Wednesday, December 31, 2014
An American Tragedy
Note that this article is from the Guardian which is an international paper. The world watches America's love of guns and America's violence and tragedies that occur because of our love of guns.
Guardian UK: Idaho toddler shoots and kills his mother inside Walmart - County sheriff said the 29-year-old woman, named as Veronica Rutledge, had a concealed weapons permit
Guardian UK: Idaho toddler shoots and kills his mother inside Walmart - County sheriff said the 29-year-old woman, named as Veronica Rutledge, had a concealed weapons permit
Global Warming - Catholic Contortions
Fresno Bee: RedBlueAmerica: Should we heed the Pope on global warming? By JOEL MATHIS AND BEN BOYCHUK
And on an important issue - climate change - a great many American conservatives who are also Catholic will decide they simply don't want to hear what Pope Francis has to say. Watching their contortions is going to be most amusing.
Narcissism
AlterNet: Can We Escape Narcissism in America? 5 Possible Antidotes - We may be living in a narcissistic culture, but it doesn't have to be that way.
Narcissists can’t stand to be alone, because that’s when things get scary. Underneath the bluster is the terrifying thought, I am nothing.
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is a very cool 21 degrees with some hazy sunshine here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Sunshine is expected and the weather logo is saying it goes up to a tantalizing 45 degrees on Sunday. We can dream. Well it is New Year's Eve, another year bites the dust. We all reflect a little on how the year went for us and what we might expect to see next year. 2015 is almost here and I hope that it brings you all the things that make you happy. It's really that simple.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down around $52. The market is poised to open higher yet energy stocks will once again go red.
The first time jobless claims rose to 298,000 for the last week. There is quite a bit of all around optimism that the economy is beginning to feel a little better to the regular Joe. I'm not feeling it myself. Meanwhile it is still the declining price of oil and the implications of that remarkable change and how it is affecting the global economy that is out front in the stock market. It's going to be an interesting year, that's for sure.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down around $52. The market is poised to open higher yet energy stocks will once again go red.
The first time jobless claims rose to 298,000 for the last week. There is quite a bit of all around optimism that the economy is beginning to feel a little better to the regular Joe. I'm not feeling it myself. Meanwhile it is still the declining price of oil and the implications of that remarkable change and how it is affecting the global economy that is out front in the stock market. It's going to be an interesting year, that's for sure.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
It's a light day for economic news...
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
He Smoked, But Didn't Inhale
Oh no, there's no racism in the GOP, oh no no no, none at all...
Guardian UK: Senior Republican Steve Scalise spoke at white supremacist meeting in 2002 - House majority whip appears to acknowledge he spoke at conference but says he was short-staffed and had no affiliation to group that organised it
Guardian UK: Senior Republican Steve Scalise spoke at white supremacist meeting in 2002 - House majority whip appears to acknowledge he spoke at conference but says he was short-staffed and had no affiliation to group that organised it
Global Warming - The Pope
I would encourage you to Google 'global warming' today and see how many news stories refer to Pope Francis' upcoming encyclical. I can't wait to see the outpouring of disbelief and upset from the conservative dominant branch of the Catholics. I'm sure I've already missed some but I do so enjoy seeing an organization that is essentially authoritarian in nature have it's leader throw global warming down it's authoritarian throat. Fantastic. Hoisted on their own petards as it were, and now one must wonder if someone will be out to eliminate this pope because after all it's usually a right wing nut that does such horrible deeds.
Catholic Online: Pope Francis to tackle global warming, encyclical due in March
Catholic Online: Pope Francis to tackle global warming, encyclical due in March
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 23 degrees and hazy sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Well it's a real trade off, we have the sun but it is cold out. We are into the last few days of 2014 and there's always this particular feel to this time of year. Everybody experiences it differently from harsh to good. To me it's like the feathers are thrown up into the air and now it's a matter of letting them settle, get back to normal. I guess I'm a yeah it's fun but I look forward to getting back to the regular post holiday routine.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down to around $53 a barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
Well so much for oil stabilizing around $55 for the last week, it looks like the new bottom threshold of $50 is in sight. This is quite stunning and as we've discussed, a severe economic adjustment in the world is going on here. Stay tuned.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down to around $53 a barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
Well so much for oil stabilizing around $55 for the last week, it looks like the new bottom threshold of $50 is in sight. This is quite stunning and as we've discussed, a severe economic adjustment in the world is going on here. Stay tuned.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
Crude oil futures are trading below $53 a barrel as worries about a global supply glut resurface.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Medieval Shave
Turns out it was a medieval and renaissance beauty practice for women to not only pluck their eyebrows but to also shave their foreheads. I've seen these pictures for decades but never put two and two together especially with the forehead shaving. It would also seem to be that the recent Goth and Punk hairstyles are simply throwbacks with the exception of the Mohawk which was an American Mohawk Indian war practice.
Census
Reuters: Census puts U.S. population at 320.09 million, up 0.7 percent from year-ago
"In January 2015, the U.S. is expected to experience a birth every eight seconds and one death every 12 seconds. Meanwhile, net international migration is expected to add one person to the U.S. population every 33 seconds," the Census Bureau said.
Have A Great Monday
work by Wolfgang Paalen, Austrian-Mexican painter, sculptor and art theorist 1905 - 1959
Global Warming - Catholics Told To Get With The Program
I can't wait to hear from Sean Hannity and Bill O on this one. The response from FOX alone will be priceless.
Slate: Pope Francis to Earth's Catholics: Take Action on Global Warming By Phil Plait
Slate: Pope Francis to Earth's Catholics: Take Action on Global Warming By Phil Plait
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 33 degrees and hazy but sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. A cooler but sunny week is predicted. Well, we are into the last few days of 2014, and as usual it's been a hell of a year. Can we mention how quickly the time has gone by. Sometimes we all do a little reflection on the changes that we saw, from the personal to the grand. Are there any lessons to be learned and gains to be had. Like most people I had a widely mixed year. There were lots of personal losses, and yet somehow I feel ever so slightly wiser with the emphasis on slight, there's a little gain. The trick is to see if that little bit of growth will stick or is it just more ephemera that will end up on the junk heap of good ideas.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
Oil has hovered around $55 for a few days now, certainly 2015 is going to see a lot of movement in the price per barrel. Otherwise it appears that Greece is entering another bout of economic turmoil. That country has been through the wringer and it's not over. One suspects that the vultures need to pick at the carcass of that country a little bit more. Recall that many investors are on vacation and that trading in this interstitial period between Christmas and New Year is often low but volatile.
CNN: Stocks: 3 things to know before the open
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
Oil has hovered around $55 for a few days now, certainly 2015 is going to see a lot of movement in the price per barrel. Otherwise it appears that Greece is entering another bout of economic turmoil. That country has been through the wringer and it's not over. One suspects that the vultures need to pick at the carcass of that country a little bit more. Recall that many investors are on vacation and that trading in this interstitial period between Christmas and New Year is often low but volatile.
CNN: Stocks: 3 things to know before the open
There are no major economic releases slated for Monday.
Investors are feeling wary about another political and economic fallout in Greece.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Have A Great Sunday
work by Wolfgang Paalen, Austrian-Mexican painter, sculptor and art theorist 1905 - 1959
Global Warming - Pope Francis, My Man
This is true. I left the Catholic Church at age 15 thinking it was the ugliest thing I had ever known. The nuns in Catholic schools were brutal and beat the children mercilessly, I saw that happen. I saw racism, hypocrisy, demented deviant people, and very little in the way of spirituality. I saw a lot of mindless repetition, no meaningful vibrancy, nothing healthy. I was repulsed by it all and I could write a book about this easily, maybe two books. Having said this, I like this new pope.
Guardian UK: Pope Francis’s edict on climate change will anger deniers and US churches - Pontiff hopes to inspire action at next year’s UN meeting in Paris in December after visits to Philippines and New York
Guardian UK: Pope Francis’s edict on climate change will anger deniers and US churches - Pontiff hopes to inspire action at next year’s UN meeting in Paris in December after visits to Philippines and New York
...the pope will publish a rare encyclical on climate change and human ecology. Urging all Catholics to take action on moral and scientific grounds, the document will be sent to the world’s 5,000 Catholic bishops and 400,000 priests, who will distribute it to parishioners.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Oil Adjustments
What happens when oil prices drop to their present level of roughly $55 per barrel and with the bottoming out price still unknown - layoffs and budget cuts at various levels of the economy. Both are already being enacted and as production slows and demand increases, one can imagine prices rising again. This will be a weighty issue in 2015.
NYT: Some States See Budgets at Risk as Oil Price Falls
The Advocate: Starting layoffs, cutting budgets: Louisiana oil service companies already adjusting to falling crude prices
NYT: Some States See Budgets at Risk as Oil Price Falls
The Advocate: Starting layoffs, cutting budgets: Louisiana oil service companies already adjusting to falling crude prices
Hell And Heaven
The famous warrior goes before the spiritual master and asks the master to explain heaven and hell.
The master looks at the warrior and says, "You are a vile person, you're obviously an ill-mannered slob, you're very stupid and I doubt if you could understand anything at all, why should I waste my time on someone as pathetic as you."
As the famous warrior listens to this tirade, he becomes more and more furious. When he hears the word pathetic he becomes completely enraged and he moves to take his sword in hand so he can slice the master's head right off.
The master watches and just as the sword is about to come down on him he says, "That, is hell."
The warrior stops in his tracks and a look of wise understanding comes over his face. Smiling to himself the warrior nods in approval and puts his sword down.
The master watches this change in the warrior's demeanor and then says, "That, is heaven."
The master looks at the warrior and says, "You are a vile person, you're obviously an ill-mannered slob, you're very stupid and I doubt if you could understand anything at all, why should I waste my time on someone as pathetic as you."
As the famous warrior listens to this tirade, he becomes more and more furious. When he hears the word pathetic he becomes completely enraged and he moves to take his sword in hand so he can slice the master's head right off.
The master watches and just as the sword is about to come down on him he says, "That, is hell."
The warrior stops in his tracks and a look of wise understanding comes over his face. Smiling to himself the warrior nods in approval and puts his sword down.
The master watches this change in the warrior's demeanor and then says, "That, is heaven."
TRNN - Market And State Regulation Failure At The Heart Of Russian Recession
I'm not sure why TRNN has disabled embedding for this clip, regardless it's good information.
Youtube: Market and State Regulation Failure at the Heart of Russian Recession
Youtube: Market and State Regulation Failure at the Heart of Russian Recession
Avoid
AlterNet: Pioneering Doctor Working to Reverse Alzheimers Offers 36 Ways Help Avoid the Disease - A recently published paper says that sticky brain plaques cause the disease. Here's how to circumvent them.
1. Eliminate or greatly reduce simple carbohydrates and processed foods from your diet, including sugar, grains and other starches, since they can stir up inflammation in the brain.
2. Add probiotics to your diet
3. Take 5,000 IUs of Vitamin D3 daily.
4. Take a good multivitamin daily.
5. Take Vitamin B6 daily.
6. Take Vitamin B12 daily.
7. Take CoQ10 daily.
8. Add fish oil to your diet.
9. Take coconut oil daily.
10. Exercise rigorously, 30 to 45 minutes, 5 days a week
11. Sleep 8 hours a night.
12. Fast for a minimum 3 hours between dinner and going to bed.
13. Fast a minimum 12 hours between dinner and breakfast
14. Take turmeric daily. Consider taking Ashwagandha and Bacopa monniera daily.
15. If you eat meat, make it chicken, non-farmed fish, and occasional grass-fed beef.
16. Floss your teeth at least twice daily.
17. Meditate daily - adequate sleep and exercise improve blood flow to the brain and instigate neuron generation.
18. Hormone replacement therapy is indicated for women who have a hormonal imbalance that may be affecting brain function.
(Read the rest)
Friday, December 26, 2014
Escalation
We definitely do not need an escalation in tensions here, but that is what we're getting. Somebody has got to step forward who can legitimately diffuse this. I'm somewhat dismayed at people like Giuliani who are adding fuel to the fire.
Guardian UK: NYPD on alert after spate of anti-police threats in wake of officers' shooting - Six people have been arrested for making threats against officers, as police force warns officers to act with increased vigilance while on- and off-duty
Guardian UK: NYPD on alert after spate of anti-police threats in wake of officers' shooting - Six people have been arrested for making threats against officers, as police force warns officers to act with increased vigilance while on- and off-duty
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 42 degrees and overcast here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Believe it or not at some point we may actually see some sunshine today. We had a little bit of sunshine on Thursday, otherwise it's really been gloomy and gray around here. I hope you had a good holiday yesterday regardless of how important the celebration of Christmas is for you. I had a fine day, excepting the anticipated and delivered loss of another game by the Knicks, the food was outstanding. Actually I need to lose a little bit of weight right now, that will be my next little project.
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil is up over $56 a barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
Generally on a day like today trading volume is light because most of these people are on vacation. With light volume you sometimes get large swings in the indexes. The morning scoop doesn't seem to indicate anything wild on the immediate present horizon. Maybe we'll get a calm day, who knows.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil is up over $56 a barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
Generally on a day like today trading volume is light because most of these people are on vacation. With light volume you sometimes get large swings in the indexes. The morning scoop doesn't seem to indicate anything wild on the immediate present horizon. Maybe we'll get a calm day, who knows.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
There are no major earnings due out Friday and no economic updates either.
Russia's battered currency regained some poise Friday...
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Enjoy Your Holiday
Enjoy your day. I'll be back blogging on Friday fresh off a day of fine food, good company, and probably another New York Knicks loss. Hey you can't have everything. In New York we can only dream about a good basketball team.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
The Market On Christmas Eve
Good morning. It is 42 degrees, overcast, and drizzly here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The gray overcast days continue on here in the land of grayness. I like gray it's a good color. The weather logo is suggesting it goes up into the 50s later today. Well it's Christmas Eve. Workers are hoping to get let out early, children are as excited as hell, some adults are overwhelmed by memories of past holidays, yet we are all quite capable of feeling the intention of the holiday which is to bring forth the best of humanity, not the worst. So as they say, feel the love or at least feel the warmth.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are higher and surprisingly the price of oil per barrel is up over $56. The market is poised to open higher.
The market closes early today so there are only a few hours there to mess with the formula. Russia is on the brink of financial collapse, it's beyond collapse, more like financial extinction. Everyone is still wondering where the price of oil per barrel will fall to, and on the other hand some are already predicting a rise in oil prices by the Summer. Weekly first time layoff numbers are now down to 280,000 and the GOP must be worried as hell.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are higher and surprisingly the price of oil per barrel is up over $56. The market is poised to open higher.
The market closes early today so there are only a few hours there to mess with the formula. Russia is on the brink of financial collapse, it's beyond collapse, more like financial extinction. Everyone is still wondering where the price of oil per barrel will fall to, and on the other hand some are already predicting a rise in oil prices by the Summer. Weekly first time layoff numbers are now down to 280,000 and the GOP must be worried as hell.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
The markets close early at 1 p.m. today.
...Standard & Poor's warned there's a 50% chance the nation's (Russia's) debt will be downgraded to junk.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 35 degrees and raining here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Rain is expected through Thursday with the temperatures gradually rising into the 50s by Christmas Day. That is a warm Christmas not a white Christmas. Many in this area have forgotten what the Sun looks like, it's been a while since we've had a direct sighting. We see that North Korea lost it's global internet connection for 9 hours. Real tragedy there...
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is higher. The market is poised to open higher.
The US third quarter GDP was just revised to a whopping 5%. That's unreal. Oil in my opinion still remains the elephant in the room. The oil glut appears to be in full blossom with oil now running between $54 and $56 a barrel.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is higher. The market is poised to open higher.
The US third quarter GDP was just revised to a whopping 5%. That's unreal. Oil in my opinion still remains the elephant in the room. The oil glut appears to be in full blossom with oil now running between $54 and $56 a barrel.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
The Census Bureau will also announce new home sales data from November at 10 a.m. ET. The data missed expectations in October.
Monday, December 22, 2014
'Outfoxed'
Outfoxed shows how the Fox News channel is used to promote and advocate right-wing views. This is the video in its entirety.
Choosing Sides
This thing is getting out of control. I'm not picking a side, because I want both things. I want police to be safe and not assaulted or shot or anything, the police have a ridiculously hard job and everybody knows it, and I want the black community to not be targeted. Can't we get both these things and are we bad people because we want both. If there was ever a time for a well respected mediator who commanded respect from both sides to step up, now is the time, and by the way it sure as hell is not Al Sharpton.
AlterNet: NYPD Union President Evokes Fear in Black New Yorkers in Aftermath Police Shootings - The gunman acted alone, but an entire community braces for a siege.
AlterNet: NYPD Union President Evokes Fear in Black New Yorkers in Aftermath Police Shootings - The gunman acted alone, but an entire community braces for a siege.
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 30 degrees and overcast here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The forecast is predicting it will get into the 50s around here by Christmas Day. That is unheard of. Also it looks like the weather could be a little messy with lots of precipitation. At that temperature its rain and not snow but at the moment we have a dusting of snow from overnight. I hope you had a good weekend. I was over at the local Y yesterday running a few slow miles around the small track. The Y is a good place, it's worth the money and the effort to get over there.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open higher and oil equities will once again be under pressure.
The oil producer shake out and game of chicken continues with the Saudis telling the world f.u. we are not cutting production. And so the price of oil will continue to tumble until those ventures that have new stakes and new claims find it not profitable to continue pumping oil. It's going to be a wild 2015 in the stock market.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open higher and oil equities will once again be under pressure.
The oil producer shake out and game of chicken continues with the Saudis telling the world f.u. we are not cutting production. And so the price of oil will continue to tumble until those ventures that have new stakes and new claims find it not profitable to continue pumping oil. It's going to be a wild 2015 in the stock market.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
Firmer oil is also helping Russian markets. The ruble is rising against the dollar, trimming its losses for the year to 42%.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
Two NYPD Officers Murdered
More senseless murders.
Guardian UK: Gunman murders two NYPD officers in Brooklyn before shooting himself
Guardian UK: Gunman murders two NYPD officers in Brooklyn before shooting himself
Winter Solstice
December 21st is the Winter Solstice. From today until June 2015 the days get longer and longer.
NYT: Bring On the Dark - Why We Need the Winter Solstice
NYT: Bring On the Dark - Why We Need the Winter Solstice
Saturday, December 20, 2014
Global Warming - The Arctic Changes
The Weather Channel: 7 Big Changes in the Arctic, Thanks to Global Warming, According to NOAA Report Card
6) Phytoplankton blooms show there's more life in the Arctic Ocean
Friday, December 19, 2014
Innocent Children
There is a profound disease spreading around the globe with these horrific mass murders of innocent children. What the hell is going on? No country seems to be immune - Sandy Hook, Pakistan, Australia...
Guardian UK: Eight children from same family stabbed to death in Cairns - Victims aged between 18 months and 15 years discovered by adult brother, with mother being treated in hospital for wounds to chest
Guardian UK: Eight children from same family stabbed to death in Cairns - Victims aged between 18 months and 15 years discovered by adult brother, with mother being treated in hospital for wounds to chest
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 30 degrees and overcast here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Sunshine is expected at some point and when people around here see the sun, well I'm not sure if they will recognize what the bright ball in the sky is. It's been rather gray over the last week.
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.
It's been a week of gains in the DOW to put it mildly. This morning is once again pointing to a good opening and the euphoria of Wednesday's Fed news on interest rates is still felt. It's anyone's guess really - is oil firming around $55 to $60? Who knows as some feel it could go down to $45 or more perhaps. Regardless, the morning is bringing some stability.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
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.
It's been a week of gains in the DOW to put it mildly. This morning is once again pointing to a good opening and the euphoria of Wednesday's Fed news on interest rates is still felt. It's anyone's guess really - is oil firming around $55 to $60? Who knows as some feel it could go down to $45 or more perhaps. Regardless, the morning is bringing some stability.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
U.S. crude oil futures were edging higher to trade around $55 per barrel. Russian markets were calmer. The ruble was slightly firmer against the dollar, after plunging 45% so far this year.
Thursday, December 18, 2014
On Giving
Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love. Lao Tzu
When you are joyous, look deep into your heart and you shall find it is only that which has given you sorrow that is giving you joy. When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. Khalil Gibran
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 35 degrees and overcast here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The logo is suggesting it might rain. The grass is back. The snow has melted to a pittance here and there and better than that, as I am not a snow person, the town came by yesterday and removed the piles of leaves in front of everybody's lawn on my street. The town was delinquent in getting that chore done but better late than never. Lawn removal was a big topic of conversation among the neighbors. Everybody complained that with the taxes we pay, well how come they didn't get to the leaves. Some people might call that bourgeois irritation.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are astronomically high and the price of oil is up over a $1 per barrel. The market is poised to go nuts at the opening bell.
What's to know, the market is going to pop at the opening bell. Will it stay that way through the day? It's impossible to say but the notice by the Fed that interest rates will remain low for the time being was huge. Also notice that oil is rising a bit in the past few day too. Could a bottom have been found with oil now floating between $55 and $60 a barrel. Who knows.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are astronomically high and the price of oil is up over a $1 per barrel. The market is poised to go nuts at the opening bell.
What's to know, the market is going to pop at the opening bell. Will it stay that way through the day? It's impossible to say but the notice by the Fed that interest rates will remain low for the time being was huge. Also notice that oil is rising a bit in the past few day too. Could a bottom have been found with oil now floating between $55 and $60 a barrel. Who knows.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
...the Fed indicated it was going to take its sweet time raising interest rates.
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Interview Uproar
From Reuters: Investigators determine that North Korean government responsible for hack on Sony: U.S. government source
Rat-Baiting
From Wikipedia: Rat-baiting is a blood sport which involves placing rats in a pit or other enclosed area and then betting on how long it takes a dog, usually a terrier, to kill them. It is now illegal in most countries, but was a popular sport until the beginning of the 20th century.
The sport was popular in New York -
The sport was popular in New York -
GOP Response
It didn't take long for the GOP to condemn the new opening of relations with Cuba.
From Reuters: The White House 'has conceded everything' to Cuba, but gained little: Rubio
From Reuters: The White House 'has conceded everything' to Cuba, but gained little: Rubio
The Death Penalty
Guardian UK: Pakistan school massacre prompts prime minister to lift death penalty ban
Hanging remains on the statute book and judges have continued to pass sentence, leaving about 8,000 people on death row.
Global Warming - 56 Million Years Ago
Fortunately for many of the global warming deniers, there wasn't any 56 million years ago. Recall that for the deniers and this would include many GOPers in our Senate and Congress, human history is roughly 4,000 to 2,000 years old, so an article like this is already a moot point.
CBS News: Global warming 56 million years ago holds lessons for climate change today
CBS News: Global warming 56 million years ago holds lessons for climate change today
Torture Blowback
Only a humanity challenged individual like Cheney could possibly think that torturing people will in the long run just be all fine and dandy. On the other hand considering that Cheney has a long run thought process might be giving him the benefit of the doubt. Gee, turns out stupidity and violence usually leads to even more stupidity and violence - shocker.
AlterNet: How the CIA Torture Program Helped Give Birth to the Islamic State - Here's what the recent report on torture doesn't say.
AlterNet: How the CIA Torture Program Helped Give Birth to the Islamic State - Here's what the recent report on torture doesn't say.
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 36 degrees and ever so lightly raining, if at all, here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Rain is expected with the temperature getting up into the 40s. The battle between snow and grass is definitely being won by grass. Right now there's only splotches of snow here and there along with the usual high piles at the end of parking lots and such. Wednesday is a good day, the week is rolling by, and soon we will be in full holiday season regalia.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is down around $54. The market is poised to open higher and energy equities will once again probably take it on the chin.
In my humble opinion two things will have a strong effect on today's market movement. That would be the continued decline in oil prices and results of a Fed meeting. Lately there seems to be no correlation between how the market opens and how it closes with really wide swings during the day from negative to positive and back. How I look forward to a new period of stability in the markets.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is down around $54. The market is poised to open higher and energy equities will once again probably take it on the chin.
In my humble opinion two things will have a strong effect on today's market movement. That would be the continued decline in oil prices and results of a Fed meeting. Lately there seems to be no correlation between how the market opens and how it closes with really wide swings during the day from negative to positive and back. How I look forward to a new period of stability in the markets.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
Investors will be monitoring the Federal Reserve news conference at 2 p.m. ET to gauge what Fed chair Janet Yellen is planning for monetary policy over the coming year.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
TRNN - Russia Rejects South Steam Pipeline Through Europe
Unfortunately TRNN appears to have stopped allowing their videos to be embedded in blogs like this one. So here is the link.
Russia Rejects South Steam Pipeline Through Europe
Russia Rejects South Steam Pipeline Through Europe
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 31 degrees and overcast here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The logo is indicating that precipitation of some kind is a possibility today. The slightly above freezing temperatures continue to melt away the snow from last week's storm as more and more of the ground is beginning to appear. Around here roughly 50% of the ground is peaking out from the snow. We are also almost in the depth of the least amount of light. The light starts to come back ever so slowly after the Winter Solstice this Sunday.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel continues to plunge. The market is poised to open lower.
We are rapidly closing in on freak out mode as the price of oil slides now towards $50 per barrel. I'm sure someone out there has wrapped their mind around the implications of this major shift. I would suspect we see a further tightening of the credit and payment structures, give me the money. How ironic that this is all occurring as the depth of the Winter hits this part of the world. There must be a name for it - maybe something like the Siberian Complex.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel continues to plunge. The market is poised to open lower.
We are rapidly closing in on freak out mode as the price of oil slides now towards $50 per barrel. I'm sure someone out there has wrapped their mind around the implications of this major shift. I would suspect we see a further tightening of the credit and payment structures, give me the money. How ironic that this is all occurring as the depth of the Winter hits this part of the world. There must be a name for it - maybe something like the Siberian Complex.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
...markets are extremely fearful as oil prices fall off a cliff and Russia struggles to deal with a full-blown currency crisis.
Monday, December 15, 2014
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 35 degrees and overcast here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Allegedly the sun may peak out from behind the clouds at some point today. The series of recent days with temperatures slightly above freezing has allowed snow from last week's long storm to partially melt away. Spots of grass are beginning to reappear here and there. I hope you had a good weekend. I went a little AWOL from my normal diet and ate a few things that maybe I don't really need. It's hard to avoid the rich food this time of year. I'll be good this week.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Cheap oil is all the rage. The markets are trying to figure out how to adjust to the oil glut. Today the market is set to open higher but recall that in recent days the opening and closing points have widely varied.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Cheap oil is all the rage. The markets are trying to figure out how to adjust to the oil glut. Today the market is set to open higher but recall that in recent days the opening and closing points have widely varied.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
Crude futures were edging up Monday, and shares in big oil companies look set to rally, despite weekend reports that OPEC won't rush to cut oil production even if prices fall as low as $40 per barrel.
Sunday, December 14, 2014
On Oil
Regarding investing, one can easily find a range of opinions in a number of publications and outlets. One person will tell you to run for your life while another will tell you it's all roses. The price of oil has truly come into focus in the last few weeks. Here's an article from Bloomberg and in particular Mark Mobius on oil. The article is from December 11th and since then the price of oil has declined even further than Mobius' pleasant $60 per barrel. Personally I suspect he is correct. The price of oil will eventually rise, but when? Well that is another story.
Bloomberg: Mark Mobius on Russia, Oil Stocks and Dangers for Long-Term Investors
Bloomberg: Mark Mobius on Russia, Oil Stocks and Dangers for Long-Term Investors
Taking a short-term view that can bring a risk of being whipsawed. A good example now is oil prices. We've seen oil prices drop, with some people looking at $60 a barrel, and many people will react and sell oil companies.
That could be a big mistake, because the longer-term predictions have oil at $90 or even $100 a barrel. By making this short-term decision on stocks that, by the way, have already gone down, you're selling at the bottom and may get caught having to buy at a top when prices recover.
Saturday, December 13, 2014
Global Warming - Lima
The only thing these global talks are demonstrating is the non commitment of countries to do anything about global warming. That is the end result of these so called climate summits.
Guardian UK: Lima climate summit extended as poor countries demand more from rich - Talks stumble amid rising frustration over ‘ridiculously low’ cash commitments offered by rich nations to help pay for emissions cuts
Guardian UK: Lima climate summit extended as poor countries demand more from rich - Talks stumble amid rising frustration over ‘ridiculously low’ cash commitments offered by rich nations to help pay for emissions cuts
Friday, December 12, 2014
In Time
Boston.com: Revere-Era Time Capsule Uncovered at The (Massachusetts) State House
The new capsule will be taken to the Museum of Fine Arts by conservators, who will X-ray it before it is opened next week. The condition of its contents is currently unknown.
Under The Bush
TPM: Cheney Throws Bush Under The Bus On Torture Program
"...He was in fact an integral part of the program, he had to approve it before we went forward with it."
Bizarre Indeed
AlterNet: Women Are Turned on By... What? 7 Weirdest Things Science Has Taught Us About Sex - We found some of the most bizarre sex and relationship studies. Enjoy.
6. Men spend more money on women who wear red.
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 30 degrees and cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Allegedly we might see a glimpse of the sun at some point in the day. The sun has been absent, it seems like for months. Well the weekend is almost upon us as we head into the major holidays. Shoppers will be out in legions this weekend, it's a period of both agreeable and non agreeable business with preparations, presents, gatherings, etc etc. Don't worry, we'll get through it in one piece.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel continues to descend. The market is poised to open lower.
Well, this a brave new world - the price of oil is hovering around $58 per barrel. I think I'll buy a few barrels as holiday gifts. Seriously, oil is so cheap I expect to see a major comeback of the V8 engine spewing extra heavy exhaust fumes. If I was a joke writer I'd come up with a series of jokes. They'd all start with - "Oil is so cheap that..." It's finding the punchline part that's tricky. When it gets down to around $2 per barrel then we're going to have some real fun...
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel continues to descend. The market is poised to open lower.
Well, this a brave new world - the price of oil is hovering around $58 per barrel. I think I'll buy a few barrels as holiday gifts. Seriously, oil is so cheap I expect to see a major comeback of the V8 engine spewing extra heavy exhaust fumes. If I was a joke writer I'd come up with a series of jokes. They'd all start with - "Oil is so cheap that..." It's finding the punchline part that's tricky. When it gets down to around $2 per barrel then we're going to have some real fun...
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
Oil prices are continuing their downward trajectory, with U.S. crude futures dipping below $59 per barrel.
Thursday, December 11, 2014
All Red States
Okay, does someone want to explain the obvious elephant in the room. They are all red states although Indiana normally red went blue for Obama in 2008 then went back to red for Romney in 2012
Yahoo: The Unhealthiest State Is...
Yahoo: The Unhealthiest State Is...
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 28 degrees and completely overcast here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Snow is expected today, Friday, and Saturday. It's pretty white out there right now from Wednesday's slush then snow strom. It's been a weird harsh week in the news. For me the torture memo just brings forward the memories of that incredibly ugly period of the Bush/Cheney regime. They pick low level sociopaths to run torture factories around the world and get legal clearing from, remember the guy, Alberto Gonzales. What a crock and what a miserable period in American history. Don't worry though, the American public has already forgotten about it and is quite willing to re-elect a neo-conservative based authoritarian as soon as possible.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is once again down hovering just above $60 a barrel. The market is poised to open higher but energy stocks may fumble again.
The oil shake out continues. How do we find peace with the flood of cheap oil around the world in a time when all wise parties are telling that same world to cut CO2 emissions or face incredibly dire consequences? Could there possibly be a more irritating and foolish Cheney based hooey in the face of global warming than a flood of oil right now at this instant. Reconcile that one, go ahead, tell me how you do that.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is once again down hovering just above $60 a barrel. The market is poised to open higher but energy stocks may fumble again.
The oil shake out continues. How do we find peace with the flood of cheap oil around the world in a time when all wise parties are telling that same world to cut CO2 emissions or face incredibly dire consequences? Could there possibly be a more irritating and foolish Cheney based hooey in the face of global warming than a flood of oil right now at this instant. Reconcile that one, go ahead, tell me how you do that.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
Investors have grown increasingly nervous over the past few weeks as they consider how plunging crude oil prices will damage the oil industry and the energy boom that has helped the U.S. recovery.
Wednesday, December 10, 2014
Call For Prosecutions
No one will be prosecuted for torture except perhaps a few cannon fodder low level types. Bush is beyond the reach of the law. He doesn't come from one of the few most wealthy and most powerful families in America for nothing. No, there are a few perks that come with that status including being beyond the law.
Guardian UK: CIA torture report: human rights groups call for prosecutions – live
Guardian UK: CIA torture report: human rights groups call for prosecutions – live
Global Warming - Get Moving
Reuters must have a policy change because previously their chief was a global warming denier. I wonder how that is working at Reuters now.
Reuters: UN's Ban says no 'time for tinkering' on global warming action
Reuters: UN's Ban says no 'time for tinkering' on global warming action
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 33 degrees, snowing, and very slushy out there. Call it a wintery mix. Lots of fender benders last night so drive so slow that the person behind you curses your family many generations back. The torture report came out yesterday as did the people responsible for the report in the first place. That would be the authoritarian sadistic medieval sociopaths of the Bush administration with Cheney leading the way with unmitigated defensive chants of hooey and baloney. No doubt authoritarian regime promoter and loud mouth harpy Coulter is in the middle of the pro-torture sado-chorus. We must remember that no good authoritarian worth his or her weight in water-boards possesses a reflexive conscience that would allow them to recognize that their actions are harmful. Quite the contrary, they truly believe their actions are meritorious and in harmony with the divine, as long as they are no being abused, then it's different, you know. This is why we have a justice system which will essentially ram time in jail down one's divine authoritarian life. Alas, Bush and company are beyond the reach of the law. All we can do is reserve a special level of utter disdain and contempt for their blackened souls.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are lower and the price of oil per barrel continues to slide. The market will open lower.
Hey, the news remains the same here. The price of oil is now descending to $60 per barrel. Gas guzzling lovers go nuts, have a field day, bathe in it perhaps. In truth OPEC has unleashed a world of hurt in many directions.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are lower and the price of oil per barrel continues to slide. The market will open lower.
Hey, the news remains the same here. The price of oil is now descending to $60 per barrel. Gas guzzling lovers go nuts, have a field day, bathe in it perhaps. In truth OPEC has unleashed a world of hurt in many directions.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
The price of crude oil is off by nearly 2% and trading below $63 per barrel. Oil prices have fallen by nearly 40% since June, which has created a lot of uncertainty as investors try to guess when the price will bottom out.
Tuesday, December 09, 2014
Torture
NY Times: Senate Torture Report Condemns C.I.A. Interrogation Program
...the sessions became so extreme that some C.I.A. officers were “to the point of tears and choking up,” and several said they would elect to be transferred out of the facility if the brutal interrogations continued.
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