Saturday, May 31, 2014
The Borowitz Report - Scientists Consider New Names For Climate Change
New Yorker: Scientists Consider New Names for Climate Change
“You will be burnt to a crisp and die.”
Global Warming - USA Vs China
Long story short - while the USA may slightly cut carbon emissions over the next few decades, India and China are cranking out more coal plants and cars every single day. This increased production in China and India will overwhelm any cut backs in the USA. Say hello to 400 to 500ppm or higher, scorching heat in the Summers, more bizarre single weather events like serious tornadoes in Upstate NY, erratic Winters, more exacerbated water conditions throughout the world including droughts, significant changes to the animal and insect populations, more health risks, rising sea levels, and on and on and on.
Business Week: Obama Step Forward on Carbon Undone by China’s Steps Back
Business Week: Obama Step Forward on Carbon Undone by China’s Steps Back
Friday, May 30, 2014
Global Warming - Critical Number
This is the most significant news story of the year. This is a disaster.
National Geographic: Northern Hemisphere Cracks 400 ppm CO₂ for Whole Month for First Time - Carbon dioxide levels exceeded 400 ppm across the Northern Hemisphere for the entire month of April, a significant climate-change milestone.
National Geographic: Northern Hemisphere Cracks 400 ppm CO₂ for Whole Month for First Time - Carbon dioxide levels exceeded 400 ppm across the Northern Hemisphere for the entire month of April, a significant climate-change milestone.
Keeping It Nuts
AlterNet: 5 Craziest Laws Passed by GOP Legislators, Just This Month - Ft. Lauderdale, Floria OKs a resolution that makes it illegal for homeless people to own possessions
5. Tennessee Outlaws High-Speed Mass Transit
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 61 degrees and sunny on this bright morning here in Upstate NY. Welcome to the weekend and hooray for that. I hope the weather is clear tomorrow, I'd like to get out onto some trails and get into nature a little bit.
At 8:15 a.m. futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. At this moment the market is poised to open lower.
It is the last trading day for May. All in all May has been a good month to be in equities. Next Friday we'll get the all important Federal government jobs data for the month of May. Hard to believe June is almost here. Today investors will be parsing economic data on all sorts of things including consume sentiment, my favorite. How are you fellow consumer, are you consuming enough, want to consume more, consume we shall.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:15 a.m. futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. At this moment the market is poised to open lower.
It is the last trading day for May. All in all May has been a good month to be in equities. Next Friday we'll get the all important Federal government jobs data for the month of May. Hard to believe June is almost here. Today investors will be parsing economic data on all sorts of things including consume sentiment, my favorite. How are you fellow consumer, are you consuming enough, want to consume more, consume we shall.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
The U.S. government will release personal income and spending numbers for April at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Asian markets ended with mixed results.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Have A Great Thursday
Guardian UK: Maya Angelou quotes: 15 of the best
Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 56 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. I have yet to get outside but it looks fantastic out there. If I were a hiking skip my commitments kind of person, I would head for the hills. One small comment here - are you like me in that you are getting sick of all these articles that list things? For example - the six things to know about sex, or, the eight things to do to your house, or, the five things corporations don't want you to know. What is going on with this? Has some Harvard grad figured out that the best way to get people to read things or to get someone's attention is to give them a list upfront and often. Come on journalists, break the mold. Give us two things to know why you should stop writing lists all the time.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are slightly up and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
I just read that the US economy actually contracted during the first quarter in a revised reading of the GDP. That is of course unwelcome news. Expect to hear all sorts of readings on this reading today. The experts will explain why it occurred etc etc. Two formal contractions in a row, recall, signifies an official recession, not that it means anything in an economy that has nothing but misery implications for Main Street. Meanwhile Wall Street is going great guns.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are slightly up and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
I just read that the US economy actually contracted during the first quarter in a revised reading of the GDP. That is of course unwelcome news. Expect to hear all sorts of readings on this reading today. The experts will explain why it occurred etc etc. Two formal contractions in a row, recall, signifies an official recession, not that it means anything in an economy that has nothing but misery implications for Main Street. Meanwhile Wall Street is going great guns.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
"There is market chatter that we could get a significant downward revision to the first estimate due to revised assessments of business investment, equipment spending and construction activity..."
Revised first-quarter data show U.S. economy contracted at 1% annual rate. Revision due in June.
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 55 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. It feels like we could be in for some rain. Yesterday was indeed the hottest and most humid day of the season. We all expect the Summer to become a real scorcher. On the garden front, after planting most of the garden over the weekend we are now already seeing little bugs eating away at the plants. Have you noticed a lot more insects this season, I have. Somebody needs to explain to me what the conditions are that makes this insect population greater.
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 higher although some energy stocks might lag.
Just like you I am watching the stock market in awe as it proceeds to set new record highs each day. The DOW is presently at 16,675 and it is possible that it may exceed that today although one never knows what will happen by closing time. One suspects Vegas is taking bets on a possible DOW at 17,000.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
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 higher although some energy stocks might lag.
Just like you I am watching the stock market in awe as it proceeds to set new record highs each day. The DOW is presently at 16,675 and it is possible that it may exceed that today although one never knows what will happen by closing time. One suspects Vegas is taking bets on a possible DOW at 17,000.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
"We continue to see a market that feeds on upward momentum," said Peter Cardillo, chief market economist at Rockwell Global Capital.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
TRNN - Government Climate Report Predicts More Bad News, But How Do You Reverse Course?
This is from the first week of May.
Christie Watch
Actually, this is a good thing, long overdue.
NorthJersey.com: Christie to sign bill opening adoption records
NorthJersey.com: Christie to sign bill opening adoption records
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 71 degrees and sunny with some haziness here in Upstate NY. The weather logos are indicating it could me a mixed week with sunshine and lots of rain. I hope you had a good holiday weekend. Yesterday we attended the local Memorial Day parade and I have to honestly say it was a very charming and pleasant event. As you stand there watching eventually you start seeing neighbors and people you know and engage in little chit chats. And then there's the parade with the local police, fire departments and engines, marching bands, emergency crews, a few old time cars, city officials, the boyscouts and the girl scouts. This was a very American event and it's good, it gets people together and it's simple. Everybody knows what to expect.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open higher but some energy stocks might lag.
The prediction is that the market might head into new record territory again. Who knows what to think of this extended period and where it's headed. We can't control it anyhow. Data on housing comes out later and the stage is set for gains in this short vacation period week.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open higher but some energy stocks might lag.
The prediction is that the market might head into new record territory again. Who knows what to think of this extended period and where it's headed. We can't control it anyhow. Data on housing comes out later and the stage is set for gains in this short vacation period week.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
The latest S&P/Case-Shiller 20-city home price index will be published at 9 a.m.
Investors were also pleased that Ukrainian elections were completed without too many complications.
Monday, May 26, 2014
Memorial Day
We honor our soldiers today. Back in WWII my Uncle Jay was a soldier in the Army fighting in the Pacific. I think they would go from island to island and fight the Japanese. He saw some of the most horrific things one could ever imagine and told us about it. I remember him struggling, he would often close his eyes and grimace, blotting out his memory maybe, blotting out his incongruence with his ordinary reality perhaps. He was suffering from an intense form of PTSD but at that time in the 50s no one had ever heard of PTSD. They called it shell shock and treatment was not part of the equation. Jay took his own life in the late 50s, it was a shocking point for our family and for me as a young child. All we have left now of Jay are a few worn photos. Essentially he gave his life in support of WWII as so many others did.
Chicago Tribune: Memorial Day 2014: WWII vet remembers one that was left behind
Chicago Tribune: Memorial Day 2014: WWII vet remembers one that was left behind
Global Warming - Australia, Right To Wrong
Guardian UK: Could Australia really dismantle its carbon price? The conservative government in Australia proposes to be the first country in the world to abolish a legislated price on carbon emissions. Could Australia really go down this path?
From 2011 to 2013, carbon emissions from electricity supply, the major source of carbon pollution in Australia, reduced by 7 percent, due both to the carbon price and growth in renewable energy. Renewable energy in Australia grew by around 30 percent from 2012.
The new conservative government led by Tony Abbott is planning on winding back almost all of these policies. After his election last year, he declared abolishing carbon pricing his "top legislative priority".
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Guns N' Roses
This is real, not the Onion. You can carry a gun openly in Georgia but a woman needs a medical prescription to buy a sex toy in Sandy Springs, Georgia.
Guardian UK: Buying sex toys doesn't make a woman 'lady crazy'. It makes you totally normal by Jessica Valenti
Guardian UK: Buying sex toys doesn't make a woman 'lady crazy'. It makes you totally normal by Jessica Valenti
But in Sandy Springs, Georgia, you really do need a medical reason – and a doctor's prescription – to buy a sex toy.
The Vulnerable
In February we learned that 1 in 4 Americans doesn't know Earth circles sun. I have to admit that I found this news to be surprising. That's a significant number of people, perfectly in line with the number of people who supported GW Bush to the bitter end of his disastrous presidency. I have come to think of this group as being vulnerable. They are vulnerable to mythological understandings and unfounded emotional distortions of how our world functions. If one does not even understand that the Earth circles the Sun, how could one possibly understand a complex problem like global warming.
The Creation Museum in Kentucky is a crown jewel in that 1 in 4 world view. The museum has just unveiled an Allosaurus Exhibit claiming that the major scientific relic is evidence of Noah's flood which according to the museum's brain trust occurred 4,300 years ago. The relic is allegedly a unique and superlative specimen and truly deserves to be in the hands of scientists rather than the Creation Museum.
NY Post: Dinosaur bones prove creationism right, man says
The Creation Museum in Kentucky is a crown jewel in that 1 in 4 world view. The museum has just unveiled an Allosaurus Exhibit claiming that the major scientific relic is evidence of Noah's flood which according to the museum's brain trust occurred 4,300 years ago. The relic is allegedly a unique and superlative specimen and truly deserves to be in the hands of scientists rather than the Creation Museum.
NY Post: Dinosaur bones prove creationism right, man says
Keeping with its Bible-themed approach, the Creation Museum says the dinosaur died in a worldwide flood about 4,300 years ago. However, scientists say the last dinosaurs roamed the earth more than 60 million years ago.
Global Warming - Chickens
Guardian UK: Wanted: a breed of chicken that can survive crippling heatwaves - US scientists fear climate change could have devastating effects on poultry farmers as temperatures reach scorching levels
By 2060, US climate agencies predict, there will be 12 times as many 100F (37.7C) days in Delaware and Maryland, where poultry farmers produce 600 million birds a year.
Saturday, May 24, 2014
Have A Good Saturday
Enjoy the beginning of your holiday weekend. We wanted to get our vegetable garden in but the rain might interfere.
work by George Condo
work by George Condo
Friday, May 23, 2014
Christie Watch
Christie is in a little over his head giving advice on another state's economy - his economic record in his own state is disastrous.
Sunshine State News: Chris Christie Joins With Rick Scott to Attack Charlie Crist on Jobs
Sunshine State News: Chris Christie Joins With Rick Scott to Attack Charlie Crist on Jobs
Global Warming - Coulter Chimes In
Somebody should put together a little clip of Coulter's weekly incorrect and ridiculous predictions. Regardless, Congress can't even gets its pointy little head around doling out lunches to poor school children, and we expect these same people to tackle the complexity of global warming - uh uh, not going to happen. There is only one possible approach to curtailing greenhouse emissions. That would be through people not using energy that produces CO2. If the demand is not there, then the oil company goes the way of the Edsel. What is the likelihood of this happening? We know the answer.
RCP: Coulter: Those Who Don't Believe In Global Warming Are Treated Like Holocaust Deniers
RCP: Coulter: Those Who Don't Believe In Global Warming Are Treated Like Holocaust Deniers
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 59 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. Rain is predicted right through to next Wednesday. Wet it will be. We are the water people of Upstate NY. Yesterday a tornado took apart parts of the area, yes a tornado. Get used to it. It occurs to me that if Congress cannot figure out to not cut food programs (GOP Push To Cut School Lunch Funding Echoes Years Of Conservative Media Attacks, how on Earth will global warming ever be tackled by our government. Lunch programs, that's a simple thing. People need to eat especially when they have no means of getting food. We can afford to dole out some macaroni and cheese.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are slightly up and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
There are many points of interest being posed to investors this morning. Among a few of the more salient caveats will be data on new home sales which is always an interesting peak into the health of the economy and continued observation of the new mess in Thailand with it's global economic implications. It's Friday, we've got a long weekend ahead, think relaxation.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are slightly up and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
There are many points of interest being posed to investors this morning. Among a few of the more salient caveats will be data on new home sales which is always an interesting peak into the health of the economy and continued observation of the new mess in Thailand with it's global economic implications. It's Friday, we've got a long weekend ahead, think relaxation.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
The U.S. government will report new home sales from April at 10 a.m. ET.
Fitch said any further escalation in political instability could cause lasting damage to the (Thailand) economy.
Thursday, May 22, 2014
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 60 degrees, raining, and thundering here in Upstate NY. Just a few minutes ago we were getting hit with a few minutes of intense hail which for the moment has ceased. I've said it before but we have plenty of water in this area and as a result it's looking downright tropical outside at this point, the green is intense. I'm working on a new definition for a conservative, here's what I've got so far. A conservative is a liberal who is 200 to 50 years behind the times.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Investors will be viewing more corporate results today along with data on employment and housing. I just saw the weekly layoff numbers at 326,000 up from last week. Also it looks like the coup in Thailand could produce a little jolt in the road. Finally CNN is behind an article saying that investors are getting out of stocks and back into the safe havens of bonds and cash. Makes sense, the market is at record highs, they want to cash in on the profits before a significant correction takes place. However, no one really knows when that will occur, at least no one like myself.
CNN: Stocks: Retail earnings still the focus
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Investors will be viewing more corporate results today along with data on employment and housing. I just saw the weekly layoff numbers at 326,000 up from last week. Also it looks like the coup in Thailand could produce a little jolt in the road. Finally CNN is behind an article saying that investors are getting out of stocks and back into the safe havens of bonds and cash. Makes sense, the market is at record highs, they want to cash in on the profits before a significant correction takes place. However, no one really knows when that will occur, at least no one like myself.
CNN: Stocks: Retail earnings still the focus
The retail sector remains in the spotlight on Wall Street as more earnings roll in.
Over 100 people were arrested outside the McDonald's corporate campus Wednesday as they protested for higher wages.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Global Warming - Unpatriotic Racists
When the discussion on global warming gets this low and attracts this much attention, something is really off base.
Chicago Tribune: Pat Sajak calls global warming advocates 'unpatriotic racists,' sparks Twitter backlash
Chicago Tribune: Pat Sajak calls global warming advocates 'unpatriotic racists,' sparks Twitter backlash
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 55 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. The logo is showing rain but the caption is reading that there is a 0% chance of rain. What is a person to believe? We see that the Tea Party basically face planted itself on Tuesday's primaries. Could it be that absurd destructive extremism is slightly less popular? One can only hope.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Today investors will be parsing first quarter results from many retailers but more importantly they will be parsing minutes of a recent Fed meeting. One cannot say it enough, the power that the Fed exerts over money policy is unrivaled. Look for the results of that meeting to exert weight on the market's direction by closing time.
CNN: Stocks: Steady before Fed and retailers
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Today investors will be parsing first quarter results from many retailers but more importantly they will be parsing minutes of a recent Fed meeting. One cannot say it enough, the power that the Fed exerts over money policy is unrivaled. Look for the results of that meeting to exert weight on the market's direction by closing time.
CNN: Stocks: Steady before Fed and retailers
The Federal Reserve is in focus Wednesday as investors wait for the release of the minutes from its April meeting at 2 p.m.
Many retailers will be reporting results Wednesday.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 56 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. We are into what I would call perfect weather and temperatures. The 70s is where it's at as far as I'm concerned. I could live in this realm year round. So, I would encourage you to somehow get out today and enjoy the environment. Take a walk and if possible get out into wild nature.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in the flat range.
There are a few straggler quarterly reports that could affect the day's movement of the indexes. The stocks are about building supplies and big box types mostly. In a sense it's about how Americans are spending or not spending their money. In my area there is quite a bit of renovation and repair work going on. It seems like every other house is having an addition or some kind of work. Things are hopping.
CNN: Stocks: Investors wait for earnings
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in the flat range.
There are a few straggler quarterly reports that could affect the day's movement of the indexes. The stocks are about building supplies and big box types mostly. In a sense it's about how Americans are spending or not spending their money. In my area there is quite a bit of renovation and repair work going on. It seems like every other house is having an addition or some kind of work. Things are hopping.
CNN: Stocks: Investors wait for earnings
While markets seem to be lacking any clear direction, the CNNMoney Fear & Greed index indicates that investors continue to feel fearful.
Bangkok stocks were relatively sanguine after the Thai army surprised the country by declaring martial law.
Monday, May 19, 2014
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 51 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY on this fine Monday morning. The logos are predicting a lot of rain for the week. Right now it's looking rather lush out there, the green-ness of things is very strong. Everybody's lawn is emerald green and the grass is growing quickly. We cut the lawn for a second time in less than a week on Saturday. I hope you had a good weekend. The high point of mine was a long trail run. My recovery from surgery in December is moving along nicely and I am much closer to the old self as it were - physically speaking.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
There is some major merger news grabbing a lot of attention this morning. Recall that the market is in record high territory. The irony is that this is a fear causing area for a different set of reasons than when the market is tanking as in 2008. It's a matter of, well now what do we do. Can there be a justification for further gains or is another correction coming. I have no idea, but change is always in the air.
CNN: Stocks: Reacting to mega merger news
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
There is some major merger news grabbing a lot of attention this morning. Recall that the market is in record high territory. The irony is that this is a fear causing area for a different set of reasons than when the market is tanking as in 2008. It's a matter of, well now what do we do. Can there be a justification for further gains or is another correction coming. I have no idea, but change is always in the air.
CNN: Stocks: Reacting to mega merger news
...AT&T announced it was taking over DirecTV, and AstraZeneca rejected Pfizer's attempts to complete a mega-deal.
There's not much in terms of economic and earnings announcements on the docket Monday.
Sunday, May 18, 2014
American History
The ad is from the 1960s. The caption reads: "Blow in her face and she'll follow you anywhere."
Vile
Limbaugh and Ingraham are on typical point in that everything is Obama's and consequently liberals' fault. However these two diverge over the kidnapping. Limabaugh claims no responsibility, and then in an odd way Imgraham claims that it is Obama's responsibility because it reflects back on Benghazi. Recapping - I suppose the idea is that the kidnapping is not the USA's responsibility yet it occurred because of Obama's responsibility in Beghazi. As usual, there's a lot of hatred and no logic.
AlterNet: 9 Vilest Right-Wing Moments This Week: Limbaugh Pits Himself Against Abducted Nigerian Girls "They're not our girls"... and more horrific commentary.
AlterNet: 9 Vilest Right-Wing Moments This Week: Limbaugh Pits Himself Against Abducted Nigerian Girls "They're not our girls"... and more horrific commentary.
1. Rush Limbaugh: The Nigerian girls aren’t “our” girls... and other atrocities.
2. Laura Ingraham: Nigerian girls were kidnapped because, Benghazi.
Saturday, May 17, 2014
Friday, May 16, 2014
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 65 degrees and rainy here in Upstate NY. The forecast is calling for rain through the weekend. The temperatures are beginning to hover in the 70s , too bad they can't remain there for about 8 months or so. The big CNN headline for the morning is about firenadoes in California. Talk about an extreme weather event. As you know the drought in California is a big concern. We are talking food prices and not to mention how millions of people will get at water. It is a water war.
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
The past few days have been stinkers on Wall Street. Disappointing first quarter results have helped to drag it under. The good news is that we are headed into the weekend and a rest. Meanwhile investors will be parsing economic data today on housing and consumer sentiment. I know you are feeling sentimental oh consumer.
CNN: Stocks: Lively week ending on fearful note
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
The past few days have been stinkers on Wall Street. Disappointing first quarter results have helped to drag it under. The good news is that we are headed into the weekend and a rest. Meanwhile investors will be parsing economic data today on housing and consumer sentiment. I know you are feeling sentimental oh consumer.
CNN: Stocks: Lively week ending on fearful note
Declining Treasury yields, disappointing quarterly earnings from Wal-Mart and a broad sense of fear in the markets has contributed to pushing stocks down.
Thursday, May 15, 2014
Trends
AlterNet:
7 Mindblowing Economic Trends You Need to Know About - Which country is considering a $25 minimum wage? That and more...
1. America lags behind much of the world on minimum wage
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. it is 62 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. It's looking like rain at the moment. My NY Knicks fell out of the running for coaching services by Steve Kerr. Kerr decided to go to the Golden State Warriors. It's tough being a NY Knicks fan as the team has become somewhat of a joke especially over the last year. Fans were led to believe that Kerr was the coming savior, now what will the big mouth NY news media fixate on.
At 8:30 a.m. futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Investors have been seeing poor results from big box monolith Wal Mart. I know that really breaks your heart when Wal Mart doesn't meet financial expectations. I look at the company as something that sucks the life blood out of communities, but that's just me. They pay crappy wages and rely on the inner services of the community to take care of the needs of it's many employees. People go to the store, spend lots of money, that money goes into the ultra rich pockets of the owners, and the community gets crappy paying jobs, clogged emergency rooms, and piles of junk.
CNN: Stocks: Investors mull weak Wal-Mart results
At 8:30 a.m. futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Investors have been seeing poor results from big box monolith Wal Mart. I know that really breaks your heart when Wal Mart doesn't meet financial expectations. I look at the company as something that sucks the life blood out of communities, but that's just me. They pay crappy wages and rely on the inner services of the community to take care of the needs of it's many employees. People go to the store, spend lots of money, that money goes into the ultra rich pockets of the owners, and the community gets crappy paying jobs, clogged emergency rooms, and piles of junk.
CNN: Stocks: Investors mull weak Wal-Mart results
Wal-Mart...the world's largest retailer, reported first-quarter earnings and sales, and second-quarter forecasts that fell short of estimates.
Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen will be speaking about small business and the economy during a talk in Washington this evening.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Global Warming - Rubio
I know most of you have already heard about Rubio's brilliant erudition on global warming, but let's remember this guy might be on the ballot for President in 2016. GHU...
CNN: Rubio says humans aren't behind climate change
CNN: Rubio says humans aren't behind climate change
Deep
AlterNet: 15 Most Horrifying Deep Fried Foods in America - America's gastronomic Houses of Horror.
1. Fried Butter (Iowa) (YUK!)
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 49 degrees and right on the edge of raining here in Upstate NY. The weather forecast indicates that it might rain right through the weekend. The result of all that rain has everything starting to look very green out there. We are fortunate to not be a drought like some other parts of the country. I wonder if some people are determining where they will live based on water availability. Is it possible that some people would not move to California because of the drought and prefer to stay in New England because there's water. It's possible.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in a mixed position.
The indexes have been pushed into new record areas over the last few day. That trend could be in jeopardy as the day gets off to a slow start. There will be a few quarterly reports and an economic report that could sway the direction of the market in addition to the unknown and ever present ameliorating factor or factors that arise as the day moves along.
CNN: Stocks: In need of a break?
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in a mixed position.
The indexes have been pushed into new record areas over the last few day. That trend could be in jeopardy as the day gets off to a slow start. There will be a few quarterly reports and an economic report that could sway the direction of the market in addition to the unknown and ever present ameliorating factor or factors that arise as the day moves along.
CNN: Stocks: In need of a break?
There are a number of quarterly results set for release that could sway investor sentiment.
In economic news, the U.S. government will publish its monthly producer price index at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Tuesday, May 13, 2014
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 61 degrees and a little overcast in a bright type of way here in Upstate NY. There is a small possibility it could rain today. Yesterday I dusted off the lawn mower and cut the grass for the first time this year. Many more are on the way. We've got a lot of dandelions this year. Some people go out of their way to remove them, not me, I'm happy to see them and have virtually no interest in a perfect green lawn. The lawn mower started with one pull after sitting in the garage all winter - Troy Built.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
The market is on another roll. The indexes pushed into record territory on Monday and there is the possibility of further gains although how the market opens versus how it closes is completely unpredictable. Markets around the world have been in positive territory today but it is really the NY Stock Exchange that sets the tone and world markets react accordingly a day later.
CNN: Stocks: Sell in May? No way!
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
The market is on another roll. The indexes pushed into record territory on Monday and there is the possibility of further gains although how the market opens versus how it closes is completely unpredictable. Markets around the world have been in positive territory today but it is really the NY Stock Exchange that sets the tone and world markets react accordingly a day later.
CNN: Stocks: Sell in May? No way!
The U.S. Census Bureau will report April retail sales at 8:30 a.m. ET. At the same time, the Bureau of Labor Statistics will release import and export price data.
Investors will also be focusing on developments in the pharmaceutical industry Tuesday.
Monday, May 12, 2014
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 59 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. We are definitely feeling like Spring is truly here. We expected rain the last few days and instead we got a beautiful weekend and a glorious Mother's Day. The leaves are back on most of the trees and it's starting to look pretty green out there. I hope you had a good weekend and holiday.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
This morning investors are not worrying over the mess in the Ukraine. Instead the trend in the morning is being ascribed to a good mood, whatever that means. Maybe it's a Mother's Day thing, who know. Regardless, quarterly reports are pretty much winded down and now it is economic news (ie housing, employment, consumer sentiment, manufacturing data, etc) and world events which will propel the market over the next period.
CNN: Stocks: Dow ready for another record?
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
This morning investors are not worrying over the mess in the Ukraine. Instead the trend in the morning is being ascribed to a good mood, whatever that means. Maybe it's a Mother's Day thing, who know. Regardless, quarterly reports are pretty much winded down and now it is economic news (ie housing, employment, consumer sentiment, manufacturing data, etc) and world events which will propel the market over the next period.
CNN: Stocks: Dow ready for another record?
There are no major quarterly results coming out Monday.
Most major Asian markets ended firmer.
Sunday, May 11, 2014
'Too Many Walls'
Cathy Dennis - I heard this tune the other day waiting in line at the bank. I forgot all about it, its a sweet tune and evokes memories of older times. The verse part has a catching lilt change, the chorus is a little too pedestrian.
Saturday, May 10, 2014
Picture It
This is a picture of the results of the oil train fire in Lac-Megantic, Quebec last summer. Albany NY has now become a hub for oil trains. The tracks run right along the Hudson River parallel to NY Route 787 and adjacent to downtown residences, apartment complexes, and businesses.
NYT: U.S. Issues Safety Alert for Oil Trains
NYT: U.S. Issues Safety Alert for Oil Trains
The Drought
Meanwhile, we are having another rainy day here in Upstate NY.
AccuWeather: California Rancher: Worst Drought in a Lifetime Forces Slaughter, Sale of Cattle
AccuWeather: California Rancher: Worst Drought in a Lifetime Forces Slaughter, Sale of Cattle
Global Warming - Conservatives Shifting Their Tactic To Professing The 'Benefits Of Climate Change'
Here is another example of the newly arising conservative right tactic and talking point on global warming. They are shifting their position from denying that it is occurring to now applauding the alleged benefits of global warming. What can we say, the right is about opposition, to put it lightly. So be prepared, this will be the new talking point that every usual suspect you can imagine will be spouting. It is, of course, utterly absurd.
Chicago Tribune: Climate assessors miss global warming benefit|By Rex W. Huppke
Chicago Tribune: Climate assessors miss global warming benefit|By Rex W. Huppke
Bakken Oil By Rail
I attended a forum on the topic of Bakken oil trains last night at the local library. Turns out Albany NY is now a major hub for these oil trains. The oil is stored at the port of Albany on the Hudson River and then put into tankers that take it down the Hudson and out to sea. Needless to say I was brought up to speed on this recent uptick in activity and in that process I am very concerned about the dangers of this activity. This is a big deal. Because there has been well over a 1,000% uptick in oil by rail from the Bakken preserve, there's also been an equivalent uptick in accidents, accidents that have literally wiped out areas and towns. If a fire accident were to occur at the port of Albany or as it is being transported there, the consequences would be beyond shocking to put it mildly. Bakken oil has a higher proportion of propane in its composition and is more volatile than ordinary crude. Also the train cars that it is shipped in are not adequate for this type of oil. This is really a mess.
AlterNet: Playing With Fire: U.S. Regulators Resort to Weak Voluntary Measures For Oil-By-Rail Safety - Until now, efforts by the oil and rail industry to help first responders be prepared for an oil-by-rail accident have been only voluntary.
AlterNet: Playing With Fire: U.S. Regulators Resort to Weak Voluntary Measures For Oil-By-Rail Safety - Until now, efforts by the oil and rail industry to help first responders be prepared for an oil-by-rail accident have been only voluntary.
Friday, May 09, 2014
Up Is Down
The Heartland Institute is a conservative think tank. Here they explain 'the benefits of global warming.' You can't make this stuff up.
Heartland.org: Benefits of Global Warming Greatly Exceed Costs, New Study Says
Heartland.org: Benefits of Global Warming Greatly Exceed Costs, New Study Says
The Drought
Mercury News: California drought: El Niño probability raised to 78 percent for next winter
El Niño events -- when warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean at the equator affect the jet stream -- can lead to wetter winters in California.
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 55 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. The logos are predicting quite a bit of rain over the next week. I must say its been a very uneven Spring. Well rain or not I will be out taking a long walk later this afternoon. Walking has become my vehicle and exercise of choice. Fortunately I live in an area where I can walk safely and without fear of harassment of any kind. That's a luxury that I recognize and enjoy.
At 8:30 a.m. futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in a mixed position.
According to the article, investors are not feeling a whole lot of inspiration at the moment. Yellen's commitment to low interest rates oiled any positive index movement this week. Generally speaking it's good that it's Friday, let's put it to bed for a few days.
CNN: Stocks: Flat after a week of tepid trading
At 8:30 a.m. futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open in a mixed position.
According to the article, investors are not feeling a whole lot of inspiration at the moment. Yellen's commitment to low interest rates oiled any positive index movement this week. Generally speaking it's good that it's Friday, let's put it to bed for a few days.
CNN: Stocks: Flat after a week of tepid trading
Federal Reserve chair Janet Yellen's congressional testimony was the big economic news for the week. She mostly reiterated her commitment to keep interest rates low until the economy is on firmer footing.
Thursday, May 08, 2014
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 50 degrees and cloudy here in Upstate NY. The weather logos predict a possibility for rain later on, but the real deal is the prediction for next week. Temperatures are expected to hit the 80s. That would be a significant jump. Something tells me that this summer is going to be a scorcher.
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 a mixed position.
Investors listened to Yellen on Wednesday and they liked what they heard. The market took a sharp bounce up. Now today after first time weekly layoff numbers, a policy change from the ECB, and more from Yellen, the market will be seeking a direction. I miss the time of small modest gains and slight shifts up or down in the indexes.
CNN: Stocks: Seeking direction after Yellen bounce
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 a mixed position.
Investors listened to Yellen on Wednesday and they liked what they heard. The market took a sharp bounce up. Now today after first time weekly layoff numbers, a policy change from the ECB, and more from Yellen, the market will be seeking a direction. I miss the time of small modest gains and slight shifts up or down in the indexes.
CNN: Stocks: Seeking direction after Yellen bounce
The Dow Jones industrial average and S&P 500 rebounded as Yellen signaled continued Fed support for the economy.
...investors will be focused on a potential rate decision from the European Central Bank, due around 7:45 a.m. ET.
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 45 degrees and sunny here in Upstate NY. It looks like we are in for a pretty nice day. Unfortunately the logos are suggesting lots of rain over the next week. It's a very wet, windy, and cooler Spring so far.
At 8:20 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Besides the news of a major IPO, investors will be honed in on Fed Chair Janet Yellen's remarks later today. Recall that the Fed is the bank of last resort and the most powerful financial institution on the planet. Yellen's remarks will set a defined tone on the state of our economy and will be in the tonight's financial news reports. It's a big deal.
CNN: Stocks: Yellen's got clout, Alibaba the buzz
At 8:20 a.m. ET futures are modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Besides the news of a major IPO, investors will be honed in on Fed Chair Janet Yellen's remarks later today. Recall that the Fed is the bank of last resort and the most powerful financial institution on the planet. Yellen's remarks will set a defined tone on the state of our economy and will be in the tonight's financial news reports. It's a big deal.
CNN: Stocks: Yellen's got clout, Alibaba the buzz
Chinese tech behemoth Alibaba filed paperwork on Tuesday that sets the stage for what could be the biggest initial public offering in U.S. history.
Investors will pay close attention to the Federal Reserve chair when she heads to Capitol Hill to answer questions about the health of America's economy.
Tuesday, May 06, 2014
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 48 degrees and overcast here in Upstate NY. We are all looking forward to the period starting later this week when temperatures hit the 70s. That's more like it. Today is my extra busy day, there's always something about Tuesdays.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is slightly lower. The market is poised to open in the flat area.
The article is honing in on the fact that the last 7 Tuesdays have been days of gains in the market. That's great but these types of patterns are not all that reliable as far as predicting the direction of the market. Actually nothing is reliable. In my opinion it's the testimony of Janet Yellen and the ECB meeting later this week that will have a direct impact on market activities.
CNN: Stocks: Another terrific Tuesday?
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is slightly lower. The market is poised to open in the flat area.
The article is honing in on the fact that the last 7 Tuesdays have been days of gains in the market. That's great but these types of patterns are not all that reliable as far as predicting the direction of the market. Actually nothing is reliable. In my opinion it's the testimony of Janet Yellen and the ECB meeting later this week that will have a direct impact on market activities.
CNN: Stocks: Another terrific Tuesday?
For the rest of the week, analysts say the big movers will be testimony from Federal Reserve Chairman Janet Yellen on Wednesday, a meeting of the European Central Bank on Thursday, and ongoing tensions in Ukraine.
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