The Mine Kafon (teaser) from Callum Cooper on Vimeo.
Friday, November 30, 2012
Gingrich On Leno
Could the recent election cycle be the last time we see Gingrich run for president? Recall that politicians rely on the weak memory of the American public.
Raw Story: Gingrich finally admits he doesn’t deserve to be president
Raw Story: Gingrich finally admits he doesn’t deserve to be president
DOW Flat At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 13,026.31 up 4.49 points.
CNN: Stocks stuck on fiscal cliff treadmill
CNN: Stocks stuck on fiscal cliff treadmill
The Onion - Remaking The Republican Party
This is funny.
The Onion: Remaking The Republican Party
The Onion: Remaking The Republican Party
Begin rolling the R’s in “deportation” and “border fence”
Global Warmng - Rapid Pace Of Polar Ice Melting
Sorry to put up such intensely bad news here, but we still have the power to improve our future, we just need the necessary determination and understanding.
Slate: New Study Shows Global Warming Is Rapidly Melting Ice at Both Poles
Slate: New Study Shows Global Warming Is Rapidly Melting Ice at Both Poles
The Market On Friday
Good morning and welcome to the weekend. It is 24 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. Well, another week has flown by. It seems like the focus of our attention in the news world continues to be the fiscal cliff. We've got all kinds of speculation on which GOP face will present itself at the bargaining table. Allegedly the president is in a win win situation from the point of view of the American public's view of it all. Stay tuned, we've got about 5 weeks more at least to go.
At 8:20 a.m. futures are modestly up, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is ever so slightly higher. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
We already know about the fiscal cliff but what seems more relevant than ever is how the politics of our nation effects Wall Street's decision on something as important to our economy as the valuation of stocks. Isn't this what we are getting? The fiscal cliff discussion process continues and we are seeing Wall Street react with optimism or pessimism to the events we hear on the news about it.
CNN: Stocks may get fiscal cliff boost
At 8:20 a.m. futures are modestly up, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is ever so slightly higher. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
We already know about the fiscal cliff but what seems more relevant than ever is how the politics of our nation effects Wall Street's decision on something as important to our economy as the valuation of stocks. Isn't this what we are getting? The fiscal cliff discussion process continues and we are seeing Wall Street react with optimism or pessimism to the events we hear on the news about it.
CNN: Stocks may get fiscal cliff boost
...reports are due on personal income and spending for October...
...the pace of economic growth in India slowed during the latest quarter. The country's GDP, the broadest measure of a nation's economic health, grew at a rate of 5.3%.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 13,021.82 gaining 36.71 points.
CNN: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King workers protest in NYC
CNN: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King workers protest in NYC
Factory Farming Animals
It's fundamentally repulsive viewing images of how animals are treated in factory farming. I still eat meat and fish but I try to be selective about it.
AlterNet: Good News For Animal Lovers: Factory Farming's Days May Be Numbered
AlterNet: Good News For Animal Lovers: Factory Farming's Days May Be Numbered
In one of history's most stunning victories for humane farming, Australia's largest supermarket chain, Coles, will as of January 1 stop selling company branded pork and eggs from animals kept in factory farms.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 33 degrees and to our surprise, sunny here in Upstate NY. The morning walk was fast and very crisp. I stopped in the local deli and picked up eggs which I will soon use for breakfast. Even though we just bought a TV, I must say it's very tedious to watch the news in that way. It's much quicker and direct getting the important excerpts online. Watching CNN, it's unreal how much they belabor the point, too boring.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
It is a good fiscal cliff day meaning that investors are optimistic that talks in Washington will lead to a compromise deal on the upcoming alleged crisis. This is taking center stage for investors.
In addition, investors will be re-parsing the newest numbers on the third quarter GDP, and don't forget that at 8:30 a.m. the government releases weekly numbers on first time layoffs. With Obama seated in the White House for the next four years, that number lost its dramatic importance in the election world of political fodder.
CNN: Fiscal cliff talks lift stocks
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
It is a good fiscal cliff day meaning that investors are optimistic that talks in Washington will lead to a compromise deal on the upcoming alleged crisis. This is taking center stage for investors.
In addition, investors will be re-parsing the newest numbers on the third quarter GDP, and don't forget that at 8:30 a.m. the government releases weekly numbers on first time layoffs. With Obama seated in the White House for the next four years, that number lost its dramatic importance in the election world of political fodder.
CNN: Fiscal cliff talks lift stocks
...signs that Washington might be moving toward a deal on the fiscal cliff.
...second estimate of third-quarter GDP...
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Maddow - GOP Fight Over Rice Is About Kerry's Senate Seat
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,892.03 up 13.90 points.
CNN: New home sales decline 0.3% in October
CNN: New home sales decline 0.3% in October
Global Warming - Optimisim?
Read the article - the rise in temperatures globally has leveled off but it is expected to rise again in the future. The optimism is about the present leveling off.
The Telegraph: Doha: Global warming is slowing down, says Met Office
The Telegraph: Doha: Global warming is slowing down, says Met Office
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is a cool 26 degrees with clouds starting to clear here in Upstate NY. I'm reading that this entire Susan Rice - John McCain witch hunt is not what we think or what McCain is alleging. It's about the GOP wanting John Kerry for Secretary of State so that Kerry's senate seat comes up for grabs in the next election cycle, and then they can try to re-install Scott Brown in the vacant seat. Tricky, tricky. I hope Obama puts Rice's name forward.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are modestly down. CNN has not yet posted the value of the dollar versus other world currencies, nor has it posted the price of oil per barrel. However stocks closed lower in both Asian and European markets, so one might think that we are in for another weak day on Wall Street.
It's the same old recent story, investors are looking to see what our government comes up with in dealing with the fiscal cliff. I'm starting to read that the market more than likely will continue being weak until some agreement or resolution is reached. One might also think that if this trend does in fact continue, then we might have another buying opportunity at the end of December. Just saying.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on the fiscal cliff
At 8:00 a.m. futures are modestly down. CNN has not yet posted the value of the dollar versus other world currencies, nor has it posted the price of oil per barrel. However stocks closed lower in both Asian and European markets, so one might think that we are in for another weak day on Wall Street.
It's the same old recent story, investors are looking to see what our government comes up with in dealing with the fiscal cliff. I'm starting to read that the market more than likely will continue being weak until some agreement or resolution is reached. One might also think that if this trend does in fact continue, then we might have another buying opportunity at the end of December. Just saying.
CNN: Stocks: Eyes on the fiscal cliff
And with Dec. 31 right around the corner, most experts say trading could be choppy for the rest of the year.
Coming up Wednesday, investors will get a look at the health of the housing market at 10 a.m. ET, when the Census Bureau releases October data on new home sales.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
DOW Flat At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,964.07 down 3.30 points.
CNN: Fiscal battle over mortgage deduction
CNN: Fiscal battle over mortgage deduction
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 33 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. Not quite as chilly as it was yesterday and so the morning walk was brisk and quick. I'm watching CNN as I write and its all about the fiscal cliff. How many times between now and January 1st and beyond will you hear the term fiscal cliff. Politics is a miserable thing, I truly am sick of hearing these people. The Republicans appear to be returning to their intractable selves, woe is us. It's a disgrace.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up. It's hard to say how the market will open but right now the variance would be small from yesterday's closing number up or down.
Investors are watching the never ending ongoing eurozone debt crisis and negotiations now that Congress is back in session over the fiscal cliff. This will be the menu for the next couple of months - eurozone and fiscal cliff. Get used to it.
Investors will also be looking at data on housing, manufacturing, and my favorite, consumer sentiment. I recommend we become a nation of sentimental consumers.
CNN: Stocks: Choppy trading ahead
At 8:00 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up. It's hard to say how the market will open but right now the variance would be small from yesterday's closing number up or down.
Investors are watching the never ending ongoing eurozone debt crisis and negotiations now that Congress is back in session over the fiscal cliff. This will be the menu for the next couple of months - eurozone and fiscal cliff. Get used to it.
Investors will also be looking at data on housing, manufacturing, and my favorite, consumer sentiment. I recommend we become a nation of sentimental consumers.
CNN: Stocks: Choppy trading ahead
... Europe's worsening economy next year will slow U.S. growth more than previously forecast.
...reports on consumer confidence, housing and manufacturing due out in the morning.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Joke Of The Day
No comment, except that the man is brutally tone deaf.
Yahoo: Rick Santorum ‘open’ to running for president again
Yahoo: Rick Santorum ‘open’ to running for president again
DOW Closes Lower
The DOW closed at 12,967.37 dropping 42.31 points.
CNN: 3 ways Obama's reelection will impact your finances
CNN: 3 ways Obama's reelection will impact your finances
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,913.80 down 95.88 points.
CNN: Wells Fargo CEO: Why Americans are saving so much
CNN: Wells Fargo CEO: Why Americans are saving so much
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 32 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. I hope you had a good weekend including using up all leftovers. As I write this I'm watching Grover Norquist on CNN discuss his no tax pledge and the recent GOP revolt against it. I'm not fond of Grover's pledge supremacy, also I do not want to see entitlement spending put on the line as a bargaining chip in order to get the GOP to agree to raise taxes on the rich. That does not compute. Leave SSI and Medicare alone.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately lower, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
Like the rest of us investors are watching to see what will occur in Washington to address the country's "fiscal cliff". It's interesting to see the GOP on the defensive. Clearly they understand that their brand is marked. One suspects that bipartisan compromise is now a more distinct possibility.
CNN: Stocks poised for lower open
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately lower, the dollar is mostly up against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
Like the rest of us investors are watching to see what will occur in Washington to address the country's "fiscal cliff". It's interesting to see the GOP on the defensive. Clearly they understand that their brand is marked. One suspects that bipartisan compromise is now a more distinct possibility.
CNN: Stocks poised for lower open
No major economic or corporate reports are expected, so investors will be looking for signs of an economic recovery in retail sales.
Investors will also return their attention to the fiscal cliff.
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Graham Breaks From Norquist Pledge
Another senator disavows Norquist's absurd pledge. Republicans seem to be getting the message that the alternative to co-operation is future non-relevancy.
Guardian UK: Senator Lindsey Graham is latest Republican to disavow tax pledge
Guardian UK: Senator Lindsey Graham is latest Republican to disavow tax pledge
John McCain Tells FOX News Viewers - GOP Must Leave Abortion Alone
If the GOP abandons its position on social issues then they also lose their fundamentalist Christian vote base. The idea seems to be to drop the fundies and try to win over more women, young people, Latinos, and gays. Essentially what McCain is talking about is changing the present blue state - red state configuration. McCain wants Microsoft to be more like Apple and then capture Apple's market.
Saturday, November 24, 2012
Reckless
Among the worst Black Friday stories yet...
WWLP.com: 2 year old found in Springfield parking lot - Police say he left child behind to buy TV
WWLP.com: 2 year old found in Springfield parking lot - Police say he left child behind to buy TV
Quantitative Easing A Time Bomb
Providing a conservative approach is Stephen Roach. He is listenable, not shrill.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Krugman On The GOP Personality
NYT: Grand Old Planet
...authoritarians are strongly inclined to reject any evidence contradicting their prior beliefs.
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 38 degrees and presently clear with rain expected later, here in Upstate NY. I hope everyone had an excellent Thanksgiving. I did. Unfortunately I have to work this morning so it is a normal day for me. Most people take the day off and as a result the traffic in town is much slower and lighter than usual. It's relatively quiet out which is very nice. Many are cramming into the malls for Black Friday specials. That activity is completely opposed to my general interest make-up, so I will leave it for those in need of deals. The theme for the weekend is leftovers.
At 8:15 a.m. futures are ever so slightly higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open in the flat territory.
Wall Street closes at 1 p.m. today and one suspects many if not most investors are taking the day off. Because of this one hopes that the market will simply remain flat and close flat for the day with no major calamities shifting the indexes too much.
CNN: Investors prep for shortened stock session
At 8:15 a.m. futures are ever so slightly higher, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open in the flat territory.
Wall Street closes at 1 p.m. today and one suspects many if not most investors are taking the day off. Because of this one hopes that the market will simply remain flat and close flat for the day with no major calamities shifting the indexes too much.
CNN: Investors prep for shortened stock session
Little major news is expected in the United States on Friday's holiday-shortened trading day...
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,836.89 gaining 48.38 points.
CNN: Stocks close higher despite more Europe worries
CNN: Stocks close higher despite more Europe worries
Morning Joe - Why Romney Lost
Even after Nate Silver predicted the outcome of the election flawlessly, the GOP is still spinning nonsense about why Romney lost including why pollsters got it so wrong, as is demonstrated in this clip. Fundamentally the GOP has its own set of "facts" and these "facts" correspond to what they want to occur. It is a method of self created validation. The type of absurd polling coming from Rasmussen and Gallup will not end as long as those outfits continue to be connected to highly partisan efforts. It's interesting to listen to Dan Senor because even in the face of his party's utter failure, he points the finger of blame everywhere but where it belongs. The finger of blame lays firmly on the rabid culture of the conservative movement itself. They should come up with a new slogan - "American Conservatives - Out Of Touch With Reality For Decades and For Generations To Come".
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 30 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. The forecast still shows sunshine for today and tomorrow so we shall see. We are all making preparations for a fine Thanksgiving meal. As we know the preparations can be both enjoyable and stressful. Let's try to emphasize enjoyable, so everybody, chill!
At 7:30 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
The dispiriting news of the morning for investors is the falling apart of the detail negotiations surrounding Greece's debt reduction package. So it's still back to the eurozone crisis.
Briefly scanning the news, there is some hope for a cease fire in the Israel/Gaza war conflict however reading that a Gaza bomb took out a bus in Tel Aviv paves the way for intense retaliation. War is the ultimate disastrous solution to a poignant human problem. At the center of war are people with severe ego problems whose hubris and arrogance exceeds normal understanding. They of course believe they are in the Godly right and light because it's all about promoting some fabricated and oddly justified notion of nationalistic pride, among other things.
CNN: New European worries weigh on stocks
At 7:30 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
The dispiriting news of the morning for investors is the falling apart of the detail negotiations surrounding Greece's debt reduction package. So it's still back to the eurozone crisis.
Briefly scanning the news, there is some hope for a cease fire in the Israel/Gaza war conflict however reading that a Gaza bomb took out a bus in Tel Aviv paves the way for intense retaliation. War is the ultimate disastrous solution to a poignant human problem. At the center of war are people with severe ego problems whose hubris and arrogance exceeds normal understanding. They of course believe they are in the Godly right and light because it's all about promoting some fabricated and oddly justified notion of nationalistic pride, among other things.
CNN: New European worries weigh on stocks
...without finalizing the details of a debt-reduction package for Greece
...reports will be released on consumer sentiment and initial jobless claims...
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Changing Tide - Possibly
Let's see if this is more than a one time thing. The implications are huge. It occurred to me the other day that it was really the hubris of the Bush 2 administration that brought FOX into prominence. Without an administration to hang their alternate universe on, they may see declining numbers. One can only hope but the station right now is a three legged horse. It actually always was that.
Politicus USA: Rise of the Left: Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnnell Beat Fox for an Entire Week
Politicus USA: Rise of the Left: Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnnell Beat Fox for an Entire Week
MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow and Lawrence O’Donnell beat their Fox News competition every day last week in the key 25-54 demo.
West Faces Non-Conservative Reality
He didn't have a leg to stand on from the very start of his non-concession. He's striking me as a bit of a megalomaniac, you know, how could I possibly not win. This seems to be part of the hubris of the GOP this year with Romney's recent statements indicating a similar level of - how could I possibly not have won.
WSJ: Rep. Allen West Concedes Defeat
WSJ: Rep. Allen West Concedes Defeat
Bill O'Reilly - Romney Was Right
Poor Romney is being kicked while he's down and poor Bill O has not realized that he has lost relevancy.
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 25 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. The forecast shows sunny days through the week including Thanksgiving Day - we shall see but right now it's encouraging. House Republicans have turned their attention to Susan Rice as being unfit for S.O.S. duty while the rest of the world's attention is looking and cringing at the escalation of Israel and Gaza round 1,000,000. Not surprising to see the GOP looking in the wrong direction and picking the wrong fight at the wrong time. They're like a sudden thorn field for a group of barefoot runners. Who can step forward and get the Israelis and the Palestinians to cool it for good. Just cool it, the world has had it with all of you.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open in the flat to lower area. Maybe during the day it will pick up.
Investors are turning their attention back to the ongoing eurozone crisis. That seemingly will also never end. This time it's back to Greece and the facts surrounding the release of more bailout founds.
Of course it's the new war which is catching everyone's attention. Oil is always at the center of the Middle East and one suspects this is far more important to the financial world than human life. Notice how the conflict will increase the price of oil over time.
CNN: Stocks headed for choppy day
At 8:00 a.m. futures are flat, the dollar is mostly down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is down per barrel. The market is poised to open in the flat to lower area. Maybe during the day it will pick up.
Investors are turning their attention back to the ongoing eurozone crisis. That seemingly will also never end. This time it's back to Greece and the facts surrounding the release of more bailout founds.
Of course it's the new war which is catching everyone's attention. Oil is always at the center of the Middle East and one suspects this is far more important to the financial world than human life. Notice how the conflict will increase the price of oil over time.
CNN: Stocks headed for choppy day
Eurozone finance ministers were meeting Tuesday to discuss the latest release of bailout funds for Greece... ...
Moody's downgraded France's credit rating...
Oil prices have been ticking up amid growing concern about a possible ground war in Gaza.
Shares of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Inc jumped 13%...
Monday, November 19, 2012
Krugman - 50s Era Politics
NYT: The Twinkie Manifesto
Interesting looking book on the ingredients in a Twinkie. It might be better to not know...
Twinkie, Deconstructed By Ettlinger, Steve (Google Affiliate Ad)
Interesting looking book on the ingredients in a Twinkie. It might be better to not know...
Twinkie, Deconstructed By Ettlinger, Steve (Google Affiliate Ad)
"That we eat lots of rocks. And petroleum. When I started, I was certain that most things, like sorbic acid or various vitamins, were extracted from plants. Not so, not at all, it turns out. Also, that a lot of toxic things like carbon monoxide and chlorine gas are used to make food, but they only help with reactions and don’t add any toxicity to the food product."
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 22 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. I hope you had a good restful weekend. This will be a demanding holiday week as we know. We spent a good part of the weekend getting the house ready for our Thanksgiving dinner. We will have a full house and I'm appreciative of that. I know you agree when we express our deep regret surrounding the outbreak and probable escalation of another war in the Middle East. When will this mess ever come to some type of lasting resolution. It is beyond clear that the people most affected and hurt by this war or any war are children, women, and innocent people.
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
Investors are pleased with the real sense for a potential agreement on the looming fiscal cliff. We shall see if Obama maintains his cool and leaves SSI and Medicare off the table. Whenever the financial talks get intense, SSI and Medicare get put on the table. Why is that? How about putting something that does not involve the financial lives of ordinary citizens on the line.
As always, investors will be monitoring the Israeli-Palestinian war. International points of de-evolution affect the world monetary flow.
CNN: Stocks poised for higher open
At 8:00 a.m. futures are moderately higher, the dollar is down against major world currencies, and the price of oil is up per barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
Investors are pleased with the real sense for a potential agreement on the looming fiscal cliff. We shall see if Obama maintains his cool and leaves SSI and Medicare off the table. Whenever the financial talks get intense, SSI and Medicare get put on the table. Why is that? How about putting something that does not involve the financial lives of ordinary citizens on the line.
As always, investors will be monitoring the Israeli-Palestinian war. International points of de-evolution affect the world monetary flow.
CNN: Stocks poised for higher open
...investors welcomed positive comments from lawmakers on the fiscal cliff talks but remained cautious ahead of an actual deal.
The National Association of Realtors will release data on existing home sales for October at 10 a.m. ET.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Have A Good Morning
work by Alfred Kubin. Kubin is a fascinating new discovery for me. His work is dark, dreamy, almost nightmarish, not light, but always subtle, delicate, well composed, and completely realized. Also consider that this work is from the early 1900s so it is somewhat prophetic and unique considering WWI and WWII were on the way.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
The Dalai Lama - How We Cause Our Own Suffering
"We can see that there are many ways in which we actively contribute to our own experience of mental unrest and suffering. Although, in general, mental and emotional afflictions themselves can come naturally, often it is our own reinforcement of those negative emotions that makes them so much worse. For instance when we have anger or hatred towards a person, there is less likelihood of its developing to a very intense degree if we leave it unattended. However, if we think about the projected injustices done to us, the ways in which we have been unfairly treated, and we keep thinking about them over and over, then that feeds the hatred. It makes the hatred very powerful and intense. Of course, the same can apply to when we have an attachment towards a particular person; we can feed that by thinking about how beautiful he or she is, and as we keep thinking about the projected qualities that we see in the person, the attachment becomes more and more intense. But this shows how through constant familiarity and thinking, we ourselves make our emotions more intense and powerful."
Maddow - Republican Purge
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Friday, November 16, 2012
Maddow - McCain Drives Benghazi Conspiracy Theories
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 12,588.31 gaining 45.93 points.
Reuters: Global stocks gain on fiscal hope; yen down for third day
Reuters: Global stocks gain on fiscal hope; yen down for third day
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 12,480.70 down 61.68 points.
CNN: Stocks: All eyes on fiscal cliff debate
CNN: Stocks: All eyes on fiscal cliff debate
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