work by Paul Sérusier
Friday, December 30, 2016
Happy New Year!
The blog is closed on weekends. See you bright and early Monday morning. Be safe and have a great New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
work by Paul Sérusier
work by Paul Sérusier
Intersex
NBC News: Nation's First Known Intersex Birth Certificate Issued in NYC
Hers is believed to be the first birth certificate ever issued in the United States that reads "intersex" in the gender field, instead of "male" or "female."
In The Gut
Science Daily: Your microbiota's previous dining experiences may make new diets less effective
summary - Your microbiota may not be on your side as you try improving your diet this New Year's. In a new study, researchers explore why mice that switch from an unrestricted American diet to a healthy, calorie-restricted, plant-based diet don't have an immediate response to their new program. They found that certain human gut bacteria need to be lost for a diet plan to be successful.
Women, Stress, Work
Guardian UK: Women suffer much more work stress than men, says psychiatrist - Sexism in the workplace and family responsibilities add to pressure as they face unequal pay and lack of support
...official figures show that women aged 25-54 are more stressed than their male colleagues, with this pressure peaking for those aged 35-44...
The Antibiotic-Resistant Bugs Pandemic
Think about it for a second, who will be president over the next period of time.
Guardian UK: Bill Gates: world faces decade at risk from antibiotic-resistant bugs- Philanthropist says he believes ‘better medical tools’ will come, but until then the world is vulnerable to a pandemic
Guardian UK: Bill Gates: world faces decade at risk from antibiotic-resistant bugs- Philanthropist says he believes ‘better medical tools’ will come, but until then the world is vulnerable to a pandemic
Krugman On Obamacare
NY Times: Snatching Health Care Away From Millions by Paul Krugman
They’ve spent seven years promising something very different from yet better than Obamacare, but keep failing to deliver, because they can’t...
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 30 degrees and cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a cloudy day, maybe some snow, with temperatures in the mid 30s this afternoon. Have an excellent New Year's holiday weekend. Hold onto your hats for 2017, it's going to be an interesting year to say the least.
At 9:15 a.m. ET DOW futures are up +38, and oil per barrel is down, last I looked, trading at $53.71. The market is poised to open moderately higher.
It is the last trading day of 2016. The DOW is flirting with 20,000 and will they or won't they push it over that record number. It's been a helluva year.
CNN: Stocks near 2016 highs; Support for Italy's banks; Toshiba rebounds by Alanna Petroff
At 9:15 a.m. ET DOW futures are up +38, and oil per barrel is down, last I looked, trading at $53.71. The market is poised to open moderately higher.
It is the last trading day of 2016. The DOW is flirting with 20,000 and will they or won't they push it over that record number. It's been a helluva year.
CNN: Stocks near 2016 highs; Support for Italy's banks; Toshiba rebounds by Alanna Petroff
It's worth noting that Russian stock markets were among the best performing in the world this year.
Thursday, December 29, 2016
Hands
Science Daily: Thinking with our hands can help find new ways of solving problems, research reveals
summary - New research by two cognitive psychology experts is demonstrating how our decision making is heavily influenced by the world around us, challenging the traditional idea that thinking takes place strictly in the head.
Deadly Violence Is Normal - Chicago
NY Times: As Chicago Murder Rate Spikes, Many Fear Violence Has Become Normalized By JULIE BOSMAN and MITCH SMITH
More than 750 people have been murdered in Chicago in 2016, the police said, a 58 percent increase over last year and the highest total since 1997. There have been more than 3,500 shootings in the city this year.
Chicago Needs Safe Passage
NY Times: America’s third-largest city is dangerous enough that more than a fifth of Chicago’s 652 public schools have Safe Passage routes to help children travel safely. The routes were chosen in areas with some of the highest concentrations of violent crime, particularly on the West and South Sides.
According to the city, no child has ever been a victim of a serious incident while Safe Passage workers have been on duty.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 30 degrees and snowing here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts the temperature to go above freezing into the high 30s this afternoon and that we'll have snow and rain. It's not the greatest day for traveling around here, so drive slowly and give yourself a lot of car space between you and the next guy.
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the flat area.
Notice that the Obama administration is readying sanctions against Russia for meddling in our election, the bastards. Would you just look at what we are getting for a president. God help us. The sanctions seem to have no relevance as Trump will no doubt dismiss them within 24 hours of being sworn in. Trump is grateful as are his minions, elections be damned.
CNN: Sprint in spotlight; Toshiba tanks again; Russia braces for U.S. sanctions by Alanna Petroff
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are flat and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open in the flat area.
Notice that the Obama administration is readying sanctions against Russia for meddling in our election, the bastards. Would you just look at what we are getting for a president. God help us. The sanctions seem to have no relevance as Trump will no doubt dismiss them within 24 hours of being sworn in. Trump is grateful as are his minions, elections be damned.
CNN: Sprint in spotlight; Toshiba tanks again; Russia braces for U.S. sanctions by Alanna Petroff
The Obama administration is preparing to announce, as soon as Thursday, a series of retaliation measures against Russia for meddling in the 2016 election, according to U.S. officials briefed on the plans.
Wednesday, December 28, 2016
Cancer Treatment
Science Daily: Treating cancer with drugs for diabetes and hypertension
summary - A combination of a diabetes medication and an antihypertensive drug can effectively combat cancer cells. The team of researchers has also reported that specific cancer cells respond to this combination of drugs.
The Pay-For-Play President
NY Times: Sell the Business, Not the Presidency, Mr. Trump By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Some legal experts believe that Mr. Trump will be in violation of...the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause prohibits American officials from receiving any gifts or income from foreign governments without permission from Congress...the moment he takes office...
Lots Of Luck
NY Times: John Kerry, in a Final, Pointed Plea, Will Outline a Vision of Mideast Peace By DAVID E. SANGER
He (Trump) denounced the United Nations on Twitter on Monday, calling it “a club for people to get together, talk and have a good time. So sad!”
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 34 degrees and cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a cloudy day with temperatures in the high 30s this afternoon. Believe it or not, the sun is ever so slowly getting brighter in the sky although to me it's really not till February where it becomes noticeable. But take heart, February is not that far off and by then we'll have a new president, President Donald Trump. Yes, this is real.
At 9:15 a.m. ET DOW futures are up 39 points and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open moderately higher.
The DOW is flirting with 20,000 once again and that would be serious record territory. Toshiba is in really bad shape after some unwise business moves and scandals. Oil is down but still trading between $53 and $54 dollars. The bull market pushes on.
CNN: Toshiba shares plummet; Qualcomm in trouble; Aviation watch by Alanna Petroff
At 9:15 a.m. ET DOW futures are up 39 points and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open moderately higher.
The DOW is flirting with 20,000 once again and that would be serious record territory. Toshiba is in really bad shape after some unwise business moves and scandals. Oil is down but still trading between $53 and $54 dollars. The bull market pushes on.
CNN: Toshiba shares plummet; Qualcomm in trouble; Aviation watch by Alanna Petroff
The National Association of Realtors releases November data on pending home sales at 10 a.m. ET.
Tuesday, December 27, 2016
Age 60 And Over Muscle
NY Times: Can You Regain Muscle Mass After Age 60?
By Gretchen Reynolds
“Our lab and others have shown repeatedly” that older muscles will grow and strengthen...
Digby's Latest
Salon: Now all news is “fake news”: The right’s war against truth goes back long before 9/11 - Donald Trump and his media allies have convinced millions of Americans that there's no such thing as the truth by Heather Digby Parton
Overall, 42 percent of Americans believe that U.S. forces found active weapons of mass destruction program in Iraq. Republicans are more likely to hold this belief than Democrats: Fifty-one percent of Republicans think it’s “probably” or “definitely” true that an active program was found after the 2003 invasion, with 14 percent saying that it was definitely true. Still, large portions of other groups think that the WMD program, a major part of the justification for the invasion, was actually found, including 32 percent of Democrats.
Challenged
Science Daily: Hard-wired: The brain's circuitry for political belief
summary - When people's political beliefs are challenged, their brains become active in areas that govern personal identity and emotional responses to threats, neuroscientists have found.
India
Guardian UK: Arrests after US tourist alleges she was drugged and gang raped in India - Alleged attack took place in hotel room over several days after woman claims her water was spiked by a local tour guide
The suspects, all aged between 20 and 24, have told investigators they are being falsely accused, the Press Trust of India reported.
The alleged assault as one of the latest in a series of sex attacks on foreigners in India, reigniting concerns about women’s safety in the country.
A Jerk, But Our Jerk
NY Times: Sorry, Liberals. Bigotry Didn’t Elect Donald Trump. By DAVID PAUL KUHN
Bluntly put, much of the white working class decided that Mr. Trump could be a jerk. Absent any other champion, they supported the jerk they thought was more on their side — that is, on the issues that most concerned them.
Dr. Price
NY Times: Trump’s Health Secretary Pick Leaves Nation’s Doctors Divided By ROBERT PEAR
“Dr. Price has been an outspoken opponent of the Affordable Care Act, which has done so much to address the needs of our most vulnerable patients and reduced the uninsured rate to the lowest level on record..."
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 45 degrees and hazy cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a cloudy day with temperatures in the high 40s this afternoon. The warmer temperatures have taken care of most of the snow in my area although I suspect there's still more of the white stuff up in the hills. One of the prominent headlines this morning was 'Fights break out at malls across United States'. Malls are really becoming quite the unusual places for human activity. Would you agree? This mall fighting business seems to be on the upswing. The mall brawl is big.
At 9:25 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Notice that oil is now trading at $53 and change, that is relatively high for the last two years. Italian bank Monte dei Paschi is in trouble and looking for a bailout. The bank was founded in 1472 and is the world's oldest bank. Today we get numbers on homes sales and on consumer confidence, which is my favorite metric of all. Because what is confidence if not for consumerism. Consumer confidence is almost a modern psychological state of being, we find our confidence in our material possessions and our ability to buy those possessions. What better way to describe life in a materialistic, consumerist society than to call it consumer confidence. Be confident oh consumer, be very confident.
CNN: Toshiba shares tank; A bailout gets bigger; Consumer confidence by Alanna Petroff
At 9:25 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
Notice that oil is now trading at $53 and change, that is relatively high for the last two years. Italian bank Monte dei Paschi is in trouble and looking for a bailout. The bank was founded in 1472 and is the world's oldest bank. Today we get numbers on homes sales and on consumer confidence, which is my favorite metric of all. Because what is confidence if not for consumerism. Consumer confidence is almost a modern psychological state of being, we find our confidence in our material possessions and our ability to buy those possessions. What better way to describe life in a materialistic, consumerist society than to call it consumer confidence. Be confident oh consumer, be very confident.
CNN: Toshiba shares tank; A bailout gets bigger; Consumer confidence by Alanna Petroff
The world's oldest operating bank -- Monte dei Paschi -- continues to work on securing a bailout from the Italian government.
Monday, December 26, 2016
Empathy
Fascinating read
Psychology Today: The Decline of Empathy and the Appeal of Right-Wing Politics - What child psychology can teach us about the current GOP. by Michael Bader
Psychology Today: The Decline of Empathy and the Appeal of Right-Wing Politics - What child psychology can teach us about the current GOP. by Michael Bader
On nearly all measures of social life, Americans tend to have fewer and lower quality interactions with one another than their parents or grandparents did. Isolation has grown along with inequality. They go together. Societies with more economic fairness and equality are ones that encourage and privilege cooperation and mutuality. Societies like ours that are so exceptionally unequal encourage and privilege aggression, paranoia, and competitiveness, traits associated with the so-called “rugged individualist.” While sometimes adaptive, such an ideal also makes a virtue out of disconnection and trauma.
Pay Off
Science Daily: Helping pays off: People who care for others live longer
summary - Older people who help and support others live longer, a new study has concluded. The results of these findings show that this kind of caregiving can have a positive effect on the mortality of the carers.
We Have A Winner
Out of 100 cities, Albany/Schenectady/Troy rank at the very bottom, 100th out of 100 cities! I'm beginning to like this place more and more.
The American Bible: America's Most Bible Minded Cities
The American Bible: America's Most Bible Minded Cities
100. Albany/Schenectady/Troy, NY 10%
Get Some Sleep
I've said this before and it's worth repeating. If you dislike Trump and feel that his presidency represents the worst, that's one thing. However, do not let Trump's presidency take your own personal happiness. Why give your power away to someone, Trump or anybody. Trump's president, okay, sleep better than ever, make yourself happier than ever. If you're going to get so bent out of shape that you lose sleep and get all messed up, then all you can do is simply work to manage your new health problem. Don't do that, get happier, then you can take on challenges. It's easier said than done, I know, but don't use Trump as an excuse. Why would you want to hand your happiness over to Trump?
Salon: Suffering from Trumpsomnia? “Now I feel like a madman has taken over” - Since the primaries, and the November election, political anxiety is keeping people up by Scott Timberg
Salon: Suffering from Trumpsomnia? “Now I feel like a madman has taken over” - Since the primaries, and the November election, political anxiety is keeping people up by Scott Timberg
Bannister finds that writing and avoiding news on the Internet helps, and looks forward to getting back to swimming. Echo Park musician Azalia Snail recommends “Mary Tyler Moore” reruns and a purring cat.
If It's Not Conservative, It's Fake
NY Times: Wielding Claims of ‘Fake News,’ Conservatives Take Aim at Mainstream Media By JEREMY W. PETERS
And conservatives, seeing an opening to undermine the mainstream media, a longtime foe, are more than happy to dig the hole deeper.
Global Warming - The States
NY Times: States Will Lead on Climate Change in the Trump Era By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
The people he (Trump) has chosen to lead the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Energy and the Department of Interior — the three agencies with the greatest influence on energy policy — have either denied or expressed skepticism that human activity is causing global warming, something that virtually all scientists agree on.
The Market Is Closed Today
Good morning. It is 21 degrees and mostly cloudy here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts rain and temperatures in the 30s this afternoon. I hope everyone had a good holiday and if you celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you. Lots of people exchange presents regardless of their beliefs. I hope everyone met with some happiness. I've taken a break from the news over the weekend, let's see what's going on.
Wall is closed today, December 26th. Since Christmas occurred yesterday on Sunday, they take the holiday today.
Wall is closed today, December 26th. Since Christmas occurred yesterday on Sunday, they take the holiday today.
Friday, December 23, 2016
Closed Through The Holiday Weekend
Have an excellent holiday! See you bright and early Monday morning.
work by Paul Sérusier
work by Paul Sérusier
'Bang On The Drum All Day'
Ted to the rescue. Looks like redneck America along with gawking sick to their retching stomach America is in for a little Ted time.
Salon: Jilted by Garth Brooks: Donald Trump’s inaugural pathos gets worse - Kid Rock and Ted Nugent are good to go! Trump's star-free inaugural may mark a new low in celebrity culture by Gary Legum
Salon: Jilted by Garth Brooks: Donald Trump’s inaugural pathos gets worse - Kid Rock and Ted Nugent are good to go! Trump's star-free inaugural may mark a new low in celebrity culture by Gary Legum
Solid-State Thermoelectrics
Science Daily: One step closer to reality: Devices that convert heat into electricity
summary - The same researchers who pioneered the use of a quantum mechanical effect to convert heat into electricity have figured out how to make their technique work in a form more suitable to industry.
Freedom Indeed
The freedom to be racist, homophobic, anti-union, misogynistic, sexist, ageist, and a climate change denier - now that, is freedom eh...
Guardian UK: Freedom Caucus wish list: policy areas conservatives want Trump to roll back - The rightwing group suggested 228 regulations for the president-elect to revoke to undo Obama’s legacy in climate change, net neutrality and workers’ rights
Guardian UK: Freedom Caucus wish list: policy areas conservatives want Trump to roll back - The rightwing group suggested 228 regulations for the president-elect to revoke to undo Obama’s legacy in climate change, net neutrality and workers’ rights
Montana, Bullock, Democrats, Trump
NY Times: Red State Hope for Democratic Blues by Timothy Egan
But it was historic — no president has ever lost the popular vote by a larger number, almost 3 million votes. And yet half of Republicans believe that he won the popular tally.
Help
Oh yeah, this is really going to help.
NY Times: Trump Says the U.S. Should Expand Its Nuclear Capacity By MICHAEL D. SHEAR and JAMES GLANZ
NY Times: Trump Says the U.S. Should Expand Its Nuclear Capacity By MICHAEL D. SHEAR and JAMES GLANZ
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 34 degrees and mostly hazy sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a cloudy day with temperatures in the 40s this afternoon. Here we are poised just before the holiday weekend of Christmas, once again. People are out and about gathering food and gifts, and there's a buzz in the air. The stock market will be closed on Monday for the holiday.
At 9:15 a.m. EST futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Hopefully we'll have a light day on Wall Street. Notice that Deutsche Bank came up with a deal with the US Treasury over the financial crisis of 2008. Recall that Trump owes millions and millions and millions to Deutsche Bank. Meanwhile the DOW is very close to hitting the 20,000 mark, and how long will the bull market continue.
CNN: Stocks react to bank bailout and fines; Lockheed stung; Dow record still in sight by Alanna Petroff
At 9:15 a.m. EST futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Hopefully we'll have a light day on Wall Street. Notice that Deutsche Bank came up with a deal with the US Treasury over the financial crisis of 2008. Recall that Trump owes millions and millions and millions to Deutsche Bank. Meanwhile the DOW is very close to hitting the 20,000 mark, and how long will the bull market continue.
CNN: Stocks react to bank bailout and fines; Lockheed stung; Dow record still in sight by Alanna Petroff
Deutsche Bank (DB) and Credit Suisse (CS) have just announced deals with the U.S. government worth a total of $12.5 billion to settle claims over their roles in the U.S. mortgage meltdown of 2007 and 2008.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Sound, Mood, Emotion
Science Daily: Music in the brain: The first imaging genetic study linking dopaminergic genes to music
summary - Sounds, such as music and noise, are capable of reliably affecting individuals' moods and emotions, possibly by regulating brain dopamine, a neurotransmitter strongly involved in emotional behavior and mood regulation. However, the relationship of sound environments with mood and emotions is highly variable across individuals. A putative source of variability is genetic background, a study shows.
Prince Charles Gets Real
Guardian UK: Prince Charles: rising intolerance risks repeat of horrors of past - Heir to throne talks of ‘disturbing echoes’ and rise of populist extremism, with what some will see as veiled reference to Trump
"We are now seeing the rise of many populist groups across the world that are increasingly aggressive to those who adhere to a minority faith. All of this has deeply disturbing echoes of the dark days of the 1930s."
"My parents’ generation fought and died in a battle against intolerance, monstrous extremism and inhuman attempts to exterminate the Jewish population of Europe."
Navarro
Guardian UK: 'Brutal, amoral, ruthless, cheating': how Trump's new trade tsar sees China - Peter Navarro has been picked to lead US trade and industrial policy – a move that may upset Beijing
The Chinese government is a despicable, parasitic, brutal, brass-knuckled, crass, callous, amoral, ruthless and totally totalitarian imperialist power that reigns over the world’s leading cancer factory, its most prolific propaganda mill and the biggest police state and prison on the face of the earth. (thinks Peter Navarro)
Perfection In Human Form
NY Times: Trump Suggests Berlin Attack Affirms His Plan to Bar Muslims By MARK LANDLER
“All along, I’ve been proven to be right. One hundred percent correct.” (said Trump)
GOP Says F.U.
NY Times: Health Exchange Enrollment Jumps, Even as G.O.P. Pledges Repeal By ROBERT PEAR
...the percentage of those without insurance has dropped to record lows.
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 31 degrees and very lightly snowing here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts snow and temperatures in the 30s this afternoon. We see that Cinton won the popular vote in a landslide. How archaic and useless is our voting system when the landslide winner of the popular vote is the loser. Imagine the type of outrage we would hear from the right if the shoe were on the other foot. This is an illegitimate election.
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Notice that the GDP grew at the stunning rate of 3.5% during the third quarter. As many of our faithless ever hating GOP brethren do not know what that means especially in the context of the massive hole dug by Bush 2 and now ready to be repeated by Trump 1, take time, explain it to them. They'll resist but by the time the economy is wrecked again in 2 to 4 years, maybe a little light will shine in. Maybe not.
CNN: U.S. economy grew strong 3.5% in third quarter by Patrick Gillespie
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are slightly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open slightly lower.
Notice that the GDP grew at the stunning rate of 3.5% during the third quarter. As many of our faithless ever hating GOP brethren do not know what that means especially in the context of the massive hole dug by Bush 2 and now ready to be repeated by Trump 1, take time, explain it to them. They'll resist but by the time the economy is wrecked again in 2 to 4 years, maybe a little light will shine in. Maybe not.
CNN: U.S. economy grew strong 3.5% in third quarter by Patrick Gillespie
The Federal Reserve sees the economy growing around 2% for the next few years.
A major, one-time, increase in soybean exports helped explain why the third quarter was so good.
Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Clinton By 2,864,974
We are captive to an outdated repressive system, what a disgrace.
New York Magazine: The Final, Final, Final Results for the Presidential Popular Vote Are In By Ed Kilgore
New York Magazine: The Final, Final, Final Results for the Presidential Popular Vote Are In By Ed Kilgore
Hillary Clinton won the popular vote by 2,864,974, which is 2.1 percent of the total vote.
Run, Run, Run
Neuroscience News: Runners’ Brains May Be More Connected
If you’re thinking about taking up running as your New Year’s resolution and still need some convincing, consider this: MRI scans reveal that endurance runners’ brains have greater functional connectivity than the brains of more sedentary individuals.
Shocker!
I'm shocked and I know you are too...
Guardian UK: Donald Trump on tape saying 'every racist thing ever', claims actor Tom Arnold - The actor claims confidentiality clause prevented release of Apprentice outtakes that reportedly show president-elect using ‘offensive’ slurs and insulting his son
Guardian UK: Donald Trump on tape saying 'every racist thing ever', claims actor Tom Arnold - The actor claims confidentiality clause prevented release of Apprentice outtakes that reportedly show president-elect using ‘offensive’ slurs and insulting his son
"...It was him sitting in that chair saying the N-word, saying the C-word, calling his son a retard, just being so mean to his own children...”
Death Penalty
Yours truly is opposed to the death penalty. This is good news.
Guardian UK: Death penalty slowly disappearing from the US, end-of-year report suggests - Twenty prisoners have been put to death in 2016, far below the peak of 98 in 1999, with 80% of executions taking place in just two states by Ed Pilkington
Guardian UK: Death penalty slowly disappearing from the US, end-of-year report suggests - Twenty prisoners have been put to death in 2016, far below the peak of 98 in 1999, with 80% of executions taking place in just two states by Ed Pilkington
Obama And The Environment
NY Times: Obama Bans Drilling in Parts of the Atlantic and the Arctic By CORAL DAVENPORT
...he tried to nail down an environmental legacy that cannot quickly be reversed by Donald J. Trump.
Losing It
NY Times: Trump Is Going After Health Care. Will Democrats Push Back? By THEDA SKOCPOL
Under the (ACA) act, some 468,000 low-income Pennsylvanians had gained Medicaid coverage by August 2016, and another 439,000 bought private coverage on the Obamacare marketplace, with more than three-fourths of those people getting tax credits averaging $251 per month.
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 23 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts the temperature will go into the high 30s this afternoon and that it will get cloudy. That 30s number is a welcome relief as it has been very cold, freezing recently. Well hold onto your hats, after today, little by little, the days begin to get longer and longer and longer. Time is flying and before you know it, Trump will be president and the daylight will be back.
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
One thing that caught my attention this morning is how the US Department of Treasury is attempting to get Deutsche Bank to pay for that bank's involvement in the financial crisis which as we know started with the Bush 2 administration. Recall that Trump is highly in debt to Deutsche Bank. I'm going to make a little side bet here that Deutsche Bank gets a little under the table 'quid pro quo' from the Trump administration over those billions that Deutsche owes. Stay tuned.
CNN: Stocks set to shine; Coca-Cola deal; Watching the banks by Alanna Petroff
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
One thing that caught my attention this morning is how the US Department of Treasury is attempting to get Deutsche Bank to pay for that bank's involvement in the financial crisis which as we know started with the Bush 2 administration. Recall that Trump is highly in debt to Deutsche Bank. I'm going to make a little side bet here that Deutsche Bank gets a little under the table 'quid pro quo' from the Trump administration over those billions that Deutsche owes. Stay tuned.
CNN: Stocks set to shine; Coca-Cola deal; Watching the banks by Alanna Petroff
...Deutsche Bank (DB) could face a massive penalty from the U.S. Department of Justice over its involvement in the U.S. mortgage market meltdown of 2007 and 2008.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
Grilled
This is the Vanity Fair article that Trump went ballistic over.
Vanity Fair: Trump Grill Could Be the Worst Restaurant in America - And it reveals everything you need to know about our next president. by Tina Nguyen
Vanity Fair: Trump Grill Could Be the Worst Restaurant in America - And it reveals everything you need to know about our next president. by Tina Nguyen
...molded into a sad little meat thing, sitting in the center of a massive, rapidly staling brioche bun, hiding its shame under a slice of melted orange cheese.
Advance
Science Daily: Alzheimer's advance: Early stage study in mice show new drugs restore memory loss and prolong life
summary - Breakthrough findings demonstrate a possible target and potential drug treatment to restore memory loss and extend life span in mice with neurodegeneration.
Defections
Two of the electors defected from Trump, and five defected from Clinton.
NY Times: A Historic Number of Electors Defected, and Most Were Supposed to Vote for Clinton - The Electoral College on Monday voted for Donald J. Trump to win the presidency. Seven electors, the most ever, voted for someone other than their party’s nominee By KIERSTEN SCHMIDT and WILSON ANDREWS
NY Times: A Historic Number of Electors Defected, and Most Were Supposed to Vote for Clinton - The Electoral College on Monday voted for Donald J. Trump to win the presidency. Seven electors, the most ever, voted for someone other than their party’s nominee By KIERSTEN SCHMIDT and WILSON ANDREWS
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 10 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a partly cloudy day with temperatures around 30 degrees this afternoon. The longer range forecast has it up into the 40s right through Christmas. Well it's official, the electoral college did Trump a solid while giving Clinton a Bronx cheer, and voted him in as our next president. We are headed into some crazy times. Speaking of time, the Winter Solstice occurs on Wednesday morning and then, then, the days slowly, ever so slowly get lighter and brighter.
At 9:15 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up around $53 and change. The market is poised to open moderately higher.
The bull market continues to chug along. Oil seems to be settling into the $48 to $53 a barrel range for the time being. The Italian banks are happy now that the Italian government is ready to bail them out, meaning Italians will bail them out. It's the time of Trump, America has got the DT's.
CNN: Markets shrug off attacks; Banks rally; FedEx and Nike earnings by Alanna Petroff
At 9:15 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up around $53 and change. The market is poised to open moderately higher.
The bull market continues to chug along. Oil seems to be settling into the $48 to $53 a barrel range for the time being. The Italian banks are happy now that the Italian government is ready to bail them out, meaning Italians will bail them out. It's the time of Trump, America has got the DT's.
CNN: Markets shrug off attacks; Banks rally; FedEx and Nike earnings by Alanna Petroff
...reacted calmly to deadly attacks in Germany and Turkey, and a shooting at an Islamic center in Zurich, Switzerland.
Monday, December 19, 2016
Update
If you are getting that sinking queasy feeling, you're not alone.
ABC News: The Latest: Trump Has 215 Electoral Votes of 270 to Win By The Associated Press
ABC News: The Latest: Trump Has 215 Electoral Votes of 270 to Win By The Associated Press
Lutein - 'A Neuroprotective Role'
Science Daily: Nutrition linked to brain health and intelligence in older adults
summary - A study of older adults links consumption of a pigment found in leafy greens to the preservation of 'crystallized intelligence,' the ability to use the skills and knowledge one has acquired over a lifetime.
The Market On Monday
Good morning. It is 14 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a sunny day with temperatures in the 20s this afternoon. It's cold out there. Well today is the day the electoral college officially makes Trump the new president. It's a new world.
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
The indexes continue to hover around record highs. Of note, Janet Yellin will be speaking on the state of employment in the US. Investors will be carefully listening for signs or indications of any further interest rate hikes.
CNN: Janet Yellen in focus; Dow flirts with new record; Nintendo crushed by Alanna Petroff
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are slightly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open slightly higher.
The indexes continue to hover around record highs. Of note, Janet Yellin will be speaking on the state of employment in the US. Investors will be carefully listening for signs or indications of any further interest rate hikes.
CNN: Janet Yellen in focus; Dow flirts with new record; Nintendo crushed by Alanna Petroff
...Janet Yellen -- is scheduled to give a speech about the state of the American job market at 1:30 p.m. ET...
Friday, December 16, 2016
Closed Weekends
The blog is closed on weekends. See you bright and early Monday morning.
work by Paul Sérusier
work by Paul Sérusier
Cellular Reprogramming
Science Daily: Cellular reprogramming slows aging in mice
summary - Scientists have rolled back time for live mice through systemic cellular reprogramming, according to a new study. In mice carrying a mutation leading to premature aging, reprogramming of chemical marks in the genome, known as epigenetic marks, reduced many signs of aging in the mice and extended their lifespan on average from 18 weeks to 24.
Winter
Well okay then, humanity is now sanctioning this type of degradation for amusement. Humanity of course has a history of turning torture and abuse into amusement, we politely call it sadism or abuse even. But here we get to see it on TV 24/7. Is humanity degenerating?
Guardian UK: Russian reality TV show Game2: Winter to 'allow' rape and murder in Siberia - Contestants sign waiver acknowledging they may not survive nine-month Siberian wilderness challenge, and if crimes are committed, they will be arrested
Guardian UK: Russian reality TV show Game2: Winter to 'allow' rape and murder in Siberia - Contestants sign waiver acknowledging they may not survive nine-month Siberian wilderness challenge, and if crimes are committed, they will be arrested
Contestants will each sign a waiver acknowledging that they might be raped or killed but the rules also state that police are free to arrest anyone who commits a crime on the show.
'Arrest-Related Deaths'
Quite a term, would you agree - 'arrest-related deaths'. It reminds me of 'collateral damage', another way to redirect, rethink, or make polite murder and killing. We talk about being politically correct, how about we start with these kinds of terms - throw them out the window, and call it what it is instead of sugarcoating it.
Guardian UK: Killings by US police logged at twice the previous rate under new federal program - US government pilot program, which draws on information collected by the Guardian, publishes first data gathered under new ‘hybrid’ counting system
Guardian UK: Killings by US police logged at twice the previous rate under new federal program - US government pilot program, which draws on information collected by the Guardian, publishes first data gathered under new ‘hybrid’ counting system
David M. Friedman
NY Times: Trump Chooses Hard-Liner as Ambassador to Israel By MATTHEW ROSENBERG
...a bankruptcy lawyer aligned with the Israeli far right...
The Market On Friday
Good morning. It is 5 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, and that is not a typo, it is 5 tiny freezing degrees here. The forecast predicts snow and temperatures in the 20s this afternoon. Take heart, it's supposed to warm up on Saturday and by warm up we mean it goes into the 30s.
At 9:30 a.m. ET the DOW is modestly higher and the price of oil is up at $51 and change per barrel. The market is opening modestly higher.
There a huge big pharma merger happening in Europe - Sanofi and Actelion. But relatively speaking the consensus is more about it being a calm ordinary day on Wall Street. Hopefully I didn't jinx it and the DOW drops 500 points out of nowhere! Enjoy the weekend.
CNN: Hot health care stock; Wells Fargo update; Real estate data by Alanna Petroff
At 9:30 a.m. ET the DOW is modestly higher and the price of oil is up at $51 and change per barrel. The market is opening modestly higher.
There a huge big pharma merger happening in Europe - Sanofi and Actelion. But relatively speaking the consensus is more about it being a calm ordinary day on Wall Street. Hopefully I didn't jinx it and the DOW drops 500 points out of nowhere! Enjoy the weekend.
CNN: Hot health care stock; Wells Fargo update; Real estate data by Alanna Petroff
Details on housing starts and building permits from November will be released at 8:30 a.m. ET.
Thursday, December 15, 2016
Pure Sadness
attn.com: What Trump Supporters Did at a High School Basketball Game Is Terrible
...a great portion of the student body of Warrensburg physically turned their backs on the players, while holding up a Trump sign.
Later
Science Daily: Teens benefit from later high school start times - Teens may get more sleep, have fewer motor vehicle accidents when school starts later
summary - Later high school start times are associated with positive outcomes among teens, including longer weekday sleep durations and reduced vehicular accident rates, research suggests.
Albany New York's Times Union
The Albany New York Times Union, has issued an editorial asking for electors to reject Trump on Monday. The T.U. is one of the first papers in the nation to do so.
Times Union: Editorial: Electors, reject Mr. Trump
Times Union: Editorial: Electors, reject Mr. Trump
The Market On Thursday
Good morning. It is 20 degrees, partly cloudy, and windy here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a partly cloudy day with temperatures in the 20s this afternoon. Winter is here but good.
At 9:15 the DOW is modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down just above $50 per barrel. The market is poised to open modestly higher.
The Fed did indeed hike the interest rate on Wednesday and that move was not popular among investors. Notice that Yahoo is reporting a hack of 1 Billion accounts, that's a lot of accounts.
CNN: Yahoo hacked; Fed reaction; Venezuela's new cash by Alanna Petroff
At 9:15 the DOW is modestly higher and the price of oil per barrel is down just above $50 per barrel. The market is poised to open modestly higher.
The Fed did indeed hike the interest rate on Wednesday and that move was not popular among investors. Notice that Yahoo is reporting a hack of 1 Billion accounts, that's a lot of accounts.
CNN: Yahoo hacked; Fed reaction; Venezuela's new cash by Alanna Petroff
Investors were in a negative mood yesterday after the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates, which was widely expected.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Battle
wbur.org: Former CIA Officer On Trump's Battle With Intelligence Community
"Mike Morell, former acting director [of the CIA], whom I overlapped with in my career, said that this is the equivalent of a 9/11 moment for the intelligence community. Others have called it the gravest crisis since World War II facing the republic. All of these statements are true."
'The Dukes'
We ended up with the worst, most unqualified, and dangerous president elect in US history, winning through the most tainted election in US history. You would think people would be up in arms. But no, the president elect thinks this is all swell and naturally his supporters do too. Just smile, move along, and have a nice day. Everything will be fine.
NY Times: The Perfect Weapon: How Russian Cyberpower Invaded the U.S. By ERIC LIPTON, DAVID E. SANGER and SCOTT SHANE
NY Times: The Perfect Weapon: How Russian Cyberpower Invaded the U.S. By ERIC LIPTON, DAVID E. SANGER and SCOTT SHANE
“This was not something that was done casually, this was not something that was done by chance, this was not a target that was selected purely arbitrarily,” he said. “This was a conscious effort by a nation-state to attempt to achieve a specific effect.”
The Market On Wednesday
Good morning. It is 30 degrees and it is sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a partly cloudy day with temperatures in the low 30s. We are heading into the below freezing part of the program, there's still a thin layer of snow on most of the lawns. It's looking like Winter. Well, yours truly made a delicious gluten-free lasagna yesterday and it was a hit. I used rice lasagna noodles and most of the usual stuff cheese-wise and sauce-wise but I also threw in some onions, broccoli, and hold onto your hats, bok choy. I finely chopped the bok choy and added it to the ricotta. It was good.
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open modestly lower.
The Fed is highly expected to announce a base interest rate hike this afternoon. Could anything be more meaningful to Wall Street - maybe not. Regardless a decent line of credit will be a little more costly.
CNN: The Fed decides; Techies meet Trump; Pharma deal collapse by Alanna Petroff
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are modestly lower and the price of oil per barrel is down. The market is poised to open modestly lower.
The Fed is highly expected to announce a base interest rate hike this afternoon. Could anything be more meaningful to Wall Street - maybe not. Regardless a decent line of credit will be a little more costly.
CNN: The Fed decides; Techies meet Trump; Pharma deal collapse by Alanna Petroff
After the interest rate decision is announced at 2 p.m. ET, market attention will turn to Fed chair Janet Yellen's press conference at 2:30.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Two Minutes
Bernie Sanders convinces a Trump voter she voted for the wrong person — in less than 2 minutes.
Oops
Secretary of Energy wants to see the energy department shut down. The EPA head does not believe in global warming. The Secretary of Education opposes public schools. And the Secretary of State is all about big oil. It's quite a list.
NY Times: Rick Perry, Ex-Governor of Texas, Is Trump’s Pick as Energy Secretary By CORAL DAVENPORT
NY Times: Rick Perry, Ex-Governor of Texas, Is Trump’s Pick as Energy Secretary By CORAL DAVENPORT
Charge
NPR: 'Pizzagate' Suspect Faces Federal Charge
Edgar Welch faces one charge of interstate transportation of a firearm with intent to commit an offense in connection with his alleged firing of an AR-15 rifle inside the Comet Ping Pong restaurant earlier this month.
If convicted, the 28-year-old could see up to 10 years in prison along with financial penalties, The Associated Press reports.
HAT-P-7b
Science Daily: Winds of rubies and sapphires strike the sky of giant planet
summary - Signs of powerful changing winds have been detected on a planet 16 times larger than Earth, over 1,000 light years away -- the first time ever that weather systems have been found on a gas giant outside our solar system -- according to new research.
Hack
NBC News: Why the CIA Thinks Russia Wanted Trump to Win by Ken Dilanian and Pete Williams
"If you provide proof, you provide a roadmap to show the Russians how we caught them," he said, "including intelligence sources and methods."
The Rupture
Guardian UK: Chinese state tabloid warns Donald Trump: 'Pride goes before a fall' - Global Times attack comes as experts say Beijing will be looking for president-elect’s ‘pressure points’ before inauguration
“It could be a rupture in the US-China relationship that we haven’t seen yet,” she said. “I’m not at all optimistic”.
Flawed
NY Times: Flawed Choices for the State Department By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Steve Coll...wrote...“the goal of Exxon Mobil’s independent foreign policy has been to promote a world that is good for oil and gas production.”
Rex Tillerson
Big oil here we come!
NY Times: Rex Tillerson, Exxon C.E.O., Chosen as Secretary of State By MICHAEL D. SHEAR and MAGGIE HABERMAN
NY Times: Rex Tillerson, Exxon C.E.O., Chosen as Secretary of State By MICHAEL D. SHEAR and MAGGIE HABERMAN
The Market On Tuesday
Good morning. It is 34 degrees and sunny here in the Upper Hudson Valley, the forecast predicts a cloudy day with temperatures in the high 30s this afternoon. There is a thin layer of snow out there, Winter is here. Watching the news yesterday, there appears to be more interest in the Russia-hacking-the-election-gate with several people suggesting that Trump is involved. Can it get any uglier? Yes it can.
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
The Fed begins a two day meeting today and it is generally believed that the meeting will end with the announcement of a base interest rate hike. With the DOW close to 20,000 and unemployment below 5%, yes interest rates will creep up. Trump should bless his predecessor for leaving him with a significantly improved economy. Let's not forget that he convinced his followers that the economy was falling to crap. No doubt he will soon take credit for the economy. Now will Trump screw it up? The answer is not if, but when.
CNN: Fed meeting begins; Bank cuts 14,000 jobs; Beer deal hangover by Alanna Petroff
At 9:20 a.m. ET futures are moderately higher and the price of oil per barrel is up. The market is poised to open higher.
The Fed begins a two day meeting today and it is generally believed that the meeting will end with the announcement of a base interest rate hike. With the DOW close to 20,000 and unemployment below 5%, yes interest rates will creep up. Trump should bless his predecessor for leaving him with a significantly improved economy. Let's not forget that he convinced his followers that the economy was falling to crap. No doubt he will soon take credit for the economy. Now will Trump screw it up? The answer is not if, but when.
CNN: Fed meeting begins; Bank cuts 14,000 jobs; Beer deal hangover by Alanna Petroff
The Fed has not raised rates since December of last year.
President-elect Donald Trump has nominated ExxonMobil CEO Rex Tillerson to serve as secretary of state.
Monday, December 12, 2016
With A Little Help From My Friends
Well, well, it's nice to see there is at least a minimum amount of interest in Russia hacking and throwing our election. You'd think people would be in the streets demanding justice, oh no, we'll settle for Trump they say.
Salon: Nate Silver, Harry Reid agree: Hillary Clinton isn’t president because of James Comey’s letters - Nate Silver and Harry Reid both believe that James Comey, the FBI director, threw the election to Trump by Matthew Rozsa
Salon: Nate Silver, Harry Reid agree: Hillary Clinton isn’t president because of James Comey’s letters - Nate Silver and Harry Reid both believe that James Comey, the FBI director, threw the election to Trump by Matthew Rozsa
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