Analysts Confused, Frightened By Boar Market

The Onion Radio News

Coregasms

Live Science: No Sex Required: Women Have Orgasms at the Gym

The Right Brain

Fascinating article. It adds more social science and cognitive information on the fundamental differences between lefties and conservatives.

AlterNet: How the Right-Wing Brain Works and What That Means for Progressives

Al Jazeera - Medical Tattoos Marking A New Mark

Al Jazeera - The Main Headlines

The Market On Tuesday

Good morning and welcome to Spring. It is 54 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. The forecast has the temperatures going into the 80s in the next few days and high 70s today. Let's just say that has to be a record in these parts. It just doesn't get that hot around here in March. The blooming is in full gear, birds are very active, and I am starting to see the insects. Its great, welcome back warmth.

At 8:10 a.m. futures are moderately down, the dollar is up against major world currencies, and the price of oil per barrel is down. Right now the market is poised to drop at the opening bell.

Investors will be parsing Federal data on the weak housing market today. Housing is the name of the game. If the data is stronger than expected then perhaps the market can change direction, otherwise at this time it looks to be a stinker.

Notice that Fed Chair Bernanke will be speaking today. That is always a very important event for investors. One imagines Bernanke very carefully tailoring his comments for any ill advised words that might suggest something worse than what is occurring. The man can change the value of the world's wealth with one nasty mispronunciation.

CNN: Stocks: Housing in focus
Investors will spend Tuesday looking for signs of strength in the housing market, while also watching for clues about the direction of the U.S. economy in comments from senior policymakers.


...Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke will deliver a lecture at the George Washington University School of Business.

'Calgary'

Bon Iver