Saturday, June 30, 2012
Lakoff On Right Wing Messaging
Lakoff is more and more becoming an important figure in understanding the gulf between liberals and authoritarians. He is literally writing the book on the differences and knowing his work will help you to understand the great divide that Americans face day in and day out. Naturally authoritarians will not be interested, but in an ideal world they might try.
AlterNet: George Lakoff: How Right-Wingers Scam People Into Buying Their Toxic Philosophy
AlterNet: George Lakoff: How Right-Wingers Scam People Into Buying Their Toxic Philosophy
Show And Tell
One thing our media informed and savvy public has provided is visual evidence of our egregious behaviors. Clearly we did not have a public capable of personal easy surveillance just a few years ago.
The good side of this surveillance is that attention can be brought to previously unaccounted for harms like bullying.
I'm all for it. At least there are a few areas where we can try to create a more civil society. It will be hard to eradicate bullying but in time it could happen.
CNN: Students who bullied N.Y. bus monitor are suspended for a year
The good side of this surveillance is that attention can be brought to previously unaccounted for harms like bullying.
I'm all for it. At least there are a few areas where we can try to create a more civil society. It will be hard to eradicate bullying but in time it could happen.
CNN: Students who bullied N.Y. bus monitor are suspended for a year
Friday, June 29, 2012
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,816.63 up 214.37 points.
CNN: 2012: Bullish market with a side of angst
CNN: 2012: Bullish market with a side of angst
Implosion To Explosion
Seriously now, listening to some of these people on the ultra right react to the Supremes on Thursday is nothing short of a laughable riot.
The remarks were off the charts ranging from it's worse than 9-11 to I'm moving to Canada - Canada where gay marriage is legal and health insurance is virtually socialized.
The right always reacts in the same amazingly juvenile way. It's always the bang on the head method of "discourse." Please. I was listening to a live FOX News feed from a Tea Bag rally in D.C. yesterday after the "verdict" and I swear I thought the woman on the podium was going to literally cough up a lung while she screamed her throat raw.
AlterNet: The 10 Most Hilariously Unhinged Right-Wing Reactions to the Obamacare Ruling
The remarks were off the charts ranging from it's worse than 9-11 to I'm moving to Canada - Canada where gay marriage is legal and health insurance is virtually socialized.
The right always reacts in the same amazingly juvenile way. It's always the bang on the head method of "discourse." Please. I was listening to a live FOX News feed from a Tea Bag rally in D.C. yesterday after the "verdict" and I swear I thought the woman on the podium was going to literally cough up a lung while she screamed her throat raw.
AlterNet: The 10 Most Hilariously Unhinged Right-Wing Reactions to the Obamacare Ruling
Only an estimated 1 percent of the population will face the tax – a tax that maxes out at 1 percent -- and it may not even be enforceable!
"This is the greatest destruction of individual liberty since Dred Scott. This is the end of America as we know it. No exaggeration."
The Market On Friday
Good morning and welcome to the weekend. It is 71 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. The good sleeping weather is over, we are back to hot and humid. This is stay in the water and float weather. We were surprised to see yesterday's approval of Obamacare. Looking back we see that a certain echelon of experts and scholars had it pegged from the start. Remarkably it all hinged on Roberts. Could it be that the Federalist Society connected judge is not 100% partisan? Scalia and Thomas he is not, but further amplification is in order. Let's read about him.
At 8:30 a.m. futures are significantly higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Investors are cheering a plan to recapitalize failing E.U. banks, the plan comes out of the E.U. summit which began on Thursday. If recent history is anything to draw conclusions from, this action may prove to be only another quick fix band-aid. The market is conditioned and structurally designed to react to these short term fix activities that appear in rapid succession. It's like a monster that can only see the very next little clump of food one foot ahead in its path and that is its only sense of vision - sounds like a pig really.
CNN: Stocks: Investors cheer EU deal
At 8:30 a.m. futures are significantly higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Investors are cheering a plan to recapitalize failing E.U. banks, the plan comes out of the E.U. summit which began on Thursday. If recent history is anything to draw conclusions from, this action may prove to be only another quick fix band-aid. The market is conditioned and structurally designed to react to these short term fix activities that appear in rapid succession. It's like a monster that can only see the very next little clump of food one foot ahead in its path and that is its only sense of vision - sounds like a pig really.
CNN: Stocks: Investors cheer EU deal
Early Friday, EU leaders struck a "breakthrough" deal to ease the recapitalization of struggling banks, which should help draw the eurozone back from the brink of its debt crisis.
The deal includes a European banking union with capital injections that will go straight into banks.
...in the U.S., reports are due Friday on manufacturing, personal income and spending, and consumer sentiment.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
GOP Governor Martinez Approves
She's talking about Obamacare, and she's not endorsing the GOP line.
A rebel is born.
A rebel is born.
What Was He Thinking
David Cole writes on why Roberts decided to uphold Obamacare.
Some of his explanation is very similar to Robert Reich's article from Wednesday.
The Nation: Obamacare Upheld: How and Why Did Justice Roberts Do It?
Some of his explanation is very similar to Robert Reich's article from Wednesday.
The Nation: Obamacare Upheld: How and Why Did Justice Roberts Do It?
In part, the outcome reflects the fact that the truly radical position in this dispute was that of the challengers. Even very conservative lower court judges, including Jeffrey Sutton of the Sixth Circuit and Laurence Silberman of the DC Circuit, had concluded that the law was valid (although on Commerce Clause, not taxing power, grounds). But in addition, I cannot help but think that at the back of Roberts’ mind was the Court’s institutional standing. Had the law been struck down on “party lines,” the Court’s reputation would be seriously undermined. In May, the Pew Research Center reported that favorable views of the Supreme Court as an institution had reached an all-time low. Sharply divided partisan decisions like Bush v. Gore and Citizens United appear to have done damage to the Court’s legitimacy—and ultimately, its legitimacy is the source of the Court’s power. Today’s result, which upholds the actions of the democratically elected branches on a major piece of social welfare legislation that affects us all against a challenge that was always a real long shot, driven more by politics than legal principle, may help repair the Court’s tarnished image.
Political Fallout
The pundits will attempt to justify a winner and loser in the Obamacare decision.
The main issue in the Fall election will be the economy. For the time being one suspects Obama will get a lift.
The Washington Examiner: SCOTUS Obamacare ruling a crushing defeat for conservatives
The main issue in the Fall election will be the economy. For the time being one suspects Obama will get a lift.
The Washington Examiner: SCOTUS Obamacare ruling a crushing defeat for conservatives
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,495.17 down 131.84 points.
Reuters: Wall Street down after health ruling; Europe eyed
Reuters: Wall Street down after health ruling; Europe eyed
5-4 Yes
Very surprised to see this. One thing I have learned from this decision is that I am going to be paying much more attention to Robert Reich.
Boston Herald: Supreme Court upholds Obamacare
Forbes: Why The Obamacare Decision Is Very Good News For Women
CNN: Supreme Court upholds Obamacare 5-4
FOX: Supreme Court upholds individual mandate, ObamaCare survives
ABC News: Supreme Court Health Care Ruling: The Mandate Can Stay
Boston Herald: Supreme Court upholds Obamacare
Forbes: Why The Obamacare Decision Is Very Good News For Women
CNN: Supreme Court upholds Obamacare 5-4
FOX: Supreme Court upholds individual mandate, ObamaCare survives
ABC News: Supreme Court Health Care Ruling: The Mandate Can Stay
1.9% And 386,000
Very poor...
Reuters: U.S. first quarter final GDP growth unrevised at 1.9 percent
CNN: Jobless claims fall slightly
Reuters: U.S. first quarter final GDP growth unrevised at 1.9 percent
CNN: Jobless claims fall slightly
Anti-Nicotine Vaccine
In mice the vaccine stops nicotine from reaching the brain.
Live Science: Nicotine Vaccine Could Help Smokers Quit
Live Science: Nicotine Vaccine Could Help Smokers Quit
The Plutocracy
Hightower reveals more very disturbing info on the billionaires who own the country and how they have bought and own our politicians and Supreme Court.
AlterNet: Jim Hightower: If You Put $100 Million Into a Race, Don’t You Get Naming Rights for the Candidate?
AlterNet: Jim Hightower: If You Put $100 Million Into a Race, Don’t You Get Naming Rights for the Candidate?
That’s because the Federalist Society and other entities -- many of which by the way are funded by the Koch brothers -- they have been the instigator for 30-40 years behind this movement to try to infiltrate the courts. Initially it was at a state and district level, but now it goes all the way up to the Supreme Court. These are their boys. John Roberts, Scalia, Alito and Clarence Thomas. Clarence Thomas and Scalia had gone to the Koch brothers biannual retreat out in the desert to meet these billionaires and politicians to frame a strategy for taking over the entire government.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 69 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. It's another gorgeous day, we are in paradise. At some point later on, The Supremes will more than likely overturn "Obamacare." This is what we are waiting for. I was surprised to see Robert Reich predict that it does not get overturned. The thing of it is, Reich is often correct. I think Obamacare gets overturned - the Supremes are no longer a non partisan entity, they are a political machine of great power. On the other hand, do we really want to have a government mandate that makes us buy health insurance from a corporate entity? Yeah, that's going to go.
At 8:30 a.m. futures are moderately down, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
In a few minutes numbers on first time unemployment claims and the final estimate of the first quarter GDP come through. As always, if these numbers are superior, investors might forget about the utter horror of the doomed eurozone financial summit in favor of a luke warm American economy. That would be the very optimistic prediction.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on Europe, economy
At 8:30 a.m. futures are moderately down, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
In a few minutes numbers on first time unemployment claims and the final estimate of the first quarter GDP come through. As always, if these numbers are superior, investors might forget about the utter horror of the doomed eurozone financial summit in favor of a luke warm American economy. That would be the very optimistic prediction.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on Europe, economy
Spain has been of particular concern, with its stratospheric borrowing costs threatening to drive it from private markets.
Italy may be in similar trouble.
"Expectations are pretty close to zero of anything meaningful coming from (Thursday's eurozone financial crisis summit)..."
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Good Night
A few of the more innocent anti-"Obamacare" images - I would presume people will be holding "Obamacare Is Dead" parties on Thursday.
Robert Reich Predicts Obamacare Will Be Upheld
Robert Reich might be the only person on the planet who sees Thursday's end to Obamacare as not happening.
Not only that, but he sees it being approved 6 to 3.
Robert Reich: Why the Supreme Court Will Uphold the Constitutionality of Obamacare
Not only that, but he sees it being approved 6 to 3.
Robert Reich: Why the Supreme Court Will Uphold the Constitutionality of Obamacare
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,620.27 up 85.60 points.
Reuters: Wall Street jumps on data, eyes EU summit
Reuters: Wall Street jumps on data, eyes EU summit
The Onion - 'Plane Making Different Noise Now,' Thinks Man Who Is Constantly Certain He's About To Die
The week in review from a few weeks back...
The Onion: 'Plane Making Different Noise Now,' Thinks Man Who Is Constantly Certain He's About To Die
The Onion: 'Plane Making Different Noise Now,' Thinks Man Who Is Constantly Certain He's About To Die
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 60 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. Yes, we are back to good sleeping weather. The new dog is adjusting to the lower easier temperatures and is full of vinegar, too much vinegar. Her 11 month old strong body is very alive and ready to move at the slightest provocation. The extreme heat made her much more passive and quiet - ah it was just a temporary illusion.
At 7:40 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mostly higher against major world currencies and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open flat to lower.
Investors are allegedly awaiting a key eurozone meeting which opens tomorrow. Previous similar meetings have done little to appease the financial crisis, yet hope springs eternal.
Till the meeting adjourns, it's a wait and see what happens matter. Meanwhile today investors will parse data on the housing market and manufacturing.
CNN: Stocks: Investors await European summit
At 7:40 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mostly higher against major world currencies and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open flat to lower.
Investors are allegedly awaiting a key eurozone meeting which opens tomorrow. Previous similar meetings have done little to appease the financial crisis, yet hope springs eternal.
Till the meeting adjourns, it's a wait and see what happens matter. Meanwhile today investors will parse data on the housing market and manufacturing.
CNN: Stocks: Investors await European summit
European leaders are under pressure to announce plans to backstop the debts of struggling nations, while also laying the groundwork for future growth...
...economic reports on durable goods orders and the housing market (pending home sales).
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,479.01 down 23.65 points.
CNN: Consumer confidence falls for 4th straight month
CNN: Consumer confidence falls for 4th straight month
The Onion - Johnson & Johnson Introduces 'Nothing But Tears' Shampoo To Toughen Up Newborns
A little something for the many authoritarian minded people in our society...
The Onion: Johnson & Johnson Introduces 'Nothing But Tears' Shampoo To Toughen Up Newborns
The Onion: Johnson & Johnson Introduces 'Nothing But Tears' Shampoo To Toughen Up Newborns
Rising Sea Levels On The Northeast Coast
A few years ago a friend living in Albany NY was pointing to the Hudson River from the front stoop of his house. Albany is 150 miles north of NYC and this house is several hundred feet above the level of the famous river. He was telling me that he thought he had prime waterfront property in the near future...
Live Science: Northeastern U.S. Coast Is 'Hotspot' for Sea-Level Rise
Live Science: Northeastern U.S. Coast Is 'Hotspot' for Sea-Level Rise
...(in the northeastern USA) sea levels are rising more than three times faster than the global average...
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 57 degrees and at the moment sunny here in Upstate NY. It is rather pleasant out and what we like to call good sleeping weather. The logo is indicating rain for today. Tuesday is my wicked busy day so I will be brief.
At 7:35 a.m. futures are modestly higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is slightly up per barrel. The market is poised to open modestly higher.
Investors have been very reactive to the unfolding and non resolving eurozone financial crisis. Spain remains in the headlines, joined by Cyprus which officially laid down a messy hand of cards on Monday. A soon to be had eurozone summit on Thursday is expected to result in nothing but that just might be enough to allay investor fears for today.
On tap for investors and the curious rest of us is data on home prices and sande.blogsot favorite - consumer confidence. The housing market continues to lag in the ultra weak recovery now if we could only go beyond being consumer confident to say being human confident - content with our place in the world and knowing that our activities help ourselves and everybody else. Now that's a liberal speaking.
CNN: Stocks set to start higher
At 7:35 a.m. futures are modestly higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is slightly up per barrel. The market is poised to open modestly higher.
Investors have been very reactive to the unfolding and non resolving eurozone financial crisis. Spain remains in the headlines, joined by Cyprus which officially laid down a messy hand of cards on Monday. A soon to be had eurozone summit on Thursday is expected to result in nothing but that just might be enough to allay investor fears for today.
On tap for investors and the curious rest of us is data on home prices and sande.blogsot favorite - consumer confidence. The housing market continues to lag in the ultra weak recovery now if we could only go beyond being consumer confident to say being human confident - content with our place in the world and knowing that our activities help ourselves and everybody else. Now that's a liberal speaking.
CNN: Stocks set to start higher
Investors are skeptical that Thursday's (eurozone) summit will produce much of substance...
"Markets keep looking for quick cures..."
At 9 a.m. ET, the S&P/Case-Shiller index for April home prices will be released.
...Consumer Confidence Index for June comes out at 10 a.m. ET.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Little Of This Little Of That
Reuters: High Court upholds key part of Arizona immigration law
Check out the alignment of the judges - Roberts sided with Ginsburg and Sotomayor and not with Scalia, Alito, and Thomas. This is shocking.
CNN: Supreme Court sides with U.S. in Arizona immigration case
Check out the alignment of the judges - Roberts sided with Ginsburg and Sotomayor and not with Scalia, Alito, and Thomas. This is shocking.
CNN: Supreme Court sides with U.S. in Arizona immigration case
The majority included Kennedy, Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Steven Breyer, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
DOW Much Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,468.45 down 172.33 points.
Reuters: Wall Street falls further, Nasdaq drops 2 percent
Reuters: Wall Street falls further, Nasdaq drops 2 percent
Stiglitz On Economic Inequality
It seems like 'terrifying' could describe patches of the country right now...
AlterNet: Exclusive Interview: Joseph Stiglitz Sees Terrifying Future for America If We Don't Reverse Inequality
AlterNet: Exclusive Interview: Joseph Stiglitz Sees Terrifying Future for America If We Don't Reverse Inequality
The data that recently came out from the Fed indicated that we've wiped out 20 years of increases and wealth for the middle (class) American.
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 63 degrees and lightly raining on and off here in Upstate NY. I hope you had a good weekend, I did. We spent a good deal of time working on this old house including lots of yard and garden work plus I am closing in on a section of the living room which desperately needs insulation. Hopefully the house will be ever so slightly warmer and less drafty next winter. Sorry I mentioned the evil word. Summer is officially here indeed. I am getting email from a friend out in Colorado where they are having all kinds of fires. This person is directly affected too - tough situation, to have to move to keep yourself and your family safe.
A 8:10 a.m. futures are significantly down, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down below $80 per barrel. The market is poised to open much lower, down it goes.
Investors are reeling from more bad news out of the eurozone. Spanish bonds are in very bad shape as that country needs a huge loan to cover its ailing economy. Notice that tiny Cypress is also about to join the list of European countries in need of a major bailout.
Today could be the day that the Supremes tell us what we already know, that Obama's health care reform is a thing of the past. One suspects the wagering is on which sections if any might remain after the slash.
CNN: Stocks: Europe's gloom to weigh on U.S.
A 8:10 a.m. futures are significantly down, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down below $80 per barrel. The market is poised to open much lower, down it goes.
Investors are reeling from more bad news out of the eurozone. Spanish bonds are in very bad shape as that country needs a huge loan to cover its ailing economy. Notice that tiny Cypress is also about to join the list of European countries in need of a major bailout.
Today could be the day that the Supremes tell us what we already know, that Obama's health care reform is a thing of the past. One suspects the wagering is on which sections if any might remain after the slash.
CNN: Stocks: Europe's gloom to weigh on U.S.
...Spain formally requested aid for its banking sector from the Eurogroup on Monday.
Cyprus could soon become the latest, and smallest, member of the euro currency union to request a bailout from the European Union.
...the government will release figures for new home sales in May.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Who's In, Who's Out
I believe the personal mandate gets struck down, that's a given.
AlterNet: If the Supreme Court Rejects Health Care, I (And Millions Like Me) Am Screwed
AlterNet: If the Supreme Court Rejects Health Care, I (And Millions Like Me) Am Screwed
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Psychic Donation
Indiana Senate candidate Richard Mourdock (R) put out this video requesting donations for his campaign. In the video he applauds the Supremes for striking down Obamacare.
Hey, he must be psychic too, the Supremes have not struck it down...yet.
Hey, he must be psychic too, the Supremes have not struck it down...yet.
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,640.78 gaining 67.21 points.
Reuters: Euro's big four agree growth boost, split on bonds
Reuters: Euro's big four agree growth boost, split on bonds
The Market On Friday
Good morning and welcome to the weekend. It is 75 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. There is a very slight breeze helping us cope with the humidity plus the weather logos show a thunderstorm today and that would cool us off a bit. Yesterday was a hot one, we were cooking. The new dog and hot humid weather are not the perfect mix. She is lazing about and we are limiting her outside activity. We bought her a baby pool and she's learned to wade into it and cool off, very cute. Dogs are so innocent. Congratulations to the Miami Heat, the series pitted the team of the present against the team of the future. The basketball world will hear a lot from Kevin Durant who is in my opinion the best player on the planet.
At 7:50 a.m. futures are modestly higher, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
As you know the DOW took a major dive on Thursday with equities shedding tons of value. It's the perfect storm of poor economic data throughout the world led by a tremendous economic decline in Europe with a long restructuring road ahead.
There are no major economic reports due out today and so one might suspect that investors will either become refocused on the plight of Spain, Greece, et al or they will enjoy the well priced equities market and trade with interest.
CNN: Stocks poised to rebound
At 7:50 a.m. futures are modestly higher, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
As you know the DOW took a major dive on Thursday with equities shedding tons of value. It's the perfect storm of poor economic data throughout the world led by a tremendous economic decline in Europe with a long restructuring road ahead.
There are no major economic reports due out today and so one might suspect that investors will either become refocused on the plight of Spain, Greece, et al or they will enjoy the well priced equities market and trade with interest.
CNN: Stocks poised to rebound
The (Moody's) downgrades included five major U.S. banks -- Citigroup, Morgan Stanley, Goldman Sachs, Bank of America, and JPMorgan Chase...
The German Ifo business confidence index fell to its lowest level in more than two years...
Oil for August delivery rose 52 cents to $78.72 a barrel.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
DOW Closes Much Lower
The DOW closed at 12,573.57 dropping 250.82 points.
Here we go again...
CNN: Oil prices continue their slide
Here we go again...
CNN: Oil prices continue their slide
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,721.91 down 102.48 points.
CNN: Stocks driven lower by global weakness
CNN: Stocks driven lower by global weakness
387,000
Lukewarm news at best
From CNN:
From CNN:
Number of people filing for first-time unemployment benefits falls 2,000 to 387,000...
Penguins In Decline
More on the results of global warming.
Live Science: Melting Sea Ice Could Decimate Emperor Penguins
Live Science: Melting Sea Ice Could Decimate Emperor Penguins
Framing
More from Lakoff on the Great Divide.
AlterNet: Lakoff: Why Conservatives Sell Their Wildly Destructive Ideology Better Than Democrats
AlterNet: Lakoff: Why Conservatives Sell Their Wildly Destructive Ideology Better Than Democrats
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 73 degrees, sunny, and the humidity is a whopping 73% here in Upstate NY. The logo has it going up near 100 degrees today along with that amazingly high humidity. It is going to be a hot one, cripes. We survived the prelude on Wednesday, but today is promising to be the main act. Stay cool, stay indoors, not so much outside work and activity please, drink a lot of water, and most of all be happy.
At 7:40 a.m. futures are slightly down, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
That lower opening could get real low if two numbers come in on the poor side today.
First there's our weekly first time layoffs number. As you know, we are into a bona fide softer spot in an already soft spot with the employment scene. Either way, the number comes out at 8:30 a.m. EST.
Second there will be more data on the already seriously weak housing market. It's a buyers market out there, mortgage rates don' get any better except the quantity of buyers who can qualify is limited. See point 1.
Adding to the above, China is have a manufacturing slowdown and is it any wonder considering Europe is now in recession with very high unemployment rates in various multiple areas. If nobody can buy anything why would factories produce anything.
Be wary of the headlines lately. Remember that fear is a major selling point with journalists. They invoke fear and anxiety whenever there's an opportunity to do so because we're human beings and we are attracted to misfortune like a moth is to a flame. Just be cool and don't get too close to the flame.
CNN: Stocks: A world of worry
At 7:40 a.m. futures are slightly down, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
That lower opening could get real low if two numbers come in on the poor side today.
First there's our weekly first time layoffs number. As you know, we are into a bona fide softer spot in an already soft spot with the employment scene. Either way, the number comes out at 8:30 a.m. EST.
Second there will be more data on the already seriously weak housing market. It's a buyers market out there, mortgage rates don' get any better except the quantity of buyers who can qualify is limited. See point 1.
Adding to the above, China is have a manufacturing slowdown and is it any wonder considering Europe is now in recession with very high unemployment rates in various multiple areas. If nobody can buy anything why would factories produce anything.
Be wary of the headlines lately. Remember that fear is a major selling point with journalists. They invoke fear and anxiety whenever there's an opportunity to do so because we're human beings and we are attracted to misfortune like a moth is to a flame. Just be cool and don't get too close to the flame.
CNN: Stocks: A world of worry
The Fed said Wednesday that it will extend Twist -- its policy of swapping short-term Treasuries in its portfolio for debt with a longer duration -- until the end of the year...
...Chinese manufacturing fell to a seven-month low -- a sign that factories there are being hit by sluggish demand.
...the latest look at first-time unemployment claims and existing home sales.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Newly Released Documents
Raw Story: Declassified document contradicts Cheney’s claim of Iraqi connection to 9/11
The National Security Archive: The Central Intelligence Agency's 9/11 File
The National Security Archive: The Central Intelligence Agency's 9/11 File
Not Good
Bernanke spoke and the word is not so good.
I'm watching the DOW sink as I write this.
CNN: Federal Reserve sees weaker recovery ahead
I'm watching the DOW sink as I write this.
CNN: Federal Reserve sees weaker recovery ahead
Humid
At 3:00 it's 93 degrees with 47% humidity here in Upstate NY.
Compare that to Las Vegas which is presently 95 degrees with only 4% humidity.
Compare that to Las Vegas which is presently 95 degrees with only 4% humidity.
DOW Flat At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,827.91 down 9.42 points.
At 11:39 a.m. EST there is no word yet on an expected Fed announcement.
Chicago Tribune: Fed facing hard decision on economic stimulus
At 11:39 a.m. EST there is no word yet on an expected Fed announcement.
Chicago Tribune: Fed facing hard decision on economic stimulus
Food For Mood
Possibly the most important article of the year.
Scientific American: Microbes Manipulate Your Mind
Scientific American: Microbes Manipulate Your Mind
In 2011 French researchers published the results of a small clinical trial examining the antianxiety effects of probiotics. They had 66 patients take either a placebo or a probiotic formulation containing Lactobacillus helveticus and B. longum, two common inhabitants of guts, for a month. The participants were evaluated for anxiety and depression according to widely accepted checklists at the beginning and again at the end of the experiment. At the end of the month the group that took the probiotics showed the greatest decrease in signs of psychological distress as measured through the participants' self-reports.
The Summer Solstice
Hard to believe but starting Thursday the days get shorter and shorter..
Live Science: Wednesday's Solstice Ushers in Summer
Live Science: Wednesday's Solstice Ushers in Summer
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 71 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. It will go into the upper 90's today and that is the main story. I hope everyone remembers to drink plenty of water, stay cool, and limit their hard working outdoor activity.
At 7:30 a.m. futures are slightly down, the dollar is flat against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down ever so slightly. The market is poised to open flat to slightly lower.
The main headline is very simple and straight forward - today the Fed will announce another round of quantitative easing or not. If it does the market probably rises, if they don't the market probably tanks.
Wait to hear from Bernanke later on this morning. As election day closes in, each announcement of this nature has a dramatic effect on the outcome.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on the Fed
At 7:30 a.m. futures are slightly down, the dollar is flat against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down ever so slightly. The market is poised to open flat to slightly lower.
The main headline is very simple and straight forward - today the Fed will announce another round of quantitative easing or not. If it does the market probably rises, if they don't the market probably tanks.
Wait to hear from Bernanke later on this morning. As election day closes in, each announcement of this nature has a dramatic effect on the outcome.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on the Fed
The Fed's Open Market Committee is due to release a statement at 12:30 p.m. ET, and Fed chair Ben Bernanke will hold a news conference at 2:15 p.m. ET.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Blaming The Poor Once Again
Wow, just plain wow. Mitch McConnell is beyond description. He is so utterly wrong, it defies the human brain throughout thousands of years of its evolution. Oh, my bad, he doesn't believe in evolution. Once again we have the GOTP dragging out poor people as the demon. It's an election year, gotta blame something...
Raw Story: McConnell: Tax code benefits the poor and needs to be changed
Raw Story: McConnell: Tax code benefits the poor and needs to be changed
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,837.33 gaining 95.51 points.
If the Affordable Care Act is completely struck down by the Supremes, 3.1M young adults will lose health care. The keyword is 'completely', because the Supremes could potentially strike out only the individual mandate.
CNN: 3.1M young adults gained health coverage since law took effect
If the Affordable Care Act is completely struck down by the Supremes, 3.1M young adults will lose health care. The keyword is 'completely', because the Supremes could potentially strike out only the individual mandate.
CNN: 3.1M young adults gained health coverage since law took effect
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 63 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. Today is my ultra busy day so I will be brief. Time is flying.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are modestly higher, the dollar is down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is slightly down per barrel. The market is poised to open in the flat to slightly higher range.
Reviewing the financial articles, not much has changed from Monday. Investors will be waiting to see what happens in Greece as that country has decided to vote against its interest and elect a pro-austerity minded government. Right now there is only primarily speculation to answer that question but the likelihood of Greece staying in the eurozone seems greater.
As we know Spain is an economic mess as well and there is probably greater concern surrounding that country's financial stability and future among investors. All of this eurozone mess affects the global economy and negatively impacts world markets. It's hard to see this changing although one would suspect that periodically other financial news will dominate the eurozone.
Investors will be getting data on the housing market today and the big deal, the real big deal will be the end of a longer Fed meeting on Wednesday. Naturally investors are looking for QE3. If that were to happen, equities will probably go right back up into the DOW at 13,000+.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on Europe again
At 8:00 a.m. futures are modestly higher, the dollar is down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is slightly down per barrel. The market is poised to open in the flat to slightly higher range.
Reviewing the financial articles, not much has changed from Monday. Investors will be waiting to see what happens in Greece as that country has decided to vote against its interest and elect a pro-austerity minded government. Right now there is only primarily speculation to answer that question but the likelihood of Greece staying in the eurozone seems greater.
As we know Spain is an economic mess as well and there is probably greater concern surrounding that country's financial stability and future among investors. All of this eurozone mess affects the global economy and negatively impacts world markets. It's hard to see this changing although one would suspect that periodically other financial news will dominate the eurozone.
Investors will be getting data on the housing market today and the big deal, the real big deal will be the end of a longer Fed meeting on Wednesday. Naturally investors are looking for QE3. If that were to happen, equities will probably go right back up into the DOW at 13,000+.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on Europe again
The winning (Greek) New Democracy party could announce a coalition government as soon as Tuesday.
...banking and debt worries in Spain have moved into greater focus.
...the Federal Reserve's two-day meeting, which ends Wednesday.
Housing starts for May are expected...
Monday, June 18, 2012
'Project Hope Alliance Agency: My Life'
I am re-posting this from last night because I really want you to see it.
**** - four stars - Sande
Project Hope Alliance - My Life. from Pigeon Road on Vimeo.
Project Hope Alliance
**** - four stars - Sande
Project Hope Alliance - My Life. from Pigeon Road on Vimeo.
Project Hope Alliance
The Project Hope Alliance exists to end family homelessness through exceptional education and financial stability. The programs funded by the Project Hope Alliance eliminate the barriers homeless students experience that prevent them from attending and succeeding in school, and increase family stability by moving homeless families into permanent housing.
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