Wednesday, August 31, 2016
The Economy
Good background information on the present state of American national political affairs.
Slate: Trump-Clinton Won’t Be a Landslide. The Economy Says So. - Conventional wisdom is that fringe candidates get repudiated, à la 1964 and 1972. The story isn’t so simple. By Andrew Gelman
Slate: Trump-Clinton Won’t Be a Landslide. The Economy Says So. - Conventional wisdom is that fringe candidates get repudiated, à la 1964 and 1972. The story isn’t so simple. By Andrew Gelman
4.22 Light-Years Away
Science Daily: Proxima b is in host star's habitable zone, but could it really be habitable?
summary - The world's attention is now on Proxima Centauri b, a possibly Earth-like planet orbiting the closest star, 4.22 light-years away. The planet's orbit is just right to allow liquid water on its surface, needed for life. But could it in fact be habitable? If so, the planet evolved very differently than Earth, say researchers say astronomers, geophysicists, climatologists, evolutionary biologists and others who study how distant planets might host life.
Incarceration Relief
NBC News: Obama Commutes 'Harsh' Sentences for Over 100 Inmates by Erik Ortiz
One of those granted relief was Tim Tyler, who at 25 was sentenced to life in federal prison for selling LSD while traveling the country following the Grateful Dead.
Please Keep Him
Trump in Mexico? Can we get that border wall built ASAP?
Guardian UK: Donald Trump's visit to Mexico is greeted with hostility online - US presidential candidate urged to apologise for past remarks, and Mexican president criticised for inviting him
Guardian UK: Donald Trump's visit to Mexico is greeted with hostility online - US presidential candidate urged to apologise for past remarks, and Mexican president criticised for inviting him
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 68 degrees and overcast here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts an overcast day with temperatures in the low 80s this afternoon. Time is flying. We are at the end of another month, tomorrow is the first day of September, and the election is about to hit another important period, the home stretch. The popular vote shows the race tightening but let's try to gain some perspective here. Clinton has held a double digit lead which is virtually unheard of in modern election cycles. Now the polls show that her lead is in the 4% to 7% area which is still a huge lead. But the media, bless their little hearts, needs to push the notion of a close contest with all the accompanying fears and anxieties. 'Clinton's lead cut in half!', they write. In 2012, it was assumed to be a close race and Obama won with well over 300 electoral votes. It is the electoral vote count that is the critical issue, not the popular vote.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Nigeria is now in a full blown recession which is linked mainly to the low price of oil, a mainstay of Nigeria's economy. Brazil is officially an economic basket case. And then there's India which is the world's fastest growing economy. The world is changing, and it's changing rapidly.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open by Ivana Kottasova
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open lower.
Nigeria is now in a full blown recession which is linked mainly to the low price of oil, a mainstay of Nigeria's economy. Brazil is officially an economic basket case. And then there's India which is the world's fastest growing economy. The world is changing, and it's changing rapidly.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open by Ivana Kottasova
India will also release GDP figures later Wednesday for the quarter ended June, offering a very different picture. The data are likely to show that India is still the world's fastest growing major economy, despite concerns over the pace of reforms.
Tuesday, August 30, 2016
'Billie Jean'
Take Michael Jackson's vocal track from the huge hit and redo it with an all star cast of musicians. This is outa sight.
Governor Fruitcake
Liberals in Maine split their vote between the Dems and an Indie allowing LePage to get into power as governor with 38% of the vote. Should he resign? Yes, he's the type of person who should have a restraining order keeping him 10 miles away from the capital city of any state.
Politico: Maine Gov. LePage considers resigning By Louis Nelson
Politico: Maine Gov. LePage considers resigning By Louis Nelson
Dogs
Science Daily: Dogs understand both vocabulary and intonation of human speech
summary - Dogs have the ability to distinguish vocabulary words and the intonation of human speech through brain regions similar to those that humans use, a new study reports.
Vet Away
Now it's sexual harassment for Bannon, adding to the list of voter fraud, domestic violence, anti-Semitism, and who knows what else. This is Trump's campaign manager and as we know Trump has called for serious vetting of immigrants, yet he can't even vet his own campaign manager.
MSNBC: Trump campaign CEO faces series of allegations by Steve Benen
MSNBC: Trump campaign CEO faces series of allegations by Steve Benen
How The Mighty Have Fallen
The marriage of politics and meaningless entertainment continues full steam ahead. How we will relish Rick Perry facing off against Vanilla Ice.
Guardian UK: Dancing with the Stars: Rick Perry's latest attempt to shimmy up a poll - Ex-governor of Texas and two-time presidential hopeful will once again compete for nation’s favor alongside Ryan Lochte, Vanilla Ice and Calvin Johnson
Guardian UK: Dancing with the Stars: Rick Perry's latest attempt to shimmy up a poll - Ex-governor of Texas and two-time presidential hopeful will once again compete for nation’s favor alongside Ryan Lochte, Vanilla Ice and Calvin Johnson
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 66 degrees and it is sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a sunny day with temperatures in the 80s this afternoon. Very interesting reading about the candidates preparation for the upcoming debates. This was reported in the NY Times last night and I have the link, posted late Monday night. Clinton relishes the detailed homework and Trump prefers to wing it. Trump is very good at getting in the one line zinger and in this respect he has the advantage. The media loves the one line zinger because somehow or other, that conveys an ability that is presidential. I do not believe that, but America loves the one line zinger too. "Where's the beef?"
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are ever so slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up now trading at $47.50. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Hard to find a specific thing happening to explain the market this morning but a series of numbers on US housing and consumer interests are coming out. As far as I know both of those metrics have been fine in recent months. Notice that Apple is getting walloped with a massive tax bill in Europe.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are ever so slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up now trading at $47.50. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Hard to find a specific thing happening to explain the market this morning but a series of numbers on US housing and consumer interests are coming out. As far as I know both of those metrics have been fine in recent months. Notice that Apple is getting walloped with a massive tax bill in Europe.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
The European Commission is demanding that Ireland recover up to 13 billion euros ($14.6 billion) in unpaid taxes from Apple.
The main U.S. economic reports out today will focus on housing and consumers.
Monday, August 29, 2016
'North By Northwest'
The soundtrack to Alfred Hitchcock's salient film composed by Bernard Herrmann.
Gut Bacteria, Weight Gain
Science Daily: Targeting gut bacteria to reduce weight gain
summary - Adding engineered bacteria into the guts of mice both kept them from gaining weight and protected them against some of the negative health effects of obesity.
America On Edge
This country is in serious need of a collective long slow deliberate deep breath. We are torqued to the gills.
Guardian UK: Panic at Los Angeles airport after noise mistaken for gunfire - People flee LAX and police storm building but search reveals no evidence of a gunman or shots fired
Guardian UK: Panic at Los Angeles airport after noise mistaken for gunfire - People flee LAX and police storm building but search reveals no evidence of a gunman or shots fired
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is a humid 77 degrees and it is sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a cloudy day with temperatures in the low 80s. I hope you had a good refreshing weekend and are ready to get back into the fight. Considering how off the wall the presidential campaign has been so far, mostly as a result of the orange guy, one can only imagine where we are going this week. I'm sure some stunning surprises are in store as the orange guy just can't seem to help himself. In truth this whole deal, this entire presidential campaign has been turned into a travesty with Trump's candidacy. It still strikes me beyond bizarre that the GOP would offer America this person as a choice for the presidency. If on the outside chance he does win, it really is time to pack it up, time to move away.
At 9:10 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down now trading around $47. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Janet Yellen is offering the possibility that a base interest rate hike may occur this year. Otherwise the week is getting off to a tepid start.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
At 9:10 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down now trading around $47. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Janet Yellen is offering the possibility that a base interest rate hike may occur this year. Otherwise the week is getting off to a tepid start.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
Market moves are still being influenced by a Friday speech from Fed chair Janet Yellen, who signaled that an interest rate hike is still on the table for this year.
Saturday, August 27, 2016
Closed Sundays
The blog is closed on Sundays. See you bright and early Monday morning.
work by Bill Traylor
work by Bill Traylor
Recap
On Saturday morning August 27th -
Five Thirty Eight has Clinton with an 81.1% chance of winning the election with 339.7 electoral votes.
The New York Times has Clinton with a 90% chance of winning the election with 347 electoral votes.
The Princeton Election Consortium has Clinton with a 95% chance of winning the election with 340 electoral votes.
Five Thirty Eight has Clinton with an 81.1% chance of winning the election with 339.7 electoral votes.
The New York Times has Clinton with a 90% chance of winning the election with 347 electoral votes.
The Princeton Election Consortium has Clinton with a 95% chance of winning the election with 340 electoral votes.
Global Warming - Carbon Dioxide To Fuel
This is huge.
Science Daily: Scientists solve puzzle of converting gaseous carbon dioxide to fuel - Saving the planet from climate change with a grain of sand
Science Daily: Scientists solve puzzle of converting gaseous carbon dioxide to fuel - Saving the planet from climate change with a grain of sand
summary - Every year, humans advance climate change and global warming by injecting about 30 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Scientists believe they've found a way to convert all these emissions into energy-rich fuel in a carbon-neutral cycle that uses a very abundant natural resource: silicon. Readily available in sand, it's the seventh most-abundant element in the universe and the second most-abundant element in the earth's crust.
Minute Man
Trump wrote the letter, it's reeking of his own massive narcissistic ego.
NBC News: Trump Doctor Wrote Health Letter in Just 5 Minutes as Limo Waited by Anna R. Schecter, Chris Francescani and Tracy Connor
NBC News: Trump Doctor Wrote Health Letter in Just 5 Minutes as Limo Waited by Anna R. Schecter, Chris Francescani and Tracy Connor
What A Nut
LePage is really building quite the legacy. He comes from the Trump, Paladino, Guiliani, Hannity school of thoughtless abusive disparaging hateful word usage.
Guardian UK: Maine governor wants to point gun 'right between' opponent's eyes - Republican Paul LePage apologized to ‘the people of Maine’ but not to Drew Gattine after voicemail message saying ‘I am after you’
Guardian UK: Maine governor wants to point gun 'right between' opponent's eyes - Republican Paul LePage apologized to ‘the people of Maine’ but not to Drew Gattine after voicemail message saying ‘I am after you’
Freedom
We see this over and over, it's the way racists and bigots assume the most potent positive words to describe their misery and hatred, freedom indeed.
Politico: Dutch party wants to outlaw mosques, Islamic schools, Koran - Freedom Party says it wants to reverse the ‘Islamization’ of the Netherlands. By Hortense Goulard and Cynthia Kroet
Politico: Dutch party wants to outlaw mosques, Islamic schools, Koran - Freedom Party says it wants to reverse the ‘Islamization’ of the Netherlands. By Hortense Goulard and Cynthia Kroet
Friday, August 26, 2016
Possible Habitable Exoplanet
Science Daily: Planet found in habitable zone around nearest star - Pale Red Dot campaign reveals Earth-mass world in orbit around Proxima Centauri
summary - Astronomers have found clear evidence of a planet orbiting the closest star to Earth, Proxima Centauri. The long-sought world, designated Proxima b, orbits its cool red parent star every 11 days and has a temperature suitable for liquid water to exist on its surface. This rocky world is a little more massive than the Earth and is the closest exoplanet to us -- and it may also be the closest possible abode for life outside the Solar System.
To Know
NBC News: 5 Things to Know About the 'Alt-Right' by Benjy Sarlin
2. It's linked to the "White Nationalist" movement
And...
Racist - check, Domestic violence charges - check, and now voter registration fraud, what's next...
Guardian UK: Trump campaign chief is registered to vote in Florida at unoccupied home - Exclusive: Stephen Bannon’s enrollment is apparent violation of crucial swing state’s election law requiring voters to be legal residents of county they register in
Guardian UK: Trump campaign chief is registered to vote in Florida at unoccupied home - Exclusive: Stephen Bannon’s enrollment is apparent violation of crucial swing state’s election law requiring voters to be legal residents of county they register in
The Real Disease
Reprehensible, and all of it rests right on Trump's thoughtless head.
AlterNet: 10 Hate Crimes Inspired by Donald Trump's Hateful Rhetoric - Irrational violence is spilling out of Trump rallies and affecting the lives of everyday people. By Kali Holloway
AlterNet: 10 Hate Crimes Inspired by Donald Trump's Hateful Rhetoric - Irrational violence is spilling out of Trump rallies and affecting the lives of everyday people. By Kali Holloway
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 77 degrees and overcast here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a sunny day with temperatures in the high 80s. We shall see because at the moment it feels like rain. Hillary Clinton really took it to Trump yesterday and exposed him for the racist he is. I commend her for doing that and I look forward to her eviscerating the dangerous idiot.
At 9:10 a.m. ET futures are ever so slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up now trading around $47.50. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Two words - Janet Yellen. The Fed chair will tell the world about any plans for a base interest rate hike at 10 a.m. ET. After that the market will take its foot off the brake and move one way or the other.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
At 9:10 a.m. ET futures are ever so slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up now trading around $47.50. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Two words - Janet Yellen. The Fed chair will tell the world about any plans for a base interest rate hike at 10 a.m. ET. After that the market will take its foot off the brake and move one way or the other.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
All eyes will be on Yellen's 10 a.m. ET speech.
Thursday, August 25, 2016
The Race
The author concurs with what we are seeing in polls and then adds some additional information on Clinton's chances. It has to do with the post-convention bounce which is much more important than we think.
Slate: There Is No Horse Race - It’s Clinton by a mile, with Trump praying for black swans. By Jamelle Bouie
Slate: There Is No Horse Race - It’s Clinton by a mile, with Trump praying for black swans. By Jamelle Bouie
Ultra Sound And The Brain
Science Daily: Scientists use ultrasound to jump-start a man's brain after coma - New noninvasive technique may lead to low-cost therapy for patients with severe brain injury
summary - A 25-year-old man recovering from a coma has made remarkable progress following a treatment to jump-start his brain using ultrasounds, scientists report. This is the first time such an approach to severe brain injury has been tried.
Where Indeed
NBC News: Beyond Trump - Where will the Republican Party go after 2016? - Leigh Ann Caldwell and Benjy Sarlin
“What Donald Trump has identified is a party that is literally splitting apart between the donor class and the working class parts of the party.”
Open Carry Dildos
You have to love this, no matter what side of the dildo issue you are on.
Guardian UK: Cocks Not Glocks: Texas students carry dildos on campus to protest gun law - Hundreds protested ‘campus carry’ law that permits licensed gun owners aged 21 and older to carry concealed handguns in most places at public colleges
Guardian UK: Cocks Not Glocks: Texas students carry dildos on campus to protest gun law - Hundreds protested ‘campus carry’ law that permits licensed gun owners aged 21 and older to carry concealed handguns in most places at public colleges
'Except This'
Guess what, Trump did the except this. He has taken his crazy immigration policy off the table and is putting something more nice nice out there. His new plan has been likened to, wait for it, Jeb Bush's plan! Ha, what a joke, tough guy is having a hard time playing politics and keeps slamming the door over and over and over on his tiny foot which still happens to be lodged in his big fat mouth. And Coulter, ah we love seeing her fall apart.
HuffPo: Donald Trump Spoils Ann Coulter’s ‘In Trump We Trust’ Book Launch - “There’s nothing Trump can do that won’t be forgiven” ... except this.
HuffPo: Donald Trump Spoils Ann Coulter’s ‘In Trump We Trust’ Book Launch - “There’s nothing Trump can do that won’t be forgiven” ... except this.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 72 degrees and cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a cloudy day with scattered thunderstorms and temperatures in the 80s this afternoon. The big news surrounds Trump's 'softening' of his slash and burn immigration policy and how the alt-right is freaking out about the 'softening'. Trump is attempting to pivot once again, and this time to a more moderate position thereby hoping to attract more voters. It's all rather clumsy and ill conceived - I wish him the worst.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down now below $47. The market is poised to open lower.
First time weekly layoff numbers continue to come in strong and fly in the face of the GOP's assertion that the economy and sky are falling. Janet Yellen is back in the news as investors await her latest thoughts on the base interest rate.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are moderately lower and the price of oil per barrel is down now below $47. The market is poised to open lower.
First time weekly layoff numbers continue to come in strong and fly in the face of the GOP's assertion that the economy and sky are falling. Janet Yellen is back in the news as investors await her latest thoughts on the base interest rate.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
Investors are on tenterhooks ahead of the annual gathering of Federal Reserve members and other central bankers at the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium in Wyoming, which gets underway today.CNBC: US weekly jobless claims total 261,000 vs 265,000 estimate
Claims have now been below 300,000, a threshold associated with a strong labor market, for 77 straight weeks. That is the longest such stretch since 1973, when the labor market was much smaller.
Wednesday, August 24, 2016
CNN’s Dana Bash Confronts Kellyanne Conway Over Her Previous Demand For Trump’s Tax Returns
Who cares what she says, up to last week no one even paid the lightest attention to her. She has no authority, and no credibility. She just plays for who is paying her.
Don't Dare
If someone comes poking their big nose around me when I vote in November, there's going to be a big problem.
NY Times: Why Donald Trump’s Election Observers Are a Bad Idea By JON GRINSPAN
NY Times: Why Donald Trump’s Election Observers Are a Bad Idea By JON GRINSPAN
Commentary
Oh please. Rudy Giuliani and Sean Hannity know as much about making a medical diagnosis as my dog and my cat know about making chocolate cheese cake from scratch.
Blink-Associated Resetting Movement
Science Daily: Surprise discovery in the blink of an eye - We probably do it every day, but scientists have only just discovered a distinct new way in which we move our eyes
summary - The scientists have discovered a new type of eye movement which they have called blink-associated resetting movement.
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 64 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a sunny day with temperatures in the high 80s this afternoon. Italy has experienced a powerful earthquake and rescue crews are searching for survivors. That must be terrifying, so far I have been fortunate in only experiencing a few minor tremors and that was jarring.
At 9:00 a.m. ET DOW futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open flat.
It's been a relatively quiet and stable week on Wall Street. Oil inventories in the US will be compiled and reported on today and that will no doubt affect it's price. Check out that new Tesla, the future of electric cars is looking bright.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
At 9:00 a.m. ET DOW futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open flat.
It's been a relatively quiet and stable week on Wall Street. Oil inventories in the US will be compiled and reported on today and that will no doubt affect it's price. Check out that new Tesla, the future of electric cars is looking bright.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
Tesla (TSLA) stock could see higher-than-normal volumes Wednesday after it unveiled a new battery that it says will allow its Model S to go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, making it the fastest production car in the world.
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Missouri
He should be up in Missouri by a dozen points. The landslide theory, for the time being, is holding.
Politico: Poll: Trump, Clinton knotted in Missouri By Nick Gass
Politico: Poll: Trump, Clinton knotted in Missouri By Nick Gass
'Englistan'
Riz MC (Riz Ahmed) - Riz Ahmed is the actor who is currently playing Naz in the hit HBO series 'The Night Of', the show also stars John Turturro. It's an excellent show. Riz MC is his alter name as he is a rapper from England. You will see in the video that it's about being a Muslim immigrant in England.
Gels For The Heart
Science Daily: After the heart attack: Injectable gels could prevent future heart failure
summary - During a heart attack, clots or narrowed arteries block blood flow, harming or killing cells in the heart. But damage doesn't end after the crushing pain subsides. Instead, the heart's walls thin out, the organ becomes enlarged, and scar tissue forms. These changes can cause heart failure. Scientists now report they have developed injectable gels to prevent this damage.
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 63 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a sunny day with temperatures in the low 80s this afternoon. Hillary Clinton was on Jimmy Kimmel last night and it's all over the media this morning. I'll post some clips, but I must say she is sharp as a tack, um, her weight, well, she's needs to lose a few. The interview was well received.
At 9:05 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open moderately higher.
The article described it as a calm no frills Summer trading day and that seems to be the case. Manufacturing data out of the EU and Japan came in positive, and that's a good thing. Oil continues to wander it's way lower and lower as the effect of the Saudi oil minster's claim of that country reducing its oil output in the the future fades away.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
At 9:05 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open moderately higher.
The article described it as a calm no frills Summer trading day and that seems to be the case. Manufacturing data out of the EU and Japan came in positive, and that's a good thing. Oil continues to wander it's way lower and lower as the effect of the Saudi oil minster's claim of that country reducing its oil output in the the future fades away.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
The latest Markit data showed the eurozone experienced healthy growth in services and manufacturing output in August. And manufacturing output in Japan also increased slightly this month, the first increase since February.
Monday, August 22, 2016
As If
Roger Stone? This might be bs but if it's true, it's sort of unusual. Stone worships Trump.
HuffPo: Trump Ally Roger Stone Says GOP Nominee Should Release Tax Returns ‘Immediately’ - Trump and his campaign have offered myriad excuses for not making the records available to the public.
HuffPo: Trump Ally Roger Stone Says GOP Nominee Should Release Tax Returns ‘Immediately’ - Trump and his campaign have offered myriad excuses for not making the records available to the public.
Edible Food Packaging
Science Daily: Edible food packaging made from milk proteins
summary - Most foods at the grocery store come wrapped in plastic packaging. Not only does this create a lot of non-recyclable, non-biodegradable waste, but thin plastic films are not great at preventing spoilage. Scientists are now developing a packaging film made of milk proteins that addresses these issues -- and it is even edible.
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is a breezy 63 degrees and it is sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a sunny day with temperatures in the 70s this afternoon. This is a noticeable cool down from the hot and humid temperatures over the past several weeks. This is the first glimpse of Fall in these parts. I hope you had a good refreshing weekend and you are ready to jump back into the saddle. I have a new interest and that would be writing comments for the NY Times website. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in connecting with a larger group of people regarding your political opinions, to do the same. It's pretty cool and it takes a short time to learn the ropes and write something that will get approved. The best part of the comment section at the NY Times is that it is moderated, so you will not get the usual nonsense that you are delusional, or a libtard or whatever and worse, as we know all too well. No, the NY Times insists on a modicum of decency and that's for me.
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 moderately lower.
Notice that oil is turning around with the price per barrel dropping and now in the $47 area. As we learn that July 2016 will be the hottest month on record, we are also seeing graphs proposing how temperatures will change over the next 100 years. Long story short it is going to be very hot with sections of the USA literally cooking in dozens upon dozens of days with temperatures above 100 degrees. We're talking about the South too where humidity will make it feel literally uninhabitable. So watch oil, see if humanity is lessening its use or not.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
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 moderately lower.
Notice that oil is turning around with the price per barrel dropping and now in the $47 area. As we learn that July 2016 will be the hottest month on record, we are also seeing graphs proposing how temperatures will change over the next 100 years. Long story short it is going to be very hot with sections of the USA literally cooking in dozens upon dozens of days with temperatures above 100 degrees. We're talking about the South too where humidity will make it feel literally uninhabitable. So watch oil, see if humanity is lessening its use or not.
CNN: Stocks: 5 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
Tokyo will host the 2020 Olympics, picking up the baton from Rio.
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Closed Sundays
The blog is closed on Sundays. See you bright and early Monday morning.
work by Bill Traylor
work by Bill Traylor
Conservative Crisis
I just read this sentence in an election article on CNN: source
This is very confusing to me because I do not understand how a GOP conservative can align themselves with Trump, the alt-right candidate. Let's say we are talking about a GW Bush, McCain, and Romney supporter from 04', 08', and 12', candidates/president who were supported by the conservatives. The conservatives brought in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, possibly the biggest foreign policy change/'initiative' over the last two decades, and this is something which Trump has mocked, just as he mocked Jeb Bush and his neocon advisers. Trump has gone out of his way to mock the war and mock Clinton for her yea vote although not mocking Pence for his yea vote. How do you call yourself a conservative when the present candidate refutes the major policy initiatives laid out by conservatives themselves over the last 16 years. It strikes me that the conservative movement is in trouble, having an identity crisis of sorts, what is it at this point, what does it actually stand for because Trump has wrecked the model. How do you vote for the orange guy and call yourself a stalwart conservative.
Although people have speculated for months that Trump would pivot to a mode more appealing to the wider audience of general election voters, as opposed to the conservative base of the GOP, he has continually failed to stay that course.
This is very confusing to me because I do not understand how a GOP conservative can align themselves with Trump, the alt-right candidate. Let's say we are talking about a GW Bush, McCain, and Romney supporter from 04', 08', and 12', candidates/president who were supported by the conservatives. The conservatives brought in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars, possibly the biggest foreign policy change/'initiative' over the last two decades, and this is something which Trump has mocked, just as he mocked Jeb Bush and his neocon advisers. Trump has gone out of his way to mock the war and mock Clinton for her yea vote although not mocking Pence for his yea vote. How do you call yourself a conservative when the present candidate refutes the major policy initiatives laid out by conservatives themselves over the last 16 years. It strikes me that the conservative movement is in trouble, having an identity crisis of sorts, what is it at this point, what does it actually stand for because Trump has wrecked the model. How do you vote for the orange guy and call yourself a stalwart conservative.
Discipline And Punish
'Discipline and Punish' is the title of a book by Foucault. It's about the birth of the prison.
Seattle Times: Why voters should make the GOP pay for backing Trump - It is equally important that the voters punish the people responsible for the civic threat that is Donald Trump — the Republican Party that nominated him. By Dick Meyer
Seattle Times: Why voters should make the GOP pay for backing Trump - It is equally important that the voters punish the people responsible for the civic threat that is Donald Trump — the Republican Party that nominated him. By Dick Meyer
Clinton Continues To Lead
At this point in the presidential election of 2012, Obama led Romney by 2 points. In 2012 Obama won with 332 electoral votes.
Reuters: Clinton leads Trump by eight points: Reuters/Ipsos poll
Reuters: Clinton leads Trump by eight points: Reuters/Ipsos poll
Debt Upon Debt Upon Debt
Very extensive valuable article on Trump's alleged worth. Every American should read this article, but the alt-right people without knowing anything, remaining clueless as it were, will brand it as lies.
NY Times: Trump’s Empire: a Maze of Debts and Opaque Ties By SUSANNE CRAIG
NY Times: Trump’s Empire: a Maze of Debts and Opaque Ties By SUSANNE CRAIG
Reductress
Reductress is The Onion meets Feminism meets pop culture notions in the media. It's a little painful.
Reductress: How to Stop Listening to What a Woman’s Outfit Says and Start Listening to Her Mouth
Reductress: How to Stop Listening to What a Woman’s Outfit Says and Start Listening to Her Mouth
Friday, August 19, 2016
Eugene Robinson On The Shakeup
Good article - lots of bite.
Real Clear Politics: Trump's Shakeup Further Imperils the GOP By Eugene Robinson
Real Clear Politics: Trump's Shakeup Further Imperils the GOP By Eugene Robinson
' Two Americas - Immigration'
The orange guy's first ad, weak, very weak, sad, very sad, mostly blows.
No Recollection
Not good for Clinton, not at all.
Politico: Powell has 'no recollection' of Clinton email dinner conversation By Nick Gass
Politico: Powell has 'no recollection' of Clinton email dinner conversation By Nick Gass
August 19th
On Friday August 19th -
Five Thirty Eight has Clinton with an 86.5% chance of winning the election with 358.1 electoral votes.
The New York Times has Clinton with an 86% chance of winning the election with 347 electoral votes.
The Princeton Election Consortium has Clinton with an 89% chance of winning the election with 342 electoral votes.
Five Thirty Eight has Clinton with an 86.5% chance of winning the election with 358.1 electoral votes.
The New York Times has Clinton with an 86% chance of winning the election with 347 electoral votes.
The Princeton Election Consortium has Clinton with an 89% chance of winning the election with 342 electoral votes.
No 'Healthy Obesity'
Science Daily: More evidence that 'healthy obesity' may be a myth
summary - The term 'healthy obesity' has gained traction over the past 15 years, but scientists have recently questioned its very existence. A new study provides further evidence against the notion of a healthy obese state, revealing that white fat tissue samples from obese individuals classified as either metabolically healthy or unhealthy actually show nearly identical, abnormal changes in gene expression in response to insulin stimulation.
Suspended
Does this include Trump? After all if he's not a terrorist then what is a terrorist. Are we not talking about someone who instills fear without a second thought. Trump does this every day.
NBC News: Twitter Suspends 235,000 More Accounts in Terror Crackdown by Alyssa Newcomb
NBC News: Twitter Suspends 235,000 More Accounts in Terror Crackdown by Alyssa Newcomb
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 73 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a sunny day with temperatures in the 80s this afternoon. I think the picture of the little boy, pulled out of a bombed house, and then sitting patiently and bravely was an important image. It shook up the world and brought forth an outpouring of empathy, something that has been in low supply in recent weeks. This is especially true in the US where Trump has unleashed viciousness, sick minded being that he is. Let's see what's going on in the news 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.
It's back to oil again. Yesterday the price of oil per barrel nearly hit $49 and is presently just above $48. Oil prices are once again expected to rise over the next year. We shall see. It's been a long week and I'm glad it's over.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
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.
It's back to oil again. Yesterday the price of oil per barrel nearly hit $49 and is presently just above $48. Oil prices are once again expected to rise over the next year. We shall see. It's been a long week and I'm glad it's over.
CNN: Stocks: 4 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
Bank of America Merrill Lynch predicted this week that crude will surge to $69 a barrel by next June and upgraded its expectations for energy stocks. Crude was trading below $40 per barrel at the start of August.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Right Right Right
In April 2016, the Southern Poverty Law Center, which has essential historical expertise on all types of hate supremacy groups in the USA, wrote that Brietbart News is at the center of the ‘Alt-Right’ movement, a term Americans need to become familiar with. Stephen Bannon, Breitbart’s former executive chairman, is now Donald Trump's Chief Executive of his 2016 presidential campaign.
Southern Poverty Law Center: Is Breitbart.com Becoming the Media Arm of the 'Alt-Right'?
Southern Poverty Law Center: Is Breitbart.com Becoming the Media Arm of the 'Alt-Right'?
Time
Science Daily: How we escaped the Big Bang: New theory on moving through time
summary - A physicist is challenging the conventional view of space and time to show how the world advances through time. In her new research, she argues that T violation, or a violation of time reversal (T) symmetry, is forcing the universe and us in it, into the future.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is a very pleasant 73 degrees and it is sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a sunny day with temperatures in the 80s this afternoon. It should be more than obviously clear that Trump is the most dangerous candidate to emerge out of the GOP as their presidential nominee. Trump's connection to Brietbart News is the nail in the coffin. We are talking about a fake news organization promoting a level of hatred that is off the chart combined with conspiracy theory lunacy and character assassination as a matter of fact triviality. The GOP as a functioning political party must create clear on the table space between itself and Trump/Brietbart. The real VP in this race for the presidency is a fake news entity that has the decorum of a rabid surfeit of skunks. If they do not distance themselves, the party is in fact dead and a new white supremacy entity comes forward in it's place. Say hello because they are already here, it's called Trump/Brietbart and now it's a matter of seeing how much leverage they have. For the globe's sake it needs to be no leverage.
At 9:10 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Two things about oil - first, we know that the Saudi oil minister stated their interest in reducing output to increase oil prices. However Saudi oil production continues to expand and is at record output. Second, Venezuela is in a state of economic crisis. They are actually having difficulty producing oil. So it's very interesting from an objective observers perspective. If Venezuela really starts dragging even more and their oil output let's say goes to very little, there is a void, and that void could create an oil demand.
CNN: Stocks: 3 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
At 9:10 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Two things about oil - first, we know that the Saudi oil minister stated their interest in reducing output to increase oil prices. However Saudi oil production continues to expand and is at record output. Second, Venezuela is in a state of economic crisis. They are actually having difficulty producing oil. So it's very interesting from an objective observers perspective. If Venezuela really starts dragging even more and their oil output let's say goes to very little, there is a void, and that void could create an oil demand.
CNN: Stocks: 3 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
Cisco is in focus after the company confirmed that it will slash 5,500 jobs, or about 7% of its total workforce.
Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Orange Humor
Three Toronto surgeons were playing golf together and discussing surgeries they had performed.One of them said, "I'm the best surgeon in Ontario. In my favorite case, a concert pianist lost seven fingers in an accident; I reattached them, and 8 months later he performed a private concert for the Queen of England.
The second surgeon said. "That's nothing. A young man lost an arm and both legs in an accident; I reattached them, and 2 years later he won a gold Medal in track and field events in the Olympics.
The third surgeon said, "You guys are amateurs”.. Several years ago a man was high on cocaine and marijuana and he rode a horse head-on into a train traveling 80 miles an hour. All I had left to work with was the man's blonde hair and the horse's ass. I was able to put them together and. .....now he's running for President of the U.S.A.
Away We Go
The headline is deceptive, it is not officially happening, yet.
CNBC: GOP looks to move funds away from Trump even with latest campaign shakeup by John Harwood
CNBC: GOP looks to move funds away from Trump even with latest campaign shakeup by John Harwood
Ticked Off
As Governor of Jersey, Christie cut down Trump's tax debt to the state by $25 million. If I were Christie' I'd be p'd at Trumo too, I mean if that's not worth the VP slot, what is? What's this world turning into...
NY Times: Trump Casinos’ Tax Debt Was $30 Million. Then Christie Took Office. By RUSS BUETTNER
NY Times: Trump Casinos’ Tax Debt Was $30 Million. Then Christie Took Office. By RUSS BUETTNER
'Cognitive Offloading'
Science Daily: Cognitive offloading: How the Internet is increasingly taking over human memory
summary - Our increasing reliance on the Internet and the ease of access to the vast resource available online is affecting our thought processes for problem solving, recall and learning. In a new article, researchers have found that 'cognitive offloading', or the tendency to rely on things like the Internet as an aide-mémoire, increases after each use.
What A Joke!
What a nutty headline! If Trump loses he's also going to give all of his money to black charities, shave his head, and become a monk. I am scratching my head trying to find the little asterisk to this headline. You know the one that takes you to the fine print that says, warranty voided if you are - Latino, Muslim, a Woman, Poor, Black, Gay, or if you find yourself in disagreement in any way with Mr. Trump's policy and political style, and if you have not passed Mr. Trump's extreme purity test.
NBC News: Donald Trump Pledges to 'Reject Bigotry and Hatred' by Phil Helsel
NBC News: Donald Trump Pledges to 'Reject Bigotry and Hatred' by Phil Helsel
Brilliant
Ha! Talk about what a joke! Most black Americans and for that matter anyone of any color with at least a quarter of a brain, hears 'Make America Great Again' as a wink and a nod to the time of Jim Crow. It's the word 'Again' that does that little trick as it harkens back in time and for black Americans there is no better time! (Has anyone on the Trump campaign even remotely thought this stuff through?) Anyhow, give me a freaking break Trump, black people are utterly and completely on to you bright guy, you are barking up the wrong tree.
Guardian UK: Trump appeals to black voters in attempt to offset dismal polling - Republican candidate tells mostly white crowd in Wisconsin that main victims of riots in Milwaukee were ‘law-abiding African American citizens
Guardian UK: Trump appeals to black voters in attempt to offset dismal polling - Republican candidate tells mostly white crowd in Wisconsin that main victims of riots in Milwaukee were ‘law-abiding African American citizens
Huh?
You know I have not been one to believe this idea that Trump is throwing the election but this move really makes me think otherwise. Why would you hire someone who knows how to really energize the 30% of the population that already is voting for Trump? It's as if Clinton decided to help her candidacy by hiring Jill Stein to run her operation, oh yeah, really nail down that 4%, that ought to do it.
NY Times: Donald Trump, in Shake-Up, Hires Breitbart Executive for Top Campaign Post By ASHLEY PARKER and MAGGIE HABERMAN
NY Times: Donald Trump, in Shake-Up, Hires Breitbart Executive for Top Campaign Post By ASHLEY PARKER and MAGGIE HABERMAN
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 72 degrees, slightly sunny, and breezy here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a cloudy day with temperatures in the 80s this afternoon. It feels like the deep humidity has lifted a bit. When the humidity is really high I just want to laze about. Lots to look at today, it's not worth discussing it here. As always I encourage you to comment.
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil is down. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Notice that oil is now in the $46.50 per barrel range and that could be the end of that party, but you just never know. The Fed is considering raising interest rates in September and this is good news for Clinton. The Fed would not raise rates if they believed the economy could handle the cost. I suspect the increase would be a fraction of a percent.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
At 9:00 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil is down. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Notice that oil is now in the $46.50 per barrel range and that could be the end of that party, but you just never know. The Fed is considering raising interest rates in September and this is good news for Clinton. The Fed would not raise rates if they believed the economy could handle the cost. I suspect the increase would be a fraction of a percent.
CNN: Stocks: 6 things to know before the open by Alanna Petroff
At 2 p.m. ET, the minutes from the Federal Reserve's latest policy-setting meeting will be released. Investors will be looking for further signs of the Fed's plans for interest rates.
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Pure BS
Really? I don't think so. Let's start with point 1, why is a gastroenterologist filing this? Click for a larger image. A guy who eats junk food constantly, is 70, and has a PSA of .15?! And then there's the - very low - after the number. Who does that sound like.
Newsweek: Donald Trump Tests Positive for Everything, According to His Own Doctor By Kurt Eichenwald
Newsweek: Donald Trump Tests Positive for Everything, According to His Own Doctor By Kurt Eichenwald
The Number Grows
CBS News: More than 120 Republicans tell RNC to cut off funds to Donald Trump
"We believe that Donald Trump's divisiveness, recklessness, incompetence, and record-breaking unpopularity risk turning this election into a Democratic landslide, and only the immediate shift of all available RNC resources to vulnerable Senate and House races will prevent the GOP from drowning with a Trump-emblazoned anchor around its neck..."
Predicting Clinton
Lynn Vavreck, a UCLA political science professor, and Allan Lichtman, a political historian at American University in Washington, D.C. both predict a win for Clinton. Lichtman has correctly predicted the winner since 1984, his thirteen question checklist is unique but obviously accurate.
Daily Brun: Experts predict Clinton win during Hammer Museum lecture By Ryan Leou
Daily Brun: Experts predict Clinton win during Hammer Museum lecture By Ryan Leou
Early Voting
There are 35 states plus the District of Columbia that allow for early voting starting in September. This whole Trump has time to turn it around thing has a real short runway.
NY Times: Early Voting Limits Donald Trump’s Time to Turn Campaign Around By PATRICK HEALY
NY Times: Early Voting Limits Donald Trump’s Time to Turn Campaign Around By PATRICK HEALY
Brain's Generosity Center
Science Daily: Scientists find the brain's generosity center - Brain area that lights up when we do good for others is more active in more empathetic people
summary - Scientists have identified part of our brain that helps us learn to be good to other people. People who rated themselves as having higher levels of empathy learned to benefit others faster than those who reported having lower levels of empathy. They also showed increased signalling in their subgenual anterior cingulate cortex when benefiting others.
Scathing Takedown
Guardian UK: 'This guy’s shame has no limits': Biden denounces Trump and rallies for Clinton - Vice-president invokes son’s military service, mocks Republican’s affinity toward Vladimir Putin and makes case for a Clinton victory in scathing takedown
“What bothers me most about Donald Trump is his cynicism is unbounded...Think about everything you learned as a child...no matter where you were raised. How can there be pleasure in division and ‘you’re fired’?””
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