Monday, August 31, 2015
Quantum Motion
Science Daily: Seeing quantum motion; even one day ripples in the fabric of space-time?
summary - Even large objects obey quantum physics, meaning they are never quite at rest. Researchers have developed a way to detect -- and manipulate -- this underlying quantum motion.
The Drought
Boston Globe: In California’s driest county, families struggle in drought
But it is dramatically worse in places such as Okieville, where wells have gone dry...
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 69 degrees and hazy cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The forecast has it being a hot day with the temperature up in the high 80s with plenty of humidity. Looks like we are in for a very hot humid week. I hope you had a good weekend, mine was excellent. I got to a lot of house chores over the weekend including getting a new light up by the driveway, a yard/driveway light. The old one rusted out and I finally got a new one together, made it myself with pressure treated wood, pine, and an old copper light that came off the house when we bought the place and did some immediate upgrades.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are significantly lower and the price of oil is down now below $45 a barrel. The market is poised to tank at the opening bell.
Chinese stocks are once again floundering. Add into that the great concern over the eventual hike to the base interest rate and bam, the indexes are down. On Friday the federal government will release its figures on employment creation in the month of August, good numbers will speed up the rate hike, bad ones might postpone the hike a bit. This rate hike fear has been going on for years now, can we get over it already. It's been nice being able to finance stuff with 0% interest over 3 years and such but let's move on.
CNN: Six things to know before the open
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are significantly lower and the price of oil is down now below $45 a barrel. The market is poised to tank at the opening bell.
Chinese stocks are once again floundering. Add into that the great concern over the eventual hike to the base interest rate and bam, the indexes are down. On Friday the federal government will release its figures on employment creation in the month of August, good numbers will speed up the rate hike, bad ones might postpone the hike a bit. This rate hike fear has been going on for years now, can we get over it already. It's been nice being able to finance stuff with 0% interest over 3 years and such but let's move on.
CNN: Six things to know before the open
Chinese stocks fell again Monday, after a wild ride last week, although the losses were relatively modest.
Speculation about when the Fed will raise interest rates is growing. The focus will be on Friday's crucial jobs report.
Saturday, August 29, 2015
Bizarre
Could it be that Trump is actually so utterly lacking in self awareness that he does not consider his endless incivility, name calling, boisterous, ego maniacal dog and pony show to be negative? This guy's a trip. For god sakes man, own up to your b.s. because you're a walking talking non-stop negative ad.
Mediaite: Trump Claims He’s ‘Not Looking to Attack Anybody,’ Wants to Avoid Negative Ads
Mediaite: Trump Claims He’s ‘Not Looking to Attack Anybody,’ Wants to Avoid Negative Ads
Oil
The article is written for the oil company investor which by my guess would be almost anyone with equities, 401K's, pensions, a bank account, and virtually any one thing related to money - in other words, everyone. However from the point of view of CO2 emissions, global warming, and baking in an even greater PPM that exceeds 400, this is disastrous news. Clearly nothing is underway to curtail oil usage with consumption expected to increase by 1.4 million barrels a day in the next year.
Bloomberg: For OPEC, This Year's Painful Oil Slump Will Bring Gains in 2016
Bloomberg: For OPEC, This Year's Painful Oil Slump Will Bring Gains in 2016
With consumption set to grow by 1.4 million barrels a day...
E. Coli Computer Circuit
Science Daily: Modified bacteria become a multicellular circuit - Scientists modify E. coli to cooperate, control protein expression
summary - Scientists create a biological circuit by programming bacteria to alter gene expression in an entire population. They have created a biological equivalent to a computer circuit that involves multiple organisms to influence a population.
Friday, August 28, 2015
CO2 Products
Science Daily: Soaking up carbon dioxide and turning it into valuable products - Researchers double down on a good thing by incorporating catalysts into crystalline sponges
summary - Researchers have incorporated molecules of porphyrin CO2 catalysts into the sponge-like crystals of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) to create a molecular system that not only absorbs carbon dioxide, but also selectively reduces it to CO, a primary building block for a wide range of chemical products.
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 63 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, we are in for another perfect Summer day. Somebody must have waved the magic wand as the temperatures have been perfect for this human. I was watching some MSNBC last night as they recapped one of the many horrid failures of the Bush 2 administration in its non involvement in Katrina. As you know Obama was in New Orleans giving a speech on the 10th anniversary of the natural disaster. Did you happen to see the statement by 'Brownie' where he repeats the favorite GOP mantra - he says stop blaming me, people need to not rely on the government to save them from disasters. Idiot.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are significantly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
I hope you were buckled in because it has been a wild ride on the market this week, and it's not quite over yet. In my opinion ultimately it is the 3 day meeting by the Federal Reserve that holds a lot of answers. This is once again about the raise is the non existent basic interest rate. The global economy is having some fits right now, notice trouble in China - as we know, Japan, Brazil, Europe in general. The globe is under pressure.
CNN: U.S. stocks set for bumpy end to a wild week
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are significantly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
I hope you were buckled in because it has been a wild ride on the market this week, and it's not quite over yet. In my opinion ultimately it is the 3 day meeting by the Federal Reserve that holds a lot of answers. This is once again about the raise is the non existent basic interest rate. The global economy is having some fits right now, notice trouble in China - as we know, Japan, Brazil, Europe in general. The globe is under pressure.
CNN: U.S. stocks set for bumpy end to a wild week
The Shanghai index still suffered a 7.8% decline for the week.
Latin America's biggest economy (Brazil) slumped deep into recession in the second quarter.
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Blood Sport And Incivility
Reuters: Politics as blood sport: Trump looks to kick Bush when he's down
Trump's incivility is unusually raw and personal for any modern presidential campaign, particularly at this early stage, when most of the contenders are busy blasting Democrats, not each other.
Add
Generally speaking, if it's too good to be true, it's generally not true. This could be a hoax. It is a nootropic, a brain booster.
Amazon: Addium - Limitless Pill
Supplement Critique: Addium Review – Smart Drug or Dud?
Amazon: Addium - Limitless Pill
Supplement Critique: Addium Review – Smart Drug or Dud?
Huh?
MSNBC: Trump breaks with GOP orthodoxy on taxes By Steve Benen
Trump went on to complain that multi-millionaires are currently “paying very little tax and I think it’s outrageous.” After stressing his support for middle-class tax breaks – the Republican candidate has not yet outlined any specifics – Trump added, “I know people in hedge funds that pay almost nothing and it’s ridiculous, OK?”
Life Expectancy
Science Daily: Life expectancy climbs worldwide but people spend more years living with illness and disability
summary - Global life expectancy has risen by more than six years since 1990 as healthy life expectancy grows; ischemic heart disease, lower respiratory infections, and stroke cause the most health loss around the world.
The Drought
Note that there is the claim that the majority of farm workers are 'illegal immigrants'. If this is the case then Trump must be delighted by the California drought as it is reducing the livelihood of these same illegals.
NPR: Farmworkers See Jobs, Earnings Shrivel In California Drought
NPR: Farmworkers See Jobs, Earnings Shrivel In California Drought
'Trumpland'
Jorge Ramos is the reporter Trump threw out of his press conference on Tuesday night.
PRI: Jorge Ramos: Life under President Donald Trump
PRI: Jorge Ramos: Life under President Donald Trump
But almost 40% of undocumented immigrants who enter the US arrive by plane and then simply overstay their visas. How would a wall stop them?
Human Rights
Guardian UK: Human rights groups face global crackdown 'not seen in a generation' - Laws affecting funding, requiring registration and prohibiting protest are among controls that are making it difficult for NGOs and other campaign groups
Over the past three years, more than 60 countries have passed or drafted laws that curtail the activity of non-governmental and civil society organisations. Ninety-six countries have taken steps to inhibit NGOs from operating at full capacity...
Virginia Shooting
Guardian UK: Virginia shooting: how Vester Flanagan forced the world to be his audience - The shocking killing of two television journalists, live on air, was a crime calculated to find an audience – and then be amplified
Even as he ran from the scene of his crime he was updating his social media accounts. Where he had failed after years in traditional media, online he had become infamous in an instant.
Global Warming - California
LA Curbed: The Many Terrifying Ways Global Warming Will Soon Be Ravaging California
...there's a lot worse in store: less water, more pollution, scarier weather, bigger storms, floods, and fires.
We Pledge Allegiance
So true, GOPers you created this guy, now own him.
AlterNet: State Republican Parties Trying to Figure Out How to Stop the Trump - You created this monster Republicans. By Joan McCarter
AlterNet: State Republican Parties Trying to Figure Out How to Stop the Trump - You created this monster Republicans. By Joan McCarter
The Virginia and North Carolina parties are in discussions about implementing a new requirement for candidates to qualify for their primary ballots: that they pledge to support the Republican presidential nominee—and not run as a third-party candidate—in the general election.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 66 degrees and mostly sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. We are in for another extraordinary day, not too hot, not too humid, just right. This is the sort of temperature we all wish we could bottle.
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up as well. The market is poised to open higher.
It's happy day is here again or who knows, happy morning is here again. Investors are very thrilled to hear a Fed official comment that the case was not compelling to raise interest rates in September. Throw into the mix better than expected GDP numbers for the second quarter, a lowering of interest rates in China, and a weekly first time layoff number of 271,000 and how different the day is appearing overall. Recall that just a few days ago on Tuesday, the DOW dropped 1,000+ points as it opened. The stock market teaches us over and over the lesson of not getting too attached to anything because change is continuous.
CNN: U.S. stocks set for gains after global rebound
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up as well. The market is poised to open higher.
It's happy day is here again or who knows, happy morning is here again. Investors are very thrilled to hear a Fed official comment that the case was not compelling to raise interest rates in September. Throw into the mix better than expected GDP numbers for the second quarter, a lowering of interest rates in China, and a weekly first time layoff number of 271,000 and how different the day is appearing overall. Recall that just a few days ago on Tuesday, the DOW dropped 1,000+ points as it opened. The stock market teaches us over and over the lesson of not getting too attached to anything because change is continuous.
CNN: U.S. stocks set for gains after global rebound
Federal Reserve policymakers kick off their annual meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on Thursday. The three-day affair will be closely watched for hints about when to expect an interest rate hike.
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
Vultures
Another harsh story about how man is wrecking the environment, this time it's vultures.
NYT: Vulture Populations Wane, Poisoned by Man
NYT: Vulture Populations Wane, Poisoned by Man
In some parts of Africa, vultures are targeted by poachers who poison carcasses hoping to kill the birds so they will not circle overhead and signal park rangers.
A painkiller widely used to treat livestock was poisoning the birds that fed on their carcasses.
Another Pointless Senseless Shooting
The shooter has apparently now shot himself - this is mental illness.
Reuters: Virginia TV journalists killed in on-air shooting; suspect shoots self
Reuters: Virginia TV journalists killed in on-air shooting; suspect shoots self
GDF11 And Myostatin
Science Daily: 'Fountain of youth' protein points to possible human health benefit
summary - Individuals previously diagnosed with heart disease may be less likely to experience heart failure, heart attacks, or stroke, or to die from these events, if they have higher blood levels of two very closely related proteins, according to a new study.
The G.O.Dopes
AlterNet: Scott Walker and Jeb Bush Try Trumpism: Unsurprisingly, They Just Look Like Dopes - Remember when these two were the clear frontrunners? Because right now they're clueless. By Jim Newell
Donald Trump looks like an idiot, too, when performing Trumpism, but he is some sort of outer space alien obeying an alternate physics wherein idiocy is the goal and the reward in and of itself.
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 66 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. We are in for a glorious day, not too hot. Unfortunately there are only a few weeks of Summer left so get out there and soak it up. The big deal from last night was of course, another Trump sign. The Donald as you know kicked out a reporter from Univision who was defiantly asking a question in a conference although he was not called on by Trump. It was the ejection heard round the world. What I'm getting here with the Trump triumph is that there is a block of GOP voters who have come around to the fact that their party is useless. Unfortunately rather that looking beyond their tender little noses they are going after the renegade GOPer in Trump who is about as helpful as a car crash. Right now I actually hope he goes all the way and breaks down the establishment GOP political base. The GOP has invested itself in the echo chamber of nonsense and distortions long enough. One can dream. So we are in a double bind, we are happy to see the GOP implode and simultaneously Trump as it's leader pro tempore is possibly more scary than Bush 3.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
It looks like there has been a lot of movement in the US premarket as the weight of China's stock crisis has not carried over to these last few hours. Despite Chinese losses on Wednesday, the DOW is rising probably embracing Chinese measures to stabilize their country's market. Maybe it will hold through the day, unlike Tuesday's up and then downward spiral.
U.S. stocks poised for gains despite new China fall
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are significantly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
It looks like there has been a lot of movement in the US premarket as the weight of China's stock crisis has not carried over to these last few hours. Despite Chinese losses on Wednesday, the DOW is rising probably embracing Chinese measures to stabilize their country's market. Maybe it will hold through the day, unlike Tuesday's up and then downward spiral.
U.S. stocks poised for gains despite new China fall
China announced a new round of measures designed to boost the economy late Tuesday, cutting interest rates and allowing banks to lend more. But the bold move failed to prevent further losses. Shanghai Composite closed 1.3% down Wednesday, while the Shenzen Composite lost 3%.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
Frankie
Personally I always saw Luntz as a manipulative s**#head. Watching Trump devour Luntz is amusing, we are witnessing zombie armies turn on each other.
Esquire: Republican Pollster Frank Luntz Is 'Shaking' Over Trump's Numbers - Luntz, as a member of the very "Republican establishment" that has sanctified smiling deceit and political nihilism dressed as patriotism, should be more afraid of the audience Trump is appealing to than the man himself.
Esquire: Republican Pollster Frank Luntz Is 'Shaking' Over Trump's Numbers - Luntz, as a member of the very "Republican establishment" that has sanctified smiling deceit and political nihilism dressed as patriotism, should be more afraid of the audience Trump is appealing to than the man himself.
Keeping It Classy
It would interesting to have a president with no ability to measure their own words.
CNN: Donald Trump's new Twitter tirade against Megyn Kelly
CNN: Donald Trump's new Twitter tirade against Megyn Kelly
"The bimbo back in town . I hope not for long ."
Prosthetic Interface
Science Daily: Nerve-like polymer network created: Gentle interface for prosthetics?
summary - The first use of biological proteins to maneuver chemical polymers has created nerve-like structures that could serve as a gentler interface between nerves and prosthetic devices.
Southern Tump
Of course Donald needs the South, every GOP presidential contender needs the South, and that is why I still favor an American two state solution - Red America and America.
Salon: Donald Trump’s Southern strategy: What his Alabama pep rally revealed about the right’s new racial politics - Trump is banking on support from the South. But he hasn’t decided whether he’s Richard Nixon or George Wallace by Joan Walsh
Salon: Donald Trump’s Southern strategy: What his Alabama pep rally revealed about the right’s new racial politics - Trump is banking on support from the South. But he hasn’t decided whether he’s Richard Nixon or George Wallace by Joan Walsh
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 70 degrees and at the moment sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. The weather logo is pointing to rain today. I turned on 'All In With Chris Hayes' last night just to get a peak at what liberal media was discussing. Well you know it, Chris had on a Trump expert and the entire discussion was on Trump. Hey, if America wants Trump, America deserves Trump. How on Earth people can place their hopes and dreams on this guy is beyond my understanding.
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are amazing higher and the price of oil per barrel is up as well. The market is poised to open significantly higher.
The big news was the decision by China to cut their interest rates. Is this the Chinese version of Q.E.? So what are we to make of this wildly volatile market. My guess is that the market is still indeed quite volatile and as I tend to err on the side of pessimism with the indexes I think the wild ride is not close to being over even though at least this morning, investors will get a breather.
Reuters: Stock futures rise sharply as China cuts interest rates
At 8:45 a.m. ET futures are amazing higher and the price of oil per barrel is up as well. The market is poised to open significantly higher.
The big news was the decision by China to cut their interest rates. Is this the Chinese version of Q.E.? So what are we to make of this wildly volatile market. My guess is that the market is still indeed quite volatile and as I tend to err on the side of pessimism with the indexes I think the wild ride is not close to being over even though at least this morning, investors will get a breather.
Reuters: Stock futures rise sharply as China cuts interest rates
"I think it's too early to declare the worst is over," said Piotr Matys, an emerging markets expert at Rabobank in London. "The way I see it is that this is a bit of a technical correction after things got a bit oversold."
Monday, August 24, 2015
Iceberg
International Business Times: Iceberg Big Enough To Bury Manhattan Under 300 Meters Ice Spotted Breaking Off Greenland Glacier
More Crash
Reuters: Asian shares resume slide on fears over Chinese economy
From CNN: Chinese stocks open sharply lower. Shanghai Composite sheds 6% in first minutes of trading.
From CNN: Chinese stocks open sharply lower. Shanghai Composite sheds 6% in first minutes of trading.
Down, Up, Down
Ouch, my condolences to all share holders. Think long.
Reuters: Wall St. suffers worst day in four years, S&P confirms correction
Reuters: Wall St. suffers worst day in four years, S&P confirms correction
The Drought
Unfortunately the entire GOP field is missing an important element, that would be a reasonable human being. Instead we have a collection of radical lunatics, right across the board. Fiorina has the audacity to blame the drought on liberal politicians for not building more dams. It's very curious, all of a sudden GOPers are suggesting off the chart expenditures that can only possibly be paid for with mega-taxes - Trump's boondoggle absurd wall across the border, and now Fiorina. I bet they're interested in finding this money by taxing corporate America and billionaires - ya think? Fiorina actually said that 70% of California's rain water is washed out to sea and this person is running for president. It must be because all of California which is 250 miles wide is tilted towards the Pacific, you know all that water along the border of Nevada just runs right over to the ocean. God help us.
Newsmax: Fiorina: Liberals Have Made California Drought Worse
Newsmax: Fiorina: Liberals Have Made California Drought Worse
Red
Mark it on your calendar, August 24th 2015, the day of another stock market implosion. When the momentum starts there's nothing that can hold it back, emotion drives it, fear mostly. So all we can hope for is that stable even minded people will prevail. That's not going to happen today though.
Reuters: Great fall of China sinks world stocks, dollar tumbles
Reuters: Great fall of China sinks world stocks, dollar tumbles
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 74 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. We are in for a hot one. I hope you had a good weekend. I have to say my weekend was very good, it was productive, restful, and illuminating. In addition, the food was especially good as we all go about enjoy all the amazing fresh produce from farmer's markets and our backyard gardens. Eat well America.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures losses are the most I have seen in a one day event and the price of oil is also significantly lower. The market is poised to open extremely lower, crash day lower.
China's stock market is on a steady crash diet. This is the worst one day opening loss I have seen even since 2008. This is the type of day that will break the hearts of many globally. If you are an investor, think long, at some point the dust will settle and there will be a reforming. The global economy will adjust, it will take time, but it will. What is the alternative? Like aging, the stock market is not for sissies.
CNN: Strap in for a brutal day
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures losses are the most I have seen in a one day event and the price of oil is also significantly lower. The market is poised to open extremely lower, crash day lower.
China's stock market is on a steady crash diet. This is the worst one day opening loss I have seen even since 2008. This is the type of day that will break the hearts of many globally. If you are an investor, think long, at some point the dust will settle and there will be a reforming. The global economy will adjust, it will take time, but it will. What is the alternative? Like aging, the stock market is not for sissies.
CNN: Strap in for a brutal day
Traders were hoping Chinese authorities would step in over the weekend to support the markets. "Unfortunately, there was nothing but disappointment and trader's angst turned into anger this morning and they decided to liquidate their positions," said Naeem Aslam, chief market analyst at Ava Capital Markets.
Saturday, August 22, 2015
Sundays
I've decided to take Sundays off from the blog. Generally speaking I try to keep an objective approach while reading about the mule headed things that occur in the world. Still I find that leaving it alone for a day is desirable for me. So, I will see you bright and early Monday morning, have an excellent Sunday.
work by Banksy
work by Banksy
7.4 Million Acres
CS Monitor: Soldiers, prisoners, other countries join massive firefighting effort in the West - Wildfires burning across the West total more acreage than each of the previous ten years. Firefighters have come from around the country as well as from Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Mother Jones: 30 Percent of California's Forest Firefighters Are Prisoners - About 4,000 inmates battle blazes in the Golden State's woodlands.
Mother Jones: 30 Percent of California's Forest Firefighters Are Prisoners - About 4,000 inmates battle blazes in the Golden State's woodlands.
Further Decline And Decay
Raw Story: ‘White power!': Trump’s Alabama ‘pep rally’ brings out folks who want to shoot ‘illegals’ at the border
“Hopefully, he’s going to sit there and say, ‘When I become elected president, what we’re going to do is we’re going to make the border a vacation spot, it’s going to cost you $25 for a permit, and then you get $50 for every confirmed kill..."
Intelligence
Science Daily: Why we're smarter than chickens - Researchers uncover protein part that controls neuron development
summary - A single molecular event in our cells could hold the key to how we evolved to become the smartest animal on the planet, scientists report. They have uncovered how a small change in a protein called PTBP1 can spur the creation of neurons -- cells that make the brain -- that could have fuelled the evolution of mammalian brains to become the largest and most complex among vertebrates.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Breast Milk
What does this say about the present state of humanity when we are finding industrial carcinogenic chemicals in human breast milk.
Science Daily: Breastfeeding may expose infants to toxic chemicals
Science Daily: Breastfeeding may expose infants to toxic chemicals
summary - A widely used class of industrial chemicals linked with cancer and interference with immune function -- perfluorinated alkylate substances, or PFASs -- appears to build up in infants by 20-30 percent for each month they're breastfed, according to a new study. It is the first study to show the extent to which PFASs are transferred to babies through breast milk, and to quantify their levels over time.
Panic Mode
For readers of this blog, this is not a surprise as we have been following these events for months. After Thursday's intense market index drop, more people are on alert about the state of the global economy.
Guardian UK: Global stocks in 'panic mode' as Chinese factory slump drags on markets - Asia Pacific markets mimic heavy selling in US and Europe as latest data adds to expectations that Beijing will have to give its spluttering economy another boost
Guardian UK: Global stocks in 'panic mode' as Chinese factory slump drags on markets - Asia Pacific markets mimic heavy selling in US and Europe as latest data adds to expectations that Beijing will have to give its spluttering economy another boost
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 67 degrees and cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley. We got some serious rain through the night and everything is still quite damp. The humidity has tapered off, it's all good as the rain has perked up all the greenery. The forecast is saying we see the sun today.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Well what can we say, the misery continues. I could essentially copy and paste the same thing I wrote yesterday, today. China's equities market is in upheaval and there is a global oil glut which is sending the price of oil per barrel lower and lower and lower. I do know this, at some point this China/oil situation will truly find a bottom and at that point there will be a reversal. We are seeing articles now that point to oil dropping below $15 per barrel. All I can say is at that point expect to see a lot of economic suffering going on throughout the world especially in countries where oil is the main export. There is a big shake out going on, and it's not over.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Well what can we say, the misery continues. I could essentially copy and paste the same thing I wrote yesterday, today. China's equities market is in upheaval and there is a global oil glut which is sending the price of oil per barrel lower and lower and lower. I do know this, at some point this China/oil situation will truly find a bottom and at that point there will be a reversal. We are seeing articles now that point to oil dropping below $15 per barrel. All I can say is at that point expect to see a lot of economic suffering going on throughout the world especially in countries where oil is the main export. There is a big shake out going on, and it's not over.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open
China manufacturing data came out worse than expected, hitting its lowest level in more than six years. The slowdown in China's factory activity is adding to concerns about the strength of global economic growth.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Obesity Breakthrough
Science Daily: Obesity breakthrough: Metabolic master switch prompts fat cells to store or burn fat
summary - Obesity is one of the biggest public health challenges of the 21st century. Affecting more than 500 million people worldwide, obesity costs at least $200 billion each year in the United States alone, and contributes to potentially fatal disorders such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Scientists have now revealed the mechanism underlying the genomic region most strongly associated with obesity. The findings uncover a genetic circuit that controls whether our bodies burn or store fat. Manipulating that genetic circuit may offer a new approach for obesity treatments.
Pain On Pain
These guys made a big mistake, using someone's pain as a source of entertainment is really bad form.
Guardian UK: Radio hosts tell woman live on air her husband had Ashley Madison account - Australian radio station Nova FM’s breakfast duo Fitzy and Wippa tell woman her husband’s email address was registered with website for casual affairs
Guardian UK: Radio hosts tell woman live on air her husband had Ashley Madison account - Australian radio station Nova FM’s breakfast duo Fitzy and Wippa tell woman her husband’s email address was registered with website for casual affairs
Global Warming - The California Drought
WaPo: Global warming worsened the California drought, scientists say
In February, researchers at NASA, Cornell and Columbia universities predicted that California and the southwest will slip into a 30-year megadrought by 2050 if greenhouse gas emissions are not curtailed.
Sleep
Good advice here for helping yourself sleep better.
Entrepreneur: 10 Healthy Foods That May Help You Sleep Better
Entrepreneur: 10 Healthy Foods That May Help You Sleep Better
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 77 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. We are into the golden days of August, the bugs are humming up a storm, it's humid and hot, and the fresh food is outstanding. We have a conflict once again arising in the Koreas. That hot spot like many we can think of around the globe, will seemingly never find a resolution, not in our lifetime.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are significantly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down yet again. The market will tank at the opening bell.
We have a confluence of strong global issues, all related, that are pounding equities as of late. Primarily it is China's economic upheaval and the related oil glut. Recall that oil still forms a central hub for the equities market. I believe we see this present confluence continue for the rest of this year and then some. What is not causing a global meltdown is the US economy is presently in a better stable place. One must presume that there is a trail of hurting bodies as a result of this all around the globe.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are significantly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down yet again. The market will tank at the opening bell.
We have a confluence of strong global issues, all related, that are pounding equities as of late. Primarily it is China's economic upheaval and the related oil glut. Recall that oil still forms a central hub for the equities market. I believe we see this present confluence continue for the rest of this year and then some. What is not causing a global meltdown is the US economy is presently in a better stable place. One must presume that there is a trail of hurting bodies as a result of this all around the globe.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
Crude prices are under pressure, losing 0.7% to hover just below $41 a barrel, after plunging to a six-year low on Wednesday. Oil has been falling in recent weeks as the supply glut worsens and demand remains sluggish. Weak oil is ringing alarm bells for investors about the health of the global economy.
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
Sarah Palin On Donald Trump
Throw in a monkey and now we're talking, that's a circus act one will never forget.
Chilli
Science Daily: Hot chilli may unlock a new treatment for obesity
summary - A high-fat diet may impair important receptors located in the stomach that signal fullness, researchers have discovered. They investigated the association between hot chilli pepper receptors (TRPV1) in the stomach and the feeling of fullness, in laboratory studies, suggesting that their work will inform further studies and the development of new therapies.
Lab Grown Brain
Guardian UK: First almost fully-formed human brain grown in lab, researchers claim - Research team say tiny brain could be used to test drugs and study diseases, but scientific peers urge caution as data on breakthrough kept under wraps
Though not conscious the miniature brain, which resembles that of a five-week-old foetus, could potentially be useful for scientists who want to study the progression of developmental diseases.
Global Warming - A Reader Makes The Case
Morrow County (Ohio) Sentinel: Global warming is human caused
Money, College, Poverty, Tragedy
AlterNet: Why 40% of Low Income Students Don't Show Up to the Colleges They Get Accepted into - Just getting into college doesn't resolve the money problems many face. By Meredith Kolodner
In yet another case, a student won a full scholarship to a private university, but then her family received a $1,400 bill for health insurance that they couldn’t pay.
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 77 degrees and hazy sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. We could be in for another seriously hot humid day, maybe just a little bit less hot than Tuesday. We see that Trump is still big in the news and his polling numbers continue to rise. This poor country, how people could actually think he could somehow improve their lot baffles me. How did this happen? You have a billionaire celebrity with no political acumen or experience or even any startling defined realistic policy getting by on bravado, insults, and celebrity status to engage people in the notion that he is fit to be president. That is very depressing, it is sad.
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
There are a series of defining points in the global economy at this moment that are reoccurring and driving markets. Among them are the turbulence in the Chinese economy, Greece's ongoing debt salvation deal, and the devaluation of commodities especially oil as an oil glut remains and oil demand in China appears to be waning. I think we are going to see these things reappear every day for the next, who know, months or years even. Meanwhile US corporate activity is still perceived to be relatively strong. There is a push and pull situation going on across these dynamics.
CNN: 5 Things To Know Before The Open
At 8:50 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
There are a series of defining points in the global economy at this moment that are reoccurring and driving markets. Among them are the turbulence in the Chinese economy, Greece's ongoing debt salvation deal, and the devaluation of commodities especially oil as an oil glut remains and oil demand in China appears to be waning. I think we are going to see these things reappear every day for the next, who know, months or years even. Meanwhile US corporate activity is still perceived to be relatively strong. There is a push and pull situation going on across these dynamics.
CNN: 5 Things To Know Before The Open
Chinese stocks have been on a wild ride for weeks as investors grow anxious about a possible withdrawal of stock market support by Beijing, and the health of the Chinese economy.
Tuesday, August 18, 2015
Fraternal Pride
The Intercept: Bland Monster Jeb Bush “Proud” of His Brother’s Torturing People
The proud tradition of waterboarding, proudly embraced by his brother, was also a favorite torture method of Imperial Japan during World War II, Latin American dictatorships, and Cambodia’s genocidal Khmer Rouge. The U.S. convicted a Japanese officer of war crimes for using it. Many of the torture techniques used by the CIA and the military were proudly modeled on Chinese Communist techniques used during the Korean War to obtain false confessions from American prisoners.
Your Daily Trumpet
How presidential, that's one classy guy...
Business Insider: Heidi Klum had the perfect response after Donald Trump said she's 'no longer a 10'
Business Insider: Heidi Klum had the perfect response after Donald Trump said she's 'no longer a 10'
Storing Trauma
Science Daily: How traumatic memories hide in the brain, and how to retrieve them - Special brain mechanism discovered to store stress-related, unconscious memories
summary - Some stressful experiences -- such as chronic childhood abuse -- are so traumatic, the memories hide like a shadow in the brain and can't be consciously accessed. Eventually, suppressed memories can cause debilitating psychological problems. Scientists have discovered how and where the brain stores those stressful memories and how to retrieve them. The findings could lead to new treatment for patients with repressed traumatic memories.
The Drought
HuffPo: The California Drought Is So Bad, It Might Be Killing The Giant Sequoia - Some of the trees are nearly 3,000 years old.
"The good news is that there were lots of trees that still seem healthy, but there was this smaller amount that seemed to be stressed and stressed in ways that we haven't seen documented before in the parks..."
Arctic Oil Drilling
So one has to wonder, WTF. Right now there is an oil glut, the globe is overflowing with oil which is now priced close to $40 a barrel. That is outrageous in many ways. In addition we have China, possibly the world's largest manufacturer of commodities (junk) in a tailspin economically. So why do we need to drill for more oil right now? Why is this happening? We need some answers, this is bullshit. In addition let's not forget about the trillion pound elephant in the room; that would be global warming most of which is already embedded, or if you prefer, baked into the system meaning it is not reversible. This is just plain old greed and stupidity, and in this case greed is 'Trump'-ing stupidity.
Guardian UK: Shell gets final clearance to begin drilling for oil in the Arctic - Campaigners say Obama giving the green light to oil drilling ahead of his visit to the Arctic to highlight climate change is ‘hypocritical’
Guardian UK: Shell gets final clearance to begin drilling for oil in the Arctic - Campaigners say Obama giving the green light to oil drilling ahead of his visit to the Arctic to highlight climate change is ‘hypocritical’
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 76 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. Like yesterday it looks like we are in for another 90s day with a lot of humidity. Stay cool, stay out of the beating sun, don't work too hard especially outdoors, drink lots of water, and be easy. We see that Trump is once again scoring high in the GOP presidential campaign polls. You know, the election is 15 months away, don't get too attached to anything you read right now. When all is said and done I still expect to see an establishment GOP candidate on the ticket. Let us recall though that the GOP has established the precedent of choosing a candidate with virtually no qualifications for the office. They did pick Sarah Palin...
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.
There is a lot more turbulence in the Chinese stock market going on today. Chinese stocks took another big hit today, eventually that market will find a resting spot. One even wonders if Chinese equities are now a bargain, it's something that is occurring to me at the moment. Because China is under this pressure, commodities continue to fall in value as the boom market for goods drifts with a Chinese slowdown.
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.
There is a lot more turbulence in the Chinese stock market going on today. Chinese stocks took another big hit today, eventually that market will find a resting spot. One even wonders if Chinese equities are now a bargain, it's something that is occurring to me at the moment. Because China is under this pressure, commodities continue to fall in value as the boom market for goods drifts with a Chinese slowdown.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
China has been rocked by months of volatile trading, and investors are now worried about a possible withdrawal of stock market support by Beijing, and signs of a sharper slowdown in the economy.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Plan
This stuff keeps coming back around, I remember how it hit suburban white kids in the early 70s. There are plenty of people out there ready and willing to shoot heroin and you would think they would know better given all the warnings. Nope, they're totally happy to really screw up their lives.
Reuters: White House launches plan to counter explosion in heroin use
Reuters: White House launches plan to counter explosion in heroin use
Disgrace
FOX News is a disgrace.
Guardian UK: Fox News' inner struggle with climate misinformation
Guardian UK: Fox News' inner struggle with climate misinformation
Research has shown that Fox News is a major driving force behind climate denial, decreasing viewer trust in scientists and the existence of global warming. In 2013, only 28% of Fox News’ climate science segments were accurate, although that was an improvement over its 7% accuracy in 2012.
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 74 degrees and it's just starting to get sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. It looks like we are in for a very hot muggy day with the temperature in the 90s. I hope you had a good weekend. I did, I got in a lot of resting and recharging. We see that Trump is flying in the polls as the establishment candidates are falling. The people in the know believe that it is way too early to pick winners. How do you feel about a Trump, Carson presidency? Could you handle eight years of that. This poor country, people are amazingly ill informed and is there any wonder why.
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
We know that countries around the world are facing severe recession like conditions given that their economies are based around the exporting of oil. And we know that oil is now approaching the price of around $40 a barrel. The world is awash in oil, that's how the Saudis want it. So this morning's big news was the tumbling valuation of the Russian ruble. It's not a great time to be a regular working class person in Russia. One could presume that there is a very restless energy growing around the world.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 8:40 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
We know that countries around the world are facing severe recession like conditions given that their economies are based around the exporting of oil. And we know that oil is now approaching the price of around $40 a barrel. The world is awash in oil, that's how the Saudis want it. So this morning's big news was the tumbling valuation of the Russian ruble. It's not a great time to be a regular working class person in Russia. One could presume that there is a very restless energy growing around the world.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
Crude dropped 1.5% to hover just above $41 a barrel in electronic trading. Oil has tumbled in recent weeks as the combination of plenty of supplies and sluggish demand weighs on prices.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Sunday Hiatus
I'll be taking another planned hiatus from the blog Sunday. I will see you Monday morning, have an excellent Sunday.
Who
Lots of supposition, but a fair read.
Chicago Tribune: Who are Trump's supporters? Not who you think
Chicago Tribune: Who are Trump's supporters? Not who you think
The Drought
Eye opening article on how California's economy has been growing over the last few years and how the drought has changed farming techniques utilizing less water for more produce.
NYT: How California Is Winning the Drought
NYT: How California Is Winning the Drought
Jeb!
What is with this guy, he's trying to re-sell us Iraq, thinks minimum wage is not a government issue, thinks we spend too much on women's health care, wants people to work harder, and he says let's phase out medicare. Is he really going to win a majority of the vote with that, that is misery and I suspect the majority of Americans get it. On the other hand, people vote party out of habit regardless of how much it hurts their own personal interests. We know this.
Salon: Jeb just can’t help himself: The myth of his electability continues to fade - Calling Saddam's ouster a "pretty good deal" and name-checking Paul Wolfowitz, Jeb keeps rivals' hope alive by Joan Walsh
Salon: Jeb just can’t help himself: The myth of his electability continues to fade - Calling Saddam's ouster a "pretty good deal" and name-checking Paul Wolfowitz, Jeb keeps rivals' hope alive by Joan Walsh
Friday, August 14, 2015
Elementary
Politico: Donald Trump Talks Like a Third-Grader
Run through the Flesch-Kincaid grade-level test, his text of responses score at the 4th-grade reading level. For Trump, that’s actually pretty advanced. All the other candidates rated higher, with Ted Cruz earning 9th-grade status. Ben Carson, Mike Huckabee, and Scott Walker scored at the 8th-grade level. John Kasich, the next-lowest after Trump, got a 5th-grade score.
Venezuela's Food Shortage
Business Insider: Venezuela's food shortage keeps getting worse
Lower oil prices, a recession, and rampant inflation have further darkened the economic outlook.
Trumpadelic
The author lays out the argument that at this stage of the presidential campaign, electability is not an issue. However as the election in November of 2016 gets a lot closer, electability becomes very important and that is when the candidates are weeded out. I am fond of what Bernie Sanders is saying, I just don't think he can win. I have no faith, but I would be happy to be proven wrong. Trump on the other hand could very well win because in this field of extreme GOP candidates he comes off as a moderate! Think about it, only Trump has come to the defense of Planned Parenthood minus abortions. Planned Parenthood support is anathema to conservatives. On the other hand it could be that the GOP has moved so far to the right that even a birther like Trump is too far to the left!
WaPo: The one big reason neither Donald Trump nor Bernie Sanders can keep this up
WaPo: The one big reason neither Donald Trump nor Bernie Sanders can keep this up
Have A Great Friday
work by Karen O'Neil. This appears to be a teaser for an art show that took place a few years ago.
Squier Roundup - A Look At Six Squier Guitars From Worst To First
Squier guitars are the cheap Fenders. It's Fender's cheap seat.
Global Warming - Food Shocks
BBC: Global warming increases 'food shocks' threat
...where crops fail and prices of staples rise rapidly around the world.
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 68 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley. We are in for yet another gorgeous Summer day. The weather has been nothing short of magical around here so get outside even if it's just to look at the condition of the sidewalk! Just get out there. Has the US gotten tired of Trump and moved onto the next Joey Buttafuoco yet? God help us. I like to remind people that we elected GW Bush to the presidency, twice. In my mind that means that Trump is infinitely electable, come on America, think about this for just a second.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
The reports are pointing the finger of market fear at the top three most recent trouble spots - China's currency, Greece's hideously flawed and bankrupt economy, and the price of oil which continues to descend due to a massive global oil glut. It's been a tough week, I'm glad the weekend is here.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open lower.
The reports are pointing the finger of market fear at the top three most recent trouble spots - China's currency, Greece's hideously flawed and bankrupt economy, and the price of oil which continues to descend due to a massive global oil glut. It's been a tough week, I'm glad the weekend is here.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open
After three consecutive days of sharp falls, the Chinese currency has stabilized.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
From CNN
CNN: Donald Trump and the mob
"The mob connections of Donald are extraordinarily extensive," New York investigative journalist Wayne Barrett told CNN in an interview.
Barrett, the author of the 1992 unauthorized biography "Trump: The Deals and the Downfall," wrote that Trump's life "intertwines with the underworld."
The Blast
Watch the clip. The 'it's a nuclear blast' is speculation. The blast was so strong it was compared to a nuke.
Guardian UK: Tianjin explosions so huge they were visible from space
South China Morning Post: ‘Is this a nuclear bomb?’: drone captures apocalyptic scenes in Tianjin, China, after industrial explosions
Guardian UK: Tianjin explosions so huge they were visible from space
South China Morning Post: ‘Is this a nuclear bomb?’: drone captures apocalyptic scenes in Tianjin, China, after industrial explosions
The Drought
LA Times: As El Nino grows, drought-stricken California braces for wild winter weather
Click for a larger image
Click for a larger image
Global Warming - Our Willfully Ignorant Population
Will it come as any surprise to you to learn that every single one are Red States.
MarketWatch: Folks in these U.S. states don’t believe in global warming
MarketWatch: Folks in these U.S. states don’t believe in global warming
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