Wednesday, July 31, 2013
DOW Closes Lower
The DOW closed at 15,499.54 dropping 21.05 points.
CNN: Federal Reserve signals cautious optimism about U.S. economy
CNN: Federal Reserve signals cautious optimism about U.S. economy
Maddow - Obama's Economy Focus
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 15,574.68 up 54.09 points.
CNN: The Social Security mistake that costs retirees thousands
CNN: The Social Security mistake that costs retirees thousands
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 60 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. Right now I would describe the temperature as perfect, perfect summer morning. We started watching 'Django Unchained' late last night, I must say in at least the first 15 minutes it's pretty funny in a zombie/slave/dark comedy type of way. I'll let you know how I feel about after I've watched the whole thing.
At 7:50 a.m. ET futures are ever so slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open flat to slightly higher.
Two bits of economic data will come through today that will no doubt have an impact on markets throughout the world. The first is the government's first guess at the USA's second quarter GDP. The second is probably even more compelling in that it is a statement on monetary policy from the Fed. Take you pick, but the Fed rules the roost.
CNN: Stocks: Patiently awaiting the Fed
At 7:50 a.m. ET futures are ever so slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open flat to slightly higher.
Two bits of economic data will come through today that will no doubt have an impact on markets throughout the world. The first is the government's first guess at the USA's second quarter GDP. The second is probably even more compelling in that it is a statement on monetary policy from the Fed. Take you pick, but the Fed rules the roost.
CNN: Stocks: Patiently awaiting the Fed
The Fed will release a statement around 2 p.m. ET...
...first estimate of second-quarter GDP at 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Maddow - North Carolina's GOP Inspired Laws
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 59 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. The jacket is on as it's cool out, and time continues to fly by with only one more day of July. Where did the month go. July 2013 will go down in US history as the time of the Zimmerman trial, now there's a tainted legacy if there ever was one. I think one of the drawbacks of the internet is that we are now able to get connected to the blue collar news as it occurs and actually read about it in greater quantities. The problems that mankind creates for itself are on display all day long. Now I found the FBI's operation which took down child prostitution pimps throughout the country to be mixed in the sense that it's good that it's gone but it's simultaneously a burden knowing that this type of monstrous activity is occurring throughout the country. I mean 75 cities - pure misery. A stream of positive uplifting stories is not on display, is it.
At 8:00 a.m ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the mixed to slightly higher area.
On Wednesday investors will get to parse a new statement from the Fed. This is as always a big deal and will potentially shake the market in either direction depending on the news. Then on Friday there's the all important government data on job creation in July. Right now these two are the big movers of the week. Otherwise it's still primarily about corporate second quarter results.
CNN: Stocks: Looking to rebound after Monday's losses
At 8:00 a.m ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the mixed to slightly higher area.
On Wednesday investors will get to parse a new statement from the Fed. This is as always a big deal and will potentially shake the market in either direction depending on the news. Then on Friday there's the all important government data on job creation in July. Right now these two are the big movers of the week. Otherwise it's still primarily about corporate second quarter results.
CNN: Stocks: Looking to rebound after Monday's losses
The S&P Case-Shiller index, which measures home prices in 20 major markets, will be released at 9 a.m. ET. At 10 a.m., the Conference Board will release its monthly reading on consumer confidence.
Monday, July 29, 2013
Eccentric
teaser to get you interested in buying the article...
Scientific American: The Unleashed Mind: Why Creative People Are Eccentric
Scientific American: The Unleashed Mind: Why Creative People Are Eccentric
Port Of Brisbane Oil Spill
Brisbane is a port city on the east coast of Australia.
Gaurdian UK: Pelicans covered in oil after Port of Brisbane spill - The spill, over a 1,400-metre stretch of wharf, has not spread to the channel but may take a week to clean up
Gaurdian UK: Pelicans covered in oil after Port of Brisbane spill - The spill, over a 1,400-metre stretch of wharf, has not spread to the channel but may take a week to clean up
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 15,504.23 down 54.60 points.
CNN: Stocks fall despite flurry of deals
CNN: Stocks fall despite flurry of deals
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 65 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. It looks like we are in for a gorgeous summer day. I hope your weekend was good, you got plenty of rest, and ate lots of great food. Speaking of food, the AP report from yesterday which shows damning news about the real wealth of Americans has people talking. A lot more people experience poverty than is reported. This is not surprising but I do like the fact that people are at least identifying what is there, what is obvious. Hey, I live in a middle class area and I'm under budgetary constraints all the time. It's not really a fluffy joyride. I'm fortunate in that I'm not out on the street but travel 5 to 10 miles from here into Albany and many are, the impoverishment is felt, seen, and it's debilitating. I'm not seeing anything in plain sight that's going to alleviate this mess, nothing in the economy indicates a change for the better, the tumble will continue. The right is having a field day with it in terms of blaming Obama. Fundamentally the problem is right wing policies that are implemented by both Democrats and Republicans. Turning all the wealth over to the richest people does not produce a trickle down effect, just the opposite occurs, the spigot is closed, nothing is dripping. The right wing's solution - ban abortion.
At 8:15 a.m. futures are modestly down and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in the lower to mixed area.
Second quarter corporate reports are the order of the day. Beyond that, there is the very important government data on employment for the month of July which we will be hearing about on Friday. That's an important report and the week is already biased towards that report, we are in waiting mode.
CNN: Stocks: Investors wait for earnings
At 8:15 a.m. futures are modestly down and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in the lower to mixed area.
Second quarter corporate reports are the order of the day. Beyond that, there is the very important government data on employment for the month of July which we will be hearing about on Friday. That's an important report and the week is already biased towards that report, we are in waiting mode.
CNN: Stocks: Investors wait for earnings
Asian markets ended in the red...
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Third USA World
Oh yeah, we are doing just fine...
CBS News: 80 percent of U.S. adults face near-poverty, unemployment, survey finds
CBS News: 80 percent of U.S. adults face near-poverty, unemployment, survey finds
Less Is Less
A contender for the if it were not so poignantly tragic it would be painfully humorous award of the week.
CNN: Man armed with bat and knife attempts to rob a gun store -- he fails
CNN: Man armed with bat and knife attempts to rob a gun store -- he fails
Al Jazeera - Halliburton Admits Guilt In Gulf Spill Case
Reprehensible, the CEO of Halliburton should be in prison for life. There's two forms of justice in America, one for the poor and one for the rich, and the worst crimes are committed by the rich. This is an outrage.
Sunday
Good morning. It is 67 degrees and raining here in Upstate NY. I must say on a quiet Sunday morning, after sleeping in a bit, the sound of the rain is tranquilizing. Tranquil we shall be. Last night I played guitar with my ensemble at a nice performance space. Performing is a beast of its own. I think it went over well, people responded nicely, and we left with a lot of supportive words. Maybe my next career will be as a performer, what the hell.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Rabid
Although in the past I have often mentioned the need for a two state solution, my interest in this is at an all time high. Rabid, indeed.
AlterNet: 6 Ways Rabid Republicans Are Declaring War On America - Some of the biggest political fights in a generation are taking shape.
AlterNet: 6 Ways Rabid Republicans Are Declaring War On America - Some of the biggest political fights in a generation are taking shape.
Saturday
Good morning. It is 63 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. It is gorgeous out, cool, sunny, not humid, and awesomely summery. This is the type of climate I could get into all year round although I think that would mean traveling the globe every few months to find it. Tonight I am playing guitar with my ensemble, so a good part of the day will be about preparation. At some point today though the dog really needs a bath, this dog is a little on the ripe side right now. A trip to the dog wash is on the menu.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Worst US Cities
The common denominator is violent crime along with economic regression.
10 Worst Cities to Visit in the United States
10 Worst Cities to Visit in the United States
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 15,558.83 gaining 3.22 points.
CNN: New $444 million hockey arena is still a go in Detroit
CNN: New $444 million hockey arena is still a go in Detroit
Maddow - North Carolina's New Radical Right Bills
Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 15,468.59 down 87.02 points.
CNN: Mercedes S-class: Closest thing yet to a self-driving car
CNN: Mercedes S-class: Closest thing yet to a self-driving car
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 61 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. The forecast logo is indicating rain over the next few days. The weekend is here as another week has flown by but we are always ready for Saturday and Sunday. This weekend I am performing with my ensemble so that is my big news. Otherwise it's business as usual.
At 8:10 a.m. futures are modestly down and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
The articles indicate that there is no compelling reason for investors to push the indexes forward. My take is that the morning's dip is basically a breather, a pause as it were. Regardless, the DOW remains at a very fluffy high accompanied by a sense of an improving economy and far less fear of another immediate recession. Wait, did I just jinx that...
CNN: Stocks: Investors wary of placing big bets
At 8:10 a.m. futures are modestly down and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
The articles indicate that there is no compelling reason for investors to push the indexes forward. My take is that the morning's dip is basically a breather, a pause as it were. Regardless, the DOW remains at a very fluffy high accompanied by a sense of an improving economy and far less fear of another immediate recession. Wait, did I just jinx that...
CNN: Stocks: Investors wary of placing big bets
Amazon shares were lower after the online retailer posted a surprise loss.
...data on consumer sentiment.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
Louie's Latest
One thing you can count on in politics is Louie Gohmert. Every single day Louie says something so batshit nuts that it makes Bachmann sound like a normal human being.
Raw Story: Gohmert likens minorities to prairie chickens and ‘various lizards’
Raw Story: Gohmert likens minorities to prairie chickens and ‘various lizards’
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 15,517.82 down 24.42 points.
CNN: 5 charged with hacking 160 million cards over 7 years
CNN: 5 charged with hacking 160 million cards over 7 years
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 57 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. We are back to delicious sleeping weather and sleep we did. Last night I actually used covers as I slept. In fact some people were saying this was our first glimpse of Fall. This human is not prepared to mentally go in that Fall direction, thank you. I will try to savor the Summer as best as I can. The garden on the other hand is producing wonderful quantities of greens and squash, so my diet is pretty much set. We also have cucumbers which in my opinion could very well be the best vegetable ever. Fall indeed...
At 8:24 a.m. ET futures are modestly down and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
So far corporate second quarter results have for the most part beaten expectations. However a few stinker results from yesterday are throwing a retreat sign up and into the mechanism for this morning. Let's see if it holds up through the day. Shortly we will also see the first time layoff numbers and through the recession this has always been a touchy and salient event. Enjoy the pre-Fall.
CNN: Stocks: Retreat on tap
At 8:24 a.m. ET futures are modestly down and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
So far corporate second quarter results have for the most part beaten expectations. However a few stinker results from yesterday are throwing a retreat sign up and into the mechanism for this morning. Let's see if it holds up through the day. Shortly we will also see the first time layoff numbers and through the recession this has always been a touchy and salient event. Enjoy the pre-Fall.
CNN: Stocks: Retreat on tap
... (so far) more than 65% (of S&P corporations) had topped analysts' expectations, according to S&P Capital IQ.
Asian markets ended with losses...
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 15,515.98 down 51.76 points.
CNN: New home sales surge to 5-year high
CNN: New home sales surge to 5-year high
Global Warming - Arctic Shipping
A rather dubious boon -
Slate: Thanks to Global Warming, Arctic Shipping Has Quadrupled in the Past Year
Slate: Thanks to Global Warming, Arctic Shipping Has Quadrupled in the Past Year
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 68 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. We've had a nice reprieve from the oppressive heat and humidity of the last few weeks. It looks like the new prince and Weiner's latest dalliance have knocked Zimmerman off the top of the headlines. We are moving on or at least the news would have us believe this is so. We have become used to the idea that we can only play with tragedy for so long as the depth of the tragedy indicates how long it remains the top story. We abide in the logic of the news media and its decision to allow a story to linger in our minds for only so long. Are we manipulated? Yes we are.
At 8:10 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is slightly lower. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Two pieces of positive news are inspiring this morning's small rally. First, Apple has shown its second quarter profits to be better than expected. This is a big deal because Apple is a huge deal. Apple is a top two corporate giant at this point and this positive earnings news rises above all other news like a new English prince baby above a murderer set free. Second, the eurozone is showing small signs of lifting out of its intractable economic stagnation with better than expected corporate news from that region. One plus one equals today's opening morning rally.
CNN: Stocks: Apple earnings lift spirits
At 8:10 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is slightly lower. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Two pieces of positive news are inspiring this morning's small rally. First, Apple has shown its second quarter profits to be better than expected. This is a big deal because Apple is a huge deal. Apple is a top two corporate giant at this point and this positive earnings news rises above all other news like a new English prince baby above a murderer set free. Second, the eurozone is showing small signs of lifting out of its intractable economic stagnation with better than expected corporate news from that region. One plus one equals today's opening morning rally.
CNN: Stocks: Apple earnings lift spirits
Apple...reported quarterly earnings that beat expectations...
European markets were all moving up in morning trading after the latest eurozone purchasing managers' index showed the region was stabilizing. Manufacturing output grew for the first time since February 2012...
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Weiner - 'Yes I'm A Douche'
Do you think he's cooked now...what an idiot.
NBC News: Anthony Weiner admits sexting continued after 2011 resignation from Congress
NBC News: Anthony Weiner admits sexting continued after 2011 resignation from Congress
Maddow - Immigration Policy And The GOP
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 15,568.55 up 23.00 points.
CNN: Postal Service looks to end at-your-door mail
CNN: Postal Service looks to end at-your-door mail
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 72 degrees and raining intermittently here in Upstate NY. The rain was just what the doctor ordered, cooling, good for the gardens, and helpful with sleeping. I found myself enjoying the sound of the rain a little more than usual last night. The rage is all about the new prince baby, talk about a fixation - sheesh. Like it or not, this child will be the object of an intense media industry from here on out. We will be seeing supermarket headlines, radio blurbs, internet clips, TV pronouncements about the child literally for the rest of our lives. So he's here, get used to it. Poor kid, nobody asked him to be a media object, hopefully he can endure it. To me it would be worse than a life sentence.
At 8:15 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the mixed to slightly higher area.
This week is all about second quarter corporate reports. So far the outlook has been positive as the results have been better than expected. The market is still on a roll, it's looking pretty fluffy for the immediate future. One thing to remember is that catastrophic events that are unpredictable always hang around the investment sub conscious. Just don't expect anything but it is looking up.
CNN: Stocks: Pushing toward record highs
At 8:15 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the mixed to slightly higher area.
This week is all about second quarter corporate reports. So far the outlook has been positive as the results have been better than expected. The market is still on a roll, it's looking pretty fluffy for the immediate future. One thing to remember is that catastrophic events that are unpredictable always hang around the investment sub conscious. Just don't expect anything but it is looking up.
CNN: Stocks: Pushing toward record highs
"The overall tone in the market is still very positive..."
...Asian markets ended with gains.
Monday, July 22, 2013
DOW Closes Flat
The DOW closed at 15,545.55 gaining 1.81 points.
CNN: Tax breaks: Washington budget voodoo hides true cost
CNN: Tax breaks: Washington budget voodoo hides true cost
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 64 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. Although the humidity percentage is off the hook, somehow it doesn't feel so bad. Are we adjusting? I hope you had a good weekend, mine was busy as usual. I am rehearsing for a gig this upcoming weekend, so I'm spending a lot of time taking the guitar through its paces. I am a new fan of gypsy jazz guitar music and have focused on trying to cop as much of the style as I can. The music is more popular in Europe but so far regular audiences in my community have enjoyed it. Gypsy jazz is easier to connect with than modern jazz for an ordinary audience, it just is, that's the way the music is designed and that element of the music is important to me.
At 8:10 a.m. ET futures are ever so slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in the flat to slightly higher area.
Last week Bernanke's words created enough of a happy zone regarding the abatement of quantitative easing. This has allowed the bull market to continue possibly for a bit longer and one wonders how much longer considering the DOW is at record highs. Regardless with the quantitative easing problem now on hold, the focus is back to second quarter corporate earnings reports. That is allegedly this week's focus barring any unforeseen events.
CNN: Stocks: Bracing for an earnings deluge
At 8:10 a.m. ET futures are ever so slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in the flat to slightly higher area.
Last week Bernanke's words created enough of a happy zone regarding the abatement of quantitative easing. This has allowed the bull market to continue possibly for a bit longer and one wonders how much longer considering the DOW is at record highs. Regardless with the quantitative easing problem now on hold, the focus is back to second quarter corporate earnings reports. That is allegedly this week's focus barring any unforeseen events.
CNN: Stocks: Bracing for an earnings deluge
"...around 160 S&P 500 constituents are scheduled to report..."
...data on existing home sales at 10 a.m. ET.
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Global Warming - Insurance Industry Versus The GOP
Fascinating article because what we have here is basically a schism in the GOP. On one hand you've got conservative insurance execs wanting some changes in housing insurance protocols because they are paying out billions from severe weather disasters due to climate change and then on the other hand you have the basic GOP deniers in elected government positions fundamentally opposed to reality. This is promising. When big business gets into the act, then we've got something, the deniers will then have no place for refuge other than big oil. Okay that is still refuge but the only refuge.
Bloomberg: Insurance Industry at Odds With U.S. Republicans Over Climate
Bloomberg: Insurance Industry at Odds With U.S. Republicans Over Climate
Fire Breathers
The art of intractability and conscience free megaphone activity at it's highest supreme level.
AlterNet: The 5 Looniest Comments From Right-Wing Wackos This Week - It's been a banner week for red-state racists and sexists.
AlterNet: The 5 Looniest Comments From Right-Wing Wackos This Week - It's been a banner week for red-state racists and sexists.
Sunday
Good morning. It is 68 degrees, a little less humid in feel, and hazy sunny here in Upstate NY. Last night we visited my favorite restaurant and the food was divine, delicious in fact. My one tiny little criticism is that when you go to a restaurant, no matter where, the food is highly salted. So around 3:30 a.m I awoke feeling like I had just crawled through the desert for the last 4 hours. On my trip to get some water, the new dog greeted me with a wagging tail. Now that means she wants to go out, but I just couldn't muster the awake-ness to do it. Dog world please forgive me. In the past I've taken her out at 3:30 a.m. but this time she waited as I went back to sleep. Good dog. We were just out a few minutes ago and I must say her retrieving the football technique is getting highly refined. Today, is Sunday, it's the day of rest. I'm all for that.
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Global Warming - No Clean Energy Progress
We are one dumb species. With global warming staring us in the face like the ugliest demon one can imagine, we are ignoring it in favor of budgets, the dominance of oil and coal both as energy and as corporate political power centers, and the willingness to keep this coal and oil dominated system in place till apparently there is no oil or coal left. Big oil has won, the prize is an uninhabitable planet, enjoy your wealth it will enable you to buy a domed in habitat. The rest of us will be adding mineral content to the charred landscape.
Reuters: Clean energy progress too slow to limit global warming: report
Reuters: Clean energy progress too slow to limit global warming: report
With power generation still dominated by coal and governments failing to increase investment in clean energy...
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