Ron Paul: racist newsletter scandal won't go away
"Ron Paul says he knew nothing of a racist newsletter published under his name two decades ago. But he hasn't offered a convincing explanation – and that could hurt him in Iowa"
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Monday, December 19, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
China’s DESERTED & FAKE Disneyland
China’s DESERTED & FAKE Disneyland
"Along the road to one of China’s most famous tourist landmarks – the Great Wall of China – sits what could potentially have been another such tourist destination, but now stands as an example of modern-day China and the problems facing it."
"Along the road to one of China’s most famous tourist landmarks – the Great Wall of China – sits what could potentially have been another such tourist destination, but now stands as an example of modern-day China and the problems facing it."
Friday, December 16, 2011
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."
"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle."-Einstein
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
What Do Mountain Dew & Flame Retardant HAVE IN COMMON?
What Do Mountain Dew & Flame Retardant HAVE IN COMMON?
"About 10 percent of sodas in the U.S. contain brominated vegetable oil or BVO, a patented flame retardant chemical.
"About 10 percent of sodas in the U.S. contain brominated vegetable oil or BVO, a patented flame retardant chemical.
It's completely banned from foods in Europe and Japan, but the FDA set "safe limits" for it back in 1977, according to Environmental Health News."
Monday, December 12, 2011
Latin American trees offer investment opportunity Commentary: Latin American timber should be on investors’ lists
Latin American trees offer investment opportunity Commentary: Latin American timber should be on investors’ lists
"First of all, forestry in Latin America means an entirely different thing than it does in the United States. In the U.S., many forestry companies are traded as real-estate investment trusts, or REITs, where their earnings are driven by activities such as paper and pulp production, lumber and the holdings of their timberlands.
Kimberly-Clark de MexicoKimberly-Clark de Mexico, which employs some 8,000 people, has been recognized for earnings stability during the global financial crisis.
"First of all, forestry in Latin America means an entirely different thing than it does in the United States. In the U.S., many forestry companies are traded as real-estate investment trusts, or REITs, where their earnings are driven by activities such as paper and pulp production, lumber and the holdings of their timberlands.
Kimberly-Clark de Mexico
In Latin America, companies tend to be defined by what they produce, not by their land holdings. For example, the region’s two largest forestry companies are Chile’s Arauco, which is divided into five divisions, including lumber, pulp and paper; and Brazil’s Fibria Celulose SA FBR -3.60% , a producer of eucalyptus pulp."
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Exclusive: On the run, U.S. financier finds 'SPANISH REFUGE'
Exclusive: On the run, U.S. financier finds Spanish refuge
"He's wanted for contempt of court in Arizona. He is under investigation by Italian police over his connection with an international bond scandal exposed by Reuters in August and totaling at least $500 million. And he is named as a key player in one of the first criminal indictments following the collapse of Iceland's economy.
"He's wanted for contempt of court in Arizona. He is under investigation by Italian police over his connection with an international bond scandal exposed by Reuters in August and totaling at least $500 million. And he is named as a key player in one of the first criminal indictments following the collapse of Iceland's economy.
But last week you could find David Spargo in a holiday resort on the Spanish island of Majorca. He's a regular at La Batucada cocktail bar, where he might be drinking anything from a cocktail to a beer or whisky. Locals say he also enjoys playing on the 95-euro-a-round ($127) Alcanada golf course, which overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean."
Headhunter Guilty Of Stalking Hedge Fund Honcho's Wife
Headhunter Guilty Of Stalking Hedge Fund Honcho's Wife
"A domestic staff headhunter for the rich and famous has been convicted of stalking the wife of King Street Capital Management founder Brian Higgins.
Adrian Smith was found guilty of nine counts of aggravated harassment and one count of stalking Tania Higgins. Higgins accused Smith of bombarding her with abusive e-mails and phone calls, as well as posting personal information about her online and encouraging others to join in the harassment, after she decided against hiring one of his clients."
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Despite law against it, stealth commercials frequently HIDDEN as TV news
Despite law against it, stealth commercials frequently HIDDEN as TV news
"Alison Rhodes is passionate about child safety, and in hundreds of TV news interviews, the self-styled “Safety Mom” has talked up products designed to increase it. During a segment on WTTG’s morning news last year, for example, Rhodes showed off a home electronic monitor made by ADT and a backpack with a built-in alarm known as the iSafe bag.
“It’s amazing,” she gushed to Fox5 host Tony Perkins about the backpack. “It really is amazing.”
What neither Rhodes nor WTTG mentioned to viewers was this: The companies Rhodes mentioned on the air had paid her to plug their products. In effect, Rhodes’s appearance was a kind of stealth commercial dressed up as a traditional product-review interview."
Monday, December 5, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Digging into China’s nuclear tunnels
Digging into China’s nuclear tunnels
"The result of their effort? The largest body of public knowledge about thousands of miles of tunnels dug by the Second Artillery Corps, a secretive branch of the Chinese military in charge of protecting and deploying its ballistic missiles and nuclear warheads."
"The result of their effort? The largest body of public knowledge about thousands of miles of tunnels dug by the Second Artillery Corps, a secretive branch of the Chinese military in charge of protecting and deploying its ballistic missiles and nuclear warheads."
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
Playing Trick On College Psych Professor :)
Playing Trick On College Psych Professor :)
"A psychologist at a girl’s college asked the members of his class to compliment any girl wearing red. Within a week the cafeteria was a blaze of red. None of the girls were aware of being influenced, although they did notice that the atmosphere was more friendly. A class at the University of Minnesota is reported to have conditioned their psychology professor a week after he told them about learning without awareness. Every time he moved toward the right side of the room, they paid more attention and laughed more uproariously at his jokes, until apparently they were able to condition him right out the door."
"A psychologist at a girl’s college asked the members of his class to compliment any girl wearing red. Within a week the cafeteria was a blaze of red. None of the girls were aware of being influenced, although they did notice that the atmosphere was more friendly. A class at the University of Minnesota is reported to have conditioned their psychology professor a week after he told them about learning without awareness. Every time he moved toward the right side of the room, they paid more attention and laughed more uproariously at his jokes, until apparently they were able to condition him right out the door."
results require effort, effort requires determination, determination requires desire - Neil Fromer
results require effort, effort requires determination, determination requires desire - Neil Fromer
All personal achievement starts in the mind of the individual. Your personal achievement starts in your mind. The first step is to know exactly what your problem, goal or desire is. W. Clement Stone
All personal achievement starts in the mind of the individual. Your personal achievement starts in your mind. The first step is to know exactly what your problem, goal or desire is.
W. Clement Stone
W. Clement Stone
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
RT @88Diamonds: Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~M. Beattle
RT @88Diamonds: Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow. ~M. Beattle
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. -- Zig Ziglar
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily. -- Zig Ziglar
Monday, November 21, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. -- Albert Einstein
I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. -- Albert Einstein
Friday, November 18, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted. -- Ruth E. Renkl
You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted. -- Ruth E. Renkl
Lululemon’s Ayn Rand bag irks some (Others shrugged)
Lululemon’s Ayn Rand bag irks some (Others shrugged)
" the Vancouver-based retailer of choice for yoga devotees who want to strike a fashionable pose while attaining a higher state of being, is interrupting the positive energy flow of some of its most loyal customers by promoting a controversial novel by Ayn Rand."
" the Vancouver-based retailer of choice for yoga devotees who want to strike a fashionable pose while attaining a higher state of being, is interrupting the positive energy flow of some of its most loyal customers by promoting a controversial novel by Ayn Rand."
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Monday, November 14, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
Thursday, November 10, 2011
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity. - Albert Einstein
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.
- Albert Einstein
- Albert Einstein
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." ~Buddha
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment." ~Buddha
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price.
"Dictionary is the only place that success comes before work. Hard work is the price we must pay for success. I think you can accomplish anything if you're willing to pay the price. "
Vince Lombardi
Vince Lombardi
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Robot to attempt Hawaii triathlon
Robot to attempt Hawaii triathlon
"This is very tough even for a sportsman, but I think it is worth a challenge," said Tomotaka Takahashi, who created the green-and-white toy-like robot.
"The robot will encounter a lot of hardships on its way, but I hope it will overcome them all and succeed in the end."
The robot will have to swim, run and bike for a total of approximately 230 km. The time given to complete the task is one week or 168 hours, which is ten times longer than it would take a sportsman.
"Evolta's height is just one-tenth of a grown man, so we figured out that it would take it 10 times more time," Takahashi added."
Thursday, September 8, 2011
RT @Lawrence McDonald "Making money is a zero sum game, so to be successful you have to be willing to stand apart from the crowd" - trading legend Ray Dalio
RT @Lawrence McDonald "Making money is a zero sum game, so to be successful you have to be willing to stand apart from the crowd" - trading legend Ray Dalio
Android to overtake Apple in app downloads!
Android to overtake Apple in app downloads!
"Android is expected to surpass Apple in application downloads for the first time, according to research firm Ovum.
"Android is expected to surpass Apple in application downloads for the first time, according to research firm Ovum.
Android could notch 8.1 billion app downloads this year, compared with 6 billion for Apple's iOS devices. That marks an explosion of growth for both platforms; Apple had 2.7 billion downloads and Android recorded 1.4 billion last year. The total number of application downloads is expected to grow by 144 percent this year, Ovum said in a report issued today."
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Man accused of threatening top ranking Google exec via Twitter
Man accused of threatening top ranking Google exec via Twitter
"According to court records, Gregory Calvin King was arrested in Texas last month and transported to San Francisco to face charges he threatened Google vice president Marissa Mayer, the company's first female engineer.
"According to court records, Gregory Calvin King was arrested in Texas last month and transported to San Francisco to face charges he threatened Google vice president Marissa Mayer, the company's first female engineer.
The indictment identified the alleged victim only as "M.M." but King's Twitter account shows him sending thousands of threatening posts to Mayer."
Groupon SCRAPS IPO Plans with FEDERAL PROBE!
Groupon SCRAPS IPO Plans with FEDERAL PROBE!
Byebye easy billions for company indebting current shareholders. Who will buy such crap?
Byebye easy billions for company indebting current shareholders. Who will buy such crap?
“This art of resting the mind and the power of dismissing from it all care and worry is probably one of the secrets of energy in our great men.” Captain J. A. Hadfield
“This art of resting the mind and the power of dismissing from it all care and worry is probably one of the secrets of energy in our great men.” Captain J. A. Hadfield
“No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you’d be more productive.” Dr. Joyce Brothers
“No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you’d be more productive.” Dr. Joyce Brothers
“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” Chinese Proverb
“Tension is who you think you should be. Relaxation is who you are.” Chinese Proverb
The 'GREAT BANK ROBBERY': Nassim Taleb and Mark Spitznagel
The 'GREAT BANK ROBBERY': Nassim Taleb and Mark Spitznagel
"the elephant in the room is the amount of money paid to bankers over the last five years. In the United States, the sum stands at an astounding $2.2 trillion. Extrapolating over the coming decade, the numbers would approach $5 trillion, an amount vastly larger than what both President Barack Obama’s administration and his Republican opponents seem willing to cut from further government deficits.
"the elephant in the room is the amount of money paid to bankers over the last five years. In the United States, the sum stands at an astounding $2.2 trillion. Extrapolating over the coming decade, the numbers would approach $5 trillion, an amount vastly larger than what both President Barack Obama’s administration and his Republican opponents seem willing to cut from further government deficits.
Excessive leverage, rather than skills, can be seen as the source of their resulting profits, which then flow disproportionately to employees, and of their sometimes-massive losses, which are borne by shareholders and taxpayers.
In other words, banks take risks, get paid for the upside, and then transfer the downside to shareholders, taxpayers, and even retirees. In order to rescue the banking system, the Federal Reserve, for example, put interest rates at artificially low levels; as was disclosed recently, it also has provided secret loans of $1.2 trillion to banks. The main effect so far has been to help bankers generate bonuses (rather than attract borrowers) by hiding exposures"
Monday, September 5, 2011
"If eighty percent of your sales come from twenty percent of all of your items, just carry those twenty percent" - Henry Kissinger
"If eighty percent of your sales come from twenty percent of all of your items, just carry those twenty percent" - Henry Kissinger
rt @Jeffrey Zeldman "On Labor Day we honor those whose labor creates our clothes, cars, TVs, toys, and computers. Thank you, people of Asia."
rt @Jeffrey Zeldman "On Labor Day we honor those whose labor creates our clothes, cars, TVs, toys, and computers. Thank you, people of Asia."
Sunday, September 4, 2011
"Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't"
"Entrepreneurship is living a few years of your life like most people won't, so that you can spend the rest of your life like most people can't"
Satellite Takes Burning Man Photos from space!!
Satellite Takes Burning Man Photos from space!!
"a tiny European satellite has snapped an overhead shot of the eccentric action.
"a tiny European satellite has snapped an overhead shot of the eccentric action.
The European Space Agency's Proba-1 microsatellite took a photo of Burning Man on Thursday (Sept. 1) from an altitude of about 373 miles (600 kilometers). The picture shows campers and tents massed for the annual gathering, which attracts 50,000 people to the Black Rock Desert 120 miles (193 km) north of Reno."
All growth is a leap in the dark - a spontaneous, unpremeditated act without the benefit of experience. - Henry Miller
All growth is a leap in the dark - a spontaneous, unpremeditated act without the benefit of experience. - Henry Miller
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Challenges make life interesting, however, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. - Mark Twain
Challenges make life interesting, however, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful. - Mark Twain
Friday, September 2, 2011
“Pressure makes diamonds.” - General George Patton
“Pressure makes diamonds.” - General George Patton
"THREE WORDS" - IF, BUT, TRY.
"Three Words of Self Doubt
by Rabbi Yossi Ives
You're not serious about your goal if you use one of these three words.
People confuse desire with determination. You may well like to run a marathon. Whether you do or not will depend not on whether you desire that achievement, but whether you are committed to it and are determined to succeed. How much do you want to achieve it? How motivated are you? You say you want to realize your ambition – but how serious are you? I can tell you one thing for sure – the chance that you will reach your goal is not predicated on your genuine interest in that achievement but on whether you can muster real drive and enthusiasm.
I know people who would love to start their own business or write a book, and I don’t doubt their sincerity. I also don’t doubt that it will never happen. Why? Because dearly wishing for something is not the same as being dead serious about accomplishing it. Only when an idea changes from a dream to a concrete goal, complete with a detailed plan of action, will things start to happen. Why do so many truly great ideas prove unsuccessful? A key reason is that in our own minds we are undermining ourselves; we are subverting our own success. Are we prepared to believe in ourselves?
Your choice of words has the ability to reveal what you are really thinking. Here are three words to look out for: If, Try and But. Use them and you may get caught red-handed practicing self-doubt. These expressions usually indicate that you don’t believe what you are saying, so what chance do you have of bringing your goal to fruition?
IF – “If I finally manage to get my act together, I will have an amazing business plan.” “If?” What kind of language is that? I thought you were serious? Not if – When! I thought you said it was a great plan? So why start with “If”? I have no idea what your business plan says, but if you don’t wholeheartedly go for it, there’s an excellent chance it will remain one big “if.”
If is iffy. Ban that word! “If” can imply choice, but often it simply means that you doubt it will ever happen. Our Sages say (Talmud Kiddushin 40a) that God regards a positive intention as if it were an action. Why? Because if you have serious intent, it will most likely result in action. Any disbelief – whether in God or yourself – is problematic. Is there something you would like to do? Then do it! On various occasions in the Bible, the Hebrew word for “if” (“im”) actually means “when” – I guess “if” is not always an option.
TRY – “I will try to get my office sorted out before I am literally submerged under my papers.” What do you mean by “try”? Are you or are you not going to clear out your office? No one in the history of the planet has ever tried to clean out his office – he either did or he didn’t.
The word “try” presupposes failure. The word “try” is often used when there is an expectation of defeat. You are not going to try to tackle your office deluge – you “will” tackle it! I cannot guarantee you’ll succeed, but I can guarantee that if you try to do it, you won’t. You don’t try to do your accounts – you just do it. To achieve a goal, don’t try; just do. As Yoda said in The Empire Strikes Back: “Do, or do not. There is no ‘try.’“ R. Menachem Mendel of Kotzk (1767-1859), known as the Kotzker Rebe, said: “To say, ‘I wish to do it,’ is a bad trait; to say, ‘I will do it’ is better; to say ‘I am doing it’ is a good trait.” With God’s help, you will succeed.
BUT – “I am committed to working my way through this computer manual, but I need to get a few things sorted out first.” The word “but” is the verbal equivalent of the reverse gear in your car. It negates whatever is said before. “But” is a great eraser. It rubs out whatever positive intentions you had expressed previously.
If a friend says to you: “Goldie, you’re looking great today, but it’s a shame about the hairstyle,” she would have been better saying nothing. When someone says, “Yes, but…” you know the emphasis is on the “but,” not the “yes.” When you are expressing your positive affirmation, there is no “but.” Don’t use the word again.
Changing your language is not a panacea, but it is an essential ingredient. When we speak, even if no one listens to a word we say, the brain pays close attention. It registers the caveats, the hesitation, the doubt. It sends out a message to your body: don’t overexert yourself; this guy’s not serious.
So start speaking as if you mean it. No ifs ands or buts."
Excerpted from There Must Be a Better Way, by Yossi Ives
by Rabbi Yossi Ives
You're not serious about your goal if you use one of these three words.
People confuse desire with determination. You may well like to run a marathon. Whether you do or not will depend not on whether you desire that achievement, but whether you are committed to it and are determined to succeed. How much do you want to achieve it? How motivated are you? You say you want to realize your ambition – but how serious are you? I can tell you one thing for sure – the chance that you will reach your goal is not predicated on your genuine interest in that achievement but on whether you can muster real drive and enthusiasm.
I know people who would love to start their own business or write a book, and I don’t doubt their sincerity. I also don’t doubt that it will never happen. Why? Because dearly wishing for something is not the same as being dead serious about accomplishing it. Only when an idea changes from a dream to a concrete goal, complete with a detailed plan of action, will things start to happen. Why do so many truly great ideas prove unsuccessful? A key reason is that in our own minds we are undermining ourselves; we are subverting our own success. Are we prepared to believe in ourselves?
Your choice of words has the ability to reveal what you are really thinking. Here are three words to look out for: If, Try and But. Use them and you may get caught red-handed practicing self-doubt. These expressions usually indicate that you don’t believe what you are saying, so what chance do you have of bringing your goal to fruition?
IF – “If I finally manage to get my act together, I will have an amazing business plan.” “If?” What kind of language is that? I thought you were serious? Not if – When! I thought you said it was a great plan? So why start with “If”? I have no idea what your business plan says, but if you don’t wholeheartedly go for it, there’s an excellent chance it will remain one big “if.”
If is iffy. Ban that word! “If” can imply choice, but often it simply means that you doubt it will ever happen. Our Sages say (Talmud Kiddushin 40a) that God regards a positive intention as if it were an action. Why? Because if you have serious intent, it will most likely result in action. Any disbelief – whether in God or yourself – is problematic. Is there something you would like to do? Then do it! On various occasions in the Bible, the Hebrew word for “if” (“im”) actually means “when” – I guess “if” is not always an option.
TRY – “I will try to get my office sorted out before I am literally submerged under my papers.” What do you mean by “try”? Are you or are you not going to clear out your office? No one in the history of the planet has ever tried to clean out his office – he either did or he didn’t.
The word “try” presupposes failure. The word “try” is often used when there is an expectation of defeat. You are not going to try to tackle your office deluge – you “will” tackle it! I cannot guarantee you’ll succeed, but I can guarantee that if you try to do it, you won’t. You don’t try to do your accounts – you just do it. To achieve a goal, don’t try; just do. As Yoda said in The Empire Strikes Back: “Do, or do not. There is no ‘try.’“ R. Menachem Mendel of Kotzk (1767-1859), known as the Kotzker Rebe, said: “To say, ‘I wish to do it,’ is a bad trait; to say, ‘I will do it’ is better; to say ‘I am doing it’ is a good trait.” With God’s help, you will succeed.
BUT – “I am committed to working my way through this computer manual, but I need to get a few things sorted out first.” The word “but” is the verbal equivalent of the reverse gear in your car. It negates whatever is said before. “But” is a great eraser. It rubs out whatever positive intentions you had expressed previously.
If a friend says to you: “Goldie, you’re looking great today, but it’s a shame about the hairstyle,” she would have been better saying nothing. When someone says, “Yes, but…” you know the emphasis is on the “but,” not the “yes.” When you are expressing your positive affirmation, there is no “but.” Don’t use the word again.
Changing your language is not a panacea, but it is an essential ingredient. When we speak, even if no one listens to a word we say, the brain pays close attention. It registers the caveats, the hesitation, the doubt. It sends out a message to your body: don’t overexert yourself; this guy’s not serious.
So start speaking as if you mean it. No ifs ands or buts."
Excerpted from There Must Be a Better Way, by Yossi Ives
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
It's not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity."
It's not what we eat but what we digest that makes us strong; not what we gain but what we save that makes us rich; not what we read but what we remember that makes us learned; and not what we profess but what we practice that gives us integrity."
Philosopher, Francis Bacon
Philosopher, Francis Bacon
Impossibilities are merely the half-hearted efforts of quitters. -Orison Swett Marden
Impossibilities are merely the half-hearted efforts of quitters. -Orison Swett Marden
"The only consequence is what we do" - John Ruskin
"What we think or what we know
or what we believe is, in the
end, of little consequence.
The only consequence is what we do"
- John Ruskin
or what we believe is, in the
end, of little consequence.
The only consequence is what we do"
- John Ruskin
Monday, August 29, 2011
3 Charts From SocGen On Why The "JAPANESE SCENARIO" Means Investors Should "Be AFRAID, Be Very Afraid"
3 Charts From SocGen On Why The "JAPANESE SCENARIO" Means Investors Should "Be AFRAID, Be Very Afraid"
"A Japanese-style scenario for the US could gain traction, particularly if there is no real estate recovery in the US, high unemployment levels persist, and economic sentiment remains depressed."
"A Japanese-style scenario for the US could gain traction, particularly if there is no real estate recovery in the US, high unemployment levels persist, and economic sentiment remains depressed."
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." Antoine de Saint-Exupery
"Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Sunday, August 28, 2011
If we all did things we are capable of doing, we would literally ASTOUND ourselves. Thomas A. Edison
If we all did things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves. Thomas A. Edison
"**WARNING** "As Hurricane Irene prepares to batter the East Coast, federal disaster officials warn that Internet outages could force people to interact with other people for the first time in years."
**WARNING**
As Hurricane Irene prepares to batter the East Coast, federal disaster officials warn that Internet outages could force people to interact with other people for the first time in years. Residents are bracing themselves for the horror of awkward silences and unwanted eye contact. FEMA advises: “Be prepared. Write down possible topics to
talk about in advance. Sports...the weather. Remember, a conversation is basically a series of Facebook updates or Tweets, strung together.”
As Hurricane Irene prepares to batter the East Coast, federal disaster officials warn that Internet outages could force people to interact with other people for the first time in years. Residents are bracing themselves for the horror of awkward silences and unwanted eye contact. FEMA advises: “Be prepared. Write down possible topics to
talk about in advance. Sports...the weather. Remember, a conversation is basically a series of Facebook updates or Tweets, strung together.”
Friday, August 26, 2011
Rick Perry 'teacher death life insurance speculation' scheme? WHAT??
Rick Perry 'teacher death life insurance speculation' scheme? WHAT??
"The notes make clear that the governor's proposal deliberately targeted the elderly. The state was only seeking to take out life insurance on people between the ages of 75 and 90. At a separate meeting five days later, the plan's proponents discussed the "mental capacity" of these retirees to grant consent as one of three major technical obstacles to the plan, according to notes from that meeting.
"The notes make clear that the governor's proposal deliberately targeted the elderly. The state was only seeking to take out life insurance on people between the ages of 75 and 90. At a separate meeting five days later, the plan's proponents discussed the "mental capacity" of these retirees to grant consent as one of three major technical obstacles to the plan, according to notes from that meeting.
At the first meeting, Morrissey said it could take 10 to 12 years for Texas to "earn" money from the scheme, but insisted the deal could be worth up to $700 million for the state if the retirement fund could sign up 40,000 retired teachers.
The meeting notes show Insurance Commissioner Jose Montemayor, a Perry appointee, joined Morrissey in the sales pitch, claiming that "this arrangement" was already being utilized by "some very rich people" who had set up similar plans to benefit the University of Texas and Texas A&M."
“I want fear” says TOP bond manager
"Jeffrey Gundlach’s DoubleLine Capital LP is favoring cash over almost all investments including corporate bonds, wagering that relative yields will widen even after expanding to the most since October 2009.
“I want fear,” Gundlach, the founder and head of Los Angeles-based DoubleLine, said in an Aug. 24 telephone interview.
“I want to buy things when people are afraid of it, not when they think that it’s a gift being handed to them,” he said of speculative-grade bonds.
Some of DoubleLine’s funds, which usually don’t hold any cash, currently are allocating 15 percent, said Gundlach, who managed the top-rated intermediate-term U.S. bond mutual fund for 15 years.
DoubleLine’s Multi-Asset Growth fund, which can invest across asset classes
and market sectors, holds 30 percent in cash, he said.
DoubleLine has attracted about $14 billion since its December 2009 inception. Gundlach previously co-managed the TCW Total Return Bond Fund (TGLMX) with Philip Barach. Gains averaged 7.5 percent annually in the five years ended Dec. 4, 2009, which compares with 7 percent for the Total Return Fund run by Bill Gross of Newport Beach, California-based Pacific Investment Management Co., the world’s largest bond fund. Barach is also at DoubleLine."
“I want fear,” Gundlach, the founder and head of Los Angeles-based DoubleLine, said in an Aug. 24 telephone interview.
“I want to buy things when people are afraid of it, not when they think that it’s a gift being handed to them,” he said of speculative-grade bonds.
Some of DoubleLine’s funds, which usually don’t hold any cash, currently are allocating 15 percent, said Gundlach, who managed the top-rated intermediate-term U.S. bond mutual fund for 15 years.
DoubleLine’s Multi-Asset Growth fund, which can invest across asset classes
and market sectors, holds 30 percent in cash, he said.
DoubleLine has attracted about $14 billion since its December 2009 inception. Gundlach previously co-managed the TCW Total Return Bond Fund (TGLMX) with Philip Barach. Gains averaged 7.5 percent annually in the five years ended Dec. 4, 2009, which compares with 7 percent for the Total Return Fund run by Bill Gross of Newport Beach, California-based Pacific Investment Management Co., the world’s largest bond fund. Barach is also at DoubleLine."
Is There 'Eligibility' for the DEATH PENALTY In China for Refusing to DELETE Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys? (to preserve China's "national cultural security.")
Is There 'Eligibility' for the DEATH PENALTY In China for Refusing to DELETE Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Backstreet Boys? (to preserve China's "national cultural security.")
"Sites were told in the Aug. 19 announcement posted to the ministry's website that they had until Sept. 15 to carry out "self-correction" and delete the songs. It said violators would be punished, but didn't outline the penalties they would face.
"Sites were told in the Aug. 19 announcement posted to the ministry's website that they had until Sept. 15 to carry out "self-correction" and delete the songs. It said violators would be punished, but didn't outline the penalties they would face.
It didn't say that the listed songs were objectionable, just that they had not been approved for distribution.
The Chinese government carefully screens the content of imported entertainment content for political messages or commentary that runs contrary to its official line."
"QUALITY is more important than quantity. ONE HOME RUN is much better than two doubles." - steve jobs
"quality is more important than quantity. one home run is much better than two doubles." - steve jobs
Thursday, August 25, 2011
AppleGrandCentral.com: New Apple CEO Tim Cook: 'I'm Thinking Printers'
AppleGrandCentral.com: New Apple CEO Tim Cook: 'I'm Thinking Printers'
"Cook concluded his remarks by assuring investors the release of upcoming Apple products such as the iPhone 5 would be postponed for at least four years so the company could throw all its time and resources into the creation of high-quality printers for the home and office."
"Cook concluded his remarks by assuring investors the release of upcoming Apple products such as the iPhone 5 would be postponed for at least four years so the company could throw all its time and resources into the creation of high-quality printers for the home and office."
A Perfect Warren Buffet Deal to Be Protected By NEXT 'Bailout Round' for Bank of America!
Does Warren Buffet get ANOTHER RISK FREE INVESTMENT on preferred shares?
If things go wrong he seems to be 'front-running' another Bank of America bailout to get his guaranteed 6% dividend while other shareholders get shafted?
Another great capitalist 'free market story'? American taxpayers get shafted, bank gets bailed out again to protect those who made stupid mistakes and should not have their jobs in a real 'free market system'
If things go wrong he seems to be 'front-running' another Bank of America bailout to get his guaranteed 6% dividend while other shareholders get shafted?
Another great capitalist 'free market story'? American taxpayers get shafted, bank gets bailed out again to protect those who made stupid mistakes and should not have their jobs in a real 'free market system'
Do morning people have a professional EDGE??
Do morning people have a professional EDGE??
"The answer may be yes. As part of research published last year by Harvard Business Review, biologist Christoph Randler found that people who were most energetic in the mornings were more likely to identify long-range goals for themselves and feel in charge of making things happen. Other research has shown that such people get better grades in school."
"The answer may be yes. As part of research published last year by Harvard Business Review, biologist Christoph Randler found that people who were most energetic in the mornings were more likely to identify long-range goals for themselves and feel in charge of making things happen. Other research has shown that such people get better grades in school."
"If you run into a wall, DON'T turn around and GIVE UP. FIGURE OUT HOW TO CLIMB IT, go through it, or work around it." - MICHAEL JORDAN
If you're trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I've had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
"I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And THAT IS WHY I succeed."
I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And THAT IS WHY I succeed.
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
"Never give in--never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small"
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Hope changes everything: winter into summer, darkness into dawn, barrenness into creativity, agony into joy. - Daisaku Ikeda
"Hope changes everything: winter into summer, darkness into dawn, barrenness into creativity, agony into joy". - Daisaku Ikeda
Monday, August 22, 2011
"It's time to howl, because if we get carried away by the powers that govern us, and we do nothing to counter them, we can say we deserve what we have." - Jose Saramago
"Es hora de aullar, porque si nos dejamos llevar por los poderes que nos gobiernan, y no hacemos nada por contrarrestarlos, se puede decir que nos merecemos lo que tenemos."
"It's time to howl, because if we get carried away by the powers that govern us, and we do nothing to counter them, we can say we deserve what we have."
"It's time to howl, because if we get carried away by the powers that govern us, and we do nothing to counter them, we can say we deserve what we have."
"ThemisSal What to buy... a Big Mac Value Meal? or a share of $BAC?"
"ThemisSal What to buy... a Big Mac Value Meal? or a share of $BAC?"
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Saturday, August 20, 2011
"mob is coming here in six months"
A mob is coming here in six months to hang the other ninety-five of you damned scoundrels, and I'm undecided whether to stick here with you or go out and lead them."
— Huey Long, Senate floor speech (Williams p. 626)
— Huey Long, Senate floor speech (Williams p. 626)
U.S. Stock Market: Who Has the Upper Hand Now - Bulls or Bears?
U.S. Stock Market: Who Has the Upper Hand Now - Bulls or Bears?
"Economist Ed Yardeni, who now runs Yardeni Research Inc. of Great Neck, N.Y., coined the term "bond vigilantes" in the 1980s to describe the institutional investor practice of selling bonds and shorting bonds of governments when they see unsustainable fiscal policies and/or other actions by governments or companies that the institutional investors believe will lower the value of the bonds issued.
"Economist Ed Yardeni, who now runs Yardeni Research Inc. of Great Neck, N.Y., coined the term "bond vigilantes" in the 1980s to describe the institutional investor practice of selling bonds and shorting bonds of governments when they see unsustainable fiscal policies and/or other actions by governments or companies that the institutional investors believe will lower the value of the bonds issued.
Two Views of Market
With the above as background, what's ahead for the Dow and the markets? Here are the arguments:
The bears continue to argue that absent adequate, sustained, monthly job growth of at least 150,000 to 200,000 new jobs per month, the U.S. economy will continue to grow at, at best, a tepid rate, weighing on both corporate revenue growth and earnings growth. Hence, the bears see a Dow falling to 10,000, and possibly to 8,100."
Friday, August 19, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
"Smile. Let everyone know that today you’re a lot stronger than you were yesterday ....."
"Smile. Let everyone know that today you’re a lot stronger than you were yesterday ....."
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
London-style riots a SCARY possibility in U.S.
London-style riots a SCARY possibility in U.S.
"Others, like British Prime Minister David Cameron, blame "criminality, pure and simple." That echoes descriptions of some recent episodes of mob behavior in places like Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Chicago and Ohio. Stores have been pillaged, passers-by robbed, and random victims brutally attacked by dozens or occasionally hundreds of youths summoned through tools like Facebook and Twitter."
"Others, like British Prime Minister David Cameron, blame "criminality, pure and simple." That echoes descriptions of some recent episodes of mob behavior in places like Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Chicago and Ohio. Stores have been pillaged, passers-by robbed, and random victims brutally attacked by dozens or occasionally hundreds of youths summoned through tools like Facebook and Twitter."
""More flashing red recessionary indicators are coming courtesy of the largely ignored High Yield market"
"More flashing red recessionary indicators are coming courtesy of the largely ignored High Yield market, which following a 5.3% decline is, as Bank of America (itself ironically contributing substantially to the blow out) says, is shaping up to be "among the worst months in the HY market's 25 year history, in a bad company of post-Lehman, post-WorldCom, post-9/11, and post-Russia sell-offs. The difference of course is that we did not have the largest bankruptcy in history taking place (LEH or WCOM shared that title at a time), no terror attack, and no outright sovereign default (Russia in Aug ’98). What we did have however, is a global risk-off trade, sparked by concerns that this fragile environment could slip into a double-dip recession as consumer and business confidence fails to sustain repeated beating from sovereign and financial systemic risk issues." What we also did have is the near end of the modern ponzi economic model, whose viability was once again extended courtesy of a variety of sticky objects thrown at the wall with hopes one sticks. For now the obliteration has been halted, although one thing is undeniable - central planner intervention buys increasingly less and less time. We are confident that August is just the beggining of pain for not only HY, but all other asset classes. And some more ammo for those who like comparing 2011 to 2008: "Parallels are being drawn between today’s environment and that of 2008, given the degree of equity destruction that has taken place across the financial space. Financial CDS – the epitome of ’08 systemic risk – are trading at an average of 190bp in the US, within reach of Oct ’08 levels, and 240bp in Europe, well north of their ’08 wides." What do spreads imply? Nothing short of recession: "The HY index, in the meantime, has widened to 739bp as of close on Thursday, its widest level since Nov 2009. With the spread normally peaking at 1,000bps in full recessionary periods2 (1991 and 2001-02) and bottoming at 250bp in times of strong economic growth, the current level is pricing in an 80% probability of a fullblown contraction in GDP, and a 100% chance of a mild recession.""
Roubini Warns of Global Recession Risk (Video)
Roubini Warns of Global Recession Risk
"Economist Nouriel Roubini says the risk of a global recession is greater than 50 percent, and the next two to three months will reveal the economy's direction. In an interview with WSJ's Simon Constable, Roubini also says he's putting his money in cash. "This is not the time to be in risky assets," he says."
"Economist Nouriel Roubini says the risk of a global recession is greater than 50 percent, and the next two to three months will reveal the economy's direction. In an interview with WSJ's Simon Constable, Roubini also says he's putting his money in cash. "This is not the time to be in risky assets," he says."
Monday, August 15, 2011
Stop CODDLING the Super-rich! By WARREN BUFFETT
"OUR leaders have asked for “shared sacrifice.” But when they did the asking, they spared me. I checked with my mega-rich friends to learn what pain they were expecting. They, too, were left untouched.
While the poor and middle class fight for us in Afghanistan, and while most Americans struggle to make ends meet, we mega-rich continue to get our extraordinary tax breaks. Some of us are investment managers who earn billions from our daily labors but are allowed to classify our income as “carried interest,” thereby getting a bargain 15 percent tax rate. Others own stock index futures for 10 minutes and have 60 percent of their gain taxed at 15 percent, as if they’d been long-term investors.
These and other blessings are showered upon us by legislators in Washington who feel compelled to protect us, much as if we were spotted owls or some other endangered species. It’s nice to have friends in high places.
Last year my federal tax bill — the income tax I paid, as well as payroll taxes paid by me and on my behalf — was $6,938,744. That sounds like a lot of money. But what I paid was only 17.4 percent of my taxable income — and that’s actually a lower percentage than was paid by any of the other 20 people in our office. Their tax burdens ranged from 33 percent to 41 percent and averaged 36 percent.
If you make money with money, as some of my super-rich friends do, your percentage may be a bit lower than mine. But if you earn money from a job, your percentage will surely exceed mine — most likely by a lot.
To understand why, you need to examine the sources of government revenue. Last year about 80 percent of these revenues came from personal income taxes and payroll taxes. The mega-rich pay income taxes at a rate of 15 percent on most of their earnings but pay practically nothing in payroll taxes. It’s a different story for the middle class: typically, they fall into the 15 percent and 25 percent income tax brackets, and then are hit with heavy payroll taxes to boot.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s, tax rates for the rich were far higher, and my percentage rate was in the middle of the pack. According to a theory I sometimes hear, I should have thrown a fit and refused to invest because of the elevated tax rates on capital gains and dividends.
I didn’t refuse, nor did others. I have worked with investors for 60 years and I have yet to see anyone — not even when capital gains rates were 39.9 percent in 1976-77 — shy away from a sensible investment because of the tax rate on the potential gain. People invest to make money, and potential taxes have never scared them off. And to those who argue that higher rates hurt job creation, I would note that a net of nearly 40 million jobs were added between 1980 and 2000. You know what’s happened since then: lower tax rates and far lower job creation.
Since 1992, the I.R.S. has compiled data from the returns of the 400 Americans reporting the largest income. In 1992, the top 400 had aggregate taxable income of $16.9 billion and paid federal taxes of 29.2 percent on that sum. In 2008, the aggregate income of the highest 400 had soared to $90.9 billion — a staggering $227.4 million on average — but the rate paid had fallen to 21.5 percent.
The taxes I refer to here include only federal income tax, but you can be sure that any payroll tax for the 400 was inconsequential compared to income. In fact, 88 of the 400 in 2008 reported no wages at all, though every one of them reported capital gains. Some of my brethren may shun work but they all like to invest. (I can relate to that.)
I know well many of the mega-rich and, by and large, they are very decent people. They love America and appreciate the opportunity this country has given them. Many have joined the Giving Pledge, promising to give most of their wealth to philanthropy. Most wouldn’t mind being told to pay more in taxes as well, particularly when so many of their fellow citizens are truly suffering.
Twelve members of Congress will soon take on the crucial job of rearranging our country’s finances. They’ve been instructed to devise a plan that reduces the 10-year deficit by at least $1.5 trillion. It’s vital, however, that they achieve far more than that. Americans are rapidly losing faith in the ability of Congress to deal with our country’s fiscal problems. Only action that is immediate, real and very substantial will prevent that doubt from morphing into hopelessness. That feeling can create its own reality.
Job one for the 12 is to pare down some future promises that even a rich America can’t fulfill. Big money must be saved here. The 12 should then turn to the issue of revenues. I would leave rates for 99.7 percent of taxpayers unchanged and continue the current 2-percentage-point reduction in the employee contribution to the payroll tax. This cut helps the poor and the middle class, who need every break they can get.
But for those making more than $1 million — there were 236,883 such households in 2009 — I would raise rates immediately on taxable income in excess of $1 million, including, of course, dividends and capital gains. And for those who make $10 million or more — there were 8,274 in 2009 — I would suggest an additional increase in rate.
My friends and I have been coddled long enough by a billionaire-friendly Congress. It’s time for our government to get serious about shared sacrifice."
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