Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Indiana Warned By Legal Experts
Daily Kos: Pence and the Indiana Legislature were warned by 30 expert law professors
"In our expert opinion, the clear evidence suggests otherwise and unmistakably demonstrates that the broad language of the proposed state RFRA will more likely create confusion, conflict, and a wave of litigation that will threaten the clarity of religious liberty rights in Indiana while undermining the state’s ability to enforce other compelling interests. This confusion and conflict will increasingly take the form of private actors, such as employers, landlords, small business owners, or corporations, taking the law into their own hands and acting in ways that violate generally applicable laws on the grounds that they have a religious justification for doing so. Members of the public will then be asked to bear the cost of their employer’s, their landlord’s, their local shopkeeper’s, or a police officer’s private religious beliefs."
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 38 degrees and cloudy with some clear spots here in the Upper Hudson Valley. It looks like we're in for an early Spring type of day with temperatures in the 40s. We can already see some signs of new growth here and there with crocuses popping up. Of course it is also tax season and as I am a last minute filer, April's arrival represents tax time to me. You make a little, you give in the form of taxes a little.
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is declining. The market is poised to open lower.
The negotiating deadline over Iran's nuclear capabilities is the salient investment headline of the morning. The deal is big because a positive outcome will mean the lowering of various sanctions against Iran meaning that Iran would be able to sell its oil to more countries. Oil is at the center of it today.
CNN: Stocks: 3 things to know before the open
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is declining. The market is poised to open lower.
The negotiating deadline over Iran's nuclear capabilities is the salient investment headline of the morning. The deal is big because a positive outcome will mean the lowering of various sanctions against Iran meaning that Iran would be able to sell its oil to more countries. Oil is at the center of it today.
CNN: Stocks: 3 things to know before the open
Iran is negotiating with world powers about its nuclear capabilities, and talks are coming down to the wire. Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET marks the "self-imposed" deadline for all sides to agree on a general framework for a deal.
Monday, March 30, 2015
South African Comedian Trevor Noah On Black Americans
Trevor Noah will replace Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.
Not So Juicy...
Guardian UK: Personal details of world leaders accidentally revealed by G20 organisers
“The personal information which has been breached is the name, date of birth, title, position nationality, passport number, visa grant number and visa subclass held relating to 31 international leaders (ie prime ministers, presidents and their equivalents) attending the G20 leaders summit,” the officer wrote.
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 32 degrees and at this very moment lightly snowing here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The forecast is predicting Spring-like temperatures this week and we can sure use that. I hope you had a good weekend. I spent a good part of the weekend untethered from the computer, phone, and TV. I recommend it, try it sometime. No need to pontificate here, it's just a nice break.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open higher.
This morning's bounce is the ripple effect from a speech Janet Yellen gave on Friday. In the speech she describes a very gradual movement in the raising of the base interest rate. Investors like to hear stuff like that. Notice that oil is winding it's way down again with light crude now trading around $48 a barrel.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open higher.
This morning's bounce is the ripple effect from a speech Janet Yellen gave on Friday. In the speech she describes a very gradual movement in the raising of the base interest rate. Investors like to hear stuff like that. Notice that oil is winding it's way down again with light crude now trading around $48 a barrel.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
(On Friday Fed Chair) Yellen said the U.S. central bank would be slow and steady with its upcoming interest rate hikes. "In her own words, Yellen described it as a 'gradualist approach'."
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Have A Great Sunday
I'll be taking a planned hiatus from the blog today. JCSande.blogspot will be back bright and early on Monday morning when we can recommence our shared interest in the current and the curious. Enjoy your Sunday and be well.
Saturday, March 28, 2015
New 'X'
Hey a new 'X-Files' is in the works, a six episode mini-series.
NYT: David Duchovny on the New ‘X-Files’ and Why Mulder Was a Terrible F.B.I. Agent
NYT: David Duchovny on the New ‘X-Files’ and Why Mulder Was a Terrible F.B.I. Agent
'Birdman'
trailer - I watched this on a Netflix rental the other night and I was very impressed. 'Birdman' is an unusually strong movie.
FOX Vs Science
Thanks to Gary for posting this remarkable article. Please read and don't smirk too much afterwards...
Reddit: Ever wonder who writes Fox News' science articles? Spoiler: not people with science backgrounds.
Reddit: Ever wonder who writes Fox News' science articles? Spoiler: not people with science backgrounds.
M.E. Version 19.823
Can anybody make any sense out of this? Following the trail of the connections and cross connections of the M.E. are beyond rational discussion. The U.S. is backing the Saudi's in Yemen which is a proxy type of war against Iran, and simultaneously the U.S. more or less collaborates with Iran in fighting ISIS and gives tacit approval to the Israeli's to whack off Iran's nuke scientists - off the records. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. Some people are approving of this attempt by M.E. countries to handle their own regional ongoing wars, but what is there to make of it? The histories, the complexities require a PhD to get through.
Guardian UK: Egypt's president backs united Arab force to tackle regional security threats - Abdel Fatah al-Sisi says Arab world faces ‘unprecedented’ threats – and describes Shia rebels in Yemen ‘stooges of Iran’
Guardian UK: Egypt's president backs united Arab force to tackle regional security threats - Abdel Fatah al-Sisi says Arab world faces ‘unprecedented’ threats – and describes Shia rebels in Yemen ‘stooges of Iran’
File Under - WTF?
If you thought Indian Point nuke plant just north of NYC was bad enough, now they are going to build a high pressure gas pipeline right next to it. I shit you not.
AlterNet: Why on Earth Did the Feds Approve a High-Pressure Gas Pipeline Near a Nuke Plant? Nuclear safety expert: "We're talking tens of millions of people who could be endangered." By Alison Rose Levy
AlterNet: Why on Earth Did the Feds Approve a High-Pressure Gas Pipeline Near a Nuke Plant? Nuclear safety expert: "We're talking tens of millions of people who could be endangered." By Alison Rose Levy
Friday, March 27, 2015
Global Warming - Anti-Environmental Rhetoric, The GOP, And The Election
Guardian UK: Republicans face dilemma as climate change rises up political agenda - Candidate Ted Cruz’s comment likening climate change activists to ‘flat-Earthers’ begins election in which scientists suggest issue may receive much higher billing than before
“Are they (The GOP) going to move in the direction of logic and rationality, or are they going to continue to pursue this anti-scientific fringe movement within their party that is personified by people liked Ted Cruz?
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 37 degrees and cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Finally we may be into a warming trend as we head towards April. The ground snow coverage is down to a mere minimum and the ground itself is a little mushy and soft. Hey, is anyone else noticing that websites, especially major websites, are stuffing their pages with more and more advertising and junk. My computer is starting to react slowly to it, and we are right back to the start of the web when computers would seize up and freeze, we rebooted all the time. Computer technology is the perfect fit for the overall marketing profit need for planned obsolescence.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower while the price of light crude per barrel is hovering close to $51. The market is poised to open lower.
The market has trended lower almost the entire week. Two hot spots on the globe, Yemen and Greece, are causing concerns in the investment world. The US government has revised or rather unrevised the fourth quarter GDP to the same 2.2% growth. The weekend is at hand and hooray for that.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower while the price of light crude per barrel is hovering close to $51. The market is poised to open lower.
The market has trended lower almost the entire week. Two hot spots on the globe, Yemen and Greece, are causing concerns in the investment world. The US government has revised or rather unrevised the fourth quarter GDP to the same 2.2% growth. The weekend is at hand and hooray for that.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
"Geopolitical risk [is] set to remain over the weekend with the situation in Yemen tense and Greece needing to deliver serious and useful economic reforms by Monday if it is to receive the funds it needs so badly..."
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Evolve
Does this mean that the people who don't believe in evolution are devolving faster as well, because it sure seems that way...
Guardian UK: Study shows humans are evolving faster than previously thought - Results of largest ever genetics study of a single population could also help refine dates for major events during human evolution
Guardian UK: Study shows humans are evolving faster than previously thought - Results of largest ever genetics study of a single population could also help refine dates for major events during human evolution
Bolton Bomb
The author - none other than neocon John Bolton, of course he wants war. It's unfortunate but this guy is going to follow us around through the news for as long as we care to read it. How does a hack like this keep popping up on TV and then in the NYT?
NYT: To Stop Iran’s Bomb, Bomb Iran
PoliticusUSA: John Bolton Was Wrong About Iraq WMDs But Says Trust him on Iran Nukes By Hrafnkell Haraldsson
NYT: To Stop Iran’s Bomb, Bomb Iran
PoliticusUSA: John Bolton Was Wrong About Iraq WMDs But Says Trust him on Iran Nukes By Hrafnkell Haraldsson
Global Warming - Ted
I think we can safely say that we understand Ted's policy pattern and thought process. Let's use some examples - by taking away food stamps Ted would actually be helping the poor get proper nutrition, or, by starting a war in Iran Ted is bringing peace to the Middle East, or, by imposing Martial Law Ted is bringing democracy to the country. All I want to know is how does someone with such intelligence become such a slimy creature, how does that happen. Is it the crazy daddy archetype playing out in a son of such high thinking capacity that his subjective interpersonal view is completely stunted and so he constantly enters the world as a bull in a china shop. If you are wondering which politician would use a nuclear weapon without a second thought as if he were commanded by god, that would be Ted Cruz. Ted Cruz is the closest thing to a fanatic that America has to offer at present.
HuffPo: Ted Cruz: 'Global Warming Alarmists Are The Equivalent Of The Flat-Earthers'
HuffPo: Ted Cruz: 'Global Warming Alarmists Are The Equivalent Of The Flat-Earthers'
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 37 degrees and foggy cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The temperature is expected to go up around 50 today and there may be some rain as well. The snow in my area is covering around 5% of yards with most of that being the high piles that need a little time to melt down. It's looking like the very tragic downing of the German Airbus was a deliberate terrorist like event. We lack the words needed to express this level of suffering. What the hell was going on there.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are significantly lower and the price of light crude is higher now trading near $52 a barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
It looks like the Saudis are getting into the warring business with air strikes on Yemen. This has caused today's spike in the price of light crude. Usually whenever there is a warring disruption in the M.E., which is a frequent event as we know, we get an oil spike on fears that supplies are getting cut and one suspects the cut never happens. Meanwhile Ted Cruz continues on his campaign to redefine the English language with his claim that scientists are flat Earthers because they somehow invented global warming.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are significantly lower and the price of light crude is higher now trading near $52 a barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
It looks like the Saudis are getting into the warring business with air strikes on Yemen. This has caused today's spike in the price of light crude. Usually whenever there is a warring disruption in the M.E., which is a frequent event as we know, we get an oil spike on fears that supplies are getting cut and one suspects the cut never happens. Meanwhile Ted Cruz continues on his campaign to redefine the English language with his claim that scientists are flat Earthers because they somehow invented global warming.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
The world's biggest and most powerful oil producing nation -- Saudi Arabia -- has launched airstrikes in neighboring Yemen, where rebels have intensified a violent campaign against the government. Saudi Arabia says it has the support of nine mostly Arab countries.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Demolished
Unfortunately this act does not demolish the potential for school shootings to occur again. Hopefully the people of that area can somehow find a little bit of peace in having the home removed.
MSNBC: Connecticut demolishes home of Newtown shooter
MSNBC: Connecticut demolishes home of Newtown shooter
Jon
In the past few years I've learned a lot about alcoholism, rehab, AA, programs, etc. I have two new friends that have gone through it all and have come out the other side intact. Alcoholism is a paralyzing problem and it is everywhere, in all classes, shapes and sizes, ages and levels of education. It is pervasive. I hope that Hamm's revelation somehow helps those who are on the edge of seeking treatment. It can work, it's not easy, but I've seen people who have made it work and made it last.
Guardian UK: Jon Hamm reveals he went to rehab for alcoholism before final Mad Men season - Disclosure of Mad Men actor’s treatment for alcohol addiction comes as his character Don Draper returns for the final episodes of the US advertising drama
Guardian UK: Jon Hamm reveals he went to rehab for alcoholism before final Mad Men season - Disclosure of Mad Men actor’s treatment for alcohol addiction comes as his character Don Draper returns for the final episodes of the US advertising drama
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 27 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The forecast has it going up around 50 degrees today and it may rain too. I am looking forward to that 50 degrees, heatwave. I hope you are drinking your 3 liters of water per day. I must admit it's a hard thing to do on a daily basis but the possibility of getting another kidney stone keeps me motivated. Drink lots of water, it's really good for you.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is hovering just below $48 per barrel. The market is poised to open in the flat to lower area.
The big news this morning is the massive aromatic merger of Kraft and Heinz. Let's just say that is going to be one gigantic food company. On the other hand calling it food, well. It's not the best food but America and the world sure loves it. Ketchup on some macaroni and cheese anyone?
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is hovering just below $48 per barrel. The market is poised to open in the flat to lower area.
The big news this morning is the massive aromatic merger of Kraft and Heinz. Let's just say that is going to be one gigantic food company. On the other hand calling it food, well. It's not the best food but America and the world sure loves it. Ketchup on some macaroni and cheese anyone?
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
Shares in Kraft have shot up by about 18% premarket after it announced plans to combine with Heinz to create a food giant called The Kraft Heinz Company.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Perfect
On a cynical day I could easily see myself jumping on the Cruz bandwagon. It's like, let's get this party started and just go right for the jugular. Cruz would take the country down to such a low broken point, not even imagined, that people might actually get off their backsides and get active.
Boston Herald: Cruz eyes insurance via Obamacare, a law he vows to scrap
Boston Herald: Cruz eyes insurance via Obamacare, a law he vows to scrap
Global Warming - Ocean Circulation
I need to interject here, that it is getting hard to read this stuff knowing full well that virtually nothing of any major significance is going on to stop CO2 emissions and that the USA is home to the denying power of the GOP. It is the tragedy that is beyond measure.
WaPo: Global warming is now slowing down the circulation of the oceans — with potentially dire consequences
WaPo: Global warming is now slowing down the circulation of the oceans — with potentially dire consequences
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 17 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The forecast is promising a return to warmer temperatures starting today and the 60 degree day once promised for Thursday is now downgraded to 50 degrees. I wonder if it's going to get hot here this Summer and considering how unusual the temperatures have been it could go either way, scorcher or cool. We see there is this horrible plane crash in France, god help them, it's beyond tragic. It's a terrifying way to go, and I hope that it never happens again. Even imagining the plane descending and the screaming, it's paralyzing.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is holding at around $47.50 a barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
The article indicates that the E.U. is progressing out of it's long drawn out recession and that China is losing some steam to it's runaway growth economy. News on inflation in February is scheduled to come out soon and with the lower price of oil one suspects the news is minimal. Presently with the dollar slightly weaker against major currencies, the price of oil has risen a few dollars.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is holding at around $47.50 a barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
The article indicates that the E.U. is progressing out of it's long drawn out recession and that China is losing some steam to it's runaway growth economy. News on inflation in February is scheduled to come out soon and with the lower price of oil one suspects the news is minimal. Presently with the dollar slightly weaker against major currencies, the price of oil has risen a few dollars.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is releasing inflation data for February at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Monday, March 23, 2015
Paranoid Indeed
Paranoid, yes, but let's not forget delusional...
The Atlantic: The Paranoid Style of Ted Cruz - Shouting fire in a room crowded with New Hampshire conservatives sends them running—not for the exits, but straight to the polls. by David Ludwig
The Atlantic: The Paranoid Style of Ted Cruz - Shouting fire in a room crowded with New Hampshire conservatives sends them running—not for the exits, but straight to the polls. by David Ludwig
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 17 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The forecasters are dangling a new carrot in front of the area's collective face with a prediction of temperatures around 60 degrees on Thursday. I sure hope so. After yet another ridiculously cold Winter period, a respite could be in site. Will we ever see warmth again. I hope you had a good weekend. I watched the hideously bad Knicks play on Sunday for 1 1/2 periods. The end of the season can't come soon enough. Phil Jackson's experiment in building a team based on the triangle offense is off to a pathetic start, a start that I classify as the worst imaginable possibility.
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil is down probably from post closing levels, now trading between $46 and $47 per barrel. That is up from last week's lows. The market is poised to open in the flat territory.
Followers of the stock market know that last week's trading produced some record highs. This morning's activity is being regarded as a thoughtful step back as it were. The serious wrinkle in the fabric of the European Union is being looked at today with a pow wow between Greece and Germany. The implications affect the global economy. Ted Cruz? Isn't he Canadian and is the clown car big enough to carry his a massive weighty ego?
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil is down probably from post closing levels, now trading between $46 and $47 per barrel. That is up from last week's lows. The market is poised to open in the flat territory.
Followers of the stock market know that last week's trading produced some record highs. This morning's activity is being regarded as a thoughtful step back as it were. The serious wrinkle in the fabric of the European Union is being looked at today with a pow wow between Greece and Germany. The implications affect the global economy. Ted Cruz? Isn't he Canadian and is the clown car big enough to carry his a massive weighty ego?
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
Greece's new prime minister Alexis Tsipras is meeting Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel Monday to discuss Greece's financial crisis. The results of the talks could influence market movements across Europe.
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Jerry's On The Money
Jerry is actually kind as he only points to Cruz's absurd statements on climate change as evidence of Cruz being unfit for the presidency. Cruz is unfit to be president for dozens and dozens and dozens of reasons...
Chicago Sun Times: Jerry Brown rips Ted Cruz as 'absolutely unfit' to be president
Chicago Sun Times: Jerry Brown rips Ted Cruz as 'absolutely unfit' to be president
Global Warming - Anti-Science GOP
This article is from an Australian publication and gives US citizens a glimpse into how America is viewed around the world regarding global warming.
The Sydney Morning Herald: Republican frostiness toward modern science gathers pace by Nick O'Malley (Republicans who increased their control of congressional committees after midterm elections seem to scorn climate change and science.)
The Sydney Morning Herald: Republican frostiness toward modern science gathers pace by Nick O'Malley (Republicans who increased their control of congressional committees after midterm elections seem to scorn climate change and science.)
Spiked Tea
AlterNet: Tea Party and the Right - 7 Demented Right-Wing Moments this Week: Fox Gives New Meaning to March Madness - Ayn Randian on Fox News: "It's racist to talk about race." By Janet Allon
6. Rep. Steve King lectures Jewish people on how to be better Jews. To be an Obama-loving liberal is to be anti-Semitic in King’s eyes.
Saturday, March 21, 2015
Innate Intelligence Of Dogs
Gary turned us on to this story.
KTLA5: Mother Dog Saves Puppies From Forest Fire in Chile by Digging Hole and Placing Them Inside
KTLA5: Mother Dog Saves Puppies From Forest Fire in Chile by Digging Hole and Placing Them Inside
Oligarchy
I think we already know this at least on some level.
TPM: Princeton Study: U.S. No Longer An Actual Democracy
TPM: Princeton Study: U.S. No Longer An Actual Democracy
...over the past few decades America's political system has slowly transformed from a democracy into an oligarchy, where wealthy elites wield most power.
Friday, March 20, 2015
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 24 degrees and cloudy here on the first day of Spring in the Upper Hudson Valley. Snow is expected later today. Well at least the light is back and sooner or later it will get warmer, I just know it. Yesterday I went to see a new dentist and let me say with conviction that not all dentists are the same. Find the best one out there for yourself and don't stop until you do. My previous dentist wanted me to get a crown on a front lower tooth and the new dentist bonded it in about 10 minutes, it looks and feels as good as new. The previous dentist had many positive qualities and I'm grateful for his help.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil is around $45 a barrel which is up from yesterday's opening price and down from overnight numbers. The market is poised to open higher.
The article offers little reasoning for today's opening bounce. Let me simply say then that corporate earnings are above expectations and the general outlook on the American economy remains very positive.
CNN: Stocks: 3 things to know before the open
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil is around $45 a barrel which is up from yesterday's opening price and down from overnight numbers. The market is poised to open higher.
The article offers little reasoning for today's opening bounce. Let me simply say then that corporate earnings are above expectations and the general outlook on the American economy remains very positive.
CNN: Stocks: 3 things to know before the open
Shares in Nike are rising after investors welcomed their latest quarterly earnings.
Thursday, March 19, 2015
For Your Consideration
One article that I have linked directly below is about NASA's warning that California has one year of water left as the state faces more drought. I want to point out that this is a warning that is made regarding the weather and the climate by NASA scientists. I want to also point out that we haven't heard from people on the GOP side complaining about this warning. We have not heard this is nonsense, there's no drought and there's no water shortage.
Contrast that with the second article linked below which points out how the GOP is objecting to NASA's focus on global warming. Notice that Ted Cruz wants NASA to 'explore space' and not do 'Earth Science'.
Recapping:
- California drought/water prediction and warning by NASA which includes data on the climate is okay.
- Global warming focus by NASA which includes climate data is not okay and let us not forget the vigorous way that the GOP denies global warming to begin with.
Call it cherry picking NASA as needed.
Guardian UK: Drought-stricken California only has one year of water left, Nasa scientist warns - As backup supply dwindles, Jay Famiglietti says state has about one year of water left and calls for a more ‘forward-looking process’ to deal with crisis
Climate Central: Ted Cruz Unhappy with NASA’s New Focus on Global Warming
Contrast that with the second article linked below which points out how the GOP is objecting to NASA's focus on global warming. Notice that Ted Cruz wants NASA to 'explore space' and not do 'Earth Science'.
Recapping:
- California drought/water prediction and warning by NASA which includes data on the climate is okay.
- Global warming focus by NASA which includes climate data is not okay and let us not forget the vigorous way that the GOP denies global warming to begin with.
Call it cherry picking NASA as needed.
Guardian UK: Drought-stricken California only has one year of water left, Nasa scientist warns - As backup supply dwindles, Jay Famiglietti says state has about one year of water left and calls for a more ‘forward-looking process’ to deal with crisis
Climate Central: Ted Cruz Unhappy with NASA’s New Focus on Global Warming
Santorum Takes A Question
Listen to Santorum take an audience question - "why are ya'll rolling over and letting this Communist dictator destroy my country?...I want him out of the White House, he's not a citizen..." The fireworks start almost right away.
Global Warming - Defense Cuts
As far as I can recall, and I could be wrong, but I believe the Daily Caller is opposed to global warming science, a denier publication as it were. Therefore I regularly ignore their endless denier headlines. However, this one is important.
The Daily Caller: Republicans Look To Cut ‘Global Warming’ Research From The Defense Budget
The Daily Caller: Republicans Look To Cut ‘Global Warming’ Research From The Defense Budget
Oh What Fun!
The clown car is filling up fast. Hopefully Sarah Palin gets in along with my favorite Michele Bachmann. No doubt there is some radical right wing Tea Partier as of yet unknown to the general public who needs to join and really shake up this bunch.
Union Leader: Trump drops 'Apprentice,' will launch presidential exploratory committee By DAN TUOHY
Union Leader: Trump drops 'Apprentice,' will launch presidential exploratory committee By DAN TUOHY
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 19 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The relentless Winter of 2015 continues on with ridiculously cold temperatures. I do see a 50 degree day in the forecast - 10 days from now... We see that Donald Trump is launching an 'exploratory' committee apparently to check out the landscape for a presidential run in 2016. Now that's a lot of fun, that makes me very happy because the clown show is going to be a hoot and a half as the GOP shoots itself senseless once again on it's crazed march to Jeb Bush in 2016.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
We see that first time weekly unemployment numbers are up this week at 292,000. After a day of major gains on Wednesday, the market is back in a wait and see mode. It's a day of rest as it were. After the Fed's announcement yesterday which went over very well, it's kind of like - well now what. No doubt the answer is coming.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
We see that first time weekly unemployment numbers are up this week at 292,000. After a day of major gains on Wednesday, the market is back in a wait and see mode. It's a day of rest as it were. After the Fed's announcement yesterday which went over very well, it's kind of like - well now what. No doubt the answer is coming.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
Leaders from across the 28 nations in the European Union are meeting Thursday to kick off a summit where they're expected to discuss a range of issues, including Russian sanctions and Greece's fate.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Ugh
Feels like 2004, when GW Bush won re-election.
Guardian UK: Israel elections: Netanyahu scores dramatic victory after late surge in support - Opposition leader Isaac Herzog concedes election after prime minister recovers from low poll numbers in runup to vote to lead his Likud party to 30 seats in Knesset
Guardian UK: Israel elections: Netanyahu scores dramatic victory after late surge in support - Opposition leader Isaac Herzog concedes election after prime minister recovers from low poll numbers in runup to vote to lead his Likud party to 30 seats in Knesset
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is a 23 degrees and mostly sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The extremely harsh Winter of 2015 continues to raise its frigid head. The ten day forecast as of this morning doesn't show that nice warm break in the weather that we all want either, that Spring is here 55 degree day. It shows temperatures floating between the 20s and 40s. The first day of spring is this Friday and it's going to still feel like Winter. We lost a lot of snow yesterday, the huge piles of snow at the end of parking lots are going stay around for a while.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down closing in on $40 a barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
The Fed wraps up its two day meeting today. At 2 pm. Janet Yellen may give some indications to the investment world about expected changes in the base interest rate. If the market closes in a distinctly harsh manner, investors will not have liked Yellin comments.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down closing in on $40 a barrel. The market is poised to open lower.
The Fed wraps up its two day meeting today. At 2 pm. Janet Yellen may give some indications to the investment world about expected changes in the base interest rate. If the market closes in a distinctly harsh manner, investors will not have liked Yellin comments.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
Investors are particularly interested in what chairwoman Janet Yellen will have to say at 2 p.m. ET about the timing of an interest rate rise.
Tuesday, March 17, 2015
Reich's Latest Article
Robert Reich gets into our future economy and how technology is changing everything. Fascinating.
Robert Reich: The “iEverything” and the Redistributional Imperative
Robert Reich: The “iEverything” and the Redistributional Imperative
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 37 degrees, gray, and ever so lightly misting/raining here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The transition towards Springlike temperatures has been extremely gradual in this part of the country. Tomorrow the forecast has it going down below freezing and the low in the teens. This is one stubborn Winter as it were. It's hard to believe but Friday is the first day of Spring. One thing we do have that is Springlike is the light, we are approaching 13 hours of daylight per day if you include the 1/2 hour before and after sunrise.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
The Fed begins a two day meeting today and all eyes will be focused on any indication that base interest rates will be raised. The low interest rates and quantitative easing have fueled an incredible long lasting bull market. Change is in the air, actually change is always in the air.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
The Fed begins a two day meeting today and all eyes will be focused on any indication that base interest rates will be raised. The low interest rates and quantitative easing have fueled an incredible long lasting bull market. Change is in the air, actually change is always in the air.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
The key word is "patient." Analysts are speculating if that word is dropped from the Fed's statement, a rate hike could be on the cards as early as June.
Monday, March 16, 2015
"They (Iranians) Already Control Tehran..."
I'm sure you've all seen this, but it speaks to the utter lack of knowledge someone like Cotton uses to make profoundly glaring errors of judgment. How about that, the Iranians already control Tehran, shocking especially if you are geographically challenged as Cotton reveals this very impairment to the world and in so doing further deepens the sense that the GOP is the laughing stock of America. Unfortunately the likes of Cotton control Washington D.C, and whether Cotton knows this or not and apparently he may not, Washington D.C. is the capitol of the United States. Dust off your books Cotton or better yet take off the plastic wrapping which has yet to be removed, we're starting to think you're Sarah Palin in pants and a haircut.
MSNBC: Being Tom Cotton means never having to say you’re sorry By Steve Benen
MSNBC: Being Tom Cotton means never having to say you’re sorry By Steve Benen
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 29 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The forecast has the temperature rising near 50 degrees today. Quite a bit of the thick snow coverage melted away over the weekend and right now I would say the ground is 60% covered with snow and ice. I hope you had a good weekend. I'm still recovering from the last bit of a really deep flu, there's still some coughing and such but overall I'd say I'm 90% better.
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is down now below $45 a barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
I'd have to go with a planned Fed meeting this week for the most salient award. It is anticipated that the Fed will raise base interest rates this Summer. Otherwise look for energy stocks to continue to be pelted by the cheap price of oil.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open
At 8:30 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is down now below $45 a barrel. The market is poised to open higher.
I'd have to go with a planned Fed meeting this week for the most salient award. It is anticipated that the Fed will raise base interest rates this Summer. Otherwise look for energy stocks to continue to be pelted by the cheap price of oil.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open
Most European markets are rising in early trade, with Germany's DAX pushing above 12,000 points for the first time, as the newly-launched money printing program by the European Central Bank continues to support stocks. The DAX is the world's hottest market so far this year.
Sunday, March 15, 2015
You Can Believe The Senator With A Snowball Or Every Major American Scientific Society
This is outstanding and needs to be seen by all Americans.
Roasted
Guardian UK: Obama roasts himself and Republicans at annual Washington event - Governors Scott Walker and Terry McAuliffe also sharpened their wits for the Republicans and Democrats, respectively, at Gridiron dinner
Noting that Walker remarked recently that he couldn’t say whether Obama was a Christian, the president said his religion taught forgiveness and cracked, “So, Governor Walker, salaam alaikum.”
Saturday, March 14, 2015
Zionist Union Alliance
Guardian UK: Binyamin Netanyahu fights for political survival at Israeli general election - Netanyahu faces determined opposition and an electorate who seem ready to force a change
...Netanyahu pleaded with voters on local radio last week. “I will not be elected if the gap is not closed, and there is a real danger that Tzipi [Livni] and Bougie [Herzog] will form the next government.” Herzog and Livni are the joint leaders of the centre-left Zionist Union alliance that is competing in the election.
War Planning
Let's see if we can connect some dots here surrounding Iran, Jeb Bush, neocons, The Cotton letter, and Netanyahu's House speech.
First it's important to recall that the neocons have expressed an interest in an Iran War way back when, even before Bush 2, GW, assumed power from the 2000 'election'. Cheney brought on board that administration's neocon team, just think Paul Wolfowitz. Read over the Project For A New American Century documents, a neocon device as it were, and you will clearly see the signees and the intentions for war. The Iraq War came out of this neocon influence during Bush 2.
Now recall that Bush 3, Jeb, has hired Paul Wolfowitz, neocon, onto his foreign policy team. The neocons fell out of favor publicly with the election of Obama and the rejection of the uber war neocon stance which would have carried on under McCain. This is in 2008. Bush 2, GW Bush, of course left office with incredibly low popularity ratings given his 'deft' handling of the Iraq war and the economy. However with the arrival of Bush 3, Jeb, there is an interest to retrieve the neocon project, and let us not forget that part of that project is an Iran War.
Enter Netanyahu into Congress to essentially spell out one thing. That one thing is an intent to go to war with Iran. This interest is from the hard line right wing section of both the neocon view and the Israeli view. So we have Netanyahu setting the stage as it were, probing it, selling it. He comes in and creates a little fear note, a very effective right wing device, and says war.
Now we have Arkansas Senator Cotton writing a letter to Iran with 46 additional GOP Senators signing on essentially denouncing a 'peace' agreement between Obama and Iran on Iran's nuclear issues. Once again the point of the letter is that there is only one solution, war. A quick study of Cotton's words indicates his hawkish stance and let us not forget Cotton's $700,000 for his senate campaign from the Emergency Committee for Israel, curious bedfellows indeed.
The stage is being set for a new war, that would be the Iran War. The war already has the tacit support of the GOP 47 at least, plus the neocons, plus the right wing hardliners in Israel. Recall McCain's 'humorous to the loyal' bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran Beachboy parady.
As an observer to this situation one primary thing that comes to mind is - the vast majority of American people don't connect these dots. This is the beauty of modern politics where the trail although not beyond simple ordinary human intelligence is well hidden and unclear and simultaneously gets that tacit approval of party supporters.
First it's important to recall that the neocons have expressed an interest in an Iran War way back when, even before Bush 2, GW, assumed power from the 2000 'election'. Cheney brought on board that administration's neocon team, just think Paul Wolfowitz. Read over the Project For A New American Century documents, a neocon device as it were, and you will clearly see the signees and the intentions for war. The Iraq War came out of this neocon influence during Bush 2.
Now recall that Bush 3, Jeb, has hired Paul Wolfowitz, neocon, onto his foreign policy team. The neocons fell out of favor publicly with the election of Obama and the rejection of the uber war neocon stance which would have carried on under McCain. This is in 2008. Bush 2, GW Bush, of course left office with incredibly low popularity ratings given his 'deft' handling of the Iraq war and the economy. However with the arrival of Bush 3, Jeb, there is an interest to retrieve the neocon project, and let us not forget that part of that project is an Iran War.
Enter Netanyahu into Congress to essentially spell out one thing. That one thing is an intent to go to war with Iran. This interest is from the hard line right wing section of both the neocon view and the Israeli view. So we have Netanyahu setting the stage as it were, probing it, selling it. He comes in and creates a little fear note, a very effective right wing device, and says war.
Now we have Arkansas Senator Cotton writing a letter to Iran with 46 additional GOP Senators signing on essentially denouncing a 'peace' agreement between Obama and Iran on Iran's nuclear issues. Once again the point of the letter is that there is only one solution, war. A quick study of Cotton's words indicates his hawkish stance and let us not forget Cotton's $700,000 for his senate campaign from the Emergency Committee for Israel, curious bedfellows indeed.
The stage is being set for a new war, that would be the Iran War. The war already has the tacit support of the GOP 47 at least, plus the neocons, plus the right wing hardliners in Israel. Recall McCain's 'humorous to the loyal' bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran Beachboy parady.
As an observer to this situation one primary thing that comes to mind is - the vast majority of American people don't connect these dots. This is the beauty of modern politics where the trail although not beyond simple ordinary human intelligence is well hidden and unclear and simultaneously gets that tacit approval of party supporters.
Israel's Election
Haaretz: New poll: Netanyahu's Likud down to 20 seats - The two final polls published before Israel's election predict that Zionist Union will have a four-seat margin over the prime minister's Likud.
The Jerusalem Post: Latest polls: Zionist Union maintains lead, but Netanyahu still in position to form government
The Jerusalem Post: Latest polls: Zionist Union maintains lead, but Netanyahu still in position to form government
Friday, March 13, 2015
White House Petition
270,000 signees when I signed. Nothing will happen, no on will be charged, but it might make a little stink.
Whitehouse.gov: File charges against the 47 U.S. Senators in violation of The Logan Act in attempting to undermine a nuclear agreement.
Whitehouse.gov: File charges against the 47 U.S. Senators in violation of The Logan Act in attempting to undermine a nuclear agreement.
Lake Shasta And Lake Oroville
kalw.org: What's it going to take to get out of the drought? By Hana Baba and Audrey Dilling
Right now, the state’s two biggest reservoirs, Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, are around half full. Both those reservoirs feed into the Delta, which supplies about 23 million people in the state with water, plus farmlands. In an average year those reservoirs hover around three quarters full, so we don’t need them to be filled to the brim. But that’s still quite a difference.
Global Warming - Deniers Have Nothing To Stand On
Slate: Unlike Temperatures, Climate Change Deniers Are Falling Fast By Phil Plait
If your political stance is based on nonsense, and you’re called out, all you can rely on is doubling down, making lots of noise over nothing, or making increasingly embarrassing stunts. You certainly can’t rely on reality, because you’ve long since left that behind.
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is a cool 22 degrees and mostly sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The forecast has the temperature going up into the 40s today. Ever so slowly more and more little patches of ground are being revealed as the snow retreats. Looking out the backyard window where I am typing I would say roughly 95% of the yard is covered in snow. That 5% ground took a lot of hard work to get to! Regardless, it's the weekend and hopefully you can get some rest and I can kill off the remaining coughs and spurts of my lingering flu/cold.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Investors are figuring out how to factor in an anticipated Fed base interest rate hike. Next week there will be a Fed announcement which probably will but may not address this issue. In my opinion it is still the Fed that holds the biggest stick in the endless monetary struggle.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Investors are figuring out how to factor in an anticipated Fed base interest rate hike. Next week there will be a Fed announcement which probably will but may not address this issue. In my opinion it is still the Fed that holds the biggest stick in the endless monetary struggle.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
Investors are expecting the Fed to raise interest rates in the next few months as the job market improves and salaries rise. The expectations for tighter monetary policy have helped the dollar rally to new highs and caused some jitters in U.S. markets.
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Idiots
Just look at the 3rd grade level stupidity these jokers are saying in the wake of their latest cretin tome.
McCain - “I think we probably should have had more discussion about it, given the blowback that there is.”
Toomey - “didn’t have any particular anticipation of the level of controversy”
One problem is these same jokers have been going on and on about leadership in Washington. Do these statements sound like leadership? No. They sound like sorry assed apologetics from a 1st grader.
Politico: Iran letter blowback startles GOP - John McCain: “It was kind of a very rapid process. Everybody was looking forward to getting out of town because of the snowstorm.”
McCain - “I think we probably should have had more discussion about it, given the blowback that there is.”
Toomey - “didn’t have any particular anticipation of the level of controversy”
One problem is these same jokers have been going on and on about leadership in Washington. Do these statements sound like leadership? No. They sound like sorry assed apologetics from a 1st grader.
Politico: Iran letter blowback startles GOP - John McCain: “It was kind of a very rapid process. Everybody was looking forward to getting out of town because of the snowstorm.”
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 33 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Yesterday afternoon the temperature ran right around 50 degrees and along with some sunshine there was a virtual stream of water heading into the street drains. The snow is melting down. It still looks like winter out there but the changes are gradually taking place. The first day of spring is less than two weeks away.
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Today the dollar is receding from its recent lofty perch. The fear that the Fed will soon raise base interest rates is temporarily held at bay. First time weekly layoff numbers came in at 289,000 suggesting that the labor market is continuing to improve and stay firmly stronger. Man I am looking forward to the weekend.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
Today the dollar is receding from its recent lofty perch. The fear that the Fed will soon raise base interest rates is temporarily held at bay. First time weekly layoff numbers came in at 289,000 suggesting that the labor market is continuing to improve and stay firmly stronger. Man I am looking forward to the weekend.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open
"The pace of the dollar reversal suggests that more corrective activity could be in store."
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Cotton
I truly hope the DOJ goes after these idiots. This guy Cotton is a piece of work.
Slate: Amateur Hour - The letter 47 Republican senators sent to Iran is one of the most plainly stupid things a group of senators has ever done. By Fred Kaplan
Slate: Amateur Hour - The letter 47 Republican senators sent to Iran is one of the most plainly stupid things a group of senators has ever done. By Fred Kaplan
Reading this, one can only wonder if these Republicans ever consult their staffs. As the Iranian leaders know, and as the Obama administration and the other P5+1 governments have made clear all along, the deal being negotiated is not a treaty, nor is it an agreement. Rather, it is a nonbinding international arrangement, to be signed (if it is signed) by the United States, the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, Germany, and Iran.
The Drought
ABC News 7: EBMUD sounding alarm on California drought
The California drought is as bad as it looks, according to East Bay MUD, which supplies water to 1.3 million people in the Bay Area.
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