Tuesday, December 31, 2013
New Year's Eve
I hope you have an excellent New Year's Eve. Be safe, stay warm, celebrate the end of 2013 and celebrate an opportunity for a new beginning in 2014. Amazingly we made it through another year, high fives all around. 2014 is the year of the green horse.
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 16,554.23 up 49.94 points.
CNN: Stocks look to finish 2013 on a high note
CNN: Stocks look to finish 2013 on a high note
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 12 degrees and cloudy on New Year's Eve Day here in Upstate NY. Looks like we've got a few cold days ahead, followed by some warming. Here we are on the cusp of another new year. For some reason I clearly recall the change to 2000. Remember that. Everybody thought that computers would fail and that mayhem would follow. Now it's a whopping 14 years later. How time flies. I actually like the changing and movement of the years. Somehow this allows you to put it all behind you, enjoy the memories of the delicious moments and just let go of the pain of the harder ones. We're human beings, we can do that.
At 8:45 a.m. futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Well we can definitely say one thing about 2013, it was a great year to be invested in equities. Contrary to the great fear surrounding the stock market, stocks are perched at all time highs. Not only that but the signs at least for the moment point to more gains in 2014. Quite a bit can still go wrong, as we know. Capitalism is a remarkable creature, it can run its course and then change directions and run the hell out of a new course over and over and over. New markets are created, resources are burned up, old markets wither away, and the environment and the poor take it on the chin. Welcome in 2014.
CNN: Stocks: Ready for one last record close?
At 8:45 a.m. futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Well we can definitely say one thing about 2013, it was a great year to be invested in equities. Contrary to the great fear surrounding the stock market, stocks are perched at all time highs. Not only that but the signs at least for the moment point to more gains in 2014. Quite a bit can still go wrong, as we know. Capitalism is a remarkable creature, it can run its course and then change directions and run the hell out of a new course over and over and over. New markets are created, resources are burned up, old markets wither away, and the environment and the poor take it on the chin. Welcome in 2014.
CNN: Stocks: Ready for one last record close?
The latest edition of the Case-Shiller 20-city home price index will be released at 9 a.m. ET Tuesday. At 10 a.m., the Conference Board will release its monthly consumer confidence index.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Evolved
The number of Republicans that believe in evolution has dropped by 10% in the last 4 years. How can this be?
Pew Research: Public’s Views on Human Evolution
Pew Research: Public’s Views on Human Evolution
In 2009, 54% of Republicans and 64% of Democrats said humans have evolved over time, a difference of 10 percentage points. Today, 43% of Republicans and 67% of Democrats say humans have evolved, a 24-point gap.
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 16,484.03 up 5.62 points.
CNN: France's 75% 'millionaire tax' to become law
CNN: France's 75% 'millionaire tax' to become law
The Best American Politician Is Elizabeth Warren
I love her. I hope she eventually become the President.
AlterNet: Elizabeth Warren: It's the Right of Every American to Retire with Dignity -- Why We Must Expand Social Security - "Instead of taking on the retirement crisis, instead of strengthening Social Security, some in Washington are actually fighting to cut benefits."
AlterNet: Elizabeth Warren: It's the Right of Every American to Retire with Dignity -- Why We Must Expand Social Security - "Instead of taking on the retirement crisis, instead of strengthening Social Security, some in Washington are actually fighting to cut benefits."
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 31 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. The weather logos point to a real cold spell by midweek then back up to the "warmer" 30s by the weekend. It could prove to be a cold New Year's Day. We had a dusting of snow last night and right now the lawns are more white than late Fall grass. Two items that stuck my attention this morning were the second terrorist attack in Russia and the 75% millionaires tax being imposed in France. Talk about things that will shake up a country. Imagine if those terrorist attacks occurred in the USA, we'd soon be at war. Curiously we can handle mass shootings, somehow they don't count as terrorist attacks.
At 8:25 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the mixed fuzzy area.
2013 has seen an incredible bull run in the stock market when viewed as a whole. Equities have done very well this last year. Everything I'm reading suggests that 2014 will continue with this run but the run will be slower, the pace of the bull run is slowing. Recall that we are about to enter into fourth quarter earnings season when corporate earnings reports will dominate. Fro today and tomorrow all we want to see is a flat market with low trading volume and not a lot of activity in the holiday week.
CNN: Stocks: Losing steam as 2013 winds down
At 8:25 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the mixed fuzzy area.
2013 has seen an incredible bull run in the stock market when viewed as a whole. Equities have done very well this last year. Everything I'm reading suggests that 2014 will continue with this run but the run will be slower, the pace of the bull run is slowing. Recall that we are about to enter into fourth quarter earnings season when corporate earnings reports will dominate. Fro today and tomorrow all we want to see is a flat market with low trading volume and not a lot of activity in the holiday week.
CNN: Stocks: Losing steam as 2013 winds down
Typically this time of year sees light trading volumes as many investors and traders take time off work.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Ouch
Guardian UK: Slapdowns of 2013 - It's been a good year for insults. Here's our pick of the best slams, jibes, character assassinations and comebacks
"America's resident dunce Sarah Palin, scraping the barrel of her long deceased mind." Martin Bashir reacts to Sarah Palin's comparison of US debt to slavery.
World Economy 2014
Reuters: 2014 promises faster growth, but no leap forward
"...the long-anticipated cyclical acceleration of U.S. growth is happening..."
On Success
"Success makes so many people hate you. I wish it wasn't that way. It would be wonderful to enjoy success without seeing envy in the eyes of those around you." - Marilyn Monroe
"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value." - Albert Einstein
"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." - Booker T. Washington
"Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success." - Dale Carnegie
Geeky Humor
Guardian UK: Scientists tell us their favourite jokes: 'An electron and a positron walked into a bar…' - Science is a very serious business, so what tickles a rational mind? In a not very scientific experiment, we asked a sample of great minds for their favourite jokes
A statistician is someone who tells you, when you've got your head in the fridge and your feet in the oven, that you're – on average - very comfortable.
Global Warming - How To Get People Involved
The title of the article is misleading, the interview is really about the PR war so to speak. This is the PR war about how to catch people's attention through film, TV, etc and get them interested in global warming. It's a sad state of affairs in one sense because you can lead people with candy and sex, it's hard to lead them with scientific facts. The people that read this blog already get it, but this is more about creating a greater movement by leading people to global warming with candy and sex.
ABC News: Filmmaker Randy Olson: Climate Change Is 'Bo-Ho-Horing'
ABC News: Filmmaker Randy Olson: Climate Change Is 'Bo-Ho-Horing'
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Good Night
'Nymphomaniac' - NSFW trailer - all star cast film - Uma Thurman et al, soon to be released.
Friday, December 27, 2013
DOW Closes Flat
The DOW closed at 16,478.41 dropping 1.47 points.
CNN: Unemployment benefits for 1.3 million expire Saturday
CNN: Unemployment benefits for 1.3 million expire Saturday
DOW Flat At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 16,480.85 up 0.97 points.
CNN: Many Americans feel economy isn't improving
CNN: Many Americans feel economy isn't improving
Global Warming - GPM
It's going to be harder and harder for the denier class to hold onto their beliefs as scientific facts trumpet louder and louder.
CS Monitor: How is global warming affecting precipitation? New satellite to help explain. Set to launch in February, the Global Precipitation Monitoring (GPM) satellite will, among other things, gather data that can help with efforts to monitor the effects of global warming on precipitation.
CS Monitor: How is global warming affecting precipitation? New satellite to help explain. Set to launch in February, the Global Precipitation Monitoring (GPM) satellite will, among other things, gather data that can help with efforts to monitor the effects of global warming on precipitation.
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 21 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. The weather logos insist we are heading into a very slight warming trend with sunshine as well. We're into that mysterious week between Christmas and New Year's Day when we are not quite sure if it's a complete holiday or if we need to work or what, but we are definitely in a holiday mindset. Do we take the time off or do we work harder. I'm still convalescing from last Friday's surgery, I figure I can milk this thing for hopefully another week with lots of lazing about. In truth I've got a few months before everything heals completely, each day I'm taking a few short walks through the neighborhood adding a little bit more distance each time.
At 8:35 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is slightly up too. The market is poised to open in the flat to slightly higher area.
According to the CNN article the most salient part today points to a sell off because investors are looking to lower tax bills in 2014. Call it a reality check tax day, how mundane. Otherwise the second most salient point suggests that many are viewing 2014 as more of the same rally of the past 6 years but at a slower pace. What does that mean? Are we talking about the DOW passing 17,000 or more? So much for all the expert articles on how 2013 would be the year of a cataclysmic recession. We can safely say - not this year, put it to bed for a while. I will belligerently predict that we will not experience a recession in 2013...
CNN: Stocks: Santa rally may run out of puff
At 8:35 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is slightly up too. The market is poised to open in the flat to slightly higher area.
According to the CNN article the most salient part today points to a sell off because investors are looking to lower tax bills in 2014. Call it a reality check tax day, how mundane. Otherwise the second most salient point suggests that many are viewing 2014 as more of the same rally of the past 6 years but at a slower pace. What does that mean? Are we talking about the DOW passing 17,000 or more? So much for all the expert articles on how 2013 would be the year of a cataclysmic recession. We can safely say - not this year, put it to bed for a while. I will belligerently predict that we will not experience a recession in 2013...
CNN: Stocks: Santa rally may run out of puff
...many individuals are selling stocks to reduce their tax bills.
...many experts believe the bull market will continue for a sixth year in 2014, albeit at a more modest pace.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
TRNN - Government Debt And Deficits Are Not The Problem - Private Debt Is
This is from earlier in the year and it is essential information.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 26 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. The weather logos suggest a slight warming trend through the weekend and some sunshine. I hope you had a good Christmas yesterday, we had a nice dinner with friends. I tried to not overeat and I think I succeeded. Yours truly is still on the mend from surgery last Friday. I must say the Laparoscopic method really does cut down on the lazing about time. I am walking better and better each day and I suspect in about a week I will be able to walk very normally and for a reasonable distance. The entire healing process for an inguinal hernia is about three months as the mesh used to repair the abdominal wall needs to literally scar over.
At 8:35 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Generally speaking the articles suggest that investors are pleased with two strong factors in the Wall Street economy. From the investors point of view, strong corporate earnings along with continued quantitative easing spell rally. Meanwhile the rest of us are just silently watching wondering when the room to move runs out as the Christmas bull run continues this morning.
CNN: Stocks: U.S. futures tilt higher Thursday
At 8:35 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Generally speaking the articles suggest that investors are pleased with two strong factors in the Wall Street economy. From the investors point of view, strong corporate earnings along with continued quantitative easing spell rally. Meanwhile the rest of us are just silently watching wondering when the room to move runs out as the Christmas bull run continues this morning.
CNN: Stocks: U.S. futures tilt higher Thursday
The broad rally puts the Dow on track for its best year since 2003 and the S&P 500 on pace for its best year since 1997.
This year's gains have been driven by ongoing economic stimulus from the Federal Reserve, increased confidence in the economy, solid corporate earnings growth, and more individual investors entering the stock market.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Bigger Picture
NPR: The Christmas Now: How To Be The Center Of The Universe
Catch a glimpse of a relatively nearby star and you see it as it existed when the light left the star's surface, perhaps when Lincoln was president (if the star is 150 light-years away). Some stars near the edges of our own galaxy are seen as they appeared when the last ice age was in full bloom.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 16,357.55 gaining 62.94 points.
Reuters: Wall Street ends slightly higher in short session
Reuters: Wall Street ends slightly higher in short session
Newly Wed
Chicago Tribune: Couple in their 80s enjoy new love and marriage - Striking coincidences helped bring them closer at Far Northwest Side retirement community
The Falters were married a few weeks ago in the retirement center chapel surrounded by family and friends, who say the couple act more like high school sweethearts than newlyweds in their twilight years.
The Daily Show - A Look Back - Februrary 2013
The Daily Show
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The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 24 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. Quite a bit of the snow from early December's huge storm has melted away the past few days and the ground is visible again. The high piles of snow from plows and such remain. Yours truly is still recuperating and will be for one to two weeks more. I'm interested in hearing what the doctor says when I go back for the last visit next week. I'm taking a lot less pain medication and can now gingerly take small walks up and down the block. I have been warned to go very slowly and to not lift anything more than a few pounds. I have no problem with slowing down.
At 8:35 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the flat to lower area.
Wall Street closes at 1 this afternoon for the Christmas holiday. Usually on a day like today there is less trading, fewer traders, and sometime increased volatility as a result of the latter two points. What I'm reading is that there is a overall sense that the US economy is gaining. How this will all flush out on the future valuation of equities is unknown as always but at least the fear of an impending recession or worse is presently off the board.
CNN: Stocks: Not a creature was stirring...
At 8:35 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the flat to lower area.
Wall Street closes at 1 this afternoon for the Christmas holiday. Usually on a day like today there is less trading, fewer traders, and sometime increased volatility as a result of the latter two points. What I'm reading is that there is a overall sense that the US economy is gaining. How this will all flush out on the future valuation of equities is unknown as always but at least the fear of an impending recession or worse is presently off the board.
CNN: Stocks: Not a creature was stirring...
Stock markets in New York will close at 1 p.m. ET Tuesday...
Investors have been feeling increasingly confident about the state of the U.S. economy...
Monday, December 23, 2013
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 16,294.61 gaining 73.47 points.
Reuters: Dow, S&P hit record highs on Apple's gains
Reuters: Dow, S&P hit record highs on Apple's gains
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 16,300.47 up 79.33 points.
CNN: Getting an elite MBA for free: It's possible
CNN: Getting an elite MBA for free: It's possible
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 40 degrees and lightly raining here in Upstate NY. After a warming trend peaked on Sunday, the forecast has things turning more wintery this week. Yours truly is recovering from surgery which I had on Friday. I've got a few weeks of lazing about ahead of me. I would have to say that generally speaking I'm like everyone else in that the last thing one wants to undertake is surgery, but in my case there really was no other option if I was to resume a reasonable life. I could have elected to not have surgery and then face a life of mostly laying down to avoid pain. We are fortunate in that we do have a last resort. In some ways the biggest challenge to surgery is the anxiety, worry, and fear but these negative emotions are not good reasons to avoid a medical procedure. I did some research, I spoke with people, I found a good surgeon, and I very intently worked with relaxation techniques that are invaluable.
At 8:00 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Investors are seeing very positive signs in the corporate economy and the articles are suggesting that we are not soon to see the expected correction from the QE tapering announcement. In fact there is the suggestion that we are now in another mini-rally. The thought is that the economy will grow at a pace larger than expected in 2014, tack that onto a very modest tapering of QE3 and the world looks rosy. We shall see, as we know the market is unpredictable.
CNN: Stocks: No holding back the Santa rally
At 8:00 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Investors are seeing very positive signs in the corporate economy and the articles are suggesting that we are not soon to see the expected correction from the QE tapering announcement. In fact there is the suggestion that we are now in another mini-rally. The thought is that the economy will grow at a pace larger than expected in 2014, tack that onto a very modest tapering of QE3 and the world looks rosy. We shall see, as we know the market is unpredictable.
CNN: Stocks: No holding back the Santa rally
...the IMF would raise its forecast for the U.S. economy, in part because Congress had struck a deal on the budget and the Federal Reserve had managed its decision to begin reducing monetary stimulus effectively.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Good Night
'Ghostpoet - Cold Win'
Ghostpoet - Cold Win - by Cyrille de Vignemont from Cyrille de Vignemont on Vimeo.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Want
The latest object of my desire, the Takamine P3NY. It's the small size and sensitive electronics that appeal. I would need a clear pickguard on it too.
Hernia Surgery
I can fess up now, I spent Friday at the hospital undergoing surgery for a hernia. I've had the hernia for almost 2 months. I'm home and resting, flipping through websites at the moment, and definitely feeling it. Might do a short write up about the surgery and the many steps one has to take to get into the operating room. I think it would be valuable for someone who might face something similar within the confines of our medical system. They try to do everything out patient now, I was in the hospital for about nine hours today. I got good pain meds, I now have something in common with Rush Limbaugh. If I don't post a lot on Saturday, this is why.
Friday, December 20, 2013
The Market On Friday
Good morning. Commitments prevent me from doing my usual market summary. Enjoy the warming trend here in the Northeast.
Reuters: Housing, jobs data weaken, but overall economic picture still upbeat
Reuters: Housing, jobs data weaken, but overall economic picture still upbeat
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Good Night
'Experimental animation meets pottery' - very cool.
Experimental animation meets pottery from Crafts Council on Vimeo.
The Daily Show - Charlatan's Web
The Daily Show
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The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 25 degrees and at the moment, sunny, here in Upstate NY. The logos indicate we're on a warming trend through Monday with Sunday now predicted to go into the mid 50s. That will seems like a heat wave considering two days ago it was -4 degrees. Regardless, it's good to see the old Sun and not have that solid gray day. Get out and let some of that light hit your eyes, we lack vitamin D in these parts and most people need to take a D3 supplement.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is slightly higher. The market is poised to open in the mixed flat area.
The taper QE news was not the big scary thing some had feared. Just the opposite as the indexes went very high yesterday on the Fed news. As the taper is slight, why the worry? I just checked weekly first time layoffs at 379,000 and that is a messy number, not the best at all. Well we have entered a new phase in the market, less QE and more reliance on the soundness of the recovering economy. Don't forget, do not confuse Wall Street with Main Street.
CNN: Stocks draw breath after taper gains
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is slightly higher. The market is poised to open in the mixed flat area.
The taper QE news was not the big scary thing some had feared. Just the opposite as the indexes went very high yesterday on the Fed news. As the taper is slight, why the worry? I just checked weekly first time layoffs at 379,000 and that is a messy number, not the best at all. Well we have entered a new phase in the market, less QE and more reliance on the soundness of the recovering economy. Don't forget, do not confuse Wall Street with Main Street.
CNN: Stocks draw breath after taper gains
The Fed's decision to wind down -- or taper -- its stimulus program can be interpreted as a sign the economy is getting back on its feet and no longer needs as much assistance from the central bank.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
QE
Technically speaking, the article headline is not correct. This is not the end of QE.
Guardian UK: Federal Reserve to taper economic stimulus on heels of strong jobs growth - Ben Bernanke signals end to massive five-year intervention - Fed scaling back bond-buying programme by $10bn a month
Guardian UK: Federal Reserve to taper economic stimulus on heels of strong jobs growth - Ben Bernanke signals end to massive five-year intervention - Fed scaling back bond-buying programme by $10bn a month
DOW Closes Significantly Higher
The DOW closed at 16,167.97 gaining 292.71 points.
My initial take is that the "taper" is relatively modest (very modest) yet it still will continue, so it's not horrible news from the investors point of view.
CNN: Bernanke on Fed taper in 90 seconds
My initial take is that the "taper" is relatively modest (very modest) yet it still will continue, so it's not horrible news from the investors point of view.
CNN: Bernanke on Fed taper in 90 seconds
Taper
With this announcement, the DOW is now back over 16,000! Go figure.
CNN: Fed finally tapers its stimulus
CNN: Fed finally tapers its stimulus
Rick Hanson's Latest
I'm a big fan of this man's work. He shows you the actual science behind positive contemplative activity.
Neurodharma: A New Way of Healing
Neurodharma: A New Way of Healing
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 11 degrees and on the verge of lightly snowing here in Upstate NY. It is 15 degrees warmer than yesterday. The irony is that if you look to the forecast, they're saying that we get close to 60 degrees here on Sunday. If that really happens, I may go out in a t-shirt just for the hell of it. Actually it's a Winter wonderland out there and it's very beautiful. Enjoy the snow, it's a great thing.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open modestly higher.
Well today is the big day. Early this afternoon the Fed will release it's latest monetary policy and investors want to know if it will be about tapering off QE3 or not. This is a big deal and who knows by the end of the day we could have a huge drop or a gain all based on this policy.
CNN: Stocks: All eyes on the Federal Reserve
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open modestly higher.
Well today is the big day. Early this afternoon the Fed will release it's latest monetary policy and investors want to know if it will be about tapering off QE3 or not. This is a big deal and who knows by the end of the day we could have a huge drop or a gain all based on this policy.
CNN: Stocks: All eyes on the Federal Reserve
The central bank will announce its latest decision on interest rates at 2 p.m. ET, followed by a press conference featuring Fed chair Ben Bernanke at 2:30.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
The Daily Show - White Santa And Megyn Kelly's Apology
The Daily Show
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DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 15,853.18 down 31.39 points.
CNN: Why a Fed taper will be good for the economy
CNN: Why a Fed taper will be good for the economy
On Gratitude
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend." Melody Beattie
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."Albert Schweitzer
"'Thank you' is the best prayer that anyone could say. I say that one a lot. Thank you expresses extreme gratitude, humility, understanding." Alice Walker
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is -4 degrees and snowing here in Upstate NY. That is about as cold as it gets in these parts although with climate change in effect, who knows where it will go. Yesterday I was thinking about how I often feel that the Winter is limiting on my physical movement. It's really not true, the only limitation is that you need to wear a lot more clothes. Otherwise you really have no limitation.
At 8:45 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 tepid area.
Essentially I could write the same thing here today and for the last several months. It's still all about how the markets will respond when QE3 is tapered off. Some think the word will come down this week, others think later on. Either way, eventually it has to end and the market will adjust.
CNN: Stocks: Calm before the Fed storm?
At 8:45 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 tepid area.
Essentially I could write the same thing here today and for the last several months. It's still all about how the markets will respond when QE3 is tapered off. Some think the word will come down this week, others think later on. Either way, eventually it has to end and the market will adjust.
CNN: Stocks: Calm before the Fed storm?
The Fed's final monetary policy meeting of 2013 wraps up Wednesday...
Monday, December 16, 2013
Good Night
'Mondo Taurobolium'
Devendra Banhart's "Mondo Taurobolium" by Galen Pehrson - NOWNESS from NOWNESS on Vimeo.
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 15,884.57 gaining 129.21 points.
It's not something I recommend or endorse however this is a curious story. Beware the penny stock unless you need a full time endless job.
CNN: Trader turns $1,500 to $1 million in 3 years
It's not something I recommend or endorse however this is a curious story. Beware the penny stock unless you need a full time endless job.
CNN: Trader turns $1,500 to $1 million in 3 years
e-Waste
Guardian UK: Toxic 'e-waste' dumped in poor nations, says United Nations - Millions of tonnes of old electronic goods illegally exported to developing countries, as people dump luxury items
Guardian UK: 'This is not a good place to live': inside Ghana's dump for electronic waste - At Agbogbloshie, young people scavenge for scrap metal amid the smoke from plastics fires. The health risks are obvious – but the money is too good to ignore
Guardian UK: 'This is not a good place to live': inside Ghana's dump for electronic waste - At Agbogbloshie, young people scavenge for scrap metal amid the smoke from plastics fires. The health risks are obvious – but the money is too good to ignore
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 20 degrees and slightly sunny here in Upstate NY. We are into Winter but good. As you know we had a major snowstorm through the weekend. Snowstorms are often followed by a gloriously clear and sunny day which somehow makes things a lot better. We have a little bit of that this morning.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
At the center of this week's market activity will be a probable announcement from the Fed on it's quantitative easing program. QE has been the elephant in the room for quite some time now. So buckle your belts, when the official word of tapering QE off is passed down, we expect to see the markets go through some type of correction. The questions are how deep and for how long.
CNN: Stocks: Fed decision around the corner
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
At the center of this week's market activity will be a probable announcement from the Fed on it's quantitative easing program. QE has been the elephant in the room for quite some time now. So buckle your belts, when the official word of tapering QE off is passed down, we expect to see the markets go through some type of correction. The questions are how deep and for how long.
CNN: Stocks: Fed decision around the corner
Investors are treading cautiously as they wait to see whether the Federal Reserve will begin cutting back on its massive stimulus program...
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Good Night
Snowing here like crazy, it's the first major storm of the year. Have a good evening and see you bright and early on Sunday.
Megyn
For unknown technical reasons Raw Story will not allow me to post my comment on this story at their site. - Megyn Kelly doubles down on ‘white Santa’: I did it for the kids. But I can at least post it here.
Conservatives get stuck and hung up on very tiny meaningless matters, it's part of their makeup. If there's a perfectly fine and normal experience going on somewhere, you can bet your last dollar that a conservative is finding a tempest of problems. The Luddites at FOX News have amazingly uncovered a nefarious "war on Christmas." Kelly's skewered comments which are naturally humorous to conservatives, are just another angle on the preposterous notion of a war on Christmas. Generally, conservatives think they have made a real funny joke when they have provoked the rest of the world negatively. Kelly deserves all the backlash and much more. In FOX echo chamber world, conservatives are right, correct, and incapable of compromise or change because they are pure, morally impeccable, and exist to teach the world how to be - the rest of us just lack the delicate nuance that appreciates the highest levels of intelligence. We fail to understand Kelly's great factual insight, it does not even enter her mind that her words could possibly be vicious, boorish, repulsive, or just plain stupid and unnecessary. What about this is surprising? None of it, these people live in a tiny ultra-supported world where nonsense like this gets applauded as if it were some kind of blessing to the universe.
Conservatives get stuck and hung up on very tiny meaningless matters, it's part of their makeup. If there's a perfectly fine and normal experience going on somewhere, you can bet your last dollar that a conservative is finding a tempest of problems. The Luddites at FOX News have amazingly uncovered a nefarious "war on Christmas." Kelly's skewered comments which are naturally humorous to conservatives, are just another angle on the preposterous notion of a war on Christmas. Generally, conservatives think they have made a real funny joke when they have provoked the rest of the world negatively. Kelly deserves all the backlash and much more. In FOX echo chamber world, conservatives are right, correct, and incapable of compromise or change because they are pure, morally impeccable, and exist to teach the world how to be - the rest of us just lack the delicate nuance that appreciates the highest levels of intelligence. We fail to understand Kelly's great factual insight, it does not even enter her mind that her words could possibly be vicious, boorish, repulsive, or just plain stupid and unnecessary. What about this is surprising? None of it, these people live in a tiny ultra-supported world where nonsense like this gets applauded as if it were some kind of blessing to the universe.
Friday, December 13, 2013
Of The People
Guardian UK: Uruguay's president José Mujica: no palace, no motorcade, no frills - In the week that Uruguay legalizes cannabis, the 78-year-old explains why he rejects the 'world's poorest president' label
...forsworn a state palace in favour of a farmhouse, donates the vast bulk of his salary to social projects, flies economy class and drives an old Volkswagen Beetle.
DOW Closes Higher
The DOW closed at 15,755.36 gaining 15.93 points.
CNN: Losing week for stocks as investors wait on Fed
CNN: Losing week for stocks as investors wait on Fed
DOW Higher At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 15,752.39 up 12.96 points.
CNN: Average American inheritance: $177,000
CNN: Average American inheritance: $177,000
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 25 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. The logos all point to more snow over the next few days. It actually feels more like January than December in these parts. We are all speculating on what type of Winter we'll have. Considering all Winters of recent years have confounded us, it's a real shoot as to the answer. Here's my prediction - we go through a lot of cold in December and the beginning of January, then it gets moderate out, it stays a little cold but with lots of peaks above freezing.
At 8:40 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 position
A new budget has been approved by the House and then it's on to the Senate. This is worrisome for investors as they contemplate the end of extra ultra cheap liquidity. QE3 has done wonders to make corporate balance sheets look great. If you have swapped a loan at a high interest rate for a loan at a very low interest rate, your balance sheet into the future looks amazingly better. You are now paying out a lot less money in interest each month and you are showing a lot more profitability.
CNN: Stocks: Poised to snap three-day losing streak
At 8:40 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 position
A new budget has been approved by the House and then it's on to the Senate. This is worrisome for investors as they contemplate the end of extra ultra cheap liquidity. QE3 has done wonders to make corporate balance sheets look great. If you have swapped a loan at a high interest rate for a loan at a very low interest rate, your balance sheet into the future looks amazingly better. You are now paying out a lot less money in interest each month and you are showing a lot more profitability.
CNN: Stocks: Poised to snap three-day losing streak
A tapering decision might come as early as next week when the central bank holds its final policy meeting for the year.
Thursday, December 12, 2013
DOW Closes Lower
The DOW closed at 15,739.43 dropping 104.10 points.
The irony is beyond escape. The indexes are dropping because the economy is improving! This could be a first. How do you like those apples?
Reuters: Wall St. ends down as more signs point to Fed taper
The irony is beyond escape. The indexes are dropping because the economy is improving! This could be a first. How do you like those apples?
Reuters: Wall St. ends down as more signs point to Fed taper
The Daily Show - Budge Report - A Miraculous Compromise
The Daily Show
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DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 15,754.24 down 89.29 points.
CNN: I work 4 jobs and I'm still struggling
CNN: I work 4 jobs and I'm still struggling
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 23 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. Winter is here, man it snuck up on us fast. Dress warmly, wear gloves and a hat, it's cold out there.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
It's a case of the positives are actually negatives, a new budget deal might mean that QE3 tapers off sooner rather than later, or at least that is the fear. Combine this with a steep increase in first time layoffs for this last week and the market is set to kick off in the red. Is this the beginning of the end, so to speak. Are we at the beginning of a correction? Who knows.
CNN: Stocks' disappointing December continues
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
It's a case of the positives are actually negatives, a new budget deal might mean that QE3 tapers off sooner rather than later, or at least that is the fear. Combine this with a steep increase in first time layoffs for this last week and the market is set to kick off in the red. Is this the beginning of the end, so to speak. Are we at the beginning of a correction? Who knows.
CNN: Stocks' disappointing December continues
...a new U.S. budget deal raises the chances the Federal Reserve might start to scale back its support for the economy soon.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Good Night
'Brendan O'Connell is Blocking The Bread Aisle'
Brendan O'Connell is Blocking The Bread Aisle from Julien Lasseur on Vimeo.
Mars
CS Monitor: Mars colony project launches plans for 2018 test mission (+video) Mars One, a nonprofit, privately funded group aiming to land human settlers on the red planet in 2025, has contracted with two aerospace companies to study ideas for a preliminary test mission.
CS Monitor: Mars was not only habitable, it was downright Earth-like, Curiosity finds - Mars' Gale Crater had a long, thin lake that could have supported microbial life in a setting 'really similar to an Earth environment,' according to data collected by NASA's Curiosity rover.
CS Monitor: Mars was not only habitable, it was downright Earth-like, Curiosity finds - Mars' Gale Crater had a long, thin lake that could have supported microbial life in a setting 'really similar to an Earth environment,' according to data collected by NASA's Curiosity rover.
The Daily Show - American Horrible Story
The Daily Show
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DOW Lower At Noon
In the noon hour the DOW is at 15,887.75 down 85.38 points.
CNN: Stocks slide despite U.S. budget deal
CNN: Stocks slide despite U.S. budget deal
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is a cold 29 degrees with a little bit of sunshine at the moment here in Upstate NY. The weather logos are showing snow every day through Sunday. Dreams of a white Christmas are alive and well. Some people really like the snow and others, not so much. I recall loving the snow as a child because it meant sledding, snow forts, and a sense of delicious comfort going into a warm house and dry clothes. Ah childhood...
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the slightly higher to slightly lower area.
All roads in the investment world right now point back to Rome. Rome in this case is the Fed and in particular the Fed's QE3 program of infusing cheap liquidity into the wholesale system. So with a new budget deal possibly getting approved, the concern is whether or not this will increase the likelihood of tapering off QE3. Last week it was how the employment numbers for November would taper off QE3. So, what do we think is of main concern to the investment world - endless cheap liquidity or a reversal of the idiotic sequester policy.
CNN: Stocks eye budget deal for taper risk
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the slightly higher to slightly lower area.
All roads in the investment world right now point back to Rome. Rome in this case is the Fed and in particular the Fed's QE3 program of infusing cheap liquidity into the wholesale system. So with a new budget deal possibly getting approved, the concern is whether or not this will increase the likelihood of tapering off QE3. Last week it was how the employment numbers for November would taper off QE3. So, what do we think is of main concern to the investment world - endless cheap liquidity or a reversal of the idiotic sequester policy.
CNN: Stocks eye budget deal for taper risk
Congressional negotiators reached a bipartisan budget compromise on Tuesday that would prevent another government shutdown...The deal would set spending levels, reduce the deficit and relieve some of the arbitrary, forced spending cuts.
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